WDBJ 7 morning news for 11/15/01

[Afghanistan]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Enduring Freedom]

U-S helicopters have airlifted eight foreign aid workers who spent the last three months as captives in Afghanistan.
The workers-- which includes two Americans-- are now safely in Pakistan, and appear to be in good health.
Meanwhile, U-S warplanes today are focusing on the last remaining pocket of Taliban resistance in Northern Afghanistan.
Vice President Dick Cheney says Taliban forces are in retreat virtually everywhere in Afghanistan.
Despite that, the Taliban says Osama bin Laden is "safe and well."
Jennifer Jones is in Washington this morning with an update.
[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]
[SUPER=141-Jennifer Jones/Reporting;]
[SUPER=145-Washington, DC;]
((ROLLCUE:...))
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=143-Islamabad, Pakistan;]
[SUPER=141-Georg Taubmann/Aid Worker;]
[SUPER=141-Jim Cassell/Dayna Curry's Stepfather;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=back to you.]

[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]
[SUPER=145-Washington, DC;]
((
EIGHT FOREIGN AID WORKERS -- INCLUDING TWO AMERICANS -- ARRIVED IN PAKISTAN TODAY ... TO FINALLY REUNITE WITH LOVED-ONES. IT WAS THEIR FIRST TASTE OF FREEDOM SINCE BEING HELD CAPTIVE BY THE TALIBAN THREE MONTHS AGO.

(SOT: GEORG TAUBMANN/AID WORKER)
"I think this was one of the biggest days of my life."
THE AID WORKERS HAD BEEN CHARGED WITH PREACHING CHRISTIANITY -- A TALIBAN OFFENSE PUNISHABLE BY DEATH.
AND WHEN REBEL FORCES BEGAN ADVANCING ON KABUL, RETREATING TALIBAN FIGHTERS DECIDED TO TAKE THE EIGHT DETAINEES WITH THEM.

(SOT: GEORG TAUBMANN/AID WORKER)
"They stopped in the middle of the night ... and put us all in a steel container. And there was terrible cold and they wanted to lock the container and leave us in there."
THEY WERE TAKEN TO A JAIL IN GHAZNI -- 50-MILES FROM THE CAPITAL -- AND THEN LEFT THERE -- AFTER THE NORTHERN ALLIANCE SEIZED CONTROL OF THE TOWN.
THAT CLEARED THE WAY FOR U.S SPECIAL FORCES TO RESCUE THE WORKERS BY HELICOPTER.

(SOT: BUSH)
"I was deeply concerned for their safety, but the really incredible positive news is that thanks to help on the ground, and thanks to the U.S. military, they are now safe in Pakistan."
THE PARENTS OF THE FREED AMERICANS ARE RELIEVED.

(SOT, JIM CASSELL, STEPFATHER OF DAYNA CURRY)
I JUST THOUGHT THEY WERE GOING TO GO INTO A CAVE AND WE WOULD NEVER SEE DANA AGAIN. AND WE'VE BEEN PRAYING NOT JUST FOR DANA BUT FOR ALL OF THESE OTHER PEOPLE TOO." ))

[Crash-Update]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Crash Investigating]

After repairing the black box, investigators are recovering some new information about Monday's fatal crash in New York.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY;]

They spent last night sifting through the last remains of American Airlines Flight 587.
Authorities say the primary focus is on the rear section of the jumbo jet.
It's clear the fin was torn off above the attachment brackets -- an in-flight failure that sent the plane to the ground.
Experts are also looking to see if turbulence from a nearby 7-4-7 might have also played a role in the crash.
The planes took off less than two minutes apart.
(------------)

[11VF-Imagewear]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=01-34 TC1:52:42]
[GRAPHIC=VF Imagewear]

More than 2 thousand Martinsville and Henry County jobs are in jeopardy.
V-F Imagewear will close its area plants if no buyer comes forward.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Henry Co.]

