WDBJ 7 morning news for 08/13/96

06:00-01

HEADLINES

ANCHOR=Melanie
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Colin Powell makes an appearance at the Republican Convention last night, praising Bob Dole.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Melanie

And a search is on this morning in for a small plane that authorities believe went down in Roanoke County overnight.
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wx-heads
(beth ad lib)
Live Larry-heads
(Larry ad lib)
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ANCHOR=Melanie 2 shot

Stick around -- News 7 Mornin' is next.

Missing-Plane

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=spr
TAPE#96-62
GRAPHIC=None

State Police are searching for what they believe to be a missing plane.
Some Roanoke County residents first reported hearing a small plane sounding like it was in trouble around one a-m.
Double Boxes=Melanie and Scott/Newsroom

Scott Prince joins us this morning with the latest information.
Live=Scott Full/Newsroom
SUPER=@Scott1;

Good morning, Melanie.
As you said, officials believe a small plane went down in the Bennett Springs section of the county early this morning.
And at this point they believe just one person-- the pilot-- was on board.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;

Neighbors in the area called 9-1-1 and they told dispatchers that it sounded like a plane engine was sputtering.
Shortly after that, the Roanoke Regional Airport received a distress signal... and at this hour, that signal remains on.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Right now
(( ))
SUPER=01-Sgt. Tom Foster/Va. State Police;
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=locator signal
(----------------)
VO-NAT

And we should note that an aircraft distress signal goes off on impact with the ground.
Officials have centralized and are working out of a big bus.
That has been set up as a make- shift command center.
The Civil Air Patrol has been called in and they arrived about an hour and a half ago and they are currently trying to hone in on that signal.
But searchers have been hampered by a number of factors.
Certainly the darkness but even more so, the fog.
Lifeguard 10 was initially called in to help, but because of the dangerous conditions, they had to be called off.
Live=Scott Full/Newsroom

Also, 2 K-9 units are being brought in from Richmond.
They are expected to arrive in the next hour or so.
Now we have unconfirmed reports... I stress unconfirmed, that the plane took off from Charlotte and that it was suppose to land in Lynchburg.
But at this point, State Police will not confirm that information.
Double Boxes=Melanie and Scott/Newsroom

So, Melanie, there's been no luck in trying to find this plane over the past five hours.
But officials are certainly hopeful there luck will change now that daybreak is upon us.

Rain

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Mornin
WRITER=kmc
TAPE#96-53
GRAPHIC=Flooding

The rain may be slacking off a bit now-- but yesterday's heavy showers made their presence known all across the region.
Kimberly McBroom has a wrap-up of all the wet weather.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Heavy rains fell
SUPER=03-Roanoke;:00
SUPER=07-Wendell Babb; :24
SUPER=07-Jocelyn Contaste; :35
SUPER=03-Carroll Co.; :44
SUPER=@Kimberly1; :59
RUNS=1:08
OUT Q=McBroom, News 7

(( Heavy rains fell all afternoon-- closing numerous streets around the Roanoke Valley.
As evening wore on-- the Roanoke River continued rising.
While these homes along the river aren't in any danger yet-- they are the same ones that suffered extensive damage during the Flood of '85.
But residents say although they've experienced flooding in the past-- they still love their riverfront homes.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 21:07:32
((WENDELL BABB: I HAD THOUGHTS OF MOVING. BUT YOU KNOW, I LOVE THE RIVER AND IT'S A THREAT. BUT I LOVE THE SIGHT OF THE RIVER RIGHT THERE-- AND FISHING AND SEE THE DUCKS. ))
RUNS=:09
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 21:15:10 night flooding
((JOCELYN CONTASTE: WELL, YES, IT IS A WORRY RIGHT IN HERE, BUT I DON'T DWELL ON IT. BECAUSE, I KNOW I LIVE IN HERE, AND IT'S MY HOME. I DON'T DWELL ON IT. ))
RUNS=:09

Meanwhile, Monday's rainfall was the cause of a tractor trailer accident on route 100 in Carroll County.
The truck apparently hydroplaned on the slick road surface, jackknifed, and ran over a van parked on the side of the road.
High water also closed several roads throughout the New River Valley. Standup tag here
Many roads around the region are staying closed as a precaution-- while we wait and see what Mother Nature has in store for us next.
Kimberly McBroom, News 7. ))

