[News-Heads]
(---------------)
[ENG#=1]
[VO-NAT]
Officials suspect a child playing with a lighter may have ignited a fire this morning at a Radford apartment building.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
And, it's a special session showdown in Richmond, as state legislators gather again in an effort to break the budget stalemate.
[WX-Head]
[ANCHOR=Leo]
[SS=None]
Unsettled weather will continue through tomorrow with a little sunshine a lot of clouds and the chance for showers. I'll have all your forecast.
[ANCHOR=KIM 2-Shot]
Stay with us News 7 at noon, starts right now.
[Video-Open]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=2]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
The General Assembly reconvenes in a special session this afternoon after the Governor orders members to stay in Richmond and break through the budget impasse.
(------------)
[XGR]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=mmu]
[TAPE#=04-05 52:07]
[GRAPHIC-State Budget]
The lawmakers are going back at it at this hour.
[RICHMOND DOUBLE BOXES=Kim & Meghan /State Microwave;]
Richmond Bureau Chief Meghan Muldoon joins us from the State Capitol with more.
Kim, today's special session will be focused solely on the state budget.
[LIVE=Meghan /FULL State Microwave]
[SUPER=@Meghan1]
[SUPER=05-Richmond]
Legislators are at their desks at this moment but there's a question about how long they will stay there.
[ENG#=3]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=WITH LITTLE PROGRESS MADE ON THE BUDGET]
[SUPER=03-Richmond; :00]
[SUPER=@MarkWarner; :]
[SUPER=01-Leo Wardrup/(R) Virginia Beach; :]
[SUPER=01-Del. Kirk Cox/(R) Colonial Heights; :]
[SUPER=@Kaine; :]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=NOT WORRY ABOUT IT TOO MUCH TODAY.]
(((( With little progress made on the budget negotiations and with the House threatening to go home for a cooling off period, Governor Warner stepped in.
[SOT 10:34:14]
((GOVERNOR MARK WARNER: NOW THE HOUSE HAS DECIDED TO THROW IN THE TOWEL BUT LAWMAKERS SHOULD STAY IN TOWN AND COMPLETE THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE. ))
[RUNS=:08]
But House Republicans were offended at the governor's accusation that they would be vacationing if they adjourned.
[SOT 01:51:58]
((DELEGATE LEO WARDRUP/R-VIRGINIA BEACH:I'M SSITTING ON THE FLOOR OF THIS HOUSE WHILE THE GOVERNOR SAYS I'M ON VACATION NOT WANTING TO DO THE PEOPLE'S BUSINESS. I'M PERSONALLY DISGUSTED BY THIS. I'M SORRY GOVERNOR BUT THE GLOVES IS OFF.))
[RUNS=:10]
It still isn't clear whether House Republicans will stay in Richmond to complete work.
They have threatened to recess today so that members can go home and hear from their constituents.
[SOT 10:24:27]
((DELEGATE KIRK COX/R-COLONIAL HEIGHTS: I THINK THE SENATORS NEED TO GET OUT OF THIS ATMOSPHERE AND THEY NEED TO GO HOME AND THEY NEED TO EXPLAIN WHY THEY WANT A FOUR BILLION DOLLAR INCREASE AND WHY THEY WON'T GO TO REFERENDUM. ))
[RUNS=:11]
Lieutenant Governor Tim Kaine says he doesn't think the threats or the fiery rhetoric will hinder the budget talks.
[SOT 10:52:14]
[IN Q=EVERYBODY'S TEMPERS WERE VERY SHORT YESTERDAY]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=NOT WORRY ABOUT IT TOO MUCH TODAY.]))
))
[LIVE=Meghan /FULL State Microwave]
[SUPER=05-Richmond;]
The budget impasse is a result of the House and Senate's different positions on tax increases.
The Senate wants them, the House doesn't.
[DOUBLE BOXES=Kim& Meghan/Microwave;]
House Republicans say Warner's actions yesterday have only strengthened their anti-tax position.
[Radford-Fire]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=rde]
[TAPE#=04-06 46:52]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]
Four families in Radford are homeless this afternoon after a fire destroyed their apartment building.
