[News-Heads]
(------------------)
[VO-NAT]
Today's rain could be a helpful tool for area firefighters as they try to get the upper hand on several brush fires.
Fires are burning in four counties.
All of them started over the last couple of days.
(---------------)
[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY]
And another videotape surfaces that's supposed to be Saddam.
We'll have the latest.
[WX-Head]
[ANCHOR=LEO]
[SS=None]
Scattered showers and drizzle continue along with cool temperatures. Will it last throught the weekend. I'll let you know in your forecast.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY 2-Shot]
News 7 at Noon starts right now...
[Noon-open]
[SUPER=#4054; News 7 Headline Banner]
[SUPER=@Kimberly1;]
[SUPER=@Leo1; ]
[Video-Open]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=We think we have someone]
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=this regime.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
One more in custody, 52 to go, as U-S authorities arrest one of the top leaders in the former Iraqi regime.
(------------)
[Iraq]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=Net Backup]
[GRAPHIC=Iraq After Saddam]
[SUPER=219-Kimberly McBroom/kmcbroom*wdbj7.com;]
Good Afternoon, I'm Kimberly McBroom.
Meanwhile, a newly- discovered videotape suggests that Saddam Hussein might have survived the bombing of a restaurant a couple of weeks ago in Baghdad.
But officials say there's no way of confirming it.
Aleen Sirgany joins us now from Washington, D-C with the latest on that, and on other war developments.
[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]
[SUPER=205-Washington, DC;]
((ROLLCUE:...))
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Abu Dhabi]
[SUPER=204-Abu Dhabi TV;]
[SUPER=201-Vincent Brooks/U. S. Central Command;]
[SUPER=203-Baghdad, Iraq;]
[SUPER=203-Ramstein AFB, Germany;]
[SUPER=201-Dave Williams/Rescued P. O. W.;]
[SUPER=201-Aleen Sirgany/CBS News;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=back to you.]
[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]
[SUPER=205-Washington, DC;]
((
ABU DHABI TELEVISION CLAIMS THIS NEWLY RELEASED VIDEO SHOWS SADDAM
HUSSEIN, WITH CROWDS CHEERING HIM ON, IN THE STREETS OF BAGHDAD APRIL
9TH , THE DAY THE CAPITAL CITY FELL. THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION MAINTAINS
IT HAS NO IDEA IF SADDAM IS DEAD OR ALIVE NOW.BUT IT DOES KNOW ANOTHER
MEMBER OF THE FORMER REGIME IS IN U.S CUSTODY. SAMIR AL-NAJIM, ONE OF
THE TOP 55 LEADERS OF THE FORMER REGIME, WAS HANDED OVER TO COALITION
FORCES BY IRAQI KURDS IN NORTHERN IRAQ.
(SOT) GENERAL VINCENT BROOKS/U.S. Central Command
"We know that he certainly has an insight on how the Baath Party Central
Committee worked. He had the Baghdad district and was certainly an
insider on that."
(LOCATOR: BAGHDAD)
(NAT)PROTEST
ON THE STREETS OF BAGHDAD TODAY, THOUSANDS OF IRAQIS ARE MAKING THEIR
VOICES HEARD. OUTSIDE A MOSQUE AFTER THE FIRST FRIDAY PRAYERS SINCE
THE WAR BEGAN, DEMONSTRATORS CHANTED "NO TO SECULAR STATE, YES TO
ISLAMIC STATE". AND THEY DEMANDED THAT U.S FORCES LEAVE THEIR COUNTRY.
(LOCATOR: RAMSTEIN AFB, GERMANY)
LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER THEY WERE TAKEN OUT OF THE COUNTRY.THE RESCUED
AMERICAN P.O.WS APPEARED ON THE BALCONY OF A U.S MEDICAL HOSPITAL IN
GERMANY..ALL IN GOOD SPIRITS..CLEARLY ANXIOUS TO GET HOME.
(SOT) DAVE WILLIAMS/RESCUED P.O.W.
