WDBJ 7 morning news for 02/11/97

06:00-01

SIMPSON

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=simpson

O-J Simpson must now decide if he'll ask for a new trial following the jury decision yesterday that he pay 25-MILLION dollars in punitive damages for the deaths of his ex-wife and her friend.
Jennifer Sabih (SAW-BEE) joins us with the latest. *******take NEWSPATH********
SUPER=05-Los Angeles, CA;
SUPER=01-Jennifer Sabih/Reporting;
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=
(( ))
SUPER=03-Los Angeles, CA;
SUPER=01-Fred Goldman/Ron Goldman's Father;
SUPER=01-Daniel Petrocelli/Goldman Family Attorney;
RUNS=:00
OUT Q=
SUPER=05-Los Angeles, CA;
(( FOR THE GOLDMAN FAMILY.... THE DECISION WAS A KIND OF CLOSURE.... THE END OF AN EXHAUSTING SEARCH FOR JUSTICE.... NOT THE BEGINNING OF A WINDFALL.

SOT: "I LOOK AT MONEY AS AN IRRELEVANT ISSUE EXCEPT THAT IF I WERE TO THINK IN
TERMS OF ONE DOLLAR FOR EVERY DAY IN PRISON, THE JURY EXPECTED HIM TO SPEND 33-AND ONE-HALF MILLION DAYS IN PRISON... PERHAPS NOT ENOUGH." SUPER: FRED GOLDMAN/RON GOLDMAN'S FATHER 19:03:35:00ISH
THE JURY AWARDED A TOTAL OF 25-MILLION DOLLARS IN PUNITIVE DAMAGES.... 12-AND A HALF EACH TO THE GOLDMANS AND TO THE ESTATE OF NICOLE BROWN SIMPSON-- FOR HER CHILDREN. THE JUDGEMENT IS IN ADDITION TO THE 8-AND A HALF MILLION IT AWARDED IN
COMPENSATORY DAMAGES LAST WEEK--- WHEN IT DECIDED SIMPSON WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR
THE KILLINGS.

(NAT)
UNLIKE THE LIABILITY VERDICT, THE PUNITIVE DAMAGES DECISION WAS NOT UNANIMOUS. ONE JUROR VOTED FOR NO DAMAGES AT ALL.... AND ONE FOR A SMALLER AMOUNT.

SOT:"I WOULD HAVE GONE SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN THE FIGURE THE REST OF THE JURY
CONCURRED WITH."
ALTHOUGH ALL THE JURORS DID NOT ATTEND THE NEWS CONFERENCE AFTERWARDS... MOST OF THOSE THAT DID GAVE THE PLAINTIFFS HIGH MARKS... AND O-J SIMPSON'S PERFORMANCE ON THE STAND, AN "F."

SOT: "HIS REACTIONS SEEMED VERY REHEARSED... HE DID NOT SEEM CREDIBLE."

IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CBS STATION K-C-B-S, GOLDMAN ATTORNEY DANIEL PETROCELLI SAID HE ALSO THOUGHT SIMPSON'S TESTIMONY WAS CRITICAL.
SUPER: DANIEL PETROCELLI/GOLDMAN FAMILY ATTORNEY "IN EFFECT WE TOLD THE STORY OF THE ENTIRE CASE THROUGH HIM AND AT THE SAME TIME DEMONSTRATED HE COULD NOT BE BELIEVED." 02:43:02ISH.))

SHUTTLE

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=shuttle

The shuttle discovery is in orbit this morning on its way to a rendez- vous with the hubble telescope.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Kennedy Space Ctr.;

It blasted off shortly before four o'clock.
Discovery is carrying seven astronauts and new equipment for Hubble.
The crew will expand Hubble's scientific capabilities and conduct at least four spacewalks.
It's the first time astronauts have visited the telescope since 19-93, when astronauts corrected a problem with Hubble's blurred vision.
(----------------)

Rail-Merger

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

Norfolk Southern continues to pull no punches in its bid to purchase Conrail.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@File;
NORFOLK SOUTHERN-NORFOLK HQ, LAMBERTS PT. lbstock 1 01:02:50
N-S, which owns nine- point- nine- percent of Conrail's stock, says it seeks to remove all but three members of Conrail's current board of directors. conrail ceo levan...lbstock 10
Among those it wants to oust: the head of Conrail, C-E-O David LeVan
(la-van).
csx/conrail...lbstock 10
N-S is battling with cross- state rival C-S-X for the opportunity to purchase Conrail. pre pro of price difference
Conrail's board has recommended shareholders take the C-S-X offer, even though N-S is willing to pay more per- share.
(-------------)

