WDBJ 7 news at Noon for 01/06/98

12:00-01

Bono

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

From the White House to Hollywood, policiticans, celebrities and fans are mourning the loss of Sonny Bono.
The entertainer turned congressman was killed yesterday in a skiing accident at a Lake Tahoe resort.
Jonathan Freed has the story.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
10:03:25
IN Q=
SUPER=@file;:00
SUPER=01-John Wagnon/Heavenly Ski Resort; :11
SUPER=03-South Lake Tahoe, CA;:28
SUPER=01-Ron Pierini/Douglas Co. Sheriff;:45 QUICK
SUPER=04-Paul Brownstein Prods.; :48
SUPER=01-Jonathan Freed/Reporting; (no SU)1:20
RUNS=1:33
OUT Q=Lake Tahoe, California.
(( HIS FRIENDS DESCRIBE HIM AS A "ACCOMPLISHED" SKIER-- WHO LOVED THE SLOPES. IT WAS ON THOSE SLOPES -- IN THE SHADOWS OF LATE AFTERNOON THAT SONNY BONO LOST HIS LIFE.

SOT: JOHN WAGNON / HEAVENLY SKI RESORT

BONO WAS ON VACATION AT THE HEAVENLY SKI RESORT IN LAKE TAHOE -- WITH HIS WIFE AND TWO OF HIS FOUR CHILDREN WHEN HE WAS REPORTED MISSING.

SOT: WAGNON AGAIN

SOT: RON PIERINI / DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF

(NAT SOT)

SONNY BONO IS PERHAPS MOST REMEMBERED FOR HIS HIT CBS SHOW WITH THEN WIFE "CHER" IN THE SEVENTIES... A MIXTURE OF MUSIC -- AND COMEDY.

((SOT - JOKING WITH CHER))

THE COUPLE LATER SPLIT UP.... CHER MOVING ONTO THE BIG SCREEN AND CONTINUING HER SINGING CAREER. SHE LEFT LONDON THIS MORNING WITHOUT COMMENT.

(NAT)

AFTER THEIR BREAK-UP, SONNY-- FIRST TRIED HIS HAND AT THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS AND THEN MOVED INTO THE POLITICAL ARENA... AS MAYOR OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA.
IN 1994.... HE WAS ELECTED TO CONGRESS...AND WOULD HAVE BEEN SWORN INTO HIS THIRD TERM-- THIS MONTH. HE WAS 62.
JONATHAN FREED, CBS NEWS, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE.))

SONNY

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=WIPE WIPE WIPE
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/September 30, 1996;

Bono made a visit to Roanoke in the fall of 19-96 to attend a fundraiser for fellow Republican Bob Goodlatte.
The hotel Roanoke event raised money for Goodlatte's re-election campaign, but also raised a bit of controversy.
During a speech Bono said that the U- S uses hit squads to support the Haitian government, but admitted he had no proof to back up that claim.
(----------------)

UNABOMBER

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=kaczynski, ted

The accused unabomber could end up representing himself.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@File;

Legal experts say that's one possible scenario now that Ted Kaczynski has delayed the start of his trial by protesting the efforts of his lawyers to portray him as mentally ill.
Kaczynski and his defense team are expected to meet behind closed doors again today to try to resolve their impasse.
(----------------)
WIPE/WIPE/WIPE

nichols

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=wipe/wipe/WIPE
(----------------)
VO-NAT
4:06:19
In Denver its the second day of sentencing deliberations in the trial of Terry Nichols.
Yesterday, the panel spent about five hours debating whether Nichols should get the death penalty for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing.
Jurors also asked the judge for clarification of their conspiracy conviction.
(----------------)

Jessie

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=tha
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=legal scales

The last two months of four- year- old Annie Leftwich's life were marked by abuse from her mother and stepfather.
That, according to the Dickenson County Commonwealth's Attorney prosecuting 35- year- old Kenneth Jessie for murder.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Christiansburg/Yesterday;
start with Ken video
Jurors in Montgomery County are hearing the case because of pre-trial publicity in far southwest Virginia.
The defense maintains Jessie was at work the day the child died last May.
But prosecutors contend Jessie did nothing to prevent what had become a pattern of abuse.
In opening statements-- the Commonwealth says the day Annie Leftwich died she was imprisoned in a utility room, tied to her bed with tape and clothing and gagged as punishment for bedwetting...the autopsy revealed she was smothered to death.
Her mother Elizabeth Jessie pleaded guilty to child abuse and second degree murder, yesterday.
Kenneth Jessie's trial is expected to last several days.
(----------------)

