WDBJ 7 news at 6 for 03/15/01

[1-News-Head]

[TALENT=Keith]

The psychology of investment panic. It really does drive the market. A local perspective on consumer confidence
tonight.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

And Lane Stadium expansion plans fall victim to the state budget impasse, even though they don't involve taxpayers' dollars.
(------------)

[Sports-Head]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]
Tonight on News 7 Sports, the NCAA tournament opens with upsets and a few near misses. Plus, the Division Three final four participants are ready to roll in Salem.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
And, seven NFL scouts put the Hokies' senior class under the microscope today at the Merriman Center.
(------------)

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

A nice, wet day for the region and another shot of rain for Friday. A look at the latest radar pictures coming up.

[Video-Open]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=Video Open]

(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=When other become]
[tc:00:42:27] ((WHEN OTHERS BECOME FEARFUL, IT'S TIME TO BECOME GREEDY.))
[RUNS=03]
[OUT Q=become greedy.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Psychologists say it's time for investors to face their fears in this weak market climate.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Keith]
[GRAPHIC=News7at6]
Good evening, I'm Keith Humphry.

[Local-Economy]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=00-54 TC1:38:57]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at Six]

The Dow and NASDAQ have stabilized, at least for one day, but many people are still shaken by this week's market plunge.
And psychologists: how people feel about their own finances can have a big effect on the region's, and nation's economy.
[DOUBLE BOXES=Keith and Jennifer /Microwave;]

Jennifer Miele is on Roanoke's Wall Street tonight with that story.
[LIVE=Jennifer FULL/Microwave]
[SUPER=@jennifer1]
[SUPER=05-Roanoke]

Keith, it's called "Consumer Confidence" .. and when personal holdings and retirement accounts take big hits, that confidence is put to the test.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Lat month, Dr. Larry]
[SUPER=03-Salem/Last month; :00]
[SUPER=01-Jan Lynch/Roanoke College; :15]
[SUPER=01-James Brinkley/Legg Mason President; :56]
[RUNS=1:35]
[OUT Q=like the environment.]
(( Last month, Dr. Larry Lynch of Roanoke College told News 7 that Roanoke was not headed for a recession. ((DR. LARRY LYNCH: NO, I DON'T THINK SO AT ALL.)) [RUNS02]
But Lynch said we should really ask a psychologist -- they are the ones who know all about consumer confidence.
So we did.
His wife, Dr. Jan Lynch. [tc:00:02:41] ((DR. JAN LYNCH: AFTER HAVING BEEN MARRIED TO HIM FOR AS MANY YEARS AS I HAVE BEEN, I THINK HE'S RIGHT.)) [RUNS05]
Jan Lynch says investors who watched their stocks devalue this week experienced a very real emotion -- fear. [Tc:00:03:33] ((DR. JAN LYNCH: SO WHAT PEOPLE WILL DO IS THEY'LL START SELLING BECAUSE THEY ARE AFRAID THAT IT'S GOING TO CONTINUE TO DROP, AN OR COURSE, IF THEY DO IT, IT'S GOING TO CONTINUE TO DROP, AND IT BECOMES A VICIOUS CIRCLE.)) [RUNS12]
But there is some light at the end of the market pummel.
Brokerage firm Legg Mason is expanding in Roanoke and convincing local investors to buy now. [tc:00:42:15] ((WE KNOW HISTORICALLY THAT THESE DAYS PROVIDE THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY TO OWN GOOD INVESTMENTS, AND THAT ITS THE WORST TIME TO LIQUIDATE.)) [RUNS08]
And it seems investors are facing their fears of the market. [PRE PRO]
Ten years ago, all that mattered was your money in the bank - -but today, 45 percent of the average household's assets are in the stock market.
The baby boomers have no need to fear retirement... 18 percent of their wealth is in mutual funds. But ten years ago, they wouldn't have been prepared. [END PRE PRO]
Legg Mason hopes to continue to boost that consumer confidence by investing its own money in Roanoke. [tc:00:48:49] ((WE LOOK AT ROANOKE AS THE CAPITAL OF THE WESTERN PART OF THE STATE. WE LIKE THE GOVERNMENT, THE BUSINESS PEOPLE, AND WE LIKE THE ENVIRONMENT.)) [runs08]))
(-------------)
[LIVE=Jennifer FULL/Microwave]
[SUPER=05-Roanoke;]

But ultimately, it's consumer confidence, not a company's, that determines which way the economy goes .. how far it goes ... and for how long.
[DOUBLE BOXES=Keith and Jennifer /Microwave;]

Keith.

