WDBJ 7 morning news for 03/16/00

[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Truckers from across the country converge on Washington today seeking political support for relief from rising diesel prices.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Two area plant closings leave hundreds jobless.
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Cloudy, with scattered showers moving into the region from the south.
Meanwhile, much COOLER temperatures arrive with a cold front overnight tonight and tomorrow.
The complete forecast, coming up.
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)
[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

[E-Truckers]

[ANCHOR=]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=99-54 1:56:19]
[GRAPHIC=Record Prices]

The call for cheaper fuel prices will get louder today as hundreds of truckers converge on Washington for a protest.
Organizers expect at least one-thousand trucks to hit the capitol just after the morning rush hour.
Joe Dashiell caught up with one convoy last night at White's Truck Stop in Rockbridge County.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=OPENS ON NAT SOUND]
[SUPER=03-Rockbridge Co.; :03]
[SUPER=01-Becky Willey/Truck Driver; :18]
[SUPER=01-Eric Dotson/Truck Driver; :31]
[SUPER=01-Kevin Miller/Truck Driver; :59]
[SUPER=@Joe2; 1:08]
[RUNS=1:17]
[OUT Q=JD News 7 Rockbridge County]
((OPENS ON NAT SOUND OF HORN
The truckers rolled in with air horns blazing and American flags flying in the wind.
The convoy that left California five days ago was 200 strong by the time it arrived in Raphine.
Illinois drivers John and Becky Willey drove with out a load to be part of this protest.
[SOT]
[IN Q=It's very scary]
((BECKY WILLEY/TRUCK DRIVER: IT'S VERY SCARY. WE'VE WORKED HARD TO GET WHERE WE ARE AND TO KNOW NEXT WEEK THAT MAYBE EVERYTHING IS GONE. IT'S VERY EMOTIONAL AND IT'S SCARY THINKING ABOUT GOING TO WASHINGTON D.C., BUT IT'S SOMETHING WE HAD TO DO.)) ((ERIC DOTSON/TRUCK DRIVER: I WOULD COMPARE WHAT'S GOING ON RIGHT NOW WITH THE FLOODING THAT OCCURRED IN NORTH CAROLINA LAST YEAR. I MEAN BECAUSE PEOPLE OUT HERE ARE LOSING THEIR HOMES. A LOT OF THESE GUYS LIVE IN THESE TRUCKS AND THE BANK'S COMING AND GETTING THEM. IT'S REALLY BAD.))
[RUNS=]
[OUT Q=something we had to do.]

If fuel prices are the most obvious example of the economic challenges truckers are facing, they say other issues including the rates they are paid, are more important.
[SOT]
[IN Q=Fuel prices just hit the tip]
((FUEL PRICES JUST HIT THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG. IT'S BEEN COMING ON FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS. SINCE DEREGULATION WE'VE HAD A FREEZE ON THE RATES OUT HERE.))
[RUNS=]
[OUT Q=rates out here.]

Independent truckers say their future is bleak without some help. They're hoping lawmakers will be listening when the reach the steps of the Capitol.
Joe Dashiell News 7 Rockbridge County))

[E-Donnkenny]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=99-60 1:32:17]
[GRAPHIC=Layoffs]

Almost three hundred people are out of a job this morning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Floyd Co.;]

Donnkenny -- a company that makes women's sportswear -- will close plants in Floyd County and Grayson County.
Almost half of Floyd's workers already leave the county for their jobs.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 12:26:27]
[IN Q=Not very much]
((NOT VERY MUCH AROUND HERE. IT'S AT LEAST 30 OR 40 MINUTES AWAY TO GET A JOB.))
[SUPER=01-Mark Alderman/Laid Off Worker;]
[RUNS=:05]
[OUT Q=get a job]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Most of these workers are elderly and spent their lives in textiles -- according to the Floyd county administrator.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 13:59:15]
[IN Q=We do have]
((WE DO HAVE A LOYAL WORKFORCE. THEY ARE TRAINABLE. WE NEED TO TAKE THAT ALONG WITH THE LOW COST OF DOING BUSINESS IN FLOYD COUNTY, SEE IF WE CAN'T TAKE THIS SETBACK AND PUT A POSITIVE SPIN ON IT.))
[SUPER=01-George Nester/Floyd Co. Administrator;]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=spin on it]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Christiansburg/1998;]
[TAPE#=98-61; 23:20]

Donnkenny closed its Christiansburg and Lee County plants two years ago.
It plans to keep the Wytheville operations center open.
(------------)

[Weeks-Execution]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=VA Death Penalty]

Unless the governor intervenes, Lonnie Weeks, Junior will be put to death tonight.
In 1993, Weeks shot a state trooper at a traffic stop along Interstate 95.
The victim's grown children have asked Governor Jim Gilmore to spare Weeks, but the trooper's widow supports the sentence.

