WDBJ 7 news at 11 for 02/20/01

[News-Heads]

[ANCHOR=Jean]

[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

Coming up on News 7-
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Just how special was Dale Earnhardt. The number of people who came out in the New River Valley should give you some indication-
Meanwhile some drivers get death threats today.
And the SI- Swimsuit edition hits the shelves.
(------------)
[Talent=Jean]

Plus Napster offers a deal.
News 7 is next.

[Video-Open]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 20:13:45]
[IN Q=He was ]
((HE WAS NUMBER THREE ON THE SIDE OF THE CAR BUT HE WAS NUMBER ONE TO MILLION OF PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD.))
[RUNS=07]
[OUT Q=around the world.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

That was obvious tonight as fans pack the New River Valley Speedway to mourn Dale Earnhardt.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=JEan]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at 11]

Good evening...

[Memorial]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=01-04 TC21:52]
[GRAPHIC=Earnhardt Obit]
At first they thought it was 15-hundred. But double that came out-
An estimated three thousand racing fans packed the Speedway to honor number three.
Some are loyal race fans- others who don't even follow racing- were still moved to tears. Teresa Hamilton was there-
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Nat sound of singing]
[SUPER=03-Pulaski Co.; :00]
[SUPER=01-Brenda Hamilton/Racing Fan; ]
[SUPER=01-Raymond Bittinger/Racing Fan; ]
[SUPER=01-Scott Spangler/Racing Fan;]
[SUPER=07-Amy Myers; ]
[SUPER=01-Mary Hagee/Racing Fan; ]
[SUPER=@Teresa2; ]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=NEWS 7, Pulaski County.]
(((////sot////)
[in q= nat sound of singing]
((NAT SOUND OF SINGING OF AMAZING GRACE.)) [RUNS05]
[OUT Q= nat sound of singing.]
They came by the thousands to the New River Valley Speedway... to say good bye, as a group, to a man who meant so much to so many.
(///sot////)
[sot 20:10:30]
[in q=He was a legend]
((BRENDA HAMILTON/RACING FAN: HE WAS A LEGEND IN HIS TIME JUST LIKE ELVIS AND THE REST OF THEM. HE'LL HAVE TO GO DOWN IN HISTORY. HE'LL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS I KNOW THAT.)) [runs10]
[OUT Q= know that.]
Some brought flowers and candles to pay tribute. Many say days later... it's still to hard to believe that number three is gone.
(///SOT///)
[SOT 20:13:14]
[IN Q= It was ]
((RAYMOND BITTINGER SR./RACING FAN: IT WAS NOBODY'S FAULT YOU KNOW WHEN THE GOOD LORD PUNCHES YOUR NUMBER IT'S TIME TO GO AND I GUESS GOD JUST NEED ANOTHER ANGEL YOU KNOW. I GUESS HEAVEN JUST GOT A LITTLE LOUDER ON SUNDAY.)) [runs10]
[OUT Q= on Sunday.]
Even those who didn't pull for Earnhardt on the track.. say he was a driver to respected. Words echoed by nearly everyone in the crowd.
(///sot////)
[sot 20:07:23]
[in q=I'm a Darrell ]
((SCOTT SPANGLER/RACING FAN: I'M A DARRELL WALTRIP FAN AND I REMEMBER BEING MAD AT EARNHARDT A LOT BUT LIKE THE MAN UP THERE SAID YOU WATCHED HIM WHETHER YOU PULLED FOR HIM OR NOT AND I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT. RACING WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.)) [runs14]
[OUT Q= be the same.]
(///sot///)
[sot 20:03:15]
[in q=I didn't]
((AMY MYERS: I DIDN'T WATCH RACING ALL THAT MUCH BUT HE SEEMED LIKE THE MAIN GUY. HE MEAN EVERYTHING TO EVERYBODY LIKE MY DAD AND BROTHER.)) [RUNS10]
[OUT Q= and brother.]
Organizers originally said there were 15- hundred people in the crowd... but by the end of the evening said it was more like three thousand
((///SOT////))
[SOT 20:17:59]
[IN Q= The turnout]
((MARY HAGEE/RACING FAN: THE TURNOUT HERE WAS JUST TREMENDOUS, THE PEOPLE HERE ARE JUST. IT SHOWED THAT PEOPLE OF AMERICAN AND THIS COUNTY LOVE RACING.))
[OUT Q= LOVE RACING.]
A fitting finish for a man whose popularity could never be underestimated. Teresa Hamilton, NEWS 7, Pulaski County. ))
[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]

[Radio-Earnhardt]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=slo]
[TAPE#=00-53 TC1:05:17]
[GRAPHIC=None]

[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.]

