WDBJ 7 morning news for 08/21/00

[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

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

The Vice President of Roanoke's chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference says he's leaving the position.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And a train derailment in Pulaski this morning could create some traffic problems.
We'll have details.
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
(ad lib weather)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)
[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Start your work week with us-- News 7 Mornin is next.

[Artis-Resignation]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=00-33 16:55]
[GRAPHIC=Jeff Artis]

Jeff Artis has stepped down from the Roanoke Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
After suffering from a recent illness, Artis says he expects a full recovery.
But he says he has NO guarantee about the long term effects of his illness.
(------------)
[VO-NAT 00-18 58:57]
[SUPER=04-June 26]

Artis, who was the Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors, says he wants to devote more time to developing his web site, writing projects, and finishing his series of children's books. In a press release Artis says, " I leave the SCLC on good terms. I have nothing but love and respect for SCLC President Ms. Perneller Wilson and the organization. She and the organization have supported my efforts when others in the community ran away in fear. Ms. Wilson is an expert in the area of civil rights. She has been an outstanding teacher. Most important, she is a dear friend. "
(-------------)
[Anchor=Kimberly]
[ss=none]

Artis also says out of respect for the organization, he will finish out the year to complete all SCLC business he i

s currently involved in.[Train-Derailment]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Train Derailment]

A train derailed in Pulaski early this morning.
Authorities say 2 cars went off the track. No one was hurt.
In the meantime, The derailment could cause some traffic problems.
Authorities say Randolph Ave is open, but Jefferson Ave., and Washington Ave could be closed for several more hours until it's cleared up. If you are traveling into Pulaski on Northbound Interstate 81, authorities say take the second Pulaski exit. There is no word at this time on what caused the derailment.

[11Verizon]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=00-25; TC 1:03:17]
[GRAPHIC=Verizon Strike]
SOME striking Verizon workers are heading back to work today--but NOT any in our area.
A tentative agreement was reached with bargaining units that represent 50- thousand workers in New York and New England. However, negotiations with the Communication Workers of America - which represent workers in Virginia and other Mid-Atlantic states - have not resulted in a deal.
As Kate Weidaw reports, both sides remain optimistic, even as managers assume the duties of the striking employees.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=nat sound]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;:00]
[SUPER=01-Mike Rieley/Verizon Area Manager;:10]
[SUPER=01-David Layman/Local 2204 President;1:15]
[SUPER=@Kate1;1:27]
[RUNS=1:40]
[OUT Q=kw news7 roanoke.]

(([NAT SOUND]
[RUNS= 5]

It's a job Mike Rieley hasn't done in 30 years.

[SOT 8:31:50]
[INQ=]
((MIKE RIELEY/VERIZON MANAGER: I'VE HAD SOME DAYS WHERE I'VE HAD TO CLIMB 5 OR 6 POLLS AND I SAID THEY'RE A LOT TALLER THEN THEY USED TO BE AND I'M A LOT OLDER AND FATTER THEN I USED TO BE AND I'VE GOTTEN HOME AND COLLAPSED.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 10]

Rieley began his career with Bell Atlantic as a repairman and worked his way up to management. Now he's one of 60 area managers filling in for the 500 striking workers.

[SOT 8:28:48]
[INQ=]
((MIKE RIELEY: WE'VE MOBILIZED ENGINEERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE TYPES WHO ARE OUT DOING THIS WORK FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIVES.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 10]

And with the growing list of repairs workers are in demand, which means Rieley and other managers are working a minimum of 12 hours a day 7 days a week.

[SOT 8:34:41]
[INQ=]
((MIKE RIELEY: WE'RE VERY HOPEFUL THAT REAL SOON WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A CONTRACT THAT MAKES EVERYBODY HAPPY.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 4]

The Union is hopeful as well. While talks are continuing between the company and the union the latest reports say progress is being made. Meanwhile the local union president says the support they're receiving from customers is overwhelming.

