WDBJ 7 morning news for 06/17/98

[Apology-Eaton]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=KHu]
[TAPE#NET-O]
[GRAPHIC=Eaton, Dennis]

Execution day is quickly approaching for Dennis Eaton.
The U-S Supreme Court turned down his final appeal last night.
Eaton is scheduled to die tomorrow.
Shortly after the High Court's decision, Eaton issued a tape-recorded, public apology to the families of his victims.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 17:38:30 AND 17:43:45]
[IN Q=The things that happened]
((THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED. AND I'M SO VERY VERY SORRY FOR EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED. AND I'M SO VERY VERY SORRY FOR EVERYTHING THAT I HAVE DONE TO CAUSE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU THE PAIN AND SUFFERING THAT YOU HAVE GONE THROUGH.))
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=gone through.]
(-------------)
[vo-nat]
Eaton's only chance at reprieve now is through Governor Gilmore.
The sister of one of Eaton's victims is asking the state not to execute him.
Maria Hines is a former nun and death penalty opponent.
(-------------)

[Motel-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin']
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#98-48]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

Quick work by some Bedford volunteer firefighters helped prevent the Bedford motel from going up in flames last night.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford/Last Night]

Around 11, crews were called to a structure fire at the motel on Route 460 west of Bedford.
Smoke and flames were pouring from the office area of the building when the first crews arrived.
Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the west end of the building.
They say the fire started in the roof over the motel office, but no cause has been determined.
No employees or guests were injured.
(----------------)

[Bedford-Ax]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=JJA]
[TAPE#98-49]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A Bedford County bridge is closed today after a car plunged over and knocked out a support column last night.
(-------------)
[vo/nat]
[super=03-Bedford Co./Last Night;]

Rescue crews responded to the scene off Morgans Mill Road- where the crash happened just after ten.
Bedford County sheriff's deputies say the car plunged at least 50 feet onto railroad tracks below.
Miraculously no one was hurt.
Authorities are now concerned about the bridge's stability, and say it will be closed until repairs can be made.
V-Dot and Norfolk Southern also responded to last night's accident.

(-------------)[S-Crook]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=THa]
[TAPE#98-41 TC 46:11]
[GRAPHIC=Murder Investigation]

The weapon used to kill Michael Durham near Blacksburg 3 months ago still has not been recovered.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Christiansburg;]

But that did NOT prevent a judge from certifying the charges against Robert Crook, Senior yesterday to a grand jury.

A witness who testified in court said Crook was holding what appeared to be a small handgun when he shot Durham inside the car they were riding in.
On cross examination the same witness said he did NOT see the victim holding a gun.
But Crook's attorney says that's one avenue he's exploring.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I can]
((DUTTON OLINGER/CROOK'S ATTORNEY:I CAN NOT REVEAL ALL THE INFORMATION I HAVE AT THIS TIME HOWEVER WE DOD THINK THAT WE HAVE SEVERAL VALID DEFENSES TO PUT FORTH IN THIS CASE. ))
[SUPER=01-Dutton Olinger/Crook's Attorney; :00]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=in this case.]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

The case could be presented to a grand jury in July.
(----------------)

[E-School-Shooting]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#598-23 39:27]
[GRAPHIC=School Shooting]

The 14-year-old student charged with shooting a teacher and volunteer aide in a Richmond high school Monday will have a preliminary hearing July first.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond;]

Security was tight as final exams were completed at Armstrong High School yesterday.
Students and parents said they thought if anyone needed to work out a grudge from the day before, violence could happen NO matter how tight the security.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 09:35]
[IN Q=Security is]
((SECURITY IS FINE. BUT WHEN YOU HAVE-- SOMETIMES THE SCHOOL HAVE LOTS OF DOORS. AND THEN THE CREEP INS. AND DIFFERENT THINGS LIKE THAT. THE SECURITY IS FINE. THAT'S ALL I CAN SAY. SO I DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL DO ANYTHING.))
[RUNS=:16]
[OUT Q=do anything.]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond/Monday]

