[1-News-Head]

[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]

The broken seat belt will NOT be blamed for Dale Earnhardt's death. That's our top story tonight.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]


And Governor Gilmore is on the Radford campus for a tour of renovation projects that HAD been jeopardized by the state budget impasse.
(------------)



[Sports-head]


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


In sports, we will have qualifying from Watkins Glen, a local team is making waves in the softball national championships
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


and Mike Stevens checks in on Virginia Tech's football media day from Blacksburg.
(------------)


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


Flash flood warnings go up as the heavy rain comes down. Problems in the Greenbrier and Alleghany Highlands. We will check the radar next.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Keith 4-Shot]


News 7 at Six is next.
[Video-Open]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=Video Open]



(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]


It's been nearly six months since Dale Earnhardt died at Daytona.
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]


Now NASCAR seems prepared say exactly how it happened and to blame race car design, not seat belts.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]


Good evening, I'm Shannon Young.
[ANCHOR=Keith Humphry2-Shot]


And I'm Keith Humphry.
[Earnhardt-Investigation]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#net]
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]


Many race fans will not be able to put the death of racing legend Dale Earnhardt behind them until NASCAR releases it's investigation.
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-SHot]
[Three Shot=Keith-Shannon-Steve]


Steve Mason joins us with some news today that includes information that should enable race fans to find closure a little sooner.
[ANCHOR=Steve]
[GRAPHIC=Earnhardt Invest.]


Keith, Shannon, NASCAR is set to release their investigation report on Dale Earnhardt's death August 21st. But today, the Orlando Sentinel reports what NASCAR has found.
The newspaper says the NASCAR's investigation of Dale Earnhardt's fatal wreck at Daytona does NOT blame a broken seat belt for Earnhardt's death.
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Daytona, FL/February 18; :00]

The newspaper reports that the investigation confirms the findings of an independent expert that Earnhardt died of a sudden head whip when his car hit the wall on the final lap of the February 18th Daytona 500.
NASCAR released a statement today, in response to the reports in the Orlando paper saying it will release the findings on Earnhardts death at it's news conference August 21st.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
[SS=Earnhardt Invest.]


NASCAR also said in it's statement that it's investigation is as thorough and as comprehensive as a report ever done in the history of motorsports.
[Three Shot=Keith-Shannon-Steve]


Keith Shannon, we will await those reports, but it seems a good portion of the facts have been presented today

[Gilmore]


[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=01-23 TC1:33:33]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Money is on the way to colleges and universities across the Commonwealth. That was the message from Governor Jim Gilmore today at Radford University. The school was one of many in Virginia that had improvements halted because of this year's budget battle in Richmond.


[DOUBLE BOXES=KEith & Rachel /Microwave;]


New River Valley Bureau Chief Rachel Cannon has more on the Governor's plans Rachel? Keith, the figures aren't definite, but with a balanced budget, Gilmore says there's extra money for higher education.

[LIVE=Rachel /FULL Microwave]
[SUPER=@Rachel1; ]
[SUPER=05-Blacksburg;]

He now wants to revisit projects that were put on hold and get the most critical ones going again. Funds are limited but Radford officials are more hopeful than they've been in a while.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=((THIS HALL THAT I'M GOING))]
[SUPER=@Gilmore; :00]
[SUPER=03-Radford; :08]
[SUPER=01-David Burdette/Radford Univ. VP of Business; :25]
[RUNS=1:19]
[OUT Q=AND WE'LL BE HAPPY WITH 9.6 MILLION.]
(((///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:21:02]
[IN Q=this hall that]

((THIS HALL THAT I'M GOING TO VISIT HERE RIGHT NOW, PETER'S HALL IS A KEY PROJECT THAT NEEDS TO GET BACK GOING AGAIN, DO YOU ALL AGREE WITH THAT, CLAPPING.))
[OUT Q=clapping]

[NATS TOUR OF BLDG] [TC 1:32:41 IT IS STRUCTURALLY SOUND, IT'S JUST A MATTER OF RENOVATIONS] Renovations Radford University says will cost 9.6 million dollars. The facility was gutted and ready for work when February's budget impasse froze its funding.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:42:40]
[IN Q=we've had to]