We all would like to thank our Americans for the tremendous support we
have been getting and we are looking forward to coming home as soon as
we possibly can. I'd just like to remind everyone to say a special
prayer for all those who are still fighting on the American fence.))
[Marine-Son]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=Homefront]
A Marine from Southern California is still overseas, but he can now feel better about things on the home front.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=203-Loma Linda, CA;]
Little Dylan Sellers is back home after receiving a heart transplant.
His father, Major Hal Sellers was deployed in late February.
Around the same time, he found out that Dylan was in need of the transplant.
The national attention the story generated probably helped find a donor heart.
Yesterday, Dylan was released from the hospital.
Meanwhile, Dylan's dad in Iraq received word that his son is doing fine.
(------------)
[French-Wine]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=None]
Wine connoisseurs apparently aren't raising their glasses to France.
That country's biggest wine federation says there was a noticeable drop in exports to the U-S last month, following strong exports earlier this year.
Officials say there's no evidence of a U-S boycott on French wine because of the nation's anti- war stance.
However, they say American retailers indicate they're a little hesitant about displaying or promoting French wine.
[WX-Tease]
((KIM TOSS TO LEO))
[4/18/2003]
[SS=NONE]LEO in WX-CENTER
[SKYTRACKER/FULL]
[WXPRO/FULL]
STORY
[SS=NONE]
(LEO TOSS to KIM)
[Brush-Fires]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=03-06]
[GRAPHIC=Brush Fires]
Today's rains should help firefighters gain control of several brush fires in the region.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pulaski Co.;]
They include this one near Draper in Pulaski County, one on Read Mountain in Botetourt County, another on Poor Mountain in Montgomery County, and still another near Goshen in Rockbridge County.
All had developed in the last two days.
And with the exception of Read Mountain, none had been fully contained when the rain started coming down.
(------------)
[SARS]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=SARS]
State health officials say Virginia has another suspected case of SARS.
The patient is a woman who lives somewhere in the Hanover Health District, which is southeast of Richmond.
State officials learned of the case on Wednesday. Virginia now has six suspected cases of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome.
[Luther-Vandross]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=None]
Grammy- winning singer Luther Vandross is in a New York hospital, recovering from a stroke he suffered earlier this week.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-File Tape;]
The veteran R and B crooner turns 52 on Sunday.
His business manager says family and friends of Vandross are hoping for a "speedy recovery."
No other details about his condition were released.
Vandross won four Grammy awards during the '90s.
His major hits include ballads like "Here and Now" and "Power of Love."
(------------)
[Jogger-Book]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=None]
The woman who garnered international attention as the "Central Park jogger" is now getting publicity an an author.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pittsburgh, PA;]
42- year- old Trisha Meili (MY-lee) stopped in Pittsburgh last night as part of her book tour.
The book describes her ordeal 14 years ago, when she was beaten and raped while running in the park.
However, Meili (MY-lee) says she has no memory of the attack that night, because she suffered a major head injury.
It's been a long road to recovery, but now she's finally sharing her story.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I wanted to let ]
[SUPER=01-Trisha Meili/Central Park Rape Victim;]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=thoughts and prayers.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Five teenagers were convicted of the attack, and served up to 13
years in prison.
The convictions were overturned after a man in prison for another crime confessed.
(------------)
[Police-Chase]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=None]
An unusual twist to what's become old hat for the L-A-P-D.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Los Angeles, CA;]
A high speed chase that began in downtown Los Angeles ended with a crash at a park.
But in this case, the suspects were three young girls, ranging in age from 12 to 13.
The car's owner says he was playing basketball when he spotted the girls making off with his Honda Accord.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=After we were done]
((FARHAN GAHNI/STOLEN CAR'S OWNER:AFTER WE WERE DONE PLAYING, WE WENT OUT, MY FRIEND
COULDN'T FIND HIS KEY SO AFTER THAT WE WALKED OUT AND OUR CAR WAS MISSING. ))
[SUPER=01-Farhan Gahni/Stolen Car's Owner;]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=was missing.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
When he tried to stop them, he says the girls hit him with the car, but he wasn't injured.
They then drove off, leading police on a chase that ended in a six- vehicle crash.