Quinshawn Booker will be tried as an adult.
He will be held in a juvenile detention center until his preliminary hearing.
(----------------)

[SEVERE-WX]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#net-M]
[GRAPHIC=Severe Weather]

Powerful storms continue to cause damage and loss of life across the country.
In Norfolk, a woman died when a thunderstorm toppled a tree on her.
The strong winds also knocked out power to tens of thousands.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Frederick, MD;]

In Maryland, strong winds blew down trees, power lines and even blew a barn apart.
No injuries were reported but officials say clean up could take some time.
[SUPER=03-Sacramento, CA;]

Severe winds also ripped through parts of northern California.
The winds kicked up to nearly 50 miles an hour knocking down trees and power lines and spreading about 50 separate fires in the area.
(----------------)

[WOODWARD]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=MEL]
[TAPE#net-N]
[GRAPHIC=Louise Woodward]

A Massachusetts judge today will hear motions in the wrongful death suit of eight month old Matthew Eappen.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Marblehead, MA;]

Yesterday,the state's highest court reduced Louise Woodward's sentence clearing the way for the British Au Pair to return home.
But shortly afterwards, she was slapped with a suit by the parents of the baby who died in her care.
The Eeappons want to make sure woodward doesn't profit from selling her story.
(----------------)

[1-Sports]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]

In sports, the Chicago Bulls receive a hero's welcome in Grant Park again, in what could be the last year of the Michael Jordan dynasty.
Mike Stevens has details.
Good Morning Mike.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good Morning]
[RUNS=1:48]
[OUT Q=later on.]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(Melanie ad lib toss to Kimberly/Wx)

[One-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#M98-7]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[On Record]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
Welcome back to news 7 mornin'
Have you ever wondered where the people who drive race cars for a living go for instruction? Some of them enroll in Finish Line Racing School. Class was in session this week at Martinsville speedway.

(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Some of the drivers]
[SUPER=13-Kristal Loescher/FinishLine Racing School; :00]
[SUPER=12-Martinsville; :21]
[RUNS=2:15]
[OUT Q=making a race on Sunday.]
((SOME OF THE DRIVERS HAVE BEEN RACING FOR 15 YEARS AND ARE JUST COMING HERE TO FIND OUT WHAT'S MISSING, SOMETHING'S WRONG WITH THEIR DRIVING STYLE, SOMETHING'S MISSING, THE REASON THEY'RE NOT GETTING TO VICTORY CIRCLE
Making the trip to victory circle more often is what Finish Line Racing School is all about. The Florida based husband and wife team of Krystal and Mike Loescher travel around the United States trying to help serious drivers shave precious thousandths of a second off their average time. The three day course is limited to 10 drivers a class. Over the past 9 years the school has become more popular but is still a tough sell.
2:50:25 THAT'S ONE BIG PROBLEM WE HAVE RIGHT NOW IS EGOS. THE DRIVERS OUT THERE DON'T THINK THEY NEED IT AND THEY REALLY DO NEED IT THEY NEED TO KNOW HOW TO DO IT THE RIGHT WAY BUT IT HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS STRUGGLE OVER THE YEARS TO REACH OUT TO THE PUBLIC.
Mike Loescher raced professionally in NASCAR modifieds for 15 years before starting the school. He provides most of the individual instruction, but that doesn't mean that Kristal doesn't get her say. While the laps are being run she not only keeps the time but jots down her own critique. And she knows what she's talking about. She spent several years as a modified racer and was the first women on team Valvoline.
Finish Line doesn't just teach these hopefuls how to drive. With the explosion in popularity that racing has experienced over the last 5 years Kristyl tries to get them to see the big picture, the fact that without a sponsor, its tough to pay the bills.
2:52:45 UNLESS THE STUDENTS A MILLIONAIRE WHEN THEY LEAVE HERE THEY HAVE TO DO WELL, DRIVE WELL, WIN WELL, WIN RACES AND THEY HAVE TO GET SPONSORSHIP. I TRY TO SHARE WITH THEM ABOUT LOOKING GOOD, THE RIGHT WORDS TO SAY, ABOUT WORKING WITH THE MEDIA STUFF LIKE THAT. SO WE HAVE A LOT OF INPUT IN IT NOT ONLY FROM THE TECHNICAL ASPECT OF RACING BUT ALSO THE SPONSORSHIP SIDE.
Kristal says the driver with the that total package is the one who will succeed be they male or female.
2:54:16 I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A STRONG ADVOCATE THAT THERE WILL BE A WOMAN IN WINSTON CUP. ITS NOT A QUESTION OF WHEN ITS A QUESTION OF IF THEY PUT THE RIGHT PACKAGE TOGETHER. YEA WOMEN HAVE COME THROUGH WITH A GREAT PACKAGE AS FAR AS SPONSORSHIP AND MARKETING BUT THEY COULDN'T PUT THEIR MONEY WHERE THEIR MOUTH WAS WHEN IT CAME DOWN TO MAKING A RACE ON SUNDAY.))
[Steve Live]

