WDBJ 7 news at 11 for 03/27/00

[News-Heads]

[ANCHOR=Jean]

[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

Next on News 7-
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

If you thought gas prices couldn't go much higher. Think again- We'll tell you what OPEC's doing and how it could affect you.
A big boost as hundreds of new jobs come to the area-
And the last minute effort to keep Elian Gonzalez in the U-S.
(------------)
[Talent=Jean]

News 7 is Next.

[Video-Open]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at 11]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 31:18]
[IN Q=]
((THIS TIME LAST YEAR THEY WERE BETWEEN 80, 90 CENTS OR A DOLLAR YOU KNOW.))
[RUNS=04]
[OUT Q=you know]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

A trip to the gas pump reminds drivers of what gasoline prices a year ago, even as OPEC meets to ease the oil shortage.
(------------)

[Gas-Prices]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#00-08 TC16:10]
[GRAPHIC=Gas Prices]

Gas prices are still on the rise which means drivers have to dig deeper into their pockets to fill up their tank.

But there could be good news on the horizon for gas prices.
[Double Boxes=Jean and Kate/Microwave]
Kate Weidaw is in Roanoke tonight to tell us about it.
[Live=Kate Full/Microwave]
[SUPER=@Kate1;]
[SUPER=05-Roanoke;]
Jean gas prices may go down but it could get worse before it gets better.
And with the major oil producers thinking about increasing production -- prices could be going south soon.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :00]
[SUPER=07-Bob Hunt; :21]
[SUPER=03-Vienna, Austria; :39]
[SUPER=07-Tom Bartness; 1:02]
[RUNS=1:06]
[OUT Q=Likely story.]
((You see the high prices for gasoline every where you drive. Bob Hunt and his family are from Texas but still have a ways to go before they reach their destination in Alaska.

[SOT 20:36]
[INQ=]
((BOB HUNT: FROM HERE TO PRICE RUPERT I HAVE 4000 MILES.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 05]

And his annual trip is costing him more then he ever expected.

[SOT 20:44]
[INQ=]
((BOB HUNT: I'M GOING TO BE PAYING A WHOLE LOT MORE BECAUSE THE FUEL'S A LOT HIGHER OTHER PLACES THEN IT IS HERE.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 07]

If the price of gasoline is getting you down -- then be thankful you're not overseas [CBS yesterday 21:21:05] where the price is about five dollars a gallon in Britain and close to four dollars in France, Italy, and Germany. [CBS TODAY 16:40:56] That's one reason the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries is meeting in Vienna, Austria to reach an agreement on increasing production.
Oil traders expect OPEC ministers to increase production by up to two million barrels day. But experts question if that will really affect prices at the gas pump. Drivers are skeptical too.

[SOT 15:57]
[INQ=]
((TOM BARTNESS: THEY SAY THEY'RE GOING TO TURN MORE OIL SO THEY SAY THE PRICES ARE GOING TO COME DOWN, HA HA HA, YEH LIKELY STORY.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 07]))
[Live=Kate Full/Microwave]
[SUPER=05-Roanoke;]
OPEC did not reach an agreement today to increase production --
[Double Boxes=Jean and Kate/Microwave]
But even if an agreement is reached it will be six to eight weeks before we see a drop in gas prices.

[Plant-Explosion]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=nkr]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Explosion]

52 people were hurt when a Texas chemical plant exploded today.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pasadena, TX]

One worker is missing following the blast at the Phillips Petroleum Plant.
Injuries range from burns to anxiety-disorders.
Those nearby were ordered to stay inside for more than two hours as black smoke spread for miles.
This is the third explosion at the plant.
The most recent killed two workers two years ago.
The cause is under investigation.
(------------)

[Fulton-Truck]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=99-56 TC01:44]
[GRAPHIC=Business Closing]

After 60 years in Roanoke, a truck dealership is closing its doors.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Fulton Trucks Incorporated on Shenandoah Avenue has been in the area since 1941.
Jay Blake, the General Manager, is retiring after working there 49 years and decided to sell the business.
Blake says he doesn't know what business will take over the property because he sold it to a financial investor in Roanoke.
(------------)

