WDBJ 7 morning news AM cutins for 08/30/96

08:25-01

7Holdren's

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#96-74
GRAPHIC=Holdrens
SUPER=19-Melanie Moon;
The frustration continues for Holdren's customers who have found out their service warranties won't be honored.
Yesterday Len Besthoff spoke with someone who has first hand knowledge of the situation.
Up until three days ago Steve Terry was a store supervisor.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Steve Terry
SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :00
SUPER=03-Roanoke;:06
SUPER=01-Steve Terry/Former Holdren's GM; :18
SUPER=@Len2; 1:01
RUNS=1:12
OUT Q=LB, News-7.
(( Steve Terry worked at Holdren's for 13 years, rising to a position where he was in charge of all its Virginia locations.
But when the order came down from the company's new North Carolina headquarters to stop honoring service warranties sold by the chain's previous owners, Terry couldn't take it anymore.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 03:05:50
IN Q=With
((TERRY: WITH THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE RESPONSIBILITY I FELT TO THE CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES, I DIDN'T FEEL LIKE I COULD DO AN EFFECTIVE JOB, AND ETHICALLY MADE THE DECISION TO RESIGN.))
RUNS=:09
OUT Q=to resign.

Terry explains that at first Holdren's new owners thought they could handle the service warranties it was inheriting, but....
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 03:08:03
IN Q=Financially it
((TERRY: FINANCIALLY IT JUST WAS MUCH LARGER THAN THEY THOUGHT AND THEY COULD NOT AFFORD TO MAINTAIN THOSE EXTENDED WARRANTIES.))
SUPER=
RUNS=:08
OUT Q=extended warranties.

The former G-M estimates there are hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of warranties that Holdren's will not honor anymore.
SOT 03:08:34 today tape
IN Q=How many
((BESTHOFF QUESTION: HOW MANY CONTRACTS ARE WE TALKING ABOUT? TERRY REPLY: TENS OF THOUSANDS. BESTHOFF QUESTION: CLOSER TO A HUNDRED THOUSAND? TERRY REPLY: NO. BESTHOFF QUESTION: CLOSER TO 50-THOUSAND? TERRY REPLY: SOMEWHERE IN THE RANGE OF 25-30 THOUSAND.))
RUNS=:09
OUT Q=in the range of 25 to 30 thousand.

Terry says he's hopeful though, that some kind of solution to this problem can get worked out when the involved parties meet with Virginia's Department of Consumer Affairs next month.
Len Besthoff, News-7. ))

7Meningitis

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=cst
TAPE#96-62
GRAPHIC=Meningitis

A nationwide clinical trial is underway to investigate Viral meningitis.
The condition involves an inflammation of the covering around the brain and spinal cord.
The Salem V-A hospital is taking part in the study.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Salem; :

VIRAL meningitis presents the same symptoms as bacterial meningitis, and though it's not as serious, there are no medications.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 11:15:55
IN Q=The kind of
((DR. CHARLES SCHLEUPNER/SALEM V.A. CHIEF OF MEDICAL SERVICES: THE KIND OF VIRAL MENINGITIS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, EARLY FALL TO LATE SUMMER IS DUE TO A VIRUS THAT IS USUALLY PASSED IN THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACK IN THE INTESTINES AND PATIENTS ACQUIRE PERHAPS AROUND THE SAME TIME, MAYBE A BIT OF A NAUSEA SYNDROME WITH DIARRHEA, THEY MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE THAT. BUT THEN THEY COME DOWN WITH FEVER, HEADACHE, AND HEADACHE THAT MAY BE VERY ATYPICAL IN THAT IT'S ALL OVER THEIR HEAD, HARD FOR THEM TO GET RELIEF. ))
SUPER=01-Dr. Charles Schleupner/Salem VA Chief of Medical Services; :
RUNS=:31
OUT Q=to get relief.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

All the Roanoke Valley hospitals will assist the Salem V-A- in identifying possible candidates for the trials.
Those who consent will be given either the new drug, or a placebo.
(---------------)

7Meter-Reader

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=jmc
TAPE#96-65
GRAPHIC=AEP

Some Utility companies will be consolidating services in an attempt to save some money.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/File Tape;

Starting in October, American Electric Power will do meter readings for all 45-thousand Roanoke Gas customers.
The utilities think this might end up saving them some money.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=We haven't put a number
((BARRY SNODGRASS/AEP REGIONAL MANAGER: WE HAVEN'T PUT A NUMBER ON IT. IT'LL BE SOMEWHAT DEPENDENT ON WHAT THE COSTS TURN OUT TO BE, WHAT THE PROBLEMS TURN OUT TO BE. WE'RE ANTICIPATING SAVINGS BUT WE'RE REALLY JUST UNABLE TO SAY HOW MUCH AT THIS EARLY STAGE. ))
SUPER=01-Barry Snodgrass/AEP Regional Manager;
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=at this early stage.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