E-Clark

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=tal
TAPE#97-3
GRAPHIC=NONE

Students at Radford University heard calls to end sanctions against Iraq and Cuba from a former U-S Attorney General.
An international lawyer, Ramsey Clark served in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Radford;

Clark has visited Iraq each year since the Gulf War, and says ongoing U.S. sanctions have led to inadequate food and medical supplies, and death.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 6:30:38
IN Q=
((RAMSEY CLARK/FORMER U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL: 500 THOUSAND CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF FIVE DEAD AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE SANCTIONS. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE WORTH THAT? NOTHING. IT'S A CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY. ))
SUPER=01-Ramsey Clark/Former U.S. Attorney General;
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=crime against humanity.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Clark says the U.S. is also crushing Cuba.
He called on President Clinton to respond to the United Nation's 107-to-two vote condemning the U.S. embargo.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 6:26:54
IN Q=
((TO STAND UP THERE AND SAY YOU'RE RIGHT AND WE'RE BIG ENOUGH TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT AND WE'RE BIG ENOUGH TO SAY WE'RE WRONG AND WE'RE RIGHTEOUS ENOUGH TO STOP IT. ))
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=to stop it.
TALENT=Melanie
SS=HOLD

Clark is active in world- wide efforts to end political repression and human rights violations.
He visited Radford for its Peace and World Security Studies Week.

E-Forbes

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#96-110
GRAPHIC=Forbes

Radford students were not the only ones to get a first hand account of politics yesterday.
Former Republican presidential candidate Steve Forbes told a Liberty University audience that he has NOT ruled out a second attempt at the White House.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg

While he bowed out of the presidential race early on, yesterday's speech sounded like it came straight from the campaign trail.
Forbes attacked the federal government for what he calls excessive regulations that stifle economic progress.
Even still, Forbes says he remains an optimist.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 11:05:19
IN Q=So while we
((STEVE FORBES/FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: SO WHILE WE FACE ENORMOUS PROBLEMS, WE ALSO FACE ENORMOUS OPPORTUNITIES. WE HAVE THE ENERGY, WE HAVE THE FUNDAMENTALS IN FAVOR OF US, ALL WE HAVE TO DO NOW IS MAKE IT HAPPEN.))
SUPER=01-Steve Forbes/Former Presidential Candidate; :00
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=make it happen.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Oklahoma congressman J.C. Watts will visit Liberty next month.
(----------------)

E-Tobacco-Suit

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=spr
TAPE#96-104
GRAPHIC=Tobacco

A court case with national ramifications is being argued in Greensboro.
Tobacco manufacturers are trying to stop a new set of tougher government regulations on cigarette marketing.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=04-File Tape;

The new rules are scheduled to go into effect on February 28th.
They include no tobacco sponsorships of sporting events and a ban on hats, t- shirts and other promotions.
SUPER=03-Greensboro, NC;

Lawyers representing both sides are arguing whether the F-D-A has the authority to control tobacco.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 20:20;12
IN Q=Congress has...
(( SUPER: BERT REIN//ATTORNEY, BROWN AND WILLIAMSON "CONGRESS HAS THE FREEDOM TO REGULATE TOBACCO OR NOT TO. IT HAS CHOSEN TO REGULATE IT IN VERY SPECIFIC WAYS. IT HAS NOT IN OUR VIEW, CHOSEN TO GIVE THE F-D-A CARTE BLANCH.")) (( SUPER: JOHN BANZHAF//ACTION ON SMOKING AND HEALTH " EVEN TODAY, NICOTINE PATCHES, NICOTINE CHEWING GUM...NICOTINE IN ALL OTHER FORMS IS REGULATED BY THE F-D-A. BUT ACCORDING TO THE TOBACCO COMPANIES, WHEN IT WINDS UP IN TOBACCO, IT SUDDENLY IS GRANTED IMMUNITY??...THAT'S A STRANGE ARGUMENT." ))
SUPER=01-Bert Rein/Attorney for Brown and Williamson;:00
SUPER=01-John Banzhaf/Anti-Smoking Activist;:10
RUNS=:24
OUT Q=strange argument
(----------------)
VO-NAT

