WDBJ 7 news at Noon for 09/05/00

[HEADLINES]

[TALENT=Kimberly]

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

A fatal shooting today at an elementary school in Ohio.
The husband of a school cook shot her in the parking lot.
We'll have details.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And months after a fatal explosion, the New River Castings plant re- opens.
(/////////////)
[TALENT=Jacey]
[SS=None]

A strong enough cold front is moving through our area... making our temperatures much cooler and hopefully our rains are on their way out. We'll have your full forecast ahead.

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=None]

Stay with us-- News 7 at noon is next.

[New-River-Castings]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=00-26]
[GRAPHIC=New River Castings]

New River Castings is back in operation this afternoon ... on the same day that the labor department is citing it for a slew of safety violations stemming from a deadly explosion six months ago.
A report released this morning by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry fines Intermet 801-thousand dollars and charges the company with 35 violations of employees safety.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford;]

The explosion on March 5th killed three people and left 500 out of work.
The department of Labor's report says that hazardous chemical vapors were leaking into the basement of the building in the days prior to the explosion.
In the core department, where the explosion occurred, welding and employees smoking were going on.
The labor department cites the company for failing to train employees properly AND failing to protect them from the dangers in the plant.
50 workers returned to the plant -- now known as the New River Foundry this morning.
(------------)

[School-Shooting]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=shooting]
An apparent murder- suicide in southeastern Ohio---
(---------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bidwell, OH;]

Authorities say a man fatally shot his wife at an elementary school parking lot, then went home and killed himself.
Officials say Frank Shoemaker shot his wife, Linda several times while she was in her car.
Linda Shoemakers was a cook at the school.
No children were at the school at the time.
Authorities say the husband's body was found later at his home, about eight miles from the school.
(-----------------)

[Australia-Crash]

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

A plane crash in Australia today killed all eight people on aboard.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Near Mount Isa, Australia;]

It appears all of them lost consciousness on the twin- propeller plane, which flew for six hours on AUTOPILOT.
The plane eventually ran out of fuel and crashed.
Investigators think the passengers blacked out from lack of oxygen shortly after takeoff.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 10:18:28 ]
[IN Q=We all at Central Air]
((BEN MARTINEZ/CENTRAL AIR: WE ALL AT CENTRAL AIR DEEPLY REGRET THIS INCIDENT HAPPENING. WE'RE NOT SURE WHAT HAS OCCURRED. WE'RE WAITING FOR THE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION TO LET US KNOW. OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES GOES OUT FOR THE FAMILIES.
THE PILOT WAS A PERSONAL FRIEND OF MINE.))
[SUPER=01-Ben Martinez/Central Air;]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=friend of mine.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The plane flew in a virtually straight line about 17-hundred miles across Australia.
(--------------)
[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Officials say it resembles the crash that killed pro golfer Payne Stewart and five others last October, when the Learjet drifted on autopilot for hours before crashing in South Dakota.

[Siamese-Twins]

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

It's an ethical and medical dilemma in England--
The parents of a set of Siamese twins are fighting a court battle over plans to separate the two girls, in order to save the life of ONE of them.
Richard Roth has the story.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Manchester, England; :00]
[SUPER=01-John Kitchingman/Parents' Attorney; :35]
[SUPER=01-Allen Levy/Children's Law Expert;1:01]
[SUPER=01-Richard Roth/Reporting; 1:12]
[RUNS=1:21]
[OUT Q=Richard Roth, CBS News, London.]
(( THE CASE HIT THE COURTS AFTER DOCTORS AT A NORTH ENGLAND HOSPITAL, WHERE THE TWINS WERE BORN A MONTH AGO, SAID THEY SHOULD BE SURGICALLY SEPARATED - -- TO SAVE THE LIFE OF ONE, THOUGH IT WILL MEAN THE DEATH OF THE OTHER.

(graphic)
THE BABY GIRLS ARE JOINED AT THE LOWER ABDOMEN. ONLY ONE HAS A WORKING HEART AND LUNGS. WITHOUT SURGERY TO SEPARATE THEM, DOCTORS HAVE SAID BOTH WILL DIE WITHIN MONTHS.

(court)
BUT THE GIRLS' ROMAN CATHOLIC PARENTS - WHO CAME TO ENGLAND FROM A REMOTE PART OF EUROPE - ASKED A COURT TO INTERVENE, SAYING THE SURGICAL SEPARATION WOULD NOT BE "GOD'S WILL" AND THAT NATURE SHOULD TAKE ITS COURSE.

