WDBJ 7 morning news AM cutins for 09/26/96

08:25-01

7Co-Ax

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=kmc
TAPE#96-72
GRAPHIC=Fatal Accident
SUPER=19-Melanie Moon;

A Roanoke woman died early this morning, several hours after a single vehicle accident in Roanoke County.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;

Police say it happened shortl after 9 o'clock at the intersection of Route 419 and McVitty Road.
Authorities say 31 year old Beverly McGrew lost control of her vehicle and it overturned.
She was trapped inside for a short while, then transported to the hospital where she died at four a.m.
(----------------)

7Smith

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=tal
TAPE#96-70
GRAPHIC=NONE

The man convicted of killing two people on the Appalachian trail in early 80's, is about to be set free after serving less than half of his 30 year prison term.
But Tracy Altizer reports he'll still be under the watchful eyes of his neighbors and the state parole board.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Investigators who handled
SUPER=03-Giles Co./1981; ;00
SUPER=@Tracy1; :18
SUPER=01-Sabrina Payne/Neighbor; :43 QUICK!!!
SUPER=01-Joe Whittaker/Neighbor; :51 QUICK!!
SUPER=@file; :55
SUPER=01-Bobby Reynolds/Neighbor; 1:06 QUICK!!
RUNS=1:25
OUT Q=Altizer, News 7.
(( Investigators who handled the case still count it among the most terrible they've worked.
In the Walnut Flats section of Giles County near a shelter on the Appalachian Trail, Susan Ramsay was slashed to death during a fierce struggle.
Her companion, Bob Mountford was shot dead in his sleeping bag. suBack in 1981 the murders of the two social workers drew national headlines. They even prompted a book. Here in Pearisburg librarians say "Murder on the Appalachian Trail" is still one of the most popular books on the shelf.su
The killer, Randall Lee Smith is due to return to his mother's home in the Ingram Village section of Pearisburg this Friday.
Some neighbors who only know Smith by what they've read say they're willing to give him a chance.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:12;59
((SABRINA PAYNE/NEIGHBOR: EVERYBODY DESERVES A CHANCE. HE'S DID HIS TIME. ))
RUNS=:03

Others who watched Smith grow up say they'll welcome the man they remember as a friendly, thoughtful boy.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:23:09
((JOE WHITTAKER/NEIGHBOR: I REALLY AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE BOY GETTING OUT. I LIKE THE BOY. ))
RUNS=:04

Still, there are worries in this neighborhood.
Smith eventually confessed to the crimes. Investigators said the evidence against him was overwhelming, including his bloody fingerprints found at the murder scene.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 11:55:35
((BOBBY REYNOLDS/NEIGHBOR: EVERYBODY'S THINKING. IT'S A CONCERN, BUT IT'S UP TO HIM YOU KNOW. ))
RUNS=:04

Due to the severity of the crime, Smith will be on supervised parole for 10 years. At least for a while he'll wear a home electronic monitoring device to help ensure a successful transition back to freedom. Tracy Altizer, News 7.))

7ATM-Shooting

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=sly
TAPE#None
GRAPHIC=Shooting

A Roanoke man claims he was shot at an ATM machine.
Robert Leonard Brown told police he went to use the machine at the Crestar branch on Williamson Road about two o'clock yesterday morning.
A masked gunman demanded his money.
Brown says he handed over 20 dollars, but the robber demanded more.
Brown says that's when he grabbed the gun and wrestled with the robber.
The robber then regained control of the weapon and fired two shots. One shot hit Brown in the side.
He was treated at Roanoke Community Hospital.
Police are searching for the robber.

7Zelenak

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=KHu
TAPE#96-67
GRAPHIC=Zelenak

The crimes happened in the Blacksburg area four years ago, and Tina Zelenak still doesn't know how long she'll be in prison.
She still faces a life sentence for driving a getaway car in a string of robberies and murders, but the Court of Appeals has turned over her robbery conviction.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Christiansburg/February 1993

Zelenak claimed she was under "duress," that she was so intimidated by her boyfriend, she actually feared for her life if she did not do what he told her.
A social worker was ready to testify as an expert witness to bolster Zelenak's claim that she idolized and feared Paul Morehead. But the judge would not allow it.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=Tina Zelenak

The Court said Judge Kenneth Devore was wrong, reversed the jury verdict and sent the case back to Montgomery County.
Zelenak's trial lawyer says the ruling on expert testimony adds a new dimension to the use of psychological evidence in criminal cases.

