WDBJ 7 news at Noon for 04/30/01

[HEADLINES]

[TALENT=Kimberly]

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[VO-NAT]

The international space station welcomes its first paying guest--
A California businessman is taking a six- day vacation in space.
The story, coming up.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And new information regarding the fatal crash of Dale Earnhardt--
An E-M-S worker claims Earnhardt's seatbelt was INTACT when he died at the Daytona 500
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[TALENT=Leo]
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A few clouds will roll through the area today but it will remain warm and dry....I'll have your forecast....

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=None]

News 7 at noon, right after the break.

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[SUPER=@Kimberly1;]
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[Neuhs]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=01-21 26:09]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at Noon]

A Roanoke businessman is in jail, charged with hiring a man to kill his wife for 500 dollars.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Rocky Mount;]

48-year-old David John Neuhs was arraigned on charges of conspiracy to commit capital murder this morning.
State police say he gave a man a pistol and instructed him to kill his wife, Teresa Ann Neuhs, who lives in Franklin County.
Police say Neuhs paid the man 500-dollars after he'd been TOLD she was dead. She was NOT harmed.
Neuhs is the owner of D-and-T Trucking.
Police say he and his wife were separated and going through a divorce and property dispute.
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[Space-Tourist]

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

It was one giant step for Dennis Tito as he broke the barriers of space travel.
Tito arrived at the international space station this morning as a paying guest.
Terisa Estacio has the story.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Dennis Tito/Space Tourist;]
[SUPER=01-Bill Harwood/CBS Space Consultant;]
[SUPER=01-Terisa Estacio/Reporting;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=Estacio, CBS News, Houston.]
(( After rocketing into orbit from the Russian port in Kazakhstan., the world's first space tourist has arrived at international space station - Alpha.
Nat Pop: Tito ``A great trip here!''
The Russian Soyuz capsule carrying American millionaire Dennis Tito and two cosmonauts hooked up to the orbiting outpost just 14 hours after the departure of space shuttle Endeavour.
Tito and his cosmonaut crewmates floated through a hatch into the International Space Station about an hour and a half after docking.
Sot: Tito ``I don't know about this adaption that they're talking about. I'm already adapted. I love space!''
NASA had opposed Tito's trip on safety grounds, and Alpha's residents were under orders to conduct safety briefings and drills with the business man - as soon as the hatches opened. NASA has also imposed strict limitations that will confine Tito's movements throughout the mission.
Bill Harwood/ CBS SPACE CONSULTANT: "They signed a deal before he launched saying that if he comes into the US side, he has to be escorted by a space station crew member to make sure he stays out of trouble."
Tito is reported to be paying as much as $20 million for this adventure of a lifetime. All the money is going to Russian space officials.
The 60-year-old Californian worked as an aerospace engineer during the 1960s and plans to focus on Earth observations and photography during his visit. He and his Russian crewmates will depart Saturday night aboard the Soyuz that's been docked to the space station for the past six months.
TE CBS NEWS ))

[S-Earnhardt]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=jen]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Dale Earnhardt]
An E-M-S worker claims Dale Earnhardt's seatbelt was INTACT when he died at the Daytona 500
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Daytona Beach, FL/February 18;]
An Orange County firefighter who was one of the first on the scene after the racer crashed into a wall says that he had to struggle to pull open the seatbelt - but it was in one piece when he did. NASCAR officials said yesterday that the separated belt wasn't found until the morning after the February crash by Winston Cup Series director Gary Nelson. The firefighter says NASCAR officials have not asked about his experience that day. The racing company has refused to display the seatbelt because they are doing their own investigation by unidentified experts. A biomedical engineering professor at Duke University who examined the Dale Earnhardt autopsy photos says a broken seat belt had nothing to do with Dale's death.
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[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=Hold]

NASCAR chairman Bill France Junior said yesterday that Winston Cup Series director Gary Nelson was the one who found the broken seatbelt the next day.

[11Jefferson-Forest]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=01-23 TC-6:26]
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Parents of students at Jefferson Forest High School in Bedford County are afraid the school is making their children sick.
Last week it was announced the school was closing for the year after a mold called (stackee-BAW-tris) stachybotrys was discovered in several of the classrooms.
Yesterday at a special meeting, many parents demanded school officials test the children for illnesses.
Jennifer Miele reports.
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[OUT Q=JM News 7, Bedford County.]