[SOT 8:44:25]
[INQ=]
((DAVID LAYMAN/LOCAL 2204 PRESIDENT: I'VE NEVER SEEN IN MY 33 YEARS IN THE UNION SO MANY PEOPLE BLOW HORNS, WAVE, THUMBS UP.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 8]

[STANDUP 8:48:22]
[INQ=]
((KATE WEIDAW/REPORTING: EVEN THOUGH MANY OF THESE STRIKERS SAY THEY NEVER EXPECTED TO BE GOING INTO THEIR THIRD WEEK ON THE PICKET LINE THE MORALE IS STILL HIGH. BOTH THE MANAGERS AND STRIKERS ARE EAGER TO GET BACK TO WORK BUT THESE STRIKERS SAY THEY'LL BE OUT HERE UNTIL THEY GET WHAT THEY WANT. KATE WEIDAW NEWS7 ROANOKE.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 15]))

[2-Russian-Sub]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Rescue workers say there are no survivors aboard the disabled Russian submarine, the Kursk.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Barents Sea;]

Norwegian divers have pried open the escape hatch, but say there is no sign of life.
They have determined that the sub is flooded -- and there is no chance of finding any survivors. A Norwegian spokesman says that means the rescue effort is over.
Meanwhile, grieving families are asking why it took so long for Russian officials to ask for help with the rescue.
(------------)

[11Fire-Update]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=00-28; TC 57:26]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

Hancock Steel in Roanoke County will remain closed today.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.]

Yesterday morning, a Fire Marshal inspected the plant which caught fire Saturday afternoon.
Officials say the fire occurred in an area where roofing joists are manufactured.
At the time the fire broke out-- workers were performing maintenance in the area.
Assistant Fire Marshal Rodney Ferguson believes paint played a role in the fire.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:31:41]
[IN Q=these tanks]
((RODNEY FERGUSON: THESE TANKS ARE ACTUALLY PAINT THEY'RE CALLED DIP TANKS IN WHICH THE JOINTS ARE LIFTED DOWN IN THERE AND LIFTED OUT AND ALLOWED TO DRY.))
[SUPER=01-Rodney Ferguson/Assistant Fire Marshal]
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=to dry.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

So far, no official cause of the fire has been established but Ferguson believes paint may have ignited the blaze.

Six people were transported to the hospital Saturday but have since been released.
The plant plans to reopen in phases beginning tomorrow.
(------------)

[11Tech-Students]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=00-23; TC 1:25:17]
[GRAPHIC=Virginia Tech]

Virginia Tech students begin a new school year today.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg]
87-hundred Hokies checked into the dorms over the weekend. Many students unloaded their cars Saturday and got settled in. Yesterday, parents said good bye and headed back home. John (Air-un-tate) Arrontate decided to move his belongings into the dorm by himself, now he thinks he brought too much stuff.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:39:06]
[IN Q=when i]
((JOHN ARRONTATE/FRESHMAN: WHEN I PUT IT ALL IN MY ROOM AND LOOKED AT IT, IT SEEMS LIKE A LOT DEFINITELY A LOT.))
[SUPER=01-John Arrontate/Virginia Tech Freshman]
[OUTQ=definatly a lot.]
[RUNS=8]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

There's a small overcrowding problem in the Tech dorms.
50 students will be rooming with their residential advisors.
(------------)

[Health-Check]

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

In medical news, if your child plays sports this school year, he or she will need a sports physical.

Doctor Dave Hnida has more on what you should expect in this morning's Health check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Dave Hnida/Reporting; :00 ]
[RUNS=1:20]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]

((Information: ON CAM It's the time of year when many kids need a sports physical, an exam that should be more than a quick listen to the hearts and lungs. Every year, a number of young athletes die because they had heart disease that was not detected, no one knew about it. But finding a teenaged heart problem can be pretty heart. In fact, unless sophisticated heart tests are done on every single, you'll almost never find it on a routine physical. However researcher shows there are four major questions your child needs to be asked that can help determine if a hidden heart problem is present and that sophisticated testing is needed.
GRFX Number one, Have you ever felt faint or light hearted while exercising?
GRFX Two, have you ever had chest pains or discomfort while running or exercising?
GRFX Three, have you ever been told you have a heart murmur or high blood pressure?
GRFX And four, has anyone in your family died suddenly of a heart problem before the age of 50.
ON CAM A yes to any of these questions may mean your child needs further testing. So it's important they be asked. If not, that sports physical wasn't worth the time or the money. I'm Dr. Dave Hinda for CBS News.))

