06:00-01

E-Abed

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=KHu
TAPE#97-2
GRAPHIC=Joseph Abed


Federal prosecutors claim Joe Abed (ah-bed) is a danger to the community and a "flight risk."
They also contend he lied under oath at his detention hearing last week.
They say they will NOT present live witnesses this week in the racketeering case against Abed (ah-bed) and his "organized crime" family.
A key element of the case involves extortion, threats, even murder.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/Last Week;


The Government is declining to put witnesses on at this point in the case.
In its notice to the court the government points to ten earlier cases against Abed (ah-bed) family members that were dismissed in state court, because witnesses were intimidated.
(----------------)



E-Stabbing


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=tha
TAPE#97-11
GRAPHIC=None


A Danville woman was hospitalized last night after being repeatedly stabbed.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Danville;


It happened at a house on Winslow Street.
Danville police say 39- year- old Brenda Williams was stabbed approximately six times with a steak knife in the neck, face and shoulders.
Police say Williams and another woman apparently got into a fight shortly before Williams was stabbed.
Police are questioning a suspect but so far no charges have been filed.
(----------------)



Rail-Merger


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#Net (edit of 97-3)
GRAPHIC=Rail Merger


Roughly four-billion dollars,
that's what the latest estimates from Wall Street say Norfolk Southern is paying for about half of Conrail's routes.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@File;


Late last week Conrail signed a deal letting Richmond based C-S-X take it over.
C-S-X and N-S have agreed to split up Conrail's assets to preserve competition in the northeast.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT today tape 12:30:56
IN Q=The winners

((GEORGE BRAMMER/STOCKBROKER-A.G. EDWARDS: THE WINNERS IN THIS DEAL CLEARLY ARE THE SHAREHOLDERS OF CONRAIL. BUT I THINK NORFOLK SOUTHERN'S A WINNER TOO. Why's that? BRAMMER: WELL NORFOLK SOUTHERN'S GONNA GET VERY VALUABLE TRACK IN THE NORTHEAST.))
SUPER=01-George Brammer/Stockbroker-A.G. Edwards;
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=in the northeast.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


The only ones losing out on the deal will likely be Conrail employees.
Its workforce could be cut now that the railroad's getting carved up.
(-------------)


CAMPAIGN-FINANCE


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=Washington dc


The Senate votes today on a Republican proposal for an investigation into illegal fund-raising during the 19-96 presidential and congressional campaigns.
The proposal is expected to pass.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Washington DC;


Meantime, the F-B-I says it placed no restrictions on a warning that China might try to influence U-S elections through campaign contributions.
President Clinton said yesterday he was not warned about the alleged Chinese plot until eight months after other officials.
(----------------)


comet


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=afr
TAPE#net (edit of 597-15)
GRAPHIC=none


It's been lighting up the morning sky for more than a week now--
The comet Hale-Bopp is the talk of the astronomy world.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


This digital image of the comet was taken Sunday Morning at Virginia Tech's Observatory at Mountain Lake.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 17:50:30
IN Q=it has a

((IT HAS A VERY LONG PERIOD. A LITTLE OVER 2000 YEARS....2040 YEARS IS THE PERIOD OF THIS COMET. SO IF YOU DON'T SEE IT NOW, YOU WON'T CATCH IT AGAIN FOR A LONG TIME...YOU WON'T WON'T BE AROUND TO SEE IT.))
SOT 17:37:11

((JOHN SEMONETTI/VA. TECH ASTRONOMER: DURING THE NEXT 2 WEEKS, IT SHOULD BE A VERY GOOD SHOW, FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON. AS A MATTER OF FACT, JUST ABOUT ANYBODY IN ANY LOCATION SHOULD GET A REALLY GOOD VIEW OF THE COMET.))
SUPER=01-Greg Topazna/Virginia Tech Astronomer; :00
SUPER=01-John Semonetti/Virginia Tech Astronomer; :13
RUNS=:21
OUT Q=of the comet.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Until March 19th, the Comet is visible just before dawn to the east. And also just after dark, very low in the western sky.
(----------------)