GOP-CONVENTION

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#Net
GRAPHIC=Republicans

It is day two of the Republican convention in San Diego.
New York Congresswoman Susan Molinari is in the spotlight tonight as she delivers the convention's keynote address.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-San Diego;

Last night former Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell stepped into a starring role.
The four star retired general praised Bob Dole, calling him a man of strength, maturity and integrity.
But Powell did draw a few boos when he reaffirmed his belief in affirmative action and abortion rights.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
4;04:5-19
IN Q=
(( COLIN POWEL:I WAS INVITED HERE BY PARTY TO SHARE VIEWS BECAUSETHE GRAND OLD PARTY IS ``BIG ENOUGH'' TO DISAGREE ON INDIVIDUAL ISSUES, AND STILL WORK TOGETHER BECAUSE WE HAVE A COMMON GOAL, RESORING THE LAND OF THE FREE. ))
SUPER=07-Colin Powell;
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=COMMON GOAL RESTORING LAND OF THE FREE.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
4:07:01 BUSH 4;06;18-FORD
Former President's Bush and Ford also had words of praise for Dole.
Former President Reagan was represented by his wife Nancy.
She brought the delegates to tears as she emotionally evoked memories of a healthier Ronald Regan, who now suffers from Alzheimer's disease.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
4:01;11
IN Q=
((RONNIES OPTIMISM LIKE AMERICA, STILL SHINES BRIGHTLY, MAY GOD BLESS HIM AND FROM BOTH OF US GOD BLESS AMERICA. ))
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=GOD BLESS AMERICA.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Mrs. Reagan's comments came after a short video tribute to Ronald Reagan.
Bob Dole watched last night's speeches from a hotel room.
(----------------)

1-Sports

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Mornin
WRITER=cro
TAPE#=sports cut in
GRAPHIC=NONE

In sports--the punches were flying last night in Montreal.
A bench clearing brawl interrupted the Expos-Astros game for about 20 minutes.
Mike Stevens has that story and more this morning.
Good Morning Mike.
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SOT
IN Q=Good morning
RUNS=1:39
OUT Q=see you then.

Search

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=sly
TAPE#96-63
GRAPHIC=None

State police have spent the night searching for a small plane believed to have gone down in Roanoke County.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;

Neighbors in Roanoke County first reported hearing a small plane that sounded like it was having engine trouble.
That was around one a-m.
Then the Roanoke Regional Airport reportedly received a distress signal from the plane.
Crews have been hampered in their search efforts by fog.
Early on conditions prevented Lifeguard Ten from assisting in the search.
Authorities believe the pilot was the only person on the plane.
(----------------)

Flooding

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Mornin
WRITER=kmc
TAPE#Net (edit of 96-53)
GRAPHIC=Flooding

The steady rains of the past 24 hours are expected to let up some today.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;

Heavy rains fell all afternoon-- closing numerous streets around the Roanoke Valley.
Residents say although they've experienced flooding in the past-- they still love their riverfront homes.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 21:07:32
IN Q= I had thoughts
((WENDELL BABB: I HAD THOUGHTS OF MOVING. BUT YOU KNOW, I LOVE THE RIVER AND IT'S A THREAT. BUT I LOVE THE SIGHT OF THE RIVER RIGHT THERE-- AND FISHING AND SEE THE DUCKS. ))
SUPER=07-Wendell Babb;
RUNS=:09
OUT Q=see the ducks
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Meanwhile, Monday's rainfall was the cause of a tractor trailer accident on route 100 in Carroll County.
The truck apparently hydroplaned on the slick road surface, jackknifed, and ran over a van parked on the side of the road.
High water also closed several roads throughout the New River Valley.
(----------------)

Tractor-Ax

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=THa
TAPE#96-65
GRAPHIC=NONE

A tractor trailer that overturned in Pittsylvania County created traffic problems late last night.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Pittsylvania Co.;

It happened around ten p-m at the intersection of Route 7-26 and the new Route 29- bypass in Blairs.
The driver was hauling a load of lumber from Orange County to High Point, North Carolina.
The rig apparently flipped over when the straps holding the wood snapped.
A small amount of fuel and engine oil spilled onto the ground, but fire fighters say it wasn't enough to cause any damage.
State Police had the road blocked off while crews cleaned up the scene.
Traffic had to be re-routed through Danville.
(----------------)