Earlier today, dozens of Earnhardt fans turned out at Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke to pay tribute to the racing legend.
A local radio station had a huge card available for fans to sign.
The radio station plans on sending the card to the Earnhardt family.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=JEan]
[SS=HOLD]

Dale Earnhardt's funeral will be held Thursday in Charlotte.
The private service begins at noon.

[Napster]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Napster]

Napster may not just be facing the music- it may be shelling out the cash.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-File Tape;]

The computer music service is offering a one billion dollar settlement to record labels suing to shut it down.
Under the proposed settlement, five major record labels suing for copyright infringement would be paid 150-million dollars each year for the first five years.
Another 50 million dollars would be allotted annually for independent labels.
Napster is the internet music service- used by millions without charges or restrictions.
(------------)

[Mascot]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=01-07 TC23:39]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Montgomerty County's school board had a late night at work, as the debate over the Indian mascot rages on.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg/File Tape]

A review panel said the mascot should stay at Blacksburg High School.
Opponents call the mascot offensive and racist.
The board decided tonight to put off a final decision and discuss the matter further.
(------------)

[State-Budget]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=00-54 TC1:04:20]
[GRAPHICN=None]

Teacher pay raises, money for museums, new state troopers.
That's just some of what won't make it into the state budget if the Senate can not agree to a 70-percent car tax "phase-out" this year.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond;]

That's according to House Republicans -- who displayed a rare show of force behind the House Speaker today.
They warn the Governor's holding all the cards on the car tax.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 15:36:36]
[IN Q=It's going to be 70 percent]
((DEL. VANCE WILKINS/SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: IT'S GOING TO BE 70 PERCENT, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO IS GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO GET SOME THINGS THEY WANT INTO THE BUDGET MIX. BECAUSE IF WE DON'T MAKE THE AMENDMENTS... AND THE GOVERNOR WILL MAKE THE CUTS WHERE HE WANTS TO MAKE THEM.))
[SUPER=@Wilkins;]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=where he wants to make them.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

At least one of the four Senate budget negotiators was in NO mood to chat.
But they appear to remain firm in their resolve that the car tax should slow to only a 50-percent phase-out until the economy improves.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 15:51:26]
[IN Q=We've done this before. We've]
((WE'VE DONE THIS BEFORE. WE'VE HIT THESE BRICK WALLS BEFORE AND GOTTEN THROUGH. THIS IS MY TENTH YEAR AT THIS, BEING A CONFEREE, AND THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING THAT TIES US UP. THIS YEAR IT'S A LITTLE TOUGHER THAN USUAL. BUT I THINK WE'LL GET THROUGH IT.))
[SUPER=01-Sen. Chuck Colgan/(D) Manassas;]
[RUNS=:16]
[OUT Q=think we'll get through it.]
(-------------)
[TALENT=Jean]
[SS=VA Budget]

The budget conferees have a theoretical midnight deadline for a budget compromise to take back to each chamber.
They've already declared a deadlock and headed home for the night.

[City-Council]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=00-51 TC1:42:04]
[GRAPHIC=Victory Stadium]

Roanoke City Council is looking at new options for Victory stadium, including plans that would preserve the exterior of the structure.
But the cost of the renovation remains a major obstacle.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

The two newest alternatives would create a multi- purpose facility within the existing walls of the stadium.
One of the plans would include portable seating that could be moved to create a more intimate setting for concerts.
But the cost of that alternative is estimated at 19- million dollars, and today council also asked the city manager to study how much it would cost to build a new stadium on a different site.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT TAPE 2 50:11]
[IN Q=I think with the type of dollars]
((I THINK WITH THE TYPE OF DOLLARS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT, SOMEWHERE BETWEEN NINE MILLION AND 20 MILLION DOLLARS I THINK IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE INVESTIGATE ALL OF THE OPTIONS, BECAUSE ONCE WE MAKE A DECISION AND BREAK GROUND, IF WE DON'T DO THE RIGHT ONE, IT'S GOING TO BE HARD TO UNDO.))
[SUPER=01-Bill White/Roanoke City Council]
[RUNS=:16]
[OUT Q=it's going to be hard to undo.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Also today, city council voted to move forward with plans for one-way traffic on Wiley Drive though Smith Park. The change will not affect traffic through Wasena Park.

