WDBJ 7 news at Noon for 04/09/01

[HEADLINES]

[TALENT=Kimberly]

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[VO-NAT]

A castle falls to flames--
The Natural bridge attraction, Enchanted Castle is destroyed in an overnight fire.
We'll have live update on the fire investigation.
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[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And trial is underway for a teenager accused in a stabbing at Heritage High School.
(/////////////)
[TALENT=Jacey]
[SS=None]

After a warm weekend with record setting temperatures... we start off Monday with sunny skies and once again... record setting temperatures!
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=None]

News 7 at noon is coming up.

[Video-Open]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
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[VO-NAT]

There's one fewer attraction in Natural Bridge, as an early- morning blaze brings down the Enchanted Castle.
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[Enchanted-Castle]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=01-07]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]

Fire has destroyed a Rockbridge County tourist attraction. The Enchanted Castle near Natural Bridge caught fire early this morning, and suffered heavy damage.
The Enchanted Castle has entertained tourists and served as a local man's workshop for nearly two decades...

[DOUBLE BOXES=Kim /Marya Starlink;]

And Marya Jones is there this afternoon. Marya, is there any word yet on the cause?
[LIVE=Marya FULL/Starlink]
[SUPER=@Marya1]
[SUPER=06-Natural Bridge]

((ROLLCUE:... he saw it all burn))
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[VO-NAT SOT ROLLED FROM TRUCK]
[SUPER=04-Home Video; :00]
[SUPER=03-Natural Bridge; :09]

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[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=]
[**NO SUPER OVER INTERVIEW]

[LIVE=Marya full/Starlink]
[SUPER=06-Natural Bridge;]

[DOUBLE BOXES=Kim /Marya Starlink;]

[China-Plane]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

In national news--
President Bush says "diplomacy takes time".
But he adds that every day Navy crew members are detained in China increases the chance of damaged relations.
Teri Okita has the latest on the stand-off.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC;]
[SUPER=01-Neal Sealock/Defense Attache;]
[SUPER=01-Teri Okita/Reporting;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=Okita, CBS News, Washington.]

((
Narr: President Bush has fired the latest salvo in the escalating war of words over 24 U.S. servicemen spending their ninth day in the custody of Chinese authorities. The president says diplomacy takes time but as negotiations drag on, America's patience could wear thin.

SOT: Bush
"`Every day that goes by increases the potential that our relations with China could be damaged''
Nat Pop
Meanwhile, American diplomats had another meeting with all 24 members of the U.S. spy plane's crew. They were found to be in good health and good spirits, bolstered by messages of support from family members.

SOT: U-S Army Brigadier General Neal Sealock
"We're continuing to deliver the same e-mails that have come in - I have another pack this morning - we will continue to process (the mail) but my concept is to maintain contacts with the crew."
Narr: The Bush administration is standing firm on it's refusal to to apologize for American's role in last weeks mid-air collision. The president has sent a letter to the wife of the Chinese pilot who is still missing...but China says it's still waiting for a full apology from the U.S.
Teri Okita On Camera Close: (not verbatim) (.....Lawmakers...patience wearing thin.. some are using the word hostage. Trade may be the strongest weapon U.S has on the bargaining table.)
))

[Internet-Babies]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
There's a key ruling today from London in the Internet adoption case---
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-London, England;]

The court ruled against the British couple who adopted a set of twin baby girls through an Internet adoption broker.
Alan and Judith Kilshaw brought the American- born girls to Britain three months ago.
They'd paid twice the adoption fee a California couple paid, who also wanted to adopt the girls.
A few weeks later, the twins were placed with social services and have remained there ever since.
(-----------)
[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Today's ruling means the girls will return to Missouri.
Their estranged, biological parents are both seeking custody.

[Rivera]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=01-05]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

The trial of a teenager accused of a stabbing at a local high school is underway in Lynchburg circuit court.

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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg/January 16]

16- year- old Robert Michael Rivera was arrested after a fight in the Heritage High School parking lot January 16th.
Authorities say Rivera stabbed 20- year- old Eric Beard in the stomach and arm.. Beard spent six days in the hospital recovering from his injuries.
Rivera is claiming he acted in self defense.
More than a dozen witnesses have been called to testify.
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[Robbery-Charge]

[ANCHOR=kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=12]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=none]

A suspect in a Botetourt County robbery as been identified and charged.
The Botetourt County Sheriff's Department says Alex Perez Batista entered the Comfort Inn Motel wearing a ski mask and gloves last September.
He then held a knife to the night clerk's throat while demanding money.
Batista was charged with armed robbery at the Roanoke City Jail, where he is being held on other unrelated charges.

