Wed 6 P.M. News Script

Wed 22-MAY-2013 6 P.M. News Script

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Today marks a big birthday for the American Cancer Society. The national organization is 100 years old -- and to celebrate they are remembering 100 survivor stories around the country. Only one Vermonter was chosen. That Vermonter is one of our own, Eileen Casey, she works in our sales department here at WCAX -- and is a bone cancer survivor. And Doctor Chris Holmes is a hematologist and oncologist at Fletcher Allen Health Care. Thank you both for being here. ((looking back on 100 years, what are some points of pride?)) ((Eileen, tell us your story, we know you are exercise and sports driven -- what happened when you were diagnosed with bone cancer?)) ((what is it like having a prosthetic leg?)) ((Dr. Holmes what are your hopes for the next 100 years and cancer research?)) ((Any recent discoveries or strides we should anticipate on the radar?)) ((AT AROUND 1 MINUTE LEFT, WILL CUT CAKE))

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Tomorrow on the Thirty -- The Advocacy Show. Local musician, Justin Levinson, facilitates this talk show on public access. Learn about this David Letterman-style talk show tomorrow at 5:30 on The Thirty.

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Good evening, I'm Kristin Kelly. And I'm Darren Perron. New questions about a personal land deal negotiated by Governor Shumlin. An East Montpelier man about to lose his property at a tax sale -- sold it to the Governor. But now says he has regrets. Our investigative reporter Jennifer Reading is looking into the land deal - and is here now with the details. Jennifer. Kristin and Darren -- Jeremy Dodge calls the sale price a "sweet deal" for the Governor and claims the state's leader took advantage of him. But - the governor says these allegations are misleading -- and that he offered his neighbor a fair price.

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Jeremy Dodge doesn't want to leave his childhood home in East Montpelier. But his days on Foster Road are numbered. ((Jeremy Dodge 00:08:16 "It's my homestead. You know I planned on dying here.")) That plan changed last year when the town put his property up for tax sale. Dodge owed almost 18-thousand dollars in back taxes. He thought if it went to auction, he'd be homeless in 30 days. ((NATS He lives right over there)) The day before the tax sale his neighbor knocked on his door -- with an offer to buy him out -- that Dodge thought would be his saving grace. That neighbor was Governor Peter Shumlin. ((JR 00:24:01 "Who approached who?" JD: The governor approached me. 00:01:26 "I had no offer prior to the tax sale. So it sounded good to me.")) Dodge says the two men met one-on-one at least 15 times -- Shumlin negotiated himself -- scrawling the terms of the deal on a folder. The home and 16 acre property was appraised in 2009 for 233,700 dollars. The governor initially offered Dodge 32-thousand -- then upped it to 58-thousand. The deal closed the day AFTER Shumlin was re-elected. But now Dodge admits he didn't understand that he could have gotten a better deal had it gone to tax sale. ((Jeremy Dodge 00:06:08 "I'm a slow learner to start with. I have a hard time comprehending a lot of things.")) Shumlin has made money off real estate deals. According to tax returns released during a previous campaign he holds several properties and is worth millions of dollars. Dodge is an ex-con on food stamps earning less than 8-thousand dollars a year. Dodge says he couldn't afford an attorney so Shumlin offered up HIS lawyer and asked Dodge not to talk to reporters about the deal. ((Jeremy Dodge 00:34:10 "I was definitely outgunned. You know, he's got millions or whatever he's got and I had nothing.")) ((Bernie Corliss/Dodge's friend 00:02:47 "at this point I think he was taken advantage of.")) Bernie Corliss is Dodge's lifelong friend. He says the 53-year-old's mental health has gone down hill since his parents died seven years ago. That's when Dodge inherited their home - which his parents had paid off. Corliss believes Dodge should be in an assisted living facility -- and says he wasn't capable of negotiating a complex real estate deal with the governor. ((Bernie Corliss/Dodge's friend 00:06:40 "the governor had to have known that he could talk circles around Jerry and Jerry wouldn't know what he was saying.")) The land deal attracted the attention of federal authorities. Corliss says an FBI agent came to his door Monday -- telling him he was investigating the legality of the deal. The agent even left a card. ((Bernie Corliss/Dodge's friend 00:05:01 "he asked me what I thought Jerry's mental ability was. He asked me if I thought there was something wrong with the buy.")) Channel 3 confirmed the FBI's involvement. The US Attorney for Vermont said agents followed up on a tip. Authorities would not tell us what they were looking for but say there is no active investigation. Corliss says even if the deal is legal -- he thinks it's unethical. ((Bernie Corliss/Dodge's friend 0008:27 "A good person with ethics would have definitely done something different.")) ((Ross Hazel/East Montpelier lister 00:23:00 "Obviously he got a very good deal. He got the whole property for less than what the land is worth.")) Ross Hazel is East Montpelier's head lister. He says after the governor bought Dodge's place Shumlin wanted his taxes lowered. ((Ross Hazel/East Montpelier listor 00:25:47 "He did suggest that, you know, this was a worthless property and it isn't worth what we had it in for. ")) Hazel reassessed the property -- slashing its appraised value by 93-thousand dollars. ((Ross Hazel/East Montpelier lister 00:02:33 "I took the value down to the cost of the foundation." 00:03:13 "It's unusual to see something drop that far.")) Hazel denies Shumlin got special treatment BUT admits it was hard to ignore that he's the state's leader. ((Ross Hazel/East Montpelier lister 00:25:26 "there is a subconscious influence but you try to be aware of that and assess it accurately because that's my job.")) We wanted to get Governor Shumlin's side of the story. He refused to answer our questions and instead issued the following statement: ((GRX)) I am very concerned about this misleading story. It is important for Vermonters to know the facts. Jerry Dodge is my next-door neighbor, and I see and talk with him frequently. As was reported in the press last fall, it is a matter of public record that I purchased his property when the town had scheduled a tax sale on his home. Taking into account a number of factors, including the extremely poor interior condition of the home which would require it to be gutted or torn down, we decided on a $58,000 price that we both thought was fair. I am surprised and saddened to hear that Jerry now has changed his mind and says he regrets the sale. I had understood that the arrangement was acceptable to both of us until hearing of this story. Under the deal -- the governor allowed Dodge to remain at home -- rent-free. But Dodge must move out by July 15. News that brought his friend to tears. ((Bernie Corliss/Dodge's friend 00:11:22 "It's hard even for me.")) And Corliss says the 15-thousand dollars that the governor promised Dodge on move-out day is not going to go far enough. ((Bernie Corliss/Dodge's friend 00:09:24 "I can bet within a year, Jerry will be homeless. He'll be under a bridge somewhere.")) ((JR 0019:12 "How do you think you are going to feel come July 15? JD: Real bad. Like I disappointed Mom and Dad."))