((DAVID BURDETTE/RADFORD UNIVERSITY; WE HAD TO MOVE FACULTY, WE HAD TO MOVE STAFF OF COURSE STUDENTS COMING BACK THIS FALL WILL SEE A BUILDING THAT'S HAD TO BE ABANDONED THAT'S CAUSED US OTHER KIND OF SPACE PROBLEMS ON CAMPUS I THINK THAT'S WHY AND I THINK THAT'S WHY WERE SO ENCOURAGED BY WHAT THE GOVERNOR HAD TO SAY TODAY.))
[OUT Q=SAY TODAY]

Gilmore says he has a commitment to higher education and money to prove it. He didn't say how much Radford University will get, but...
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:22:48]
[IN Q=uhh, you know it's pretty]

((UHH, YOU KNOW IT'S PRETTY UNLIKELY THE GOVERNOR IS GOING TO COME DOWN HERE AND DO THIS AND THEN NOT DO ANYTHING [LAUGHING], LET'S GET REAL HERE, CLAPPING.))
[OUT Q=CLAPPING.]

The Governor's rough estimate is some 30 to 40 million dollars for all critical college projects across the state. He says he will take till the end of the month to provide exact numbers and allocations.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:25:21]
[IN Q=EVERY COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY MAKES]

((EVERY COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY MAKES ITS CASE BUT WE WANT TO LOOK AT WHAT IS MOST CRITICAL TO EACH COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.))
[OUT Q=each college and university]

The NEW Peters Hall will be home to Radford's well known teaching program. School officials say the renovation process will start as soon as they get the funds.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:43:12]
[IN Q=we need ]

((WE NEED 9.6 MILLION AND WE'LL BE HAPPY WITH 9.6 MILLION. ))
[OUT Q=HAPPY WITH 9.6 MILLION.]))
(-------------)
[LIVE=Rachel /FULL Microwave]
[SUPER=05-Blacksburg;]

Radford officials say they can't budge on that figure because of inflation costs, and the size of Peters Hall. One administrator told me, you either do it or you don't.
[DOUBLE BOXES=Keith & Rachel/Microwave;]

Keith, the earliest Radford officials believe Peters Hall will be up and running is by August 2003.


[Power-Line]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=01-43 TC19:01]
[GRAPHIC=AEP Powerline]


U-S Forest Service officials said NO to a new A-E-P Power line once before.
And now they're rethinking the matter.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The plan is to build a new line from Wyoming County, West Virginia, to Jacksons Ferry, in Wythe County.
The Forest Service said the original proposed line would have a negative environmental impact on the Jefferson National Forest.
Since A-E-P got the OK from just about every state agency, the Forest Service has decided to "supplement" its original statement by having a new round of public hearings. [PRE PRO]
Hearing dates are as follows -- August 20th at Springville Elementary School in North Tazewell, August 21st at Fort Chiswell High School in Max Meadows, and August 23rd at Bland County High School in Bland.
(------------)



[Record-Demand]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=01-48 TC00:30]
[GRAPHIC=HEat Wave]


Consumers across the state set summer records for power consumption this week.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


The heat and humidity prompted people to turn up their air conditioners.
Dominion customers set a peak summer record on Wednesday.
American Electric Power says a new summer record was set by their customers Wednesday as well, and it was broken AGAIN yesterday.
Although there is an adequate supply, both companies ask customers to use energy wisely. [PRE PRO]
You can do that by closing blinds and drapes-- that keeps the sun and its heat out.
Use ceiling and portable fans to move air around your home.
And keep doors closed -- every time you open one a huge blast of hot air enters your cool home.
(------------)



[DOUBLE BOXES=KEith-Shannon & Robin/WX Center]
(KEith & Shannon toss to Robin)



[Tease#1]
[ANCHOR=KEith 2-Shot]
[SS=NONE]


There's been a big shakeup in local radio ratings.
Find out where your favorite station stands when News 7 returns.
(---------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=SHannon 2-Shot]


And they're getting ready to go back to school in Buena Vista's new high-tech high-school.
(----------------)



(///// SOT /////)

[Web Address Announce] [Pinnacle 4885ess]

[Comm#1]





[Parry-McCluer]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rle]
[TAPE#=01-25 TC1:48:19]
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]