[EchoStar]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#00-07 TC33:31]
[GRAPHIC=Echostar]

The nation's second-largest satellite-TV provider is beaming in 14-hundred new jobs to the New River Valley.
Marya Jones has more.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=clapping]
[SUPER=@Boucher; :16]
[SUPER=01-Soraya Cartwright/EchoStar; :45]
[SUPER=@Marya1; 1:02]
[RUNS=1:13]
[OUT Q=MJ, News 7.]
(((/////SOT/////)
[natsound: clapping] ((NATSOUND: CLAPPING ))
[RUNS=:02]

EchoStar is dishing out the jobs in the New River Valley...and a projected 30-million dollars a year in local investment.
Company officials say they've already begun interviewing.
They'll hire 600 people immediately... and 14-hundred within a year.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 2:38:07 - :24]
((REP. RICK BOUCHER/(D) 9TH DISTRICT: WHAT A GREAT DAY THIS IS FOR THE 9TH DISTRICT. THIS WILL ENRICH THE ECONOMY OF THE NRV AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THOUSANDS OF THE REGION'S RESIDENTS.))
[RUNS= :16]

It's a job-growth victory that was hard-won.
EchoStar officials say the area was a tough sell because it had much lower unemployment than they wanted.
But a job fair in March that brought out two-thousand hopefuls helped seal the deal.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 2:47:52 - 2:48:08]
((SORAYA CARTWRIGHT/ECHOSTAR: IF I WOULD HAVE LOOKED AT VIRGINIA ON PAPER, IT WOULD HAVE NEVER MADE IT TO THE TOP TWO CITIES BECAUSE OF UNEMPLOYMENT. THE BEST THING YOU DID WAS INVITE US HERE TO LET US SEE FOR OURSELF WHAT'S HERE.))
[RUNS= :16]
[SU] ((MARYA JONES/NEWS 7: ECHOSTAR IS STILL CHOOSING BETWEEN LOCATIONS AT TWO CHRISTIANSBURG INDUSTRIAL PARKS. IT HOPES TO BEGIN CHOOSING IT'S NEW WORKFORCE AT JOB FAIRS ON TUESDAY AND THURSDAY NEXT WEEK. MARYA JONES, NEWS 7.))
[RUNS= :09]))
(XXXXXXX)
[WIPE TO FULL SCREEN]
Those job fairs will be held at the Montgomery County Enterprise Center in Christiansburg.
That's at 755 Roanoke Street... Tuesday and Thursday from 10 A-M to 7 P-M.
(-------------)

[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]

[Sat-TV]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=99-59 TC1:12:27]
[GRAPHIC=None]

[WIPE TO ENG]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

One area businessman believes the call center will translate into good news for Echostar's local customers.
Matt Whitcomb owns a Roanoke based business that sells, installs and services DISH programming in a 30- county area.
He recently visited the company's headquarters in Colorado and says he's convinced the new site will encourage the company to offer local programming to its customers in the Roanoke area.
(///// SOT ///// 23:38:35)
[SOT]
[IN Q=There is ]
((MATT WHITCOMB/ACS PRESIDENT: THERE IS LIMITED CAPACITY TO DISTRIBUTE LOCAL SIGNALS BACK DOWN TO THE CUSTOMER BUT IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING WITH THIS CALL CENTER GOING IN CLOSE TO HOME THAT THE ROANOKE STATIONS ARE PROBABLY A SHOE IN WITHIN THE NEXT 30- TO 60- DAYS.))
[SUPER=01-Matt Whitcomb/ACS President; ]
[RUNS=14]
[OUT Q= next 30- to 60-days.]
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[SS=Echostar Generic]

Echostar is also getting involved in the Internet business.
Today the company announced it's joined forces with another company to provide high speed Internet service to its customers via the satellite.