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Six months after the deal closed -- Dodge says he's seen very little money from the sale. He says the governor gave him three-thousand dollars at closing -- and claims Shumlin kept the rest of the money -- using it to pay off Dodge's back taxes and also child support. Real Estate experts tell us that a deal can be voided -- if the seller is not of sound mind. But it is not clear if Dodge will fight this now -- or allow doctors to evaluate his competency/ demand a competency evaluation. Kristin So Jennifer -- why is Jeremy Dodge talking now? Kristin -- He says the governor asked him multiple times to talk to the media. But Dodge says he's breaking his silence NOW in hopes sharing his story will help others -- down on their luck -- avoid losing their homes.

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We have some severe weather rolling through our region tonight. And we have reports of a person hit by lightning in East Hubbarton. Emergency crews have responded. We have crews working this story. We'll have more on that lightning safety tips -- tonight at 11.

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Sharon's been tracking these storms. What's the latest? (wx script)

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He thought he was in danger. And was justified to shoot. That's according to prosecutors. Sergeant Brian May shot William Mahoney -- who was on the run from police. Investigators say he was confronted on a school bus where he was holed up. Police say Mahoney pretended to have gun and moved toward Sergeant May. The trooper fired five times -- wounding Mahoney in the backside. Investigator concluded that Sergeant May acted reasonably.

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Lawmakers prescribed a host of changes -- to combat Vermont's growing problem with hard drugs. Kyle Midura reports -- the safety measures will now mean -- longer wait times -- at the pharmacy.