Republicans

WILDFIRES

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=mel
TAPE#Net
GRAPHIC=None

In another news from the West Coast, forests are being scorched by wildfires.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Spray, OR;

They have burned thousands of acres in Oregon and Washington, forcing hundreds of people to leave their homes.
Many homes have already been damaged or destroyed.
Strong winds and dry conditions are fanning the flames.
(----------------)

2-Scores

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morning
WRITER=Mike
TAPE#None
GRAPHIC=MLB

In sports--Pat Hentgen came within one out of his league-leading fourth shutout and pitched Toronto to a 5-to-1 victory over Boston. Hentgen is 14-and-7 after winning seven of his last eight starts.
For a roundup of the scores from the ball parks let's check the numbers.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=FIRST SCORE
SUPER=#556;
SUPER=X5010;
SUPER=0091-/Milwaukee///Baltimore///Postponed By
Rain//Boston/1/j/Toronto/5///;
SUPER=x5009;
SUPER=0091-/New York/2/j/Chicago/3////Detroit/0/j/Texas/7///;
SUPER=x5009;
SUPER=0091-j/Cleveland/5//California/4////Minnesota/1/j/Oakland/11///;
SUPER=X5009;
SUPER=0092-j/Los Angeles/6//Cincinnati/5////Atlanta///Philadelphia///Postponed
By Rain/;
SUPER=x5009;
SUPER=0092-/Houston/1/j/Montreal/8//6 Ejections/j/Chicago/11//New York/1///;
SUPER=x5011;
SUPER=0093-/Salem///Lynchburg///Postponed by Rain/;
SUPER=x5012;
SUPER=0105-/Martinsville///Kingsport///Postponed By
Rain//Burlington///Danville///Postponed By Rain/;
RUNS=:35
OUT Q=...LAST SCORE
(-------------)

2HEADLINES
SUPER=#4050; Headline Banner
ANCHOR=Melanie

Here's a look at today's top stories.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Bad weather is hampering search efforts for a missing plane in Roanoke County.
Authorities believe the small plane went down around one this morning after sending out a distress signal.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Emotions are running high in San Diego after stirring speeches from Colin Powell and former first lady Nancy Reagan at last night's opening of the Republican convention.
New York Congresswoman Susan Molinari gives tonight's keynote address.
(----------------)
Talent=Melanie 2 shot

And that's what's making news on this Tuesday August 13th.
Talent=Beth 2 shot
(Beth ad lib)

Down-Plane

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=spr
TAPE#96-64
GRAPHIC=None

State Police are searching for what they believe to be a missing plane.
Neighbors in Roanoke County first reported hearing a small plane sounding like it was in trouble around one a-m.
Double Boxes=Melanie and Scott/Newsroom

Scott Prince joins us this morning with the latest information.
Live=Scott Full/Newsroom
SUPER=@Scott1;

Melanie... since our last update, not too much has changed.
But it does appear now that LifeGuard 10 is headed out to the area.
The chopper will apparently be used in the search effort.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;

Emergency and Law Enforcement crews have been in the Bennett Springs section of the county since early this morning.
And officials say the Civil Air Patrol is already flying over top in search of the missing plane.
Officials are trying to hone in on the emergency distress signal.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 4:46:59
IN Q=The Civil Air
(( ))
SUPER=01-Sgt. Tom Foster/Va. State Police;
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=
(----------------)
VO-NAT

It appears the plane tried to make an emergency landing at Roanoke Regional Airport...
Live=Scott Full/Newsroom
and at this point officials believe it was single engine aircraft with just the pilot on board.
Double Boxes=Melanie and Scott/Newsroom

Melanie, at this point we have unconfirmed reports that the plane took off from Charlotte and was destined for Lynchburg.
But officials will not verify that information.

