WDBJ 7 news at Noon for 12/03/03

[News-Heads]

[ANCHOR=Kim]

Up next on News-7 at noon,

Another highway shooting has drivers on edge in Ohio.
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[ENG#=1]
[VO-NAT]

And ... a house fire in Roanoke causes thousands of dollars in damage.
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[WX-Head]
[ANCHOR=Leo]
[SS=None]
A Winter Storm Watch goes into effect late tonight as the first real winter storm of the season heads our way. I'll have all your details in the forecast.
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[ANCHOR=Marya 2-Shot]

[Noon-open]
[SUPER=#4054; News 7 Headline Banner]
[SUPER=@Marya1;]
[SUPER=@Leo1;]

[Missing-Girl]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]

[ENG#=2]

A man charged in the disappearance of a North Dakota college student is set to appear in court today.
Authorities still haven't said yet what linked him to 22-year-old Dru Sjodin (Show-DEEN), who's still missing.
Jennifer Donelan has the latest.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=Convicted level three]
[SUPER=03-Grand Forks, ND;]
[SUPER=01-Sven Sjodin/Missing Girl's Brother;]
[SUPER=01-Jennifer Donelan/CBS News;]
[RUNS=:00]

[OUT Q=JD, CBS News.][Express-Girl]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=12]
[WRITER=rle]
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[ENG#=3]

Sjodin's disappearance is hitting close to home for one member of the Roanoke Express.
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[VO-NAT - :10]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
Defenseman Tim O'Connell grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He was introduced to Sjodin by a friend nearly two years ago, and worked in the same restaurant with her for a summer.

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT - 10:40:12]
[IN Q=One of those people...]
((TIM O'CONNELL/ROANOKE EXPRESS; ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT IF SHE WALKS INTO THE ROOM, YOU KNOW SHE'S THERE. ALWAYS HAPPY, ALWAYS VERY OUTGOING, LIKED TO HAVE A GOOD TIME, SHE JUST PROBABLY ONE OF THE NICEST AND SWEETEST PEOPLE I'VE EVER MET.))
[SUPER=01-Tim O'Connell/Roanoke Express;]
[RUNS=15]
[OUT Q=I've ever met.]
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[VO-NAT - :09+]
O'Connell says it's been difficult to be so far away from home since Sjodin's disappearance. He says he still has hope that she will be found alive.
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[WX-Tease] ((MARAY TOSS TO LEO)) [12/3/2003]
[SS=NONE]

LEO in WX-CENTER
[WXPRO/FULL] RADAR STORM WATCH STORY

[SS=NONE]

(LEO TOSS to MARYA)

[OH-Shootings]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at Noon]

[ENG#=4]

Another shooting on a highway in Ohio has drivers there on edge today.
A driver and passenger were shot about 90 miles north of Columbus ... but police don't know if it's related to 12 other recent shootings.
Elizabeth Sanchez has more.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=Drivers and police]
[SUPER=03-Milan, OH;]
[SUPER=01-Steve Martin/Franklin Co., OH Sheriff's Deputy;]
[SUPER=01-Elizabeth Sanchez/CBS News;]
[RUNS=:00]

[OUT Q=CBS News, Columbus.][House-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=jmc]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

[ENG#=1]

Fire damaged a home in northwest Roanoke this morning.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/This Morning;]

Officials say smoke filled the basement of the house on Lafayette Boulevard just before nine.
No one was in the building at the time.
The fire did about 10-thousand dollars damage.
Authorities believe it was started by a space heater left too close to some flammable materials.
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[Peterson]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Peterson]

[ENG#=2]

Scott Peterson was arraigned this morning on charges he murdered his pregnant wife.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Modesto, CA;]

Peterson faces two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his wife Laci and their unborn son.
His lawyers are seeking to move the trial out of Modesto.
They're also fighting over what could be a key piece of evidence: the pickup truck which prosecutors say he used to haul away his wife's body.
Peterson says he needs his truck back, but prosecutors say they're keeping it because it's crucial to their case.