In just 17 days, Buena Vista will officially unveil its new 12-and-a-half million dollar school.
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]


As Richard Lesko tells us, school officials are getting an education in making sure students are high-tech.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Buena Vista; :00]
[SUPER=01-Ron Loy/PMHS Teacher and Football Coach; :18]
[SUPER=01-Herb Crimp/Vocational Instructor; :46]
[SUPER=@Richard1; 1:25]
[RUNS=1:36]
[OUT Q=RL, News 7, Buena Vista]

(( Not all of the pieces are in place yet, but teachers are visibly excited about the new Parry McCluer High school. The school will boast a bevy of computers, as well as an increased focus on high-tech vocational classes. All of this is to make sure students are prepared to enter the workforce.
(//////SOT/////)
[SOT - 3:20:45]
[INQ=This community...]

((RON LOY/PMHS TEACHER AND FOOTBALL COACH; THIS COMMUNITY HAS MADE A LOT OF SACRIFICE TO HAVE THIS HIGH SCHOOL AND THE FLOOD WALL, TO HELP THE COMMUNITY GROW.))
[OUTQ=the community grow.]

[RUNS13] School officials say the emphasis on vocational classes will help not just the students, but the city, by providing businesses with students trained on the latest machinery. The students will get a lot of practice on large buildings, as classes will help out with the maintenance on the school.
(//////SOT/////)
[SOT-3:20:45]
[INQ=The program is...]

((HERB CRIMP/VOCATIONAL INSTRUCTOR; THE PROGRAM IS SET UP SO THAT I CAN INCLUDE STUDENTS IN CHANGING AIR FILTERS, OR BELTS OR GOING TO ANOTHER SCHOOL TO WORK ON A WALK IN FREEZER.))
[OUTQ=walk in freezer]

[RUNS15] Teachers say mistakes in the classroom are less costly than in the real world.
(//////SOT/////)
[SOT- 3:23:41]
[INQ=When students are here...]

((HERB CRIMP; WHEN STUDENTS ARE HERE WORKING ON ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL PROJECTS, IF THEY MAKE A MISTAKE OR IT CATCHES FIRE OR BLOWS UP, IT MAKES IT A LEARNING EXPERIENCE THEY NEVER FORGET. I'D RATHER HAVE THEM DO THAT HERE THAN OUT ON A JOB SOMEWHERE.))
[OUTQ=on a job somewhere.]

[RUNS20] [BUTT BUTT BUTT]
(//////SOT/////)
[SOT- 3:42:46]
[INQ=Even though...]

((RICHARD LESKO/RLESKO@WDBJ7.COM; EVEN THOUGH SUMMER IS WEIGHING ON STUDENTS MINDS, FACULTY AND STAFF HAVE BEEN BUSY PREPARING FOR WHEN STUDENTS HIT THE BOOKS ON AUGUST 27TH.))
[outq=August 27th]

[RUNS9] Richard Lesko, News 7, Buena Vista.))

[Radio-Ratings]


[ANCHOR=SHannon]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=01-31 TC37:41]
[GRAPHIC=Radio Ratings]


The latest radio ratings are hitting a high note with local stations.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:40:17 - :21]
[IN Q=86 degrees]

((86 DEGREES RIGHT NOW AT Q-99, PLAYING THE BEST MIX OF THE 80S, 90S AND TODAY.))
[RUNS=:05]
[OUT Q=90s and today.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem;]


For the first time in years, Q-99 is at the top of the heap, drawing the most listeners in the Spring ratings period.
The station commanded more than 10 percent of listeners 12 and over.
General Manager Leonard Wheeler says it's good news ... and so are the steadily growing ratings of his new station, Star Country.
Though Star Country is 6th in the ratings, it's helped knock competing country station WYYD from first to fourth.


(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:28:12 - :21]
[IN Q=It's real gratifying]

((LEONARD WHEELER/GENERAL MANAGER: IT'S REAL GRATIFYING TO GET INTO COUNTRY AS COMPETITIVE AS WE KNEW IT WOULD BE AND, WITHIN A YEAR, HAVE THE SUCCESS THAT WE'VE HAD. ))
[SUPER=01-Leonard Wheeler/General Manager;]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=success that we've had.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;]


Clear Channel Communications owns WYYD.
General Manager Chris Clendenen points out that the station is still tops for country... and his other stations are doing well, too.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:41:35 - :46]
[IN Q=We're extremely thrilled.]

