WDBJ 7 morning news for 09/18/00

[Gordon]

[ANCHOR=Kim]

[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Tropical Storm]

Good Morning, I'm Kimberly McBroom.
Tropical Storm Gordon is weakening as it moves inland over Florida.
But it could still cause more problems.
200 national guardsmen are deployed to help areas already flooded by Gordon.
It hit the Gulf Coast yesterday, with winds just under hurricane strength.
Some areas lost electricity, but so far, no serious injuries.
Jennifer Jones joins us now with the latest.
[Live=Jones Full/Newspath]
[SUPER=01-Jennifer Jones/Reporting]
[SUPER=05-Steinhatchee, FL;]
(rollcue... )
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Cedar Key, FL;]
[RUNS=:58]
[OUT Q=day off from school]
(( Cedar Key, FL
(Nats)
Gordon may now just be a tropical storm but with winds reaching speeds of 70 miles an hour, it still packs a punch.

MOS SOT:
"I'm from Kentucky and I've never seen anything like this."
Many residents in coastal Taylor County have seen much worse, which is they willingly left when ordered to evacuate. (nat burst) But not before boarding up.

MOS SOT:
"Oh yeah, oh yeah, we're leaving that's for sure.
Inland is where many headed. The Red Cross set up an emergency shelter at a local high school offering a warm, dry place for people caught in Gordon's path.

MOS SOT:
"I got a lot of trees around my house and lots of people don't have sense enough to get out of the rain, but I have."
Back along the coast storm surges reaching as high as six feet flooded many streets, knocking out power and giving kids in four counties an unscheduled day off from school. ))
[Live=Jones Full/Newspath]
[SUPER=05-Steinhatchee, FL]
(ad lib)

[11Washington-Park]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=00-34 32:05]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The Catholic Diocese says plans to build athletic facilities at Washington Park are moving forward.
(------------)
[VO-NAT park video 00-20 57:13]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Yesterday morning, Bishop Walter Sullivan held service in Washington Park and told the crowd that he wants to be a good neighbor to the residents of Gainsboro.
The Catholic Diocese has offered to donate 3 hundred thousand dollars to the city to build two soccer fields, a baseball field, and additional parking with one condition, Roanoke Catholic can use it at scheduled times.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 19:30:38]
[IN Q=The school]
((BISHOP WALTER SULLIVAN/CATHOLIC DIOCESE: THE SCHOOL HAS BEEN USING THE PARK FOR YEARS THAT'S NOTHING NEW AND THE PARKS OF THE CITY ARE OPEN TO EVERYBODY AND WE DON'T WANT TO PUSH ANYBODY OFF, WE DON'T WANT A CONTRACT THIS IS A FREE WILL OFFERING TO IMPROVE THE PARK.))
[SUPER=01-Bishop Walter F. Sullivan/Catholic Diocese]
[RUNS=18]
[OUT Q=improve the park.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

However some residents in the area think otherwise. They say additional athletic facilities would be great, but allowing Roanoke Catholic to use it when it's convenient for them is not okay.
(------------)
[SOT 19:38:04]
[INQ=we think]
((JOSEPH CRUTCHFIELD/NORTHWEST RESIDENT: WE THINK THE BISHOP SHOULD DONATE THE MONEY IN GOOD FAITH SAYING THEY WILL CONTINUE TO USE THE PARK LIKE THEY DO RIGHT NOW ESPECIALLY THE ATHLETIC FIELD WITHOUT ANY STRINGS ATTACHED.))
[SUPER=01-Joseph Crutchfield/Northwest Resident]
[RUNS=9]
[OUTQ=any strings attached.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/June 15]

Right now, the proposal for the athletic facilities is still in the planning phase. The city has been holding neighborhood meetings to get feedback from the community on the idea.
(------------)

[11VA-Tech]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=00-30 1:41:06]
[GRAPHIC=VA Tech washout]

Virginia Tech says it's ready if there's another washout.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg/August 27]