[Lane-Stadium]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=00-55 TC1:42:15]
[GRAPHIC=Virginia Tech]

The state's budget controversy may mean Virginia Tech's expansion plans for Lane Stadium get punted...
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg/File Tape;]

Though the 37-million dollar project does NOT spend tax money, the law requires authorization from the General Assembly.
A Virginia Tech spokesman says the university planned to complete construction for the 2002 season, but to do so, bids for the project would have to be submitted by May first.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT- 2:42:10]
[IN Q=WERE REALLY]
((LARRY HINCKER/VA TECH SPOKESMAN; WERE REALLY CLASSICALLY DEAD IN THE WATER IT DOESN'T APPEAR TO US THAT WE ANY OTHER OPTIONS. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS TO APPROVE ALL CAPITAL PROJECTS IN VIRGINIA REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT IT'S COSTING TAX PAYERS ANY MONEY WHICH IN THIS CASE IT DOESN'T. ))
[SUPER=01-Larry Hincker/VA Tech Spokesman]
[RUNS=:13]
[OUT Q=IT DOESN'T]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The expansion plan is to add 12-thousand seats to the south end zone and additional luxury boxes bringing total seating to 65-thousand.
(------------)

[Hairston]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#01-10 TC08:22]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

A guilty verdict in a Martinsville capital murder trial.
A jury today convicted Michael Hairston of capital murder and first degree murder in the shooting deaths of his girlfriend Evonne Hairston and her sixteen year old daughter Melveena.
Jury members must now decide his punishment.
[Double Boxes=Keith and Justin/Danville Bureau]

Justin McLeod has been covering this trial. He's in our Danville newsroom. Justin, what are the lawyers' arguments in the penalty phase?
[Live=Justin Full/Danville Bureau]
[SUPER=@Justin1;]
[SUPER=05-Danville;]

Keith, the prosecution says Michael Hairston is a violent man who intentionally murdered the victims therefore should be put to death.
The defense argues Hairston came from a broken home and has developmental problems and therefore the jury should spare his life.
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Martinsville/March 2000]

This afternoon, prosecutors called several of Hairston's ex-girlfriends.
They testified to the defendant's violent behavior over the years.
The prosecution argued that's why Hairston should get the death penalty-- because he is a danger to society.
The defense plans on calling several witnesses who will testify Hairston grew up in a poor enviroment.
Attornies also plan to call two pyschologists to say they believe Hairston has developmental problems and can't handle stressful situations.
(-------------)
[Live=Justin Full/Danville Bureau]
[SUPER=05-Danville;]

In opening remarks, the defense reminded jurors that just because they found Hairston guilty of capital murder doesn't mean they have to sentence him to death.
[Double Boxes=Keith and Justin/Danville Bureau]

Keith, testimony in the penalty phase ended at four o'clock. The trial will resume tomorrow morning at nine.

[Academy-Rape]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]

A rape case involving a Naval Academy midshipman from Danville will not go to trial.
Shaka Martin and two other midshipmen were charged in the case.
Prosecutors say they won't bring the case to trial after the midshipmen agreed to resign from the academy and have no further contact with the alleged victim.
The female midshipman who brought the charges says she supports the decision not to bring the men to trial.