E-Barnette

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=KHu
TAPE#97-83
GRAPHIC=NONE

A man accused of a local murder is standing trial in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The capital murder case against
(A-KILL-uh) Aquillia Barnette got underway yesterday.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/June 22, 1996

It's been a year and a half since his girlfriend was gunned down in the street outside her home on Loudon Avenue in Roanoke.
SUPER=03-Charlotte, NC

Barnette is being tried in FEDERAL court in North Carolina for that crime AS WELL AS the murder of a Charlotte man the same day.
Court records indicate Barnette confessed to both offenses.
Prosecutors plan to portray Barnette as a violent man who has been involved in several crimes. They will ask the jury for a death sentence.
Robin Williams' mother, Bertha will tell the jury how she watched in horror as her daughter was shot to death.
(----------------)

E-McCane

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#net (edit of 97-85)
GRAPHIC=McCane

Staulking charges against Bedford County sheriffs department's former second in command have been dropped.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg

Special prosecutor Fred King says there wasn't enough evidence to convict John McCane of stalking his ex-wife's friend.
McCane says Tammy (GIN-ter) Ginther used her influence as a dispatcher for the Lynchburg police department to have the warrant sworn out.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 00:30:52
IN Q=I think this
((JOHN MCCANE/LEAVING SHERIFF'S DEPT.: I THINK THIS IS A SUBVERSION OF THE SYSTEM. I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT MS. GINTHER IS AN EMPLOYEE OF THE LYNCHBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT. I PLAN ON HAVING MY RECORD EXPUNGED, BUT UNFORTUNATELY I CAN'T EXPUNGE THE DAMAGE THAT SHE HAD DONE TO ME, MY FAMILY AND MY REPUTATION.)) ((FRED KING/SPECIAL PROSECUTOR: THE MAGISTRATE, WHOEVER ISSUED THE WARRANT AND I THINK IT WAS ENTIRELY APPROPRIATE TO ISSUE THE WARRANT, BUT NOW WE'RE NOT LOOKING AT PROBABLE CAUSE, WE'RE TRYING TO ASSESS THE CASE FROM A POSITION OF BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT.))
SUPER=01-John McCane/Leaving Sheriff's Dept.; :00
SUPER=01-Fred King/Special Prosecutor; :16
RUNS=:30
OUT Q=a reasonable doubt.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

State police are still looking into whether McCane mis-used sheriff's department funds.
(----------------)

Fixed-Income

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=djo
TAPE#597-52
GRAPHIC=NONE

Thousands of people were waiting on their social security benefits this month.
The League of Older Americans...
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;

...says there's a new payment cycling system for those who signed up for benefits on or after May first.
Depending on when your birthday is, you'll get your check the second, third or fourth Wednesday of the month.
Officials say late checks are no cause for alarm.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT-06:13:10
IN Q=I THINK IT HAS A LOT
((MICHELLE GEREAUX-KARIM/LOA SPOKESWOMAN; I THINK IT HAS A LOT TO DO WITH THE HOLIDAY AND IT COULD BE THIS PAYMENT CYCLING SYSTEM. IT COULD BE DIRECT DEPOSIT TOO. SOME PEOPLE DO RECEIVE A DIRECT DEPOSIT ON THEIR CHECK AND MAYBE THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THAT.))
SUPER=01-Michelle Gereaux-Karim/LOA Spokeswoman;
RUNS=:11
OUT Q=AWARE OF THAT.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

But no one can explain yesterday's mystery at the post office.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT-06:33:56
IN Q=THE MAIL PROCESSING
((BILLY MARTIN/ROANOKE POSTMASTER; THE MAIL PROCESSING CENTER DOWNSTAIRS CALLED TO SAY THEY HAD FOUND EIGHT TRAYS OF MAILED DESTINED. IT WAS FROM THE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE, IT WAS SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS.))
SUPER=01-Billy Martin/Roanoke Postmaster;
RUNS=:11
OUT Q=SECURITY CHECKS.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Postal workers stayed on their routes until the four- thousand checks were delivered.
(----------------)