[Bank-Robbers]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=jmc]
[TAPE#=00-13 TC00:10]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

A Roanoke man today pled guilty to a couple of recent bank robberies.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/July 20, 1998]

Steven Burnette admitted robbing a First Union branch on Melrose Avenue, the summer before last.
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./November 26, 1999]

Burnette was also convicted of a holdup at the First Virginia Bank near Oak Grove Plaza last fall.
Burnette had an accomplice on that one, Keith Garner.
Both men will be sentenced in June, in Roanoke's federal court.
(------------)

[Cuban-Boy]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Elian Gonzalez]

Elian Gonzalez could be taken from his Miami home as early as Thursday.
As Lee Cowan reports the boy's Miami family is making a last minute appeal to keep the child.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Linda Osberg-Braun/Relative's Attorney; :12 QUICK!!!!]
[SUPER=03-Miami, FL; 34]
[SUPER=01-Jose Pertiebra/Immigration Attorney; 47]
[SUPER=01-Lee Cowan/Reporting; 1:16]
[RUNS=1:35]
[OUT Q=Capitol Hill.]
((In a ranting one hour speech over the weekend, Cuban President Fidel Castro said his country was tired of waiting . And based on last week's ruling by a Miami District Judge-Elian must be returned to his father. LINDA OSBERG-BRAUN/RELATIVE'S ATTORNEY: But his relatives are still fighting-filing a last minute appeal just hours before the government's deadline was set to expire. US Attorney General Janet Reno has agreed to allow the motion to be heard as long as it was fast. AND the family agreed in writing to turn Elian over to the INS if they lose. So far, the family has not agreed to meet that demand and the Justice Department says that changes everything. Legal experts say the family's tactic was never meant to overturn the lower court's ruling. Instead, it's meant to keep the issue on the table for as long as possible. JOSE PERTIEBRA/Immigration Attorney The government already has the authority to send Elian back to Cuba-and despite the pending appeal, could remove Elian from his Miami as early as Thursday. That's such a concern to Elian's supporters- a group of about 100 protestors gathered outside his great-uncle's home -vowing to form a human chain around the house in case the government came calling.
LEE COWAN: They have some members of Congress on their side, 9 U-S Senators, including Senate Majority leader Trent Lott have sent a letter to Janet Reno, asking her to hold off any action until the family has exercised all legal options. That day is fast approaching. After the appellate court, the only option left will be the US Supreme Court. Lee Cowan CBS News Washington.))

[Smoker-Suit]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Tobacco Under Fire]

A victory for a 40 year old ex-smoker-
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

A woman dying from lung cancer- was awarded 20 million dollars in damages today from two big tobacco companies.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=20:14:47]
((LESLIE WHITELEY/CANCER PATIENT: BY THE TIME YOU GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL WOULD YOU SAY YOU WERE A REGULAR SMOKER? WHITELEY: I WOULD SAY YES.))
[SUPER=01-Leslie Whiteley/Cancer Patient]
[RUNS=05]
[OUT Q=I would say yes.]
(----------)
[VO-NAT]

Whiteley started smoking well AFTER the government required warnings on cigarette labels-
But the jury concluded damages were due- because Philip Morris and R-J Reynolds deceived her about smoking.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=20:15:19]
((THEY MISLEAD THEY TOLD HALF TRUTHS, THEY LIED AND YET AT THE SAME TIME, THEN EXPECT EH PUBLIC OR SOMEBODY LIKE LESLIE WHITELY TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND ALL THE HAZARDS THAT THEY THEMSELVES DENIED.))
[Super=01-Madelyn Chaber/Whiteley's Attorney;]
[RUNS=12]
[OUT Q=they themselves denied.]
(--------------------)

[Vo-nat]
Lawyers for the tobacco companies claim Whiteley should have been well aware of the risks. They plan to appeal-
(------------)

[Tease1]
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[writer=chr]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[SS=None]

Two Reform Parties are now one thanks to a Lynchburg judge's decision.
Find out who's in charge when News 7 at Eleven returns.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

And Roanoke's raccoon is back on solid ground.
(-------------)

[Sports-Preview]

[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=sports preview]
[GRAPHIC=none]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Hi Jean]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=Later ]
((HI JEAN, TONIGHT IN SPORTS SOME UPSET AS THE WOMEN'S FINAL FOUR IS DECIDED. THE TAR HEELS ARE ANYTHING BUT UPSET AS THEY PREPARE FOR INDIANAPOLIS. THEY'RE TRYING TO MAKE MAJOR LEAGUE DREAMS A REALITY AT RIP CITY AND THE PANTHERS SHOOT FOR THE TOP SPOT IN THE REGION. THOSE STORIES AND MORE LATER.))