When the Hokies were scheduled to play Georgia Tech-- rain and lightning left thousands of fans seeking cover.
School officials say an emergency plan was in place but Tech's P-A system wasn't completely hooked up because crews had been installing the stadium's new video system.
Since then-- Virginia Tech and local authorities have developed an improved evacuation system and posted it on the school's web site.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 16:07]
[IN Q=In our ]
((JIM WEAVER/VA TECH ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: IN OUR EVACUATION PLAN WE HAVE TO GET OUR PEOPLE WHO ARE PARKED NEAR THE STADIUM TO THEIR CARS TO TAKE SHELTER SO THAT WE CAN GET THE NEXT BATCH OF PEOPLE INTO THE RECTOR FIELD HOUSE AND CASSELL COLISEUM AND THEN THE NEXT GROUP OF PEOPLE OUT OF THE STANDS CAN TAKE SHELTER UNDER THE EAST AND WEST STANDS RESPECTIVELY.))
[SUPER=01-Jim Weaver/Virginia Tech Athletic Director;]
[RUNS=22]
[OUT Q=stands respectively.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Weaver says ushers will also be equipped with bull horns to help with crowd control.
(------------)

[Atlantis]

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

The Space Shuttle Atlantis is rocketing back toward Earth.
It pulled away from the international space station late yesterday.
NASA hopes Atlantis will touch down in Florida on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, NASA says the crew did a fantastic job reading the space station for its first resident crew, due in November.
During the five- day mission, the astronauts stocked the space station with more than six- thousand pounds of sup

plies-- including a toilet, oxygen generators, and a treadmill.[11Feedback]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jmc]
[TAPE#=Feedback 1:30:44]
[GRAPHIC=Feedback]

Some viewers are voicing their opinions on our recent senate campaign coverage.
Here's assignment editor Joe McKean with this edition of Feedback.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Animation open]
[RUNS=1:06]
[OUT Q=Animation close.]
((Each week we're taking a look at a different topic in the U.S. Senate campaign. The most recent piece focused on taxes and government spending, comparing the positions and records of Republican George Allen and Democrat Charles Robb.
Several viewers told us by phone, and one by e-mail, that we appear to be favoring the incumbent.
"I believe that your endorsement of Robb for the Senate should not be presented as news, wrote one viewer (Raymond Day/Roanoke). You need to make this an announced editorial."
If you'd like to respond to our stories on the Senate race, or any other issue in the news, send your comments to PO Box 7, Roanoke, 24022-0007.
If you prefer to send a fax, the number is 343-7269.
By e-mail, the address is news@wdbj7.com.
For a moderated forum on-line, just go to our home page.
All notes must have your name and hometown.
Joe McKean, News-7.))

[11Memory-Walk]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=00-42 tc 00:09:12]
[GRAPHIC=Alzheimer's]

Alzheimer's is a disease that strips people of their memories.
So the Alzheimer's Association Chapter of the Blue Ridge thought it only fitting to organize a fund raiser to honor the people who suffer from the disease and raise awareness about the illness.
The fourth annual Memory Walk is next Saturday at Roanoke County's Green Hill Park.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=a big part]
((TREENA FOGG/ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION OF THE BLUE RIDGE: A BIG PART OF WHAT WE DO IS EDUCATE THE PUBLIC AND DO A LOT OF OUTREACH TO INFORM THEM OF ISSUES AROUND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND SYMPTOMS AND BASIC INFORMATION ON WHERE TO GO FOR SOME HELP.))
[SUPER=01-Treena Fogg/Alzheimer's Assoc. of Virginia;]
[RUNS=15]
[OUT Q=FOR SOME HELP]
(-------------------)
[full screen pinnacle]
More than 90 percent of the money raised will stay in Southwest Virginia.
The Memory Walk is Saturday September 23rd at Green Hill Park.
If you'd like to get involved contact the Alzheimer's Association at 540-345-7600.
(-----------------)

[Health-Check]

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

In medical news, is someone in your family a member of the food police?

