[HEADLINES]
[TALENT=Kimberly]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
More layoffs could be on the way to Norfolk Southern.
Sources say HUNDREDS of workers may be affected company- wide.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
And an early morning fire breaks out at a Roanoke retirement community.
(/////////////)
[TALENT=Jacey]
[SS=None]
Temperatures creep into the sixties today but the wind is more chilling than the temps. The weather forecast is coming up.
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=None]
Stay tuned-- News 7 at noon is next.
[Video-Open]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Norfolk Southern is considering more layoffs and union members say the Conrail merger is to blame.
(------------)
[NS-Layoffs]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=12]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=00-]
[GRAPHIC=Norfolk Southern Layoffs]
Good afternoon, I'm Kimberly McBroom.
Norfolk Southern has confirmed it is considering more layoffs in the Engineering Division of its Roanoke branch.
Sources say up to 750 workers system wide will be furloughed by next Thursday.
Jennifer Miele is here with more.
[2 shot]
Thanks Kim.... more layoffs from a company plagued with problems after it merged with Conrail.
[ANCHOR=Jen]
Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way representatives say they were told Friday hundreds of maintenance workers would be laid off.
Then yesterday, they were told the layoff had been postponed.
((ROLLCUE:...))
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/File Tape;:00]
[RUNS=1:00]
[OUT Q=were let go.]
((Union representatives say Vice-presidents of Production and Maintenance at the Roanoke Branch met with N.S. head David Goode on Friday. The group decided to layoff all production workers, but N.S. attorneys advised against the move.
The workers are protected under a 1965 rail merger agreement that forces railroads to pay salaries for the length of a furlough. N.S. says it IS considering layoffs, but in the Engineering division.
Union members say the possible layoffs are a direct result of the Conrail Merger.
The company has steadfastly denied that.
[PRE-PRO PAGE 1]
Here's a brief history of layoffs since the merger:
On June 16, 1999 Norfolk Southern acquired Conrail. Ten days later, the company offered 1,200 workers early retirement. Just two days later, 550 union workers system wide were furloughed.
[PRE-PRO PAGE 2]
On April 1st... 400 more were let go, 53 more in July. And locally, more than 200 Carshop workers were let go.))
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Jen]
Union members say N.S. is suffering internally... they say the company had to borrow money for the last payroll.
[2 SHOT]
Kim, the company denies it had to borrow money and maintains that no numbers, dates, or positions scheduled for layoff have been decided.
[Rke-Fire]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=00-]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]
Residents are back in their rooms after an early morning fire broke out at their retirement community.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
The fire started in a third floor room at Edinburgh Square, when a heating and air conditioning wall unit shorted out.
No one was hurt and there was only minor smoke damage.
A smoke detector woke up the woman who lived in the room.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 8:27:44]
[IN Q=Once she]
((RODNEY FERGUSON, JR/ROANOKE CO. FIRE DEP'T: ONCE SHE FIGURED OUT WHERE THE FIRE WAS SHE ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT HERSELF, SO SHE STAYED CALM AND HANDLED IT VERY WELL. SHE WAS UNABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT SO SHE LEFT THE UNIT.))
[SUPER=01-Rodney Ferguson, Jr./Roanoke Co. Fire Department;]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=left the unit]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
More than 200 people were moved to the wings of the building behind the fire doors.
(------------)
[Roanoke-Academy]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mce]
[TAPE#=00-40; TC 23:25:11]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[**ANCHOR TAG**]
The Roanoke City School Board is trying to decide whether to invest 7-point-five million dollars to renovate the Roanoke Academy for Mathematics and Science, or spend 10-million to build a new school.
The community will help make that decision.
Meredyth Censullo has more.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Roanoke Academy...]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;:00]
[SUPER=01-Mac McCadden/Former Rke. Academy Teacher;:16]
[SUPER=01-Patricia Price/Roanoke Academy Parent;:55]
[SUPER=@Meredyth2;1:16]
[RUNS=1:22]
[OUT Q=news 7, Roanoke.]
(( Roanoke Academy was built in the 40s - as a junior high.