[Biomed]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=Six]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=01-03 TC1:17:46]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Plans for the new biomedical institute and related developments have cleared another hurdle.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Today, members of the Roanoke Planning Commission said the proposed South Jefferson Redevelopment Plan IS in agreement with the city's comprehensive plan.
The research and technology park would be located on a 110 acre site near downtown... and housing authority executive director John Baker says he's encouraged by recent developments.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 16:00]
[IN Q=We've got a lot of cooperation]
((JOHN BAKER/HOUSING AUTHORITY DIRECTOR: WE'VE GOT A LOT OF COOPERATION FROM PROPERTY OWNERS AND WE'RE VERY SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE AREA... THE INCONVENIENCE THEY MAY HAVE DURING THIS PROCESS IN THE ACQUISITION AND THE POTENTIAL RELOCATION, BUT WE ALSO HOPE THE BUSINESSES CAN BENEFIT BY HAVING SUCCESSFUL RELOCATION, BY FINDING GOOD SITES FOR THEM WHERE THEY CAN RELOCATE IN THE CITY.))
[SUPER=01-John Baker/Housing Authority Director]
[RUNS=:23]
[OUT Q=relocate in the city.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Keith]
[SS=None]

The redevelopment plan defines specific areas for specific uses, but detailed site plans will come later.
The proposal is now headed to Roanoke City Council, which will consider the plan at its next meeting March 19th.

[Hollins]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Hollins Univ.]

One school announcement to make-- night classes at Hollins University are cancelled tonight due to a power outage.

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

The state corporation commision's decided on Southwest Virginia's new area code.
Find out what it is when News 7 returns.
(---------------)
[VO-NAT]

And we'll check in on the major project underway to fix the Hotel Roanoke's Conference Center.
(----------------)

[Skurupey-Memorial]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=00-53 TC1:37:14]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A Blacksburg National Guardsman killed in a military plane crash will be remembered tonight.
(------------)
[VO-NAT 500-6 2:00:02]

Staff Sergeant Greg Skurupey (Skir-pee) will be honored by family and friends at the First Wesleyan Church in Blacksburg.
[SUPER=03-Unadilla, GA/March 3]

Skurupey was one of 18 guardsmen killed when the plane went down in Georgia. The crew was returning to Virginia after a training mission in Florida.
The memorial service will start at 7 o'clock.
(------------)

[DDay-Memorial]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=slo]
[TAPE#=01-04 TC45:40]
[GRAPHIC=D-Day Memorial]

The dedication of the National D-Day Memorial is just three months away, but President Bush's appearance is still up in the air.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford/File Tape]

Organizers say they've had five meetings with the Secret Service, but the White House has not confirmed his appearance.
Many state politicians have already agreed to attend the June ceremony.
On Monday, th D-Day Memorial Foundation will reveal the identity of a million dollar mystery donor
(------------)

[Hotel-Roanoke]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=Six]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=01-17 TC1:08:21]
[GRAPHIC=Hotel Roanoke]

The contractor had a long way to go and a short time to get there... but major renovations to the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center are moving forward on schedule.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Since January, construction crews have removed the fill material beneath the building that was responsible for structural and cosmetic problems.
They've replaced the concrete slab, and are now working on the interior walls.
The layout of the conference center will remain substantially the same, but the building will have a fresh look when it reopens.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 21:16]
[IN Q=I hope they will be thrilled]
((DEBBIE MOSES/CONFERENCE CENTER COMMISSION: I HOPE THEY WILL BE THRILLED TO DEATH, NOT ONLY TO HAVE US BACK IN OPERATION, BUT WE'LL HAVE A NEW LOOK. WE'LL HAVE SOME NEW WALL COVERINGS, NEW CARPETS, THE SAME IN TERMS OF FURNISHINGS, BUT I HOPE EVERYONE WILL BE PLEASED WITH THE LOOK. I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE GREAT.))
[SUPER=01-Debbie Moses/Conference Center Commission; ]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=I think it's going to be great.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The southern portion of the conference center has remained open, and surprisingly busy, while the work has continued nearby.
The renovations are scheduled to be completed in early May.
(------------)

[Stocks]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

After three days of volatile trading, a little stability returned to Wall Street today. [TAKE DOW & NASDAQ PAGE]
[RUNS=:30]
[SUPER=x5000;]
[SUPER=440-x/55.09/10028.55/y/31.30/1940.79;]