Company officials held a press conference yesterday after notifying 23 hundred employees they will likely lose their jobs come July.
They say NAFTA eliminates the possibility of producing quality clothing at competitive prices.
All area plants will close if no one opts to buy them ... only 200 jobs in a local distribution center will remain.
V-F was commended by the local government and some employees for its integrity under the circumstances.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=We as VF]
((GEORGE DERHOFER/VF IMAGEWEAR: WE AS VF ARE GOING TO DO UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES DO ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING WE CAN TO MAKE THE TRANSITION THE BEST IT CAN BE AND IF THINK FOR THE MOST PART THEY RE APPRECIATIVE OF THAT.))
[SUPER=01-George Derhofer/VF Imagewear]
[RUNS=14]
[OUT Q=appreciative of that.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The major loss of tax revenue will now force Henry County to re-evaluate its financial situation.
The Board of Supervisors will meet next week to discuss budget cuts.
They are likely to affect the Public Service Authority Board.
(------------)

[11School-Audit]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=01-58 TC02:50]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Members of Roanoke City Council and the School Board have put aside their differences and finalized a plan for regular audits of the school system.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

The two panels have been at odds over a recent review that raised questions about the school system's hiring practices.
But last night, school board and council members said they support the plan for regular audits.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=The School Board ]
((RUTH WILLSON/ROANOKE CITY SCHOOL BOARD: THE SCHOOL BOARD VERY MUCH SUPPORTS THE INTERNAL AUDITING PRACTICES AND WE'RE DELIGHTED TO GO FORWARD WITH THE AUDIT THIS SCHOOL YEAR.)) ((BILL WHITE/ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL: I THINK THIS HAS OPENED UP THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION AND IT MAKES US ALL REALIZE THAT WE ARE HERE FOR THE SAME PURPOSE AND THAT IS TO OPERATE THE SCHOOLS AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT MANNER POSSIBLE.))
[SUPER=01-Ruth Willson/Roanoke City School Board; :00]
[SUPER=01-Bill White/Roanoke City Council; :11]
[RUNS=:22]
[OUT Q=and efficient manner possible]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Under the plan outlined last night, the municipal auditor will review school activity funds, payroll, administrative data processing and transportation during the next year.

[1st-Business]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ckor]
[TAPE#=NET]
[GRAPHIC=Business News]

In business news this morning, Microsoft's much anticipated X-box is in stores today.
Here's Barton Eckert with a look at the morning's top business stories..
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Barton Eckert/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=1:21]
[OUT Q=in Washington.]

((
GOOD MORNING THIS THURSDAY THE 15TH OF NOVEMBER.
HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS MORNING.
------------------------

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
VIDEO GAMERS LINED UP IN TIMES SQUARE LAST NIGHT FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN LAUNCH OF "X-BOX."
(SUPER: New York, N.Y.- Courtesy: Microsoft Corp.)

MICROSOFT'S MUCH-ANTICIPATED GAME CONSOLE HIT SHELVES AT THE TIMES SQUARE TOYS R US STORE AT ONE MINUTE PAST MIDNIGHT.
IT WILL BE AVAILABLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY LATER TODAY FOR ABOUT 300 BUCKS.
RIVAL NINTENDO'S GAME CUBE HITS STORES THIS SUNDAY..
-------------------------

ON WALL STREET.... TODAY REACTION TO WEEKLY "INITIAL UNEMPLOYMENT.. NEW CLAIMS.
ON ASIAN MARKETS OVERNIGHT .. IN JAPAN.. TECH STOCKS WERE SNATCHED UP LIKE CANDY..
-------------------------

AS AIRLINES STRUGGLE PAST SEPTEMBER 11, NEW YORK CITY HAS ITS FIRST CONCRETE PLANS FOR A MEMORIAL AND OFFICE PARK AT WHAT WAS THE WORLD TRADE CENTER.
THE PROPOSAL--AND THAT'S ALL IT IS RIGHT NOW-- CALLS FOR A NEW MEMORIAL SITE WITH NEW YORK CITY'S TALLEST BUILDING AT THE CENTER, FLANKED BY NINE OTHER SHORTER OFFICE TOWERS, A NEW TRAIN STATION AND RE DESIGNED ROADS IN LOWER MANHATTAN.
------------------------

