Thu 11 P.M. News Script

Thu 16-MAY-2013 11 P.M. News Script

1} DRUGLAB11_LVSD

Good evening. I'm Darren Perron. And I'm Kristin Kelly. Federal agents warn residents in a Burlington neighborhood to stay clear of a house -- they say could be contaminated. Neighbors were stunned that drug agents showed up on their street. And sealed off a house. Deanna LeBlanc talked with those neighbors. She's in the newsroom tonight. Deanna. Neighbors describe quite the scene -- dozens of unmarked federal vehicles -- outside a home on Sandra Circle for hours -- after they uncovered something dangerous cooking inside.

2} DRUGLAB11_PKG

Neighbors say Sandra Circle in Burlington is a quiet -- safe place to live. So they say what happened Wednesday night -- came as a shock. ((MARTA: 1:20:14 it is absolutely crazy.)) ((Larry Berthiaume/Neighbor: 1:26:50 we've never never expected to see anything like this. never. nope. 1:22:55)) These photos show dozens of unmarked federal vehicles parked outside -- while federal agents -- and local law enforcement surrounded 142 1/2 Sandra Circle. ((Marta Hammond: 1:15:49 there was all kinds of things being spread around -- you know about what could it be what could it be -- in such a quiet neighborhood it was very shocking, very shocking. 1:15;57)) ((Deanna LeBlanc/Burlington: 1:14:45 neither police nor federal officials will comment on the matter but neighbors tell us they saw a couple in their late 20s or early 30s being taken out by police in handcuffs. 1;41:56)) By Thursday afternoon the neighborhood was back to normal -- but a sign on the door posted by the D.E.A. warns people to use caution on the premises saying a clandestine lab for the manufacturing of illegal drugs and/or hazardous chemicals -- was inside. Neighbors say -- in hindsight they had questions about the house. ((Larry B.: 1:23:37 my wife started to complain about a smell -- she thought it was skunks around the house but i said i don't smell any skunks -- but that's where it was coming from. 1:23:45)) During wednesday's commotion -- some of the closest neighbors were told to evacuate as a safety precaution -- while federal agents in gas masks entered the home. But -- residents say the neighbor in the adjacent duplex-- did not get out. ((MARTA: 1:18:44 when they were knocking they were like 'open up the door you're in danger of what's next door' )) ((LARRY: 1:26:13 he wouldn't come out and wouldn't let the police in so they got the battering ram and knocked the door in. and went in with their guns and took him out and put him in the cruiser. 1:26:22)) While inside -- police discovered a second illegal drug operation -- more than 200 marijuana plants growing inside -- ((Larry: 1:26:33 i always wanted to find out how come the bathroom light was on all night long -- now I know. 1:26:38)) Thursday police arrested 34 year old Anthony Wright on marijuana charges and have not said whether that is related to the illegal lab next door.

3} DRUGLAB11_TAG

Police say the marijuana investigation is on-going and additional people could be charged -- we are still waiting word on any arrests or charges in connection with the lab.

4} BENNINGTON11_VO

Lockdown tonight at the Eveready plant in Bennington. Police were called to the plant around 5:30 tonight -- after employees were in lockdown for 30 minutes and did not know why. Police say someone from isnide the plant triggered the lockdown -- and police were not immediately notified. Police did a thorough sweep of the building. Three hours later -- they determined there was no threat inside the building -- but they say the invesitgation into who set off the lockdown and why -- is still ongoing.

5} GREGA5_VO

A man sent to prison for life is getting a second shot at freedom. 50-year-old John Grega pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder in a Brattleboro courtroom today. But Grega already served 18 years of a life sentence for raping and killing his wife in West Dover back in 1994. Last summer -- DNA evidence from his wife's rape kit revealed the presence of an unknown male's DNA - and he was released. Today - Grega's lawyers complained about delays -- on DNA test results requested by prosecutors.

6} ARRAIGNED5_SOTVO

((Ian Carleton/Grega's lawyer 00:55:20 "we certainly believe in the power of DNA testing because DNA testing is what set John Grega free. He's a free man today because of DNA testing. So we're not going to stand in the way of that testing but we're also not going to let the case languish.")) Prosecutors say back-ups at the Vermont Forensic Lab have prevented them from performing the DNA testing. They are now considering an out-of-state lab.

