[Central-Park]

[ANCHOR=Denise]

[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=None]


Police have now arrested eight people in the Central Park attacks case.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY;]


Two people were arrested overnight -in addition to the six picked up yesterday.
Despite public outrage about the case, they can only be charged with misdemeanors.
Current law would require someone to have been raped or badly hurt to make the Central Park Attacks punishable as felonies.
36 women have come forward to report being doused with water, stripped, groped and fondled by the out of control mob.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I said]
[SUPER=01-Josina Lawrence/Victim;]
[RUNS=05]
[OUT Q=directing traffic]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Some of the suspects have been identified by two or three different victims as having taken part in the attacks.
The victims have been looking at freeze-frames of all that amateur video shot during the rampage at last Sunday's Puerto Rican Day Parade.
(------------)




[11Celanese]


[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=00-21 TC28:14]
[GRAPHIC=none]


The Celanese plant in Giles County says its final offer is on the table.
And it's not flying well with employees... who continue to vote on the contract today.
The Union says a strike could be just around the corner.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Narrows;]


About half of the one-thousand union members cast their votes yesterday on a three-year contract that Celanese calls its "last, best offer."
Union leaders encouraged members to reject it.
They don't like the wages, pensions or mandatory overtime.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 25:48]
[IN Q=We're more than willing]

((JIMMY MULLINS/UNION PRESIDENT: WE'RE MORE THAN WILLING TO SIT DOWN AND TALK. ANYTIME, NIGHT, DAY, WEEKEND TO SEE IF WE CAN RESOLVE THIS ISSUE AND WE'RE STILL HOPEFUL THAT THIS ISSUE CAN BE RESOLVED, SHORT OF A STRIKE.))
[SUPER=01-Jimmy Mullins/Union President;]
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=short of a strike.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Celanese makes acetate fibers used in clothes and cigarettes.
It's the New River Valley's eighth-largest employer.
Workers have until tonight to vote on the contract.
They say if they can't re-open talks with Celco by the end of their current contract Monday night, they'll strike.

(------------)



[Washington-Park]


[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#00-20 57:13]
[GRAPHIC=Washington Park]


Neighbors to Roanoke's Washington Park turned out last night to voice their concerns about park improvements.
The reason: many residents want more input - and are afraid the proposal by Roanoke Catholic School could lead to major changes at their neighborhood park.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Residents sat]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :00]
[SUPER=01-Jim Allen/Gainsboro Resident; :27]
[SUPER=01-Stephen Niamke/Resident; :42]
[SUPER=01-Geraldine Reid/Northwest Resident; 1:05]
[SUPER=@Kate1;1:15]
[RUNS=1:25]
[OUT Q=kw news 7 Roanoke.]

((Residents sat in groups of five and ten making lists of concerns about the proposal to build athletic facilities at Washington Park. The Catholic Diocese has offered to contribute three hundred thousand dollars to build two soccer fields, a baseball field, a comfort station, and additional parking for Roanoke Catholic and the community to use. In return, the school wants exclusive use of the park at certain times of the year. Some residents agree that improvements are needed.

[SOT 33:52]
[INQ=]

((JIM ALLEN/GAINSBORO RESIDENT: YOU CAN JUST TELL BY WALKING THROUGH IT. IT NEEDS SOME IMPROVEMENTS AND I KNOW WE'RE LAND LOCKED HERE IN ROANOKE AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS CAN IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 10]


Other residents feel the plan would be better received if residents had more involvement.

[SOT 36:38]
[INQ=]

((STEPHEN NIAMKE: I THINK AS LONG AS PEOPLE AREN'T FEELING LIKE THEY'RE BEING LEFT OUT THAT'S THE MAJOR ISSUE, NOT THE QUALITY OF THE FIELD, I THINK ITS FEELING LIKE YOU'RE BEING INVITED BEING SERVED, THAT YOUR NEEDS ARE BEING MET.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 12]


On the other hand residents believe the plan is trying to push out the African American community that uses the park now. And they say the stipulations on when residents can use the park just aren't fair.

[SOT 40:29]
[INQ=]

((GERALDINE REID/NW RESIDENT: I FEEL LIKE IF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE GETS IN CONTROL AND GETS THIS MONEY THEY ARE GOING TO CONTROL IT AND TELL US WHEN WE CAN USE IT AND WHEN WE CAN'T USE IT AND I DON'T THINK THAT'S FAIR.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 10]


[STANDUP]
[INQ=]

((KATE WEIDAW/REPORTING: A DECISION ON THE PROPOSAL ISN'T EXPECTED ANYTIME SOON. CITY AND PARKS AND REC OFFICIALS SAY THEY WILL CONSIDER RESIDENTS CONCERNS AND MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES. THEY HOPE TO HOLD ANOTHER PUBLIC HEARING IN THE NEAR FUTURE. KATE WEIDAW NEWS 7 ROANOKE.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS=]))







[Pedestrian-Deaths]


[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=None]


A less-than-promising distinction for Danville and Roanoke.
The Southern Environmental Law Center says the two cities are among the deadliest in the state for pedestrians.
The Center's report also cites Richmond and Hampton Roads.
Nearly 200 pedestrians were killed in Virginia in 1998.
A Center spokesperson says pedestrian fatalities are often the result of streets that lack sidewalks and safe crossing zones.