Doctor Dave Hnida explains in this morning's Health check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Dave Hnida/Reporting; :00 ]
[RUNS=1:11]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]
((Information:
VT=VO
TODAY- THE SO-CALLED FOOD POLICE. . HAVE YOU EVER HAD SOMEONE HARASS YOU BECAUSE YOU WERE EATING SOMETHING THAT WASN'T QUITE "HEALTHY"? ITS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME- AND ITS A SPECIAL PROBLEM WHEN ITS A FAMILY MEMBER WHO DOING THE HARASSING. JUST HAPPENED THE OTHER DAY WHEN I TALKING TO SOMEONE ABOUT THEIR CHOLESTEROL AND HIS WIFE SAID- HE WAS EATING ICE CREAM LAST NIGHT. WELL A DIETITIAN FROM THE JOSLINS DIABETES CENTER IN BOSTON HAS DEVELOPED A LIST OF FOOD POLICE ROLES THAT FAMILY MEMBERS COMMONLY PLAY- YOU MAY KNOW ONE.
GRFX -FIRST: - THE SERGEANT- THIS PERSON SAYS THINGS LIKE- YOU CANNOT EAT THESE EGGS- YOU MUST EAT THIS OATMEAL- ITS GOOD FOR YOU.
GRFX NEXT- - THE TATTLETALE- WHO SAYS- "CAN YOU BELIEVE HE'S EATING THAT. HIS DOCTOR JUST TOLD HIM TO LOSE WEIGHT. -
GRFX NEXT THE NAGGER- WHY ARE YOU EATING THAT. YOUR CHOLESTEROL IS HIGH- YOU MUST BE CHEATING ON YOUR DIET. YOU'RE IN TROUBLE.

VT=VO
NOW YOU KNOW AS WELL AS I DO- ALL OF THESE APPROACHES DO NO GOOD- IN FACT JUST BREED ALOT OF HARD FEELINGS AND RESENTMENT.. THE BEST APPROACH IS TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE... AND MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES AVAILABLE.. AND BY ALL MEANS PUT YOURSELF IN THE OTHER PERSONS SHOES. IM DR DAVE HNIDA 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.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

The National Guard is on its way to help areas in Florida hit hard by Tropical Storm Gordon.
The storm struck yesterday, bringing some power outages but no serious injuries.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Shannon]

More people will be bumming rides today in Los Angeles.
L-A county public transit workers are on strike, without much hope of a settlement.
The walkout began yesterday morning.
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And the Reverend Jesse Jackson makes an appearance in Roanoke, urging people to get out and vote in November.
Supporters walked around with clipboards, registering anyone there 18 years or older to vote.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And that's what's making news on this Monday, September 18th .
[ANCHOR=Shannon]

News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

[2-Gordon]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=tropical storm]

Residents along Florida's Gulf Coast are breathing a sigh of relief this morning--
Hurricane Gordon has weakened to a tropical storm.
But as Jennifer Jones reports, Florida didn't escape mother nature's wrath entirely.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Cedar Key, FL;]
[SUPER=01-Jennifer Jones/Reporting;]
[RUNS=1:20]
[OUT Q=Jones, CBS News, Steinhatchee, FL.]
(( Cedar Key, FL
(Nats)
Gordon may now just be a tropical storm but with winds reaching speeds of 70 miles an hour, it still packs a punch.

MOS SOT:
"I'm from Kentucky and I've never seen anything like this."
Many residents in coastal Taylor County have seen much worse, which is they willingly left when ordered to evacuate. (nat burst) But not before boarding up.

MOS SOT:
"Oh yeah, oh yeah, we're leaving that's for sure.
Inland is where many headed. The Red Cross set up an emergency shelter at a local high school offering a warm, dry place for people caught in Gordon's path.