7} GRANDJUROR5_WHITE

A New York man -- sitting on a grand jury -- is facing criminal charges HIMSELF-- for leaking information -- to a suspect. Paul Jock of Bangor was taken into custody at the Franklin County court. Police say he provided secret information from a grand jury proceeding -- to a suspected narcotics trafficker. Authorities discovered the leak because the suspect was under surveillance.

8} MILITARY11_INTRO

There is a new push in Washington -- to stop a growing sex assault crisis in the military. As Tara Mergener reports -- two arrests of military officials this month - are just the latest scandals.

9} MILITARY11_PKG

VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE MILITARY JOINED LAWMAKERS ON CAPITOL HILL -- TO CALL FOR CHANGE. ((SOT Jennifer Norris, TSgt, United States Air Force)) "This a problem that requires leadership, not blaming the troops." ((NARR-2)) DEMOCRAT KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND AND REPUBLICAN SUSAN COLLINS INTRODUCED LEGISLATION THURSDAY THAT WOULD PREVENT COMMANDING OFFICERS FROM MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CASES. ((SOT - Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand/(D) New York)) "When we take the case out of the chain of command, we give the victims the basic confidence that justice will be had." ((NARR-3)) THE PENTAGON ESTIMATES AS MANY AS 26-THOUSAND MILITARY MEMBERS MAY HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED LAST YEAR. BUT FEWER THAN 34-HUNDRED REPORTED THE INCIDENTS. ((SOT - Brian Lewis/Fmr. Petty Off. 3rd Class US Navy )) "after the rape, I was told by my command not to file formal charges with the naval criminal investigative service." ((STANDUP BRIDGE - Tara Mergener, CBS News, The White House)) PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS SAID HE WANTS SWIFT ACTION TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS - AND SUMMONED TOP MILITARY LEADERS TO THE WHITE HOUSE THURSDAY. ((NARR-4)) THE PRESIDENT MET WITH DEFENSE SECRETARY CHUCK HAGEL AND JOINT CHIEFS CHAIR, GENERAL MARTIN DEMPSEY. ((sot President Obama)) "I want us to explore every good idea that's out there to fix this problem." ((narr-5)) THE MEETING AND THE LEGISLATION COME ONE THE HEELS OF A SECOND SCANDAL INVOLVING A SOLDIER ASSIGNED TO PREVENT SEXUAL ASSAULTS. A SERGEANT AT FORT HOOD FACES SEVERAL ALLEGATIONS - INCLUDING PROSTITUTING ONE OF HIS SUBORDINATES. JUST LAST WEEK, AN AIR FORCE OFFICER - IN CHARGE OF A SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION UNIT - WAS ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF GROPING A WOMAN. TARA MERGENER FOR CBS NEWS, THE WHITE HOUSE.

10} TORNADOES5_VO

At least six people were killed -- when powerful twisters tore through Texas. Cars were flipped -- and homes reduced to rubble in Hood County. One tornado had 200 mile per hour winds. The same storm system spawned 10 other twisters across that region. Search crews spent the day combing through debris looking for victims.

11} FAIRFAX11_VO

Crews were busy in Fairfax - chasing a grassfire today. Wind knocked over a tree -- pulling down a Green Mountain Power line in the woods. That sparked the fire that moved quickly across piles of branches that had been cut down earlier -- and the ground. Crews say dry material on the ground is at least 6-inches deep -- fueling the fire and creating hot spots that were tough to get out. About 3 acres burned. And some residents in Fairfax and Fletcher lost power for about 2 hours. It is back on tonight.

12} 1ST_WX

Dan Dowling is here with a first look at the weather. A little warmer out there today.

13} CLAREMONT6_WHITE

The Claremont Middle School was evacuated today -- due to a fire -- set in the boy's locker room. Police say the fire broke out before noon. The school was evacuated and students were sent home at 1 o'clock.

14} TANNERITE11_INTRO

It causes big explosions - and the chemical is legal to buy at gun shops. But illegal to use without a permit. Tannerite is causing confusion - and prompting calls for tighter laws. Ali Freeman takes a look.