[Pulaski-LAyoffs]

[ANCHOR=JEan]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Pulaski Layoffs]

More than a hundred Pulaski furniture employees will soon be out of a job.
The company says 90 people will be laid off from its Ridgeway plant.
13 more jobs are being eliminated from a support facility in Pulaski.
Pulaski Furniture blames the cutbacks on a slump in the industry.
The Ridgeway plant makes grandfather clocks and curio cabinets.

[Tobacco]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=00-47 TC1:46:52]
[GRAPHIC=Tobacco]

Virginia's tobacco farmers must soon make a decision .. one they've never faced before.
Philip Morris and other major companies want to change the way they buy tobbaco ... and change the only system the farmers have ever known.
Danville Bureau Chief Justin McLeod says some growers hope the whole plan goes up in smoke.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Nat sound of warehouse auction]
[SUPER=03-Danville/FileTape; :00]
[SUPER=01-Andrew Shepherd/Flue-Cured Tobacco Co-Op; :19]
[SUPER=01-Harry Lea/Piedmont Big Sale Warehouse; :39]
[SUPER=01-Ronnie Waller/Tobacco Farmer; :55]
[SUPER=01-Steve Woltz/Tobacco Farmer; 1:00]
[SUPER=@justin2; 1:10]
[RUNS=1:15]
[OUT Q=Justin McLeod, News 7, Halifax County]
((((NAT SOUND OF WAREHOUSE AUCTION))
Tobacco farmers have been selling their crop at public auctions for more than a hundred years.
But now, tobacco companies are shifting away from the warehouse system.
Instead, they want to draw up contracts and buy directly from farmers.
Not everyone in the business is sold on the idea.
[SOT 16:34:11]
[IN Q=Quite frankly I'm for contracting]
((ANDREW SHEPHERD/FLUE-CURED TOBACCO CO-OP: THE FARMER NEEDS TO BE VERY VERY CAREFUL ABOUT SURROUNDING HIS ABILITY TO BE AN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS MAN.)) [Runs06]
[OUT Q=an independent business man]

But Supporters say contract farming will bring bigger profits.
Tobacco farmers would no longer have to pay warehouse, auction, and grader fees.
More importantly, some farmers believe contract farming guarantees job security.
[SOT 16:36:26]
[IN Q=the contracting, what it does]
((HARRY LEA/PIEDMONT BIG SALE: THE CONTRACTING, WHAT IT DOES FOR THIS REGION IT ASSURES THAT TOBACCO WILL BE GROWN IN SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA.)) [Runs06]
[OUT Q=in Southside Virginia]

But growers wonder if they'll lose price support from the federal government by selling directly to the tobacco companies.
Thats why some farmers walked away from this meeting with more questions than answers.
[SOT 16:43:12, 16:39:21]
[IN Q=I haven't made up my mind]
((RONNIE WALLER/TOBACCO FARMER: I HAVEN'T MADE UP MY MIND YET. WE'RE STILL TRYING TO LOOK AT BOTH SIDES OF IT.)) ((STEVE WOLTZ/TOBACCO FARMER: DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS SOMETHING WE NEED TO RUSH INTO RIGHT NOW.)) [Runs09]
[OUT Q=rush into right now]

Maybe not right now, but most tobacco farmers only have until April to decide whether to stick with an auction system or get a contract.
Justin McLeod, News 7, Halifax County.))
[Tease1]
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[writer=chr]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[SS=None]

They usually fight crime, but tonight an F-B-I agent is behind bars accused of a crime- spying.
Details are next on News 7 at Eleven.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

And the two teens accused of killing two college professors begin what could be a long walk through the justice system.
(-------------)

[Sports-Preview]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=first audio]
[RUNS=:30]
[OUT Q=BIG 7."]
(-------------)
(( Hey folks this is Mike Stevens back in the News 7 sports office with a bushel full of baskets tonight as high school district tournament action is well underway. Highlights of 6 games are on the way including PH's updet of Cave Spring. Plus, Sterling Marlin says his family has been getting threats since the Earnhardt crash, Little E is headed to the Rock, and the Hans devices are selling like crazy. All that plus the SI swimsuit issue tonight on the Big 7.))