SOT JOHN KITCHINGMAN/PARENTS' LAWYER: The parents' view, as I've said,
is the children should be allowed whatever life expectancy their medical condition permits. So what we're asking, what we're looking for is an order which will reflect their wishes and their own view of what is in the best interests of the children. (14)
NARR: A JUDGE SAYS THE ISSUE'S WHETHER SURGERY AMOUNTS TO THE UNLAWFUL KILLING OF THE WEAKER TWIN. SOME EXPERTS SAY THAT DOESN'T RESOLVE THE ETHICAL DILEMMA.

SOT ALLEN LEVY/ CHILDREN'S LAW EXPERT : (I think) most people would feel
that at the end of the day if there are two dead children then that would be a defeat for everybody both the law and medicine. (08)
NARR: THE COURT'S NOW ASKING FOR MORE MEDICAL ADVICE.
ROTH ON-CAMERA CLOSE: THE PARENTS, THOUGH, SAY THEY ALREADY RECOGNIZE THE MORTAL THREAT TO BOTH TWINS WITHOUT SURGERY - AND THEY'RE PREPARED TO ACCEPT IT. RICHARD ROTH CBS NEWS LONDON

))[Corporal-Punishment]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=jmc]
[TAPE#=00-35; TC 20:23]
[GRAPHIC=None]
The state plans to hold a hearing today about whether foster parents have the right to spank, shake or pinch children in their care.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond/August;]

The social services board approved the idea a few months ago-
The public had no chance to comment before the board voted on the changes.
Some lawmakers thought that was wrong.
At least 25 people have signed up to speak.
(------------)

[Clement]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=00-31; TC 34:31]
[GRAPHIC=Whitt Clement]

Danville Delegate Whitt Clement may not run for Lieutenant Governor.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

After front-runner Emily Couric was diagnosed with cancer, and dropped out of the Democratic field,
[SUPER=03-Richmond/August 21;]
Clement was one of several potential candidates to express interest.
Here's what he said two weeks ago.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 10:43:48]
[IN Q=I have been]
((DEL. WHITT CLEMENT/D-DANVILLE: I HAVE BEEN VERY FLATTERED, I HAVE GIVEN IT SOME THOUGHT. BUT I AM IN NO POSITION AT ALL TO MAKE A DECISION.))
[SUPER=@Clement;]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=a decision.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

But now, Clement's expressing reservations about the demands of a statewide campaign.
That's despite political analyst Larry Sabato's analysis of his chances in a Democratic primary next spring.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 13:16:31]
[IN Q=In a four]
((LARRY SABATO/U.VA. POLITICAL ANALYST: IN A FOUR OR FIVE WAY RACE, YOU CAN WIN THE ELECTION WITH 20, 25, 30 PERCENT OF THE VOTE. YOU CAN PUT TOGETHER CONSERVATIVE, RURAL COALITIONS FROM JUST THE WESTERN HALF OF THE STATE AND POTENTIALLY WIN.))
[SUPER=01-Larry Sabato/U.Va. Political Analyst; ]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=potentially win.]
(-------------)
[TALENT=Kim]
[SS=None]

The other Democrats who are still expressing interest in a bid for Lieutenant Governor are all from urban areas: Norfolk Delegate Jerrauld (GERALD) Jones, Newport News Delegate Alan (DI-mon-steen) Diamonstein, Richmond Mayor Tim Kaine, and Fairfax County Supervisors' Chairman Kate Hanley.

[Blood-Donations]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=00-24;TC 1:14:42]
[GRAPHIC=Red Cross]

The American Red Cross need donors to help relieve the blood shortage.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

The organization says fewer people donate blood during the warmer months because of vacations and other summer activities.
And local Red Cross officials say this year is no different.
The local American Red Cross, which serves 43 counties, is below emergency levels.
The organization's goal is to have a three day supply of blood on hand... right now less than a one day supply is in stock.
Other factors have also contributed to the shortage.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 04:51:00]
[IN Q=Some of ]
((BOB LUTJEN/AMERICAN RED CROSS: SOME OF OUR BEST DONORS OVER THE YEARS ARE THE OLDER FOLKS THAT ARE MILITARY VETERANS, WITH MANY OF THEM UNABLE TO GIVE BLOOD NOW, WE HAVE TO LOOK TO THE YOUNGER FOLKS TO STEP UP AND DO THEIR PART AS A VOLUNTEER IN THEIR COMMUNITY.))
[SUPER=01-Bob Lutjen/American Red Cross;]
[RUNS=14]
[OUT Q=in their community.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Several blood drives are scheduled throughout the viewing area this week... including at Virginia Tech.
You can donate at Squires Student Center from ten until four P-M... today through Thursday.
For details on other locations... call 1-800- GIVE-LIFE.
(------------)

