12:00-01

Signet

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#97-44
GRAPHIC=signet


Another day, another big deal in Virginia's banking industry.
First Union, the largest bank in our area, has announced a deal to merge with Signet of Richmond.
Double Boxes=Melanie and Len/Newsroom


Len Besthoff joins us with more on the transaction.
Len, First Union already had a large presence in Virginia, why did it make this move?
Live=Len Full/Newsroom
SUPER=@len1;


Melanie, people familiar with the banking industry say First Union wanted to play catch up with its North Carolina rivals, which had gained a much larger presence in Virginia.
First Union says this deal makes sense for a number of reasons.
(Rollcue: number of reasons )
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=
SUPER=03-Roanoke/File Tape; :06
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.; :11
SUPER=01-Ben Jenkins/First Union; :23
SUPER=01-Peter Dawyot/Catawba Capital Management; :50
RUNS=1:02
OUT Q=New Jersey

((
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 11:30:21
IN Q=It's really

(( ))
RUNS=:03
OUT Q=I think.


The deal will make First Union the largest bank in Virginia in terms of deposits.
It had been fourth on the list.
There will be some overlap between First Union's operations in Virginia, and those owned by Signet, especially in branches and back office operations.
First Union says it expects to gain a major cost savings by eliminating those redundancies.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 11:31:01
IN Q=We've got

(( ))
RUNS=:11
OUT Q=support areas.


The topic of the union of First Union with Signet was brought up just yesterday on this station's On Record program.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 00:28:03
IN Q=It's a good fit

((PETER DAWYOT/CATAWBA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT: IT'S A GOOD FIT. IT PROVIDES FIRST UNION WITH INCREASED PRESENCE IN BOTH RICHMOND THE TIDEWATER AREA, PLUS ADDITIONAL ASSETS IN MARYLAND, WHICH BRIDGES THE CONNECTION BETWEEN VIRGINIA ALL THE WAY UP TO NEW JERSEY.))
RUNS=:18
OUT Q=New Jersey.

))
Live=Len Full/Newsroom


Melanie First Union expects to complete this deal by the end of the year, pending federal approval.
Double Boxes=Melanie and Len/Newsroom


This would leave Virginia with just two large, independent banks, Crestar and First Virginia. ((QUESTION: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR FIRST UNION'S REGIONAL HEADQUARTERRS IN ROANOKE? ))

cunanan


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=mel
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=murder investigation


The F-B-I fears suspected serial killer Andrew Cunanan may have a hit list.
Agents have begun warning those who they fear could be his next targets.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

10:00-newspath
Investigators believe Cunanan is either seeking revenge on people he thinks have crossed him-- or is working his way down a list of wealthy gays and art patrons.
Authorities have launched a nationwide search, although they say they think Cunanan remains in south Florida -- perhaps posing as a woman.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=

((BARRETO: IT'S VERY DIFFICULT FOR HIM TO HIDE.. SO I WOULDN'T PUT IT PAST HIM TO DO ANYTHING THAT MIGHT DISGUISE HIS IDENTITY. ))
SUPER=01-Richard Barreto/Miami Beach Police Chief;
RUNS=:07
OUT Q=HIS IDENTITY.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


The 27- year- old is the prime suspect in five killings in four states, including fashion designer Gianni Versace.
(----------------)



NY-SLAVES


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=none


In New York City, At least seven people have been arrested for smuggling deaf Mexican nationals into the U-S to be used as slaves.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-New York, NY;

10:10:42
Authorities say at least 57 people were living in two small houses and forced to sell trinkets in the city's subway system.
According to Mayor Rudolph Guiliani, deportation proceedings will be delayed so the immigrants may testify against their alleged captors.
The Red Cross is now caring for the immigrants, among them 12 children ages 6 months to 16.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT

10:09:50
IN Q=

(( Some of the children are US citizens..so they have a legal right to be here--we also want to keep then here so they can help us in the prosecution of the people who have done this to them. ))
SUPER=01-Rudolph Guiliani/New York City Mayor;
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=of these cases
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=NONE


Authorities suspect the alleged ringleader is still at large.

