WDBJ 7 morning news for 10/17/02

[Police-Chase]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=02-44 TC13:40]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A Roanoke man is in custody after leading police on a chase through the Roanoke Valley.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.]

The chase began around 10 last night on Elm Avenue in Roanoke. The suspect first went South into Roanoke County, then back north through the city and onto the Interstate.
That's where Roanoke County officers used spike strips to stop the vehicle.
Police have not yet identified the man, but say multiple charges are pending.
They also say he had a child in the car.
(------------)

[Bowman]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=02-42 TC34:30]
[GRAPHIC=Garrison Bowman]

This should be the day a court in Canada decides if it will release information gathered on Garrison Bowman to investigators in Henry County and North Carolina.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Yellowknife, Canada/Last Week;]

Bowman could be deported from Canada as early as this week for questioning in the U-S.
Later today, a Canadian judge will decide what material can be sent to investigators working the Short Family murder case.
Authorities say Bowman is NOT a suspect -- just a person they really want to talk to.
Canadian prosecutors say drunk driving charges against Bowman are still "under review."
(------------)

[Sniper-Shooting]

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

The search for the serial sniper is one of the biggest criminal investigations in U-S history.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Rockville, MD;]

There are at least two- thousands members of law enforcement working around the clock.
At least six federal forces are involved, from customs to the U-S military.
Now reconnaissance planes loaded with surveillance equipment are preparing to join in the hunt.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I want to]
((DOUG DUNCAN/MONTGOMERY COUNTY EXECUTIVE:I WANT TO ASSURE THE PUBLIC THAT EVERY RESOURCE AVAILABLE, WHETHER IT'S LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL, IS BEING BROUGHT TO BEAR" ))
[SUPER=01-Doug Duncan/Montgomery Co., MD Executive;]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=in this case.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The strongest known lead may be a partial license plate number from Monday's killing in Falls Church.
Authorities hope to connect the number to a cream- colored Chevy Astrovan seen at the Home Depot.
Police have handed out generic pictures of an Astrovan and a Ford Econoline reported at other crime scenes.
(------------)

[Philippine-Bomb]

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

Elsewhere in the world, two bombs have ripped through a busy shopping center in the southern Philippines.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Zamboanga City, Philippines;]

At least five people have been killed and more than 100 injured by explosions that tore through a department store and an adjacent shop. Two other bombs were discovered, but were safely detonated.
There's no claim of responsibility, but authorities are said to suspect a Muslim guerilla group that's linked to al-Qaida.
(Zahm-BWAHNG'-gah) Zamboanga is a mostly Roman Catholic city in the middle of the Philippines' Muslim heartland.
(------------)

[11West-Nile]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=02-43 TC48:32]
[GRAPHIC=West Nile Virus]

Health officials say the West Nile virus will remain a threat in our region until there is a good freeze.
And with a probable HUMAN case in the Roanoke Valley, you're urged to protect yourself against mosquitos as best as possible.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Infected mosquitos transfer the virus to humans.
That's why health officials along with Virginia Tech have been conducting mosquito surveillance.
Their goal is to figure out where the mosquitos that carry the virus breed.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT2:37:32]
[IN Q=What we'd like to do is]
((DR. MOLLY O'DELL/DISTRICT HEALTH DIRECTOR; WHAT WE'D LIKE TO DO IS PREVENT THE MOSQUITOS FROM BECOMING ADULTS BY STRATEGICALLY USING LARVACIDE ON STANDING WATER BREEDING SO THAT'S OUR REAL FOCUS))
[SUPER=01-Dr. Molly O'Dell/District Health Director]
[RUNS=13]
[OUT Q=our real focus]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

In the meantime protect yourself against mosquitos by wearing insect repellent with deet and long, loose clothing.
Mosquitos are most active at dusk and dawn.
(------------)

[Marketwatch]

