WDBJ 7 morning news for 11/20/96

06:00-01

HEADLINES

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

A Federal judge fails to stop the C-S-X- Conrail merger as Norfolk Southern had hoped.
(----------------)

And the third and final sentence is handed down to one of the killers of Virginia Tech Student Alexander DeFillipis.

P-rail-Merger

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#596-45
GRAPHIC=rail merger

One of the largest employers in our area failed to come out on top in federal court yesterday--
But as Len Besthoff reports-- Norfolk Southern is appealing an important decision handed down last night in Philadelphia.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=chock up
SUPER=04-File Tape; :00
SUPER=01-Thomas Hoppin/CSX Spokesperson; :12
SUPER=03-Philadelphia, PA; :27
SUPER=01-Steve Rothschild/NS Attorney; :42
SUPER=@Len1; :47
RUNS=:59
OUT Q=federal courthouse.

Mark-Lilly

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=spr
TAPE#96-87
GRAPHIC=Mark Lilly

"The world would be a better place if it were populated by the likes of Alexander Defillipis."
Those words came from Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Ray Grubbs before he sentenced Mark Lilly-- one of three men who played a role in the killing of Defillipis, a Virginia Tech student, last year.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Christiansburg;

Lilly was sentenced to serve 49 years behind bars after he pleaded guilty to eight charges including second degree murder, carjacking and abduction.
Some of his relatives testified yesterday that the 21- year- old suffered a number of setbacks as a child including child neglect.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 6:13:09 Lilly tape 1
IN Q=I have
((PHYLLIS COMBER/LILLY'S AUNT: I HAVE NEVER SEEN KIDS THAT DIDN'T GET A HUG OR A KISS OR SAT ON THEIR PARENTS LAP FROM EITHER OF THEIR PARENTS. ))
SUPER=01-Phyllis Comber/Lilly's Aunt;
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=their parents
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Christiansburg/Last Month;

As the triggerman in the Defillipis murder, Mark's older brother, Ben Lilly, was sentenced to death.
(----------------)

2-Hibbs

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=tal
TAPE#96-82
GRAPHIC=Jason Hibbs

The trial of Jason Hibbs ended abruptly yesterday, after Hibbs changed his plea to guilty of murder and abduction.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Wythe Co.;

The 20- year- old Wythe County man was on trial for the death of Ricky Lee Coleman.
Hibbs said he punched Coleman after the 17- year- old got drunk and destructive at his house last January. Hibbs testified he and two friends later stuffed the moaning teenager in the trunk of a car, drove him to a remote road and dumped him over a creek bank. Coleman died from a combination of the alcohol and exposure.
Hibbs testified he thought Coleman would sober up and go home, and said he was sorry that he died.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=And there was
(( ))
SUPER=01-Keith Blankenship/Wythe Co. Assistant Prosecutor;
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=a recommendation.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Hibbs faces life plus 20 years in prison. Two other defendants, Eric Ball and Eric Wimmer, are still awaiting their trials.
(----------------)

Merger

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=lba
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=rail merger

A federal judge in Philadelphia has refused to block the sale of Conrail to C-S-X Corporation.
(----------------)
VO-NAT from 96-86 and 596-45
SUPER=03-Philadelphia, PA;

Yesterday's decision rejected Norfolk Southern's effort to stop the deal on grounds that it was designed to prevent competing bids.
Norfolk Southern immediately filed an appeal of the ruling.
The appeals court is expected to decide the issue this afternoon.
Richmond-based C-S-X has an eight-and-a-half billion dollar deal to acquire Conrail.
Norfolk Southern is offering about ten billion dollars.
(-------------)

Legionnaire's

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#net (edit of 96-83)
GRAPHIC=Legionnaires

Legionnaires Disease has affected another victim, this time in the central Virginia area.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg;

Doctors at Lynchburg General confirmed that a man admitted to the hospital late last month had contracted the disease.
Health officials say there's "no" connection with the recent Christiansburg outbreak, but warn these isolated cases can occur anywhere.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 00:08:58
IN Q=Today we've had
((DR. JOANNA HARRIS/LYNCHBURG HEALTH DEPT.: TODAY WE'VE HAD SOME CALLS FROM FOLKS, YES, WHO ARE CONCERNED AND WORRIED ABOUT THEIR COOLING TOWERS, AND OF COURSE PEOPLE NEED TO HAVE THOSE CLEANED PERIODICALLY AND USE A BIOCIDE IN THEM TO KILL ANY ORGANISMS.))
SUPER=01-Dr. Joanna Harris/Lynchburg Health Department; :00
RUNS=:11
OUT Q=kill any organisms.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Harris says the Legionnaires bacteria is carried in contaminated water vapor, like mist from hot tubs or air conditioners.
The most recent victim may have contracted the disease while fishing.
(----------------)