(tape tosses to stocks)
[STOCKS] [COMM]

[E-Waste-Water]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=chu]
[TAPE#98-38 54:57]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Danville's year-round school program will be getting a financial boost -- from the pockets of city residents.
Last night city council members voted to increase water and waste water service fees, which will go toward funding for the school program.
Christy Hubley reports.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=With a vote of]
[SUPER=03-Danville/Last Night; :00]
[SUPER=03-Danville/August 6, 1996; :13]
[SUPER=01-Mattie Travis/Opposes Year-Round Schools; :25]
[SUPER=01-Elizabeth Spainhour/Danville School Board; :41]
[SUPER=01-Petrina McCree/Supports Year-Round Schools; :50]
[SUPER=@Christy2; :58 ]
[RUNS=1:13]
[OUT Q=News 7, Danville.]
((
[NATS="i" votes]
[RUNS:03]
With a vote of 7-to-2, Danville's city council secured the funds to expand the year-round school program.
Gibson Middle School will now get an extra 40-days of instruction-- it's the same schedule already in place at Schoolfield Elementary.
Some who attended the council meeting say this alternative form of education should not be paid for with public money.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 8:50:57-:51:07]
[IN Q=We are simply asking]
((MATTIE TRAVIS/OPPOSES YEAR-ROUND SCHOOLS: WE ARE SIMPLY ASKING THAT OUR SCHOOL BOARD USE OUR MONEY MORE JUDICIALLY TO PROMOTE QUALITY FOR ALL RATHER THAN QUANTITY FOR JUST A FEW.)) [RUNS:10]
[OUT Q=for just a few.]

There were more people who spoke in favor of year-round schooling-- calling the rate hike an investment in children.

(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 8:58:03-:12]
[IN Q=While we are not]
((ELIZABETH SPAINHOUR/DANVILLE SCHOOL BOARD: WHILE WE ARE NOT IN FAVOR OF INCREASED TAXES ANY MORE THAN ANY OTHER DANVILLE CITIZEN, WE DO BELIEVE IN EDUCATING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WILL BECOME THE LEADERS OF THIS COMMUNITY.)) [RUNS:09]
[OUT Q=of this community.]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 8:57:27-:33]
[IN Q=We need to invest in our]
((PETRINA MCCREE/SUPPORTS YEAR-ROUND SCHOOLS: WE NEED TO INVEST IN OUR FUTURE IF IT COSTS A FEW MORE PENNIES ON OUR WATER BILL WE WILL BENEFIT IN THE LONG RUN.)) [RUNS:06]
[OUT Q=in the long run.]

