18:00-01

1-News-Head

ANCHOR=Keith

On NEWS 7 at SIX: Don Beyer makes his political intentions official, the feds balk at putting on witnesses against Roanoke's crime family...
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VO-NAT


And they're not very lady-like, if they've infested YOUR house. We'll tell you what you can do if they're bugging you....
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Sports-Head
ANCHOR=Mike


Tonight in sports, time to pump up the volume on March Madness college hoops takes over.
We'll hear from the UVa men's and women's teams,
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VO-NAT eng


Plus, check in with the Lady Flames from Liberty who are making their first ever appearance in the big dance.
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WX-Head
TALENT=Robin
SS=None


Lots of sun today, more on the way tomorrow and Wednesday. But the March winds will blow. That story and WeatherSchool just ahead.

Beyer


ANCHOR=Keith
NEWSCAST=6
WRITER=equ
TAPE#97-4
GRAPHIC=Don Beyer


Donald Sternhoff Beyer, Junior wants to be Virginia's "education" governor.
Today, as the 46- year old Democrat officially kicked off his campaign, questions about how he'd pay for his ambitious plans were already the first lesson of the campaign.
Double Boxes=Keith and Ellen/State Microwave


Ellen Qualls is in Richmond, where she picked up one leg of Beyer's fly-around tour.
Live=Ellen Full/Microwave
SUPER=@Ellen1;
SUPER=05-Richmond;


Keith, voters have had eight years to get to know their lieutenant governor.
So it was NO surprise that on the day that's supposed to be about his vision for the future, we got right down to specifics.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=It is with
SUPER=01-Don Beyer/(D) Candidate for Governor; :00
SUPER=03-Roanoke; :13
SUPER=01-Bob Holsworth/VCU Political Analyst; 1:01
SUPER=03-Richmond; 1:12
RUNS=1:39
OUT Q=pledge either.



((sot 12:06:04

((IT IS WITH PRIDE AND HUMILITY, WITH DETERMINATION AND FAITH, THAT I ANNOUNCE MY CANDIDACY FOR GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA.))
runs=:08


And with a great deal of fanfare.
Beyer started his four city kick-off tour in Roanoke.
He had the kind of enthusiastic supporters a gubernatorial candidate can draw.
But he wants to be something different from the lawyers who've governed Virginia for four decades.
SOT TAPE ONE 12:05:11

((I BELIEVE I'LL BE THE FIRST CERTIFIED AUTO MECHANIC TO LEAD THIS STATE.))
RUNS=:04


He is, after all, the heir to his father's Don Beyer Volvo... where he worked his way up from the garage.
SOT TAPE ONE 12:05:34

((I BELIEVE VIRGINIA NEEDS AN EDUCATION GOVERNOR.))
RUNS=:03


He sets himself in opposition to George Allen and his actual opponent Jim Gilmore, who, he says...
sot 12:18:08 T2

((SUED TO BLOCK CLEAN WATER. SUED TO BLOCK VOTER REGISTRATION. TRIED TO BLOCK GOALS 2000. ON ISSUE AFTER ISSUE, THEY HAVE CHOSEN THE MORE EXTREME IDEOLOGICAL TACT. AND I THINK THAT'S NOT WHERE VIRGINIA IS. AND THAT'S CERTAINLY NOT HOW I WANT TO LEAD.))
runs=:16



sot 12:24:06

((BOB HOLSWORTH/VCU POLITICAL ANALYST: I THINK DON BEYER'S AN ATTRACTIVE CANDIDATE IN A LOT OF WAYS. I THINK HIS PERSONALITY, HIS AFFABILITY, HIS INTELLIGENCE ALL ARE GOING TO WORK VERY WELL IN THIS CAMPAIGN.))
runs=:10


What would NOT be attractive to many voters is a tax increase to pay for bold education plans.
sot t2 12:14:46

((IT'S TOO EARLY TO TALK ABOUT ANY OF THAT. I THINK THAT THE THINGS I WANT TO DO, THE THINGS I OUTLINED IN THE SPEECH THIS MORNING DO NOT REQUIRE A TAX INCREASE.))
runs=:10


But he won't close the door.
SOT TAPE ONE 12:16:54 T2

((I THINK TO TAKE A NO NEW TAX PLEDGE IS AN IRRESPONSIBLE POLITICAL GIMMICK.))
OUT Q=05


But take note, Republican Jim Gilmore has NOT taken that NO tax increase pledge either.))

Live=Ellen Full/State Microwave
SUPER=05-Richmond;


Don Beyer says the Allen administration's own experts project two BILLION dollars in natural growth in state revenues over the next four years.
Double Boxes=Keith and Ellen/State Microwave


Beyer says that's more than enough to pay for an increase in teacher pay and shrink class sizes.