E-Beyer


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=equ
TAPE#97-4
GRAPHIC=Don Beyer


After eight years as Virginia's Lieutenant Governor, Don Beyer stepped into the campaign spotlight.
Ellen Qualls has the beginning of Virginia's Gubernatorial race.
(/////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
SUPER=@ELLEN1; 1:40
RUNS=1:49
OUT Q=news 7 Richmond



((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. SUPER standup ((DON BEYER MAY HAVE BEEN RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR FOR FOUR YEARS. BUT HE'LL BE OFFICIALLY NOMINATED AT A CONVENTION HERE IN RICHMOND ON MAY 10TH. ELLEN QUALLS, NEWS 7, RICHMOND.))
runs=:00))



E-Crouch


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#96-110
GRAPHIC=Crouch


In other Virginia politics,
Another female member of the House of Delegates has decided not to seek re-election this fall.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg


Lynchburg Republican Joyce Crouch announced yesterday she's retiring after eight years representing the 22nd District.
Crouch's husband had served in the same post for twelve years before he died in 19-89.
Crouch says 20 years of public service is enough for anyone.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 00:07:18
IN Q=I feel very

((DEL. JOYCE CROUCH/R- LYNCHBURG: I FEEL VERY GOOD ABOUT THE SERVICE OF MY EIGHT YEARS THERE. HAD GENERALLY PRETTY GOOD SUCCESS ON MOST OF THE PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT I INTRODUCED, AND PRETTY MUCH GAVE FULL- TIME SERVICE TO THE CONSTITUENCY.))
SUPER=01-Del. Joyce Crouch/(R) Campbell Co.; :00
RUNS=:17
OUT Q=to the constituency.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Two other women in the House of Delegates also may step down this year.
Virginia HAD climbed to 40th in the nation for the number of female lawmakers this past year.
(----------------)



P-HSMM


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=abo
TAPE#597-02
GRAPHIC=NONE


The firm known for designing some of the landmarks that make the Star City unique is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;


The design firm of Hayes, (SEE) Seay, Mattern and Mattern is best known for area projects like the City Hall Annex and Center in the Square-- but yesterday it focused on the future.
50-years after it was founded, employees left a time capsule to be sealed for the next 50-years.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 3:22:14
IN Q=It was an opportunity

((TED PETOSKEY/VICE PRESIDENT, HSMM: IT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO VISION WHERE WE MIGHT BE 5O YEARS FROM NOW AT HAYES, SEAY, MATTERN AND MATTERN, WHAT AREAS WE WOULD BE IN IN TERMS OF THE COMMUNITY, WHERE WOULD THE COMMUNITY BE 50 YEARS FROM NOW))
SUPER=01-Ted Petoskey/HSMM Vice President;
RUNS=:15
OUT Q=50 years from now.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Included in the capsule are designs and photos of current projects, plus mementoes of 19-97... such as a newspaper, a music C-D, and "post-it" notes.
(----------------)



p-sugarloaf


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=amo
TAPE#597-12
GRAPHIC=none


A daily trip to the mailbox turned tense for a Roanoke County mother and daughter last night.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;


A 10- year- old girl jumped out of her mother's car when it rolled 150 feet down Carolyn Circle in Southwest Roanoke County.
Police say the driver got out of her car to get the mail, then the car started rolling... and finally resting... after hitting two parked cars.
The child banged her head on the car door while trying to leap out.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 6:20:36
IN Q=THE GIRL WAS IN THE MIDDLE

(( ))
SUPER=01-Chase Ferguson/Witness;
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=CAR HIT.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


The girl's injuries are NOT life threatening.
Roanoke County police charged the driver with failure to set the parking brake.
(----------------)



FUND-RAISING


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=Washington dc


Senate Republicans today are expected to easily win approval for a probe that will focus on illegal fund-raising for the 19-96 presidential and congressional campaigns.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Washington DC;