The water and waste water rate increases will only last a year.
Council members admit this temporary funding of year-round schooling should be resolved as a permanent item in the city's budget.
But that's a debate for next year.
Christy Hubley, News 7, Danville.))
(----------------)

[E-Employee-Finance]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=sgo]
[TAPE#=98-43 33:45]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Local researchers say employers can benefit from teaching money management to their employees.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

A new study out of Virginia Tech says many workers worry about managing their own money.
And that's hurting their ability to perform at work.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT tape 1 at 12 45 20]
[IN Q=part of the problem]
((TOM GARMAN/VIRGINIA TECH PROFESSOR: PART OF THE PROBLEM IS ABOUT HALF OF THE WORKERS IN AMERICA HAVE MONEY PROBLEMS. THEY'RE A LITTLE BIT STRESSED ABOUT MONEY. SOME STRESS A LITTLE BIT. OTHERS -- LOTS OF PROBLEMS WITH MONEY.))
[SUPER=01-Tom Garman/Virginia Tech Professor;]
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=WITH MONEY]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

It's a problem they recognized at Carilion Health System.
The area's biggest employer has a number of programs to help workers manage their money.
Those programs cover everything from paying debts to planning for retirement.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT tape 2 at 10 12 05]
[IN Q=this is a kind]
((MOLLY HENRY/CARILION HEALTH SYSTEM: THIS IS A KIND OF NEW AND EMERGING TREND IN BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION THAT WE'RE SEEING -- THE AREA OF FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR EMPLOYEES.))
[SUPER=01-Molly Henry/Carilion Health System;]
[RUNS=05]
[OUT Q=EMPLOYEES]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The Virginia Tech study says all companies would benefit from programs that teach workers how to handle their personal finances.
(-------------)

[Health-Check]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#net-]
[GRAPHIC=Mornin' Health Check]

Live on the Internet -- the birth of a baby.
Yeseterday thousands witnessed the birth of baby Sean.
Melinda Wittstock has the story and more in today's health check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good Morning]
[SUPER=01-Melinda Wittstock/Reporting; :00 ]
[SUPER=@file; ]
[RUNS=1:38]
[OUT Q=cbs news new york]
(( GOOD MORNING.
AMERICA HAS SURVIVED ONE OF THE FIRST LIVE INTERNET BIRTHS... SO WHAT'S NEXT?
VT=VO
((vo))
AMERICA'S HEALTH NETWORK SAYS IT PLANS TO SHOW MORE MEDICAL WONDERS ON ITS WEB SITE... FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF A 40-YEAR OLD WOMAN WHO DELIVERED HER BABY ONLINE.
THE MOTHER, IDENTIFIED ONLY AS ELIZABETH, GAVE BIRTH TO A 7-POUND, 8-OUNCE BABY BOY TUESDAY.
NET SURFERS GOT A CHANCE TO WATCH THE BIG EVENT BY CLICKING ON TO THE WEB SITE.
ELIZABETH SAYS SHE GOT INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT BECAUSE SHE WANTED TO EDUCATE OTHER WOMEN ABOUT CHILDBIRTH.//
VT=VO
((vo))
DOCTORS WANT TO BEGIN CUSTOMIZING DRUGS JUST FOR YOU.
THEY HOPE A SIMPLE GENETIC TEST WILL SOMEDAY HELP DETERMINE WHETHER CERTAIN DRUGS WILL WORK FOR CERTAIN PATIENTS.
SCIENTISTS SAY THIS IDEA OF PERSONALIZING MEDICINE COULD REDUCE THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS WHO DIE FROM BAD DRUG REACTIONS EACH YEAR.
THE STUDY IS BEING BACKED BY THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.//
VT=VO
((vo))
MEDICAL EXPERTS SAY THERE ARE FAR TOO MANY PEOPLE ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL.
ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, DROWSY DRIVERS CAUSE UP TO 3-PERCENT OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES.
THOSE MOST LIKELY TO NOD OFF-- TRUCKERS, DRIVERS WITH SLEEP DISORDERS, AND ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSERS.//
VT=VO
((vo))
GARLIC.
IT LIVENS UP JUST ABOUT ANY DISH... BUT CAN IT DO THE SAME FOR YOUR HEART?
A NEW STUDY SAYS NO.
GERMAN RESEARCHERS SAY THEY'VE FOUND NO EVIDENCE TO BACK A WIDELY HELD BELIEF THAT GARLIC LOWERS CHOLESTEROL.
THEY SAY PREVIOUS STUDIES ON GARLIC AND CHOLESTEROL CAME UP WITH DIFFERENT RESULTS... BECAUSE THE METHODS USED WERE PROBABLY FLAWED.//
AND THAT IS A LOOK AT TODAY'S MEDICAL NEWS. I'M MELINDA WITTSTOCK, CBS NEWS, NEW YORK.))