The judge- -who is a former tobacco lobbyist- -says it could take up to ten weeks to reach a decision.
(----------------)

E-I-73

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=equ
TAPE#97-2
GRAPHIC=I-73

When the line for Interstate 73 was drawn through Roanoke and Martinsville last year, business leaders cheered.
But now comes word that Virginia taxpayers may have to dig deep to build their portion of the Detroit to Charleston road.
Ellen Qualls reports.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=John Warner
SUPER=03-Richmond; :00
SUPER=@Warner; :12
SUPER=@Martinez; :38
SUPER=01-George Lester/Job Link; :52
SUPER=@Ellen1; 1:12
RUNS=1:24
OUT Q=News 7 Richmond
(( John Warner says he's filing a bill immediately to re-authorize the six year ISTEA road building act that helps pay the bills.
But even with a formula that's more generous to Virginia...
sot tape two 05:07:34
((SEN. JOHN WARNER: IT'S GONNA BE A BATTLE ROYAL. WE'RE FIGHTING THE NORTHEAST STATES. ANOTHER CHAPTER OF THE WAR OF NORTHERN AGGRESSION. WE'RE GONNA HAVE A REAL FIGHT.))
runs=:09

So IF Warner wins, that means Virginia gets between 60 and 280 million more dollars a year -- and the Roanoke to state line portion of I-73 could cost a BILLION dollars by itself.
And it's in competition with projects in Virginia that are just as near and dear to lawmakers' hearts.
sot TAPE ONE 04:37:14
((ROBERT MARTINEZ/VA. TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY: PUT IT REAL STARK FOR YOURSELVES. I-81 GOES THROUGH MANY OF YOUR DISTRICTS.... DESIGNATED ROUTE.))
runs=:11

Southside manufacturers are NOT cheering.
sot TAPE TWO 05:18:18
((GEORGE LESTER/JOB LINK: WELL I'M EXCITED THAT WE'RE MOVING ALONG AS WE ARE. I'M FRUSTRATED THAT WE'RE NO FURTHER ALONG THAN WE ARE.... 15 YEARS TO 20 YEARS -- THAT'S A LONG TIME....MAY BE SHELVED ALTOGETHER. AND THAT'S A CONCERN OF MINE.))
runs=:19

sot standup

So far, the Commonwealth Transportation Board has authorized only six million dollars over the next few years for picking the exact route out of a five mile wide corridor.
Money beyond that is anybody's guess.
Ellen Qualls, News 7, Richmond.
runs=:00))

P-hENRY-INDUSTRY

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=AFR
TAPE#NONE
GRAPHIC=NEW industry

The president of an Ohio based embroidery company says representatives from his firm are heading to Martinsville regarding a major job announcement.
Published reports last week linked the "five-B's Embroidery Company" of Zanesville Ohio, to the location of a major plant in the Martinsville- Henry County area.
The report said as many as 500 new jobs could be created.
Henry County economic development leaders would not comment.
A newsconference is scheduled for later this week.

P-VA-Jobless

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#597-10
SS=new century council

A new study by the New Century Council, reveals manufacturing jobs in southwest Virginia are at a standstill.
Analysts say jobs that ARE being created don't boost the economy.
SS=va unemployment

When it comes to the jobless rates-- the Virginia Employment commission released it's latest figures...
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Statewide, unemployment increased to just under four-percent, one percentage point above the November rate.
Lynchburg's also rose a little, to just under three and a half percent.
Roanoke's jobless rate went DOWN a percentage point, to two and a half percent.
Among individual cities and counties, Dickenson County had the highest unemployment, pushing 17 percent.
Lexington and Roanoke County were among the lowest, roughly in the two-percent range.
(-------------)

S-Brown

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#96-105
GRAPHIC=Troy Brown

A Lynchburg man is standing trial for his part in a deadly confrontation outside a Hill City night club last summer.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg;

20- year- old Troy Brown is charged with gunning down 18- year- old Derrick Crews in the early morning hours of July 27th.
The two men had argued outside the Pepper Baux (box) restaurant when Brown allegedly shot Crews in the chest.
Defense attorneys claim Brown was in fear for his life when he killed Crews.
Prosecutors call it cold- blooded murder.
The jury will hear closing arguments this morning.
(----------------)