Water

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Mornin
WRITER=kmc
TAPE#Net (edit of 96-53)
GRAPHIC=Flooding

Roanoke and New River Valley residents should get a break from the rain later today.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;

Heavy rains fell all afternoon-- closing numerous streets around the Roanoke Valley.
The wet weather was the cause of a tractor trailer accident on route 100 in Carroll County.
The truck apparently hydroplaned on the slick road surface, jackknifed, and ran over a van parked on the side of the road.
High water also closed several roads throughout the New River Valley.
(----------------)

2-GOP-CONVENTION

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#Net
GRAPHIC=Republicans

Another day of speeches in San Diego on day two of the Republican Convention.
New York Congresswoman Susan Molinari joins an all-star cast when she give the convention's keynote address tonight.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-San Diego;

Last night former Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell had the starring role.
The four star retired general praised Bob Dole, calling him a man of strength, maturity and integrity.
But Powell did draw a few boos when he reaffirmed his belief in affirmative action and abortion rights.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
4;04:5-19
IN Q=
(( COLIN POWEL:I WAS INVITED HERE BY PARTY TO SHARE VIEWS BECAUSETHE GRAND OLD PARTY IS ``BIG ENOUGH'' TO DISAGREE ON INDIVIDUAL ISSUES, AND STILL WORK TOGETHER BECAUSE WE HAVE A COMMON GOAL, RESORING THE LAND OF THE FREE. ))
SUPER=07-Colin Powell;
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=COMMON GOAL RESTORING LAND OF THE FREE.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
4:07:01 BUSH 4;06;18-FORD
Former Presidents Bush and Ford also had words of praise for Dole.
Former President Reagan was represented by his wife Nancy.
She brought the delegates to tears as she emotionally evoked memories of a healthier Ronald Reagan, who now suffers from Alzheimer's disease.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
4:01;11
IN Q=
((RONNIES OPTIMISM LIKE AMERICA, STILL SHINES BRIGHTLY, MAY GOD BLESS HIM AND FROM BOTH OF US GOD BLESS AMERICA. ))
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=GOD BLESS AMERICA.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Mrs. Reagan's comments came after a short video tribute to Ronald Reagan.
Bob Dole watched last night's speeches from a hotel room.
(----------------)

McKinney

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=THa
TAPE#NONE
GRAPHIC=State Police Investigation

A South Boston police officer is resigning after being accused of sexual harrassment.
A convenience store worker raised the complaint against Sergeant Dale McKinney.
The woman reportedly told investigators the harrassment happened while she was at work.
McKinney resigned yesterday following a two month state police investigation which had been requested by South Boston Police Chief Jim Hall.
McKinney has been on leave without pay.
Commonwealth's Attorney John Greenbacker does NOT expect any criminal charges will be brought against McKinney.

3-Sports

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Mornin
WRITER=cro
TAPE#=sports cut in
GRAPHIC=NONE

Turning to sports--another Monday night exhibition loss for the Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys.
Mike Stevens has highlights. Good Morning Mike.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Howdy once again
RUNS=2:24
OUT Q=have a nice one.

Distress

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=spr
TAPE#96-66
GRAPHIC=None

State Police are searching for what they believe to be a missing plane.
Neighbors in Roanoke County first reported hearing a small plane sounding like it was in trouble around one a-m.
Double Boxes=Melanie and Scott/Newsroom

Scott Prince joins us this morning with the latest information.
Live=Scott Full/Newsroom
SUPER=@Scott1;

Melanie... officials believe this was a single engine plane with just the pilot on board.
State Police are getting conflicting reports... but it seems this plane took off from Charlotte, North Carolina... and was suppose to land in Lynchburg.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;

Residents of the Bennett Springs section of the County called 9-1-1 and reported what sounded like a plane engine sputtering.
Since that time crews have been on the scene... but early morning efforts were hampered by darkness and fog.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Civil
(( ))
SUPER=01-Sgt. Tom Foster/Va. State
RUNS=:17
OUT Q=search area
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Just in the past half hour, Life- Guard 10 has been called in to help with the search.
Live=Scott Full/Newsroom

Also, 2 K-9 units from Richmond are expected to be at the scene in the next 10 minutes or so.
Double Boxes=Melanie and Scott/Newsroom

So, Melanie now that the daylight starts to seep through... officials are hopeful they'll be able to track down this plane.