School-Bus-Ax

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=eea
TAPE#96-88
GRAPHIC=Accident

An accident shook up some Roanoke schoolchildren yesterday.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;

Their bus was stopped on Peters Creek Road in Roanoke, when a pickup truck crashed into two cars that were stopped behind it.
The impact pushed cars forward, hitting the back of the bus.
No one on the bus was hurt, but five people in the other vehicles, including the pickup driver and a passenger were taken to the hospital.
There's no word on how badly they're hurt.
(----------------)

Axton-Robbery

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=THa
TAPE#96-77
GRAPHIC=None

Henry County authorities are still on the look out for a masked gunman who allegedly held a family hostage inside their Axton home.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Henry Co.;

It all happened around Nine Monday night at the home of Adolfo and Marsha Fernandez on Route 614.
Authorities say the suspect entered the home, tied the family up and placed pillow cases over their heads.
Later, the suspect allegedly forced Marsha Fernandez to drive to the Rock House-- a convenience store the couple owns about a half-mile away.
After emptying the safe, Fernandez says she was forced to drive to a nearby intersection.
(/////SOT/////)
12:18:18
SOT
IN Q=He fled
((LT. KIMMY NESTER/HENRY CO. SHERIFF'S DEPT.:HE FLED THE VEHICLE ON FOOT, FROM THAT POINT, WE DON'T KNOW WHERE HE WENT TO, WE DON'T KNOW WHETHER HE WAS SOLO, WHETHER HE HAD A PARTNER OR PARTNERS.))
SUPER=01-Kimmy Nester/Henry Co. Sheriff's Department; :00
RUNS=:08
OUT Q=or partners.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Authorities believe the suspect may be connected to an armed robbery earlier this year at nearby Grogan's Grocery.
(----------------)

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

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

14 people are dead after a fiery collision in Illinois--
A landing plane collided with one taking off.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Norfolk Southern suffers a defeat in a Philadelphia courtroom-- A judge backed the merger agreement between C-S-X and Conrail, but N-S is not giving up so easily.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

The space shuttle Columbia is finally in orbit.
The astronauts will spend their Thanksgiving in space.
(----------------)

And that's what's making news on this Wednesday, the 20th of November.

Plane-Collision

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Melanie
WRITER=mel
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=plane crash

Investigators will begin the grim task this morning of trying to find out why two planes collided on a runway last night in Quincy, illinois.
Officials say at fourteen people people died in the crash.
Matt Sczney (--sez-ney--) reports.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=
SUPER=03-Quincy, IL; :00
SUPER=01-George Rasmusson/Great Lakes Aviation Spokesman; :16
SUPER=01-Matt Sczney/Reporting ;50
RUNS=1:07
OUT Q=For CBS News.
4:00

2-Merger

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=lba
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=rail merger

A Philadelphia federal judge refused Norfolk Southern's suit to block the sale of Conrail to C-S-X Corporation.
(----------------)
VO-NAT from 96-86 and 596-45
SUPER=03-Philadelphia, PA;

Yesterday's decision rejected Norfolk Southern's effort to stop the deal on grounds that it was designed to prevent competing bids.
Norfolk Southern immediately filed an appeal of the ruling.
The appeals court is expected to decide the issue this afternoon.
Richmond-based C-S-X has an eight-and-a-half billion dollar deal to acquire Conrail.
Norfolk Southern is offering about ten billion dollars.
(-------------)

Australia

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=mel
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=clinton, bill

President Clinton, on his first overseas trip since his reelection, met Australian leaders this morning and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Canberra, Australia;
4:04:20
Addressing Australia's Parliament, Mr. Clinton assured legislators that the U-S won't neglect its Asian allies in favor of Europe. 4:03;03
Following the speech a woman was denied an autograph by Mr. Clinton and instead settled for a kiss on the cheek.
The President's visit down-under is largely seen as a warm-up for next week's Asia-Pacific Economic Summit in the Philippines.
(----------------)

TEXACO

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=mel
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=none

A former Texaco executive who taped co-workers as they allegedly used racist slurs, may be facing prison time.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-White Plains, NY;

Former finance executive Richard Lundwall was indicted in New York yesterday, charged with obstruction of justice.
Federal investigators say Lundwall destroyed and concealed documents demanded by attorneys in a race discrimination suit against Texaco.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=
(( CHRISTOPHER RILEY, LUNDWALL'S ATTORNEY:I DO THINK IT'S IRONIC THAT THE MAN WHO IS CHARGED WITH A CRIME, IS THE INDIVIDUAL WHO CAME FORWARD WITH THE TAPES.))
SUPER=01-Christopher Riley/Lundwall's Attorney;
RUNS=:06
OUT Q=with the tapes.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Lundwall himself has refused to comment on the charges.
(----------------)