[11460-Chase]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=01-10 TC-56:48]
[GRAPHIC=police chase]

Two men are in custody after they allegedly stole several D-V-D players from WalMarts in Roanoke and Bedford.
Bedford police made the arrest, but a passing motorist helped authorities catch one of the suspects. Bedford Police chased the suspects
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford Co.]

Eastbound on Route 4-60, reaching speeds of 100 miles an hour.
When the suspects attempted to elude police by making a quick turn off of the roadway, their car hit some railroad tracks and flipped over.
Police say the suspects then managed to free themselves from the car, and began running.
A Bedford Police officer apprehend one -- and a passing motorist chased down the other.
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[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY]
[GRAPHIC=Hold]

Bedford and State Police are investigating the incident.
Police say the suspects will likely be charged with reckless driving and grand larceny.
[tease1] [HARD MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Still to come on the newscast, a leading rocker says he has cancer.
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[VO-NAT ]

And we'll tell you why many politicians are staying away from a Presidential celebration.
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[Talent=Leo]
[Wx-Tease] [Weatherpro] [Streaming Video] [music up full] [comm1]

[Milosevic]

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

Another two months are reportedly added to the prison sentence of former Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Belgrade, Yugoslavia;]

News reports say a Belgrade court granted the extension.
Some feared Milosevic would flee the country if he had the chance, or intimidate witnesses if he was allowed out of prison.
He was arrested at the beginning of the month on charges of corruption and abuse of power.
Milosevic is also wanted by the U-N War crimes tribunal for his alleged crimes against Albanians in Kosovo.
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[Bush]

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

There will probably be plenty of empty seats at today's Presidential luncheon at the White House.
Many lawmakers are skipping the ceremonial event.
Officials say out of the 535 members of Congress, fewer than 200 are planning to attend.
Aleen Sirgany has more from Washington.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC;]
[SUPER=01-Rep. Richard Gephardt/(D) Minority Leader;]
[SUPER=01-Hugh Sidey/Presidential Historian;]
[SUPER=01-Mary Matalin/Presidential Assistant;]
[SUPER=01-Aleen Sirgany/Reporting;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=Aleen Sirgany, CBS News, Washington.]
((
(PKG)
(NAT)
ON THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIRST DAY OF THE BUSH PRESIDENCY, GEORGE W. BUSH IS GETTING SOME HEAT FROM MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.

(SOT)Rep. Richard Gephardt/MINORITY LEADERTIC10:38:32-:42
we dont talk.my way or the highway
TRACK: AND THAT WILL HAVE TO CHANGE IN ORDER TO GET ANYTHING DONE. THE PRESIDENT SAYS HE WANTS BIPARTISAN COOPERATION, AND DEMOCRATS SAY HE'LL HAVE TO MAKE GOOD ON THAT PLEDGE IN ORDER TO ADVANCE HIS CORE ISSUES: THE TAX CUT AND EDUCATION.

(TRACK)
(GRAPHIC)
BUSH IS GETTING A BETTER GRADE FROM THE PUBLIC. A CBS POLL SHOWS 56 PERCENT APPROVE OF THE PRESIDENTS JOB PERFORMANCE. THATS BETTER THAN CLINTONS BUT WORSE THAN THE PRESIDENTS FATHER AND RONALD REAGAN.
TC15:18:13 HUGH SIDEY/PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIAN I think there are some rough spots, he said things he probably shouldnt have said but hes learning his way.

(GRAPHIC)
THE PUBLIC THINKS THE PRESIDENT DOES WELL ON FOREIGN POLICY. BUT NOT AS WELL WITH ECONOMY AND AND EVEN WORSE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.

(GRAPHIC)
AND THE PUBLIC STILL THINKS THE PRESIDENT ISNT AS INVOLVED AS HE SHOULD BE IN RUNNING THE COUNTRY. PRESIDENTIAL ASSISTANT MARY MATALIN TELLS THE EARLY SHOW... THAT'S JUST NOT TRUE.

(SOT)MARY MATALIN/ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
His principals are so strong..it works.

(ALEEN TAG)
SOMETHING YOU OFTEN HEAR IN WASHINGTON IS "WHERE IS THE PRESIDENT?" THE PUBLIC SEEMS TO THINK HE'S NOT AROUND MUCH. WE'LL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE IF HE WILL BE MORE VISIBLE IN THE NEXT ONE HUNDRED DAYS. ALEEN SIRGANY, CBS NEWS, THE WHITE HOUSE.