2-Scores

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=twe
TAPE#=BB97-4
GRAPHIC=Big South

The top two teams in the Big South, Liberty and U-N-C-Asheville, met at the Vine center in Lynchburg.
(----------------)
VO-NAT #eng
SUPER=03-Lynchburg/Bulldogs vs. Flames;

Asheville's Robert Stevenson got things started, taking the feed and punching in 2 of his 11 first half points for an early 6 point lead.
The Flames then went to Peter A-luma, who gets the hoop. He led the Flames with 22.
Brian Richerson would stroke this trey just before the half, but the visitors still trailed by 3 at the break.
SUPER=33-UNC Asheville/68/Liberty/65;

Liberty held on in the second half, but U-N-C Asheville pulls out the 68-65 victory.
(-------------)

PUNITIVE

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=Simpson;

Last week the jury in O-J Simpson's civil trial said he must pay-- and yesterday Simpson found out exactly how much.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Santa Monica, CA/Yesterday;

Bringing the trial to a dramatic close, jurors ordered the former football star to pay a total of 25- million dollars in punitive damages for the deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman.
At a news conference, some jury members explained the key elements in reaching their decision.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=I THINK...
(( JUROR 186:I THINK...THE PHOTO EVIDENCE OF THE SHOE WAS OVERWHELMING. JUROR 290:WE HAD.... WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO LOOK AT OURSELVES IN THE MIRROR ...WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO ANSWER TO YOU GUYS...))
RUNS=:16
OUT Q=YOU PEOPLE.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Now Simpson must decide if he'll appeal, ask for a new trial or leave it to the judge to rule if the awards are reasonable.
(----------------)

discovery

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=shuttle

The shuttle discovery lit up the Florida skies this morning as it blasted off on a ten day mission.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Kennedy Space Ctr.;

Discovery is carrying seven astronauts and a load of special equipment to upgrade the Hubble space telescope.
The astronauts will also conduct at least four spacewalks.
This is the first time astronauts have visited the telescope since 19-93, when astronauts corrected a problem with Hubble's blurred vision.
(----------------)

JACKSON

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=rev. jesse jackson

The Reverend Jesse Jackson will be back in court in Chicago this morning after spending the night in jail.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Chicago, IL;

Jackson was arrested yesterday during a protest at a white-owned construction company that is a member of his own civil rights coalition.
Jackson is unhappy with the company's decision to terminate a subcontract with a black-owned trucking company.
The construction company denies any racial motive.
(----------------)

ARMY-HARASSMENT

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

The Army has suspended its top enlisted man, Sergeant Major Gene McKinney while it investigates charges he sexually harassed a female aide.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@File;

The move comes following congressional objections that McKinney had been allowed to stay on the job despite the accusations.
He even appeared in a video to combat sexual abuse.
(----------------)

5-Third-District

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=equ
TAPE#597-02
GRAPHIC=virginia seal

Attorney General Jim Gilmore has yet to decide if Virginia should appeal the decision to strike down its only black majority congressional district.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Richmond;

Gilmore sat with third district Congressman Bobby Scott yesterday as the state's Congressional delegation lunched with the Governor.
Governor George Allen says much thought still needs to go into whether Virginia should just give up and re-draw its districts.
(-------0---------)

5-Tobacco-Suit

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Mornin
WRITER=spr
TAPE#597-08
GRAPHIC=tobacco

Tobacco companies want the Food and Drug Administration to "butt out" when it comes to regulating nicotine products.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=04-File Tape;

A few months ago, the F-D-A proposed a set of new rules designed to make it tougher for kids to get their hands on cigarettes.
Those laws are scheduled to go into effect in 17- days.
That is... unless the tobacco companies can block the regulations through a lawsuit.
SUPER=03-Greensboro, NC;

Yesterday both sides argued their positions in a North Carolina courtroom.
Lawyers for the tobacco companies say the F-D-A was never given the authority to regulate tobacco.
Attorneys representing the government say the F-D-A was given that right by Congress.
(----------------)

Medical-Marijuana

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Mornin
WRITER=eea
TAPE#96-108
GRAPHIC=Marijuana

The deputy director of the D-E-A says laws legalizing the medical use of marijuana won't stop his agents from arresting people who grow it, and penalizing doctors who prescribe it.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;