Meantime, the F-B-I is contradicting President Clinton's statement yesterday that he was never warned about a possible Chinese plot to influence American politics with illegal contributions.
The President says he was kept in the dark at the request of the F-B-I.
But the F-B-I says it placed no such restrictions on the information.
(----------------)



Citadel


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


The Citadel has taken action against ten male cadets accused of hazing and harassing two female cadets.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Charleston, SC;


Yesterday school officials said one male cadet has been dismissed, and nine others received lesser punishments.
One cadet was cleared.
In a sworn statement Jeanie Mentavlos and Kim Messer complained their clothes were set on fire and they were kicked and shoved while in a closet.
Two male cadets had already been expelled, and another did not return for the second semester.
(----------------)


FLOOD-CLEANUP


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


They're prepared for the worst in western Kentucky and southern Illinois -- as the crest of the swollen Ohio River slowly makes its way downstream.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Falmouth, KY;


Meanwhile, upriver it's a different story.
Many residents of flood-ravaged towns are getting their first look at the devastation.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Head James Lee Witt today is expected to tour flooded-out areas in southern Indiana.
(----------------)




S-Rail-Merger


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#97-3
GRAPHIC=Rail Merger


It's taken four months, but the battle between Norfolk Southern and C-S-X over control of Conrail ended last week.
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.))


E-Route-221


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=spr
TAPE#97-9
GRAPHIC=Highway Improvement


It appears there may be a bumpy road ahead for some Roanoke County residents.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;


They knew there were changes coming to Route 2-21 in Back Creek but not the kind V-DOT wants to make.
Everyone agrees the road has dangerous curves... but residents thought engineers were going to straighten out the existing black top.
Instead V-DOT is now examining the feasibility of wiping out one stretch of road entirely and building a newer, straighter portion over a nearby creek.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:53:36
IN Q=I feel there's

((JOE KEPHART/CONCERNED RESIDENT: I FEEL THERE'S DEFINITELY SOME POLITICS INVOLVED HERE. I THINK WE'RE BEING SHORTCHANGED. PERSONALLY, THIS IS KEEPING US IN LIMBO. WE CAN'T ADD ON TO OUR HOUSE. WE'RE NOT SURE IF THE ROADS GOING TO BE OVER HERE OR OVER HERE. )) ((CAROLE KEPHART/CONCERNED RESIDENT: EVERYTHING IS PERFECT ON THIS CREEK. WE HAVE TROUT THAT'S GONNA GO. THE BED OF THE CREEK IS BECOMING TOTALLY SHALLOW. WE JUST WON'T HAVE ANY OF THIS ANYMORE. ))
SUPER=01-Joe Kephart/Concerned Resident;
SUPER=01-Carole Kephart/Concerned Resident; :16
RUNS=:26
OUT Q=this anymore
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=HOLD


V-DOT officials say it will likely take months before a specific plan is finalized.

5-Salem-VA


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=kmc
TAPE#597-08
GRAPHIC=health care


INpatient care on an OUTpatient basis--
It's a growing trend in the health care industry across the country.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Salem;


To meet the growing demand, the Salem V-A has just opened its new Center for Outpatient Services.
The 30- bed facility will include a day clinic to provide admission and recovery from outpatient surgery.
A 23- hour clinic will offer short- term medical care, as well as observation and testing.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 1:29:52
IN Q=It's like a welcome

((DR. RAJIV JAIN/CHIEF OF STAFF: IT IS LIKE A WELCOME CENTER AND A CONTINUUM OF SERVICES FROM THE OFFICE, PRIMARY CARE, TO OUTPATIENT SURGERY AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER, AND THERE IS FOLLOW-UP RIGHT AFTER THE PROCEDURE. SO, IT'S COMBINATION OF SERVICES. ))
SUPER=01-Dr. Rajiv Jain/Chief of Staff;
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=combination of services
(----------------)
VO-NAT