IRA-MEETING


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=mel
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=NONE


The leader of Northern Ireland's main protestant party wants specifics on the day old cease-fire by the I-R-A.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-London/File;


David Trimble is meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair at this hour to discuss the disarming of the I-R-A.
SUPER=03-Belfast, Ireland;


Meantime the political ally of the I-R-A, Sinn Fein, is insisting the truce is for keeps.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=

((ADAMS: THE DECISION BY THE IRA IS A MOMENTOUS ONE...FORWARD LOOKING DECISION. ))
SUPER=01-Jerry Adams/Sinn Fein;
RUNS=:16
OUT Q=forward looking decision.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


But the question of whether the agreement will hold was on the minds of Catholics and protestants at church services yesterday.
And some I-R-A sources tell newspapers that if no significant progress is made within four months.. the cease fire will end.
(----------------)



Narrows-Cop


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=jmc
TAPE#NONE
GRAPHIC=NONE


A Blacksburg man has been charged with driving into a Narrows police officer.
The police chief says Officer Mike (WEECE) Weiss was standing on Route 4-60 next to a stopped vehicle.
A car driven by 26- year- old Kenneth Lewis White swerved off the shoulder of the road and hit Officer Weiss.
White has been charged with driving under the influence, and attempted capital murder of a police officer.
Officer Weiss was released from the hospital last night.

E-2-Debate


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=Dal
TAPE#=97-43
GRAPHIC=Campaign 97


The formal debating has begun for the candidates for governor.
Denise Allen reports.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Republicans say Don Beyer
SUPER=01-Don Beyer/(D) Candidate For Governor; :00
SUPER=03-Wh. Sulphur Springs/Saturday; :09
SUPER=01-Richard Cullen/Attorney General; :17
SUPER=01-Jim Gilmore/(R) Candidate For Governor; :52
SUPER=01-Jerry Baliles/(D) Former Governor; 1:02
SUPER=@Denise2; 1:16
RUNS=1:31
OUT Q=News 7
(((/////SOT/////)
SOT tape 1 10:20:05
IN Q=It will phase

((DON BEYER/D-CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR: IT WILL BE PHASED IN FULLY IN 1998. IT COST HALF OF WHAT GILMORE'S PLAN COST IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS AND A SIXTH AFTER WE'VE LEFT OFFICE.))
RUNS=:09
OUT Q=WE;VE LEFT OFFICE


Republicans say Don Beyer made a major concession when he revealed his answer to Jim Gilmore's proposed plan to eliminate the personal property tax.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT tape 3 11:52:04
IN Q=I SAW HIM

((RICHARD CULLEN/ATTORNEY GENERAL: I SAW HIM GOING RIGHT TO DON BEYER ON THE CENTER PIECE OF HIS CAMPAIGN THAT IS THE PEOPLE WANT PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF. GILMORE PROMISES THAT HE IS GOING TO GIVE THAT TO THE PEOPLE THE BEYER CAMPAIGN POLLSTER TOLD THEM GILMORE'S SCORING BIG POINTS AND THEY'RE COMING UP WITH A DESPERATE PROPOSAL THAT'S TOO LITTLE TOO LATE.))
RUNS=:22
OUT Q=TOO LITTLE TOO LATE


Democrats, not surprisingly, see it differently.
They say Jim Gilmore avoided answering questions on key issues, such as abortion, affirmative action and school funding.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT tape 3 11:21:46
IN Q=why is it

((JIM GILMORE/R-CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR: WHY IS IT THAT IT TOOK THE ALLEN-GILMORE ADMINISTRATION TO BEGIN TO TALK ABOUT STANDARDS IN EDUCATION AND TOUGH EFFORTS TOWARD READING, MATH AND SCIENCE AND HISTORY. WHERE WERE THEY IN THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION WHEN THEY WERE SIMPLY THROWING MORE MONEY AT IT.))
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=MONEY AT IT
(/////SOT/////)
SOT tape 3 11:48:57
IN Q=MR GILMORE