(ad lib to weather)
[2-HEADLINES]
[2-shot=KMC/SYO]
[SUPER=#4049; Morning Headlines]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Here's a look at today's top stories.
No word on what caused a train to derail early this morning in Pulaski. Authorities say 2 cars went off the track.
The derailment could create some traffic delays for the morning commute.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Shannon]

The Roanoke Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is losing its Vice President.
Jeff Artis says he's stepping down, but will stay with the organization until the end of the year.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And SOME striking Verizon workers are heading back to work today--but NOT any in our area.
A tentative agreement was reached with 50- thousand union workers in New York and New England.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And that's what's making news on this Monday, August 21st .
[ANCHOR=Shannon]

News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

[2-Artis-Resignation]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=00-33 16:55]
[GRAPHIC=Jeff Artis]

Jeff Artis has stepped down from the Roanoke Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conferance.
Artis says he says he's recovering from a recent illness.
But he adds that there may be possible long- term effects from the illness.
(------------)
[VO-NAT 00-18 58:57]
[SUPER=04-June 26]

Artis, who was the Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors, says he wants to devote more time to developing his web site, writing projects, and finishing his series of children's books. In a press release Artis says, " I leave the SCLC on good terms. I have nothing but love and respect for SCLC President Ms. Perneller Wilson and the organization. She and the organization have supported my efforts when others in the community ran away in fear. Ms. Wilson is an expert in the area of civil rights. She has been an outstanding teacher. Most important, she is a dear friend. "
(-------------)
[Anchor=Kimberly]
[ss=none]

Artis also says out of respect for the organization, he will finish out the year to complete all SCLC business he i

s currently involved in.[2-Train-Derailment]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Train Derailment]

No word on what caused a train to derail in Pulaski early this morning.
Authorities say 2 cars went off the track. No one was hurt.
In the meantime, The derailment could cause some traffic problems.
Authorities say Randolph Ave is open, but Jefferson Ave., and Washington Ave could be closed for several more hours until it's cleared up. If you are traveling into Pulaski on Northbound Interstate 81, authorities say take the second Pulaski exit.

[2-Russian-Sub]

[2-11Verizon]

[ANCHOR=shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=00-25; TC 1:03:17]
[GRAPHIC=Verizon Strike]

SOME striking Verizon workers are heading back to work today--but NOT any in our area.
A tentative agreement was reached with bargaining units that represent 50- thousand workers in New York and New England. However, negotiations with the Communication Workers of America - which represent workers in Virginia and other Mid-Atlantic states - have not resulted in a deal.
As Kate Weidaw reports, both sides remain optimistic, even as managers assume the duties of the striking employees.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=nat sound]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;:00]
[SUPER=01-Mike Rieley/Verizon Area Manager;:10]
[SUPER=01-David Layman/Local 2204 President;1:15]
[SUPER=@Kate1;1:27]
[RUNS=1:40]
[OUT Q=kw news7 roanoke.]

[11Tech-Students]

[Pipeline]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Federal safety investigators are trying to find out whether human error led to the natural gas pipeline explosion in southern New Mexico.
The blast killed 10 people, and critically injured two others.
Jacqueline Adams has the story.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Carlsbad, NM; :00]
[SUPER=01-Bill Wise/El Paso Energy; :30]
[SUPER=01-John Somerhalder/Pipeline President; :38]
[SUPER=01-Jacqueline Adams/Reporting; :43]
[RUNS=1:33]
[OUT Q=Adams, CBS news, New York.]
(( All that remains are three charred vehicles...where members of 3 generations of a Carlsbad, New Mexico family lost their lives. A fireball shot flames through the families' campsite...after a natural gas pipeline exploded...5 to 6 feet undergound. The result: a 20 foot deep crater..almost the size of a football field. 10 people, including 5 children were killed and 2 remain in critical condition.