E-Gilmore-Cabinet

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=EQU
TAPE#97-82
GRAPHIC=Jim Gilmore

Jim Gilmore's newly seated cabinet is drawing some attention.
NOT one of his nine cabinet secretaries is from southside or southwest Virginia.
Ellen Qualls has the story.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=They are inclusive
SUPER=@Gilmore; :00
SUPER=03-Richmond; :11
SUPER=01-Bryan Slater/Sec. of Admin.-Designee; :17
SUPER=01-Del. Alan Diamonstein/(D) Newport News; :56
SUPER=01-Sen. Patsy Ticer/(D) Alexandria; 1:06
SUPER=01-Sen. Charlie Waddell/Dep. Transportation Sec.-Designee; 1:18
SUPER=@Ellen2; 1:36
RUNS=1:46
OUT Q=Qualls, News 7, Richmond.

((sot 02:33:56
((JIM GILMORE: THEY ARE INCLUSIVE. A HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEAM. THEY'RE GOING TO BRING AN EXTRAORDINARY DEGREE OF EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE AND DEDICATION.))
runs=:09

None of it from the perspectives of Southside or Southwest Virginia.
But apparently a new attitude about state workers.
SOT 02:42:00
((BRYAN SLATER: WE ALSO NEED TO BE ATTUNED TO ...HONESTLY AND EFFECTIVELY AS IT DOES.))
RUNS=:10

Bryan Slater managed Jim Gilmore's campaign.
Wilbert Bryant moves up from Deputy Secretary to Secretary of Education.
Former Newport News Mayor Barry DuVal takes over at Commerce and Trade.
And Deputy Attorney General John Paul Woodley takes over the embattled Natural Resources Secretariat.
But it was for the lower level Deputy Secretary of Transportation appointment. that Gilmore got the loudest applause.
He stole a Democratic state Senator from the evenly split senate, drawing hisses from across the aisle.
SOT 21:41:33
((DEL. ALAN DIAMONSTEIN: SOME OF US MAKE DECISIONS ON HOW IT AFFECTS OUR FAMILY, AND HOW IT AFFECTS THE PEOPLE WHO HELP US GET WHERE WE ARE, AND THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL. OTHERS MAKE DECISIONS ON A VERY SELFISH BASIS.))
RUNS=:10

SOT 21:30:23
((SEN. PATSY TICER: UNFORTUNATELY MONEY TALKS. AND THAT'S KIND OF WHAT WE'RE DEALING WITH.))
RUNS=:06

Waddell says he's surprised to hear the criticism, after speaking to many other colleagues.
SOT 02:52:16
((SEN. CHARLIE WADDELL: THEY WERE ALL VERY VERY SUPPORTIVE OF MY DECISION. THEY UNDERSTOOD THE UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES OF MY LIFE. I'M 65 YEARS OLD. THIS IS A GOOD CAPSTONE FOR MY CAREER.))
RUNS=:11

sot 21:28"45
((SEN. PATSY TICER: WELL I THINK... BRILLIANT IN A DEMONIC SORT OF WAY.))
runs=:08

Of his snub to southside and southwest, Gilmore says through a spokesman "Hey, we're having an inaugural ball down there."
Ellen Qualls, News 7, Richmond.))

E-Retirement

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=sgo
TAPE#97-79
GRAPHIC=NONE

The legislators who move to Gilmore's cabinet may not have the benefits they thought they would.
Under current law, members of the General Assembly who accept full-time positions in the governor's administration can roll over their years of PART-TIME legislative service into a big pension when they retire.
Delegate Chip Woodrum is introducing a bill to end what he calls an "abuse" of the state pension system.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 10:23:41
SUPERVISORS TAPE
IN Q= IT'S BEEN
((IT'S BEEN BOTHERING ME FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. I JUST DON'T THINK IT SHOULD BE DONE. IT MAY HAVE SOME EFFECT ON RECENT APPOINTMENTS, BUT REALLY IT'S TO STOP WHAT I THINK IS A LONG-STANDING ABUSE.))
SUPER=@Woodrum;
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=long-standing abuse
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=NONE

Some of the first people who would be affected by the bill are Democrats who have accepted jobs in Republican Jim Gilmore's administration.