With the center's opening, officials estimate 70- percent of all surgery will be done on an outpatient basis.
The Salem V-A saw more than 200- thousand outpatients during the last fiscal year.
(----------------)



5-Healthy-Hearts


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=spr
TAPE#597-07
GRAPHIC=education


Surfing the Internet may exercise your mind... but it can't give the body much of a work out... or can it?
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;


That was one of the issues discussed during an educational conference at the Hotel Roanoke this afternoon.
A Virginia Tech professor thinks children can get excited about exercising if they can learn about it via a computer.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 9:27:21
IN Q=We know

((GEORGE GRAHAM/VIRGINIA TECH PROFESSOR: WE KNOW KIDS ENJOY WORKING WITH COMPUTERS AND WATCHING TELEVISION, BUT WE'RE WONDERING IF THAT MEDIUM CAN'T BE ALSO USED TO EDUCATE YOUNGSTERS ABOUT GETTING OUTSIDE, BEING ACTIVE AND GETTING AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER. ))
SUPER=01-George Graham/Virginia Tech Professor;
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=the computer
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=HOLD


Graham says it's essential for youngsters to learn about their bodies.
He believes if enough health- related web sites were created specifically for kids... it could have a positive impact on their physical development.
(TOSS TO BUMP)


P-Abed


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=KHU
TAPE#597-13
SS=Abed


Federal prosecutors are refusing to put on witnesses in the racketeering case against Joe Abed(AAH-bed) and his "organized crime" family.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/Last Week;


U-S Magistrate Glen Conrad last week implied he might be inclined to release Abed (AAH-bed) and his son, unless the government presents testimony from two or three of its "best witnesses."
In its notice to the court declining to put on witnesses at this stage in the proceedings, the government says Joe Abed (AAH-bed) 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 (AAH-bed) family members that were dismissed in state court, because witnesses were intimidated.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=hold


"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 for Wednesday afternoon.

P-beyer


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=equ
TAPE#597-03
SS=beyer


He's been second in command for eight years, now Don Beyer wants to be Virginia's number one.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;


Yesterday in a four city tour that began in Roanoke, 46- year- old Donald Sternhoff Beyer, Junior kicked off what he's calling the greatest adventure of his life.
SUPER=03-Richmond;


Beyer hopes to become the first non-lawyer governor in four decades.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=my first

(( ))
SUPER=01-Don Beyer/(D) Candidate for Governor;
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=national average
(----------------)
VO-NAT


But before Beyer was even out of the blocks, The Washington Post speculated he'd have to raise taxes to pay for his education plan.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Don Beyer stumbled

(( ))
SUPER=01-Bob Holsworth/VCU Political Analyst; :07
RUNS=:16
OUT Q=supporting tax increases.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Beyer says he will NOT take a NO-tax increase pledge.
But then neither will his likely opponent-- Republican Attorney General Jim Gilmore.
(----------------)



P-Crouch


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#597-04
GRAPHIC=crouch


It's a different milestone for a Lynchburg delegate,-- after eight years in the House, Hill City Republican Joyce Crouch says she will not seek another term this fall.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg;


Crouch first went to Richmond to replace her husband, Joe, who represented the 22nd district for 12-years before he died in 19-89.
Crouch says she's proud of her family's record of service.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 00:07:17
IN Q=I feel very

((DEL. JOYCE CROUCH/R-LYNCHBURG: I FEEL VERY GOOD ABOUT THE SERVICE OF MY EIGHT YEARS THERE. I HAD GENERALLY PRETTY GOOD SUCCESS ON MOST OF THE PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT I INTRODUCED AND PRETTY MUCH GAVE FULL-TIME SERVICE TO THE CONSTITUENCY.))
SUPER=01-Del. Joyce Crouch/(R) Lynchburg; :00
RUNS=:19
OUT Q=the constituency.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Crouch hopes her retirement from politics will allow her more time with her family.
(----------------)



E-comet


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=afr
TAPE#97-12
GRAPHIC=NONE