The DOW gained 55 points.
NASDAQ fell 31.
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[VO]
[SUPER=271-h/0.55/45.13/h/0.93/23.35/h/0.50/52.25/h/0.06/18.73/i/0.06/7.45;]
[SUPER=272-h/1.96/64.26/h/1.41/32.77/h/1.08/44.05/h/0.05/41.08/h/0.10/36.40;]
[SUPER=273-i/0.45/22.59/i/0.05/15.82/i/0.13/9.75/i/0.78/47.26/i/0.56/10.63;]
[SUPER=274-h/2.12/65.20/i/1.01/53.99/h/1.15/48.05/h/2.36/61.97/h/0.65/47.85;]
[SUPER=#555; Reset]

[Area-Code]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=01-05 TC1:09:18]
[GRAPHIC=276 Area Code]

Southwest Virginia-- get ready for 276.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

That's the new area code that goes into effect September first for areas in Southwest Virginia, including Wytheville and Martinsville.
The 540 area code will still work in the area until March 2002.
The Roanoke Valley will keep the 540 area code for another five years, then get a new number.
The Shenandoah Valley will keep the 540 number permanently.
(------------)

[Katzen]

[ANCHOR=keith]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=01-01 TC1:45:34]
[GRAPHIC=Campaign 2001]

He's been on the campaign trail since December, 1999, but people are only now starting to get a feel for who Jay Katzen is, and why he wants to be our next lieutenant governor.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

Katzen is seeking the Republican nomination for the number two post in state government.
He picked up the endorsement of House Speaker Vance Wilkins and Lynchburg delegate Preston Bryant this week.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 11:48:08]
[IN Q=I think the]
((VANCE WILKINS/(R) HOUSE SPEAKER: I THINK THE FACT THAT HE WAS A DIPLOMAT FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS WOULD BE A VERY GOOD THING TO BE THE PRESIDING OFFICER IN THE SENATE, AFTER THEY WAY THEY AND THE GOVERNOR HAVE BEEN FIGHTING. I THINK WE NEED A DIPLOMAT TO KEEP THINGS STRAIGHT OVER THERE.))
[SUPER=01-Vance Wilkins/(R) House Speaker; :00]
[RUNS=12]
[OUT Q=straight over there.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Katzen spent 23 years as a Foreign Service Officer with the U-S State Department.
He's a four-time delegate from Fauquier County.
State senator Randy Forbes of Chesapeake is also seeking the nomination.
(------------)

[Sports Tease]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]
Coming up tonight on News 7 sports, the March madness begins with a maddening day. UVA and Gonzaga talk about their matchup tomorrow. The final four teams vying for the Division Three championship have settled into Salem for this weekend's championship.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
And the NFL was well represented in Blacksburg today as the Hokies seniors were put through the paces.
(------------)

[S-NCAA]

[ANCHOR=mike]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-80]
[GRAPHIC=men's final four]

The road to the final four was a bit rocky for a few teams today. Fifth seeded Ohio State fell to 12th seeded Utah State and UCLA and Kentucky had to hang on for dear life to advance to the second round.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-San Diego, CA/CBS-NCAA; :00]

In the ACC, six teams were invited to the dance, including 8th seeded Georgia Tech. Alvin Jones with the ally oop but the Yellow Jackets fall to ninth seeded St. Joseph's 66-62 in the West.
[SUPER=03-Boise, ID;CBS-NCAA;]

Also in the West, three seed Maryland avoids the upset, beating 14th seeded George Mason 83-80. Juan Dixon made this buzzer beater look easy but it was anything but.
[SUPER=04-Georgia State vs. Wisconsin;]

In the first game in Boise, former Maryland coach Lefty Driesell led his 11th seeded Georgia State Panthers back from an 11 point halftime deficit to upset 6th seeded Wisconsin 50-49.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="you know]
((LEFTY DRIESELL/GA. STATE HEAD COACH:))
[SUPER=01-Lefty Driesell/Ga. State Head Coach; :00]
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=......I think"]
(------------)

[WIPE TO PINNACLE!!!!!!!!!!!][S-WDBJ]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=none]
(-----------------)
[WIPE TO PINNACLE 1213] Tonight the action contiues here on WDBJ-7 as Duke takes on Monmouth at 7:30 followed by Iowa State & Hampton. Also, you will get bonus coverage of the other games of the night this evening.
(---------------)

[S-UVA]

[ANCHOR=mike]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-86 1:13:15]
[GRAPHIC=NCAA tourney]