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

In business news, investors are hoping yesterday's slide was just a small setback .. after a big runup the previous four sessions.
Jean Lee has that story and more in this morning's Marketwatch.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Will the markets]
[SUPER=01-Jean Lee/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=1:32]
[OUT Q=At the Nasdaq, I'm Jean Lee in New York.]
(( Will the markets get back into rally mode, after IBM beat the Street? Both the Dow and Nasdaq got hurt after Intel's disappointing results, (gr) the dow finishing down 2.7 percent and
(gr) the nasdaq giving back 3.9 percent.
(oc) but a hi-tech powerhouse like IBM coming in with better than expected earnings could give buyers a reason to jump back in. (gr) IBM's 3rd quarter profit surpassed expectations, and the stock is trading higher in after-hours. And Apple computer's results matched expectations, but that wasn't good enough for the Street. Shares are selling off in the after-hours session. (oc) Aside from failed to meet Wall Street earnings projections, chip bellweather Intel ALSO lowered its capital spending forecasts. (gr) After its announcement, the stock got downgraded by a host of brokerage firms, including Prudential, Banc of America and CIBC. (gr) Dow component Coca-Cola's (KO) stock fizzled. The beverage giant checked in with a QUARTERLY profit that was in-line with estimates, but warned that its FULL-YEAR profit may fall short of current targets. Coke says it's facing a challenging economic environment. (oc) Some Honeywell employees might be less than overjoyed during this holiday season. The company says its 4th quarter will likely bring a new round of layoffs -- roughly 3 to 5-THOUSAND jobs will be cut from its current payroll of 108-thousand employees. And more fallout from the Enron collapse. Accounting firm Arthur Andersen has been sentenced to 5 years probation, plus a 500-thousand dollar fine, for destroying Enron documents late last year. (gr) For all the day's market action head over to our website, cbs.marketwatch.com. (oc) At the nasdaq, I'm jl in NY.))

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

[VOB-Easter]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A man already serving a life sentence for double murder in Carroll County could face another ten years .. if he's convicted on new FEDERAL charges. Melvin Easter is accused plotting revenge on those he believe are responsible for putting him in prison.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
He was brought all the way from Red Onion state prison for his initial appearance on the federal charges. Prosecutors say he tried to persuade Edward DeHart, Junior to commit various acts of violence.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=He asked them]
[SUPER=01-Tom Bondurant/Federal Prosecutor;]
[RUNS=08]
((HE ASKED HIM TO DO SPECIFIC THINGS BY WAY OF FORCE AND VIOLENCE, SHOOTING MR. LEONARD IN THE KNEE CAPS, FOR EXAMPLE.))
[OUT Q=kneecaps, for example.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-1994]
When Bob Leonard was 16, Easter locked him in the trunk of a car, while Easter and his wife went about murdering Leonard's mother and grandfather. Leonard came all the way from Cana for yesterday brief arraignment, though he declined to discuss the case. The judge set the trial for two days in December.
(------------)

[DMV]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=02-33 TC1:35:47]
[GRAPHIC=Budget Cuts]

The Commonwealth is starting to spell out exactly what Governor Warner's budget cuts will mean. At the D-M-V .. it means all customer service centers will close on Wednesdays.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
That day was chosen because it is the agency's slowest day of the week. Still other D-M-V centers will shut down altogether .. but that list is not expected until November first. The department will also cut back or close some of its truck weight stations. DMV will lay off more than 500 employees statewide. The savings will total 45 million dollars over two years.
(------------)

[Hutcherson]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=02-38 TC43:38]
[GRAPHIC=Carl Hutcherson]

Lynchburg's mayor is reported to be doing well after undergoing emergency heart surgery two days ago.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg/File Tape]

Carl Hutcherson was hospitalized with chest pains Friday night. Doctors performed quadruple bypass surgery .. and Hutcherson is now listed in fair condition at Lynchburg General Hospital.
Vice mayor Bert Dodson is handling the mayor's duties until his return.
(------------)

[11Vinton-Police]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=02-45 TC03:04]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The Vinton Police Department is celebrating a big achievement.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Vinton]