[E-Bomb-Threats]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=99-51 1:57:52]
[GRAPHIC=Bomb Threat Charges]

Another teenager is facing serious punishment for phoning in bomb threats to two Lynchburg schools.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

The 15-year old boy pleaded guilty yesterday to calling in four threats to Dunbar Middle School and E.C. Glass High School earlier this month.
Educators say students need to realize that there are better ways to get attention.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 10:06:32]
[IN Q=They need to]
((JAMES MCCORMICK/LYNCHBURG SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT: THEY NEED TO UNDERSTAND THERE ARE OTHER ACTIVITIES OUT THERE TO WHICH THEY CAN APPLY THEIR TALENTS AND SKILLS AND AS YOU ACQUIRE TALENTS AND SKILLS, YOU WORK AT BEING THE BEST PERSON YOU CAN BE.))
[SUPER=01-James McCormick/Lynchburg School Superintendent]
[RUNS=15]
[OUT Q=you can be.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The boy will undergo a psychiatric evaluation before he's sentenced next month.
Prosecutors say it's likely he'll get an indefinite term of juvenile detention.
(------------)

[gun-control]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Gun Control]

There could be some movement on stalled gun control legislation.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC;]

Last night, the House of Representatives voted to hold a meeting on the matter within the next two weeks.
It came just hours after a group of female legislators urged their colleagues to stand up to the National Rifle Association.
Forty-six Republicans voted in favor of the non-binding resolution.
President Clinton is praising its passage.
(///// SOT /////)
[3;09:33]
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
((TAKING A LITTLE TIME AND A LITTLE INCONVENIENCE TO SAVE A LOT OF LIVES IS A GOOD DEAL FOR AMERICA.))
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q=deal for America.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Mr. Clinton wants Congress to pass gun legislation that includes background checks for gun show sales.
He accuses the National Rifle Association of tying up the process.
The N-R-A is taking its argument to the airwaves.
(------------)

[1-Sports]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]

In sports, a wild game in Charlottesville as U-V-A battled Georgetown in the first round of the N-I-T.
Mike Stevens has highlights.
Good Morning Mike.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good morning]
[RUNS=2:35]
[OUT Q=this morning]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(Melanie ad lib toss to Kimberly/Wx)

[One-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[Small Studio]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=01-Janet Grubbs/Southeast Dairy Association;]

(toss to stocks)
[STOCKS] [COMM] ((Archive:))

[abduction-arrest]

[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A suspect in the kidnapping of a ten year old Florida girl makes a court appearance today.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Gainsville, FL;]

Police arrested 38-year-old James Paul Johnson after he checked himself into a mental health center.
Johnson is accused of kidnapping Jessica Rodriguez last week outside her rural home near Gainesville.
She was released three days later.
Johnson is charged with kidnapping, lewd acts with a child and sexual battery of a child.
He's being held on a million dollars bail.
(------------)

[Lemon-Law]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=am]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=99-59 TC58:12]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[***ANCHOR TAG***]
If you're stuck with a problematic new car, then you should know about the Lemon Law.
It's a state code that requires a manufacturer to replace or re-purchase a new vehicle... that has repeated defects within a certain amount of time.
Kate Weidaw has more.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.; :00]
[SUPER=01-Bettina Altizer/Attorney; :24]
[SUPER=@Kate1; :35]
[RUNS=1:15]
[OUT Q=News 7, Roanoke.]
((If you're having mechanical trouble with your new car you shouldn't have to string lemons around it like Karen Robertson did.
Virginia's lemon law is in place - to help new car owners who experience reoccurring defects that endanger them and their passengers. Bettina Altizer is an attorney in Roanoke who has handled cases like this before.