[Severe-Weather]


[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=Severe Weather]


Some wicked weather overnight has left a mark on the District of Columbia
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington;]

Thunderstorms knocked out the power to thousands of homes and took down trees.
By morning, some twenty-seven-hundred were in the dark in the District.
Another ten-thousand lost power in surrounding counties.
[super=03-Guernee, IL;]


Many areas of suburban Chicago are still dealing with high water and some may see even more flooding as rivers begin to crest.
Guernee, Illinois is one of the hardest hit areas. officials are already evacuating some residents from areas cut off by high water.
Other residents are sandbagging in hopes of keeping rising water out.
Rivers are forecasted to crest above flood stage later today or early tomorrow.
(------------)




[11AEP-Merger]


[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=500-19 TC01:00]
[GRAPHIC=Power Deregulation]


8 thousand Virginians will be able to choose their electricity provider when American Electric Power begins a pilot program in October.
The program is set to go statewide in 2002.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-AEP Video]


A-E-P also completed a buyout of Central and South West Corporation yesterday.
The company's spokesperson says A-E-P is now an industry leader that will provide less expensive and more efficient energy to customers.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]

[TAPE:13:00:45]
[IN Q=I think it will be]

((I THINK IT WILL BE TERRIFIC FOR CONSUMERS. WE ARE READY TO BE LOW-COST PRODUCERS BOTH WE AND CENTRAL AND SOUTH WEST. THE COMBINATION WILL PRODUCE AT LEAST $2 BILLION WORTH OF MERGER SAVING IN THE FIRST TEN YEARS OF OPERATION, 55% OF WHICH WILL FLOW TO THE CONSUMERS.))
[SUPER=01-E. Linn Draper, Jr./AEP Chairman]
[RUNS=16]
(-------------)

[VO NAT]
A-E-P will now serve five million customers in 11 states.
(------------)




[Wallens-Ridge]


[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=None]


A Southwest Virginia prison will be investigated by a human rights commission looking into claims of racism and mistreatment.
Some inmates at Wallens Ridge state prison in Wise County say the overwhelmingly white prison staff is making racial remarks, beating them, and denying them access to attorneys and religious services.
The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities has now voted to look into the allegations.
The investigation may include a visit to the correctional facility.
The commission also wants to make sure that - if Connecticut continues to transfer inmates to Wallens Ridge - Virginia officials will comply with Connecticut's contract compliance laws.

[Survivors-PETA]


[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=None]


C-B-S's hit show "Survivor" isn't such a big hit with at least one animal rights group.
(---------------)

[vo-nat]
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - based in Virginia - says participants in the show - quote - "basically abused animals" in this week's episode.
The activists protested outside of the CBS Early Show today. [from Thurs. 10:41:40 or 10:44:07]
In "Survivor" Wednesday - the hungry castaways ate rats and speared seafood.
C-B-S has responded to PETA's criticism - saying hunting and fishing for food have been acceptable - quote - "since the dawn of time."
(---------------)




[Prince-William]


[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]


The oldest son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana is about to become fair game for the British paparazzi.
Prince William turns 18 next week and Richard Roth reports the teen has already graced the front pages of the tabloids.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Canada; :00]
[SUPER=10-Diana/Princess of Wales/1996;:21]
[SUPER=01-Piers Morgan/The Mirror; :31 - QUICK]
[SUPER=01-Roy Greenslade/Former Daily Mirror Editor; :54]
[super=01-Richard Roth/CBS News; 1:16]
[RUNS=1:25]
[OUT Q=News London]
((NAT SOT: Canadian girls

NARR: NO SECRET: HE HAS THE ABILITY TO LEAVE A TRAIL OF SWOONING GIRLS AND THE KNACK FOR SELLING NEWSPAPERS. IT'S IN HIS GENES - AND IN THE CROWN HE'LL SOMEDAY WEAR.
BUT THE FACT IS, FOR EIGHTEEN YEARS PRINCE WILLIAM'S BEEN LARGELY SHIELDED FROM INTRUSION BY THE PRESS , PARTLY OUT OF RESPECT FOR ROYAL PROTOCOL AND PARTLY OUT OF GUILT.

SOT DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES, AUSTRIA 1996: as a parent could I ask you

to respect my children's space.
NARR: TURNING EIGHTEEN NEXT WEEK WILL BE A TURNING POINT.

