WDBJ 7 news at Noon for 03/17/98

[VMI]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=rolled from starlink]
[GRAPHIC=VMI]

Virginia Military Institute is not for everybody. The men and women who made it through breakout yesterday couldn't be prouder of having survived the ratline.
[Double Boxes=Melanie and Keith/StarLink]

Keith Humphry is at V-M-I today and he has been talking with some of the women who made it.
[Live=Keith Full/StarLink]
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[SUPER=06-Lexington;]
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[SUPER=01-Melissa Graham/VMI Freshman; :18]
[SUPER=01-Engelia Pickett/VMI Freshman; :39]
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[Live=Keith Full/StarLink]
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[Double Boxes=Melanie and Keith/StarLink][Bedford-Porn]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#98-]
[GRAPHIC=]

A Blackburg man has been charged with distribution of child pornography following an on- line investigation by the Bedford County sheriff's department.
An investigator posing as a pedophile allegedly made contact with Thomas Brooks Jenkins over a period of several months.
Police say Jenkins transmitted more than 30 child porn pictures to them over the Internet.
A raid of his Blacksburg home turned up a thousand more, along with computer disks and sexual paraphernalia.
He's being held on a 25- thousand dollar bond.

[Internet-Porn]

[ANCHOR=kmc]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=eea]
[TAPE#=98-2]
[GRAPHIC=Internet]

Some changes are in store for an internet service provider that News 7 featured in a story about child pornography last week.
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[VO-NAT]

Roanoke-based Rev-Net was one of the I-S-P's that allowed newsgroups dedicated to child pornography on their service.
After our story aired, the company told subscribers they felt they needed to do something about the problem, and RevNet is now blocking groups that specifically deal with child pornography.
But they add, there's no way to block all illegal material, and users should exercise caution, especially when children are online.

(------------)[Train-Derailment]

[ANCHOR=Mel]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=THa]
[TAPE#98-17]
[GRAPHIC=derailment]

The clean-up continues today after a Norfolk Southern train derailed last night in Montgomery County.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Elliston/Last Night;]

The train, pulling 96- cars, derailed along Route 460 in Elliston around eight- thirty.
The dozen or so cars that left the tracks were carrying seed, lumber and paper products.
Norfolk Southern and contract crews were on the scene early this morning working to clear the scene.
The accident site continues to draw the curious, including a couple of Norfolk Southern retirees, who're NOT surprised at how quickly the crews are working.
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[23:56:14]
[SOT]
[IN Q=Well they]
((GENE WHITE/NORFOLK SOUTHERN RETIREE: WELL THEY TRY TO GET EVERYTHING OFF THE RAIL, AND GET THE LINE BACK IN SHAPE, SO THEY CAN RUN THEIR TRAINS THROUGH. THEN THEY WILL COME BACK LATER AND PICK THE STUFF UP. ))
[SUPER=01-Gene White/Norfolk Southern Retiree; :00]
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=stuff up.]
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[VO-NAT]

The train was traveling to Winston Salem from Detroit.
Norfolk Southern officials are still investigating the accident.
No one was injured.

(----------------)[CLINTON]

[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#net-]
[GRAPHIC=clinton]
Despite the public's perception that he is a womanizer, the latest C-B-S News poll shows President Clinton's job approval rating higher than ever.
But after the latest accusations by Kathleen Willey, it's clear someone is lying.
Byron Pitts reports.
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[SOT]
[11:30 UPDATE WINDOW]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Washington DC;]
[SUPER=07-Kathleen Willey; :]
[super=04-60 Minutes; keep up over entire bite;]
[SUPER=01-Patricia Ireland/Nat'l Organization For Women;]
[SUPER=01-Byron Pitts/Reporting;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=]
(( 'THIS IS A WONDERFUL DAY FOR US AT THE WHITE HOUSE...."
President Clinton looked in good spirits this morning -- A shamrock from the Prime Minister of Ireland. and encouraging signs from this CBS Morning News Poll. In a survey taken last night . the President's approval rating remains high at 67-percent - just days after former White House volunteer went public on CBS NEWS '60-MINUTES'. with her allegation the President groped and fondled her in the White House three years ago.

SOT/KATHLEEN WILLEY, CBS NEWS 60 MINUTES
'I JUST COULD NOT BELIEVE THE RECKLESSNESS OF THAT ACT.."

SOT/PRES. BILL CLINTON
'I HAVE SAID NOTHING INAPPROPRIATE HERE AND I TOLD THE TRUTH.."
Late Monday the White House releases 20-handwritten letters from Willey to the President after their 1993 meeting. Some signed 'Fondly Kathleen' and one describing herself as 'the president's 'number one fan." It's now clear someone's lying - whether it's the Bill Clinton or Kathleen Willey. most America don't believe it's hurt Mr. Clinton's ability to do his job. While 57% of those polled believe the President has engaged in reckless sexual conduct.. The majority believes it's had little impact on the nation. When asked if the President should say more about the issue. 67% of those polled said no.