IT'S GETTING HARDER FOR YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS TO GET A BANK LOAN.... IN ITS LATEST SURVEY OF LOAN OFFICERS, THE FEDERAL RESERVE FOUND MORE BANKS TIGHTENING CREDIT .. UP THIS TIME AFTER BEING DOWN IN TWO PREVIOUS SURVEYS.
------------------------

AND THAT'S YOUR FIRST BUSINESS CHECK ON THE MORNING'S TOP BUSINESS HAPPENINGS..
I'M BARTON ECKERT IN WASHINGTON.))

(tape tosses to stocks)
[STOCKS] [COMM]

[6-Anti-Terrorism]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=01-55 TC19:32]
[GRAPHIC=War on Terrorism]

The state's preparedness and security panel met at Virginia Tech yesterday. Presentations from faculty members included work on bioterrorism, as well as bio and cyber security. Tech researchers are also talking about their leading efforts in wireless technology. New River Valley Bureau Chief Rachel Cannon shows us how the University's research can provide vital information during a disaster.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=nats]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY/File Tape; :00]
[SUPER=01-Charles Bostian/Virginia Tech Engineering Professor; :12]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :23]
[SUPER=@Rachel1; 1:10]
[RUNS=1:22]
[OUT Q=RC, News 7, Blacksburg.]
((Nats NY DISASTER When a disaster hits and all communication is lost, response and recovery suffers. Cell phones get jammed, problems more difficult to solve.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 17:05:10]
[IN Q=how do you ]
((CHARLES BOSTIAN/VT PROFESSOR OF ENGINEERING; HOW DO YOU MAP IT HOW DO YOU COORDINATE YOUR SUPPLIES HOW DO YOU CALL FOR HELP HOW DO YOU FIND BLUEPRINTS FOR BUILDINGS HOW TO YOU CONSULT MEDICAL AND RESCUE EXPERTS.))
[OUT Q=medical and rescue experts]
Tech professors say the answer is in their advancement of wireless technology. This broadband communications network moves information quickly. NATS TC The system can be set up at sites in a short time. In provides internet access, NATS TC 16:32:55 [WHAT'S THE SITUATION WITH DEBRIS] voice communication and messaging capability.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 17:09:38]
[IN Q=we think that]
((WE THINK THAT IN THREE TO FOUR MONTHS WITH FULL FUNDING WE COULD DEVELOP A FIELD DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM THAT WOULD BE READY FOR TRIALS.))
[OUT Q=READY FOR TRIALS.]
The wireless prototype is in its 2nd year of development. The total research project is a 4-year effort with about 1 and a half million in funding - half of it's original proposal.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 17:07:30]
[IN Q=BUT AS YOU CAN ]
((BUT AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, SINCE THE TRAGIC EVENTS OF SEPT 11TH THERE IS MUCH MORE INTEREST IN THIS PROJECT THAN BEFORE THAT.))
[OUT Q=BEFORE THAT.]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
((RACHEL CANNON/RCANNON@WDBJ7.COM; ADDED INTEREST MEANS RESEARCHERS ARE THINKING ABOUT WHEN THIS TECHNOLOGY CAN ACTUALLY BE USED IN THE FIELD. TECH PROFESSORS SAY AFTER TRIALS IT COULD TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO PUT A TEAM TOGETHER TO MARKET AND MANUFACTURE THE TECHNOLOGY. RACHEL CANNON, NEWS 7, BLACKSBURG.))
[OUT Q=RC, NEWS 7, BLACKSBURG.]))