[SOT 1:26:57]
[INQ=]
((BETTINA ALTIZER/ATTORNEY: THE DEFECTS HAVE TO OCCUR WITHIN THAT 18 MONTH PERIOD OF TIME SO IF YOU HAVE THAT CAR 18 MONTHS OR A COUPLE OF YEARS AND THESE PROBLEMS START TO HAPPEN YOU'RE KIND OF OUT OF LUCK UNDER THE CODE.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 10]

[STANDUP 1:40:11]
[INQ=]
((KATE WEIDAW/REPORTING: AND IF YOU'VE BOUGHT A USED CAR, WELL DEFECTS DO NOT FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW. EXPERTS SAY TO HAVE A MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT FIRST BEFORE YOU PURCHASE IT.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 10]

The lemon law does cover drivers who have had a reasonable number of repair attempts to fix the defects. [TAKE PRE-PRO] For example: If a defect has been repaired three or more times - and it persists. If a serious safety defect, like faulty brakes, has been repaired one or more times and it still occurs. Or if your car is out of service because of repairs for 30 days or more.
But keep in mind your manufacturer has to be notified of the repairs if you hope to have it repurchase or replace your vehicle.))
(--------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=none]

If you would like more information about the Lemon Law contact the Better Business Bureau.

[E-Philpott-Lake]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=sch]
[TAPE#=99-57 1:16:45]
[GRAPHIC=Drought]

Some are forecasting a dry summer. That's bad news for Philpott lake - it is nearly 15 feet below normal.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Philpott Lake;]

The U-S Army Corps of Engineers say it's because we haven't had much rain.
The dry spell has forced eight out of 12 boat ramps to close.
Many of the docks have been moved.
Visitors say it will change the way people enjoy the lake.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 2:02:05]
[IN Q=I'm sure]
((LEON CANNADAY/LAKE VISITOR: I'M SURE IT'S GOING TO HURT THE SWIMMING. IT'S JUST ABOUT OUT OF THE WATER.))
[SUPER=01-Leon Cannaday/Lake Visitor;]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=of the water.]
(--------------)
[VO-NAT]

Philpott Lake receives one million visitors every year.
(-------------)

[Health-Check]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=NET]
[GRAPHIC=Mornin Health Check]

In medical news, good news for smokers trying to quit.
Susan McGinnis has that story and more in this morning's Health check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Susan McGinnis/Reporting; :00 ]
[RUNS=1:20]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]
((SMOKERS MAY SOON HAVE A NEW WEAPON IN THEIR NEVER ENDING BATTLE TO KICK THE HABIT.
VT=VO
((vo)) RESEARCHERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SAY A DRUG USED TO TREAT PSORIASIS, SHOWS PROMISE IN CONTROLLING THE ENZYME THAT METABOLIZES NICOTINE. IT'S CALLED METHOXSALEN AND CAUSES NICOTINE TO LEAVE THE BODY MORE SLOWLY THEREBY CUTTING DOWN ON A SMOKER'S CRAVINGS.

THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION WARNS THIS IS NO SILVER BULLET. UNLIKE TREATMENTS LIKE THE NICOTINE PATCH OR GUM, SMOKERS DON'T GO COLD TURKEY, RATHER THEY CUT BACK OVER TIME.
VT=VO
((vo)) FOR YEARS WE'VE BEEN TOLD ABOUT THE HAZARDS OF WOMEN HAVING SILICONE BREAST IMPLANTS. BUT A REPORT IN THIS WEEK'S NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE SUGGESTS THE DEVICES ARE SAFE. RESEARCHERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA REACHED THIS CONCLUSION AFTER POURING OVER TWENTY EARLIER STUDIES. THEY FOUND THAT WOMEN WITH THE IMPLANTS WERE NO MORE LIKELY TO HAVE IMMUNE RELATED ILLNESSES LIKE LUPUS THAN THE GENERAL POPULATION.
VT=VO
((vo)) ANOTHER STUDY IN THE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE SAYS HEART ATTACK PATIENTS WITHOUT COMPLICATIONS CAN SAFELY LEAVE THE HOSPITAL SOONER. A TYPICAL PATIENT GOES HOME AFTER FIVE OR SIX DAYS, BUT RESEARCHERS SAY IN MANY CASES IT'S OKAY TO LEAVE THE HOSPITAL AFTER JUST THREE DAYS. RESEARCHERS AT DUKE UNIVERSITY SAY ON AVERAGE, A FOURTH DAY IN THE HOSPITAL ADDS ONLY TWO DAYS TO A PATIENTS LIFE EXPECTANCY.
ONCAM=Susan
((on cam)) AND THAT'S A LOOK AT THE DAY IN HEALTH. I'M SUSAN MCGINNIS FOR CBS NEWS.))