Two reason's why the school board is looking to invest millions - an out of date building suited for older children, not the preschool and elementary students that learn here now.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT @ 1:18:31 - 1:18:49]
[IN Q=It was built...]
((MAC McCADDEN: IT WAS BUILT FOR STUDENTS A LITTLE BIT OLDER, LEGS A LITTLE LONGER, STAIRS A LITTLE LONGER THAN WOULD BE FOR ELEMENTARY AGE CHILDREN AND I LOOK AT IT THAT WAY AND I THINK MAYBE THE BEST THING FOR THIS AREA, COMMUNITY IS THAT WE DEMOLISH THIS SCHOOL.))
[RUNS:18]
[OUT Q=this school.]
Superintendent Wayne Harris says that's one option he's offering up to parents, teachers and the community -
Build a new school...
Or fix up the old one, adding new classrooms and a media center and renovating the auditorium, gym and cafeteria.
That option appeals to some who want to preserve the school's history.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT @ 1:19:53 - 1:20:01]
[IN Q=Leave it...]
((PATRICIA PRICE: LEAVE IT HERE, RENOVATE IT, BECAUSE IF YOU BUILD ANOTHER BUILDING IT WILL NOT BE ROANOKE ACADEMY...THIS IS THE ACADEMY.))
[RUNS:07]
[OUT Q=the academy.]
If the School Board decides to build a new school, they're faced with another dilemma - construct it here, or ask the city if they can build it in adjacent Kennedy Park for use as a community facility.
Superintendent Harris says that option would ALSO go to the community for feedback.
Meredyth Censullo, News7, Roanoke.))
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=None]
The last of several public hearings will held today at Roanoke Academy at 3:30.
Superintendent Harris says he WILL make a recommendation to the school board tonight.
[Vision-2001]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=00-29]
[GRAPHIC=Roanoke Vision 2001]
Roanoke residents have the opportunity to take part in planning the city's future tonight.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
City council is revising its comprehensive plan, which determines the next 20 years.
Residents can choose where they want new housing and which neighborhoods they want preserved.
They can also target locations for new businesses and new parks.
Or, they could talk about cultural needs in the city.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:28:07]
[IN Q=I think]
((I THINK THERE'S A LOT OF PENTUP DEMAND AND ENERGY IN THE CITIZENRY TO BE A PART OF THAT PROCESS. WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING A LOT OF CITIZENS PARTICIPATE.))
[SUPER=01-Darlene Burcham/Roanoke City Manager;]
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q=citizens participate]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Tonight's meeting starts at 7 at the Civic Center.
Roanoke residents will also get a survey in the mail as part of the new Roanoke city magazine.
(------------)
[Mideast-Peace]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
Despite Israel's extension of its deadline for Palestinians to end the fighting, more violence is flaring up.
Richard Roth reports.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Tel Aviv, Israel;]
[SUPER=01-Richard Roth/Reporting;]
[RUNS=1:02]
[OUT Q=Richard Roth, CBS News, Jerusalem.]
[Firestone]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Firestone]
The road is getting even rockier for Bridgestone- Firestone.
The head of U-S operations, Masatoshi Ono is reportedly retiring.
An executive vice- president John (Lamp-ee) Lampe will be named the new U-S chief at an afternoon news conference.
The tire company is reeling under a recall of millions of tires and many lawsuits related to tires coming apart.
[Floyd-Body]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=00-35 TC48:46]
[GRAPHIC=none]
Authorities are investigating a woman's death in Floyd County.
Her body was discovered early yesterday morning.
(XXXXXXXXX)
[TAKE MAP FULL]
Investigators found the body in the trunk of a junked car near an abandoned house off Sandy Flats Road.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Floyd Co.;]
They're not releasing her name or the details of how she was killed, because they say it could compromise the investigation.
Sources tell News-7 that it was an 18-year-old woman from Pennsylvania who had been missing for several days. Investigators believe her body may have been in the trunk for one to two days.
It's been sent to the medical examiner's office in Roanoke for an autopsy and full identification.
Investigators say no one who lives near where the body was found is a suspect.
(------------)
[CA-Snow]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Winter Weather]
No need for any "California Dreamin'" about snow...