A-E-P is also going to test an electronic meter reading system in the Penn Forest and Hunting Hills subdivisions.
That system will allow the power company to read water use, as well.
(----------------)

7weather

ANCHOR=Beth in wx center
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=none
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=NONE
SUPER=X5000;SET DISSOLVE
(CHYRON TODAY/TONIGHT AREA FORECAST PAGE)
SUPER=314-Partly Sunny/Scattered Showers/81-85/Clear/Skies/60-64;
SUPER=#555;RESET

Turning now to the forecast,
It'll be a partly sunny day once the morning fog clears.
We may have some widely scattered afternoon thunderstorms.
Tomorrow, highs should reach 80, and for the rest of the holiday weekend, it'll get a little more cloudy. 7BIRTHDAYS! 9/1 & 9/2

SUPER=130-19/Tabitha Manns/Rocky Mount;

SUPER=130-26/Michelle Riley/Brownsburg;

SUPER=130-25/Mark Riley/Brownsburg;

SUPER=130-2/Kimberly Royal/Rocky Mount;

NO PICTURE:

SUPER=130-1/Charmita Baker/Appomattox;

Monday 9/2:

SUPER=130-55/Dorothy L. Mackenhimer/Rocky Mount;

SUPER=130-31/Eunice Craghead/Rocky Mount;

SUPER=130-4/Wesley Duncan/Christiansburg;

SUPER=130-13/Brandy Nicole Turner/Collinsville;

55us-air

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=jmo
TAPE#96-72
GRAPHIC=none
SUPER=19-Melanie Moon;

A U-S Air Jet taking off from Charlotte headed to Roanoke was forced to turn around last night and make an emergency landing.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/Last Night;

Flight 654 blew a tire during take off at about 8 o'clock.
The plane returned to Charlotte Douglas International Airport and landed without incident.
None of the 68 passengers was injured.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 11:23:11
IN Q=The captain came
((ANDREW MCKNIGHT/PASSENGER: THE CAPTAIN CAME OVER THE INTERCOM AND SAID WE NEED TO GO BACK TO CHARLOTTE AND FLY BY THE TOWER, ESTABLISH WHAT PART OF OUR LANDING GEAR WAS AFFECTED. HE KNEW AT THAT POINT IT WAS A BLOWN TIRE BUT HE WASN'T SURE IF IT WAS THE FRONT OR REAR. ))
SUPER=01-Andrew McKnight/Passenger;
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=front or rear.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

The passengers changed to a different plane and landed at Roanoke Regional Airport shortly before 11.
Charlotte Airport officials say it's procedure to bring back a plane when a pilot spots trouble early in the flight.
(----------------)

55L'burg-Sewer

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#96-63
GRAPHIC=NONE

Rain gutter downspouts on 9-thousand homes in Lynchburg must be disconnected from the city's sewer system... and the city is helping pay for the work.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg;

To encourage homeowners to have the work done themselves, the city is paying 150 dollars for every downspout they disconnect.
Mayor Jim Whitaker presented homeowner Phyllis Fauber with the first compensation check yesterday.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 2:09:15
IN Q=We are truly
((JIM WHITAKER/LYNCHBURG MAYOR: WE ARE TRULY SAVING MONEY THROUGH THE PROPERTY OWNERS PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM, BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE CAN DISCONNECT ALL THOSE RAINLEADERS EFFICIENTLY THAN THE CITIZENS THEMSELVES.))
SUPER=01-Jim Whitaker/Lynchburg Mayor; :00
RUNS=:15
OUT Q=the citizens themselves.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Disconnecting the rain-leaders means less water in the sewer system during a heavy rainstorm.
That will reduce the amount of contaminated water that overflows into area streams.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 2:19:16
IN Q=I'm all for
((PHYLLIS FAUBER/HOMEOWNER: I'M ALL FOR ANY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT THAT CAN HELP CITIZENS OR STREAMS OR WATER, ANYTHING.))
SUPER=01-Phyllis Fauber/Homeowner; :00
RUNS=:08
OUT Q=or water, anything.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Lynchburg residents interested in taking part in the program can call 847-RAIN for more information.
(----------------)

55weather

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=none
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=NONE
SUPER=X5000;SET DISSOLVE
(CHYRON TODAY/TONIGHT AREA FORECAST PAGE)
SUPER=314-Partly Sunny/Scattered Showers/81-85/Clear/Skies/60-64;
SUPER=#555;RESET

Turning now to the forecast,
We may get some afternoon thundershowers in some areas today.
Highs in the 80's today and temperatures will drop to the lower 60's.
The holiday weekend should be considerably more cloudy.