[11PH-Renovation]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=01-61 TC07:36]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Plans for the new Patrick Henry High School met with approval last night... as Roanokers took a closer look at the concept architects are now developing.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The plan calls for a new two-story academic building that would replace the current campus layout.
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Though there were many questions last night about parking, traffic, classroom space and other issues, members of the audience said they're impressed with what they've seen so far.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:40:05]
[IN Q=They have obviously taken into account]
((JESSICA SWEENEY/PATRICK HENRY SENIOR: THEY HAVE OBVIOUSLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THAT P H DOES NEED TO BE REMODELED AND THEY'RE LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF MOVING AWAY FROM THE CAMPUS COMPLEX INTO ONE BUILDING. I THINK THAT'S A GOOD IDEA. THEY'RE GOING TO MAKE A BIGGER GYMNASIUM, A BIGGER AUDITORIUM. I THINK THAT'S GOOD. AND THEY'RE GOING TO MAKE IT MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE COMMUNITY, SO I THINK THE COMMUNITY WILL BE VERY PLEASED WITH THAT.))
[SUPER=01-Jessica Sweeney/Patrick Henry Senior;]
[RUNS=:23]
[OUT Q=very pleased with that.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The architects will present their plans for William Fleming High School at a public meeting tonight.
(Kimberly tosses to bump)

[bump-chyron]

[comm #3]

[2Headlines]
[SUPER=#4050; HEADLINE BANNER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Aid workers held captive for months in an Afghan jail are now free--
Two of them are Americans.
They were all airlifted this morning to Pakistan.
We'll have the story.
(----------------)
[Anchor=Kimberly]
[SS=none]

And an apparel company is looking for a buyer, without one, its plants in Southside will close.
[ANCHOR=Leo]
(ad lib weather)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)
[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Join us for all that and more-- News 7 Mornin is coming up.

[Aviation-Security]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=US Capitol]

Congress is said to be making progress in the effort to strike a deal on legislation to upgrade aviation security.
Both sides have made proposals that would give airports a say in deciding the status of baggage screeners.
The Senate wants ALL of them to be federal workers.
The House supports federal supervision, but would give the President the option of using private security workers.
So far, President Bush favors the House plan.

[11Gilmore-React]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=01-46 TC1:53:34]
[GRAPHIC=Gilmore]

Governor Jim Gilmore says unemployment benefits he increased for Virginians in the wake of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon may help laid off workers in Henry County and Martinsville.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I've already increased the]
[sot tape 16:31:35 ]
((GOV. JIM GILMORE: I'VE ALREADY INCREASED THE ....WITHOUT REGARD TO WHAT REGION THEY'RE A PART OF.))
[SUPER=@Gilmore;]
[RUNS=:22]
[OUT Q=what region they're a part of.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[SS=Warner]

Governor- elect Mark Warner says the layoffs are "regrettable," and emphasized the need for one of his campaign promises: "a top-level Economic Crisis Strike Force that can be dispatched immediately when a community is plunged into economic crisis."
The Warner transition team is trying to schedule time for the Governor- elect to visit Henry County later this week.

[Marketwatch]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=NET]
[GRAPHIC=Business News]

In business news, Wall Street has put together a two-day rally with the big three market averages all gaining ground.
Alexis Christoforous has that story and more in this morning's Marketwatch.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Alexis Christoforous/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=1:15]
[OUT Q=your local stocks]
((A NUMBER OF FACTORS KEPT THE RALLY ALIVE ON WALL STREET.. POSITIVE NEWS ON THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN, STRONGER RETAIL SALES NUMBERS AND BETTER THAN EXPECTED EARNINGS FROM HEWLETT PACKARD.

(graphic)
THE DOW CLIMBED 72 POINTS TO CLOSE ABOVE 98-HUNDRED FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE SEPT 6TH.