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[VOB-Safety-Corridor]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=am cutins]
[WRITER=jus/mjo]
[TAPE#=03-]
[GRAPHIC=None]

[ENG#=3]

Our area is home to one of the most dangerous parts of Interstate 81.
A new law aims to fix that, but it comes at a cost.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;]

V-Dot held a public hearing last night to explain the new law, which allows the state to create highway safety corridors on certain highways.
To meet the criteria, state officials have to review crash data, accident reports, and traffic volume.
The first proposed corridor stretches from Ironto to just south of 581 in Roanoke.
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[SOT 6:35:05]
[IN Q=It is one where we]
((SGT. TOM FOSTER/VIRGINIA STATE POLICE: IT IS ONE WHERE WE EXPERIENCE HIGHER THAN NORMAL CRASH FREQUENCY AND THE CRASHES ARE OFTEN QUITE SEVERE.))
[SUPER=01-Sgt. Tom Foster/Virginia State Police;]
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q=OFTEN QUITE SEVERE]
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[VO-NAT]

In the last three years, this stretch of I-81 has seen more than 450 accidents, a third of which resulted in injuries.
If it's designated a highway safety corridor, the state can lower the speed limit and impose fines that are double what they are now.
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[SOT 6:39:38]
[IN Q=The fines can be]
((CONNIE SORRELL/VDOT CHIEF OF POLICY: THE FINES CAN BE UP TO 500 DOLLARS FOR A MOVING VIOLATION WHICH IS SPEEDING AND THE MONEY DOESN'T GO TO THE STATE POLICE OR V-DOT IT GOES TO THE STATE LITERARY FUND.))
[SUPER=01-Connie Sorrell/VDOT Chief of Policy;]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=state literary fund]
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[VO-NAT]

If it's approved, it could be up and running by mid-January.
The state must first put up signs warning motorists they are about to enter a highway safety corridor.
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[Tease1] [HARD MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[ENG#=V10]

Coming up, a new survey shows more Americans are concerned the war on terrorism is not working.
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[VO-NAT ]

Also, at least 17 people are injured when inmates riot in a California prison.
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[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #1]

[Iraq]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Iraq]

[ENG#=1]

More and more Americans are becoming less convinced that the war in Iraq is reducing the threat of terrorism.
A new University of Maryland poll finds that seven in ten don't think the war has helped cut down that threat.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Hawija, Iraq;]

Meanwhile, the U-S military reports a large-scale raid on an Iraqi village has led to the arrest of 34 people.
Initial reports indicated the troops were hunting for a top Saddam Hussein official, but the military says no one person was the target.
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[Prison-Riot]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

[ENG#=2]

A riot at a Southern California prison has left at least 17 people injured.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Baker, CA;]

The prison is now secured and under lockdown.
Authorities say inmates stabbed one another and set a fire in a guard's shack during the disturbance last night.

More than 100 of them were involved.
The minimum security facility is run by a private firm.
There's no word on what caused the rioting.
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[Warehouse-Row]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=myr]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]

[ENG#=3]

Downtown Roanoke's historic warehouse district is now hoping to become a center for business and technology.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
Today the city, Carilion and the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Corporation celebrated the grand opening of the new Warehouse Row Business Center on Norfolk Avenue. The center was developed out of two old warehouses that were built in the 1890s. Officials say they hope the new renovated look will attract young businesses, looking for a place to grow.
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[SOT 1226]
[IN Q=there's no question]
((THERE'S NO QUESTION IN MY MIND THAT WE NEED TO TRANSFORM AND CONTINUE TO TRANSFORM ROANOKE INTO AN ENVIRONMENT THAT CAN MOVE INTO A KNOWLEDGE BASED ECONOMY 38))
[SUPER=01-Edward G. Murphy/Carilion President & CEO; ]
[RUNS=12]
[OUT Q=knowledge-based economy.]
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[VO-NAT]
The center has already attracted three technology-based companies. Officials say they hope to attract several more in the near future.
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[11School-Violence]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-53 TC03:36]
[GRAPHIC=None]

[ENG#=4]

She is one of his harshest critics, but Alice Hincker says she could work with Roanoke's school superintendent if she becomes a school board member.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

Alice Hincker is founder of the Roanoke School Violence Protection Coalition, or RSVP for short.
It's a group made up of local citizens who meet to discuss ways to prevent violence in Roanoke schools.
In addition to that role, Hincker now wants to be on the school board.
She plans on applying for the job left by the recent resignation of Melinda Payne.
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[SOT 7:54]
[IN Q=I've worked with Dr. Harris]
((ALICE HINCKER/RSVP COALITION FOUNDER: I'VE WORKED WITH DR. HARRIS FOR YEARS AND WE HAVEN'T ALWAYS SEEN EYE TO EYE. ONE OF MY KIDS IS A JUNIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL AND THE OTHER IS A FRESHMEN AND OVER THE YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL THINGS THAT WE HAVE DISAGREED ON BUT I CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOLS AND HE CONTINUES TO DO HIS JOB AS THE SUPERINTENDENT.))
[SUPER=01-Alice Hincker/RSVP Coalition Founder;]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=as the superintendent]
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[VO-NAT]