Dozens of law enforcement officers gathered last night to congratulate the department on achieving state accreditation.
Vinton officers have been working for about two years to meet the 215 standards set by the state.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=they come in]
((HERB COOLEY/VINTON POLICE CHIEF; THEY COME IN, LOOK AT YOUR DEPARTMENT. TAKE IT APART BASICALLY FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. AND SEE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR POLICIES IN ORDER.))
[SUPER=01-Herb Cooley/Vinton Police Chief;]
[RUNS=09]
[OUT Q=policies in order.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Chief Cooley says most of the changes the department had to implement were administrative.
(------------)

[2Police-Chase]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=02-44 TC13:40]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A police chase through the Roanoke valley ended with spike strips .. and an arrest.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.]

The chase began around 10 last night on Elm Avenue in Roanoke. The suspect first went South into Roanoke County, then back north through the city and onto the Interstate.
That's where Roanoke County officers used spike strips to stop the vehicle.
Police have not yet identified the man, but say multiple charges are pending.
They also say he had a child in the car.
(------------)

[2Bowman]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=02-42 TC34:30]
[GRAPHIC=Garrison Bowman]

Investigators in Henry County and North Carolina should learn today .. how much information they may receive from Canada on Garrison Bowman.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Yellowknife, Canada/Last Week;]

He could be deported from Canada as early as this week for questioning in the U-S.
Later today, a Canadian judge will decide what material can be sent to investigators working the Short Family murder case.
Authorities say Bowman is NOT a suspect -- just a person they really want to talk to.
Canadian prosecutors say drunk driving charges against Bowman are still "under review."
(------------)

[2Sniper-Shooting]

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

Authorities around Washington are suggesting that people carry around a pen to jot down notes in case the serial sniper strikes again.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Rockville, MD;]

There are at least two- thousands members of law enforcement working around the clock.
At least six federal forces are involved, from customs to the U-S military.
Now reconnaissance planes loaded with surveillance equipment are preparing to join in the hunt.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I want to]
((DOUG DUNCAN/MONTGOMERY COUNTY EXECUTIVE:I WANT TO ASSURE THE PUBLIC THAT EVERY RESOURCE AVAILABLE, WHETHER IT'S LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL, IS BEING BROUGHT TO BEAR" ))
[SUPER=01-Doug Duncan/Montgomery Co., MD Executive;]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=in this case.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The strongest known lead may be a partial license plate number from Monday's killing in Falls Church.
Authorities hope to connect the number to a cream- colored Chevy Astrovan seen at the Home Depot.
Police have handed out generic pictures of an Astrovan and a Ford Econoline reported at other crime scenes.
(------------)

[North-Korea]

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

The White House says North Korea has admitted to having a secret nuclear weapons program.
But it's not clear whether they actually have a nuclear bomb.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-File Tape;]

The weapons program is in violation of a 19-94 agreement with the U-S.
Last December, President Bush warned North Korean officials that they would be "held accountable" if they developed weapons of mass destruction.
(------------)

[11Radford-Cuts]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=myr]
[TAPE#=02-31 TC1:39:32]
[GRAPHIC=Budget Cuts]

Radford University is planning for life with less state funding, after Governor Warner spelled out his statewide budget cuts this week.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford;]

The university is actually at the low-end of those cuts, with a nine-percent reduction.
But, officials say that's still three-million dollars--which could force them to raise tuition next Spring.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 25:17]
[IN Q=we take]
((DAVID BURDETTE: A STEP WE'D NOT LIKE TO TAKE, BUT, ON THE OTHER HAND GIVEN THE TOTAL COST OF EDUCATION WE KNOW THAT STUDENTS AND PARTICULAR PARENTS WANT TO MAINTAIN ACCESS TO CLASSES AND ABILITY TO GRADUATE IN FOUR YEARS))
[SUPER=01-David Burdette/Vice-President for Business Affairs]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=four years]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Radford has already reduced its Spring class schedule by seven percent... but, officials say may also have to lay off workers.
They say all of these recommendations will go to the Board of Visitors for approval next month.
(------------)