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Truckee, CA;]
It's already falling.
An unexpected snowstorm dumped several inches of the white stuff yesterday.
While skiers welcome the wintry weather, drivers don't.
The roads are slick, making it difficult to get around.
But about a dozen snow plows and sand trucks are working to clear the way.
(------------)
[Nobel-Prize]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
Two Americans and a Japanese scientist share the honor of receiving this year's Nobel Prize for Chemistry.
Their findings led to improvements in film, T-V screens, and windows.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Stockholm, Sweden;]
Meanwhile, two U-S scientists and a Russian won the top prize in Physics.
Russian Zhores Alferov and California researcher Herbert Kroemer will share the prize for developing technology used in satellites and cell phones.
Meanwhile, Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments receives his part of the prize for several inventions, including the pocket calculator.
This year's prize is worth 915-thousand dollars.
(------------)
[SJ-Hospital]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=00-36 TC53:35]
[GRAPHIC=None]
Construction work on a new hospital in Lexington will soon get underway.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lexington/October 1998]
Stonewall Jackson Hospital has been cramped for years. Two years ago, the hospital board decided to build a new facility instead of renovating the present one.
Now the work is about to begin, with groundbreaking set for November 10th.
(------------)
[81-Funding]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=81 Safety]
Interstate 81 could see new safety technology soon, paid for with federal money.
The House has passed the final version of a bill that provides three million dollars.
Senate approval and President Clinton's signature are expected.
The money would help pay for instruments along 81 that would determine road hazards such as bad weather or congestion and signs to warn drivers.
[Korean-Vet]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=sch]
[TAPE#=00-32 TC1:19:17]
[GRAPHIC=none]
The Daughters of the American Revolution in Danville honored the city's Korean War veterans.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville]
It was 50 years ago when American troops first fought in Korea.
Fifth district congressman, Virgil Goode, dedicated a U-S flag and State Senator Charles Hawkins dedicated a Virginia State flag yesterday.
22 Americans from Pittsylvania County and Danville died during the conflict. Many veterans say they're proud of serving but there are many memories they would like to forget.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 25:53]
[IN Q=There's so much]
((CARLTON DUNN/KOREAN WAR VETERAN: THERE'S SO MUCH...HAVING TO SLEEP IN MUD HOLES. YOUR FOX HOLE WAS FULL OF WATER HALF THE TIME. AND YOU DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS COMING OVER THE HILL HALF THE TIME OR WITH IN THE NEXT FEW MINUTES. A LOT OF PEOPLE WENT THROUGH A LOT OF STUFF OVER THERE.))
[SUPER=01-Carlton Dunn/Korean War Veteran;]
[RUNS=:20]
[OUT Q=stuff over there.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
The Korean War lasted from 1950 to 1953.
(------------)
[Voter-Registration]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Voting]
Today is the deadline to register to vote in the general election, coming up November 7th.
[TWO -SHOT]
And here to talk more about voter registration is Roanoke City registrar Beryl Brooks
Thanks for coming in, Beryl.
[Super=01-Beryl Brooks/Roanoke City Registrar;]
(Today is the absolute deadline to register, right? Are there any exceptions?)
(Motor voter registration is more convenient...But how large of an impact is it making on the number of people who have
already registered?)
(I understand that the board of elections actually ran out of forms briefly a couple of weeks ago...is that directly re
lated to motor voter?)
(In the past, having to present identification has been an issue for voters...Do you expect that to be an issue this ti
me around?)
(How secure is it to check your registration status online?)
[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY]
Thanks so much for joining us today, Beryl.
[Take FS Deadline 100ESSC]
Again, the deadline to register is 5 p-m today.
[Take FS Phone # 101ESSC]
If you need information about your voting status, or if you need a voter registration card, call this number. 1-800-552-9745.
[Take FS Web Address 4472ESSC]
Or, you can also access the Board of elections web site. It's linked to OUR web site at W-D-B-J-7-DOT- COM.
[Kim tosses to Jacey]
And Jacey, it looks like temperatures will warm up a little if you're heading out to register this afternoon....
by SS