((JERRY BALILES/FORMER GOVERNOR: MR GILMORE IS DUCKING THE QUESTION OF WHETHER PUBLIC FUNDS SHOULD BE USED FOR PRIVATE RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS. THOSE THREE ISSUES WERE AVOIDED AND EVADED AND MY GUESS IS WE'LL SEE A LOT MORE OF THAT IN THE FUTURE.))
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=in the future


Both sides say the two candidates used the debate to point out their differences.
And both democrats and republicans agree--regardless of who becomes the next governor, Virginians will see a decrease in personal property taxes.
Denise Allen News 7.))

Danny


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=mel
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=flooding


"Danny" refuses to let up on Alabama.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Fairhope, AL;


The National Weather service says the remnants of Hurricane "Danny" could drop another ten to 20 inches of rain over the state as it continues its slow trek to the northeast.
Danny has already dumped more than 30 inches of rain in Alabama in the last three days.
Thousands are without power and many homes and businesses have been destroyed.
(----------------)



salmon-protest


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


Despite a court order to give way, Canadian fishermen are still blocking an Alaskan ferry in British Columbia.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-British Columbia;

7:17:35
Canada's fisheries minister is on his way to the province, hoping to end the so called U-S- Canadian Salmon War.
Canadian fisherman are upset that Alaskans have been intercepting salmon before they reach Canadian rivers and streams.
(----------------)


E-Lynchburg-Murder


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=sta
TAPE#=none
GRAPHIC=murder investigation


A suspect has been arrested in the shooting death of a Lynchburg man.
Police arrested a 17- year- old in connection with the Tuesday murder of Steven W. Withers.
The teen is being charged with murder and illegal possession of a fire arm.
The suspect is being held at the Lynchburg Juvenile Detention Center.

Little-Sorrel


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=Dal
TAPE#=97-38
GRAPHIC=none


Stonewall Jackson's faithful steed was laid to rest yesterday.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lexington;


A fife and drum corps played Dixie as Little Sorrel's (Sore-ol'S) cremated skeleton was buried at the base of a bronze statue of Jackson.
Jackson rode the sorrel colored horse in his famous Shenandoah Valley Campaign in 18-62.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 3:49:13
IN Q=this internment

((KEITH GIBSON/VMI MUSEUM EXEC. DIR.: THIS INTERNMENT OF LITTLE SORREL'S BONES WAS INDEED THE HIGHEST ORDER HERE ON THE PARADE GROUND WHERE THEY CAN BECOME A PART OF THE HERITAGE THAT SURROUNDS OUR STUDENTS.))
SUPER=01-Keith Gibson/VMI Museum Exec. Dir.;
RUNS=:12----------????????
OUT Q=OUR STUDENTS
(----------------)
VO-NAT


After his master's death Little (Sore- ol) Sorrel lived on the V-M-I parade grounds until he died in 18-85.
(----------------)



E-Feedback/7-20


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=jmc
TAPE#=Feedback
GRAPHIC=News 7 Feedback


Criticism over our coverage of the smart road project took the spotlight in this week's viewermail.
Assignment editor Joe McKean has more on that in this week's News-7 Feedback.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=The groundbreaking ceremonies
RUNS=1:27
OUT Q=McKean, News-7.