[Knox]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=02-35 TC1:09:37]
[GRAPHIC=Cecil Knox]
The judge in the case of Roanoke Physician Cecil Knox remains convinced the charges don't provide enough information for the lawyers to prepare an adequate defense. Doctor Knox was not in court yesterday. He's fighting lymphoma and was apparently not well enough to attend the hearing.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]
His nurse, Beverly Boone, was there, arguing through her attorney that the case should be dismissed because it's not specific enough.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]
Meanwhile, a Legal Defense Fund has been established to help Knox pay his legal bills, estimated to be approaching one million dollars.

[2-11Vinton-Police]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=02-45 TC03:04]
[GRAPHIC=None]

It took plenty of work, but the Vinton Police Department now has reason to celebrate a big achievement.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Vinton]

Dozens of law enforcement officers gathered last night to congratulate the department on achieving state accreditation.
Vinton officers have been working for about two years to meet the 215 standards set by the state.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=they come in]
((HERB COOLEY/VINTON POLICE CHIEF; THEY COME IN, LOOK AT YOUR DEPARTMENT. TAKE IT APART BASICALLY FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. AND SEE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR POLICIES IN ORDER.))
[SUPER=01-Herb Cooley/Vinton Police Chief;]
[RUNS=09]
[OUT Q=policies in order.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Chief Cooley says most of the changes the department had to implement were administrative.
(------------)

[3Police-Chase]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=02-44 TC13:40]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A Roanoke man is in custody after leading police on a chase through the Roanoke Valley. Police say he had a child in the car.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.]

The chase began around 10 last night on Elm Avenue in Roanoke. The suspect first went South into Roanoke County, then back north through the city and onto the Interstate.
That's where Roanoke County officers used spike strips to stop the vehicle.
Police have not yet identified the man, but say multiple charges are pending.
(------------)

[3Bowman]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=02-42 TC34:30]
[GRAPHIC=Garrison Bowman]

Garrison Bowman faces deportation from Canada this week .. but local investigators are equally interested in a court ruling that could come down today.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Yellowknife, Canada/Last Week;]

At stake is how much information gathered on Bowman in Canada will be released to Henry County and Rockingham County North Carolina. A Canadian judge will decide later today what material can be sent to investigators in the slayings of Jennifer Short and her parents.
Authorities say Bowman is NOT a suspect -- just a person they really want to talk to.
Canadian prosecutors say drunk driving charges against Bowman are still "under review."
(------------)

[3Sniper-Shooting]

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

Washington area police are enlisting the help of the potential witnesses and the military in their continuing search for a sniper.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Rockville, MD;]

There are at least two- thousands members of law enforcement working around the clock.
At least six federal forces are involved, from customs to the U-S military.
Now reconnaissance planes loaded with surveillance equipment are preparing to join in the hunt.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I want to]
((DOUG DUNCAN/MONTGOMERY COUNTY EXECUTIVE:I WANT TO ASSURE THE PUBLIC THAT EVERY RESOURCE AVAILABLE, WHETHER IT'S LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL, IS BEING BROUGHT TO BEAR" ))
[SUPER=01-Doug Duncan/Montgomery Co., MD Executive;]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=in this case.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The strongest known lead may be a partial license plate number from Monday's killing in Falls Church.
Authorities hope to connect the number to a cream- colored Chevy Astrovan seen at the Home Depot.
Police have handed out generic pictures of an Astrovan and a Ford Econoline reported at other crime scenes.
(------------)

[2Philippine-Bomb]

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

In the Philippines, two bombs exploded in broad daylight at a shopping center.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Zamboanga City, Philippines;]

At least five people have been killed and more than 100 injured by explosions that tore through a department store and an adjacent shop. Two other bombs were discovered, but were safely detonated.
There's no claim of responsibility, but authorities are said to suspect a Muslim guerilla group that's linked to al-Qaida.
(Zahm-BWAHNG'-gah) Zamboanga is a mostly Roman Catholic city in the middle of the Philippines' Muslim heartland.
(------------)