(ad lib to weather)

[Two-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#NONE]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[Small Studio]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]

(I'll call for #)
[SUPER=16-(800) 651-MILK/South East Dairy Assoc.;]

[Double Boxes=KMC & SPA]
(toss to Kimberly)
[2-HEADLINES]
[2-shot=Mel/Kmc]
[SUPER=#4049; Morning Headlines]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Here's a look at today's top stories.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Washington D-C will be teeming with truckers today.
At least a thousand are expected to converge on the nation's capital to protest high diesel prices.
Traffic could be jammed for hours and officials are urging commuters to use public transportation or to just stay home.
This is their second protest in a month.
Gas prices in some parts of the country are at record levels and truckers have been pinched hard at the pump.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kim]

Factory closings in Floyd and Grayson Counties are putting nearly three hundred out of work.
The women's sportswear company Donnkenny will keep its Wytheville plant open.
Most of those losing their jobs are elderly workers, who have spent their lives in the textile business.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

And a 38-year-old Gainesville, Florida, man has been arrested and charged in the recent abduction of a ten-year-old girl.
She was held for three days before being released last week.
James Paul Johnson will be formally charged today with kidnapping and sexual battery.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And that's what's making news on this Thursday March 16.
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

[2-E-Truckers]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=99-54 1:56:19]
[GRAPHIC=Record Prices]

Independent truck drivers from across the country will rally today in Washington.
The high cost of fuel is one issue, but they're also carrying other economic concerns that threaten their livelihood.
Joe Dashiell caught up with one convoy last night at White's Truck Stop in Rockbridge County.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=OPENS ON NAT SOUND]
[SUPER=03-Rockbridge Co.; :03]
[SUPER=01-Becky Willey/Truck Driver; :18]
[SUPER=01-Eric Dotson/Truck Driver; :31]
[SUPER=01-Kevin Miller/Truck Driver; :59]
[SUPER=@Joe2; 1:08]
[RUNS=1:17]
[OUT Q=JD News 7 Rockbridge County]
((OPENS ON NAT SOUND OF HORN
The truckers rolled in with air horns blazing and American flags flying in the wind.
The convoy that left California five days ago was 200 strong by the time it arrived in Raphine.
Illinois drivers John and Becky Willey drove with out a load to be part of this protest.
[SOT]
[IN Q=It's very scary]
((BECKY WILLEY/TRUCK DRIVER: IT'S VERY SCARY. WE'VE WORKED HARD TO GET WHERE WE ARE AND TO KNOW NEXT WEEK THAT MAYBE EVERYTHING IS GONE. IT'S VERY EMOTIONAL AND IT'S SCARY THINKING ABOUT GOING TO WASHINGTON D.C., BUT IT'S SOMETHING WE HAD TO DO.)) ((ERIC DOTSON/TRUCK DRIVER: I WOULD COMPARE WHAT'S GOING ON RIGHT NOW WITH THE FLOODING THAT OCCURRED IN NORTH CAROLINA LAST YEAR. I MEAN BECAUSE PEOPLE OUT HERE ARE LOSING THEIR HOMES. A LOT OF THESE GUYS LIVE IN THESE TRUCKS AND THE BANK'S COMING AND GETTING THEM. IT'S REALLY BAD.))
[RUNS=]
[OUT Q=something we had to do.]

If fuel prices are the most obvious example of the economic challenges truckers are facing, they say other issues including the rates they are paid, are more important.
[SOT]
[IN Q=Fuel prices just hit the tip]
((FUEL PRICES JUST HIT THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG. IT'S BEEN COMING ON FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS. SINCE DEREGULATION WE'VE HAD A FREEZE ON THE RATES OUT HERE.))
[RUNS=]
[OUT Q=rates out here.]