(graphic)
NASDAQ ADDED 11 POINTS

(graphic)
RETAIL STOCKS TOOK OFF AFTER RETAIL SALES SOARED MORE THAN 7 PERCENT IN OTCOBER.. THE BIGGEST ONE MONTH JUMP ON RECORD... consumers spent money at auto dealers, department and discount stores and building supply outlets. auto sales accounted for much of the rise as people rushed to showrooms to take advantage of zero financing deals.

(graphic)
STOCKS TO WATCH TODAY INCLUDE APPLIED MATERIALS THE CHIPMAKER SAID FOURTH QTR PROFIT CAME IN AT 3 CENTS A SHARE A PENNY BELOW ESTIMATES.
AND IBM SHOULD BE ACTIVE FOLLOWING AN ANALYST MEETING.

(on cam)
EXPECT MORE ACTIVITY IN THE OIL PATCH.

(graphic)
OIL STOCKS INLCUDING EXXONMOBIL AND CHEVRON TEXACO LOST GROUND YESTERDAY RIGHT ALONG WITH THE PRICE OF CRDE OIL. INVESTORS ARE CONCERNED HTAT OPEC'S AGREEMENT TO LOWER OIL OUTPUT WILL UNRAVEL WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF NON-OPEC COUNTRIES INCLUDING RUSSIA.

(graphic)
TRACK ALL THE PRE-MARKET ACTION AT CBS.MW.COM .. AT THE NASDAQ

(on cam)
I'M AC IN NY.))

(tape tosses to stocks)
[STOCKS]
[COMM#7]

[11Powell]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=01--49]
[GRAPHIC=none]
The woman who was abducted a year ago in Salem says she still lives in fear of her estranged husband.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]
Kimberly Powell testified she'd been in counseling since the day she returned from the harrowing trip to Maryland. Glenn Powell burst into her mother's home and took her and the children at gunpoint. He'd done the same thing twice before.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 13:49:30]
[IN Q=Both of them]
((BOTH OF THEM INVOLVED HIS CHILDREN. BOTH OF THEM INVOLVED FIREARMS, TAKING THEM OUT OF STATE WHERE HE DIDN'T GIVE HIMSELF UP. HE WAS ARRESTED, AND IT WAS A DISTURBING PATTERN.))
[SUPER=01-Craig Jacobsen/Prosecutor]
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=and it was a disturbing pattern.]
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[SS=none]
Powell was not prosecuted for the earlier incidents. He was sentenced yesterday to serve 13-and-a half years in federal prison. He still faces trial in Salem on state cha

rges.[11Brock]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=01-39 ]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Roanoke City police are hoping to return dozens of stolen tools to their rightful owners.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

On Tuesday, officers recovered 10 to 20-thousand dollars worth of stolen equipment in the van of a Botetourt County man.
Police say they caught Bruce Calvin Brock leaving a home on Long Acre Drive in Northeast.
He's been charged with grand larceny.
Police now have dozens of drills, saws and sanders on their hands.
(------------)
[+++++++TAKE PINNACLE BOARD++++++++]
If you recognize any items OR the suspect, call the Crime Line at 3-4-4 - 8-5-0-0.
(------------)

[5-OxyContin]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=01-48 1:15:47]
[GRAPHIC=Oxycontin]

The Drug Enforcement Administration is conducting an ongoing study to determine how many overdose deaths are related to the prescription pain killer OxyContin.
As Health Check Reporter Joy Sutton tells us the preliminary results indicate the number of deaths may have been exaggerated.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Purdue Pharma]
[SUPER=04-File Tape;00]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Paul Goldenheim/Purdue Pharma;14]
[SUPER=04-Purdue Pharma;20]
[SUPER=@Joy2;1:20]
[RUNS=1:24]
[OUT Q=js, news 7]
((
Purdue Pharma makes the powerful pain killer -OxyContin. It says recent media reports blaming hundreds of deaths on the painkiller --appear to be inaccurate and have not been verified by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT13:25]
[IN Q=With some 16-thousand deaths annualy]
((WITH SOME 16 THOUSAND DEATHS ANNUALLY, CLEARLY DRUG ABUSE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THE IS COUNTRY. THE DEA FOUND THAT 110 OF THOSE DEATHS LESS THAN 1 PERCENT OXYCONTIN WAS A FACTOR)) [RUNS15]
[OUT Q=with other drugs]