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((NATS)) At this shop in the picturesque town of Woodstock, and for those who work in 140 pharmacies scattered throughout the state -- the workload is about to increase. New requirements are set to take effect - most in July. Jim Marmar runs the Woodstock Pharmacy and is the Executive Director of the statewide Pharmacists' Association. ((2:50:50 - :54 - Jim Marmar you gotta convince me that this is going to have some type of effect in Vermont)) The sweeping drug overhaul bill -- still awaiting Governor Shumlin's signature -- will require patients picking up prescriptions or other behind-the-counter medications like Sudafed to provide a photo I.D. It will also mandate pharmacists check customers against networked databases for recent purchases or refills. But Marmar says the drug problems bloomed over time, and says it may have been simpler to crack down on over-prescribing docs and making problem cold meds available by prescription only. ((2:44:22 - :30 - Jim Marmar it's going to take more than just checking someone's I.D. In order to reverse this trend)) (( 1:19 - :24 Lt. Art Cyr - Burlington Police Dept. It will mean a tremendous tool for us in the investigative process in those types of cases )) Burlington Police Lt. Art Cyr he expects the changes will bring more cases to light. He concedes new regs won't completely cure the problem -- but should force those buying cold meds to synthesize meth to give their real names on checkout. Court documents indicate a pair of recently-raided alleged meth cooks in Burlington -- only once used their real names when purchasing restricted meds at various pharmacies. But, the change will also mean a new requirement for investigators. ((2:21 - :27 Cyr we need to have more info other than just going in and taking a random look)) Police will only be able to inquire about specific individuals, so they'll need to be suspicious of someone before the database reveals any medical secrets. KM, Ch.3 BTV.

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Vermont denied a license -- for a new health insurance company. We were there last fall when the Vermont Health Co-op opened for business. The non-profit company was created to take part in the new health care exchange under the federal Affordable Care Act. The federal law requires the co-op model to be offered in each state's exchange. But -- the Department of Financial Regulation says it discovered several inadequacies -- including questions about whether the co-op can remain solvent and repay federal loans. State regulators also note that the co-op's rates are significantly higher than the two other insurance companies participating in the exchange, causing doubts about whether it can attract subscribers. Vermont Health Co-op says there are factual errors in the state report -- and it will continue to seek a state license.

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Union members working for the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services in Vermont -- say they are facing unfair labor practices. United Electrical Workers represents more than 350 employees in St. Albans and Essex. The union filed 13 separate Unfair Labor Practice charges against FCi Federal -- a government subcontractor that provides clerical services. The Union accuses FCi of bargaining in bad faith, failing to provide the Union with relevant information and changing working conditions. The National Labor Relations Board will decide if the charges have merit.

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Vermont's economy is making slow, but steady progress. That's the message from Jeff Carr - one of Vermont's top economist. Tomorrow -- Carr is presenting his outlook at a regional conference in Boston. Carr says Vermont should regain all of the jobs it lost in the Great Recession within the next year -- but those jobs will be different. He also says Vermont's manufacturing sector is seeing improvement.

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((5:29 Jeff Carr/Vt. Economist: little bit of weakening of dollar .... Actually looking up)) Carr says the greatest challenge for Vermont is equipping companies with the infrastructure and skilled workers they need -- to move people, products and information effectively and efficiently.

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Vermont schools are failing to meet national recommendations for the amount of time students spend in physical education class. And experts say they need to Get Moving. But Keith McGilvery found a new approach in the gym -- that aims to make the most of the time students do spend in P-E. Keith. This month teachers from across Vermont came to Burlington to go to Phys. Ed. Boot camp. The idea was to shake up the way they teach kids to stay active.