(---sot Bill Wise, chairman El Paso Energy 120808) We don't know what
the cause of the accident was, but I can tell you that line was inspected as recently as earlier this month. It had a full corrosion inspection this year. (11)

(---sot John Somerhalder/ President Pipeline Co: 155137) We saw no
indication that it was 3rd party damage or foul play.
ON CAM: National Transportation Safety Board investigators are on the scene. But they, like a growing a chorus of critics, worry that the federal Office of Pipeline Safety isn't doing enough to prevent accidents along this nation's 2.2 million miles of aging pipeline.

(graphic) Last month, a General Accounting Office report accused the
OPS of not enforcing 22 of 49 pipeline safety regulations passed by Congress since 1988. And the report found that on average, 22 people died every year, from 1988 to 1998..in pipeline explosions, similar to the one in Bellingham, Washington, last July, that killed 2 teenagers. The Office of Pipeline Safety defends its record.

---nat sot music

v/o: In New Mexico, there are only questions.

---sot 1602437 We can't say why a 2 year old and twins were taken from
us.
v/o: At the church where the Heady children worshipped, no government explanation can heal this loss. JA--cbs news--NY>
))

[11Fire-Update]

Six people were transported to the hospital Saturday but have since been released.
The plant plans to reopen in phases beginning tomorrow.
(------------)

[11Byrd-Harden]

[ANCHOR=shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=00-29; TC 51:25]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The director of a state agency under investigation by state police has reportedly resigned.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond/April 1998;]

Linda Byrd-Harden was hired a year ago by Governor Gilmore to head up the state Department of Minority Business Enterprise.
The deputy secretary of commerce and trade says the agency is under investigation by police and the target of critical audit reports.
(-------)
[anchor=shannon]
[ss=none]

But Joshua Lief declined to give a specific reason for Byrd-Harden's departure.
Byrd-Harden is a former director of the Virginia N-Double-A-C-P.

[11Presidential-Heads]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mce]
[TAPE#=00-26; TC 1:09:33]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A proposed theme park featuring huge busts of American Presidents isn't expected to lure visitors from Colonial Williamsburg and other nearby attractions.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-York Co./March 17;]
That's according to some tourism experts who say, the more attractions the better. Presidents Park would feature busts of all U-S presidents on eleven acres in York County. Colonial Williamsburg officials are afraid the park will siphon visitors from established attractions.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=kim]
[ss=none]

Buena Vista, however, is still very much interested in the project.
In fact, city leaders hope to sign a contract with the park's owner to bring FOUR of the giant busts to Buena Vista by Labor Day.

[Local-Recap]
[SUPER=#4059;Local Recap]
[2-Shot=Kmc/Syo]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Now here's another look at today's top local stories:
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

No word on what caused a train derailment in Pulaski early this morning. Authorities say 2 cars went off the track. No one was hurt. If you are traveling into Pulaski, authorities say Randolph Ave is open, but Jefferson Ave., and Washington Ave are closed. It could be several hours before those intersections re-open.

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
Jeff Artis has resigned from the Roanoke Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conferance.
Artis, who was the Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors, says he wants to devote more time to developing his web site, writing projects, and finishing his series of children's books. Artis says he will finish out the year.

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

A tentative agreement has been reached between Verizon and union negotiators in New York and New England. However, negotiations with the Communication Workers of America - which represent workers in Virginia and other Mid-Atlantic states - have not resulted in a deal. The latest reports say progress is being made. Both sides remain optimistic.

(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
(Shannon mic hot)
(///////////////)
(Shannon ad lib weather)
(-------------)
[2-SHOT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Now here's Keith Humphry with a preview of News 7 at Six.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=This is the first]
[RUNS=16]
[OUT Q=on news 7 at 6]
(-------------)
[Double Boxes=Kimberly/Shannon and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)
(ad lib bye) [Double Boxes=Kimberly/Shannon and Steve]