))[Van-Halen]

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

Rock and roll guitarist Eddie Van Halen is confirming that he has cancer.
Van Halen is one of the founders of the band that bears his name.
Hospital officials aren't saying what type of cancer he has, but Van Halen is a longtime smoker.
The musician says doctors have told him he's "healthier than ever and beating cancer."
He adds there's a good chance he'll be cancer- free soon.

[11Feedback, ]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=jmc]
[TAPE#=Feedback TC-2:28]
[GRAPHIC=Feedback]
Our coverage of a backyard wrestling event upset many viewers on both sides of the ring last week. Assignment editor Joe McKean, has their reactions on News-7's Feedback.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=Animation Open]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/April 22; :05]
[RUNS=1:22]
[OUT Q=Animation Close]

((A demonstration of what's called "backyard wrestling" in Fallon Park prompted several letters.
One participant (Tommy Custer/Roanoke) slammed our story. "This is not just a bunch of guys trying to hurt themselves, there is love, passion, sweat and tears behind the hard core wrestling. I will admit that some take it too far. We are not one of them and I don't think we should be shown that way."
A professional wrestler (Tommy Boothe/Roanoke) wrote: "It is a shame to see kids around the country attempting to do what us professionals train weeks and months to achieve. While some people think that wrestling is 'fake' and anyone can do it, they are sadly mistaken. It takes a special breed to make it in the professional wrestling business."
A viewer from Roanoke County (Scott Setchel) had a similar opinion. "I think that backyard wrestling is an outrage and a black eye on a 'sport' that is trying to change its image. Hopefully, if more local wrestlers that are trained speak out against it, then maybe we can help keep these young children from getting seriously hurt."
And another viewer (Chris Fyfe/Laurel Fork) said: "These kids think they are having fun? Wait until one of them becomes seriously injured or worse. Let's see how much fun they are having then."
Here's how to write to us at News-7.
Or send a fax.
Or an e-mail.
And our home page has an online forum.
Joe McKean, News-7.))
[Tease2] [SOFT MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
Coming up a little later in the newscast, the winner of yesterday's Winston Cup Race proves he's not rusty when it comes to driving,
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[VO-NAT ]
and we'll tell you why former Senator Bob Dole is laughing at the White House.
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[Dole]

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

Since leaving the political arena, former Senator Bob Dole has repeatedly proven he has a good sense of humor.
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[VO-NAT]

He's getting lots of attention these days for his willingness to poke fun at his favorite target-- himself.
[SUPER=04-TV Commercial;]

In this commercial, he even makes fun of himself as the pitch-man for Viagra.
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[SOT 10:15:27 ]
[IN Q=What is this American product? ]
((BOB DOLE: WHAT IS THIS AMERICAN PRODUCT? MY LITTLE, BLUE FRIEND. AN ICE COLD PEPSI- COLA. I WAS GOING TO BRING YOU ONE. DAVE LETTERMAN: YEAH, I WAS GOING TO ASK. DOLE: THERE'S SO EXPENSIVE, I DON'T DARE CARRY THEM AROUND.))
[SUPER=04-Worldwide Pants, Inc.;]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=carry them around.]
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-"The Early Show";]

If you're an early riser, you might have seen Dole playing the role of T-V anchor on C-B-S's "The Early Show".

He was filling in for Bryant Gumbel-- and had the opportunity to interview his wife, Elizabeth.
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[Weather] [NOON WEATHER] [04/30/2001] [TWO SHOT]
[WXPRO] ROANOKE STATS LYNCHBURG STATS
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[CK/WXPRO]WEATHER MAPS FORECASTS EXTENDED FORECAST

[Stocks]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE# none]
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On Wall Street at Noon, the DOW was UP 66 points.

[super=460-x/66/x/77;]

Nasdaq was doing even better. It's picked up 77 points.