So far --preliminary findings from 783 medical examiner reports from 30 states indicated OxyContin was the cause or a contributing factor in 110 deaths and suspected in 172.
One problem in determining a fatal OxyContin overdose is that its primary ingredient Oxycodone --is also found in 50 other drugs.
Plus -Purdue says most overdoses involve multiple substances.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT13:52]
[IN Q=This is part of a large, major drug abuse problem]
((THIS IS PART OF A LARGE, MAJOR DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM IN THIS COUNTRY THAT WE AT PURDUE ARE TAKING SERIOUSLY AND WE HAVE A NUMBER OF INCENTIVES UNDERWAY TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO COMBAT THIS SERIOUS NATIONAL HEALTH PROBLEM)) [RUNS16]
[OUT Q=national health problem]

One of those incentives by Purdue includes providing tamper resistant prescription pads to doctor --and developing a new form of the painkiller that's abuse resistant.
Joy Sutton, News 7.))
(--------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[GRAPHIC=none]

News 7 spoke with the Deputy Attorney General who has been working on the OxyContin task force. He says Purdue Pharma has a valid complaint. He says even the State Medical Examiner has reported that its difficult tell if a death is related to OxyContin. But he points out that in Southwest, Virginia OxyContin is a drug that's often abused.

(Kimberly tosses to bump)

[bump-chyron] [Streaming-Video]
[comm #8]

[Bedford-Supervisors]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=01-50 TC55:26]
[GRAPHIC=none]
Opponents say it's a scheme to cheat Medicaid. But most Bedford County supervisors see it as a "risk free" deal too good to pass up.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford;]
Last night-- the board voted to borrow 465- million dollars so that the state can receive MILLIONS in matching funds from the federal government. It's a complicated deal-- that the county says is legal but has some residents crying foul. Under the arrangement, the state will pay Bedford County the money it borrowed PLUS roughly six million dollars on top of that as incentive for helping the Gilmore administration secure the 259- million in matching funds.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 09:44:57 09:50:31]
[IN Q=The way]
((JACK MILLS: THE WAY I GOT IT FIGURED..... ROBBING THE MEDICAID FUND. )) ((BOB CROUCH/BEDFORD CO. RESIDENT: SINCE SEPTEMBER.....SCHEME LIKE THIS.))
[SUPER=01-Jack Mills/Bedford Co. Resident;]
[SUPER=01-Bob Crouch/Bedford Co. Resident; :15]
[RUNS=30 approx.]
[OUT Q=scheme like this.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Bedford County says it will use its money to upgrade the Bedford County nursing home.
(------------)

[5-Anti-Terrorism]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=01-]
[GRAPHIC=War on Terrorism]

Virginia Tech says it's leading the country in developing technology that could be vital in disaster situations.

(------------)
[VO-NAT :19.5]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg;]
The state's panel on anti-terrorism heard presentations from Tech faculty yesterday. Researchers developing wireless communication say they have a working system prototype.
Using broadband technology, officials say they can provide rescue and recovery personnel with internet access, voice and messaging capabilities.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 17:03:53]
[IN Q=if you had an]
((CHARLES BOSTIAN/VIRGINIA TECH PROFESSOR OF ENGINEERING; IF YOU HAD AN AREA LIKE HAPPENED IN NY WHERE SUDDENLY ALL COMMUNICATIONS HAD BEEN WIPED OUT THIS PROVIDES HIGH CAPACITY BROADBAND COMMUNICATIONS.))
[SUPER=01-Charles Bostian/Virginia Tech Professor of Engineering;]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=broadband communications.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Dr. Bostian says test trial of the wireless system could be up and running within 3 or 4 months. From there he says it would take about a year for a team to market and manufacture the technology.
(------------)

[Heart-Patient]

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

Doctors in Kentucky say they're optimistic the world's first recipient of a self-contained artificial heart will recover from a stroke.
But they add he might need several weeks to recover.
The physicians at Jewish Hospital in Louisville say heart recipient Robert Tools suffered the stroke Sunday afternoon.
Until then, he'd been making steady progress after having surgery in July.
Doctors say initially, Tools couldn't move his right arm or leg, but now he's starting to re-gain some movement.

