Sun 11 P.M. News Script

Sun 19-MAY-2013 11 P.M. News Script

1} UVMGRADUATION6_FONT

Good evening-- thanks for joining us - I'm Adam Sullivan. College graduates across our region are celebrating tonight as they begin the next chapter of their lives. Today at the University of Vermont, 10 thousand people helped send off the class of 2013 at UVM's 211th commencement ceremony. In all, more than 32-hundred graduates received diplomas today at UVM. Nearly 26-hundred bachelor's degrees were handed out. More than 4-hundred students received master's degrees. And- 1-hundred-22 PHD's were honored. Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis delivered the commencement address for the undergraduates. This afternoon UVM also honored the state's newest physicians.

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(( :05 UP FULL Nats singing ...for amber waves of grain.")) As is customary, "America the Beautiful" filled the Ira Allen Chapel on UVM's campus to begin the commencement ceremony for the new doctors. A total of 1-hundred-6 diplomas were awarded from the College of Medicine. Pediatrics is the most popular specialty this year. Proud parents and friends packed the chapel as the new doctors reflected on the day.

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((Haddon Pantel/Windsor: "I am looking forward to my future. I had a great time here at UVM for the last four years. And I am looking forward to the opportunities. Just advancing my training and seeing new and interesting things.// A lot has to do with my mom. She's a diabetic so growing up I saw how important medical care was to her. And, I've always loved science so I think it is a great way to integrate using science and helping people.")) ((Delia Horn/Shrewsbury: "Ever since I was a small child I have been interested in medicine. I was sick when I was a kid and there are a lot of really good doctors in this state. They helped me and my family a lot and I have always wanted to give back and help others.//Incredibly excited. It's been a really long road and lots of years of training and I'm really excited to finally be a doctor.")) Fourteen of the 1-hundred-6 new doctors will be doing their residencies here in Vermont. The others will be heading to hospitals and medical centers across the country. Also on hand today was former Governor Madeline Kunin who was among the parents welcoming a new doctor into the family. Governor Peter Shumlin gave the commencement address at Marlboro College today.

4} MOOERSFIRE6_VO

Fire flattened a barn Clinton County, New York It happened this morning in the town of Mooers. Officials say the barn on Eddy Road was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived just before 11:30. There were horses at the farm, but it does not appear any animals were injured. Crews from several surrounding towns -- and across the border -- helped put it out. We do not know what caused the fire.

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A kayaking accident has claimed the life of a Berlin, New Hampshire man. (***MAP***} It happened on a stretch of the Upper Ammonoosuc River in the town of Dummer. Officials say 58-year-old Keith Whitten was paddling with his wife when the kayak capsized. His wife was able to get him to shore and begin CPR, but he was pronounced dead after police and rescue crews arrived. Officials suspect that Whitten suffered a medical emergency before the accident.

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An elderly woman from Lyndonville has been identified as the victim of a fatal car crash. Police say 85-year-old Eleanor Machell of Lyndonville died after the car she was riding in flipped in Lyndon. Police say the driver -- 76-year-old Gerda Blaszczyk of St. Johnsbury -- swerved to avoid an animal Saturday. Her car travelled up an embankment and flipped-- coming to rest upside down. Machell died at the scene.

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A school bus thief in the Northeast Kingdom has been apprehended and police say he's responsible for other crimes. Police say 22-year-old Adam Page-- of Newport-- stole a Newport Elementary School bus. He drove it to Morgan -- where police say he broke into a woman's house and stole her dog. After crashing the bus, he allegedly stole a truck from another home in Morgan. Page faces numerous charges -- including leaving the scene of an accident, driving with a criminally suspended license, and burglary. The dog was not harmed.

8} TIF6_VO

Changes to Vermont's "Tax Increment Financing" program are being applauded the state auditor. The so-called T-I-F's have allowed cities -- like Winooski -- to fund redevelopment and infrastructure improvements -- by allowing them to borrow money against the future growth in property tax revenue. Last year, then-Auditor Tom Salmon said some municipalities DID NOT handle their TIF districts properly -- and owed up to 6 million dollars to the state. The bill approved this session provides partial forgiveness to the towns of Burlington, Milton and Winooski. Current Auditor Doug Hoffer says the bill clears up ambiguities in the law that likely contributed to the problems.

9} NYCASINOS6_VO

Casino tribes in New York are going head-to-head with the Cuomo administration Governor Andrew Cuomo has warned that New York's Indian casinos could face competition if they aren't cooperative with the state. A public referendum to change New York's constitution to allow non-Indian casinos is slated for as early as November. Last week the state reached an agreement with the Oneida indians guaranteeing them exclusive territory in exchange for $50 million dollars in annual payments. Agreements with the Seneca and Mohawk tribes are expected to be more contentious.

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It's a road rally in Chelsea that tests drivers' whit, not their skills behind the wheel. Deanna LeBlanc reports.