More than 25 people showed up tonight for R-S-V-P's second meeting.
Across town, the city's appointed school violence task force met again as well.
At that meeting some members expressed concerns that city council and school board may not implement their final recommendations.
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[11City-Audit]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=03-44 TC59:42]
[GRAPHIC=None]

[ENG#=1]

The Director of Maintenance for the Roanoke City Schools has been placed on leave -- just as a new city audit emerges showing problems haven't been fixed in his department.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

School officials confirm that William Sharpe has been placed on administrative leave with pay.
Assistant Superintendent for Operations Dick Kelley says the decision was the result of management issues, and does NOT involve any allegations of fraud.
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[ANCHOR=Marya]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Sharpe was hired about a year ago, AFTER a city audit revealed that maintenance department employees had falsified bid information.
The city auditor is expected to present a follow-up report next week.
Efforts to contact Sharpe yesterday were unsuccessful.
[Tease2] [SOFT MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Marya]

[ENG#=V10]

Coming up after the break, Leo will have our detailed forecast.
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[VO-NAT ]

Plus we'll tell you how to get to Sesame Street by way of Salem.
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[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #2]

[Sesame-Street]

[ANCHOR=Marya on BAM]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=NEWS 7 at Noon in the BAM]

[ENG#=1]

Since it began in 1968, the popular television show "Sesame Street" has taught countless children how to count and say their A-B-C's.
But the show has meant much more to the pre-school crowd.
And beginning tomorrow, they'll be able to "get to Sesame Street" by heading to the Salem Civic Center.
Of course, Bert and Ernie need no introduction, but joining them today is Jerry DuMars.
He is the Performance Director for Sesame Street Live.

[SUPER=01-Jerry DuMars/"Sesame Street Live";]

- Jerry, how do you explain the enduring popularity of these characters?
- I'm sure children will be entertained by the show, but are they going to learn anything in the process?
- A lot of the parents grew up with Sesame Street. Is there something in the show for them, too?
- What can you do with a live version of Sesame Street that the show doesn't accomplish?
- What are the showtimes?

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[VO] [We have about 1:00 of B-ROLL once we establish the interview.]
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[Weather] [NOON WEATHER] [12/3/2003] [TWO SHOT]
[VIEWERNET/FULL] WX TIMELAPSE

[MUSIC UNDER] [COMMERCIAL]

[CK/WXPRO]WEATHER MAPS [WXPRO/FULL] FORECASTS EXTENDED FORECAST

[Stocks]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly 2-Shot]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE# none]
[GRAPHIC=None]

On Wall Street at Noon, the DOW was UP 83 points. The NASDAQ has gained 17.

[super=460-x/83/x/17;]

[Tease3] [SPORTS MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[ENG#=V10]

Coming up after the break, Michael Vick prepares for his first start of the season,
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[VO-NAT ]

And Kevin Jones gets ready to announce whether he'll stay at Tech or go to the NFL.
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[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #3]

[S-Jones]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=SP-153]
[GRAPHIC=Kevin Jones]

[ENG#=1]

Kevin Jones' father says the Virginia Tech running back will pass up his final season of college eligibility to enter the N-F-L draft.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg;]

The junior will most likely make his decision known at a news conference set for one o'clock today at Virginia Tech.
Jones has run for 1,494 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Hokies.
He is a finalist for the Doak Walker award.
Coach Frank Beamer says Jones has been valuable to the program.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=BITE]
[SUPER=01-Frank Beamer/17 Seasons at Virginia Tech;]
[RUNS=:26]
[OUT Q=...BEING A PART OF HIS FOOTBALL TEAM."]
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[S-Beamer]

[ANCHOR=marya]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-157 12114tc]
[GRAPHIC=INSIGHT BOWL]

[ENG#=2]

Virginia Tech takes on Cal in the December 26th Insight Bowl. The Golden Bears handed second-ranked USC its only loss earlier this season.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=THEY'VE WON...]
[SUPER=01-Frank Beamer/17 Seasons at Virginia Tech;]
[RUNS=:26]
[OUT Q=...IS GONNABE PRETTY GOOD."]
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[S-Vick]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-164 26:44]
[GRAPHIC=mike vick]

[ENG#=3]

Michael Vick will most likely start for the first time this season Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
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[VO-NAT]

Vick says his right leg feels great and he's just looking forward to getting back to the field.
He played this past weekend and is excited to get back out there.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Michael Vick/Falcons Quarterback; :03]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=....we're trying to get a win"]
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