Eight people, including the three suspects suffered minor injuries.
Police say the girls will likely be booked on suspicion of grand theft auto and assault with a deadly weapon.
(------------)
[Tease1]
[HARD MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
School directors approve big renovations at Jefferson-Forest, but another vote still lies ahead. That story is just ahead.
(--------------)
[VO-NAT ]
And Ed Matricardi may stay out of jail, but he's not running out of trouble. Listen in on the details when we return.
(---------------)
[music up full]
[comm1]
[VOB-Jefferson-Forest]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-05 TC 1:37:55]
[GRAPHIC=none]
Now it's up to Bedford County Supervisors.
The county's School Board has approved a budget to pay for Jefferson Forest High School renovations.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford; 28.5]
At a special meeting last night, the board voted to approve a 24 point six million dollar budget to pay for renovations to the high school.
They agreed to move forward with a plan called concept "D"
That would include adding among other things, a math and science wing, a band and choral facility, and relocating the cafeteria to accommodate more people.
Last night's vote was 6 to 2, with the opposition coming from the two members who represent the Forest district.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 7:25; 8:23]
[IN Q=We've got a school]
((JIM FIELDS/SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER: WE'VE GOT A SCHOOL THAT WE ARE GOING TO SPEND 25 MILLION DOLLARS TO RENOVATE AND ESSENTIALLY END UP WITH A BUILDING THAT IS INADEQUATE WHEN IT OPENS AND THAT'S REALLY MY OPPOSITION TO THE PROJECT, WE'RE GOING TO SPEND A LOT OF TAX PAYER MONEY FOR VERY LITTLE.))
((JIM BLEVINS/SUPERINTENDENT: I BELIEVE WE'RE ONE STEP CLOSER I BELIEVE ONE STEP THAN WE CURRENTLY HAVE BEEN SO WE'RE CERTAINLY GOING FORWARD. WE WILL BE SENDING OUR NUMBERS OVER TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SO OUR PROJECT CAN NOW START.))
[SUPER=01-Jim Fields/School Board Member; :00]
[SUPER=01-Jim Blevins/Bedford Co. Superintendent; :13]
[RUNS=:26]
[OUT Q=can now start]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Before the project can officially start, the Board of Supervisors must approve the funding, and a vote could come next month.
(------------)
[11Billings]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=myr]
[TAPE#=03-08 TC1:09:38]
[SS=None]
A long-standing tradition took on a much different meaning at Galax High School, when a murdered student's parents were there in his place.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Senior Brandon Billings will not be a part of the 74-member class that will graduate this June.
He was murdered last October, just hours after his 18th birthday.
[SUPER=03-Galax;]
Yesterday, Brandon's parents spoke to his classmates during senior picture day and gave them each a token to remember him by.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 16:21]
[IN Q=WE FIXED THE CARDS]
((SHERRY BILLINGS/BRANDON'S MOTHER: 1621 WE FIXED THE CARDS AND PUT BRANDON'S PICTURES IN THEM AND IT WAS SOMETHING THAT WE WANTED TO GIVE THE KIDS FOR REMEMORY OF HIM 1630))
[SUPER=01-Sherry Billings/Brandon's Mother;]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=REMEMORY OF HIM]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Authorities say they still have no suspects in Brandon's murder.
His family, however, is hoping to change that.
They've created a website where people can go to learn more about Brandon and the investigation.
(XXXXXX)
[WIPE TO WDBJ WEBPAGE FS]
You can find a link to Brandon's website on our homepage at WDBJ7-dot-com.
(-------------)
[Matricardi]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
More troubles for Ed Matricardi, once Virginia Republican Party Executive Director.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond/File Tape;]
A Virginia State Bar panel has suspended Matricardi's law license.
Matricardi resigned amid allegations that that he eavesdropped
on a conference call among Democratic state legislators.
Under last month's plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend
three years of probation and a 10- thousand- dollar fine.
(------------)
[11Kilgore]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=syo]
[TAPE#=03-13 25:38]
[GRAPHIC=Jerry Kilgore]
Virginia's Attorney General says the state's college and universities can attract a diverse student body without Affirmative Action.