POWELL-REAGAN

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#Net
GRAPHIC=Republicans

Excitement is running high in San Diego on the second day of the G-O-P convention.
Former New York Congressmanwoman Susan Molinari takes center stage tonight as she gives the convention's keynote address.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-San Diego;

Last night, cheers and a few jeers during a speech by Colin Powell.
The boos came when the four star general reaffirmed his belief in affirmative action and abortion rights.
But he got plenty of applause with his words of praise for presumptive Republican nominee Bob Dole.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
4:04:32-53
IN Q=He is a man of..
SUPER=07-Colin Powell
RUNS=:20
OUT Q=of the United States of America.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Former first lady Nancy Reagan drew tears to match her own as she spoke to delegates last night.
Her comments came after a short video tribute to former President Ronald Reagan, who now suffers from Alzheimers disease.
She said her husband's optimism and belief in America is still strong and if he were at the convention, he would urge the delegates to -- quote -- ``never, never give up on America.''
Bob Dole watched last night's speeches from a hotel room.
(----------------)

2-Flooding

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Mornin
WRITER=kmc
TAPE#Net (edit of 96-61)
GRAPHIC=Flooding

The steady rains of the past 24 hours are expected to let up some today.
Yesterday's heavy showers made their presence known all across the region.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;

Heavy rains fell all afternoon-- closing numerous streets around the Roanoke Valley.
Residents say although they've experienced flooding in the past-- they still love their riverfront homes.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 21:07:32
IN Q= I had thoughts
((WENDELL BABB: I HAD THOUGHTS OF MOVING. BUT YOU KNOW, I LOVE THE RIVER AND IT'S A THREAT. BUT I LOVE THE SIGHT OF THE RIVER RIGHT THERE-- AND FISHING AND SEE THE DUCKS. ))
SUPER=07-Wendell Babb;
RUNS=:09
OUT Q=see the ducks
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Meanwhile, Monday's rainfall was the cause of a tractor trailer accident on route 100 in Carroll County.
The truck apparently hydroplaned on the slick road surface, jackknifed, and ran over a van parked on the side of the road.
High water also closed several roads throughout the New River Valley.
(----------------)

Fire-Hero

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=Sta
TAPE#96-57
GRAPHIC=Fire

A Collinsville woman is being called a hero- after alerting her neighbors of a fire.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Collinsville;

Last Thursday 81-year old Gracie Sigmon helped evacuate residents who were not aware their apartment building was burning.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 01.24.25 - 01.24.41
IN Q=I seen fire
((GRACIE SIGMON; I SEEN FIRE AND SMOKE COMING OUT THE WINDOW. AND, THEN WHAT DID YOU DO? AND WHEN I SAW THAT I TRIED TO GET UP YONDER TO TELL THE REST OF THEM THAT LIVED IN THE APARTMENTS.))
SUPER=07-Gracie Sigmon;
RUNS=:15
OUT Q=in the apartments
(----------------)
VO-NAT

One resident was sleeping so soundly that Sigmon had to scream until he finally woke up.
The blaze apparently started from a faulty electrical lamp cord.
There were no injuries reported.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=HOLD

Sigmon's efforts were even more remarkable considering that she walks with the help of a cane.

4-Scores

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morning
WRITER=Mike
TAPE#None
GRAPHIC=MLB
In sports---Ken Hill continued his strong throwing as
Texas blanked Detroit 7-to-0. Hill tossed his third shutout, limiting the Tigers to five hits in the Rangers' second straight whitewash.
For that and all of last night's scores let's check the numbers.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=FIRST SCORE
SUPER=#556;
SUPER=X5010;
SUPER=0091-/Milwaukee///Baltimore///Postponed By
Rain//Boston/1/j/Toronto/5///;
SUPER=x5009;
SUPER=0091-/New York/2/j/Chicago/3////Detroit/0/j/Texas/7///;
SUPER=x5009;
SUPER=0091-j/Cleveland/5//California/4////Minnesota/1/j/Oakland/11///;
SUPER=X5009;
SUPER=0092-j/Los Angeles/6//Cincinnati/5////Atlanta///Philadelphia///Postponed
By Rain/;
SUPER=x5009;
SUPER=0092-/Houston/1/j/Montreal/8//6 Ejections/j/Chicago/11//New York/1///;
SUPER=x5011;
SUPER=0093-/Salem///Lynchburg///Postponed by Rain/;
SUPER=x5012;
SUPER=0105-/Martinsville///Kingsport///Postponed By
Rain//Burlington///Danville///Postponed By Rain/;
RUNS=:35
OUT Q=...LAST SCORE
(-------------)