[Reform-Party]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=00-01 TC1:19:55]
[GRAPHIC=Reform Party]

A Lynchburg federal judge says supporters of Ross Perot are in charge of the Reform Party.
The judge's decision clears the way for Chairman Pat Choate and other party officials to start planning a convention for later in the year.
But as Steve Smallshaw reports, it may not be easy for members to reunite after a bitter court battle.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Until judge]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg/Last Week; :00]
[SUPER=03-Nashville/Last Month; :09]
[SUPER=@ssm1; :42]
[RUNS=1:00]
[OUT Q=News 7, Lynchburg]

(( Until Judge Norman K. Moon issued his 22-page ruling this afternoon, there actually were two Reform Parties of America.
The party split last month during this out of control meeting in Nashville that saw Pat Choate replace Jack Gargan as party chairman.
Judge Moon ruled that "..the national committee meeting was valid and did not violate the party's constitution.." because proper notice was given and the delegates were properly credentialed.
Gargan's refusal to call that meeting to order was "an improper attempt to subvert the will" of the majority of the party.
Moon concluded that the "Reform Party will suffer irreparable injury if Gargan" and his supporters are not barred from representing the party.)) [Standup] ((Pat Choate says he would welcome Jack Gargan back to the Reform Party, but Gargan says he absolutely will NOT go back. He estimates as much as 80 percent of the Reform Party's membership will leave with him.. and a fourth political par
ty.. one headed up by Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura.. could be in their future. Steve Smallshaw, News7, Lynchburg.)

)[Robb]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=99-57 TC1:31:33]
[GRAPHIC=Chuck Robb]

U-S Senator Chuck Robb admits he's in for a tough challenge, but today he assured his Democratic supporters he knows how to fight.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Robb rallied Roanoke Valley Democrats before taking his campaign kickoff to Richmond and Norfolk.
His Republican rival, former Governor George Allen, has raised twice as much money, but Robb says he isn't concerned.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:07:03]
[IN Q=I got outspent]
((SEN. CHUCK ROBB: I GOT OUTSPENT 15 MILLION DOLARS LAST TIME BY OLLIE NORTH. NOW THEIR CAMPAIGNS ARE SIMILAR IN SOME RESPECTS. AND HE'S CERTAINLY GOING TO OUTSPEND ME, AND I'VE SAID THAT FROM THE OUTSET, BUT IF YOUVE BEEN OUTSPENT BY 15 MILLION THE PROSPECT OF ABOUT HALF THAT AMOUNT IS NOT INTIMIDATING.))
[SUPER=01-Chuck Robb/(D) Candidate for Senate;]
[RUNS=:20]
[OUT Q=that amount is not intimidating.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Robb emphasized his military service, his support for public education as Governor, and his search for bipartisan solutions to issues of national importance.
(------------)

[Gilmore-Mother]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=99-58 TC1:30:24 ]
[GRAPHIC=Jim Gilmore]

International diplomacy must go on-- Governor Gilmore kept part of his schedule on track event hough is mother passed away.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Gilmore's mother died last night.
Margaret K- Gilmore was 83 years old, and lived in Henrico County.
Because of her death, the Governor canceled the rest of his public schedule through Wednesday.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[SS=HOLD]

But the he went ahead with a previously scheduled Internet summit this morning with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Mubarak was Gilmore's guest in northern Virginia to talk about how that area's "e-commerce" community could form partnerships with Egypt's growing Internet sector.