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They come from all over the state -- ((nat hit: i love it.)) and wait in line for hours -- ((Ed Sayers/Corinth: 1:07:06 it's become sort of a yearly event for us we've been doing it for 8 or 9 years now -- we're having a blast. 1:07:12)) It's the 20th annual Chelsea Road Rally -- Drivers decipher a series of clues dreamt up by Chelsea Native Will Gilman -- that take them for drive thru Orange County's Back roads for hours. ((NAT: 1:18:02 the answer to the clue is going to tell you whether to go left, right or straight.1 :18:06.)) ((Will Gilman: 1:46:51 once people try it, they really get hooked. It's sort of like a detective story and so once you really get into it it's really tough to give up on. 1:47:01)) Gilman's game has become a mainstay in the town over the years -- He was involved in a motorcycle accident in 1976 that left him paralyzed -- and those who know him say his injuries have never slowed him down. ((Gail Isham: 1:02:25 will is one amazing person who would never want recognition but certainly deserves it. 1:02:31)) ((WILL GILMAN: 1:45:51 you only have one life to live so you do it anyway. 1:45:57)) And he does -- Gilman spends 20 to 30 hours on the road creating the clues -- that start out as simple plays on words -- ((Gilman: 1:38:18 so there may be a red door in the barn way back to your left and it says 'put the red door in your rear view' 1:38:25)) But grow more difficult as the day goes on -- Beginners often get lost and give up -- but many say they come back the next year better prepared. ((Penny Carpenter: 1:20:20 we have our dictionary, we have the volume library -- we have an atlas 28)) ((GILMAN: 1:48:21 i have to outsmart them somehow. they need to make a mistake -- if i had 10 cars without making a mistake, how do you decide who wins? 1:48:27)) Every car gets a number -- and nickname -- ((11231 we got out name because we'll end up going the wrong way and we'll say oops 35 Anthony Brock/Sixth )) And each participant pays 7 dollars for fun that -- for some who get lost -- can last at least five hours. The funds raised go toward a local baseball organization --and pays for dinner for everyone. ((Gilman: 1:42:02 we have quite a cook out at the end -- they get their money's worth just in hamburgers, hotdogs and baked beans and salads and all 1:42:10)) 2013 was a record setting year -- 70 teams participated in the 20th annual rally -- which Gilman says is the biggest turnout yet. ((see ya at the cookout)) DL ch 3 news, Chelsea.

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still ahead on tonight's news... the effort to lower student debt for college kids ... plus.. A war over the word woodchuck... We'll explain... first , here's Dave with the weather...

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It you are driving on Vermont roads, police say you better buckle up. The "Click it or Ticket" campaign starts Monday. Officials say 77 people were killed on Vermont roads last year -- and nearly half were not properly restrained. Police say the deaths could have been avoided by buckling up. Officers around the state will be strictly enforcing seatbelt laws through the busy Memorial Day Weekend.

15} SCHOOLLOANS6_VO

New York's junior Senator is tackling the issue of student debt this graduation season. Kirsten Gillibrand announced a new bill today, she says, would allow student-borrowers currently repaying their federal student loans to refinance at a lower fixed rate of 4 percent. The Democrat says the majority of federal student debt is set at an interest rate higher than 6 percent. In New York, there are 2.7 million borrowers-- 37 million nationwide.

16} WOODCHUCKS6_VO

A battle is brewing in Vermont over a woodchuck. Last week-- company officials from Woodchuck Hard Cider filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against the South Burlington-based Woodchuck Coffee Roasters. The dispute is over the word "woodchuck." The Middlebury company says it spent substantial money building brand awareness for its Hard Cider since 1991. They say the Woodchuck Coffee Roasters' coffee logo is strikingly similar to its own. Officials with the coffee company -- which was founded 2 years ago -- say their logo is not a copy of the better-known cider company.

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TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Few showers. Low: 47/55 Wind: SW 5-10 mph MONDAY: Partly sunny & more humid. Chance for a shower or T-storm. High: 70/78 Wind: W 5-10 mph MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Low: 45/53 Wind: Light TUESDAY: Partly sunny. Few showers. Possible T-storm. High: 67/75 Low: 47/55 Wind: S 5-10 mph WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance for showers. Possible T-storm. High: 65/75 Low: 50s THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance for showers. Possible T-storm. High: 65/75 Low: 45/55 FRIDAY: AM showers, then partly sunny. High: 60s Low: 35/45 SATURDAY: Partly sunny. High: 60s Low: 40s SUNDAY: Partly sunny. High: 60s

19} SPORTS

20} RANGERS_BRUINS_2_VO__L3RD_

Rangers goalie Henrik Lundquist has been amazing this season, he didn't allow 5 goals the entire year, until today. The Bruins doing it in game 2 of the eastern conference semifinals. Boston taking the 1-0 series lead with a 3-2 overtime win Thursday night. --- Boston once again playing three rookie defenseman, but it's been so far, so good. First period, watch Boston's Torey Krug actually put this between the skates before beating Henrik Lundquivst. His second straight game with a goal. 1-0 Boston. --- The Rangers were equal to the challenge most of the day. A minute after the Bruins made it 2-1 in the second, check out Rick Nash using his speed to beat Zdeno Chara and he breaks in for his first playoff goal. It's 2-2. ---- Later in the second, the teams skating 4 on 4, Boston's Patrice Bergeron sets the screen enable this Johnny Boychuck shot to find the back of the net. 3-2 Bruins after 2. ---- 26 seconds into the third period, Bergeron finds Brad Marchand. It looks just like the overtime winner from Thursday. Bruins go on to the 5-2 win. Boston takes a 2-0 series lead with game 3 Tuesday at Madison square garden.