[Two-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#NONE]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[On Record]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]

[Double Boxes=KMC & SPA]
(toss to Kimberly)
[2-HEADLINES]
[SUPER=#4050; Headline Banner]
[2-shot=mel]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Here's a look at today's top stories.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Its the eve of execution for convicted killer Dennis Eaton.
The supreme court rejected Eaton's final appeal yesterday, Eaton also issued a tape recorded apology to the families of his four victims.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

In Bedford, firefighters battle a late night blaze at a motel.
The fire was contained to one end of the structure and no guests or employees were injured.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Florida Brush fires are now crossing the state line into Georgia.
Strong winds have been fueling the fire that has scorched more than thousands of acres in southern Georgia.
(-----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And that's what's making news on this Wednesday June 17th.
[anchor=Melanie]

News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

[E-Statement-Eaton]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=KHu]
[TAPE#98-47 17:29]
[GRAPHIC=Eaton, Dennis]

Tomorrow night, Dennis Eaton is scheduled to die.
The U-S Supreme Court rejected Eaton's final appeal last night.
Shortly after learning the High Court's decision, he issued a tape-recorded statement, apologizing to the families of his four victims.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 17:38:30 AND 17:43:45]
[IN Q=I hope that]
(( I HOPE THAT ONE DAY, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, THAT THOSE FAMILIES AND THEIR FAMILIES AND EVERYONE THAT WAS HURT CAN FIND THE PEACE AND A CLOSURE THAT THEY ARE SEEKING AND NEED. ))
[RUNS=:16]
[OUT Q=and need.]
(-------------)

[E-Eaton-Execution]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#98-39 1:02:43]
[GRAPHIC=Dennis Eaton]

In 1989, Eaton attemted to kill himself, and ended up shooting out one of his eyes.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Now the condemned man wants to live-- and his last hope rests with the Governor.
[SUPER=03-Richmond;]

Working on his behalf is the sister of the trooper he killed.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT tape two 02:35:22]
[IN Q=I have]
((MARIA HINES/MURDER VICTIM'S SISTER: I HAVE NO DESIRE TO WATCH THE STATE OF VIRGINIA KILL SOMEONE. THAT'S ABOUT THE LAST THING I WOULD WANT TO DO.))
[SUPER=01-Maria Hines/Murder Victim's Sister; ]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=want to do.]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

But Eaton asked former nun Maria Hines to be at his side as a spiritual advisor during his exeucution.
Corrections officials told her she could only sit with the rest of Jerry Hines' family in the victim family room.
She says it defeats the purpose since Eaton won't be able to see her.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 28:26]
[IN Q=We don't]
((RON ANGELONE/VIRGINIA CORRECTIONS DIRECTOR: WE DON'T ALLOW INDIVIDUALS TO BE THERE FOR THE EXECUTED INDIVIDUAL. THEY'RE BEING EXECUTED BY THE STATE. WE ALLOW THE VICTIM'S FAMILY THERE TO PUT CLOSURE TO THIS HEINOUS CRIME THAT INDIVIDUALS DO.))
[SOT 02:36:08]
((MARIA HINES/MURDER VICTIM'S SISTER: I BELIEVE THAT WHEN A PERSON IS DYING...KIND OF PLAYING GOD.))
[SUPER=01-Ron Angelone/Virginia Corrections Director; :00]
[RUNS=:28]
[OUT Q=playing God.]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Maria Hines says she's forgiven Eaton for killing her brother because to her, "hell is a place where there's an absence of love."
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=none]

The execution is scheduled for tomorrow night... if the Governor doesn't intervene.