[Danville-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sch]
[TAPE#=00-03 TC1:17:11]
[GRAPHIC=Fire Investigation]

Still no word on what caused the fire that forced eight Danville residents from their homes early this morning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville;]

The fire started around one this morning on the second floor of this Worsham Street apartment house.
Fire investigators have not been able to determine the cause because of extensive damage.
No one was injured.
(------------)

[Tease2]
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[writer=chr]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[SS=None]

Still ahead on News 7 at 11, Andrew will be here with the work-week forecast.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

And meet a Franklin County man who's helping people "get their kicks."
(----------------)

[Lotto]
[anchor=Jean]
[writer=chr]
[newscast=11]
[tape=none]
[graphic=]

[SUPER=135-1 0 5/9 0 5 1/3 15 18 25 26]

[Raccoon]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=nkr]
[TAPE#=00-06 27:53]
[GRAPHIC=None]

It took five days, but Roanoke's pole-sitting raccoon is safe and sound.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

We're talking about the raccoon that got tangled in some wires on a utility pole Thursday.
Wildlife Rescue and American Electric Power were able to untangle the animal yesterday, but it was too scared to climb down.
An AEP cherry picker helped workers to bring the raccoon to safety.
(------------)

[Wirtz-Machine]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=00-12 TC2:18:10]
[GRAPHIC=None]
A Smith Mountain Lake man is becoming an expert at kicking people's butts and it's our Video of the Day.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[Super=X5052 (loads FX)]
[Super=X5045 (starts FX)]
[SUPER=75-Franklin Co.;]
Bob Boothe geared this waterwheel to deliver a swift punt to the posterior. Now people from New York to California are stopping for a spanking. Boothe controls the impact.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 10:35:50]
[SOT 10:35:58]
[IN Q=It kicks]
((IT KICKS HARDER WHEN IT GOES FASTER. BUTT BUTT BUTT I'D PROBABLY PUT YOU ON FOR THE FAST SPEED. LAUGHS))
[SUPER=74-Bob Boothe/Inventor;]
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=nat laughs]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Boothe is a retired building contractor who says he has no enemies, so he tests this machine out on his friends. Two New York tourists were so impressed, they devoted a website to the invention, so even without driving, you can get your kicks.
(------------)
[Super=X5043 (clears FX)]

[S-Extra]

[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=extra point]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Coming up, eight teams battle for a spot in the women's final four, the Tar Heels talk about their surprising tournament success, area baseball players get a helping hand in making the majors and will Rocker remain in Atlanta.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=75-Pt. Vedra Beach, FL/NBC Sports;]

Our Extra Point tonight Hal Sutton won The Players Championship earlier today in Florida.
The 41-year-old veteran beat Tiger Woods by a single stroke to become the oldest winner in T-P-C history.
He also won the prestigious event in 1983.
Sutton began play today three strokes ahead of Woods with seven holes of the rain-interrupted final round to complete. Woods pulled to within one shot when he eagled the 16th.
But both matched pars on 17 and 18 to finish it off.
Here are the scoreboards.
(------------)
[WIPE TO MOTION]
[SUPER=#556]
[SUPER=X5027;]
[SUPER=0098-/LSU/71/j/UCONN/86//WNCAA/j/Tennessee/57//Texas Tech/44//WNCAA/;]
[super=x5009;]
[super=0098-/Louisiana Tech/55/j/Penn St./72//WNCAA//Georgia///Rutgers///WNCAA - Late/;]
[SUPER=X5028;]
[SUPER=0096-j/San Antonio/90//Seattle/82////Dallas/102//Utah/95//4th Qt/;]
[SUPER=X5031;]
[SUPER=0103-j/Detroit/6//N. Y. Rangers/0///j/Buffalo/5//Carolina/1///;]
[SUPER=X5009;]
[SUPER=0103-/Chicago/0//Colorado/1//2nd Period//Edmonton/0//San Jose/1//1st Period/;]
[SUPER=X5012;]
[SUPER=0095-j/Brown/5//Liberty/4///;]
[RUNS=:25]
[OUT Q=....last score."]
(------------------)

[S-WOMEN]

[ANCHOR=DENISE]
[NEWSCAST=11P]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=SP-49 TC 2:02:44]
[GRAPHIC=WFINAL FOUR]

The Lady Lions stopped Louisiana Tech from making its third straight final four appearance.
Second seed Penn State beat the number one seed 72-to-55. So far the rest of the top seeds have advanced.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond/ESPN;]

In the East Regional Championship, LSU couldn't keep up with UCONN, Ke-Ke Tardy cuts the lead to 10 with this layup.