Crouch


ANCHOR=Keith
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#96-110
GRAPHIC=Joyce Crouch


One person who "won't" be returning to Richmond next year is Lynchburg delegate Joyce Crouch.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg


Crouch has represented the 22nd district since 1989, after taking over for her husband, Joe, who was a delegate for twelve years.
Crouch says the job has become too time- consuming and she's retiring to be with her family.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 00:08:48
IN Q=I have a

((DEL. JOYCE CROUCH/R- LYNCHBURG: I HAVE A WONDERFUL FAMILY THAT HAVE STOOD BEHIND ME AND BESIDE ME AS THEY DID WITH JOE AND I BOTH, AND THEY'VE ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME FOR THE TWENTY YEARS. AND I JUST AT THIS POINT WANT TO HAVE A LITTLE MORE QUALITY TIME WITH THEM.))
SUPER=01-Del. Joyce Crouch/(R) Lynchburg; :00
RUNS=:20
OUT Q=time with them.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Crouch is the third female delegate to retire this year.
Two others, including caucus leader Gladys Keating, also may step down.
(----------------)



Abed


ANCHOR=Keith
NEWSCAST=6
WRITER=KHU
TAPE#97-2
GRAPHIC=Joseph Abed


Federal prosecutors are refusing to put on witnesses in the racketeering case against Joe Abed and his "organized crime" family.
U-S Magistrate Glen Conrad last week implied he might be inclined to release Abed and his son, unless the government presents testimony from two or three of its "best witnesses."
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/Last Week


In its notice to the court declining to put on witnesses at this stage in the proceedings, the government says Joe Abed lied last week in court under oath.
A key element of the case involves extortion, threats, even murder.
The government points to ten earlier cases against Abed family members that were dismissed in state court, because witnesses were intimidated.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Keith
SS=Joseph Abed


"The very witnesses whose testimony would be most compelling," says the U-S Attorney, are those people who are most at risk in this case.
A hearing is set Wednesday afternoon.
Tease#1

HARD MUSIC UNDER
ANCHOR=Keith
SS=NONE


Still to come on News 7 at Six-- some Roanoke County residents say the state has misled them about plans to straighten a dangerous stretch of highway.
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VO-NAT


and they're small insects generally not know to cause problems--until there's an infestation of them. A ladybug invasion has hit Montgomery County--we'll have that story.
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ANCHOR=Robin

wx ad lib Roll Lake Level MUSIC UP FULL
COMM#1

Roll
TALENT=Robin
SS=NONE
SUPER=80-64/42/0.01''/65/42/Trace/59/39/Trace/63/48/0.08'';
SUPER=81-73/48/0.01''/73/45/Trace/54/39/Trace;
SUPER=82-1.53''/plus 0.47''/5.92''/minus 0.80'';
SUPER=83-Down 0.73 foot/Down 0.51 foot;Lake levels


School-Board


ANCHOR=Keith
NEWSCAST=six
WRITER=jda
TAPE#None
GRAPHIC=Education


Roanoke City Council may have trouble filling three seats on the school board, but it won't be for a lack of candidates.
Eleven people filed applications with the city clerk's office before this afternoon's deadline.
School Board Chairman Marsha Ellison is seeking reappointment, but Marilyn Curtis isn't eligible for another term, and John Saunders is leaving the area.
City Council will choose among the candidates on May 5th.

Health-Heart


ANCHOR=keith
NEWSCAST=6
WRITER=spr
TAPE#97-7
GRAPHIC=Virginia Tech


Virginia Tech is attempting to bridge the gap between academic researchers and classroom teachers.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;


A two- day conference at the Hotel Roanoke is bringing together educators from across the state.
Coordinators say this event is the first of its kind in Virginia... and possibly the country.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT9:10:24
IN Q=We have

((JOY COLBERT/VIRGINIA TECH PROFESSOR: WE HAVE WORKSHOPS WITH A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT FORMATS. SOME ARE HANDS- ON WORKSHOPS. OTHERS ARE MORE THEORETICAL EXPLORATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF RESEARCH. BUT OUR EFFORT IS TO CONNECT THE CLASSROOM TEACHERS WITH RESEARCHERS. ))
SUPER=01-Joy Colbert/Virginia Tech Professor;
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=with researchers
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=04-File Tape;


One of those workshops dealt with ways kids can use a computer, and exercise more than their minds.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 9:26:51
IN Q=Essentially

((GEORGE GRAHAM/VIRGINIA TECH PROFESSOR: ESSENTIALLY WHAT WE'RE DOING IS EXPLORING HOW WE CAN USE THE INTERNET TO HELP YOUNGSTERS BECOME MORE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE AND HEALTHY... AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR BODIES. ))
SUPER=01-George Graham/Virginia Tech Professor;
RUNS=:11
OUT Q=their bodies
ANCHOR=Keith
SS=Education


About 300 teachers are participating in the 2- day conference.
Virginia Tech officials say they hope to expand the event next year.