SOT/PATRICIA IRELAND, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN
'WHAT WE'RE SEENIG IS A SPLILT.. A GOOD MAN." cbs News Washington.))

[Neighborhood]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=djo]
[TAPE#=net-]
[GRAPHIC=roanoke seal]

The issue of whether Southern Hills residents who were offered money for their homes in the name of commercial development has shifted to what will become of the rest of the community.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
The city has proposed a comprehensive neighborhood improvement plan that would include 800-thousand dollars in storm drainage, traffic lights and other renovations. But the neighborhood association says that won't begin to address their needs. Southern Hills residents unsuccessfully asked Roanoke city council last night to table a rezoning request until more definitive neighborhood improvements could be put in writing. The city plans to do follow-up renovations after its initial 800-thousand dollar plan.
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[Assembly]

[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=session98]

The 1998 General Assembly is winding down.
Last night Assembly budget negotiators decided they would set aside money for a car tax cut *AND* school construction -- but they agreed to put off the complex details until April.

A vote on the budget is scheduled for tonight.[MEDICARE]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#net-]
[GRAPHIC=medicare]

President Clinton turned his attention today from his personal life to Medicare.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Capitol Hill;]

On Capitol Hill, Mr. Clinton and Democratic lawmakers unveiled Medicare legislation that would let uninsured Americans between 55 and through 64 buy into the Medicare system.
Congressional Republicans oppose the proposal.
They say it could push the Medicare Trust Fund toward insolvency.
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[St.-Pattys]

[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#net-]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Back at the White House, President Clinton is celebrating St. Patrick's Day by trying to nudge the prospect of peace a little closer in North Ireland.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC;]

Earlier today Mr. Clinton was presented with the annual bowl of Shamrocks.
He's also planned a seris of White House meetings today with Irish politicians, including the country's prime minister.
Aides say Mr. Clinton's message is there's an opportunity for peace now that may not exist in the future.
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[E-Boty-Bus]

[ANCHOR=kmc]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=eea]
[TAPE#=98-3]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

Two parents, one student, and a school bus driver are all facing charges in Botetourt County after a dispute over assigned seats.
Bus Driver Mary Sue Lester was involved in a confrontation with
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Fincastle;]

13 year old Jennifer Martin, when Martin tried to leave the bus. Martin and Lester have charged each other with assault.
Lester charged Martin's mother, Wosum (WHOA-som) Martin with disorderly conduct after she pounded on the bus doors, trying to take her daughter off.
Dewayne Long, whose daughter is a witness in the case, was charged with stalking by the bus driver, after he allegedly followed the bus for several miles.
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[SOT 6:34:08]
[IN Q=it was handled]
((RONNIE CLAY/ASSISTANT COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY; IT WAS HANDLED THROUGH PHYSICAL CONFRONTATION, AND ALLEGED THREATS AND STALKING. THESE THINGS ARE SERIOUS AND BETTER TO ADDRESS THEM SERIOUSLY THAN TO ASSUME THEY'LL FADE AWAY.))
[SUPER=01-Ronnie Clay/Assistant Commonwealth's Atty.]
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[VO-NAT]

The parent, Wosum(WHOA-sum) Martin's case was settled yesterday when she agreed to stay 50 feet away from the bus for the rest of the year.
The rest of the cases go to court today.
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[E-Fruit-Freeze]

[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=THa]
[TAPE#98-6]
[GRAPHIC=Winter Wx]

Southwest Virginia's fruit farmers are breathing a little easier this week. That's because
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Patrick Co.;]

extension agents say last week's hard freeze did NOT have a significant impact on Southwest Virginia.
More than 300 acres of peaches are grown in Carroll and Patrick Counties.
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[IN Q=It's not]
((GARY LARROWE/VA EXTENSION AGENT: IT'S NOT AS MUCH DAMAGE AS WHAT WE'D ANTICIPATED AND WE'RE VERY THANKFUL FOR THAT-- NOW ON THE OTHER HAND, SOUTH OF US, IN GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA, THEY'RE NOT FARING AS WELL AS WE ARE RIGHT NOW. ))
[SUPER=01-Gary Larrowe/Virginia Extension Agent; :00]
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[OUT Q=right now.]
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[VO-NAT]

Unlike Southwest Virginia-- the peaches farther south had already begun to bloom-- which left the fruit more vulnerable.
Harry Harold and his family own an orchard in Patrick County.
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[IN Q=Oh, yeah]
((HARRY HAROLD/PATRICK CO. FARMER:OH, YEAH, IF IT WOULD'VE BEEN THREE TO FOUR DAYS LATER THEN WE PROBABLY COULD'VE HAD A WHOLE LOT MORE DAMAGE MAYBE EVEN A TOTAL WIPE OUT.))
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[VO-NAT]