[2-Bedford-Ax]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=JJA]
[TAPE#98-49]
[GRAPHIC=Accident]

No one was injured last night when a car plunged 50 feet over a bridge and onto railroad tracks below.
The accident occurred in Bedford County.
(-------------)
[vo/nat]
[super=03-Bedford Co./Last Night;]

Rescue crews responded to the scene off Morgans Mill Road shortly after ten p-m.
Apparently the car took out a support column as it went over the bridge, which is closed this morning and will remain closed until repairs can be made.
For now authorities are concerned about the bridge's stability, and railroad traffic has also been stopped.
V-Dot and Norfolk Southern responded to the accident.
(=-------------)

[2-Motel-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin']
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#98-48]
[GRAPHIC=Fire Investigation]

It was a close call, but the Bedford motel did NOT go up in flames last night.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford/Last Night]

Around 11, crews were called to a structure fire at the motel on Route 460 west of Bedford.
Smoke and flames were pouring from the office area of the building when the first crews arrived.
Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the west end of the building.
They say the fire started in the roof over the motel office, but no cause has been determined.
No employees or guests were injured.
(----------------)

[Armed-Robbery]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Armed Robbery]

Roanoke County Police are searching for two suspects who allegedly robbed a Papa John's Pizza at gunpoint early this morning.
The manager of the restaurant on Brambleton Avenue in Cave Spring says two men entered the building and demanded cash around one a-m.
One of the suspects reportedly had a handgun.
Police say the two fled in a car with an undetermined amount of money.
No one was injured in the incident.

[shooting-Folo]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE# NET-L]
[GRAPHIC=School Shooting]

A 14-year-old student accused of shooting two adults at a Richmond high school Monday will be held in a juvenile detention center until his preliminary hearing.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond/Monday;]

Quinshawn Booker wounded a teacher and a teacher's aide.
He made his first court appearance yesterday.
Meantime, security was tight at Armstrong High School yesterday as students showed up for final exams.
Booker's preliminary hearing is set for July 1st.
(----------------)

[BRUSH-FIRE]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=MEL]
[TAPE#net-I]
[GRAPHIC=Severe Weather]

Wild weather is causing problems across the country.
In Norfolk, thunderstorms are blamed for the death of a woman killed by a falling tree.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Frederick, MD;]

In Maryland, strong winds blew down trees, power lines and even blew down a barn.
[SUPER=03-St. George, GA;]
[4:26:40]
Powerful winds are responsible for fueling Florida brush fires that are now invading Goergia.
The flames have scorched more than 3-thousand acres in southern Georgia.
Officials hope to have the fire out of control sometime today.
(----------------)

[HATE-CRIME]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=MEL]
[TAPE#net-H]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The Ku Klux Klan is planning a rally in Jasper, Texas next week to publicly deny any part in the brutal death of a black man.
Three white men are suspects in the dragging death of James Byrd Junior.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Capitol Hill;]

Meantime, members of the House and Senate yesterday called for passage of a bill designed to stiffen federal penalties for hate crimes.
The Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1998 amends federal criminal statutes to set penalties for anyone who hurts another person because of their race, religion, color or nationality.
(----------------)

[Birthdays]
[SS=none]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT ]
[IN Q=(nat sot music)Wed.]
[RUNS=:53]
[out= back to you.]