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(((get lucky sometimes...:16)))

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Woodstock's Keegan Bradley had a one shot lead heading into the final round of the Byron Nelson Championship. But would see that lead turn into a 4 shot defect earlier in today's final round thanks to playing partner Sang Moon Bae. However, on nine, Bae double bogeys meanwhile Bradley cuts the lead from 4 to 2 when he sinks this par putt. Bradley though no birdies through the first 14 holes. --- That changes on 15, Bradley missed the fairway on 15, but recovers and sinks this birdie. Bae would bogey the hole so they're tied at 12 under. --- But on 16 disaster for Bradley, Bae makes Birdie, Bradley a four footer for birdie rims out so Bae takes a one shot lead. He would go on to win at 13 under. Braldey finishes second, 11 under.

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(((HAPPY FOR MOON... :12)))

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The Yankees and Blue Jays were rained out today at the stadium. No make-up date has been scheduled. The two teams don't meet again in the Bronx until August. CC Sabathia will likely start for the Bombers tomorrow in Baltimore.

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The Red Sox looking for the series sweep of the Twins in Minnesota. --- Top of the second, Boston's will middlebrooks blasts a solo home run. A pretty good road trip for the third baseman. 1-0 sox. --- John Lackey looked good today, 6 innings allowing just one run on one hit. He had 5 strikeouts. --- It's 2-0 in the 5th when mike napoli comes through with the RBI single. His 35th run batted in this season. 3-0 Boston. --- Then the rains invade target field. A three hour delay, Daivd Ortiz tweeting that he couldn't believe they didn't called the game. --- Back to action, top of the ninth, Dustin Pedroia goes deep to left. It just clears the wall for a 2 run homer. The Sox go on to the 5-1 win, sweeping the Twins winning and winning their 5th straight. It's on to chicago tomorrow.

26} TOP_3_ON_3_PKG

A lacrosse goalie takes one away, while another gives it away plus another Photo finish on the track. (((After being on the losing end of a photo finish a couple of weeks ago, Brian Hoar beats Jimmy Hebert by a fender Saturday night at Airborne Speedway in the ACT 100 lap feature.))) (((Lamoille goalie Thomas Myer makes a huge save in the closing moments against Colchester Friday. That stop preserving a one goal road win for the Lancers.))) (((RPI goalie Allie Arnal makes a critical mistake against Middlebury last week, giving the ball right to the Panthers Laurel Pascal who finds the back of the net. That goal becomes the turning point in a come from behind 10-8 Middlebury win. The Panthers advanced to the NCAA final four and take the number one spot in our top three on three.)))

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The bombings at the Boston Marathon may have canceled a race, but they did NOT stop the runners' desire to compete. That was apparent today in southern Vermont. Ali Freeman reports.

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((Amy Sullivan / Ran in Boston Marathon "Awesome - I lost it when I finished I have to say. But it was great. It was great.")) Amy Sullivan was all smiles, as her and 4-hundred 50 other runners crossed the finish line to the 3rd annual Shires Marathon. The scenic course winds through the mountains from Bennington to Manchester -- and despite course difficulty, participation is on the rise. ((David Durfee / Race Co-Director "We started out at about 360 the first year, and similar last year -- and now we are up to 450. And as word gets out and people hear what a nice course it is, we hope the numbers will continue to grow.")) And despite top performances from male and female winners ((nats crossing finish line)) many were there to cheer on special guests. ((David Durfee / Race Co-Director "We had about 35 runners from Boston who had gotten part way through the course but weren't able to complete it. And hopefully they are finishing the course today.")) Running partners and Massachusetts natives, Amy Sullivan and Chris Russell were among those running on the day of the Boston bombings. Neither were able to complete the race, and say coming so close to the finish line was discouraging. ((Chris Russell / Ran in Boston Marathon "it would have been my 15th Boston, and I was having a really bad day, so I was more concerned about my friends and the people involved -- than me finishing the race since I have done it so many times.")) Russell says they jumped on the open invitation to run for free in Sunday's marathon. And for Sullivan, she was finally able to complete a personal and ONLY best. ((Amy Sullivan / Ran in Boston Marathon "today was my first time finishing a marathon. I didn't get to finish boston -- so they let us come up here and finish what we started. So today was my first official marathon.")) Mile after mile the runners pushed on. And for some who never finished in Boston -- crossing the finish line was rewarding and emotional. ((Amy Sullivan "try not to cry, but I had a hard time. Try not to cry finishing, but I was just happy to see my husband at the finish line and give him a hug. I am so happy -- I finished my first marathon.")) Ali Freeman, Channel 3 News in Manchester.

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