MOS SOT:
"I got a lot of trees around my house and lots of people don't have sense enough to get out of the rain, but I have."
Back along the coast storm surges reaching as high as six feet flooded many streets, knocking out power and giving kids in four counties an unscheduled day off from school.
Stand-Up: Jennifer Jones/CBS NEWS Tropical Storm Gordon is expected to weaken as it moves farther north. Its current track has it headed for the Georgia and Carolina coasts. And with no reports of death or serious injuries, many in this hurricane prone state are happy to have escaped with just a glancing blow. Jennifer Jones, CBS News, Steinhatchee, Florida))

[LA-Transit]

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

Nearly a half- million people will be scrambling for rides to work this morning in Los Angeles.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pasadena, CA;]

L-A county public transit workers are on strike, without much hope of a settlement.
No talks are scheduled between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and unions representing bus drivers, clerks, and mechanics.
The walkout that began yesterday morning could affect 450- thousand people.
Officials warn that the already- congested roadways could become even more crowded.
The M-T-A says it's ready to negotiate.
But a union spokesman says that won't happen until a state mediator orders it.
(------------)

[11Jackson]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=00-39 11:45]
[GRAPHIC=Jesse Jackson]

The Reverand Jesse Jackson brought a message, and an endorsement, to Roanoke over the weekend.
Kate Weidaw has more.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Despite arriving]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :00]
[SUPER=07-Rev. Jesse Jackson; :19]
[SUPER=@Kate1;1:25]
[RUNS=1:37]
[OUT Q=kw news7 Roanoke.]

((Despite arriving an hour and a half late the Reverend Jesse Jackson was greeted by an excited crowd.

[SOT 1;:10:30 #1]
[INQ=]
((INTRODUCTION))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 5]

[GO TO SHOTS OF CROWD YELLING]

[SOT 1:16:19 #1]
[INQ=]
((JESSE JACKSON: HERE YOU STAND REPRESENTING THE BEST OF THE AMERICAN DREAM HERE WE STAND TOGETHER BLACK AND WHITE, MEN AND WOMEN WE'RE ALL GROWING TOGETHER.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 12]

Jackson emphasized the importance that everyone has a right to vote and if you don't take advantage of it then you're missing out on the American Dream.

[SOT 1:30:57 #2]
[INQ=]
((JESSE JACKSON: FOR STUDENTS, PUBLIC EDUCATION, SOCIAL SECURITY ALL HAVE REASONS TO VOTE.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 12]

Some walked around with clipboards to register anyone 18 year or older to vote. Jackson says voting Democratic is the right thing to do because they represent what the American people need.

[SOT 1:30:20 #2]
[INQ=]
((JESSE JACKSON: 1500 AMERICANS DIE A DAY FROM CANCER SO WE MUST USE SOME OF THE SURPLUS BUDGET TO INVEST THE AMERICAS WHO HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT AND NOT JUST A BREAK FOR A FEW AND CHUCK ROBB REPRESENTS INCLUSION FOR GROWTH.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 18]

[STANDUP]
[INQ=]
((KATE WEIDAW/REPORTING: THE REPUBLICAN PARTY DID RESPOND TO EVENT BY SAYING THEY HAVE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED PEOPLE TO VOTE AND IN FACT RESEARCH SHOWS THAT AS VOTER REGISTRATION GOES UP MORE PEOPLE VOTE AS A REPUBLICAN.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 10]))

[11Apple-Festival]

[ANCHOR=shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=00-31 43:03]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Thousands of people visited the annual Apple Festival at Johnson's Orchards in Bedford this weekend.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford]

The yearly event is sponsored by the Bedford Moose Lodge and Women of the Moose.
This year-- there were a number of vendors selling a wide variety of arts and crafts.
There was also a lawn mower race and skydiving... as well as plenty of food and music.
But organizers hope to have even more vendors next year.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:06:54]
[IN Q=Of course]
((DANNY JOHNSON/JOHNSON'S ORCHARDS: OF COURSE, WE'RE GOT PLENTY OF SPACE OUT HERE, WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MORE VENDORS AND ARTS AND CRAFTS PEOPLE AND THEY CAN CALL US BECAUSE WE'RE GOING TO DO THIS, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S WORKING INTO A BIG FESTIVAL FOR THE MOOSE AND WOMEN OF THE MOOSE.))
[SUPER=01-Danny Johnson/Johnson's Orchards;]
[RUNS=14]
[OUT Q=women of the moose.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