[Three-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#M98-7]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[On Record]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
Today we are talking about Finishline Racing School, a traveling class room that teaches serious racers how to turn a faster lap.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=When students]
[SUPER=12-Martinsville; :00]
[SUPER=13-Mike Loescher/FinishLine Racing School; :11]
[RUNS=2:53]
[OUT Q=out of that]
((When students step onto the track with former NASCAR modified driver Mike Loescher he suggests that they check their ego's at the gate.
2:37:17 (PARAPHRASED)I TEACH EVERYONE THE SAME, I DON'T CARE IF JEFF GORDON'S IN THE CLASS. A NEW DRIVER MAY TURN A FASTER FIRST LAP THAN AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER BECAUSE FIRST TIME DRIVERS DON'T HAVE BAD HABITS. THE STOP WATCH IS THE GREAT EQUALIZER, IF YOU WANT TO GET BETTER YOU HAVE TO WATCH WHAT THE FASTER GUY IS DOING. THEY TURN A FASTER LAP BY THE THIRD DAY. WHAT HAPPENS IS THEY'RE DRIVING THE CAR, THE CAR'S NOT DRIVING THEM. (30 SEC, 2:27:46)
Class starts with a lesson in walking
(nat break)
The run through teaches students how to get a feel for the track that they will soon be cruising around at speeds over 100 miles and hour. After each student takes a few laps with Loescher in the customized two seater its their turn to drive...their own car that is. Coach believes that street vehicles are one of the best ways to get a feel for the track, it also provides a quieter environment for some one on one instruction. The bottom line is regardless of what you're driving the line into the turn is where the race is won.
2:38:26 (PARAPHRASED) EVERYBODY PAYS ATTENTION TO THE STRAIGHT AWAYS- THINK THAT'S THE GREAT EQUALIZER BUT THERE'S ONLY 2 STRAIGHT-AWAYS BUT THERE IS 4 CORNERS. THAT'S WHERE ALL OF YOUR TIRE WEAR TAKES PLACE, ITS THE PHYSICAL PART. IF YOU CAN GET SMOOTH THROUGH THE CORNERS AND NOT BREAK LOOSE AND ACCELERATE OFF THE TURN YOUR GOING TO BE FASTER THAN THE OTHER GUY.
After another ride...this time with their teacher in the passenger seat, it's time to go solo, but the coach is just a radio wave away.
(nat break)
The students are looking for all the instruction they can get. A three day course runs about 27 hundred dollars.
Loescher says it takes some natural ability, but unlike some other sports it can be taught if you have enough concentration.

(about 2:39:48) BECAUSE HERE IT IS A MATTER OF INCHES, IF YOU MISS THE ENTRY POINT HERE BY LESS THAN A FOOT YOUR GOING
TO BE THREE TENTHS OF A SECOND OFF THE PACE, WELL IF YOU LOOK AT THE QUALIFYING SPEEDS FROM THE RACES HERE THERE'S ONLY 2 OR THREE TENTHS SEPARATING 40 CARS, ONE LITTLE SLIP AND YOUR NOT GOING TO MAKE THE SHOW. SO IF YOU CAN KEEP YOUR CONCENTRATION UP AND DRIVE THAT PERFECT LAP YOU'LL BE FAST.
Teaching is more than just a pay check to this former racer. At the end of every class his racing team gets that much bigger.
2:40:21 GUYS WILL SAY WHY DON'T YOU RACE ANYMORE IF YOUR SO GOOD? WELL I WIN 20 RACES EVERY WEEKEND THROUGH MY STUDENTS. EVERY MONDAY THEY CALL ME AND TELL ME HOW GOOD THEY DID OVER THE WEEKEND AND I GET A LOT OF SATISFACTION OUT OF THAT.))
[Steve Live]

[double Boxes=SPA & MEL]
(toss to Melanie)

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=None]
(ad lib toss to bump)
[BUMP-Chyron]
[COMM #6]

[E-L'burg-Council]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#98-45 27:13]
[GRAPHIC=Lynchburg]

The objections of a minority committee couldn't keep a controversial figure from being re-appointed to the Lynchburg school board last night.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg/Last Month;]

The committee was outraged last month when school board member Tracey Shaw said he could tell some students were from low- income families "simply by looking at them".
Many said the remark was racist, but Shaw denied any racial undertones.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 18:33:20]
[IN Q=I think that]
((JIM WHITAKER/LYNCHBURG MAYOR: I THINK THAT THERE WAS SOME CONTROVERSY AND SOME THINGS THAT MAYBE TOOK PLACE THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE TAKEN PLACE, AND THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME CONTINUING DISCUSSION TO TAKE PLACE ON THE ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN RAISED. BUT I BELIEVE THAT TRACEY WILL CONTINUE TO DO A GOOD JOB ON THE SCHOOL BOARD.))
[SUPER=01-Jim Whitaker/Lynchburg Mayor; :00]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=the school board.]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Lee Greever and Lyle Schweitzer were also re-appointed to the school board.
(----------------)

[Lot-Sizes]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=mornin]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=98-34 TC 1:34:57]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The Franklin County supervisors have raised the minimum lot sizes for people wanting to buy farmland.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Franklin Co.;]

Now you must buy at least 35-thousand-square-feet -- that's almost an acre.
The point is to preserve the rolling hills characteristic of Franklin County.
Some say the new rule is especially important for Smith Mountain Lake where houses are cropping up constantly.