E-City-Council

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=JoeD
TAPE#97-86
GRAPHIC=Powerline

The proposed American Electric Power high voltage power line stretching from Wyoming, West Virginia to Cloverdale won the support of Roanoke's City Council.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;

The utility must win approval for the line from state regulators in Virginia and West Virginia, and from the National Forest Service.
Yesterday, members of Roanoke City Council voted unanimously to endorse the project.
Mayor David Bowers said he believes the project is vital to economic development in the valley.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=And I'm glad to see
((DAVID BOWERS/ROANOKE MAYOR: AND I'M GLAD TO SEE THAT ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THAT AND I HOPE THAT THE CITY OF ROANOKE WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE THE LEAD WITH OTHER LOCAL JURISDICTIONS.)) ((TERRY MCMAHAN/AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER: THE CITY OF ROANOKE WITH ITS HIGH PROFILE. WE ARE VERY APPRECIATIVE OF THE POSITION THAT THEY HAVE TAKEN AND THINK THAT THE COMMISSIONS IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA AND WEST VIRGINIA WILL WEIGH IT QUITE HEAVILY.))
SUPER=@Bowers; :00
SUPER=01-Terry McMahan/American Electric Power; :11
RUNS=:23
OUT Q=quite heavily.
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=NONE

No one spoke against the project at the city council meeting, but opponents will have their say in March when the State Corporation Commission will host a new round of public hearings.

E-Danville-Shooting

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=jmc
TAPE#597-55
GRAPHIC=Shooting.

A Danville man was hospitalized after being shot in a robbery at his bookstore.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Danville

Police say a man shot storekeeper Fred Bevill twice at his Christian bookstore on South Market street.
The man then took money from the register and Bevill's wallet and ran off.
Bevill is listed in fair condition at the Danville Regional Medical Center.
The suspect is described as a black man in his 20's, wearing a dark stocking cap, green sweater and gray overcoat.
(----------------)

B'burg-Robbery

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

And in Blacksburg, police are investigating an armed robbery at a Revco drug store.
No one was injured when three suspects allegedly entered the store on Prices Fork Road and stole drugs and money.
Police say two of the individuals were armed.

Sara-Lee

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=sgo
TAPE#NONE
GRAPHIC=Business news

The Sara Lee yarn and textile plant in Galax is getting a new owner.
Winston-Salem-based National Textiles L-L-C is buying the Galax operation and eight other Sara Lee plants.
It's part of a cost-cutting strategy by Sara Lee, which has been losing money lately.
Workers at the Galax plant are expected to keep their jobs.
But they'll become employees of National Textiles.

Grammys

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=jha
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=Grammy Awards

This year's Grammy nominees were named in New York today.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-New York, NY;

19-60's rock legends Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney are competing for album of the year against 19-90's music sensations Babyface, Radiohead and Paula Cole.
The award for record of the year will go to Paula Cole, Shawn Colvin, Sheryl Crow, Hanson or R. Kelley.
Nominees for best new artist are rap star Puff Daddy, singers (Erika) Erykah Badu, Paula Cole, Fiona Apple and teen pop trio Hanson.
(----------------)

WEATHER
SUPER=300-57/93/Southeast 3mph/30.18f/72/1950/ 6/1959;
SUPER=301-58/100/South 5mph/30.18f/73/1907/ 3/1924;
Forecasts
SUPER=X5000;
SUPER=330-Mostly/Cloudy/48-52/Cloudy with/Showers/58-60;
SUPER=331-Cloudy/Showers Possible/50-54/Cloudy/Showers Likely/59-61;
SUPER=332-Foggy/with Showers/48-52/Mild with/Showers/58-60;
SUPER=333-Cloudy/with Showers/46-50/Showers/Likely/54-57;
SUPER=334-Showers & Fog/Likely/47-50/Mild with/Showers/57-60;
SUPER=X5001;

INTEREST-RATES

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=mel
TAPE#NONE
GRAPHIC=Interest Rates

Long term interest rates continue to drop.
The benchmark yield of the 30 year Treasury bond is at historic lows, meaning many consumer loan rates are also moving lower.
Bond traders say it's in part due to comments from Alan Greenspan that he sees a risk of deflation.
That's been interpreted as meaning that the Federal Reserve has no plans to raise interest rates any time soon.