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((SNAZZY NATS)) In John Hichwa's Phys. Ed. class the playbook is pretty diverse. ((John Hichwa, Phys Ed Consultant, Spark trainer 16:13 "We're interested in competition we're interested in basketball football, baseball, all of those things but we also have so much more.)) Here Vermont *teachers are his students and together they're tackling a major problem. ((John Hichwa, Phys Ed Consultant, Spark trainer 20:11 "We are in an obesity crisis, one-third of our kids are obese.)) After more than 30 years working with kids- the former national middle school teacher of the year is turning his attention to fellow educators -- helping them rethink the way they're keeping kids active-- and in this gym ..... they learn by doing. ((MOVE BOYS AND GIRLS NAT??)) ((John Hichwa, Phys Ed Consultant, Spark trainer 18:20 "It has to be fun, it has to be inclusive, it has to be interesting, it has to be meaningful.)) Hichwa is with Sports Play and Active Recreation for Kids or SPARK program. The initiative has trained tens of thousands of teachers around the world. This month dozens of physical education teachers from across the state came together in Burlington to learn how it works. At its core is a push to keep *all kids moving. ((John Hichwa, Phys Ed Consultant, Spark trainer 17:32 "we're looking for more activity, we're looking for meaningful stuff, we're looking for inclusion.)) And that inclusion -is coming in the form of dance, fast-paced games- and unique activities collected from years in the gym. ((Lisa Paquette, Phys. Ed. Teacher Lyndown Town School, Lyndonville 45:57 "John's awesome.)) ((MJ Jennings, Union Elementary School 41:04 "I am learning all these new tricks for my tool kit.)) Gone are the coach's whistles-- Here music sets the pace- in a program designed to introduce moderate to rigorous activity from the minute class starts. ((John Hichwa, Phys Ed Consultant, Spark trainer 21:09 "I can say ready, set move, but I put music on it automatically gets them to go.)) ((Emmanuel Riby-Williams- Union Elementary School :38:33 "Everything that we are learning here is about movement.)) SPARK takes the attention off "star athletes" - instead favoring activities that target all ability levels. ((Emmanuel Riby-Williams- Union Elementary School 39:12 "Gone are the days when it's for those who play sports and those who do not play sports are left in the background.)) The program also stresses students working in different pairings all class long. ((Lisa Paquette, Phys. Ed. Teacher Lyndown Town School, Lyndonville 48:26 "we change partners often, many students can be successful, stronger students can help weaker students.)) Skills like baseball and basketball are still in the mix- but they come with a twist. Teachers are encouraged to bring more than one ball or bat into the action to up the exercise. ((Lindsay Simpson, Vt. Education Agency, Physical Education Consultant 31:35 "The more often we can get an implement in a kid's hand, a bat, a ball a racquet, a beanbag, the more engaged they're going to be, the more activity, they're going to get.)) Activity that's coming with a healthy dose of academic reinforcement. Classroom concepts are regularly brought into the fold. ((Lisa Paquette, Phys. Ed. Teacher Lyndown Town School, Lyndonville 39:48 "We counted by ones, we counted by twos, you could count by fives you can do a math game with a partner.)) They're skills that are making students sweat- but also focus on patience and teamwork. ((Lindsay Simpson, Vt. Education Agency, Physical Education Consultant 34:44 "they're integrating so much more than just movement.)) It's an effort that's challenging kids in new ways and making for a phys. Ed experience that might surprise folks who haven't made it to a school gym in a while. ((Lisa Paquette, Phys. Ed. Teacher Lyndon Town School, Lyndonville 50:33 "I think it is going to surprise them to see that everybody can be successful, and a physical education class isn't about winners and losers, it's about sustaining a healthy lifestyle and learning to like physical activity.)) A goal for kids- Hichwa knows his "older students" take to heart. ((John Hichwa, Phys Ed Consultant, Spark trainer 20:33 "I want them to leave here with the idea that they do make a difference in the life of a child.)) ((HIGH-5, CHEER, OUT))

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The Vermont Agency of Education is working to secure additional funding to help expand this type of training across the state.

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Tonight: Showers & storms. Lows: 58/65 Winds: S 5-15 mph Thursday: Showers & storms. Highs: 72/78 Wind: S 5-15 mph Thursday Night: Showers & storms. Lows: 50/58 Wind: Bec N 5-10 Friday: Cloudy & cooler. More showers. Highs: 53/60 Wind: N 10-20 mph Extended: Friday night: Lows: 40s Saturday: Showers likely. Highs: 50s Lows: 35/45 Sunday: Mostly cloudy. Chance showers. Highs: 50s Lows: 30s Monday: Partly cloudy. Highs: 58/65 Lows: 35/45 Tuesday: Mostly sunny. Highs: 65/72 Lows: 40s Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Highs: 68/75

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More legal troubles for a former Abenaki chief from Swanton. Embezzlement charges against April St. Francis Merrill are putting her lawsuit against the tribe on hold. St. Francis Merrill is accused of stealing 35-thousand dollars through ATM withdrawals -- and using the money to build a deck on her house. She pleaded not guilty. Meanwhile, St. Francis Merrill and her husband are suing the Abenaki Self-Help Association -- over a property deal. But the group says it doesn't have access to its records because of the criminal case -- so the judge has delayed the civil suit.

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New Hampshire says the Balsams resort in Colebrook did NOT violate air pollution standards. Two buildings were burned down in January -- as part of a big renovation project. The Department of Environmental Services says fire officials were on scene - and said all materials that could have caused pollution had already been removed. But the state IS fining the Colebrook Fire officials 26-hundred dollars -- for not telling DES about the burn in advance - and for not having a state approved inspector there.