But Svetlana Abrosimova was unstopable leading all scorers with 25 and UCONN advances with the 86-71 win.
[super=03-Memphis, TN/ESPN;]

In the Mideast, Texas Tech played the Lady Vols even in the first half Amber Tarr gives Tech its first lead late in the first period. It was tied at 25 at the break.
But Tennessee powered its way to the victory, 6-5 Michelle Snow to the hoop and the Volunteers are headed to Philadelphia with the 57-to-44 victory.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=DENISE]
[SS=HOLD]

Georgia and Rutgers battle for the last final four spot in the West Regional Championship that tips off at midnight

.[S-UNC]

[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=SP-56 tc 1:50:15]
[GRAPHIC=Final four]

The men's final four is already set.
North Carolina, Florida, Michigan State and Wisconsin will make the trip to Indianapolis.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Austin, TX; :00]

The Tarheels beat Tulsa to reach the semifinals behind freshman Joseph Forte's career high 28 points.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="obviously]
[SUPER=01-Bill Guthridge/UNC Head Coach; :04]
[SUPER=01-Ed Cota/UNC Senior Point Guard; :28]
((BILL GUTHRIDGE/UNC HEAD COACH:OBVIOUSLY WE'RE THRILLED TO DEATH TO BE GOING TO THE FINAL FOUR. I AM SO HAPPY FOR THE TEAM AND SO PROUD OF THEM. THEY'VE REALLY HUNG IN THERE ALL YEAR THROUGH SOME DIFFICULT TIMES, HELP KEEP ME UP AND TO BE GOING TO THE FINAL FOUR IS A REAL THRILL FOR ALL OF US IT'S SOMETHING WE NEVER GET TIRED OF.)) ((ED COTA/UNC SENIOR POINT GUARD: WE FEEL WE UNDERACHIEVED ALL THIS YEAR. WE DIDN'T ACCOMPLISH SOME OF OUR GOALS, BUT WE'RE GOING TO THE FINAL FOUR WAS ONE OF OUR GOALS AND WE FINALLY GOT IT DONE.))
[RUNS=:32]
[OUT Q=...got it done]
(-------------)
[WIPE TO PINNACLE!!!]
[@PAGE1-------]

You can take in the action right here on your Hometown Station. Our coverage starts at 5:30 on Saturday with Wisconsin and Michigan State.
UNC and Florida make up the night cap.
(------------------)

[S-Rip]

[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-64 11:15]
[GRAPHIC=Major League Baseball]

The boys of summer are back and for their younger counter parts making the big leagues is the dream.
Rip City is trying help turn dreams into realty.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem; :00]

This indoor baseball facility is located in the back of the Salem Fitness Center and caters to kids of all ages who share a love for the game.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="we]
[SUPER=01-Dave Christianson/Rip City Co-Founder; :00]
((DAVE CHRISTIANSON/RIP CITY CO-FOUNDER:WE REALLY DIDN'T CARE IF WE TURNED THE FIRST NICKEL OF PROFIT. OUR OBJECTIVE WAS TO PROVIDE A PLACE FOR KIDS TO COME WHO WERE SERIOUS ABOUT BASEBALL AND WANTED TO TAKE IT TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL THAT THEY COULD.))
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=....that they could"]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Former Northside and Radford University star Kelly Dampeer has been an instructor.
Dampeer was in the Cleveland system the last three years and joins an Independent pro team in a few weeks.
Kids come to Rip City from everywhere.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=we've]
((WE GOT KIDS COMING FROM COVINGTON, WE'VE GOT KIDS COMING FROM BLUEFIELD WEST VIRGINIA, WE GOT AN ENTIRE HIGH SCHOOL TEAM COMING FROM PRINCETON. CERTAINLY BLACKSBURG, CHRISTIANSBURG, BLACKSBURG, SO IT'S GROWN BEYOND WHAT WE THOUGHT IT WOULD.))
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=....thought it would"]
(--------------)

[S-Rocker]

[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=SP-60 57:07]

[WIPE WIPE WIPE]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-MLB;]

According to the Associated Press, both Atlanta and Montreal say a trade involving controversial reliever John Rocker is NOT in the works.
But a A New Jersey newspaper is reporting otherwise and cites a highly placed baseball official as saying the Braves are close to completing a deal to send Rocker to Montreal for closer Ugueth Urbina (oo-GET' ur-BEE'-nah) and other players.
(------------)

[S-Panthers]

[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-55 (1:43:43)]
[GRAPHIC=Ferrum Logo]

The Ferrum baseball team has played second fiddle in the region five times.
But this year the Panthers have set out to take the top spot in region and earn a spot in the college world series.