[RADFORD DOUBLE BOXES=Kimberly/Rachel/Microwave;]
New River Valley Bureau Chief Rachel DePompa was on the scene. She joins us from our Blacksburg Newsroom with more. Rachel?
[LIVE=Rachel/FULL]
[SUPER=@Rachel1;]
[SUPER=05-Blacksburg;]
Kimberly the fire started in an apartment unit around 8:00 this morning and quickly spread through the entire building.
[ENG#=4]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford]
Four families were home at the time of the fire, but everyone got out safely.
Neighbors tell us, people started banging on the doors and ringing doorbells to get everyone out as soon as possible.
Radford Firefighters say when they arrived the building was engulfed in flames.
The Fairlawn fire department had to be called out for assistance.
The fire chief says the cause is still under investigation but the fire may have been started by a young child.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT:14:46:44:00 ]
[IN Q=May be a possiblity]
[SUPER=01-Lee Simpkins/Radford Fire Chief;]
((LEE SIMPKINS: MAY BE A POSSIBILITY. IT DEFINITELY STARTED IN THE DOWNSTAIRS LIVING ROOM ON THE COUCH SO AH. WE'LL TALK TO HIM BEFORE WE LEAVE ))
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=before we leave.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
The apartment building is a total loss and will likely be in the thousands.
(------------)
[LIVE=Rachel/FULL]
[SUPER=05-Blacksburg;]
The American Red Cross is on the scene and is trying to help the families.
[RADFORD DOUBLE BOXES=Kimberly/Rachel/Microwave;]
You can give the Pulaski office a call if you'd like to make a donation.
Kimberly, there are several adults and at least three children that are homeless today.
[Bank-Robbery]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=04-11 12:32]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=1]
Police are still searching for the man they say held up a Bedford County bank at gunpoint this morning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford Co.]
Around 9:30, a black male walked into the Suntrust Bank in the Graves Mill shopping center and demanded money from several tellers.
He left the building carrying a white bag, and what witnesses believe was a sawed- off shotgun.
Police from three jurisdictions and a tracking dog were on the scene quickly, but were unable to locate the suspect.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 11:18:52]
[IN Q=He was on foot]
((MIKE BROWN/BEDFORD CO. SHERIFF: HE WAS ON FOOT TO A CERTAIN POINT AND THAT WAS JUST ABOUT HERE, I THINK EVERYBODY IS IN AGREEANCE THAT THIS INTERSECTION HERE WAS THE LAST TIME ANYBODY SAW HIM AND HE WAS ON FOOT. ONCE HE GOT BEHIND THIS CENTER, WHICH WAY DID HE GO OR DID HE HAVE A VEHICLE, AT THIS POINT WE DON'T KNOW.))
[SUPER=01-Mike Brown/Bedford Co. Sheriff]
[RUNS=19]
[OUT Q=we don't know.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Authorities expect to release a bank photograph of the suspect later today.
(------------)
[Roanoke-Mill]
[ANCHOR=]
[NEWSCAST=]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=04-12 3:57]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=2]
A major presence in the Roanoke City skyline may soon be on the move.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]
Roanoke City Mills has been in operation for more than 80 years, and the Jefferson Street facility produces 500- thousand pounds of finished flour a day.
But the mill stands in an area the city plans to re-develop as the Riverside Centre for Research and Technology.
City officials have reached an agreement with the owners of the mill to purchase the property.
The deal will give the company time to design and build a new facility before the current mill is demolished.
(------------)
[National-WX]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Winter Weather]
[ENG#=3]
A late season winter storm is finally heading out to sea, but not before leaving the Midwest and much of the Northeast buried in snow.
At least 11 traffic deaths are being blamed on the storm.
Kelly Cobiella reports.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY; :12]
[SUPER=01-Kelly Cobiella/CBS News; 1:12]
[RUNS=1:19]
[OUT Q=Cobiella, CBS News, New York.]
((
It was as if the calendar jumped back. (NY MOS 2:13) "IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE SPRINGTIME! " A cold, WET blanket of snow covered a huge swath of the country, from North Dakota to New York. making it tough for drivers to see... and planes to get off the ground. In the Northeast, hundreds of flights were delayed.. or cancelled, reunions, put on hold.