15} TANNERITE11_PKG

((Noreen Newell / Concerned about exploding targets "you could feel it. It shook the whole house it was unreal. It had to be a bomb -- we didn't know what it was.")) What Noreen Newell thought was a bomb -- came from this canister. Known by the popular brand name Tannerite, it holds a combination of ammonium nitrate prills and aluminum powder. When mixed together, the compound creates an explosive that detonates when struck by high speed bullets. It's used for target practice -- and it has put some Wallingford residents on high alert. ((Noreen Newell / Concerned about Exploding Targets "I just couldn't believe that someone could put off an explosive like that. Our first thoughts were that someone was breaking the sound barrier.")) Even though tannerite has been used to blow up cars -- or even houses -- it is legal under federal law. But a WCAX investigation recently discovered that under Vermont law -- exploding targets meet the definition of fireworks -- and to legally possess and use fireworks in the state, one must have a permit. 03:27:15 ((Lt. Paul White / " Like many products, if it's used the way it's designed and used the way it's intended to be safely used, it really isn't a problem. Is it technically legal to possess in its mixed form without a license or without a permit ....actually it's not.)) Lt. White says his concern is when people start to experiment, and increase the quantity of explosives used at one time. A half pound is recommended for target practice -- but 50 pounds can demolish a car. One pound of tannerite is equal to roughly one stick of dynamite. ((nats explosions)) But many argue that the exploding targets do not pose a threat, and are simply being used for fun. ((Mark Spafford / Otter Valley Supply "I think they are used by responsible people for recreational use on their own land and I think there is being a lot made of it. And there are a lot of other things going on that people could be worrying about. Nobody is getting hurt by it.")) Mark Spafford of Otter Valley Supply, says he was shocked to hear that the exploding targets require a permit to use. The tannerite type explosives are only considered a firework once mixed, so store owners are currently not breaking a law by selling the product to customers who don't have a permit. Lt. White says Vermont's explosives law is outdated, and has not caught up with new products on the market. 3:32:20 ((Lt. Paul White " So I think there is room for some legislative change to broaden the definition, bring it more in line with modern times and make it a little more clear cut for us as to what is and what is not legal and we should be pursuing". 3:32:36)) ((Ali Freeman reporting: ... Channel 3 News, Rutland.))

16} 2WAYA

((nats: applause)) Coming up. Honoring a former UVM President -- who improved the school's infrastructure and finances. A building now named after him. ((I AM SO THRILLED)) Caught on Channel 3's bird cam. A feline -- looking to feast! And meet Norm Case. Blindness never slowed him down. Even now -- at 95. (35:56) ((Norm Case/Super Senior, I never let it stop me. )) He's a super senior on the move. And -- on the way.

17} COOR11_VO

A former and longtime UVM President is being honored -- with a building. The administration building for the College of Arts and Sciences will now be known as the Lattie F. Coor House. Coor served as U-V-M's 21st president from 19-76 to 19-89 -- and is credited with improving infrastructure -- and the school's finances during that time. The building at 438 College Street -- was not owned by the University during Coor's presidency -- but has since been renovated to meet both historical and LEED standards.

18} HOUSE11_SOTVO

((Lattie Coor/Former UVM President: Great to be back on this campus. I spent a wonderful 14 years here, my children grew up here and in its own way I did too. I love being here and I love the honor of being affiliated with this magnificent house )) Coor later served as president of Arizona State University -- where there is a Lattie Coor Hall on campus.

19} HYSTERECTOMY11_VO

New research on the risks of heart disease for middle-aged women who have hysterectomies. For years -- women feared the removal of the uterus -- was linked to an increase in cardiovascular risk factors -- including weight gain, and a rise in cholesterol and blood pressure --more than natural menopause. But a study out of Pittsburgh shows the risk is no greater in middle-aged women -- than if they reach menopause naturally -- a few years later.

20} KEATING11_SOTVO

(( (6:23) If you are suffering from fibroids, or there are other reasons to consider having your uterus removed, than you don't have to worry excessively about that increasing your other cardiovascular risk factors. So it's very reassuring.)) Doctor Keating says the decision may be more difficult for younger women -- because the increase in heart risk would come much sooner than it would naturally.

21} CORPORATE11_VO

Thousands of folks turned out in Montpelier tonight. It was for this year's Corporate Cup and State Agency Race. A athletes from all corners of Vermont representing state agencies and businesses in the private sector took part in the 5-k race. The main goal of the event is to promote good health -- and the winner of the race was happy so many people turned out for such a good cause.

22} CUPWINNER11_SOTVO

((RENGO: 1:37:02:07 A lot of fans lining the course -- even competitors cheering as you came back past them as well. ///1:37:11:23 It was a lot of fun. It gives you another reason to push yourself a little more. You don't want to let the rest of your team down.)) This year the race is marking it's 30th anniversary. Proceeds go towards projects with the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sport.

