WDBJ 7 news at 6 for 12/29/00

[1-News-Head]

[TALENT=Keith]

No deal between Trigon and Martinsville Memorial.

A LIVE report from the hospital on NEWS 7 tonight, considering the impact.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

And we have the story of two young men who rescued someone who was trapped inside this burning building last night.
(------------)

[Sports-Head]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

In sports, Mike Stevens will have the latest on Tech and Michael Vick from Jacksonville, the Hokies get a commitment from the state's top quarterback prospect, Norv Turner might not be unemployed for long
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[VO-NAT]

and Holiday hoops action rolls on today, highlights to come.
(------------)

[WX-Head]
[TALENT=Robin]
[SS=None]

Heading for the new year with a really cold and windy forecast. Toss in some snow showers to make it complete. Details ahead.
[open]
[SUPER=#4054; News 7 at Six Headline Banner]
[SUPER=@Keith1;]
[SUPER=@Steve1;]
[SUPER=@Robin1;]
[RUNS=:20]

[Video-Open]
[anchor=Keith]
[newscast=6]
[tape=Video Open]
[graphic=N7 at 6]

(------------)
[vo-nat]
It seems Memorial Hospital in Martinsville will be leaving the Trigon network, creating a billing headache for thousands of patients.
(------------)

[Hospital]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=00-53 18:54]
[GRAPHIC=Hold]

Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield and Memorial Hospital have until December 31st to reach a new contract.
Both the hospital and Trigon told News 7 that if an agreement could not be reached today, Memorial Hospital would be leaving the network.
[DOUBLE BOXES= /Microwave;]

Joy Sutton has been following this story.
She's at the hospital with more on what this may mean for patients.
[LIVE= /FULL]
[SUPER=@Joy1]
[SUPER=05-Martinsville]

((ROLLCUE:... pay more for health care.))
(-------------)
[vo-nat] [hospital shots from 00-37 at tc 1:25:09]
[super=03-Martinsville/File Tape]
Among those affected will be more than 300 school employees and retirees, also several hundred city employees, including the police and fire departments. Trigon released a statement about where things stand: [INSERT PRE PRO FIRST PAGE] While... distance to go... [INSERT PRE-PRO SECOND PAGE] ... to reach an agreement... hospital services.
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[LIVE=Joy/FULL]
[SUPER=05-Martinsville;]

[DOUBLE BOXES= /Microwave;]

Q & A

[Graham-Release]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=00-52 1:00]
[GRAPHIC=Graham]

A Roanoke man convicted of murdering an elderly couple has been freed from death row in Louisiana.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Angola, LA]
37 year old Michael Ray Graham, Junior, walked out of the Louisiana State Penitentiary yesterday... having spent 13 years in the place.
The prosecutor's office says it found a total lack of credible evidence to connect Graham to the crime. The Roanoke native had little to say as he walked outside the gates.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:41:16]
[IN Q=I feel good]
((MICHAEL RAY GRAHAM JR./FREED FROM PRISON: I FEEL GOOD, FEEL GOOD. REPORTER: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW? MICHAEL: GO HOME. REPORTER: ANY BIG PLANS? NOT RIGHT NOW, SEE MY FAMILY.))
[SUPER=01-Michael Ray Graham Jr./Freed From Prison]
[RUNS=09]
[OUT Q=see my family.]
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[ANCHOR=Keith]
[GRAPHIC=Hold]

Graham was convicted based on witness testimony, but several of those witnesses have since recanted.
Graham's attorney says his client is on his way back to Roanoke... where he hopes to start his life over and possibly find work again as a house framer.
45 year old Albert Ronnie Burrell from Monroe, Louisiana was also convicted in the murders. A hearing is set for Tuesday to determine whether he should also be set free.

[Pyramid-Scheme]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=00-39 1:52:23]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Two more guilty pleas today in a Southside pyramid scheme.....a third defendant pleaded not guilty.
This come after thirteen other defendants pleaded guilty earlier in the week.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville]

Authorities say each participant invested two thousand dollars.
They expected to get rich by persuading more people to get involved.
The judge fined Charlie Royster one hundred dollars and Shon Roberts two hundred dollars.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Keith]
[graphic=None]

The third defendant, Barney Lee Hughes, pleaded not guilty.
His trial will be set next week.