((CHRIS CLENDENEN/GENERAL MANAGER: WE'RE EXTREMELY THRILLED. CLEAR CHANNEL WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO END UP WITH 4 OUT OF THE TOP 5 MOST-LISTENED TO STATIONS IN THE MARKET AND WE COULDN'T BE HAPPIER.))
[SUPER=01-Chris Clendenen/General Manager;]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=couldn't be happier.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Clear Channel's WJJS displaced K-92 as the most-listened-to Top 40 station.
And its Magic FM spiked in the ratings after dumping its Oldies format.
(------------)



[Stocks]


[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=None]


A mixed day on Wall Street, with blue chips solidly higher. [TAKE DOW & NASDAQ PAGE]
[RUNS=:30]
[SUPER=x5000;]
[SUPER=440-x/117.69/10416.25/y/6.85/1956.47;]
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]


The DOW climbed 118-points.
NASDAQ dropped seven.
(-------------)

[VO]
[SUPER=271-h/0.35/45.24//Unchg/19.58/i/0.40/62.90/h/0.40/24.60/h/0.11/9.51;]
[SUPER=272-h/0.90/61.50/h/0.08/35.96//Unchg/47.50/h/0.67/42.57/h/1.41/45.67;]
[SUPER=273-h/0.81/26.03/h/0.46/20.43/h/0.29/8.24/i/0.38/44.11/h/0.18/16.76;]
[SUPER=274-i/0.18/70.12/h/0.76/66.20/h/1.18/53.93/h/0.15/72.16/i/0.57/53.60;]
[SUPER=#555; Reset]


[Appox-Fire]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=01-33 TC39:06]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]


Today's hot temperatures made it difficult for firefighters battling a blaze that destroyed a barn in Appomattox County this afternoon.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Appomattox Co.]


Crews from Pamplin, Prospect and Appomattox responded to the call on Route 601 around 1:30.
The barn was already engulfed in flames when they arrived.
The owner says the fire destroyed hundreds of bales of hay.
A Forestry Department tractor was called in to remove the burning hay so firefighters could extinguish it.
The cause is under investigation.
(------------)



[Brookville-Player]


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


Officials DON'T know if it was the heat that sent a Campbell County football player to the hospital today.
A member of Brookville High School's varsity team began feeling ill during this morning's practice and started to hyperventilate.
He was taken to Lynchburg General Hospital where he was treated in the emergency room and released.
Brookville principal Jim Whorley says team trainers are monitoring the heat index during practice and players take breaks as needed.

[Sports tease]


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


The 2001 Hokies meet the media today down in Blacksburg, the Express makes another trade,
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


and Dale Jarrett captures the pole at Watkins Glen, his lap and the field coming up.
(------------)


[S-Tech]


[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-102]
[GRAPHIC=TECH FOOTBALL]


We begin tonight with Tech football in Blacksburg where Mike Stevens say they are building for the future in more ways than one.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=WITH CONSTRUCTION...]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :00]
[SUPER=01-Rickey Bustle/Va. Tech Offensive Coordinator;:24]
[SUPER=01-Jarrett Ferguson/Virginia Tech Senior Fullback; :36]
[SUPER=01-Grant Noel/Virginia Tech Quarterback; :47]
[SUPER=01-David Pugh/Virginia Tech Defensive Tackle; 1:17]
[SUPER=01-Kevin Jones/Virginia Tech Freshman Tailback; 1:43]
[SUPER=@mike1; 1:54]
[RUNS=2:27]
[OUT Q=...NEWS 7 SPORTS."]
(---------------)



[S-Qualify]


[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-97 44:53]
[GRAPHIC=Watkins Glenn]

Dale Jarrett would win his fourth pole of the season today as Winston Cup drivers went through Bud pole qualifying for Sunday's Global Crossing at the Glen.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Watkins Glen, NY/CNN-SI; :00]

Dale Jarrett wins the pole to complete a front row Robert Yates sweep, Ricky Rudd will start second.
(------------)