23} NEST5_VO

Bird lovers rejoice -- we've got a "bird cam"! Channel 3 just launched a live web cam on a Robin's nest. It turns out cats are interested too. We caught this feline checking out the nest. The cat did NOT get the bird -- but did displace one of the two eggs. You can watch the "bird cam" on our website wcax.com. Of course you may want to wait until daylight.

24} WX

25} FORECAST

Tonight: Partly cloudy. Lows: 35/45 Winds: NW 5-10 mph Friday: N: Partly cloudy. Sprinkle? S: Mostly sunny. Highs: 63/70 Wind: NW 5-10 mph Friday Night: Mostly clear & cool. Lows: 30/40 Wind: Light Saturday: Partly cloudy. Sprinkle, North? Highs: 68/74 Wind: N 5-10 mph Extended: Saturday night: Lows: 35/45 Sunday: Partly cloudy. Pop up shower? Highs: 68/74 Lows: 40s Monday: Partly sunny. Chance showers. Highs: 70s Lows: 45/55 Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. Chance showers Highs: 70s Lows: 50s Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. Chance showers. Highs: 70s Lows: 50s Thursday: Mostly cloudy. Chance showers. Highs: 65/75

26} WX_OUT

27} NORMCASE6_INTRO

When the going gets tough -- the tough get going. And that's what Norm Case did -- he's a super senior -- who refused to let a little adversity -- get in his way. Joe Carroll has his story.

28} NORMCASE6_PKG

(43:04) ((Norm Case/Super Senior, I'm still pretty wobbly)) You can forgive a 95-year-old with a history of heart problems for having a hard time getting around. (42:50) ((Norm Case/Super Senior, I have to use a cane.)) But it doesn't stop Norm Case from going on a stroll. (48:00) ((Marie Chase/Event Coordinator Pillsbury Manor, He humorous and smart, he's taught us a lot of things.)) What he's taught them is courage and perseverance. (35:56) ((Norm Case/Super Senior, I never let it stop me. )) Norm is completely blind, but it wasn't always that way. (8:06) ((Norm Case/Super Senior You were born sighted right? Yes. )) He had the measles at 7 and his eyelids were sticking, so his mom brought him to the doctor who made a tragic mistake. (8:39) ((Norm Case/Super Senior, He prescribed carbonic acid, they put in my eyes and I still remember the pain)) He lost 80 percent of his eyesight, then at 17 he broke blood vessel and lost all of his sight. He now has two glass eyes. (18:09) ((Norm Case/Super Senior, What is the hardest part of being blind? Getting around. )) But it never stopped him. He was driven and smart. Born in Bethel and raised in Rhode Island, Norm graduated from Brown University, magna cum laude and then went off to Yale. While studying to become a lawyer, he met a certain woman. (21:32) ((Norm Case/Super Senior, I was sitting in the audience and she was in the choir at church. )) For a woman named Dorothy, it was love at first sight. (21:13) ((Norm Case/Super Senior, The first time she saw me, that's the guy I'm going to marry. Really?? Yes. )) Dorothy's parents didn't mind her marrying a blind man. They thought Norm was a smart man. It didn't hurt that he came from a prominent family.....his dad was the governor of Rhode Island. Norm came back to Bethel and started a law practice. He totally involved himself in the community. Becoming town clerk and treasurer and working in his law office above a bank. Dorothy was his chauffer and first secretary. They raised three children. His friend and neighbor Carroll Ketchum has known him for years. (1:04:02) ((Carroll Ketchum/Friend, I've never heard him complain, I wish I could see, wish I could do this, I wish I could do that. Never heard him say it once)) (1:09:11) ((Joe Carroll/WCAX, After retiring from being a lawyer, Norm stayed in Bethel. But in late August of 2011, his life changed in an instant. )) (24:38) ((Norm Case/Super Senior, Irene flooded my cellar in Bethel and flooded the furnace and tore out the water heater.)) An event a younger sighted person could bounce back from. (25:13) ((Norm Case/Super Senior, I planned to die in the house. )) But it was time for Norm to be closer to his kids in Chittenden County. He now live in a senior living facility in South Burlington. He keeps his mind active. Listening to e-mails and books. He hasn't lost his thirst for knowledge. ((nat sot of listening to book)) (1:39:58) ((Norm Case/Super Senior, I wanted to be an example to other blind people. )) A man who has a clear vision on how everyone should live their life. Joe Carroll channel 3 news, South burlington.