(x=up y=down)[tease3]
[SPORTS MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
Still to come on News 7 at Noon -
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[VO-NAT ]

We'll start a four day look at how some former Survivor contestants are doing now that they've left outback behind them.
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[S-Race]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=rst]
[TAPE#=SP-85 (1:58:57)]
[GRAPHIC=California Logo]
Rusty Wallace took the checkered flag at the NAPA Auto Parts 500 yesterday.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Fontana, CA/FOX Sports; :]

A special ceremony was held, honoring Dale Earnhardt on his 50-th birthday.
Bobby Labonte started on the pole, but he quickly dropped back to 4th place with 235 laps left in the race.
The Man up front at this point was Jimmy Spencer. The Hard- charging Dpencer continued to lead the race with 225 laps to go.
Bobby Labonte gets into a little trouble when his car slides up the track and gets hit in the rear.
He slides through the infield and back on the track, bringing out the first caution of the day.
Rusty Wallace made his move late in the race, and he was running up front with just over 50 laps to go.
Then the cars began to go to pit road for a final time, taking on tires and gas.
Wallace would pull away from the field following a caution with 20 laps to go and he takes the checkered flag winning the NAPA Auto Parts 500.
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[SOT]
[IN Q="Gordon's tough....]
[SUPER=01-Rusty Wallace/NAPA 500 Winner; :]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=.....neat day."]
[ANCHOR=Roy]
[GRAPHIC=Hold logo]

Gordon was second followed by Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Stewart and Jeremy Mayfield.

[S-Ryan]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=sp-82 tc 1:51:49]
[GRAPHIC=Big East]
Virginia Tech won the 2001 Big East golf tournament by 9 strokes - shooting a final round 287.
Hokie Junior Brian Krusoe was the medalist and head coach Jay Hardwick in the conference coach of the year.
One of the golfers helping Tech to its most successful season ever is freshman Ryan Stinnett from Amherst.
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[SOT 23:48:55]
[IN Q=I was lucky]
[SUPER=01-Ryan Stinnett/Virginia Tech Freshman; :00]
[SUPER=01-Jay Hardwick/Virginia Tech Head Coach; :22]
[RUNS=27]
[OUT Q=to this lineup]
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Montgomery Co.;]

Playing college golf has been an adjustment for Stinnett.
Stinnett says he was more focused on his individual performance in high school. Now he's learning the team concept of golf.
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[SOT 23:50:52]
[IN Q=It's a lot different]
[RUNS=20]
[OUT Q=every round]
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[Amber]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

You would have to been stranded in the Outback not to know that the season finale of the hit show Survivor is this Thursday night.
Leading up to the big night, we are revisiting some of our favorite castaways.
Today Manuel Gallegus sees what's new with Pennsylvania's Amber Brkich.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Beaver, PA; :00]
[SUPER=07-Amber Brkich; :13]
[SUPER=04-"Survivor"; :33]
[RUNS=1:35]
[OUT Q=CBS News]
(( AT HOME IN BEAVER, PENNSYLVANIA, AMBER BRKICH IS FINALLY BACK IN SHAPE, AFTER LOOKING LIKE A WAIF ON SURVIVOR.

-SOT-AMBER BRKICH
it was miserable at times, so depressing at times, my energy level was unbelievably low, I was so hungry so skinny, I looked like I was 12 years old.
NOW THE 22 YEAR OLD IS CONSIDERING SHOWING OFF FOR PLAYBOY, IF THE PRICE IS RIGHTSHE ALREADY HAS WEBSITES DEVOTED TO HER.
ALL PART OF HER NEW FOUND FAME

-NAT SOT- SURVIVOR SHOW

SURVIVOR WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE FOR HERBUT, OF ALL THE PLAYERS, SHE S THE ONLY ONE WHO SAYS, NEVER AGAIN.

SOT- I m so glad I got to do it, but please don t send me back there.

-QUICK NAT SHOW-

-SOT- Every morning I would wake up and dream that I was back homeand
then I d wake up and think, gosh, I m still here!

-SOT- There were definitely times when I would get really upset, and
try to run from the cameras, if I started crying.
AS FOR WHAT SHE WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY, SHE SAYS SHE TRUSTED PEOPLE FROM HER OWN TRIBE TOO MUCH.

-NAT SOT-Amber and Jerri dine together

BUT MINI-JERRI DOES NOT REGRET HER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PSEUDO-VILLAIN.

-SOT- my strategy was not to make any enemies at allso I got along
with her
AND, SHE S NOT SORRY SHE DIDN T WIN THE MILLION.

-SOT-I was relieved, I was not sad at all

FOR NOW, SHE S ENJOYING HER FREE TIME. SHE DOESN T KNOW HOW HER FUTURE WILL PLAY OUT. BUT, SHE LL ALWAYS BE A BIG STAR IN HER HOMETOWN. MANUEL GALLEGUS CBS NEWS.))
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