[FBI-Spy]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[***ANCHOR TAG***]
A longtime FBI agent could be put to death-
He was arrested accused of spying for Russia.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=The FBI]
[SUPER=01-Louis Freeh/FBI Director; 11]
[Super=03-Near Vienna; 34 quick!]
[SUPER=01-Jennifer Jones/Neighbor; 39]
[SUPER=01-Mike Shotwell/Neighbor; 47 quick!]
[RUNS=:59]
[OUT Q=national security.]
(( The F-B-I says 56-year old Robert Philip Hanssen's been at it for more than 15-years, earning nearly one and half million dollars from Soviet and Russian handlers. LOUIS FREEH/FBI DIRECTOR: HIS VALUE TO THE RUSSIANS WAS CLEAR BY BOTH THE SUBSTANTIAL SUMS OF MONEY AND THE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS GIVEN TO THEIR OWN AGENTS FOR HIS OPERATION.
Agents arrested Hanssen at a Virginia park after he allegedly placed a package under a bridge for Russian agents to retrieve.
The FBI also found 50-thousand dollars cash at a separate drop- the alleged payment for Hanssen's treason.
Neighbors in Hanssen's modest neighborhood- reacted. JENNIFER JONES/NEIGHBOR: VERY NEIGHBORLY PEOPLE. MY IMPRESSION OF THEM IS THAT THEY'RE VERY ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY AND THE CHURCH. WE KNEW HE WAS WITH THE FBI SO HELP FELT ABOUT LAW DO WHAT THEY WANTED.
Hanssen is married with six children.
The FBI says it doesn't know the extent of damage Hanssen may have to national security.))
(-------------)
[Talent=Jean]
[SS=None]

The F-B-I does charge that Hanssen's responsible for the deaths of two K-G-B double agents executed after Hanssen pointed a finger at them.

[Prof-Deaths]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Murder Invest.]

Two teenagers accused of murdering a pair of Dartmouth college professors- were in court today.
The young men were shackled and chained-
As Drew Levinson reports, they begin their long walk through the justice system.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-New Castle, IN; :00]
[SUPER=01-Robert Kammen/Parker's Attorney; :17]
[SUPER=01-Drew Levinson/Reporting; :29]
[SUPER=01-Kim Cronk/Henry Co., IN Sheriff; :38]
[Super=03-Hanover, NH; 1:11]
[RUNS=1:38]
[OUT Q=New Castle, Indiana.]
(( Robert, do you have anything to say? Are you guilty? Gaunt and silent, 17 year old Robert Tulloch took the long walk from jail to the Henry County Court house. Tulloch agreed not to fight extraditon to New Hampshire. But, 16 year old James Parker will wait a week before deciding if he wants to fight extradition. Richard Kammen, Parker's Attorney, "he is somewhat shellshocked... with everything.") The two face first degree murder charges for the stabbing deaths of two Dartmouth college professors. Levinson: Inside this jail, the teens have been isolated and kept away from one another. Additional security has been provided to insure their safety. Kim Cronk, Henry County Sheriff: As with any other defendant that we arrest for murder charges we do use extra precautions to make sure they don't become suicidal. After a three day nationwide manhunt, the teenagers were arrested early Monday morning at an Indiana rest stop as they tried to hitch a ride with a trucker. The young men offered no resistance.
Robert, any message for family of friends back home? Authorities have refused to discuss a motive or any connection between the teenagers and professors Half and Susanne Zantop who were found stabbed to death in their home near the Dartmouth campus last month..... ...leaving residents in the college community wondering. man: Motive at this point is a big thing, if they actually were the ones who did it. Why did they do it? Rumors flourish and speculation continues, but New Hampshire's attorney general says even less information on the case will be coming from his office now that the suspects are in custody. Drew Levinson, CBS News, New Castle, Indiana.)