[Japan-Volcano]

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

A second volcano has erupted in Japan in less than a week.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Hokkaido Island, Japan;]

This latest eruption happened on Japan's northern main island late last night, spewing white smoke and ash.
[SUPER=03-Miyake Island;]

Meanwhile, only officials and relief workers remain on Mikaye Island.
Its 400 remaining residents left by ferry in the afternoon, bound for shelters in Tokyo, where hundreds of other residents have camped in a three- day evacuation.
Orders to evacuate came after the eruption of Mount Oyama on Wednesday.
(------------)

[Congres-Agenda]

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

Members of Congress are watching the clock as they negotiate with President Clinton for the last time on several issues.
They want to do their business and be out in six weeks, just in time for last- minute campaigning before Election Day.
Diana Olick reports.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC; :00]
[SUPER=01-John Podesta/White House Chief of Staff; :35]
[SUPER=01-Diana Olick/Reporting; :55]
[RUNS=1:16]
[OUT Q=Olick, CBS News, Capitol Hill.]
(( LEGISLATORS WILL HEAD BACK UP THE HILL WITH TAX CUTS AND HEALTH CARE TOPPING THEIR TO-DO LIST. ADD TO THAT.. MINIMUM WAGE, TRADE WITH CHINA AND OF COURSE THE FEDERAL BUDGET.. AND PACKING IT ALL INTO SIX WEEKS SEEMS LIKE A STRETCH. OVER THE WEEKEND, THE WHITE HOUSE DID HINT THAT A ONE DOLLAR MINIMUM WAGE HIKE, PROPOSED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, COULD PROBABLY BE WORKED OUT. BUT AS FOR TAX CUTS, THE REPUBLICAN-LED CONGRESS WILL TRY TO OVERRIDE PRESIDENTIAL VETOES OF INHERITANCE AND MARRIAGE PENALTY TAX REPEALS, BUT THE WHITE HOUSE DOES NOT BELIEVE THEY'LL HAVE THE VOTES.

SOT:
JOHN PODESTA WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF Video From: Face The Nation "I think that veto will be sustained, certainly in the Senate, and I think in the House, because I think that Bill is a bad Bill for America."

(VO) AND THEN THERE'S HEALTH CARE..WHICH INCLUDES PROPOSALS FOR A
PATIENTS BI LL OF RIGHTS AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE...THAT WILL LIKELY BE THE HARDEST FOUGHT, AS MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE KNOW HEALTH CARE IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR VOTERS HEADING TO THE POLLS.

(ON CAM CLOSE)
THE QUESTION NOW IS, HOW MUCH WILL HASTE LEAD TO COMPROMISE? REGARDLESS, BEFORE THEY RE-START THE OLD FIRES, MEMBERS WILL TURN THEIR ATTENTION TO AN URGENT NEW PROBLEM: TIRES. CONGRESS WILL HOLD HEARINGS WEDNESDAY TO LOOK INTO THE MASSIVE RECALL OF BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE TIRES AND THEIR POSSIBLE LINKS TO FATAL ACCIDENTS. DO, CBSNEWS, CH. ))

[Senate-Race]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=00-29;TC1:13:19]
[GRAPHIC=Campaign 2000]

Senate candidates George Allen and Chuck Robb spent labor day campaigning in Buena Vista.
As Joe Dashiell reports they sparred over competing claims.

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Buena Vista's Labor Day tradition]
[SUPER=203-Buena Vista; :00]
[SUPER=201-Sen. Chuck Robb/(D) Virginia; 1:02]
[SUPER=201-George Allen/(R) U.S. Senate Candidate; 1:15]
[SUPER=219-Joe/Dashiell; 1:32]
[RUNS=1:40]
[OUT Q=JD News 7 Buena Vista]

((Buena Vista's labor day tradition was hard labor on a hot and humid holiday.
But Rockbridge County turned out for an annual event that has become a regular stop for candidates seeking statewide office. [NAT SOUND OF ALLEN]
George and Susan Allen lead the charge through downtown... Chuck and Lynda Robb were a few blocks behind. [NAT SOUND OF ROBB]
With recent polls giving Allen the edge, the Republican former Governor says he is pleased, but not complacent.