(-------------)
[VO-NAT :15]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
While in Roanoke for a law-enforcement conference yesterday, Jerry Kilgore commented on
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg/April 6;]
Virginia Tech's recent decisions first to eliminate and then restore discrimination protection.
He says schools don't need to consider race or gender to meet their diversity goals.
(///// SOT at :15 /////)
[SOT 3:49-4:04]
[IN Q=Nothing prohibits us from...]
((ATTORNEY GENERAL JERRY KILGORE: NOTHING PROHIBITS US FROM USING URBAN AND RURAL CRITERIA IN OUR ADMISSIONS POLICIES. . NOTHING PREVENTS US FROM TAKING THE TOP 10-PERCENT FROM EVERY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS LIKE SOME STATES DO AND YOU'RE STILL GONNA GET A DIVERSE STUDENT BODY.))
[SUPER=@Kilgore;]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=still gonna get a diverse student body.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]
Regardless, Kilgore says both Tech decisions complied with advice given by his office.
[Pilots]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=None]
The first pistol-packing commercial airline pilots finish training tomorrow.
A group of 48 pilots has been learning everything from legal liability to how to shoot over the shoulder, during training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia this week.
A Transportation Security Administration spokesman describes the pilots as ``men and women of all shapes and sizes.''
[Tease2]
[SOFT MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
Your complete Easter weekend forecast is on the way. Just ahead, Leo hops in with the details.
(-----------------)
[VO-NAT ]
And from the Gulf of Mexico directly to Roanoke, a little-known pipeline has been delivering oil to this region for decades.
(-----------------)
[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #2]
[6Plantation-Pipeline]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=03-05 TC1:35:35]
[GRAPHIC=None]
There is plenty of controversy in the region right now over proposed pipelines.
The new ones would carry natural gas across the region, but you may not know that a major OIL pipeline has been in place in southwest Virginia for decades.
And as Keith Humphry reports, part of that pipeline ends in the Roanoke Valley.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Fuel tankers]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.; :00]
[SUPER=01-Mary Hypes/Tank Farm Neighbor; :13 Quick]
[SUPER=01-Nancy Markhoff/Pipeline Neighbor; 1:28]
[SUPER=@Keith2; 1:50]
[RUNS=2:07]
[OUT Q=Keith Humphry, News 7.]
(( Fuel tankers fill up- -one right after another every day- -at an oil terminal in the Starkey section of Roanoke County.
The terminal is relatively small, but it's right in the midst of a residential neighborhood.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 10:14:40]
[IN Q=]
((IT'S A BIG CONCERN, HAVING IT SO CLOSE TO US.))
[RUNS:02]
[OUT Q=]
When Mary and Mark Hypes bought their home, more than a decade ago, the leaves were on the trees, and the Hypes didn't actually notice the tank farm next door.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 10:16:30 - -PANS from farm to us]
[IN Q=]
((SO, IT'S LIKE, OH MY GOSH, THOSE TANKS ARE RIGHT THERE.))
[RUNS:02]
[OUT Q=]
But how does all that gasoline get there? There's an underground pipeline- -more than a thousand miles long- -that brings it here from the Gulf of Mexico.
The Plantation Pipeline was being built as the United States entered the Second World War. Today it's a network that feeds jet fuel directly to Dulles and National Airport. A spur from Greensboro to Roanoke was completed in 1964. It dead ends just off Starkey Road.
Though it's entirely below ground, the line is well marked.
Nonetheless, we had to really search for someone who knew about the Pipeline.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 10:41:15]
[IN Q=]
((NO, YOU CAN'T SEE THE PIPELINE.))
[RUNS:02]
[OUT Q=]
Nancy Markhoff lives about three miles due south of the fuel terminal off Starkey Road. And yet her 19th century log house might as well be a world away.
The pipeline passes within 1000 yards of her home. It's impossible to miss the broad right of way that leads to her door.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 10:56:32]
[IN Q=]
((BIG TRACTORS, LOTS OF MEN WITH EQUIPMENT. THEY COME A COUPLE OF TIMES A YEAR AND CUT THROUGH THERE. They mow this entire right of way? CORRECT.))