These families hoped to welcome soldiers back from Iraq... the flight was diverted because of snow. (sot from ND Sn
ow Delays/mos no super) "We waited for 14 months, we can wait a few more hours I guess." (NATS SHOVELLING IOWA 11:45:55) Iowa and Nebraska got the worst of this storm, UP TO A FOOT AND A HALF of snow in some parts. Hundreds of schools and businesses closed. To many, it seemed the month of March couldn't make-up its mind. (12:32:12 guy in shorts from pen
nsylvania video) Just when it seemed safe to shed the coats for shorts... came THIS snowy dose of reality. (SOT NEW
YORK MOS 3:49) "I'M THINKING ABOUT MOVING OUT WEST WITH MY BROTHER IN CALIFORNIA (LAUGH)." ...but for the millions who
can't.. (SOT NEW YORK 1:17 MURRAY MECKLER) "THIS WINTER'S BEEN A HORROR. THIS IS AN APPROPRIATE END FOR THE YEAR, LET
'S HOPE IT IS THE END." (COBIELLA ON CAM CLOSE) Music: None
))
[Tease1]
[HARD MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[ENG#=V10]
Still to come on the newscast, a proposal is causing an historic rift in Southside.
(--------------)
[VO-NAT ]
Also the manhunt is over for the man accused of conducting sniper attacks in Ohio.
(---------------)
[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #1]
[Highway-Shootings]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[MINIOPEN]
[ENG#=1]
The man suspected in more than 20 sniper shootings in Ohio didn't put up a fight when he was found this morning at a motel in Las Vegas.
Jennifer Miller has more on his capture.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Las Vegas, NV;]
[SUPER=01-Conrad Malsom/Recognized Suspect;]
[SUPER=01-Jennifer Miller/CBS News;]
[SUPER=01-Amy Walton/McCoy's Sister;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=Miller, CBS News, Columbus, OH.]
((
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS . THE MANHUNT FOR OHIOS SUSPECTED HIGHWAY
SNIPER CAME TO AN END HALF WAY ACROSS THE COUNTRY
POLICE ARRESTED CHARLES MCCOY JUNIOR . AT THIS LOW BUDGET, LAS VEGAS
MOTEL AFTER THEY RECEIVED A TIP FROM A MAN WHO RECOGIZED MCCOY WHILE
OFFERING HIM SOME PIZZA...IN A SPORTS GAMBLING CASINO.
SOT: CONRAD MALSOM/REGOGNIZED McCOY.
(he was reading USA Today....picture of himself)
MCCOY IS WANTED FOR A STRING OF SHOOTINGS ALONG INTERSTATE 2-70 IN
COLUMBUS OHIO. THE SHOOTER HAS TAKEN AIM AT HOMES, CARS AND EVEN SCHOOL
BUSSES. ONE OF THOSE BULLETS HIT AND KILLED 62-YEAR-OLD GAIL KNISLEY.
STANDUP BRIDGE: JENNIFER MILLER REPORTING.
POLICE SUSECTED MCCOY AFTER HIS FATHER HANDED OVER TWO OF MCCOYS
NINE-MILLI METER HAND GUNS. LAB TESTS SHOWED BULLETS FROM ONE OF THEM
MATCHED THOSE FIRED IN NINE OF THE 24 SHOOTINGS.
BUT WHEN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY, MCCOY WHO HAS A HISTORY OF MENTAL HEALTH
PROBLEMS WAS UNNARMED AND WENT WITH POLICE WITHOUT A PROBLEM. HIS
FAMILY IS RELIEVED.
Amy Walton/McCoys Sister
We feared the worst and the worst didnt happen.
POLICE HAVE IMPOUNDED THE SUSPECT'S CAR...MCCOY HIMSELF IS BEING
PROCESSED IN LAS VEGAS BEFORE BEING SENT BACK TO OHIO AND HANDED OVER TO
THE U-S ATTORNEYS OFFICE.