8Drug-Bust

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=tal
TAPE#96-59
GRAPHIC=Drug Bust Cocaine
SUPER=19-Melanie Moon;

Police say they've taken a big chunck out of the crack cocaine business in the New River Valley after the arrest of an elderly couple.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Christiansburg;

Authorities allege 74 year-old William Bernice Smith and his wife, 59 year-old Josephine Smith were selling crack from their Lyle Street home in Christiansburg.
The Montgomery County Drug Task Force began investigating the couple after neighbors complained of suspicious traffic at all hours.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 6:56:13
IN Q=
((LT. GARY BRUMFIELD/CHRISTIANSBURG POLICE DEPT.: PEOPLE WERE JUST COMPLAINING ABOUT TRAFFIC COMING IN AND OUT OF THE RESIDENCE. THEY'D GO IN AND STAY FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND LEAVE AT ALL HOURS OF THE NIGHT. ))
SUPER=01-Gary Brumfield/Christiansburg Police Dept.;
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=of the night.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Authorities raided the home Wednesday night and seized crack, marijuana, almost eight thousand dollars in cash, three guns and two vehicles.
The Smiths are charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and two related gun charges.
(----------------)

8Howerton

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=THa
TAPE#96-61
GRAPHIC=Legal Scales

A Danville teenager will spend 36 years in prison.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Danville/January;

Last month a jury convicted 17-year old Lawrence Howerton, Junior of murdering fellow classmate, 16-year old Anthony Spraggins.
The young man was killed on Winslow Street in January.
According to testimony during the trial, the two had been in a fight at George Washington High School about a week before the shooting.
Howerton was also ordered to pay 12-thousand dollars in restitution to the victim's family.
(----------------)

8Holdren's

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#96-74
GRAPHIC=Holdrens

Holdren's appliance stores has angered many by deciding to stop covering some service warranties.
Yesterday Len Besthoff spoke with someone who has inside knowledge of the situation.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Steve Terry
SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :00
SUPER=03-Roanoke;:06
SUPER=01-Steve Terry/Former Holdren's GM; :18
SUPER=@Len2; 1:01
RUNS=1:12
OUT Q=LB, News-7.
(( Steve Terry worked at Holdren's for 13 years, rising to a position where he was in charge of all its Virginia locations.
But when the order came down from the company's new North Carolina headquarters to stop honoring service warranties sold by the chain's previous owners, Terry couldn't take it anymore.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 03:05:50
IN Q=With
((TERRY: WITH THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE RESPONSIBILITY I FELT TO THE CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES, I DIDN'T FEEL LIKE I COULD DO AN EFFECTIVE JOB, AND ETHICALLY MADE THE DECISION TO RESIGN.))
RUNS=:09
OUT Q=to resign.

Terry explains that at first Holdren's new owners thought they could handle the service warranties it was inheriting, but....
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 03:08:03
IN Q=Financially it
((TERRY: FINANCIALLY IT JUST WAS MUCH LARGER THAN THEY THOUGHT AND THEY COULD NOT AFFORD TO MAINTAIN THOSE EXTENDED WARRANTIES.))
SUPER=
RUNS=:08
OUT Q=extended warranties.

The former G-M estimates there are hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of warranties that Holdren's will not honor anymore.
SOT 03:08:34 today tape
IN Q=How many
((BESTHOFF QUESTION: HOW MANY CONTRACTS ARE WE TALKING ABOUT? TERRY REPLY: TENS OF THOUSANDS. BESTHOFF QUESTION: CLOSER TO A HUNDRED THOUSAND? TERRY REPLY: NO. BESTHOFF QUESTION: CLOSER TO 50-THOUSAND? TERRY REPLY: SOMEWHERE IN THE RANGE OF 25-30 THOUSAND.))
RUNS=:09
OUT Q=in the range of 25 to 30 thousand.

Terry says he's hopeful though, that some kind of solution to this problem can get worked out when the involved parties meet with Virginia's Department of Consumer Affairs next month.
Len Besthoff, News-7. ))

8School-Delay

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=jmc
TAPE#96-69
GRAPHIC=Education

If you were planning on sending your kids to sixth grade orientation today at Jackson Middle School, cancel those plans.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;

Sixth, seventh and eighth graders won't have to go back to the newly renovated school until Monday, September 9th.
And sixth-grade orientation will be one week from today.
The decision came after school officials consulted with building inspectors and the contractor.
They say the delay will give sub-contractors more time to finish their work.
(----------------)

8weather

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=none
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=NONE
SUPER=X5000;SET DISSOLVE
(CHYRON TODAY/TONIGHT AREA FORECAST PAGE)
SUPER=314-Partly Sunny/Scattered Showers/81-85/Clear/Skies/60-64;
SUPER=#555;RESET

Turning now to the forecast,
Morning fog will burn off to a partly sunny day.
Expect some widely scattered afternoon thunderstorms. weekend. Tomorrow, highs should reach 80 with clouds increasing over the holiday