Sutton

ANCHOR=Patrick
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=Mike
TAPE#extra
GRAPHIC=news 7 sports generic

Don Sutton is heading to Cooperstown.
The fifth time was the charm as the Baseball writers voted Sutton in to the baseball Hall of Fame yesterday.
He won 324 games as a pitcher for a number of teams, but he still bleeds Dodger Blue.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q="I had...
((DON SUTTON/ELECTED TO HALL OF FAME: I HAD A GREAT TIME IN MILWAUKEE, THE MOST FUN PLACE I EVER PLAYED. I WON MY 300TH BALLGAME WITH THE ANGELS. I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT ME IN OAKLAND. I THINK I HAD THE BEST COLLECTION OF FRIENDS I EVER HAD WHEN I PLAYED IN HOUSTON BUT FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS, I CAN'T SEE MYSELF GOING INTO COOPERSTOWN IN ANY OTHER HAT BUT DODGERS. MY MOTHER WAS A DODGER FAN, IT'S WHAT SHE WOULD HAVE WANTED. I WISH SHE WERE HERE TO ENJOY THAT. IT'S A DECISION SHE WOULD HAVE HELPED ME MAKE.))
SUPER=01-Don Sutton/Elected to Hall of Fame; :00
RUNS=:29
OUT Q=...HELP ME MAKE.
(----------------)

Radford

ANCHOR=Patrick
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=Mike
TAPE#net (edit of BB98-1)
GRAPHIC=RADFORD HOOPS

The Radford University Highlanders beat Tusculum College last night with the home court advantage.
(----------------)
VO-NAT eng#
SUPER=03-Radford/Tusculum vs. Radford; :00

Kevin Robinson looks inside and gets the assist to Eric Parker.
Stuarts Draft native and Pioneers sophomore Shane Banks hits the jump shot to get Tusculum within one.
With 13 rebounds and 25 points Robinson set two career highs last night.
Radford's pressure defense was also on..as Jon Belt
SUPER=33-Tusculum/72/Radford/83;
capitalizes on the Pioneer turnover and draws the foul.
The Highlanders improve to 4-and-06 on the season with the 83 to 72 win.
(-------------)

UVA

ANCHOR=Patrick
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=Mike
TAPE#net (edit of VB98-1)
GRAPHIC=UVA LOGO

Ranked ninth in the nation this week, the Virginia Cavaliers women's team lost to Clemson.
(----------------)
VO-NAT eng#
SUPER=03-Clemson, SC/HTS; :00

After falling behind early, Clemson started asserting itself with the help of Natasha Anderson. She cuts inside and scores on the jumper.
Anderson then scores off the right block. She finished with 18 points 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
Virginia was down by eight at the half, and despite plays like this one from
Demya Walker, Clemson is able to SUPER=33-Virginia #9/67/Clemson/74;
upset ninth ranked Virginia last night 74-to-67. The Lady Cavs are now 10-and-2.
(-------------)

Daytona

ANCHOR=Patrick
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=Mike
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=DAYTONA

General Motors wrapped up its three day test session at Daytona yesterday with Terry Labonte running the fastest time of the day at 188 points 080 miles an hour.
Bobby Hamilton, the Morgan McClure Kodak Chevy was fourth fastest at 187 and half.
The Ford teams begin three days of testing today with the new Tauruses.

Promo

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

Starting this weekend you can catch the latest news on take Wknd Am Promo 9403essC
(XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX)
News 7 Saturday morning and News 7 Sunday morning.
Starting at 8 a-m Denise Allen will bring you news and sports and Andrew Frieden will have the weather.
(-------------)

TORCH

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=NOON
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=NONE

In Japan today, the slogan could have been "let the games begin."
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Naha, Japan;
7:24:31
Some high school students began a month long nationwide torch relay for next month's Winter Olympic Games in Nagano.
Some 7,000 will be part of the relay.
The flame ignited last month in the Greek temple ruins of Olympia, and divided into three in Tokyo on Sunday, will be reunited in Nagano on the eve of the opening of the games, February 6th. (----------------)