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A huge turnout this afternoon in Wells River to honor veterans. Hundreds of motorcycles, fire trucks, and police cars from all over the region gathered at the truck stop just off Exit 17 for a rolling tribute. The star of the show, a replica of the Vietnam Memorial. The rolling memorial-- which is largest of the travelling replicas-- was driven from the truck stop to North Haverhill New Hampshire -- where it will be on display at the fairgrounds. The memorial is not just for Vietnam Vets, but also veterans of World War II and Korea and well as more recent conflicts.

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((John Barron/American Veterans Travelling Tribute: "with have pictorial tributes with casualty listing for all of our combat casualties from 1980 to 2001. For the 9-11 casualties and we have a dog tag display for each of the combat casualties for the global war on terror, tribute panel with the pictures of the 13 murdered at Fort Hood, and pictorial tributes for police and fire fighters.")) ((Wayne Fortier/Event Organizer: "to my knowledge it hasn't been to this specific region. This close in the Upper Valley before. But we had an opportunity to secure this company for this weekend and we are very thankful that they were able to accommodate us.")) ((Raymond Schwendeman/N.H.Combat Vets: "to honor the men that didn't come back that is on that wall. And for me to be still alive and to be able to do this, I am honoring them people that didn't come back.")) Newbury and Haverhill are celebrating their 250th birthday this year. Today's event is part of that celebration. The Wall will be open for viewing at the fairgrounds through the afternoon of Memorial day. After New Hampshire -- the rolling tribute is heading to Kansas. That's News Around the Region.

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Starting Line Sports ...heading into this Eastern Conference Semifinal series between the Bruins and Rangers, most experts predicted the games would be low scoring, slugfests. Both teams tend to feature a defense-first style that could lead to a string of 1-0 and 2-1 games. But that wasn't the case early on, as the teams combined to score 13 goals over the first two games in Boston. The Bruins accounting for eight of those goals as they built a 2-0 series lead. Game Three last night in New York and despite an uptick in the physicality, there were only four penalties called and two power plays awarded on the night ...both went to the Rangers... --- the Blueshirts failed to score on either, but moments after the last of the two expired early in the second period Ryan McDonagh's shot thru traffic is tipped in by Taylor Pyatt...1-0 Rangers lead... --- after looking human in Boston, Henrik Lundqvist looked more like the goalie that posted back-to-back shutouts to close out the Washington series ...the quick glove to deny Gregory Campbell ...32 saves on the night for Lundqvist... --- it was 1-0 going into the third when Boston's fourth line takes over...the grinders Campbell, Shawn Thornton and Daniel Paille wearing down the Rangers and Johnny Boychuk takes advantage...his fourth goal of the postseason ...tied at one... --- then, with three and a half minutes left... Campbell's shot deflected by Thornton ...hits Lundqvist in the mask...lands on the goal line... bounces out...but Paille stays with the play and bats the puck in... the game winner as Boston takes it 2-1. Playing the Rangers game, the Bruins grab a 3-0 series lead and can go for the sweep tomorrow night.

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(((FROM BOTH TEAMS ...:07)))

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Can the Red Sox avoid a Windy City sweep...

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An infant with a dangerous breathing problem underwent a ground breaking procedure. Teresa Garcia explains how a splint saved his life.