A comet is adding a little extra light to the morning sky.
Andrew Freiden tells us when to look for it.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=a comet is a..
SUPER=01-Greg Topazna/Virginia Tech Astronomer; :00
SUPER=01-John Broderick/Virginia Tech Astronomer; :18
SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :32
SUPER=01-John Semonetti/Virginia Tech Astronomer; :38
SUPER=@Andrew2;1:19
RUNS=1:27
OUT Q=news7, blacksburg

((
SOT 17:50:11
IN Q=a comet

((GREG TOPAZNA/VIRGINIA TECH ASTRONOMER: A COMET IS A DIRTY SNOWBALL, IT'S MOSTLY ICE, WITH BITS OF DUST AND PRIMORDIAL MATTER, THEY WERE AROUND WHEN THE SOLAR SYSTEM WAS FORMED ))
RUNS=:09
OUT Q=WAS FORMED.


Don't call it a meteor-- It's called the comet Hale-Bopp, and it's named after two amateur astronomers.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 18:29:21
IN Q=IT'S NO GREAT

((JOHN BRODERICK/VIRGINIA TECH ASTRONOMER: IT'S NO GREAT SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENT TO HAVE DISCOVERED A COMET. SO YOU WON'T GET PROMOTED, OR A PAY RAISE, OR JOB SECURITY FROM THAT. SO AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS DO IT. AND IT'S AN IMPORTANT ROLE THAT AMATEURS PLAY. ))
RUNS=:15
OUT Q=AMATEURS PLAY


Folks have already begun sighting the Comet on their morning drive to work-- and the show is only going to get better.
SOT 17:39:28
IN Q=when they come

((JOHN SEMONETTI: WHEN THEY COME, SOMETIMES THEY CAN BE QUITE SPECTACULAR-- SOMETIMES THEY ARE DUDS, THIS IS A SPECTACULAR ONE, I WOULDN'T MISS IT. ))
SUPER=01-John Semonetti/Va. Tech Astronomer;
RUNS=:05
OUT Q=miss it.


For next week or so, The comet is visible right before sunrise, low in the Eastern Sky.
After dark, the comet won't be as bright-- and will only be visible for an hour or so in the Northwest Sky.
From March 20th to the 22nd, The comet will move higher in the twilight sky.
And the best days to view the comet are from March 24th until April 10th.
ON those days, the comet will be very easily found in the Northwest sky, just after dark.
SOT 17:37:43
IN Q=IF YOU REALLY

((IF YOU REALLY WANT TO GET A SPECTACULAR VIEW, OR MAYBE SEE THE LONG TAIL. YOU WANT TO TRY TO GO TO A DARK LOCATION.))
RUNS=:07
OUT Q=LOCATION.


But the Virginia Tech Astronomers say the comet is so big-- you have a front row seat from just about anywhere.
Andrew Freiden, News7, Blacksburg.))

4-Scores


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=lba
TAPE#=none
GRAPHIC=NHL


In the N-H-L,
Darby Hendrickson scored with 42 seconds left in regulation to complete Toronto's 3-to-3 comeback tie against Dallas.
For last night's scores, let's check the boards.
(-------------)

GO TO SCORES
SUPER=#556
SUPER=X5031;
SUPER=0103-/Montreal/2//Pittsburgh/2//Overtime//Dallas/3//Toronto/3//Overtime/;SUPER=x5009;
SUPER=0103-/Vancouver/2//Chicago/2//Overtime/j/Ottawa/4//Phoenix/1///;
SUPER=x5009;
SUPER=0103-/Detroit/3//Los Angeles/3//Overtime/;
SUPER=x5029;
SUPER=0104-/Roanoke/2/j/Richmond/4///;
SUPER=X5028;
SUPER=0096-/Golden State/106/j/L.A. Clippers/112///;
SUPER=x5012;
SUPER=0095-/Greensboro/12/j/Ferrum/19///j/George Mason/15//Liberty/4///;
RUNS=:42

(-------------) oc=...LAST SCORE
by SS