[Cornette]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=00-50 TC1:46:26]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

A record-setting embezzlement case brought a 12-year sentence today and half-a- million dollars in restitution.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Patricia St. Clair actually took 660-thousand dollars during the five years she worked for (Able) Abal Material Handling.
She pled guilty. But when she went to court last Fall for sentencing, she was still trying to conceal a stash of jewels and other items worth thousands of dollars.
In a tearful plea to the court for mercy, she said she would work two jobs to finish making restitution.
Judge Pat Doherty said she can do that after she serves 12-years in prison.
(------------)

[Operation-Turnaround]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=00-52 TC1:51:32]
[GRAPHIC=None]

There's new hope for convicted felons who are making a return to society in central and southwest Virginia.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

Lynchburg minister Claude Gunn is the new director of Operation Turnaround, a state-funded program that helps ex- offenders make the transition from prison to the real world.
Gunn says they'll get a place to stay, job and life skills and mentoring from local volunteers.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 17:24:17]
[IN Q=We as Americans]
((CLAUDE GUNN/OPERATION TURNAROUND DIRECTOR: WE AS AMERICANS, WE RECYCLE ALUMINUM, PAPER AND TREES. WE NEED TO.. THOSE OF US THAT GOD HAS CALLED TO LEADERSHIP.. NEED TO BE ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF RECYCLING PEOPLE. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO LEND A HAND TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE GONE THROUGH A SCREENING PROCESS.))
[SUPER=01-Claude Gunn/Operation Turnaround Director]
[RUNS=19]
[OUT Q=a screening process.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Gunn is now looking to start up transitional housing centers in Lynchburg, Roanoke and Charlottesville.
He hopes to have them up and running by the end of the year.
(------------)

[Winesett]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=01-01 TC1:01:41]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A Wythe County man who was trapped in an outhouse last summer is settling into a brand-new home tonight.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Ivanhoe/August;]

76-year-old Coolidge Winesett fell into his outhouse last August when the floor gave way.
He spent three days trapped hallucinating and calling for help before being found by a mailman.
[SUPER=04-Today;]

Winesett has spent the last six months in an assisted living facility but today moves into a new home...complete with indoor plumbing, thanks to the Virginia Water Project...
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT-34:16]
[IN Q=I THINK IT'S]
((COOLIDGE WINSETT: I THINK IT'S WONDERFUL, I'D LIKE TO SAY THE CARPENTERS THAT BUILT THIS HOUSE MUST BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD.))
[SUPER=07-Coolidge Winesett;]
[RUNS=:8]
[OUT Q=BEST IN THE WORLD]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

There will be a formal welcome home ceremony for Winesett Saturday.
(------------)

[Tease2]
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[writer=chr]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[SS=None]

Bringing excitement to science class-- robotically.
That's still ahead on News 7.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

And get an astronauts view as the shuttle Atlantis touches down in California.\
(----------------)

[Hokie-Guard]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=01-06 TC17:22]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Some local students hope their creation is a winner at a national robotics competition...
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Christiansburg; ]

The "Hokie Guard Team" is made up of Eastern Montgomery High School students and Virginia Tech mentors.
Over the past six-weeks they've designed and constructed a robot. It'll be entered in a competition called- "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology" also known as FIRST.
The 27-member team takes its accomplishment to regionals at Virginia Commonwealth University next month.
(-------------)

[Shuttle]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jha]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Atlantis Landing]

After almost two weeks in orbit .. the shuttle Atlantis finally returned to earth today.. landing in California.

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[Super=X5052 (loads FX)]
[Super=X5045 (starts FX)]

This is what it looks like from inside the shuttle- a birds eye view- as the shuttle came in for a landing.
[SUPER=75-Edwards AFB, CA;]

After bad weather conditions forced the shuttle to stay in orbit three more days than planned .. Atlantis finally touched down at Edwards Air Force base. Edwards is rarely used because it costs nearly one million dollars to ferry a shuttle back to Florida. But Mission Control had to approve the west coast landing because the shuttle only had just one more day's worth of fuel and supplies.
(------------)
[Super=X5043 (clears FX)]