SOT PIERS MORGAN / THE MIRROR: there is going to be a change and to

pretend otherwise is unrealistic.
NARR: AND IT MAY ALREADY HAVE BEGUN.
ONE PAPER THIS WEEK PUBLISHED UNAUTHORIZED PICTURES OF THE PRINCE AT PLAY, OUTRAGING THE PALACE WHICH IS RELEASING OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TONIGHT.

(Charles in kilt w/kids)

MUCH AS HIS FATHER WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HIS SON SHELTERED FOR AT LEAST A FEW MORE YEARS, PRESSURE'S PULLING OFF THE GLOVES.

SOT ROY GREENSLADE/ former editor, Daily Mirror: the truth is that

editors want to seal newspapers and they see the royal family and the glamour attending to it as something that is very useful in building sales.
NARR: THE OPPOSING FORCE MAYBE MORAL PRESSURE FROM A PUBLIC WORRIED ABOUT BREACHING A YOUNG MAN'S PRIVACY. THE PROBLEM IS, THE PICTURES ALWAYS SELL.

(ROTH LIVE ON CAMERA): AND IF THERE'S ANY DOUBT, SAY ROYAL WATCHERS,

JUST WAIT -- TILL THE FIRST TIME WILLIAM'S SPOTTED WITH A GIRLFRIEND. RR, CBS News, London. ))

[11Tultex]


[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=sch]
[TAPE#=00-05 TC2:03:45]
[GRAPHIC=Tultex Chapter 11]


Only the memories remain at Tultex.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Halifax Co.; :00]


Auctioneers sold the last items from the South Boston plant.
This was the last of a series of three auctions that took place this week.
Thousands of sewing and knitting machines went to the highest bidder.
Veronna Barksdale came to bid on an item. She also used to work at the plant.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 23:19:33]
[IN Q=I can remember]

((VERONNA BARKSDALE/BIDDER: I CAN REMEMBER THE PLENTY OF HOURS OF GETTING UP EARLY TO GET TO WORK. I'M NOT A MORNING PERSON BUT THIS WAS THE ONE PLACE THAT I KIND OF ENJOYED.))
[SOT 23:24:51]

((ED KING/AUCTIONEER: IT'S JUST ONE OF THE MANY PLANTS ACROSS AMERICA THAT ARE GOING BANKRUPT AND LOSING BUSINESS TO OVERSEAS. IT'S A SHAME BUT IT HELPS MY BUSINESS.))
[SUPER=01-Veronna Barksdale/Bidder; :00]
[SUPER=01-Ed King/Auctioneer; :10]
[RUNS=:20]
[OUT Q=helps my business.]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]


More than two thousand items were sold this week.
(-----------------)
[ANCHOR=Denise]


Time now to check in with Patrick Evans for Growin' It.
[SPONSOR OPEN]


[GROWIN'-IT]


[ANCHOR=PATRICK]
[NEWSCAST=NOON]
[WRITER=pev]
[TAPE#=00-25 7:28]
[GRAPHIC=Growin' It]


The lily is a popular flower, so much so that the Garden Club of Virginia sponsors an annual show, and has for 58 years.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]


This year's show took place at Roanoke's Second Presbyterian Church, and featured displays from every local garden club chapter in the state, along with private entries in both the artistic and horticultural categories.
Growers are judged on the aesthetic qualities inherent in each variety of lily.
Judges have certain criteria they must look for when choosing a blue ribbon winner.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=We look for very...]
[SUPER=01-David Diller/Horticulture Judge;]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=count the most.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Participants for this 58th annual show came from all over Virginia to compete in Roanoke.
Next year, the show moves to Chatham.
(------------)


[SPONSOR CLOSE]


[S-Express]


[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=rst]
[TAPE#=SP-72 (38:36)]
[GRAPHIC=Express Logo]


The Roanoke Express is close to signing a 10-th player for next year.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :]


Ben Schust and head coach Perry Florio are working on a deal. Schust was the teams number one scorer with 27 goals and he led the team in points with 52.
Schust, a third year center with the team, he also served as a captain for the team.
(------------)

[WIPE TO SP-73]

[S-Gordon]


[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=rst]
[TAPE#=SP-73 (34:08)]
[GRAPHIC=None]



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


Meantime, Former Roanoke coach Scott Gordon may return to the East Coast Hockey League.
Sources in Augusta, Georgia have told News 7 Sports that Gordon is one of the leading candidates to take over for the Augusta Lynx.
Gordon coached the Express for two seasons and last year the team set a club record with 45 wins before losing in the first round of the league playoffs.
(------------)






[S-Wrath]


[ANCHOR=patrick]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=rst]
[TAPE#=SP-77]
[GRAPHIC=Wrath Logo]


Roanoke's premier soccer team, the Roanoke Wrath looks for its fourth straight win of the season this weekend against the Charlotte Eagles on the road.
The secret to the Wrath's recent success has been the guys up front and some new comers.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="first audio...]
[SUPER=01-Grayson Prillaman/Wrath Midfielder; :]
[RUNS=:22]
[OUT Q=......a little bit."]
(------------)







by SS