((The groundbreaking ceremonies for the smart highway featured scores of dignitaries and a handful of protesters.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=

(( ))
RUNS=:00
OUT Q=


A viewer from Blacksburg thought in general that we missed the story.
"The protesters were a very nominal part of an otherwise uplifting and memorable experience for over 400 cheering supporters," he wrote. "Yet your report cast a very skewed and distorted message for your viewers. That some effort would be made by project opponents to disrupt the dignity of the event by interrupting Governor Allen was far less surprising that [your] willingness to play into the hands of the media-savvy antagonists."
The Smart Road is expected to create an estimated 318 jobs for eight years in construction, $100 million in research for Virginia Tech and $300 million in associated economic development over the next 20 years. Yet WDBJ chose to lead off the six o'clock news that night with the account of a traffic accident. Go figure."
News-7 welcomes your comments on our news coverage or topics in the news.
Letters should include your name and address and be sent to News-7 Feedback, P.O. Box 7, Roanoke, 24022-0007.
Our fax number is 540-343-7269.
News-7's email address is news@wdbj7.com.
Or leave a message in the moderated forum of our home page, at www.wdbj7.com.
Joe McKean, News-7.))

E-Card-Collect


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=dse
TAPE#97-39
GRAPHIC=None


It wasn't expensive antiques that brought collectors in droves to the Roanoke Civic Center this weekend, it was stuffed animals.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;


Not just any stuffed animals though, young and old alike filed into the Civic Center for Beanie Babies.
More than 80 current and retired designs were up for sale or trade.
While many of the stuffed animals went for a few dollars, some went for hundreds of dollars.
Take the case of Humphrey the Camel. He costs more than 900-dollars.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT

04:22:16
IN Q=HE'S THE HARDEST

((BEN FISHER/ORGANIZER; HE'S THE HARDEST BEANIE BABY TO FIND. HE WAS RETIRED ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. HE'S ONE OF THE BEST BEANIE BABIES YOU CAN GET.))
SUPER=01-Ben Fisher/Organizer;
RUNS=:05
OUT Q=YOU CAN GET.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Organizers say they were very pleased with the turnout for the event.
They say they'll return to the Star City for another Beanie Baby bash in the next month or two.
(----------------)


WEATHER
SUPER=300-83/67/Variable 5mph/30.12s/100/1983/54/1984;
SUPER=301-80/77/South 8mph/30.11f/103/1926/54/1909;

Forecasts
SUPER=X5000;
SUPER=330-Partly Cloudy/Evening Storms/66-70/Hazy/Scattered Storms/84-88;
SUPER=331-Partly Cloudy/Evening Storms/68-72/Hazy/Scattered Storms/86-90;
SUPER=332-Storms/Possible/62-65/Partly Sunny/Scattered Storms/82-86;
SUPER=333-Partly/Cloudy/62-66/Partly Sunny/Showers & Storms/82-86;
SUPER=334-Mostly Cloudy/Showers & Storms/62-65/Showers &/Storms Likely/80-84;
SUPER=X5001;



Common-Sense


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#Common Sense
GRAPHIC=Common Sense


I think it's safe to say we would all like to find a bit of extra money.
But the question is where?
In this week's edition of Common Sense Len Besthoff continues our "summer reading" list for consumers.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=NAT SOT
SUPER=@Len2;
RUNS=:53
OUT Q=newsdesk.

(( Nat Sot Summer reading gfx/music
RUNS=:04


You may never find buried treasure in your lifetime.
But finding lost or unclaimed money owed to you is a possibility.
The author of a book called Assets Unknown estimates that there's as much as 30- billion- dollars worth of unclaimed property out there, and one in 10 Americans is entitled to at least a piece of that.
The book explains in a clear concise manner how to recover funds in things like unclaimed utility deposits, abandoned checking accounts, and unredeemed stock certificates.
The author says there's even more money sitting in dormant retirement accounts, and group life insurance policies.
This book costs about 25- dollars.
If you can't find it in stores, call 800-286-5669.
I'm Len Besthoff with this week's edition of Common Sense, lets send it back to the newsdesk.))

Race


ANCHOR=Patrick
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=Roy
TAPE#net (edit of R-37)
GRAPHIC=Pocono Raceway


Dale Jarrett takes the win in the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono.
(----------------)
VO-NAT ENG#
SUPER=03-Pocono, PA/WTBS; :


Bobby Labonte taps his brother Terry in the rear causing a crash that also involved Dale Earnhardt, Joe Nemechek and a couple other cars on lap 128.
South Boston's Jeff Burton made a run late.
But Jarrett's ford was just too strong and he held off Jeff Gordon and Burton to win the Pennsylvania 500.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q="I was...