[Hollins-Reading]

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

For 10 years, area writers have used their talents to help feed the hungry.
All of the proceeds from tonight's Writers Harvest Reading at Hollins University will go to the Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank.
Yesterday we spoke with Eric Trethewey, one of the writers who will be presenting their work for a good cause.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Everyone reads for 10 to 12 minutes]
[SUPER=01-Eric Trethewey/Hollins University Professor;]
[RUNS=1:59]
[OUT Q=News 7 Mornin will be right back.]

[BUMP #8]

[COMMERCIAL]

[2VOB-Easter]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A double murder case that goes back more than 25 years now takes a new direction. A man already serving a life sentence could face another ten years .. if he's convicted on new FEDERAL charges. Melvin Easter is accused plotting revenge on those he believes are responsible for putting him in prison.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
He was brought all the way from Red Onion state prison for his initial appearance on the federal charges. Prosecutors say he tried to persuade Edward DeHart, Junior to commit various acts of violence.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=He asked them]
[SUPER=01-Tom Bondurant/Federal Prosecutor;]
[RUNS=08]
((HE ASKED HIM TO DO SPECIFIC THINGS BY WAY OF FORCE AND VIOLENCE, SHOOTING MR. LEONARD IN THE KNEE CAPS, FOR EXAMPLE.))
[OUT Q=kneecaps, for example.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[NO SUPER] When Bob Leonard was 16, Easter locked him in the trunk of a car, while Easter and his wife went about murdering Leonard's mother and grandfather. Leonard came all the way from Cana for yesterday brief arraignment, though he declined to discuss the case. The judge set the trial for two days in December.
(------------)

[2-11West-Nile]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=02-43 TC48:32]
[GRAPHIC=West Nile Virus]

Health officials say only a good freeze will put an end to any threat from the West Nile virus this year.
Until then, health officials are doing their best to fight the carriers.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Infected mosquitos transfer the virus to humans.
That's why health officials along with Virginia Tech have been conducting mosquito surveillance.
Their goal is to figure out where the mosquitos that carry the virus breed.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT2:37:32]
[IN Q=What we'd like to do is]
((DR. MOLLY O'DELL/DISTRICT HEALTH DIRECTOR; WHAT WE'D LIKE TO DO IS PREVENT THE MOSQUITOS FROM BECOMING ADULTS BY STRATEGICALLY USING LARVACIDE ON STANDING WATER BREEDING SO THAT'S OUR REAL FOCUS))
[SUPER=01-Dr. Molly O'Dell/District Health Director]
[RUNS=13]
[OUT Q=our real focus]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

In the meantime protect yourself against mosquitos by wearing insect repellent with deet and long, loose clothing.
Mosquitos are most active at dusk and dawn.
(------------)

[2DMV]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=02-33 TC1:35:47]
[GRAPHIC=Budget Cuts]

Don't make plans to visit D-M-V offices on Wednesday in the future. The department will be closing them as part of the state budget cuts announced earlier this week.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
That day was chosen because it is the agency's slowest day of the week. Still other D-M-V centers will shut down altogether .. but that list is not expected until November first. The department will also cut back or close some of its truck weigh stations. DMV will lay off more than 500 employees statewide. The savings will total 45 million dollars over two years.
(------------)

[2Hutcherson]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=02-38 TC43:38]
[GRAPHIC=Carl Hutcherson]

Lynchburg's mayor will be away from work for a while. Carl Hutcherson is reported to be doing well, however, after undergoing emergency heart surgery two days ago.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg/File Tape]

Hutcherson was hospitalized with chest pains Friday night. Doctors performed quadruple bypass surgery .. and Hutcherson is now listed in fair condition at Lynchburg General Hospital.
Vice mayor Bert Dodson is handling the mayor's duties until his return. (------------)