[S-Extra]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]
Plenty of high school district basketball tournament action is on the way tonight. We'll have the latest on the Dale Earnhardt deal with the word on Little "E", and news of threats being made against Sterling Marlin and his family.
(------------)
[VO-NAT eng#]
But first in tonight's Extra Point, the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue hits newsstands tomorrow. This year it's based in the Mediterranean, but as always it is rooted in controversy.
(------------)
[GO TO SCORES] [WIPE TO MOTION]
[SUPER=#556]
[SUPER=X5027;]
[SUPER=0098-j/Longwood/86//Barton/82//Jason Pryor - 41 Points//Va. Tech/56/j/Providence/96///;]
[SUPER=X5009;]
[SUPER=0097-j/Salem/63//Rockbridge/35//Blue Ridge Semis//Alleghany/52/j/Northside/61//Blue Ridge Semis/;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0097-j/Blacksburg/75//Lord Botetourt/66//Blue Ridge Semis/j/Christiansburg/64//William Byrd/60//Blue Ridge Semis
/;]
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[SUPER=0097-j/Glenvar/53//Eastern Mont./38//Three Rivers/j/Giles/65//Floyd Co./62//Three Rivers/;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0097-j/Martinsville/80//Patrick Co./56//Piedmont/j/Laurel Park/41//Fieldale Coll./28//Piedmont/;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0097-j/Ft. Chiswell/47//Bland/39//Mt. Empire/j/Narrows/68//Rocky Gap/51//Mt. Empire/;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0097-j/Patrick Henry/61//Cave Spring/58//RVD Semi-Finals/j/Franklin Co./62//Wm. Fleming/52//RVD Semi-Finals/;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0097-j/Rural Retreat/63//John Battle/51//Hogoheegee/j/Bath Co./56//Craig Co./29//Pioneer/;]
[RUNS=:40]
[oc...last scores]

(-----------)[S-Cave]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-91 44:24]
[GRAPHIC=RVD tourney time]

The Roanoke Valley District boys basketball championship match up is set and two underdogs will play Friday night. Last night, Patrick Henry shocked Cave Spring.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem/Knights vs. Patriots; :00]

The Semi-final pitted the state's second ranked team against the Patriots.
The man all night on the floor was Patrick Henry's Tony Stovall. Here he steps back and snaps the nylon with the jumper.
J.J. Redick was limited to two points in the first half so John Michael Deeds stepped up, scoring 13 points on the night while keeping the Knights close in the first half.
[SUPER=34-Patrick Henry/61/Cave Spring/58;]

Stovall's drive and hoop here made it 20-18 Cave in the second period and PH led 27-24 at the break.
Redick scored 20 in the second half, including this trey, but PH upsets the Knights 61-58.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="first audio]
[SUPER=01-Jack Esworthy/Patrick Henry Head Coach; :05]
[RUNS=:13]
[OUT Q=.....thrilled with the kids"]
(----------)

[S-Fleming]

[ANCHOR=mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-83]
[GRAPHIC=RVD tourney time]

The other boy's semi-final tipped off yesterday afternoon inside the House that Harveycutter built.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem/Colonels vs. Eagles; :00]

In boys action, William Fleming would take on Franklin County without head coach Roland Lovelace, still on suspension from an assault charge last Tuesday. The chargers were dropped yesterday. Marshall Ashford took over. It's the second time he's had to assume the reigns. He has spoken to Lovelace and was hoping before the tip that he would be back on the bench very soon.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=first audio]
[SUPER=01-Marshall Ashford/Fleming Interim Coach; :00]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=ready for these ball games"]
(-----------)
[VO-NAT]

The Colonels had their hands full with the eagles. Watch James Barlow make the jumper to tie it in the first.
But Franklin County would run. Sean Preston hits the jumper to give the Eagles the six point lead.
[SUPER=34-Franklin Co./62/William Fleming/53;]

Then Lewis Muse makes good on the slam. Franklin County went up 28-20 at the half and the Eagles soar into the title game with the 62-to-53 win.
(-----------)

[S-Salem]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=sp-89 tc 44:27]
[GRAPHIC=blue ridge tourn.]