[Roanoke-Body]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=01-16 TC 18:24]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Authorities are trying to identify a body that was found in the cement canal in front of the Norfolk Southern machine shop near Campbell Avenue in Roanoke.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

Police received the call around 10:15 yesterday morning.
The man was found lying face down in the water. He had apparently suffered a head wound.
He's a white male, 35 to 40 years old, with long brown hair, and tattoos.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 06:13:44]
[IN Q=FOUND HIM]
((SGT. STAN SMITH/ROANOKE CITY POLICE: FOUND HIM LYING IN FOUR OR FIVE INCHES OF WATER IN THE CULVERT. IT APPEARED HE HAD BEEN THERE FOR SOMETIME AND THAT SOME OF THE SEDIMENT HAD FORMED OVER HIM. WE SEARCHED FOR IDENTIFICATION IN HIS POCKETS AND WE DIDN'T FIND ANY SO WE HAVE TO USE OTHER MEANS TO DO IDENTIFICATION))
[SUPER=01-Sgt. Stan Smith/Roanoke City Police;]
[RUNS=14]
[OUT Q=to do an identification]
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[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=none]

The body has been sent to the Roanoke Medical Examiners office to determine the cause of death and the man's identity.

[Siamese-Twins]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Doctors in Singapore are still working to separate a set of Siamese twin girls.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Singapore;]

The twins turned 11-months- old today, while on the operating table.
The infants from Nepal were born, joined at the skull.
They've been in surgery for more than three days.
Hospital officials say the girls' vital signs have remained stable.
A spokesman says the twins are still O-K, but adds that the surgery may continue through tonight.
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[Bush-Budget]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Budget]

President Bush has sent the full details of his nearly two- trillion- dollar budget to Congress.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC;]

The plan limits spending to a four- percent growth, a drop from the EIGHT- percent that former President Clinton had provided.
Bush says his budget provides some increased spending for education, child care, and a program for child safety locks on guns.
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[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]

But Democrats say the budget will still mean severe cuts to several programs that provide money for classroom construction and police officers.

[China-Plane]

[Redistricting]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=VA Redistricting]

Several public hearings will be held across the Commonwealth tonight concerning legislative re-districting. They're are scheduled for South Boston, Abingdon, Newport News, Annandale and Richmond. The meetings will be held at seven p-m. The General Assembly will vote on new state Senate and House of Delegates boundaries later this week.

[VA-Tax]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=12]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Taxes]

The Virginia Department of Taxation is extending its hours of operation in lieu of next Monday's tax deadline.
For help with your taxes...
(XXXXXXXXXXXX)
[Take FS Board 1050]
call 804-367-8031 from 8:30 until seven Monday through Friday, or until 12:30 on Saturdays. [Take FS Web Address 4472]
The Department of Taxation also reminds residents they can file state income taxes on-line. You can find a link to its website by visiting our web page at WDBJ-7- -dot--com.
(XXXXXXXXXXXXX)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[SS=HOLD]

If you won't make next Monday's filing deadline, you can contact the I-R-S for an extension, and agents will help you file a 48-68 form ... but remember, you still have to pay what you owe on time.

[Hiking-Safety]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=01-04 TC1:20:10]
[GRAPHIC=none]
Smart thinking on the part of a father and son lost in the dark on McAfee's Knob Saturday night led rescuers to their location. What do YOU need to know before lacing up your boots to go hiking? Kate Weidaw has the answer.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Bedford;:00]
[SUPER=01-Teresa Stanley/Hiker;:32]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./Saturday;:49]
[SUPER=01-Zeph Cunningham/Park Ranger;:58]
[SUPER=@Kate1;1:10]
[SUPER=01-Neil Tucker/Hiker;1:25]
[RUNS=1:51]
[OUT Q=kw news 7 Bedford.]

(([NAT SOUND OF BOOTS WALKING]
[RUNS= 3]

The steep and rocky terrain attracts thousands of visitors to the trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway every year. But do you really know what you're getting yourself into before taking the hike?