JENNIFER MILLER CBS NEWS, COLUMBUS OHIO
))
[CA-Murders]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Murder Investigation]
[ENG#=2]
The man accused of killing his children in California will be arraigned today on nine counts of murder.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Fresno, CA;]
Authorities believe some of Marcus Wesson's children may have been victims of incest.
They don't have a motive for the killings, but police believe the slayings may have been part of a cult ritual.
Authorities say 57- year- old Wesson was in total control of the family before he shot everyone in the house, and eventually surrendered to police.
The victims ranged in age from one to 24.
(------------)
[Global-Terror]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=3]
Secretary of State Colin Powell is in Afghanistan, promoting the ongoing battle against terrorism.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Kabul, Afghanistan;]
Powell says anti- terror efforts have put al-Qaida on the defensive.
He's also scheduled to visit Pakistan, which staged a counter- terror operation this week near the Afghan border.
Meanwhile, European countries are also taking new steps to protect themselves against terrorism.
French authorities have beefed up security on the ground, and in the air.
In London, a new ad campaign warns travelers about unattended luggage.
And in Greece, new concerns about security at this summer's Olympic games have led officials to ask for help from NATO.
(------------)
[AM-Confed-History]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=04-09 TC 26:29]
[GRAPHIC=none]
[ENG#=4]
Some people in Pittsylvania County say if the county recognizes black history month, it should also honor confederate history.
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pittsylvania Co.]
Nearly a hundred people came out last night to debate the issue at the board of supervisors meeting.
The board heard an equal amount from those for and against a proclamation declaring April Confederate History and Heritage Month.
Opponents say a motion like this will only open old wounds.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 15:29:17]
[IN Q=It's racist]
[SUPER=01-William Pritchett/Pittsylvania Co. Supervisor;]
[RUNS=11]
[OUT Q=that is what the war was about.]
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]
But supporters say the proclamation has nothing to do with racism. Rather it seeks to honor the sacrifices made on the battlefield.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 15:27:31]
[IN Q=I think everyone]
[SUPER=01-Coy Harville/Pittsylvania Co. Supervisor;]
[RUNS=12]
[OUT Q=died in the Confederate War]
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]
During the nearly 90 minute debate, one woman suggested the county delay a vote so both sides could get together and discuss their differences.
One board member who liked that idea then introduced a substitute motion.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[SS=none]
By a 4 to 3 vote, the Supervisors agreed to appoint a committee to study how the county can honor all of its history, not just the Confederacy.
[Tease2]
[SOFT MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[ENG#=V10]
Up next on the newscast, a professor wants to see a state university drop its sports program.
(-----------------)
[VO-NAT ]
Plus the Super Bowl of sled racing is over. After the break, we'll see who won this year's Iditarod.
(-----------------)
[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #2]
[RU-Sports]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=None]
A professor at Radford University wants the faculty to cut sports at the school.
Communications professor Vincent Hazelton says the cost of intercollegiate athletics is increasing. He wants the program phased out over eight-to-ten years.
The Faculty Senate Council discussed the proposal last week, and sent it to the Campus Environment Committee for study.
[Iditarod]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=1]
It's been dubbed the "Super Bowl" of dog sled racing-
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Nome, AK;]
An Alaskan native claimed top honors in this year's Iditarod.
It took Mitch Seavey ELEVEN attempts, but he finally won one of the closest races in years.
Last night, Seavey finished first in the the 11- hundred- mile race from Anchorage to Nome.
A record 87 racers -- a third of them rookies -- began the
race's ceremonial start March sixth from downtown Anchorage.
As the winner, Seavey took home 69-thousand dollars and a new Dodge pickup truck.
(------------)
[Stocks]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly 2-Shot]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE# none]
[GRAPHIC=None]
On Wall Street at Noon, the DOW was UP 104 points. The NASDAQ has gained 27.
[super=460-x/104/x/27;]
[Tease3]
[SPORTS MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[ENG#=V10]
Coming up in sports, March Madness is almost in full swing as teams get ready to play tomorrow.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT ]
And Steve Mason will tell us why some coaches think Madness is the perfect description for the end of the basketball season.