((DALE JARRETT/PENNSYLVANIA 500 WINNER:))
SUPER=01-Dale Jarrett/Pennsylvania 500 Winner; :
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=everything was okay.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Gordon was second, Burton third followed by Tedd Musgrave and Mark Martin.
(----------------)



British


ANCHOR=Patrick
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=Roy
TAPE#net (edit of S7-8)
GRAPHIC=British Open


American Justin Leonard came from behind to win the British Open.
(----------------)
VO-NAT ENG#
SUPER=03-Troon, Scotland/ABC Sports;


Sweden's Jesper Parnevik shot a one over par 72 to finish tied for second with Darren Clarke at 9 under par.
Leonard birdied the 16-th hole to move into a tie for the lead. He finished at 12 under par for a three shot win.
(----------------)



Avalanche


ANCHOR=Patrick
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=Roy
TAPE#net (edit of CL-97)
GRAPHIC=Salem Avalanche


The Salem Avalanche held off a late rally by Prince William last night to beat the Cannons 5 to 4.
(----------------)
VO-NAT ENG#
SUPER=03-Salem/Avalanche vs Cannons; :


In the bottom of the third, Salem's Elvis Pena hits a ground ball to second base. Dean Marnell scores from third.
Salem got on the board again in the bottom of the fourth. Ben Petrick hits this solo homer high over the left field wall and the Avalanche was up 4 to 1.
Still in the bottom of the fourth SUPER=37-Salem/5/Prince William/4/;Dean

Marnell hits a grounder to right field Chad Gambill slides home for the score and the Avalanche beats the Cannons 5 to 4.
(-------------)


Games


ANCHOR=Patrick
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=Dal
TAPE#net (edit of s7-14)
GRAPHIC=Commonwealth


It's been 20 years since former William Byrd track star Brenda Orange-Hill placed second in the state. Yesterday she took the gold in the discus throw at the Commonwealth Games.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Salem;


At 37- years- old Brenda won her division by throwing 93-feet-6-inches.
Brenda says she can definitely see how time has changed her.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 10:03:03
IN Q=

((BRENDA ORANGE-HILL/GOLD IN DISCUS: IT'S A LITTLE BIT HARDER TO GET IN SHAPE AND STAY IN SHAPE AND HAVE THOSE LITTLE ACHES AND PAINS MORE THAN I DID 20 YEARS A GO WHEN I THROUGH IN HIGH SCHOOL.))
SUPER=01-Brenda Orange-Hill/Gold In Discus;
RUNS=:07----????????????
OUT Q= IN HIGH SCHOOL
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Brenda says the training and the track meet rejuvenated her competitive spirit.
She plans to make the yearly trip to the Commonwealth Games.
(----------------)



Dogs


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=lba
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=NONE


It was Halloween in July for a group of bassett hounds in an Oregon town.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

05:15:12
SUPER=03-Lebanon, OR;


Humans dressed their canine companions in a various array of costumes for a charity event...from clowns, to sad eyed pumpkins and even a bumblebee.
SUPER=03-Indianapolis, IN;


And in Indiana an ugly dog contest brought out a number of pooches..
To add insult to injury the contestants had to compete with a duck who thinks she's a dog.
(----------------)




uss-constitution


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=mel
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=NONE


It's a proud day for the Navy and the nation.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=05-Marblehead, MA;
SUPER=03-Marblehead, MA;


America's oldest commissioned warship, the U-S-S Constitution, is setting sail under its own power for the first time in 116 years.
Beginning in 19-92, Old Ironsides underwent a three-and-a-half year restoration effort that included the weaving of six new sails and replacement of copper plating.
It cost 12 million dollars to restore the 200 year old vessel.
Some of the money was raised by schoolchildren who collected pennies. (buh-bye) (----------------)
by SS