Route-221


ANCHOR=keith
NEWSCAST=6
WRITER=spr
TAPE#97-9
GRAPHIC=Highway Improvements


Some Roanoke County residents don't think VDOT's been STRAIGHT with them when it comes to removing some dangerous curves on Route 221.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;


The area is question is just east of Cotton Hill Road.
VDOT is looking at bypassing that section entirely... and building a straighter stretch of black top.
Some residents didn't event think that was an option.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:53:06
IN Q=All of

((JOE KEPHART/CONCERNED RESIDENT: ALL OF A SUDDEN WE GET WIND THAT THEY'RE GOING TO BUILD 2 BRIDGES ACROSS AND BACK OVER TO THE ORIGINAL SITE OF THE CREEK. THIS WAS DONE WITHOUT ANY OF OUR KNOWLEDGE. THIS ISN'T WHAT WE VOTED FOR IT'S NOT WHAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RECOMMENDED. ))
SUPER=01-Joe Kephart/Concerned Resident;
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=recommended
(----------------)
VO-NAT


VDOT officials say they are within their rights to explore this alternative plan.
But they say it could take months to figure out if its even feasible.
(----------------)



Rail-Merger


ANCHOR=Keith
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#97-3
GRAPHIC=Rail Merger


A four month battle of railroad titans ended late last week when Conrail agreed to be taken over by Richmond based C-S-X.
Norfolk Southern, a large employer in our area that also bid on Conrail, will get a large chunk of the northeastern railroad.
Len Besthoff is keeping track of the deal's highlights.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Now that
SUPER=@File; :00
SUPER=01-George Brammer/A. G. Edwards Stockbroker; :16
SUPER=@Len1; :44
RUNS=1:01
OUT Q=LB, News-7.

((
Now that the bidding war is over, there are some interesting numbers that provide food for thought.
For starters, how about FOUR- BILLION...as in dollars....that's what Norfolk Southern will reportedly dish out for the Conrail routes it receives.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:31:09
IN Q=It gives

((GEORGE BRAMMER/STOCKBROKER A.G. EDWARDS: IT GIVES THEM NEW MARKETS. NORFOLK SOUTHERN'S GONNA GET WHAT THEY'VE WANTED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AND IT SEEMS TO BE AT A PRICE THEY CAN LIVE WITH.))
RUNS=:08
OUT Q=live with.


Another number to remember is 60, as in 60- percent.
That's how much Conrail shares have gone up in price since the original deal it had with C-S-X was announced last year.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:38:50
IN Q=I'd

((SABINA BARLOW: I'D LIKE TO HAVE GOTTEN A PIECE OF THE ACTION.))
RUNS=:02
OUT Q=the action.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:39:22
IN Q=I'd like to have

((JANE CANNING: I'D LIKE TO HAVE A LION'S SHARE OF IT, IT'D BE NICE. But it didn't happen? CANNING: NO IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. ))
RUNS=:07
OUT Q=didn't happen.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 13:04:24
IN Q=One number

(( A number everyone's still wondering about is how many Conrail employees could lose their jobs, now that the railroad is being carved up by two Virginia competitors.
Pennsylvanians in powerful posts are keeping their eye on this, because if their hometown railroad takes too big a hit, they may blow the whistle on the deal.
Len Besthoff, News-7. ))
RUNS=:17
OUT Q=LB, News-7.))


Stocks


ANCHOR=Keith
NEWSCAST=6
WRITER=tbr
TAPE#=None
GRAPHIC=NONE

High-techs, consumer stocks and oil issues led the rally on Wall Street today. The Dow jumped 79 points, closing at seven thousand 79, a new record. NASDAQ gained 11 points.
(//////////)
RUNS=:25
SUPER=x5005;


Ladybugs


ANCHOR=Keith
NEWSCAST=6
WRITER=tal
TAPE#97-8
GRAPHIC=None


Contrary to rumor, Virginia Tech does NOT have a ladybug research project gone haywire.
But the insects are infesting many homes throughout Virginia.
Tracy Altizer has some pest- control tips.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=During the winter
SUPER=03-Montgomery Co.; :00
SUPER=07-Curt Laub; :12
SUPER=01-Eric Day/VT Insect I.D. Lab; :42
SUPER=@Tracy2; 1:13
RUNS=1:23
OUT Q=Altizer, News 7.