[WIPE TO MOTION]
[SUPER=#556]
[SUPER=X5016;]
[SUPER=0107-1. Dale Jarrett/122.697/2. Ricky Rudd//3. Jerry Nadeau//4. Robby Gordon//5. Rusty Wallace//;]
[SUPER=X5009;]
[SUPER=0107-6. Ron Fellows//7. Todd Bodine//8. Scott Pruett//9. John Andretti//10. Kevin Harvick//;]
[SUPER=X5009;]
[SUPER=0107-11. Tony Stewart//12. Ward Burton//13. Jeff Gordon//14. Bobby Labonte//15. Mark Martin//;]
[SUPER=X5009;]
[SUPER=0107-16. Sterling Marlin//17. Ron Hornaday//18. Kyle Petty//19. Joe Nemechek//20. Boris Said//;]
[SUPER=X5009;]
[SUPER=0107-21. Bill Elliott//22. Jeff Burton//23. Michael Waltrip//24. Elliott Sadler//25. Jimmy Spencer//;]
[SUPER=X5009;]
[SUPER=0107-26. Johnny Benson//27. Dale Earnhardt Jr.//28. Kurt Busch//29. Brett Bodine//30. Bobby Hamilton//;]
[SUPER=X5009;]
[SUPER=0107-31. Anthony Lazzaro//32. Ken Schrader//33. Kevin Lepage//34. Casey Atwood//35. Dave Blaney//;]
[SUPER=X5009;]
[SUPER=0107-36. Terry Labonte//37. Steve Park//38. Matt Kenseth//39. Jeremy Mayfield//40. Ricky Craven//;]
[SUPER=X5009;]
[SUPER=0107-41. Stacy Compton//42. Brian Simo//43. Rick Mast//;]
[RUNS=:45]
[OUT Q=...last driver."]
(------------)



[S-Girls]


[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rst]
[TAPE#=SP-105 (39:14)]
[GRAPHIC=Softball Logo]


The A-S-A Girls Class A Fast Pitch national championship is getting down to the nitty gritty.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem; :]


The tournament started with 97 teams including the Roanoke Scrappers from Salem, Virginia.
The Scrappers play throughout the summer but national exposure is always a plus.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="The benefits...]
[SUPER=01-Ron Reynolds/Roanoke Scrappers Head Coach; :]
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=.....college coaches."]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Several of the Scrappers already have college experience. But for those who don't, playing against the best in the country is a big challenge.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="I mean any...]
[SUPER=01-Jennifer Overstreet/Scrapper's Pitcher; :]
[SUPER=01-Hallie East/Scrapper's Third Baseman; :]
[RUNS=:27]
[OUT Q=....you can face."]
(---------)


[Pet-Therapy]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=01-45 TC16:44]
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]


Man's best friend isn't the only furry creature warming the hearts of some local kids.
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]
( ------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


So are the llamas. Twice a week Heartland Rehabilitation Center brings pet therapy to the West End Center.
The animals help the children learn the art of patience and respect -- and how to express their emotions in a positive way.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT06:06:10]
[IN Q=It's really been some]

((MONA SAMS/HEARTLAND REHABILITATION CTR.; IT'S REALLY BEEN SOME PIONEERING GOING ON BUT ACTUALLY THE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN MOST RESPONSIVE AND IN THE TWO MONTHS THAT WE HAVE BEEN COMING HERE --THERE'S BEEN SOME REALLY DRAMATIC CHANGES))
[SUPER=01-Mona Sams/Heartland Rehabilitation Ctr.]
[RUNS=13]
[OUT Q=dramatic changes]
(------------)
[VO-NAT:8]


For James Salisbury it's been a change of attitude. He says bonding with Meghan the llama has helped him deal with anger.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT6:22:01]
[IN Q=Sometimes people come-up]

((JAMES SALISBURY:SOMETIMES PEOPLE COME UP AND TRY AND HIT ME --WHEN MEGHAN WASN'T HERE I USE TO GO OFF ON THEM --BUT NOW WHEN MEGHAN COMES HERE I JUST IGNORE THEM))
[SUPER=07-James Salisbury]
[RUNS=11]
[OUT Q=just ignore them]
(------------)
[VO-NAT:8]


The West End Center says the program has been such a success it hopes to make it available for all the children. (-------------)
by SS