Virginia plays Gonzaga this afternoon in the South Region opener that is set to tip off at 12:25.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Memphis, TN; :00]

UVa head coach Pete Gillen along with guards Roger Mason and Donald Hand met the media yesterday in a 2:30 news conference from the Pyramid Arena in Memphis. The fifth seeded Cavaliers are being called the underdog by some simply because 12th seeded Gonzaga is one of only five teams in the country to have reached the sweet 16 the last two years.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="Gonzaga....]
((PETE GILLEN/9TH NCAA TOURNAMENT:)) ((DONALD HAND/UVA SENIOR POINT GUARD:))
[SUPER=01-Pete Gillen/9th NCAA Tournament; :00]
[SUPER=01-Donald Hand/UVa Senior Point Guard; :15]
[RUNS=:24]
[OUT Q=.....that way"]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Even though Gonzaga has beaten Florida, Louisville, and St. John's in the tourney over the last two years, the Zags put UVa on the same level as the top teams in the NCAA tournament.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
((MARK FEW/GONZAGA HEAD COACH:)) ((DAN DICKAU/GONZAGA HEAD COACH:))
[SUPER=01-Mark Few/Gonzaga Head Coach; :00]
[SUPER=01-Dan Dickau/Gonzaga Guard; :11]
[RUNS=:32]
[OUT Q=....with the ball"]
(------------)

(adlib boards)

[S-Salem]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rst]
[TAPE#=SP-89 (58:59)]
[GRAPHIC=Division III]

The N-C-Double-A division three national championship will tip off tonight at the Salem Civic Center.
The players of the year were introduced yesterday afternoon and the final four teams hit the floor for a light practice.
Roy Stanley has more.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="The final...]
[SUPER=03-Salem; :00]
[SUPER=01-Alison Grubbs/Player of The Year; :20]
[SUPER=01-David Jannuzzi/Player of The Year; :48]
[SUPER=01-Joe Campoli/Ohio Northern Head Coach; 1:09]
[SUPER=01-Jose Rebimbas/Paterson Head Coach; 1:39]
[SUPER=@Roy1; 1:55]
[RUNS=2:01]
[OUT Q=....news 7 sports.]
((The final four weekend always begins with the presentation of the Jostens Trophy's honoring the division three players of the year.
Allison Grubbs of Lake Forest in Illinois is the women's player of the year. Grubbs averaged more than 21 points a game but just as impressive is the 3 point 7 G-P-A she maintained in college.)) ((ALISON GRUBBS/PLAYER OF THE YEAR:)) ((Wilkes University's David Jannuzzi is the men's player of the year.
An academic all american Jannuzzi led Wilkes in scoring with a 22 point average.)) ((DAVID JANNUZZI/PLAYER OF THE YEAR:)) ((The afternoon practice sessions were short and sweet with lost of intensity.
Catholic, Illinois Wesleyan, William Paterson and Ohio Northern make up the final four.)) ((JOE CAMPOLI/OHIO NORTHERN HEAD COACH:)) ((The Polar Bears and William Paterson have both participated in the final four.
Paterson, led by Horace Jenkins, the 4-th leading scorer in Division three, played in the final four in 1999.)) ((JOSE REBIMBAS/PATERSON HEAD COACH:)) ((ROY STANLEY:))
(------------)

[S-Tech]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-90 11721TC]
[GRAPHIC=NFL]
The NFL draft is just a little over a month away and while most of the focus in recent weeks has been on the quarterback shuffle, scouts from all over the league are busy these days canvassing college campuses.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :00]
Yesterday scouts from seven NFL teams including the Browns, Jaguars, Titans, the Giants and the Super Bowl champion Ravens spent the day on the Virginia Tech campus seeing how the Hokies' senior class measures up. Tech's lineman are expected to make an impact in the draft with Anthony Lambo, Matt Lehr and Dave Kadela each hoping to get the call the third weekend in April. Dave Meyer, who likely will play for the Roanoke Steam if he doesn't get a chance in the NFL, looked extremely strong yesterday. Linebacker Phillip Summers and rover Cory Bird also hope to get a shot in the league. The Cowboy's Bill Bates privately worked out Bird Wednesday. The NFL draft begins April 21st in New York. (------------)