[M'ville-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=00-45 54:03]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

A Martinsville man owes his life to two young heroes.
They ran into a burning building and rescued a disabled man who was trapped inside.
The fire broke out about 10:30 last night off Route 220 in Martinsville.
Justin McLeod shows how the fire chief's son and a twelve year old boy played a part in the rescue.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q= Nat sound]
[SUPER=03-Martinsville;:00]
[SUPER=01-Joe Brock/Rescued Elderly Man;:14]
[SUPER=19-Justin/McLeod;:34]
[SUPER=01-Valerie Penn/Neighbor;:1:00]
[SUPER=01-Anna Jamison/Neighbor;:1:06]
[RUNS=1:28]
[OUT Q=JM News 7, Martinsville]
((((OPENS ON NAT SOUND OF FIRE FROM LAST NIGHT))
[SOT 1:38:25]
[IN Q=We were coming back.]
((JOE BROCK: WE WERE COMING BACK FROM THE MOVIES AND WE SAW SMOKE COMING OUT.))
[Runs= 03]
[OUT Q=smoke coming out]

That night at the movies turned into a real life drama for Joe Brock who just happens to be the fire chief's son.
[SOT 1:38:38]
[IN Q= We saw somebody trying]
((JOE BROCK: WE SAW SOMEBODY TRYING TO BEAT AT THE GLASS AND I BACKED MY TRUCK UP OVER TO IT AND I ASSUMED IT WAS A YOUNG PERSON, MAYBE THEY COULD JUMP OUT. WE SAW THAT IT WAS AN ELDERLY GUY.))
[Runs= 09]
[OUT Q= It was an elderly guy.]

An elderly guy who is disabled and cannot walk.
So Joe had to act quickly.
He tried to enter the building but smoke overcame him.
He tried a second time... still the smoke was too much.
On the third attempt, Joe had some help.
[SOT 1:40:47]
[IN Q= There was another hero in all this]
((JUSTIN McLEOD/REPORTING: THERE WAS ALSO ANOTHER HERO IN ALL THIS, A TWELVE YEAR OLD BOY. HE AND HIS MOTHER HAPPENED TO BE DRIVING BY WHEN THEY SAW THE SMOKE. HE GOT OUT AND WENT IN AND HELPED SAVE THE MAN WHO WAS TRAPPED INSIDE.))
[Runs= 09]
[OUT Q= Who has trapped inside.]

That man was Joe Deal.
He suffered minor injuries and was treated and released from the hospital.
Fire investigators are still working to determine what caused the fire.
One thing is certain, this fire could have been much worse if weren't for the heroic efforts of 12 year old Joe Carter and 21 year old Joe Brock.
[SOT 1:32:04]
[IN Q= I thank God there's people out there]
((VALERIE PENN: I THANK GOD THERE'S PEOPLE AROUND HERE LIKE THAT, TO SEE SOMEBODY IN TROUBLE YOU REALLY WANT TO HELP THEM.))
[Runs= 05]
[OUT Q= Want to help them]
[SOT 1:34:20]
[IN Q= The guy a hero in your mind?]
((ANNA JAMISON: Reporter: The guy a hero in your mind? YES HE IS. YES HE IS. I DON'T KNOW IF I WOULD HAD TO REALLY WANTED TO GO IN THERE OR NOT. I WOULD PROBABLY WOULD, BUT I DON'T KNOW.))
[Runs= 07]
[OUT Q= But i don't know]

Joe Brock doesn't know if he should be called a hero.
He just happened to be coming home from the movies when he stumbled upon this real life drama.
He's glad this story had a happy ending.
Justin McLeod, News 7, Martinsville.))

[Tease#1]
[ANCHOR=Keith]
[SS=NONE]

There's a move to change the name of a state psychiatric hospital is underway... We'll tell you why, just ahead.
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[VO-NAT]

You've heard about the physical consequences of drinking and driving...
But what is the financial cost? The answer may surprise you.
More on that, just ahead.
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[Web Address Announce] [Pinnacle 4885ess]

[COMMERCIAL][DeJarnette]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=00-44 1:08:20]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Joseph DeJarnette headed up Virginia's Western State Hospital for 38 years, from 1905 to 1943.
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[VO-NAT]

He was also a leader in Virginia's eugenics movement -- advocating for and overseeing the forced sterilization of thousands of blacks, American Indians, and whites he considered physically or mentally "defective."
DeJarnette publicly praised Nazi Germany for its sterilization program.
[SUPER=03-Staunton/File Tape]

So now, a Virginia lawmaker wants to strip DeJarnette's name off the state's adolescent psychiatric center in Staunton.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 13:00:55]
[IN Q=Well what he]
((DEL. MITCH VAN YAHRES: WELL WHAT HE BELIEVED WAS STERILIZATION OF THE UNFIT, I GUESS IN VERY BROAD CATEGORIES. AND THEN YOUR DEFINITION OF WHO THE UNFIT ARE. AND HE HAD THE MENTAL HEALTH, THE POOR, THE ELDERLY. HE HAD ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE IN THEIR HE CLASSIFIED AS THE UNFIT. BUT IT BASICALLY FELL TO THE POOR, AS ONE OF THE MAJOR CLASSIFICATIONS. AND I THINK IT'S JUST TERRIBLE WE WOULD HONOR A PERSON LIKE THAT WITH NAMING A BUILDING FOR THEM.))
[SUPER=01-Del. Mitch Van Yahres/(D) Charlottesville;]
[RUNS=:27]
[OUT Q=building for them.]
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[VO-NAT]