Independent truckers say their future is bleak without some help. They're hoping lawmakers will be listening when the reach the steps of the Capitol.
Joe Dashiell News 7 Rockbridge County))

[2-E-Donnkenny]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=99-60 1:32:17]
[GRAPHIC=Plant Closing]

More textile jobs are going South-- some 300 hundred of them.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Floyd Co.;]

Donnkenny -- a company that makes women's sportswear -- will close plants in Floyd County and Grayson County.
Almost half of Floyd's workers already leave the county for their jobs.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 12:26:27]
[IN Q=Not very much]
((NOT VERY MUCH AROUND HERE. IT'S AT LEAST 30 OR 40 MINUTES AWAY TO GET A JOB.))
[SUPER=01-Mark Alderman/Laid Off Worker;]
[RUNS=:05]
[OUT Q=get a job]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Most of these workers are elderly and spent their lives in textiles -- according to the Floyd county administrator.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 13:59:15]
[IN Q=We do have]
((WE DO HAVE A LOYAL WORKFORCE. THEY ARE TRAINABLE. WE NEED TO TAKE THAT ALONG WITH THE LOW COST OF DOING BUSINESS IN FLOYD COUNTY, SEE IF WE CAN'T TAKE THIS SETBACK AND PUT A POSITIVE SPIN ON IT.))
[SUPER=01-George Nester/Floyd Co. Administrator;]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=spin on it]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Christiansburg/1998;]
[TAPE#=98-61; 23:20]

Donnkenny closed its Christiansburg and Lee County plants two years ago.
It plans to keep the Wytheville operations center open.
(------------)

[S-Cochran]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jmc]
[TAPE#=00-02 1:07:21]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

The case of two sisters allegedly murdered by one man is going before a grand jury.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-November 1999]

John Cochran is accused of capital murder and arson in the deaths of Ila and Inez Edwards of Galax.
The two women were found dead after their house was set on fire last fall.
At yesterday's preliminary hearing, authorities testified that the Edwards sisters were beaten to death with a blunt object.
A lab report said their blood was found on Cochran's shoes.
(------------)

[2-E-Bomb-Threats]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=99-51 1:57:52]
[GRAPHIC=Bomb Threat Charges]

Two bomb threats at Lynchburg schools could mean serious punishment for a teenager.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

The 15-year old boy pleaded guilty yesterday to calling in four threats to Dunbar Middle School and E.C. Glass High School earlier this month.
Educators say students need to realize that there are better ways to get attention.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 10:06:32]
[IN Q=They need to]
((JAMES MCCORMICK/LYNCHBURG SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT: THEY NEED TO UNDERSTAND THERE ARE OTHER ACTIVITIES OUT THERE TO WHICH THEY CAN APPLY THEIR TALENTS AND SKILLS AND AS YOU ACQUIRE TALENTS AND SKILLS, YOU WORK AT BEING THE BEST PERSON YOU CAN BE.))
[SUPER=01-James McCormick/Lynchburg School Superintendent]
[RUNS=15]
[OUT Q=you can be.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The boy will undergo a psychiatric evaluation before he's sentenced next month.
Prosecutors say it's likely he'll get an indefinite term of juvenile detention.
(------------)

[Three-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#NONE]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[Small Studio]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=01-Janet Grubbs/Southeast Dairy Assoc.;]

(I'll call for #)
[SUPER=16-(800) 651-MILK/Southeast Dairy Assoc.;]

[double Boxes=SPA & MEL]
(toss to Melanie)

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=None]
(ad lib toss to bump)
[BUMP-Chyron]
[COMM #6]
((Archive: milk))

[2-Lemon-Law]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=am]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=99-59 TC58:12]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[***ANCHOR TAG***]
If you're stuck with a problematic new car then you should know about the Lemon Law.
It's a state code that requires a manufacturer to replace or repurchase a new vehicle... that has repeated defects within a certain amount of time.
Kate Weidaw has more.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.; :00]
[SUPER=01-Bettina Altizer/Attorney; :24]
[SUPER=@Kate1; :35]
[RUNS=1:15]
[OUT Q=News 7, Roanoke.]
((If you're having mechanical trouble with your new car you shouldn't have to string lemons around it like Karen Robertson did.
Virginia's lemon law is in place - to help new car owners who experience reoccurring defects that endanger them and their passengers. Bettina Altizer is an attorney in Roanoke who has handled cases like this before.