The Harold's also grow apples, cherries and plums.
The plums, they say, were the only crop they lost because they'd already begun to bloom.
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[S-Tech]

[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=Mike]
[TAPE#TB98-1]
[GRAPHIC=WOMEN'S FINAL FOUR]

The season is over for the Lady Hokies on the Hardwood.
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[VO-NAT eng#]
[SUPER=03-Gainesville, FL/NCAA; :00]

Playing on the Florida Gators home court in Gainesville, the Hokies had to play catchup from the start.
Michelle Houseright hits this shot off the glass but it only cuts the Gator lead to 21 at 53-to-32.
Lisa Witherspoon would then drive in off the left side and get the roll on the layin.
Former Tech assistant Beth Dunkenburger, now with Florida, would then see Tere Williams work the inside to perfection as she scores over the double team on the other block.
Amy Wetzel would give her all for the second straight NCAA game scoring __.
But Florida was just too big, too [SUPER=33-Virginia Tech/57/Florida/89;]
tough and too good. Tech turns into Gator Bait... losing 89 to 57 to finish the season 22 & 10.

(-------------)[S-Jones]

[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=Mike]
[TAPE#BB98-3]
[GRAPHIC=JEFF JONES]

The man who accepted the resignation of UVa basketball coach Jeff Jones spoke about the Cavaliers' situation yesterday.
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[SUPER=01-Terry Holland/UVa Athletic Director; :00]
[SUPER=03-Charlottesville; :13]
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[OUT Q=...News 7 Sports."]
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((TERRY HOLLAND/UVA ATHLETIC DIRECTOR:)) (( This past season's on court performance contributed to Jeff's departure, but his off the court problems were just as detrimental. Jeff's much talked about split with his wife Lisa was unfortunate. But the domestic problems of his star player Cory Alexander are what really helped bring about his demise.
Alexander assaulted his girlfriend last July. He was suspended from the team and eventually transferred. Holland tried to get Jones to do the same thing. ((TERRY HOLLAND:))
Holland gave him that chance, but with basically a two player team, Jones' didn't have a prayer of making the postseason this year. At 37 Jones hopefully will get another chance to be a head coach at the Division One level.
As for Holland he has no interest in getting back into coaching, and says he plans to find a young replacement for Jones.))

((TERRY HOLLAND:))[S-VSAF]

[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=Mike]
[TAPE#S8-2]
[GRAPHIC=VIRGINIA LOGO]

Now that it's official... just who will replace Jeff Jones.
Well you can bet that the rumors are flying...
And U-V-A fans and alumni across the state say they don't want just anybody.
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[SOT 16:04:27]
[IN Q=I'VE HEARD PEOPLE]
((TOM DUNKENBERGER/UVA STUDENT AIDE DISTRICT REP: I'VE HEARD PEOPLE LIKE PETE GILLAN. HE HAS A GOOD WINNING RECORD AND COME FROM A GOOD ACADEMIC SCHOOL. I'VE HEARD SAMPSON AT OKLAHOMA. THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD COACHES OUT THERE, I HOPE THEY GET ONE WITH A GOOD PERSONALITY AND CAN GO OUT THERE ARE RECRUIT SOME GOOD STUDENT ATHLETES.))
[SUPER=01-Tom Dunkenberger/VSAF District Representative; :00]
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[OUT Q=good student athletes]
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[S-Hoyas]

[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=Mike]
[TAPE#S8-1]
[GRAPHIC=NIT LOGO]

The N-I-T tried last night to get some of that buzzer-beater magic that graced the N-C-double-A tournament this past weekend.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT eng#]
[SUPER=03-Atlanta, GA/ESPN; :00]

Ga. Tech is up by one in overtime with Matt Harpring looking to ice it at the free throw line.
He misses the shot.
Georgetown gets the rebound and heads up court.
The Hoyas only need a 2, and they get a six foot shot in the paint, but it won't fall and Ga. Tech wins it 80-to-79 in overtime.

(-------------)[Iditarod]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=jha]
[TAPE#=net-]
[GRAPHIC=none]

An Alaska town is preparing to welcome the Iditarod racers to the finish line.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Nome, AK]
The winner of the 26th annual dog sled race is due to arrive in Nome this afternoon. If all goes well, it looks like Jeff King, who is one hour ahead of the second place sled, will win the race for the third time. There are 58 teams competing for the top prize of 51- thousand dollars and a new pickup truck. (------------) Racers started their eleven-hundred- mile journey from Anchorage on March seventh.