[2-11PH-Renovation]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=01-61 TC07:36]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Roanokers took a closer look at the concept architects are now developing for the new Patrick Henry High School.

(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The plan calls for a new two-story academic building that would replace the current campus layout.
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Though there were many questions last night about parking, traffic, classroom space and other issues, members of the audience said they're impressed with what they've seen so far.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:40:05]
[IN Q=They have obviously taken into account]
((JESSICA SWEENEY/PATRICK HENRY SENIOR: THEY HAVE OBVIOUSLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THAT P H DOES NEED TO BE REMODELED AND THEY'RE LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF MOVING AWAY FROM THE CAMPUS COMPLEX INTO ONE BUILDING. I THINK THAT'S A GOOD IDEA. THEY'RE GOING TO MAKE A BIGGER GYMNASIUM, A BIGGER AUDITORIUM. I THINK THAT'S GOOD. AND THEY'RE GOING TO MAKE IT MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE COMMUNITY, SO I THINK THE COMMUNITY WILL BE VERY PLEASED WITH THAT.))
[SUPER=01-Jessica Sweeney/Patrick Henry Senior;]
[RUNS=:23]
[OUT Q=very pleased with that.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The architects will present their plans for William Fleming High School at a public meeting tonight.

[11Youth-Choir]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=01-44 TC1:28:09]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Young voices from four local churches have joined together to form the Valley Youth choir.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
((NAT SOUND OF A SONG))
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
[RUNS=05]
[OUT Q=peace of earth.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT 15]

Last night, the choir was busy rehearsing.
They'll open for the Harlem Gospel choir tonight at the Jefferson Center. That show begins at 7:30.
Last night the local singers were tuning up...at Pilgram Baptist church.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
((NAT SOUND SINGING))
[IN Q=]
[RUNS=08]
[OUT Q=endless night.]
(---------)
[Vo-nat]
The local singers have been hard at work. They've been busy putting together a new C-D.
It includes performances from youth choirs from several local churches.
The CD appropriately named.. Voices of Youth... goes on sale today-
All proceeds from the concert and the CD go to the downtown music lab.. a non profit afterschool music lab for students.
(------------)

[Local-Recap]
[SUPER=#4059;Local Recap]
[2-Shot=Kmc/LHI]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Now here's another look at today's top local stories:
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
Another economic blow for Martinsville and Henry County. V-F Imagewear officials held a press conference yesterday after notifying 23 hundred employees they will likely lose their jobs in July.
All area plants will close if no one opts to buy them. Only 200 jobs in a local distribution center would remain.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Members of Roanoke City Council and the School Board have finalized a plan for regular audits of the school system.
Under the plan outlined last night, the municipal auditor will review school activity funds, payroll, administrative data processing and transportation during the next year.

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
The plan for the new Patrick Henry High School calls for a new two-story academic building that would replace the current campus layout.
Roanokers asked questions last night about parking, traffic, classroom space and other issues. But members of the audience said they're impressed with what they've seen so far.
The architects will present their plans for William Fleming High School at a public meeting tonight.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Leo]
(Leo mic hot)
(///////////////)
(Leo ad lib weather)
(-------------)
[2-SHOT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Now here's Mike Stevens has a preview of News 7 at Six.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good morning]
[RUNS=25]
[OUT Q=on News 7 at 6.]
(-------------)
[Desk=Kimberly/Leo and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)
(ad lib bye) [Desk=Kimberly/Leo and Steve]