29} RANGERS_BRUINS_1_VO__L3RD_

The Bruins rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the third period of a game 7 to win their first round series. The Rangers had to win 4 out of fame games to win their series in 7. So, who would have momentum tonight in game 1 of the eastern conference semi finals? Boston's game 7 hero Patrice Bergeron looking for an encore to his prior performance. --- Scoreless game into the second period, The Puck goes back to the point, Boston's Zdeno Chara with the shot, but watch Rangers goalie Henrik Lundvquist. The puck is behind him and he actually puts it in. 1-0 Bruins. --- The Rangers tie it with 1 second left in the first, then 14 seconds into the second period, Carl Hagelin to Derek Stepan who beats Tuukka Rask. The Rangers take a 2-1 lead. --- Two minutes later, Boston on the power play, defenseman Torey Krug, playing in his first ever playoff game gets his first ever playoff goal. We go to overtime tied at 2. --- The Bruins were in control most of OT. Both teams tired as you can imagine, but with about 4 minutes to go, Bergeron breaks free and gets it to Brad Marchand who tips it home. His first goal of the playoffs is the game winner. Boston takes it 3-2 in overtime. They take a 1-0 series lead with game 2 Sunday.

30} SOX_RAYS_WED_VO__L3RD_

The Red Sox seem to be getting some of that April Magic Back. Boston looking to take 2 of three from the Rays in St. Pete. A pretty cool moment before the game. 9 year old Alayna Adams throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to who she thinks is one of the Rays catchers. It turns out, it's actually her father, Army Lt. William Adams. He had just come back from serving an entire year in Afganstan. You can't beat a surprise like that. --- As for the game. Boston trailing 3-1 in the top of the ninth, load the bases for Will Middlebrooks and the struggling third baseman comes through. The ball goes to left it clear the basses. Boston rallies for a 4-3 win.

31} M_S_YANKEES_WED_W_VO__L3RD_

Yankees and Mariners in the Bronx. --- Mariners jump out to the 1-0 lead, but the Bombers tie it in the second, David Adams with the double, Curtis Granderson scores. It's 1-1. --- Andy Pettitte running into a jam in the fourth. Basses loaded, Brendan Ryan sends one into the hole at short. No play can be made. Michael morse scores and it's 2-1 Mariners. --- Pettite done after 4 and 2 third with an injury. Shawn Kelly comes in and in the 6th Morse takes him deep. It's a solo shot and it turns out to be the game winner. Seattle takes it 3-2..

32} FAIRFAX_WINOOSKI_BASE_W_VO__L3RD_

High School baseball BFA-Fairfax in Winooski. --- Spartans pitcher Cory Hemingway gets back to back Strike outs in the fourth. An out away from getting out of a basses loaded jam. --- However, Aza Hoover has other ideas. He Clears the bases with a booming double to right center. BFA-Fairfax goes on to the 17-1 win.

33} FAX_WIN_SOFT_W_VO__L3RD_

winless Winooski struggling against the undefeated Fairfax softball team... --- BFA-Fairfax scoring early and often. Sarah Rainville with the swinging bunt. Perfectly placed for an RBI single. That kind of day for the Bullets. --- Meanwhile, Fairfax pitcher Amanda Perry fooling the opposition. A strikeout here to end the inning. BFA-Fairfax stays unbeaten after the 30-3 win in 5 innings.

34} DOC_COMING_BACK_WHITE

Celtics Director of Basketball operations Danny Ainge said today that head coach Doc Rivers will come back next season. Whether he coaches Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett is another question. The C's have an option to buy out Pierce's contract while Garnett is thinking about retirement.

35} BRADLEY_BYRON_NELSON_W_VO

Final Stop Irving, Texas Woodstock's Keegan Bradley with a huge first round at the Byron Nelson Classic. He shoots a 10 under par 60. That ties a tournament record and sets a new course record at the TPC Four Seasons. After posting back-to-back bogeys at the turn, Bradley closed with four birdies and one eagle in his final six holes. Keegan's performance gives him a three shot lead over former Masters champ Charl Schwartzel heading into tomorrow's second round.

Top of Script