[SOT 23:06:48]
[IN Q=We're now in the 4th quarter]
[RUNS= :05]
[OUT Q=have to keep pushing hard.]

The Democratic incumbent says he's confident the tide will turn...
[SOT 23:23:19]
[IN Q=If I just get my message]
[RUNS= :08]
[OUT Q=over a long period of time.]

And both men say they hope the voters will disregard what they describe as lies and distortions in their opponents' campaign ads.
[SOT]
[IN Q=Credibility]
((CREDIBILITY HAS BECOME A SERIOUS ISSUE, BECAUSE IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE, IT'S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT YOU HAVE CREDIBILITY WITH THE OTHER SENATORS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE AND IF YOU CONSISTENTLY MISREPRESENT YOUR OPPONENTS' RECORD OR MISREPRESENT THE FACTS, THAT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO GET BACK.)) ((AND WE'VE ALREADY SEEN SINCE MAY, THEY'VE BEEN RUNNING THESE DISTORTION CAMPAIGN ADS UP IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. THEY'LL BECOME MORE DESPERATE. THERE WILL BE MORE DISTORTIONS, MORE FALSEHOODS AND SCARE TACTICS, TRYING TO PUT FEAR INTO PEOPLE'S MINDS.))
[RUNS= :32]
[OUT Q=fear into people's minds.]
[STAND-UP CLOSE]
With nine weeks left in the campaign, the candidates will meet again. They have one debate behind them, but three more scheduled before election day.
Joe Dashiell News 7 Buena Vista))

[BV-Heads]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=00-25; TC 1:22:43]
[GRAPHIC=None]
The labor day festivities also included a new attraction.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Buena Vista]

The concrete busts of Abraham Lincoln, William Henry Harrison, and Zachary Taylor are visible for miles from their perch atop Glen Maury Park.
A steady stream of visitors took in the new attraction yesterday... and many said they hope it becomes a permanent addition to their city.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I wasn't expecting this]
((I WASN'T EXPECTING THIS. I DIDN'T SEE THE ARTICLE, I JUST HEARD FROM FRIENDS THEY WERE GOING TO BE HERE, AND I THOUGHT I'D COME UP AND LOOK AT 'EM WHILE THEY WERE HERE.)) ((I'D LIKE TO SEE 'EM WITH THE REST OF THE HEADS FOR SURE. I'M NOT SURE HOW MANY THERE WERE, BUT I REMEMBER THERE WERE MORE, BUT YEAH I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM ALL TOGETHER. IT WOULD BE NICE FOR US TO GET THEM IN BUENA VISTA.))
[SUPER=07-Chris Clark; :00]
[SUPER=07-Heather Clark; :13]
[RUNS=:24]
[OUT Q=get them in Buena Vista.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

A developer still hopes to build President's Park in York County...
So no one knows how long Lincoln, Harrison and Taylor will stay in Buena Vista.
(------------)

[Box-Office]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

For the second week, "Bring It On" is number one at the box office.
(-------------)
[VO-NAT 3:35:18]
[SUPER=04-"Bring It On"; HOT CHANGE]
[Super=04-Universal;]
According to studio estimates, the cheer leading flick made 14 and a-half (m) million dollars during the four day holiday weekend.
(------------)
[Anchor=Kimberly]
[TAKE FS CHYRON]
[SUPER=77-Bring It On/The Cell/Space Cowboys/The Art of War/Highlander: End Game;]
[Super=#555;reset]

The Cell is in second place, Space Cowboys in third, The Art of War, and Highlander--Endgame wrap up the top 5.

[Church-Clock]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=jmc]
[TAPE#=00-23;TC 1:47:00]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The hands of time stand still on a downtown Roanoke landmark.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

The clock in the tower at Greene Memorial "United Methodist" Church has been broken for a week.
It was damaged in a storm that struck the same night the Virginia Tech football game was rained out.
Church officials aren't sure if lightning hit the steeple. But there was some type of power surge that night.
The repairman who works on the clock is supposed to arrive this week.
(------------)

[Tiger-Cubs]

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

And finally this afternoon--
They've got a tiger by the tail in China....TEN of them, in fact.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Shangqui, China;]

10 tiger cubs are greeting visitors at the Shangui Zoo.
The Northeast China tigers are among the nation's most endangered species.
The zoo has spent years of research improving the reproductive capacity of female tigers to improve their survival rate.
The baby tigers were taken away from their mothers after birth and fed dog's milk, among other things. (------------) All 10 cubs are healthy and playful...