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="We're playing.....]
[SUPER=01-Abe Naff/Ferrum Head Coach; :]
((ABE HEAD COACH: WE'RE PLAYING A LOT OF FRESHMAN IN THE LINEUP BUT WE HAVE A NICE MIX OF SENIOR LEADERSHIP ALSO JUST BEEN GETTING QUALITY PITCHING PRETTY GOOD DEFENSE AND SOME TIMELY HITS.)) [RUNS:10]
[OUT Q=....timely hits."]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Ferrum; :]

Even though the team is young, The pitching is no surprise to Naff. In the off season his staff made pitching a number one priority.
Naff believes the group he has now has the ability to get through the regionals and into the college world series.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="We had to...]
[SUPER=01-Greg Stubblefield/Senior Shortstop; :]
((NAFF: WE HAD TO GET SOME PITCHING WE COULD PITCH ON THE WEEKENDS LAST YEAR AND WE STRUGGLED TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY SO DURING THE MIDDLE OF THE WEEK WE COULDN'T THROW A QUALITY STARTER OUT THERE NOW WE CAN.)) ((GREG STUBBLEFIELD/SENIOR SHORTSTOP: I THINK THE KEY WAS WE GOT A LOT OF FRESHMAN IN WE GOT A LOT MORE PITCHING LOT MORE DEPTH IN POSITION PLAYERS. LAST YEAR WE HAD A COUPLE OF KEY GUYS WE REALLY DIDN'T HAVE MUCH DEPTH SO WE GOT REPLACEMENTS FOR JUST ABOUT EVERY POSITION THAT MADE US VERY STRONG.))
[RUNS=:23]
[OUT Q=......very strong."]
(--------------)

(the end)

[S-Hussey]

[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=SP-61 tc 1:10:26]
[GRAPHIC=VT Hoops]

Virginia Tech fans are waiting to find out what the future holds for standout center Dennis Mims
Mims met with coach Ricky Stokes today.
Tech Basketball officials say the two will meet again tomorrow and then make an announcement.
Mims was suspended March seventh for undisclosed reasons.
Former Tech basketball coach Bobby Hussey was in our area this weekend.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/Saturday;]

Hussey has been traveling the world teaching fundamentals as a part of the NIKE High School Grass Roots Basketball Program.
He still wants to be a coach.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I have a lot]
((BOBBY HUSSEY/FORMER VA TECH BASKETBALL COACH: I HAVE A LOT OF FEELERS OUT. I'D LIKE TO GET BACK INTO COACHING THIS SPRING, BUT AT THE SAME TIME IF IT DOESN'T HAPPEN BASKETBALL AND ATHLETICS HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY LIFE. I'VE ENJOYED WHAT I'VE DONE THIS YEAR. LAST SPRING THE WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY FOR COACHING WAS PRETTY MUCH CLOSED AND THIS GAVE ME A CHANCE TO TAKE THE HIGH ROAD.))
[SUPER=01-Bobby Hussey/Former Va.Tech Basketball Coach; :07]
[RUNS=20]
[OUT Q=take the high road]
(------------)

[S-NHL]

[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=SP-54 tc 1:56:33]
[GRAPHIC=NHL]

In the NHL, Buffalo and Carolina were fighting to keep playoff hopes alive.
The Sabres traveled to Raleigh on a three game win streak.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Raleigh, NC/Empire;]

Buffalo took a one-nothing lead into the second period. This Carolina goal off the power play evens it up at the 7:19 mark.
But the Sabres move quickly to break the tie, Curtis Brown left alone puts in the rebound for the easy score and it's two-one Buffalo.
[super=31-Buffalo/5/Carolina/1;]

Miroslav Satan extends the Sabres lead late in the second period and Buffalo keeps its playoff hopes alive with the 5-to-1 win over the Hurricane. (------------)