(---------------)
[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #3]
[S-NCAA]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-170 2001TC]
[GRAPHIC=MEN FINAL FOUR]
[ENG#=1]
March Madness officially opens tomorrow, but it TECHNICALLY opened last night with the play-in game between the 65 and 64th teams in the event.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Dayton, OH/ESPN; :00]
The game was staged in Dayton, and while Florida State didn't get into tournament- Florida A&M represented for Tallahassee.
F-A-M-U took on Lehigh last night, and didn't had much trouble winning it, 72-to-57.
The Rattlers now move on to Columbus, Ohio to play Kentucky on Friday.
[super=33-Florida A&M/72/Lehigh/57;]
Even though F-A-M-U might have an NC- Double-A tournament win, the team still doesn't have a winning record, at 15-and-16.
(------------)
[S-WDBJ]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=MEN'S FINAL FOUR]
[ENG#=None]
The broadcast schedule for first round games on on Your Hometown Station is now set.
(xxxxxxxxxxx)
[GO TO PINNACLE NCAA THUR. AFTERNOON]
Tomorrow it's Maryland and U- TEP in the opening game.
The second afternoon game has the Big South champion Liberty Flames and St. Joes at 2:45.
(XXXXXXXX)
[GO TO PINNACLE NCAA THUR. NIGHT]
On Thursday night, Duke plays Alabama State, followed by North Carolina and Air Force.
(XXXXXXXXX)
[GO TO PINNACLE NCAA FRIDAY AFTERNOON]
Then Friday afternoon - NC State takes on Louisiana Lafayette, followed by Georgia Tech and Northern Iowa.
The second game should get underway around 2:50.
(XXXXXXXXXX)
[GO TO PINNACLE NCAA FRIDAY NIGHT]
Friday night - we open with Wisconsin and Richmond at 7:20, and then wrap up with Xavier and Louisville.
(-------------)
[Georgetown]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=None]
For the first time in the Big East tournament's 25-year history, the Georgetown Hoyas didn't reach the
quarterfinals -- and now head coach Craig Esherick is out of a job.
Georgetown fired Esherick last night after a 13-and-15 season. The University president said it was time to change leadership in the men's basketball program.
Esherick succeeded John Thompson as coach in 1999. He had a contract that runs through the 2008-2009 season.
Esherick played for Georgetown under Thompson and succeeded him in the middle of the 1998-99 season.
[S-Coaches]
[ANCHOR=mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-165 1:23:32]
[GRAPHIC=Final Four]
March Madness is stressful for coaches, and so is the ACC tournament.
[GRAPHIC=ACC TOURNEY]
Last week, all five ranked teams from the ACC were beaten in their own event.
Steve Mason tells us how stress affects life on the hardwood.
[ENG#=]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Greensboro, NC/2004 ACC Tournament Championship; :00]
[SUPER=01-Gary Williams/314 Wins at Maryland; :12]
[SUPER=01-Pete Gillen/1 NCAA Bid, 4 NIT Bids at UVa; :46]
[SUPER=@Steve1; :58]
[SUPER=01-Skip Prosser/2003 ACC Coach of the Year; 1:15]
[RUNS=1:38]
[OUT Q=...news 7 sports"]
(----------------)
((Gary Williams took Maryland to the ACC tournament title and is considered one of the most intense coaches in the country, yet Majerus and Pitino's problems changed him.
((:))
Williams has a national championship and an ACC crown. Pete Gillen has neither and his return to Charlottesville is in question. Jokes seem to mask the stress.
((:))
((STEVE MASON:))
((SKIP PROSSER/WAKE FOREST HEAD COACH:))
Prosser joins Gillen as two of only 14 coaches to have led three teams to the Big Dance and is again puzzled by the UVa coaches job security.
((:))
UVa tips off the NIT Wednesday night against George Washington at U-Hall. Steve Mason news 7 sports.))
[Quickcast]
[WXPRO/FULL]
Quickcast
[REPRS@CL]
SUPER=X4031; Fax/Copyright Noon/Weekends
[SUPER=X4030; e-Mail/Copyright Noon/Weekends]
by SS