The DeJarnette Center's director says he has NO comment either way on the bill.
It goes before the General Assembly in January.
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[DUI-Costs]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=00-47 37:39]
[GRAPHIC=Drunk Driving]

More than half of all fatal auto accidents in Virginia are alcohol-related.
While the price of a human life is incalculable,
[SS=None]
the financial cost of a drunk driving conviction can add up fast.
News 7 Business reporter Jennifer Miele takes a look at the numbers.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=What New Year's Eve]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/1999;:00]
[SUPER=01-Beth Lipes/VASAP;:15]
[SUPER=@Jennifer1;:1:06]
[RUNS=1:21]
[OUT Q=JM News 7 Salem.]
(( What New Year's Eve would be complete without a romantic dinner for two?
Add some wine, and you're set.
Just remember, a few glasses could cost more than you bargained for.
Driving under the influence may result in a visit to the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program.
[SOT]
[TC:08:52:31] ((BETH LIPES/VASAP: WE FUNCTION AS PROBATIONARY OFFICERS FOR THE COURT FOR DUI OFFENDERS. WE PROVIDE PROBATION AND INTERVENTION FOR THE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE CHARGED WITH DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE.))
[RUNS= 09]

First time offenders get a year of probation.
But that's nothing compared to what will come out of your pocket. [PRE PRO]
The average attorney will charge a thousand dollars for representation.
Court costs and fines add up to about fifteen hundred.
State Law requires you to visit VASAP, that's 350 dollars.
And if the state deems it necessary, you'll enter treatment for alcohol dependence.
After you lose your license for a year, you'll pay the DMV $105 for reinstatement.
Add 40 bucks on to your insurance premiums per month for a year, and that totals about $500.
And, if you or your car needs fixing up, plan on another two thousand dollars.
A first time D-U-I offense adds up to nearly six thousand dollars. [tc: 22:09:41] [STAND UP] ((JENNIFER MIELE/REPORTING: THAT DUI COULD HAVE PAID FOR A DOWN PAYMENT ON A NEW HOUSE, A YEAR OF COLLEGE, OR A TRIP TO EUROPE FOR TWO. MAKES YOU WONDER IF THAT DUI IS REALLY WORTH 112 ROMANTIC DINNERS FOR TWO. JENNIFER MIELE, NEWS 7, SALEM.))
[RUNS= 10]))

[Drunk-Driving]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=kth]
[TAPE#=00-41 1:36:14]
[GRAPHIC=None]

If you are planning on celebrating with alcohol this weekend, you'll want to plan ahead of time for transportation. There won't be free cab rides as there have been in the past... and you can bet police will be on the look out for drunk drivers.
[DOUBLE BOXES=Keith and Kelli /Newsroom;]
Kelli Thompson is in the Newsroom tonight with some tips on knowing how much alcohol is too much, if you drink.
[LIVE=Kelli FULL/Newsroom]
[SUPER=19-Kelli/Thompson]
Keith, here is a scenario for you. You are at a bar and have had a drink or two. You feel fine and are ready to drive home. You may think you are o.k., even if that's NOT the case. Police are giving us some insight into gauging someone's blood alcohol level ((ROLLCUE:...))
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[SOT]
[IN Q=ONE OF THE STANDARD]
[SUPER=01-Officer Harold Wallick/Roanoke City Police;:00]
[RUNS=:57]
[OUT Q=DON'T DRINK PERIOD.]
(( [SOT 3:52:29-38]
((ONE OF THE STANDARD ONES IS RECITING YOUR ALPHABET TO SEE HOW WELL YOU KEEP TRACK OF EVERYTHING YOU REMEMBER FROM GRADE SCHOOL. IN FACT, SOME OF THEM OUT THERE SING THE ALPHABET FOR US.))
[RUNS= 9]
A more accurate way police determine blood alcohol level - is this machine - the Intoxilator. Officer Wallick is one of twenty-four city officers who are trained to use it to determine if you have passed the .08 legal limit.
The machine takes two samples of breath to determine the level. It is compared to a simulator hooked up to the machine to get the most accurate reading possible. There are several factors taken into account when determining your BAL. [PRE-PRO] Your height and weight are factors. If you are larger, your blood alcohol level will be lower. Also, the number of drinks consumed and the amount of time that has passed since you drank are factors. [END PRE-PRO] But no matter how much you know about alcohol's affect on YOUR body - there's only one way to make sure you're sober - and okay to drive.
[SOT]
((THE BEST METHOD IS IF YOU ARE GONNA DRIVE, DON'T DRINK PERIOD.))
(-------------)))
[LIVE=Kelli FULL/Newsroom]
Even though cabs will NOT be offering free rides this holiday weekend, they did say they will have double the amount of cabs available and triple the amount of dispatchers, so there is no reason why you can't call to get a ride home if you have had to much.
[DOUBLE BOXES= /NEWSROOM;]
Keith.