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KAIBA GIONFRIDDO WAS JUST A FEW WEEKS OLD THE FIRST TIME HE STOPPED BREATHING. SOON, IT WAS HAPPENING NEARLY EVERY DAY. (april Gionfriddo/Mother) I think we were more scared than anything. We weren't sure if he was going to make it alive or if there was going to be any way to fix it KAIBA HAD TRACHEOBRONCHOMALACIA - A COLLAPSE OF THE WINDPIPE. HIS CASE WAS SO SEVERE, DOCTOR GLENN GREEN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING THAT HAD NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE. HIS TEAM DESIGNED A TINY PLASTIC SPLINT TO INSERT AROUND KAIBA'S BRONCHUS TO EXPAND THE AIRWAY. (bryan Gionfriddo/Father) when doctor green showed us the model I was kind of thrilled//I was like do it, got to try something KAIBA WAS JUST THREE MONTHS OLD WHEN HE WENT INTO SURGERY. (Dr. Glenn Green/Univ. of Michigan) Immediately after we put the implant in he started to have normal motion of his lungs on both sides. This was the first time he was ever able to do that. THE SPLINT WORKS AS A SCAFFOLD, TRAINING THE BRONCHUS TO GROW CORRECTLY. IN ABOUT THREE YEARS, IT WILL DISSOLVE ON ITS OWN. Nat feeding KAIBA IS NOW 19 MONTHS OLD.. AND STILL FACES OTHER HEALTH ISSUES. BUT IN THE YEAR SINCE HIS SURGERY, HE'S BEEN BREATHING WITHOUT TROUBLE. DOCTORS SAY THE GROUNDBREAKING PROCEDURE WILL TOUCH OTHER LIVES IN THE FUTURE. (dr. Green) We have a new treatment option so children on ventilators do not need to be on ventilators any more ONE DOCTOR CALLS KAIBA'S CASE THE HIGHLIGHT OF HIS CAREER. Nats with family THE BABY'S PARENTS CALL IT A MIRACLE. Mother rocking kaiba TG, CBS NEWS

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Doctors had to get emergency clearance from the FDA to do this procedure on Kaiba. That's HealthWatch.

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A big recognition for a Bethel company. GW Plastics won the 23rd annual Deane C Davis outstanding business award. Governor Peter Shumlin presented the Dean C Davis plaque this morning at the Vermont Business Expo. GW Plastics was chosen from several nominees. The companies were based on criteria including growth in sales or employment -- and a commitment to the environment and surrounding community.

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((Cathy Tempesta / GW Plastics "it feels pretty good. It feels really good actually. We have worked really hard and a lot of times you don't really get recognized for all the hard work you do -- so when you do, it's a big deal.")) Governor Shumlin says GW Plastics displayed the highest standard of excellence.

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A new locally owned hotel in downtown Burlington. It's a contemporary hotel with strong connections to Vermont's past. Gina Bullard took a tour.

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With granite from Danby -- greeting you when you come through the door -- ((nat)) Local art on the walls -- ((nat)) and stones from Shelburne and Charlotte in the floor -- ((nat)) The Queen City's newest addition -- Hotel Vermont -- does exactly what the owners wanted-- really makes you feel like you're in Vermont. (15:58:25) ((Hans van Wess/Hotel Vermont "gb-is everything in here from vt? HW-pretty close not everything everything")) Hotel Manager Hans Van Wess says the hotel took 18 months to complete -- it has 6 floors and 125 rooms. The lobby opens up into Juniper Bar --- one of the hotel's main features. (16:28:07) ((Hans van Wess/Hotel Vermont "we can proudly we have every spirit made in vermont on the shelf")) It offers outdoor space with a fire pit to enjoy views of Lake Champlain over signature Green Mountain cocktails. (16:55:23) ((Hans van Wess/Hotel Vermont "the idea of a hotel bar is really a place for hotel guests and locals to meet")) The Hotel was built into a unique space on Cherry Street. (24:21:22) ((Hans van Wess/Hotel Vermont "this is a very unusual shaped building its only 45' wide at most. and to allow rooms on both sides of the corridors unlike traditional long narrow rooms we squished and created a square room ")) Vermont touches can be found everywhere -- from the Johnson Woolen Mill blankets -- and the Lunarama toiletries -- down to the ice buckets that look like sap buckets. It also offers a special Vermont bedtime menu. (26:21:04) ((Hans van Wess/Hotel Vermont "we offer a number of things that are the vt ways of falling asleep - one way is opening the window and getting fresh air. another is a aroma therapy menu")) (26:50:12 ) ((Hasn van Wess/Hotel Vermont "if all else fails then a hot toddy with some smugglers notch rum ")) (32:30:29) ((GB "hotel vermont has many amenities but there are some things you will not find here like cans of soda bottles of water or ice machines")) (33:32:26) ((GB "instead they offer filling stations and bags of ice")) (36:28:06) ((GB "that you can take back to your room")) (36:30:09) ((GB"and enjoy)) The hotel quietly opened its doors last week -- the grand opening will be on June 25th. (25:36:01) ((Hans van Wess/Hotel Vermont "we really like to share the fine craftsmanship and the arts of vermont")) Gina Bullard Channel 3 News Burlington.

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Room rates start around 229-dollars per night and vary by season. In July, Waterbury's Hen of the Wood Restaurant will open its second eatery at Hotel Vermont.