Greg Williams spoke to a meeting of Virginia police chiefs in Roanoke yesterday.
He maintains referendums passed in California and Arizona allowing medical marijuana are part of a national-wide effort to legalize drugs.
On the other hand, Williams acknowledged that some people distributing the drug are simply trying to relieve suffering.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:54:19
IN Q=will DEA go out
((GREG WILLIAMS/ DEA DEPUTY DIRECTOR; WILL DEA GO OUT AND ARREST ALL PRACTITIONERS? PROBABLY NOT. IF WE IDENTIFY PRACTITIONERS THAT ARE TRULY IN IT JUST FOR MAKING MONEY AND PROFITING BY THIS, WE WILL MAKE INVESTIGATIONS WITH THE LOCAL DEPARTMENTS. ))
SUPER=01-Greg Williams/DEA Deputy Director;
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=the local departments
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=Marijuana

Efforts to overturn Virginia's law legalizing medical marijuana are currently stalled in a state senate committee.

5-Cancer-Care

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Mornin
WRITER=abo
TAPE#96-106
GRAPHIC=cancer

When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it's difficult to know what to say or do.
While the medical focus is on the patient-- friends and family members are often left wondering how to help.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@file

Starting tonight, Columbia Lewis-Gale Oncology Center will sponsor a free lecture series for the caregiver-- called "Expressions of Love."
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 2:54:14
IN Q=Most cancer patients
((MOST CANCER PATIENTS, THEIR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT ARE FROM THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES, AND WITHOUT THE SUPPORT, THE CANCER PATIENT REALLY DOESN'T HAVE THAT MUCH OF A NETWORK))
SUPER=01-Catherine Tasselli/Outpatient Oncology Director;
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=much of a network.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

The twice-monthly lectures will cover topics ranging from cancer detection, to nutrition and visitation tips.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 2:54:55
IN Q=We have a variety
((WE HAVE A VARIETY OF SPEAKERS COME, ANYWHERE FROM A RADIATION ONCOLOGIST, MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST, DIETICIANS, AND THEY PROVIDE A GREAT RESOURCE FOR THE PATIENT AND THE CAREGIVER))
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=the caregiver.
(----------------)
pinnacle board pin pg 1000
The lectures are held every other Tuesday evening, from 7-to-8, at the Columbia Lewis-Gale Medical Center.
For more information or reservations, call the Center at 776-4863.
(----------------)
(TOSS TO BUMP)

2-Howdy

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

The wintry weather has forced a few schools to close today.
Carroll County schools are closed
And in Grayson County- Mount Rogers School ONLY is closed. The rest of Grayson County will operate on a normal schedule.

OJ-SIMPSON

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=mel
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=simpson

More than two and a half years after the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, the last verdict is in against O-J Simpson.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Santa Monica, CA;

Yesterday the jury at his civil trial announced that he must pay 25 million dollars in punitive damages to the victim's families.
This is over and above the eight and a half million dollars in compensatory damages announced last week.
Now Simpson must decide if he'll appeal, ask for a new trial, or leave it to the judge to rule if the awards are reasonable.
(----------------)

P-I-73

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=equ
TAPE#from 597-07 net tape
GRAPHIC=I-73

Future funding for a new Interstate-73 does not look promising.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Richmond;

Southside and southwest Virginia lawmakers were briefed yesterday on the obstacles.
Senator John Warner says he can NOT guarantee so-called (ice tea) ISTEA federal funds will be available.
If they are, then THEY have to compete with other projects in Virginia.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT tape one 04:47:35
IN Q=There's a
((ROBERT MARTINEZ/VA. TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY: THERE'S A LOT OF LEGITIMATE NEEDS IN THE COMMONWEALTH. OH IT'S A LOT OF BILLIONS. I'M NOT TRYING TO BE FLIPPANT. BUT IT'S A VERY BIG NUMBER. BUT IT'S A VERY BIG NUMBER. I THINK THAT WHAT YOU NEED TO FOCUS ON, IMMEDIATE FOCUS, IS TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S ENOUGH MONEY IN THE POT SO THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NO SLOW DOWN.))
SUPER=@Martinez;
RUNS=:22
OUT Q=no slow down.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

One of those competing needs is upgrading Interstate 81.
Business owners say it means the state will have to find a new source of funds for I-73.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT TAPE TWO 05:22:28
IN Q=Some areas
((SOME AREAS HAVE DESIGNATED HIGHER SALES TAX ALONG CERTAIN CORRIDORS. SOME HAVE USED A GENERAL SALEX TAX...CITIZENS OF THE COMMONWEALTH.))
SUPER=01-George Lester/Job Link;
RUNS=:15
OUT Q=of the Commonwealth.
TALENT=Melanie
SS=hold

Just building the stretch of I-73 from Roanoke south to the state line is estimated to cost up to 800 million dollars.