Valujet

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=JJA
TAPE#Net B
GRAPHIC=plane crash investigation

In their search for answers in the crash of Valujet flight 5-92 in Florida, federal investigators have re-created the disaster.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
4:10:22
At yesterday's N-T-S-B hearing in Miami investigators showed a videotaped re-creation of the cargo fire that engulfed the jetliner.
In one test, boxes of oxygen generators like those aboard the ValuJet plane were ignited.
In the other test, a tire and luggage were added.
The video tape brought tears to the eyes of the victims relatives who were attending the hearing.
(----------------)

Shuttle

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=mornin
WRITER=mel
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=Space Shuttle

The crew of the space shuttle Columbia has completed the first major task of its 16 day mission.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Astronauts have released an ultraviolet telescope into space.
It will look at newborn and dying stars and the moon's atmosphere for two weeks.
The shuttle lifted off yesterday.
Among its five astronauts is 61- year- old Story Musgrave, now the oldest man to travel in space.
(----------------)

OREGON

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=mel
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=none

Heavy rains and snow are being blamed for the deaths of at least six people in the Northwest.
Floodwaters have forced hundreds to evacuate in Oregon.
And in Washington an early winter storm has dumped at least two feet of snow.

Henry-Street

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=kmc
TAPE#96-85
GRAPHIC=None

Roanoke's Henry Street is getting back on track.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;

Yesterday the former Henry Street Music Center was christened the Dumas Hotel Music Center.
Total Action Against Poverty officials re- named it in honor of the neighborhood landmark and the black community.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 15:18:49
IN Q=I think symbolism
((MARTIN JEFFREY/TOTAL ACTION AGAINST POVERTY: I THINK SYMBOLISM PLAYS AN ENORMOUS ROLE IN THE LIFE OF OUR COMMUNITY ))
SUPER=01-Martin Jeffrey/Total Action Against Poverty;
RUNS=:06
OUT Q=of our community
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Next month, TAP will host an annual fundraiser for the center.
Close to one million dollars is needed to complete the renovation.
(----------------)

Rail-Merger

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#96-86
GRAPHIC=Rail Merger

The first official battle in the bidding war for Conrail ended last night in Philadelphia.
Norfolk Southern, one of the largest employers in the area, comes out the loser.
SS=Norfolk Southern

But the railroad says it has just begun to fight.
Len Besthoff explains.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Norfolk Southern's
SUPER=@File; :00
SUPER=@Len1; :13
SUPER=01-Thomas Hoppin/CSX Spokesperson; :39
SUPER=03-Philadelphia, PA; :47 quick
SUPER=01-Steve Rothschild/Norfolk Southern Attorney; :53
RUNS=1:12
OUT Q=Len Besthoff, News 7

Lilly

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=spr
TAPE#596-34
GRAPHIC=mark lilly

The third and final man involved in the killing of a Virginia Tech student, last year has been sentenced.
Ben Lilly was already given the death penalty--yesterday his younger brother was sentenced for his role in the murder.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Christiansburg;

Mark Lilly received a total of 97 years behind bars, but his prison term is suspended after he serves 49 years.
Last December, the body of Alexander Defillipis was found in the Whitethorne
(WHITE-thorn) section of Montgomery County.

He had been shot four times.
Mark Lilly pleaded guilty to more than a half dozen charges including second degree murder and abduction.
Before sentencing, his mother said she's still in disbelief.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 5:20:29
IN Q=This stuff
((FRANCES LILLY/MARK LILLY'S MOTHER: THIS STUFF GOING ON, IT'S SOMETHING UNUSUAL. IT'S SOMETHING KIND OF HARD TO DEAL WITH. HARD TO BELIEVE. ))
SUPER=01-Frances Lilly/Mark Lilly's Mother;
RUNS=:09
OUT Q=to believe
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Mark Lilly will be in his sixties when he's released from prison.
After that, he'll still face two decades worth of probation.
(----------------)

Hibbs

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=tal
TAPE#96-82
GRAPHIC=Jason Hibbs

Jason Hibbs' trial came to an abrupt end yesterday, after Hibbs changed his plea to guilty of murder and abduction.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Wythe Co.;

The 20- year- old Wythe County man was on trial for the death of Ricky Lee Coleman.
Hibbs said he punched Coleman after the 17- year- old got drunk and destructive at his house last January. Hibbs testified he and two friends later stuffed the moaning teenager in the trunk of a car, drove him to a remote road and dumped him over a creek bank. Coleman died from a combination of the alcohol and exposure.
Hibbs testified he thought Coleman would sober up and go home, and said he was sorry that he died.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=And there was
(( ))
SUPER=01-Keith Blankenship/Wythe Co. Assistant Prosecutor;
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=a recommendation.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Hibbs faces life plus 20 years in prison. Two other defendants, Eric Ball and Eric Wimmer, are still awaiting their trials.
(----------------)