[Stocks]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]
The week ends on a down note on Wall Street ... [TAKE DOW & NASDAQ PAGE]
[RUNS=:30]
[SUPER=x5000;]
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The Dow fell 81 points. Nasdaq took an 87-point plunge.

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[Tobacco-Payment]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=00-49 35:45]
[GRAPHIC=Tobacco]

Virginia tobacco farmers will get 16 million dollars in new money in the new year.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@File;]

The Virginia Tobacco Trust Certification Board is getting ready to pay out the 2001 installment of the farmers' share of the tobacco settlement.
The checks will be smaller than last year, because of the way the settlement is structured with the tobacco companies.
But state lawyers say the relief checks will go back up in 2002.
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[Sports tease]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

Mike Stevens will have a report from Jacksonville as the Hokies continue preparing for Clemson and the gator Bowl, Tech signs a big time football recruit, high school holiday hoops for you
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

and former Redskins coach Norv Turner might have a new job in the near future.
(------------)

[S-Gator]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-90]
[GRAPHIC=Gator Bowl]

Michael Vick is again the hot topic of conversation in Jacksonville. Tonight Mike Stevens joins us for the latest in the ongoing Vick saga.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=first audio]
[SUPER=@Mike1; :00]
[SUPER=03-Jacksonville, FL/This Afternoon; :10]
[SUPER=01-Michael Vick/Virginia Tech Quarterback; :27]
[SUPER=01-Rickey Bustle/VT Offensive Coordinator; :45]
[SUPER=01-Billy Hite/23 Years as VT Assistant; 1:07]
[RUNS=2:05]
[OUT Q=.....News 7 sports]
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[ANCHOR=steve]
[GRAPHIC=Tech football]

Ironically with all of the Vick uncertainties, the Hokies received a commitment today from the top quarterback prospect in the state today. Bryan Randall, a six-two, 205 pound QB from Bruton high school in Williamsburg picked Tech over Tennessee and North Carolina. Tech has now signed four of the top five prospects in the state. [WIPE TO FULL SCREEN PINNACLE]
And Please join Mike Stevens this Saturday night at seven for a half special, Another January in Jacksonville.

[S-Norv]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-82 38:54]
[GRAPHIC=Redskins]
Former Redskins coach Norv Turner might have a new job soon.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-File; :00]
Turner has spoken with St. Louis Rams head coach Mike Martz about the possibility of becoming the Rams offensive coordinator. The two are good friends and Martz, seen here with Turner before a 1997 game against Carolina, was Turner's quarterbacks coach in Washington during the 97, 98 seasons.
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[S-Hoops]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-91]
[GRAPHIC=High school Hoops]

High School holiday Hoops tipped off again today at the Salem Civic Center in the Member One tournament.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem/Osbourn vs. Patrick Henry; :00]

Patrick Henry and Osbourn met in the day's first game.
The Patriots Dujan Johnson passes to Tony Stovall, he rips rope from behind the three point ark to make it 57-49 PH in the final period. And the Patriots win 71-60
[SUPER=04-Salem vs. Robert E. Lee;]

Salem and Robert E Lee began play just before five. The Leemen's Kyle Simmons passes to Eric Fields who hits the jumper.
Salem comes back. Andrew Rutledge scores off the window and the Spartans win 71-40.
(------------)

[S-VT]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-84 45:58]
[GRAPHIC=tech basketball]

The Virginia Tech women's basketball team is 8 and 3 heading into tonight's Lady Luck tournament championship at 7:30 against Maine.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg/Last Night; :00]

Last Night, the Lady Hokies topped UNC Asheville 85-47 at the Cassell. Tare Williams led Tech with her game high 19. Maine beat Marshall 79-58 in the opener of the tourney. Marshall and UNC Asheville are playing right now in the consolation game.
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[S-Express]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Express/Trenton]

The Roanoke Express takes on league and Northeast Division leading Trenton tonight at the Round House in a 7:30 face off. The Titans allow the fewest goals a game in the ECHL at 1.93. This should be a defensive battle, Roanoke is second in the league in goals against average.
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(Weekday 6 only)
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