(( During the winter, as Curt Laub was checking out the insulation in his newly- built home, he found something that might make most homeowners shudder, Japanese ladybeetles by the thousands.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 13:58:13

((CURT LAUB: AND PEELING BACK SOME OF THE INSULATION I FOUND CLUSTERS OF THEM, BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THEY DO IS CLUSTER TOGETHER IN COLD WEATHER. AND NOW TODAY I GUESS YOU CAN SEE, A WARM DAY AND THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL WEEKS NOW. ))
RUNS=:13


The ladybugs don't bother Laub, he's an entomologist, insects are his business.
But Virginia Tech's Insect Identification Lab has been flooded with calls from people who are bothered.
The experts say the best defense against the ladybugs is a vacuum cleaner.
Or you can take steps to keep them out to begin with.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 14:20:31

((ERIC DAY/VT INSECT I.D. LAB MANAGER: TRY TO WINTERIZE YOUR HOUSE. TRY TO SEAL UP ALL THE CRACKS AND CREVICES. ALL THE PLACES THAT COLD AIR CAN GET INTO YOUR HOUSE ARE ALSO THE PLACES THAT LADYBEETLES GET IN TOO. ))
RUNS=:08


The U.S. Department of Agriculture first introduced the ladybugs in North Carolina to aid fruit production, the bugs eat tree-damaging aphids.
They spread across the nation on their own, showing up in Virginia in 1993.
Despite the annoyance, they present no dangers.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 1421:18

((THEY DON'T CARRY ANY DISEASE, THEY MAY GIVE JUST A TINY LITTLE NIP IF YOU HAPPEN TO PICK UP ONE WRONG, BUT THEY REALLY ARE VERY MUCH HARMLESS. ))
RUNS=:07


The ladybugs usually appear in March, while trying to get outside. Many die from the dry indoor air before they ever reach the trees.
Tracy Altizer, News 7.))

Sports Tease


ANCHOR=Mike
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=Mike
TAPE#sports tease
GRAPHIC=NONE


Coming your way tonight on News 7 Sports, March Madness has begun.
I'll have a rundown of the games coming up this week on WDBJ, plus we'll check in with the Liberty who are dancing for the first time.
(----------------)
VO-NAT eng#


And Steve Mason joins us with a report from Charlottesville as Virginia men's and women's teams ready themselves for first round play.
(-------------)


S-UVa


ANCHOR=Mike
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=Mike
TAPE#vb97-1
GRAPHIC=FINAL FOUR


Both the Virginia men's and women's basketball teams open NCAA tournament play in the Wild West this year.
Steve Mason reports both teams met with media members this afternoon to talk about their dancing partners.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=FIRST AUDIO
SUPER=03-Charlottesville; :00
SUPER=01-Jeff Jones/UVa Head Coach; :11
SUPER=03-Greensboro, NC/Last Friday; :26
SUPER=01-Harold Deane/UVa Point Guard; 1:05
SUPER=@steve1; 1:10
SUPER=01-Debbie Ryan/UVa Women's Head Coach; 1:28
RUNS=1:47
OUT Q=...NEWS 7 SPORTS."
(-------------)


S-WDBJ


ANCHOR=Mike
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=5PM
TAPE#NONE
GRAPHIC=FINAL FOUR


Your Hometown station is the ticket for the NCAA men's tournament as our coverage begins this Thursday afternoon at 12:15.
(-------------)

PINNACLE BOARD
Kansas Jayhawks takes on Jackson State in the opening game of the tournament from Memphis.
We'll complete the afternoon session as Purdue tangles with A-10 member Rhode Island at 2:40.
(-------------)

pinnacle board
The night session should draw crowd at 7:30 with North Carolina and Fairfield hooking up from Winston-Salem.
Then at 10:30 it's Virginia and Iowa hooking up out in Salt lake City.
Also, you will get some bonus converge Thursday night of the Maryland - College of Charleston game in Memphis.
(-------------)

CHYRON
Then on Friday at 12:15 it's the Clemson Tigers battling Miami of Ohio from Kansas City.
The final game of the afternoon has Conference USA member UNC-Charlotte playing Georgetown from out in Tuscon.
(-------------)

pinnacle board
Then at 7:30 Friday night, Wake Forest hooks up with St. Mary's of California.
And the night session ends with the Duke Blue Devils taking no the Racers of Murray State from the Charlotte Coliseum.
Also, Friday night, some bonus coverage of the Old Dominion - New Mexico game from Pittsburgh.
(-------------)