[SOT 7:41]
[INQ=]
((ZEPH CUNNINGHAM/PARK RANGER: THE TRAILS HERE ARE NOT THE SMOOTHEST IN THE WORLD, THEY'RE ROUGH.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 4]

And if you look at the signs at the bottom of trails like Sharp Top in the Peaks of Otter, you'll find the hike up is two hours. Teresa Stanley and her 7 year old son Davis like to take the challenging hike when the weather's nice.

[SOT 13:56]
[INQ=]
((TERESA STANLEY: WE ALWAYS LIKE TO BRING WATER OR SOMETHING TO DRINK LIKE JUICE AND WHEN I BRING MY CHILDREN WE ALWAYS LIKE TO BRING A SNACK.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 7]

One thing the Stanley's always remember is to never get off the marked trail. Saturday afternoon a pair of hikers got lost and couldn't find their way out when it got dark. But search crews say because the hikers didn't continue walking, they were able to find them.

[SOT 8:58]
[INQ=]
((ZEPH CUNNINGHAM: IF YOU GET LOST, THE SECOND YOU GET LOST SIT DOWN ON THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS SOMEONE WILL FIND YOU ALSO IF YOU HEAR PEOPLE YELLING AT YOU CALL BACK.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 10]

[SOT 29:56]
[INQ=]
((KATE WEIDAW/REPORTING: ANOTHER THING YOU DON'T WANT TO FORGET WHEN YOU'RE HIKING ON THE TRAILS IS YOUR CELL PHONE THAT WAY IF YOU GET HURT OR LOST YOU CAN CALL FOR HELP.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 7]

[20:00 NAT SOUND OF NEIL CLOSING CAR DOOR] ((LET'S GO.))
[RUNS= 5]

Day hikers like the Tuckers make sure they bring along a whistle in case they get lost and a fanny pack with supplies.

[SOT 23:58]
[INQ=]
((NEIL TUCKER: THESE THINGS ARE HANDY, THESE WALKIE-TALKIES ARE NOT THAT EXPENSIVE AND IF WE WANT TO SPLIT UP WE KNOW WE CAN ALWAYS TALK TO ONE ANOTHER.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 12]

So before you put on your walking shoes make sure you're prepared for a challenging climb so you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings safely. Kate Weidaw News 7 Bedford.))

[Gods-Minute]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=rle]
[TAPE#=01-10 TC-32:34]
[GRAPHIC=none]
There's a new face on God's Minute beginning today.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;]
After 27 years on radio and television, Doctor Charles Fuller will be retiring from "God's Minute". Today his son David will take over the reins of the devotional series.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT - TC2:23:49]
[IN Q=This time in my life...]
((DR. CHARLES FULLER/FIRST BAPTIST PASTOR EMERITUS: THIS TIME IN MY LIFE AND THIS TIME IN HIS, IT'S VERY FULFILLING TO ME FOR HIM TO TAKE THIS MINISTRY. HE'LL DO IT HIS WAY... HE'S A VERY INDEPENDENT FELLOW.)) ((DAVID FULLER/CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT PASTOR: WHAT WE'RE DOING IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN WHAT HE'S DONE FOR YEARS.
PERSONALLY IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO CARRY ON THE FAMILY NAME AND TRADITION.))
[SUPER=01-Dr. Charles Fuller/First Baptist Pastor Emeritus; :00]
[SUPER=01-David Fuller/Church of the Holy Spirit Pastor; :13]
[RUNS=25]
[OUT Q=the family name and tradition.]
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[VO-NAT - two with football]
The two will appear together for a few of the initial God's Minute broadcasts, then David will convey the religious messages by himself.
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[Box-Office]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Several new releases over the weekend couldn't knock "Spy Kids" out of the top spot. The movie remains number one for the second straight week. "Spy Kids'' took in an estimated 17-point-eight million dollars over the weekend, pushing its total to 49 million since its release.

(+++++++)
[TAKE FS SUPER]
[SUPER=77-Spy Kids/Along Came A Spider/Blow/Pokemon 3/Someone Like You;]

The crime thriller ``Along Came a Spider,'' starring Morgan Freeman, debuted in second place. Blow is number three. Pokemon 3 the Movie is number 4 and Someone Like You completes this week's top five.
[SUPER=#555; reset] (------------)