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The Red Sox close out their nine game tonight against the White Sox in Chicago. The trip started with great promise as Boston won five of their first six over Tampa and Minnesota, but things have ground to a halt in the Windy City. A 6-4 loss in the series opener Monday night was followed by another dud last night at U-S Cellular Field ... --- Felix Dubront on the mound for the Sox, runs into trouble in the 5th, with a runner on Jeff Keppinger goes deep to left. White Sox take a 2-0 lead. --- Chicago pitcher Jose Quintana threw 6 and a third no hit innings. But with one out in the 7th, David Ortiz gets Boston in the hit column with the broken bat single. --- Boston loads the basses, Jeese Crain relives Quintana and gets Steven Drew to strikeout ending the threat. the Red Sox manage just four hits and fall 3-1. Boston tries to avoid the sweep tonight. NESN's Jerry Remy has our preview.

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((TRT: 27 ... OC: "CLEVELAND INDIANS."))

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After rallying to tie in the ninth and win it in the tenth Monday night in Baltimore... the Yankees going for two straight against Orioles last night at Camden Yards... --- Top of the fourth, Travis Hafner with the second of his two RBI singles on the night ...New York managing just five hits on the night... --- bottom five...Chris Dickerson takes Phil Hughes deep to right ...his second solo home run of the game ties things at two... --- it would stay that way into extra innings ...and in the bottom of the tenth, Nate McClouth blasts this solo shot off Vidal Nuno. The Orioles walk off with the 3-2 win. The rubber match is tonight...Hiroki Kuroda, 6-2 with a 1.99 ERA, taking the hill for New York.

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A practice session for all division's set for today at Thunder Road was canceled due to the weather. There will be a full race card on Sunday in Barre highlighted by the 51st annual Memorial Day Classic.

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After another wild finish, this past Saturday at Airborne Speedway in Plattsburgh, the American-Canadian tour takes a break from the action this weekend. Through four races, the top four drivers in the points standings are separated by just 40 points. Williston's Brian Hoar leads the way with 380 but Williamstown's Jimmy Hebert not far behind at 369. With Hoar set to take a two-month break, all eyes now turn to the 58-car of Hebert, who has a win and 3 Top-5 finishes thus far. It certainly has been a great start to the season for last year's ACT rookie of the year, who says his biggest improvement in year two has as much to do with his pit crew's growth as with his driving behind the wheel of the field's fastest cars.

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(((TRT: 20 : OC: BEEN A BLAST)))

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The Vermont City Marathon is this Sunday. A runner whose family knows the meaning of service is ready to pound the pavement with the thousands of others taking part in the 25th anniversary addition of the race. Scott Fleishman has his story in tonight's Spotlight on Sports.

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((TRT: 1:58 ... OC: "SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS.")) (((These days, this is the combat footwear worn by Joe Noonan. It was a much different story in 2003 when army officer Noonan was deployed to Afghanistan for a year.))) (((Joe Noonan/"Being deployed is always toughest on family than those that are deployed, but we got through it. I got back from Afghanistan looking for something to do and running filled that gap."))) (((While Noonan's family has military veterans, he also has a running veteran in his father. He just ran in his 24th straight Boston Marathon last month, finishing 10 minutes before the bombings.))) ((("He was on his way home. Two guys came out from a side street carrying a woman who was bleeding from her abdomen. He put them in the back seat of hs car and he drove them 4 or 5 minutes down Beacon street and dropped them off at the Mass General Hospital ER."))) (((As someone who grew up in Boston and has seen his share of war wounds, what happened that day hits home.))) ((("It really is the human spirit that hits home and the care and compassion that we share for our fellow human beings that need our help whether you know them or not."))) (((Noonan plans to run Boston next year, but for now the UVM grad and Vice President of Marketing & Sales at SymQuest is focused solely on Burlington this weekend.))) ((("It's really about the competition and having fun and it's about the people that you meet along the way."))) (((Scott Fleishman/"Here at the start line here on Sunday, Joe will be joined by his younger brother, A naval officer up from Washington D.C. Who should finish the marathon in under 3 hours."))) ((("I do look forward to beating him. So he can buy all the beers at the Pub and Brewery up the street."))) (((Joe Noonan should be served some cold drinks. After all, he's served our country and had a father serve a community in crisis. In Burlington, Scott Fleishman, Channel 3 Spotlight on Sports.)))

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