S-Liberty


ANCHOR=mike
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=twe
TAPE#-BB97-4
GRAPHIC=liberty


The Madness begins this week for the Liberty women as well, and it's at a fever pitch in Lynchburg.
(----------------)
VO-NAT #eng
SUPER=03-Lynchburg/This Afternoon;


The Liberty Ladies donned their dancing shoes this afternoon in preparation for Friday night's Mideast Regional matchup with top seeded Old Dominion in Norfolk.
Rick Reeves's club was a mere 5 and 22 last season, but turned the tables with a 22 and 7 season, and Big South tournament championship.
Playing the 29 and 1 Monarchs in their kingdom should present a challenge.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q="I think we're...

((RICK REEVES/LADY FLAMES HEAD COACH:))
SUPER=01-Rick Reeves/Lady Flames Head Coach;
RUNS=:19
OUT Q=...challenge for us."
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Liberty and ODU will take the court after the Purdue/Maryland matchup Friday night.
(-------------)


S-Athey


ANCHOR=Mike
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=Mike
TAPE#BB97-3
GRAPHIC=ROANOKE COLLEGE


The Roanoke College women were eliminated from the NCAA division three championship in the first round.
(----------------)
VO-NAT eng#
SUPER=03-Salem; :00


But senior Amy Athey is still very much in the hunt for postseason honors.
The ODAC player of the year, is a finalist for Kodak all-american honors.
The former Cave Spring star has a 1-in 4 chance of making it, as the list will be chopped down from 40 to 10 next Thursday.
(-------------)


S-Express


ANCHOR=Mike
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=Mike
TAPE#NONE
GRAPHIC=EXPRESS/RICHMOND


The Roanoke Express picked up three wins at home last week, and tonight they hope to pick up even more ground in the standings.
The Express is in Richmond tonight skating against the Renegades, a team that is just 2 point ahead of Roanoke.
Steve Mason is at the coliseum and he'll have highlights and postgame for you tonight at 11. Wx-Tape
SUPER=305-64/42/77/1990/9/1996;
SUPER=306-59/24/26/NW-9mph/29.98s/6:37am/6:23pm;


Forecasts
SUPER=#566;
SUPER=X5000;
SUPER=330-Mostly Clear/Wind NW-10/40-43/Partly Sunny/And Breezy/60-65;
SUPER=331-Mostly Clear/Wind NW-10/42-44/Sunny & Breezy/Wind NW-20/64-68;
SUPER=332-Clear & Cool/Wind W-10/38-40/Mostly Sunny/Wind W-20/58-60;
SUPER=333-Mostly Clear/Wind NW-10/32-35/Partly Sunny/And Windy/50-55;
SUPER=334-Mostly Clear/Wind W-10/36-39/Mostly Sunny/And Breezy/50-54;
SUPER=X5001;


HSMM


ANCHOR=Keith
NEWSCAST=6
WRITER=abo
TAPE#97-5
GRAPHIC=None


After 50-years of architectural designs, employees of the Roanoke firm Hayes, Seay, Mattern and Mattern are sure they'll be around for 50 more.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;


So sure they buried a time capsule today to be opened in the year two-thousand-47.
In it they placed a computer disk with plans for current projects, memorabilia from the past, and some everyday items-- like a mechanical pencil, a calculator, and "post-it" notes.
Employees buried the capsule in celebration of the firm's 50-year anniversary.
Since 19-47 they've grown from four founders to 400 employees working in ten offices and five states.
(----------------)

Promo
ANCHOR=Keith
(toss to Jean)
NEWSCAST=6
WRITER=
TAPE#None


A lot of people have noticed there's something new in the nighttime sky.
Double Boxes=Keith and Jean/Newsroom


Jean Jadhon is here to tell us more about this cosmic experience.
Live=Jean Full/Newsroom
SUPER=@Jean1;


Keith, it's the brightest comet to pass earth, and it will be easily visible with the naked eye for the next month or so.
We'll talk to Virginia Tech astronomers about when and where to look for the Hale-Bopp Comet.
Join us for that, plus the latest news, weather and sports tonight on News 7 at 11. Keith?
Talent=Keith


And for the region's first TEN O'clock newscast, Take Prime Time Board Fullscreen watch News-7 Prime Time on W-E-F-C.
It's on Channel 38 "over the air," and on a lot of cable systems--we're on Cable Channel ten in Blacksburg and Montgomery County, for example. And don't forget to tune in to News 7 at 11, right here on W-D-B-J. Talent=Keith
by SS