The Blue Ridge District Tournament opened play last night. We have highlights from two games. Our first look goes to the Wildcats-Spartan game in Salem.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem/Rockbridge Co. vs. Salem;]

Salem took the lead early and never looked back. Alvin Bush finds Manuel Lewis underneath with the bounce pass and Lewis gets the easy bucket.
Rockbridge County gets on the board when Tyler Falls lets one loose from the baseline. It's all net for two.
[super=33-Rockbridge Co./35/Salem/63;]

The Spartans stay on cruise control. Adam Farabaugh gets the layup and Salem win 63-35.
(------------)

[wipe wipe wipe wipe]

[S-Northside]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=sp-69 tc 1:03:28]

[wipe wipe wipe wipe]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./Alleghany vs. Northside;]

Our next Blue Ridge District stop is Northside, where the Vikings were playing host to the Mountaineers.
Jason Naldo takes matters into his own hands. Naldo drives to the hoop, shoots over the defender for the Northside points.
Alleghany played the Vikings tight most of the second half. Dwayne Washington calls his own number, moves to the basket and downs the jumper off the dribble.
[super=33-Alleghany/52/Northside/61;]

Michael Eubank sinks the three pointer from the corner and Northside moves on in the tournament beating Alleghany 61-52.
(------------)
[anchor=Mike]
[ss=hold]

The Vikings play Blacksburg tomorrow night. Blacksburg beat Lord Botetourt 75-66.

[S-RVD]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-84]
[GRAPHIC=rvd tourney]
The girls' Roanoke Valley district semi-finals were also played tonight at the Salem Civic Center.
(------------)
[VO-NAT ]
[SUPER=03-Salem/Girls Semi-Finals; :00]
William Fleming looked to sweep up the Pulaski County Cougars in the first game of the afternoon.
This one came down to the wire as Lindsey Ratcliffe snaps the nylon with a three pointer to put the Cougars up 52-50 with 35 seconds left in the game.
[SUPER=34-Pulaski Co./56/William Fleming/52;]But Fleming's Sheena Sullivan ties it at 54 on the next possession with
this basket and it looks like overtime.
That's when Pulaski's Francesca Lolly steps up to score the final four points for the Cougars who escape with a 56-52 win.
(------------)
[wipe to eng#!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

[S-Girls]

[ANCHOR=mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-92 15:40]
[GRAPHIC=none]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem/Eagles vs. Knights; :00]

The other girls RVD semi-final was not so close as Cave Spring topped Franklin County 65-33.
The Eagles Amanda Carty was sharp late in this one, hitting the shot after a quick release, but it was 51-28 Cave in the fourth.
The Knights Jennie Carter then dishes to Jessica Caldwell, she buries a three pointer to [SUPER=34-Cave Spring/65/
Franklin Co./33;]put Cave up by 16 points.
Sarah Henderson finishes strong with another long bomb as the Knights win and advance to Friday's title game against Pulaski.
(------------)

[S-Dale]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-79 13719TC]
[grahic=dale obit]

Dale Earnhardt's funeral arrangements are all set. The family will hold private services on Thursday in Charlotte. The public will not be admitted to the funeral which will take place at Calvary Church at Noon. Earnhardt's body was flown back to North Carolina in a private jet Monday night and taken to the Raymer Funeral Home in Huntersville, North Carolina. Many are now starting to wonder if Dale didn't have an uneasy sense that something might have been wrong on Sunday.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Daytona Beach, FL/Sunday; :00]
A number of fans say they had an eerie feeling before the start of the Daytona 500 as they watched Earnhardt. Besides making sure he walked to the track with the man who turned out to be the eventual winner, Dale also made sure he checked in with his son before heading to his own car. And the good bye kiss from wife Teresa almost seemed to be too final. As the two said their good byes not once, but twice on pit road
(--------------)
[talent=mike]
[graphic=Dale Obit]
There is more information from the Earnhardt autopsy report. The findings show that he not only had a skull fracture running from the front of his head to the back, but also suffered 8 broken ribs, a broken ankle and a fractured sternum.
[graphic=Dale Junior]
Plus, Dale Jr. has announced that he WILL race this weekend at Rockingham in the Dura Lube 400, saying his dad would want the show to go on.
[GRAPHIC=THE ROCK]
Officials at The Rock say fans are not exactly rushing to buy up every available seat, so far this week.

[S-Marlin]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-86 5710TC]
[GRAPHIC=STERLING MARLIN]

Forgotten in all of the tragedy is the man who was drving the car that touched with Earnhardt's car on that final lap, Sterling Marlin. Sterling's web site has been bombarded by hateful emails, and he and his family have received phone threats at the team race shop in Mooresville as some people attempt to blame him for Dale's death.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=YOU KNOW I THINK...]
[SUPER=01-Sterling Marlin/Coors Dodge Driver; :00]
[RUNS=:39]
[OUT Q=...IN BAD SHAPE."]
(------------)