All festival proceeds go to benefit local charities.
(------------)

[11Delegates-Visiting]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Members of the House Appropriations Committee are spending time in Martinsville touring factories.
They want to see for themselves what kind of impact factory closings and cutbacks have had on the region.
Martinsville's unemployment rate is approximately 15- percent.
The group will be touring Stanley Furniture, E-Toys, the Pepsi Building, and the Dan River Factory, today. [11Fitz

patrick]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=00-33 44:07]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Family members and the community are remembering the contributions of retired judge Beverly Fitzpatrick, Senior.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-1996;]

Fitzpatrick passed away early Saturday morning at the age of 80.
Family members say Fitzpatrick was more comfortable and at ease in Roanoke than in any other place.
And--- he gave back to the city he loved.

Fitzpatrick was one of the first judicial leaders in Virginia to recognize alcoholism as a disease.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 03:15:17]
[IN Q=He obviously ]
((BEV FITZPATRICK, JR./SON: HE OBVIOUSLY SPENT A LOT OF TIME WITH THE FOLKS WHO CAME THROUGH HIS COURT. ALL OF US COULD NEVER UNDERSTAND HOW YOU COULD COMMIT YOURSELF TO ALCOHOLICS WHEN YOU NEVER HAD HAD A DRINK IN YOUR LIFE BUT HE WAS REALLY COMMITTED TO THOSE FOLKS AND REALLY UNDERSTOOD THAT IT'S NOT A SOCIAL PROBLEM BUT A SICKNESS AND THAT THEY NEEDED TO BE TREATED WITH A DIFFERENT KIND OF DIGNITY AND THAT WAS REALLY HIS LIFE'S WORK.))
[SUPER=07-Bev Fitzpatrick, Jr.;]
[RUNS=20]
[OUT Q=life's work.]
(------------)
[anchor=Shannon]
[ss=None]

Fitzpatrick had another passion, as well.
When he retired in 1980-- he led the efforts to save the Old Jefferson High school by turning it into the Jefferson Center.

[3-Gordon]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Tropical Storm]

Tropical Storm Gordon is losing strength, but still posing a threat to Florida.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Cedar Key, FL;]

Gordon plowed into Florida's Gulf Coast yesterday at just below hurricane strength.
The storm brought soaking rains and a storm surge of more than six feet.
Emergency officials report some flooding, but no serious injuries.
The storm did, however, knock out electricity at more than 150- thousand homes.
Forecasters say the storm could drop ten inches of rain on Florida before it's through, and lesser amounts in Georgia and South Carolina.
(------------)
[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]

Members of the House Appropriations Committee are touring Martinsville to see what kind of impact factory closings and cutbacks have had on the region. The group will tour Stanley Furniture, E-Toys, the Pepsi Building, and the Dan River Factory, today.

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
The Reverand Jesse Jackson endorsed U-S Senate candidate Chuck Robb during a visit to Roanoke yesterday. He also emphasized the importance of everyone having the right to vote. Jackson says, if you don't take advantage of it, you're missing out on the American Dream.

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

Virginia Tech says if there's another washout like the one August it's ready.
Since then-- Tech and local authorities have developed an improved evacuation system and posted it on the school's web site. Virginia Tech Athletic director Jim Weaver says ushers will also be equipped with bull horns to help with crowd control.
(-------------)
[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=The Roanoke]
[RUNS=21]
[OUT Q=on News 7 at 6.]
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[Desk=Kimberly/Shannon and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)
(ad lib bye) [Desk=Kimberly/Shannon and Steve]