7weather

ANCHOR=melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=none
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=NONE

SUPER=X5000;SET DISSOLVE

(CHYRON TODAY/TONIGHT AREA FORECAST PAGE)
SUPER=314-Cloudy with/Rain/63-67/Cloudy/Light Rain/55-59;

SUPER=#555;RESET

Turning now to the weather,
We are expecting a rainy day today-- highs should be in the mid 60s. For tonight, it's more of the same-- light rain should continue with lows in the mid to upper 50s. 7BIRTHDAYS! 9/27/96

SUPER=130-1/Christopher Blankenship/Vinton;

SUPER=130-6/Shane Broughman/Buchanan;

SUPER=130-18/Melissa Martin/Ironto;

SUPER=130-10/Tommy Lawrence/Elliston;

SUPER=130-5/Rusty Meadows/Radford;

SUPER=130-40/Steven Stump/Salem;

SUPER=130-3/Caleb Dooley/Roanoke;

SUPER=130-70/Virginia Tuck/Pittsville;

Saturday:

SUPER=130-8/Meghan Barnes/Roanoke;

SUPER=130-7/Codie Simmons/Scruggs; (female)

SUPER=130-3/Shane Simmons/Buchanan;

SUPER=130-11/Eric Dreyer/Natural Bridge Station;

SUPER=130-1/Jacob Smiley/Millboro;

SUPER=130-4/Kayla Maxwell/Christiansburg;

SUPER=130-3/Demetre Carter/Buena Vista;

SUPER=130-8/Brandon Lucas/Riner;

Anniversary)
SUPER=130-50th/Buck & Lois Cumbie/Roanoke;

SUPER=130-11/Amanda Cox/Salem;

SUPER=130-9/Jeffrey Price/Roanoke;

No Pictures:

SUPER=130-31/Tammy Forrest/Red House;

SUPER=130-33/Teresa Witcher/Glade Hill;

SUPER=130-40/Frieda Adkins/Danville;

SUPER=130-/Charlie Painter/Roanoke;

55Accident

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=JoeD
TAPE#96-79
GRAPHIC=Hall
SUPER=19-Melanie Moon;

A Marine Corps recruiter is being called a hero this morning after he saved two people from a fiery crash on Interstate 5-81.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/Tuesday;

Tuesday afternoon, Frankie Lee Hall was travelling on 5-81 when he heard a loud noise.
At first he thought a tractor- trailor had blown a tire, but he quickly realized a small car had become wedged beneath the rear of the trailer.
He helped a young woman from the car, and then returned to help a young man who was still inside the burning vehicle.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 11:02:04
IN Q=At the heat of the moment
((STAFF SGT. FRANKIE LEE HALL: AT THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT IT'S KIND OF HARD TO SAY WHAT MY FEARS WERE. I KNEW I WASN'T GOING TO LEAVE HIM THERE. THAT JUST WASN'T GOING TO HAPPEN. I WASN'T SURE WHAT MY FUTURE WAS, BUT I WAS GOING TO STAY WITH HIM AND GET HIM OUT OF THERE. HE WAS COMING OUT OF THERE ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. AND I JUST THANK GOD THAT I HAD WHAT IT TOOK.))
SUPER=07-Frankie Lee Hall;
RUNS=:24
OUT Q=had what it took.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

A small dog apparently died in the fire that followed the accident, but the two people police identify as Nicole Hicks and Kevin Billinger survived.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=HOLD

Yesterday, Sergeant Hall said he is simply thankful he was there to help.

55Evington-Fire

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#96-75
GRAPHIC=Fire

Fire officials are still trying to determine the cause of a fire yesterday that gutted a storage barn near Evington.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Campbell Co.;

More than three dozen firefighters were called to the blaze at New London Auto Parts on Route 6-23.
The 40-year old wooden structure burned quickly, and crews spent their time protecting nearby buildings from catching fire.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 2:08:15
IN Q=What's lost is
((GORDON HICKS/OWNER: WHAT'S LOST IS A BUNCH OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY, MAYBE 20 TONS OF BOLTS, NUTS AND SCREWS THAT WAS PACKED UP IN THERE. ALL THIS FRONT PART THERE WAS SOME MOTORCYCLES, TIRES AND ALL KINDS OF PLASTIC PARTS IN THIS FRONT BARN.))
SUPER=01-Gordon Hicks/Owner; :00
RUNS=:16
OUT Q=this front barn.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Hicks estimates his losses at more than thirty thousand dollars.
Fire crews from Evington, Forest and Brookville- Timberlake spent several hours battling the blaze.
(----------------)