[SOT 1:26:57]
[INQ=]
((BETTINA ALTIZER/ATTORNEY: THE DEFECTS HAVE TO OCCUR WITHIN THAT 18 MONTH PERIOD OF TIME SO IF YOU HAVE THAT CAR 18 MONTHS OR A COUPLE OF YEARS AND THESE PROBLEMS START TO HAPPEN YOU'RE KIND OF OUT OF LUCK UNDER THE CODE.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 10]

[STANDUP 1:40:11]
[INQ=]
((KATE WEIDAW/REPORTING: AND IF YOU'VE BOUGHT A USED CAR, WELL DEFECTS DO NOT FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW. EXPERTS SAY TO HAVE A MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT FIRST BEFORE YOU PURCHASE IT.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 10]

The lemon law does cover drivers who have had a reasonable number of repair attempts to fix the defects. [TAKE PRE-PRO] For example: If a defect has been repaired three or more times - and it persists. If a serious safety defect, like faulty brakes, has been repaired one or more times and it still occurs. Or if your car is out of service because of repairs for 30 days or more.
But keep in mind your manufacturer has to be notified of the repairs if you hope to have it repurchase or replace your vehicle.))
(--------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=none]

If you would like more information about the Lemon Law contact the Better Business Bureau.

[E-Power-Team]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=nkr]
[TAPE#=00-01 1:05:13]
[GRAPHIC=None]

What do you get when you combine physical strength, positive energy, and a strong Christian belief?
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

You get the Power Team... A group of athletes who say they prove their strength through God--
At New Life Temple in Roanoke last night...they showed off their abilities to hundreds.
Russ Clear can break police handcuffs.
Members like Clear try to get people excited about God by sharing their testimonies and talking about real life issues.
Mike Hagen's an ex-pro football player.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I asked Jesus Christ]
((I ASKED JESUS CHRIST TO COME INTO MY HEART....GOD IS IN MY LIFE IN A BIG WAY. ))
[SUPER=01-Mike Hagen/Power Team]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=in a big way]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Russ Clear even lays between beds of nails-- then adds a team member weighing more than 300 pounds - who's lifting more than that.
You can catch the power team until Sunday at New Life Temple on Airport Road in Roanoke.
(------------)

[hajj]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

More than two million Muslims have embarked on one of the most sacred duties of their faith.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Mecca, Saudi Arabia;]
[3:14:47]
They've started trekking to a desert plain outside the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
The annual pilgrimage -- called hajj (hahj) -- is required at least once by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it.
The hajj has frequently been marred by tragedy -- the most recent in 1998, when more than 100 pilgrims were trampled to death in a stampede.
Today five people were killed in car accidents.
Last week, six pilgrims were crushed to death.
(------------)

[3-Sports]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]

In sports, more highlights from U-V-A and Georgetown including post game wrap up.
Mike Stevens has more.
Good Morning Mike.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good morning]
[SUPER=03-Charlottesville/Hoyas vs. Cavaliers; :00]
[SUPER=01-Pete Gillen/UVa Head Coach; :38]
[SUPER=01-Craig Esherick/Georgetown Head Coach; 1:11]
[SUPER=33-Georgetown/115/Virginia/111/Three Overtimes; 1:20]
[SUPER=01-Chris Williams/23 Points for UVa; 1:29]
[SUPER=01-Donald Hand/22 Points for UVa; 1:37]
[SUPER=@roy1; 1:43]
[RUNS=2:57]
[OUT Q=later today]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(weather toss)

[Local-Recap]
[SUPER=#4059;Local Recap]
[2-Shot=Mel/Kmc]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Now here's another look at today's top local stories:
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Nearly 300 people in Floyd and Grayson Counties are out of a job.
Donnkenny -- a company that makes women's sportswear -- will close two plants.
The company plans to keep its Wytheville operations center open.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Some 200 independent truck drivers from across the country are heading for a rally tomorrow in Washington.
Their convoy made a stop in Rockbridge County last night.
They're protesting not only record high gas prices, but also other economic conditions that they say threaten their livelihood.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Any rain will be welcome news at Philpott Lake-- it's nearly 15 feet below normal.
The dry spell has forced eight out of 12 boat ramps to close and many docks have been moved.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
(Kimberly mic hot)
(///////////////)
(Kimberly ad lib weather)
(-------------)
[2-SHOT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Now here's Keith Humphry with a preview of News 7 at Six.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=It seems]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=on News 7 at Six.]
(-------------)
[Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)
(ad lib bye) [Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]