Vinton-Council

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=kmc
TAPE#net (edit of 96-90)
GRAPHIC=None

Vinton town council was talking trash last night--
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Vinton;

Members voted four to one in favor of allowing the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority to compete for the right to provide commercial waste collection.
Only one councilman voted against the resolution.
Joe Bush says he fears Vinton's taxpayers would end up picking up the tab for the resource authority.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 19:33:37
IN Q=I'm in favor
((JOE BUSH/VINTON TOWN COUNCILMAN: I'M IN FAVOR OF THE R.V.R.A. DOING WHATEVER THEY HAVE TO DO TO PAY THE BILLS THAT THEY HAVE TO PAY. I'M NOT IN FAVOR OF GIVING PEOPLE CARTE BLANCHE TO GO DO WHATEVER THEY WANT TO DO, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHAT IT'S GOING TO COST THEM. ))
SUPER=01-Joe Bush/Vinton Town Councilman;
RUNS=:11
OUT Q=going to cost them
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@File;

The Resource Authority has been losing revenue at the Smith Gap Landfill.
Some private trash collectors transport garbage out-of-state instead.
(----------------)
TALENT=Melanie
SS=None

But before the authority could actually haul trash, it would have to hold additional public hearings.

County-Supers

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=jda
TAPE#96-
GRAPHIC=roanoke county seal

The Roanoke County Supervisors have denied a half million dollar claim that followed a high speed chase and a fatal car accident in April.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./April 2;

Lori Mason, Thomas Faucher (FOE-shur) Junior, and their young daughter Joleen were killed when two cars collided at the intersection of Williamson and Plantation Roads.
Scott Allman was fleeing from county police when the accident happened.
(----------------)
Anchor=Melanie
SS=hold

County officials have reviewed the case and say they believe the responsibility rests with Allman. The decision by the board clears the way for the family to press its claim in court.

Worst-Toys

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=JJA
TAPE#Net D
GRAPHIC=None

Toys are supposed to be fun, but some toys can hurt kids-
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Boston;

This sesame street "pull back and go" jet plane made this year's list of the worst toys.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 15:52:15
IN Q=
((EDWARD SWARTZ/CONSUMER ADVOCATE: WHEN THIS PROPELLER IS REMOVED RATHER EASILY YOU'LL SEE A HALF AN INCH NAIL LIKE SPIKE COMING RIGHT OUT OF THAT PROPELLER.))
SUPER=01-Edward Swartz/Consumer Advocate;
RUNS=:08
OUT Q=OF THAT PROPELLER.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

The Group called WATCH is warning parents about other dangerous toys.
On the list- this Winnie the Pooh book- The Pewter Charm on the front can choke a child and the ribbon in the front cover can strangle.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 15:52:50
IN Q=
((AND WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A BOOK THAT IS A CHOKING HAZARD? TRASH IT!))
RUNS=:06
OUT Q=TRASH IT!"
(----------------)
VO-NAT

The group advises parents to watch out for any toys that can potentially jab, choke or strangle.
(----------------)

4-Scores

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=lba
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=nba

With their star center hospitalized at halftime, the Houston Rockets went on
to rout the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-to-93.

Hakeem Olajuwon (Ha-KEEM) ah-LAH'-zhoo-wahn) was taken to a Houston hospital for precautionary tests after experiencing an abnormal heart rhythm.
For all of last night's scores let's check the boards.
(-------------)
wipe to scores
SUPER=#556
SUPER=X5028
SUPER=0096-j/Seattle/106//Toronto/98////Atlanta/63/j/Cleveland/73///;
SUPER=x5009
SUPER=0096-j/New York/92//Orlando/88////Dallas/97/j/Milwaukee/100///;
SUPER=x5009
SUPER=0096-/Minnesota/93/j/Houston/122///j/Miami/104//Denver/86///;
SUPER=x5009;
SUPER=0096-j/Portland/92//Sacramento/90//Overtime/j/L.A. Lakers/112//Golden
State/109///;
SUPER=X5031
SUPER=0103-/St.Louis/2/j/Pittsburgh/4///j/New Jersey/2//Ottawa/1///;
SUPER=X5009
SUPER=0103-/Boston/2//Washington/2//Final In Overtime//Los Angeles/0/j/Tampa
Bay/0///;
SUPER=x5009;
SUPER=0103-j/Vancouver/2//Dallas/0////Chicago/4//Edmonton/4//Final in
Overtime/;
RUNS=:49
oc= LAST SCORE
(-------------)

Bomb

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=lba
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=none

Authorities in the Philippines have reportedly found and defused a homemade pipe bomb at the site of a scheduled meeting of 18 Pacific Rim leaders. Stay tuned to CBS This Morning information on this situation. Little information is available at the moment.