55weather

8581-Ax

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=JoeD
TAPE#96-79
GRAPHIC=Hall

A Roanoke Marine is being hailed a hero after risking his life to save two motorist trapped in a fiery vehicle crash on Interstate 5-81.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/Tuesday;

Tuesday afternoon, Frankie Lee Hall was travelling on 581 when he heard a loud noise.
At first he thought a tractor- trailor had blown a tire.
But he quickly realized a small car had become wedged beneath the rear of the trailer.
He helped a young woman from the car, and then returned to help a young man who trapped inside the burning vehicle.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 11:02:04
IN Q=At the heat of the moment
((STAFF SGT. FRANKIE LEE HALL: AT THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT IT'S KIND OF HARD TO SAY WHAT MY FEARS WERE. I KNEW I WASN'T GOING TO LEAVE HIM THERE. THAT JUST WASN'T GOING TO HAPPEN. I WASN'T SURE WHAT MY FUTURE WAS, BUT I WAS GOING TO STAY WITH HIM AND GET HIM OUT OF THERE. HE WAS COMING OUT OF THERE ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. AND I JUST THANK GOD THAT I HAD WHAT IT TOOK.))
SUPER=07-Frankie Lee Hall;
RUNS=:24
OUT Q=had what it took.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

A small dog apparently died in the fire that followed the accident, but the two people police identify as Nicole Hicks and Kevin Billinger survived.
(----------------)

8Colonial-Pipeline

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=THa
TAPE#96-80
GRAPHIC=None

The nation's largest petroleum pipeline is apparently starting to show its age.
Officials say the Colonial pipeline has weak, corroded, or cracked segments which could pose a threat to life, property, and the environment.
The 13- hundred mile line links Texas to New Jersey.
It enters Virginia, near Danville. (----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Near Greenville, SC/June 1996;

The owner was ordered to check for problems after a rupture in June near Greenville, South Carolina.
One million gallons of diesel fuel leaked into a River.
Colonial officials believe the line is safe.
A spokesman says they've already inspected the line in Virginia, but still need to check pressure sensors along the entire route.
(-------0---------)

8Noble-Met

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#96-81
GRAPHIC=NONE

A Salem company that expanded just two years ago continues to grow.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Salem;

Noble Met on Apperson Drive is doubling the size of its plant, and adding on to its workforce.
Right now it has 50 employees, but it expects that by the end of the year that number will approach 80.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 06:07:53
IN Q=We manufacture
((JOHN FREELAND/NOBLE MET PRESIDENT: WE MANUFACTURE SMALL METAL TUBULAR PARTS FOR THE BIOMEDICAL INDUSTRY. THEY'RE USED ON CATHETERS, CATHETERS FOR ANGIOPLASTY, CATHETERS FOR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY.))
SUPER=01-John Freeland/Noble Met President;
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=for electrophysiology.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Noble Met says large increases in orders have prompted the expansion.
It boasts a client list including big time medical giants like Johnson and Johnson, and Boston Scientific.
(-------------)

8Masonite

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=cutin
WRITER=THa
TAPE#96-78
GRAPHIC=New jobs

One Southside business is also looking at a bright future.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Danville;

Masonite Incorporated is planning to start a fourth shift at its Danville plant to keep up with demand.
Masonite makes hardboard.
The company has already started interviews.
The fourth shift is expected to begin in November-- by January the company hopes to employ 60 new people.
(----------------)

8Sassy's

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#96-72
GRAPHIC=None

Opponents of a proposed nightspot in Lynchburg may have won their fight to keep the business out of downtown.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=04-File Tape;

The owner of Sassy's Restaurant and Lounge has withdrawn her application to serve alcoholic drinks at the Fifth Street Location.
Neighbors had opposed the project, fearing the nightclub would create noise and crime problems for the area.
Two of Lynchburg's three murders this year have occurred at another nightclub, the Glass House, which has since closed down.
Sassy's closed ITS doors in August after A-B-C agents charged the owner, Willie Mae Dates, with serving alcohol without a license.
(-------------)