[RUNS:10]
[OUT Q=]
She says her well water is clean. In the Winter her children go sledding on the steep part of the right of way.
Plantation Pipeline representatives have been to visit, dropping off a thermometer to remind her to call if anything goes wrong. She says it's not something anyone in the area gives much thought.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 10:58:28 * * ]
[IN Q=]
((DOESN'T CONCERN THEM LIVING CLOSE TO IT. So you consider it a benign neighbor? I GUESS I WOULD. YOU GET A FREE THERMOMETER AND A GOOD SLEDDING PLACE.))
[RUNS:10]
[OUT Q=]))
[Weather]
[NOON WEATHER]
[4/18/2003]
[TWO SHOT]
[WXPRO/FULL]
[MUSIC UNDER]
[COMMERCIAL]
[SUPER=#566;]
[CK/VIEWERNET;]
[CK/WXPRO]WEATHER MAPS
[WXPRO/FULL] FORECASTS
EXTENDED FORECAST
[Stocks]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly 2-Shot]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE# none]
[GRAPHIC=None]
Stock markets are closed on this Good Friday. They'll reopen on Monday.
[tease3]
[SPORTS MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
Just ahead in sports... the Hokies make a schedule change for late summer.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT ]
And Tech's baseball team is on schedule for completing a strong season on the diamond.
(---------------)
[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #3]
[S-Hokies]
[ANCHOR=kim]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-144 56:38]
[GRAPHIC=Virginia Tech]
Virginia Tech dropped both games of a double header with West Virginia yesterday, 15-5 and 3-1 .. but Tech has already won 24 games this season.
And as Steve Mason explains, the Hokies are well on their way to surpassing last year's total of 33 victories, thanks to a young pitching staff.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :00]
[SUPER=01-Ryan Kennedy/VT Freshman & Big East Leading Pitcher; :18]
[SUPER=01-Chuck Hartman/1,362 Career Wins at Tech; :45]
[SUPER=@Steve1; :58]
[RUNS=1:35]
[OUT Q=News 7 sports]
(---------------)
((With four starting pitchers lost to either the draft or graduation, this was supposed to be a rebuilding year on the hill, but Tech's infant staff is playing like a bunch grown ups. The Hokies have a Big east leading 2.87 ERA, well below last seasons totals.
((:))
Tech is batting .306, fifth out of 11 conference teams. Perhaps no one deserves more of the credit than Chuck Hartman who is in his 25th season at Tech. With nine new players including seven freshman, Hartman has already won more road games this season than all of 2002.
((:))
((STEVE MASON:))
((:))
The Hokies will try and win a piece of a second straight Big East regular season title before the conference tournament May 22nd through the 24. Steve Mason News 7 sports.))
[S-Beamer]
[ANCHOR=kim]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=SP-137 TC11349]
[GRAPHIC=Virginia Tech]
Virginia Tech's football season opener against Central Florida will now happen a day later than originally planned.
The Tech athletic department announced yesterday that the game has been moved from Saturday, August 30th to Sunday, August 31st.
The move was made to accommodate a national television audience for ESPN, which will televise the game at 3 PM.
(//////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="As far as..."]
[SUPER=01-Frank Beamer/Va.Tech Head Football Coach]
[RUNS=11]
[OUT Q="...a little more focused maybe."]
(+++++++)
[Take Pinnacle #12998]
In one related Big East Football note, in yesterday's New York Daily News, league commissioner Mike Tranghese (Tran-GEASY) ripped the ACC as being a bunch of "hypocrites" for trying to lure Big East members Tech, Miami, Syracuse, and Boston College.
Apparently, the ACC is looking to form a 12-member conference for the purpose of a post season college football playoff with a very big payday.
(-------------)
[Quickcast]
[WXPRO/FULL]
FINAL LOOK AT THE WEATHER
[REPRS@CL]
SUPER=X4031; Fax/Copyright Noon/Weekends
[SUPER=X4030; e-Mail/Copyright Noon/Weekends]