2-Rail-Merger

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

Norfolk Southern is still fighting for to purchase Conrail.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@File;
NORFOLK SOUTHERN-NORFOLK HQ, LAMBERTS PT. lbstock 1 01:02:50
N-S, which owns nine- point- nine- percent of Conrail's stock, says it seeks to remove all but three members of Conrail's current board of directors. conrail ceo levan...lbstock 10
Among those it wants to oust: the head of Conrail, C-E-O David LeVan
(la-van).
csx/conrail...lbstock 10
N-S is battling with cross- state rival C-S-X for the opportunity to purchase Conrail. pre pro of price difference
Conrail's board has recommended shareholders take the C-S-X offer, even though N-S is willing to pay more per- share.
(-------------)

Bedford-super

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=afr
TAPE#net (edit of 97-4)
GRAPHIC=Bedford Co Seal

There will be no funding for two new elementary schools in western Virginia's fastest growing school district-- at least not this year.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Bedford;

By a four-to-three margin, the Bedford County Board of Supervisors voted down a 3 and a half million dollar bond proposal from the county school board.
Members of the Jefferson Forest P-T-A say their area is suffering because of the mismanagement of funds by the school board.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 9:19:11
IN Q=the school board
((THE SCHOOL BOARD HAS SPENT THE MONEY ON CAPITAL NEEDS, BUT THEY ARE NOT THE CAPITAL NEEDS THAT WERE PROPOSED IN THE FUNDING REQUEST. AND THAT'S WHERE CITIZENS ARE GETTING FRUSTRATED. ))
SUPER=01-Debby Allen/District PTA Chairperson;
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=getting frustrated
(----------------)
VO-NAT

A bond sale last year raised money for school improvements in Moneta, Stewartsville, and Staunton River.
Those projects are not yet completed.
(-------------)
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=hold

The only member of the Bedford County school board attending the meeting did not comment.

P-Forbes

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#596-43
GRAPHIC=forbes

Technological advancements have created an "era of opportunities" for the United States....according to Steve Forbes.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg;

The former presidential candidate made his remarks in Lynchburg yesterday, where he addressed a large crowd of Liberty University students.
Forbes says excessive regulations, high taxes and a poor educational system are making it harder for Americans to be productive.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 11:05:36
IN Q=If we work
((STEVE FORBES/FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: IF WE WORK TOGETHER WE WILL OVERCOME THE CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS WHICH PLAGUE US TODAY. WE WILL REGAIN OUR MORAL BEARINGS AGAIN. WE WILL REMOVE THESE OBSTACLES THAT STAND IN THE WAY OF PEOPLE REALIZING THE AMERICAN DREAM.))
SUPER=01-Steve Forbes/Former Presidential Candidate; :00
RUNS=:18
OUT Q=the American dream.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

A champion of the "flat tax", Forbes still wants to get rid of the Internal Revenue Service.
He also did NOT rule out another run for political office.
(----------------)

P-Ski

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=cst
TAPE#597-06
GRAPHIC=winter wx

Ski resort operators around the region say next weekend's Presidents Day Holiday will be important to their revenues.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Nelson Co./Last Month

The snow has been hit and miss at Virginia's resorts this season--
Business actually started with a boom in November, stalled in December and took back off again this month.
(------------------)

4-Scores

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=sma
TAPE#=S7-2
GRAPHIC=New York Jets

Valentine's day came early for the N-F-L's worst team, the commissioner and another team yesterday.
(----------------)
VO-NAT #eng
SUPER=03-New York, NY; :00

Former Patriot coach Bill Parcells is now able to coach the New York Jets immediatly thanks to N-F-L commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who worked out a deal with New England where the Patriots will get the Jets' third and fourth round draft picks this year, a second round pick next year, a first round pick in 19-99 and 300- thousand- dollars for team charities. (-------------)