(/////SOT/////)
[SOT18:53:35]
[IN Q=There's only]
((THERE'S ONLY A CERTAIN DENSITY OF PEOPLE THAT CAN BE SUPPORTED IN A PRISTINE ENVIRONMENT LIKE SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE IS.
TOO MANY PEOPLE WILL RUIN IT, THEY'LL RUIN IT FOR EVERYBODY.))
[SUPER=01-Jim Dinwiddie/Lake Resident;]
[RUNS=:13]
[OUT Q=ruin it for everybody]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

But others call it a waste of land.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 18:51:20]
[IN Q=Well you are]
((WELL YOU ARE KEEPING IT OPEN FOR NOW BUT LATER ON DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I73 COMES THROUGH OUR LAND MAY BE BETTER USED AS RESIDENTIAL OTHER THAN FARMING. YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THE LOTS WASTED JUST TO MAKE THE LOTS BIGGER.))
[SUPER=01-Eddie Shelton/Farm Bureau;]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=to make the lots bigger]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

And developers say it will now be more expensive to buy farmland in Franklin County.
(------------)

[E-Radford-Arsenal]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=THa]
[TAPE#98-44 28:57]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The Radford Army Ammunition plant asked for help in clean-up of hazardous materials.
And now citizens are stepping up to the plate.
But as Teresa Hamilton reports, the search for volunteers is far from finished.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=After years]
[SUPER=03-Montgomery Co.; :00]
[SUPER=04-File Tape; :13]
[SUPER=01-Rick Parrish/Volunteer; :31]
[SUPER=01-Rob Davie/Restoration Program Manager; 1:02]
[SUPER=@Teresa2; 1:18 ]
[RUNS=1:30]
[OUT Q=NEWS 7, Montgomery Co.]
(( After years of searching, the Radford Army Ammunition has finally secured enough interest to create a "Restoration
Advisory Board"---- made up of residents willing to lend their time and expertise.

They'll be figuring out the best way to clean-up various lagoons, landfills and trenches where material, possibly hazardous, was deposited years ago.
About 20 residents responded favorably-- after the plant sent out about 150 letters asking for help.
(/////SOT/////)
[8:24:00]
[SOT]
[IN Q=I thought]
((RICK PARRISH/VOLUNTEER:I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON NOW, WHAT WAS GOING ON IN THE PAST, AND TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY BY HELPING OUT WITH THE CLEAN UP EFFORT AND ESPECIALLY WITH INFORMATION BECAUSE I BELIEVE KEEPING THE COMMUNITY INFORMED ON ANY TYPE OF OPERATION LIKE THIS IS CRITICAL. )) [RUNS:19]
[OUT Q=is critical.]

Plant officials have identified 45- sites, which MAY or MAY not be in need of clean-up.
It's a process that actually began a number of years ago.
(/////SOT/////)
[8:27:20]
[SOT]
[IN Q=The restoration]
((ROB DAVIE/RESTORATION PROGRAM MANAGER:THE RESTORATION AND CLEAN-UP PROGRAM HERE IS WHAT I WOULD CALL A PAST SIN PROGRAM, IT'S A PROGRAM THAT BASICALLY EVOLVED AS OUR KNOWLEDGE BASE INCREASED BECAUSE AS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE HAS GOTTEN MORE AND MORE SOPHISTICATED WE'RE ABLE TO SEE THAT WHAT WAS AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND PRACTICE 30- YEARS AGO WOULD NOT BE TODAY. )) [RUNS:17]
[OUT Q=be today.]

The Radford Army Ammunition plant would like to attract even more volunteers-- willing to help out on a project that will likely take a number of years to complete.
Teresa Hamilton, NEWS 7, Montgomery County.))

[E-Log-Cabin]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=98-32 1:11:24]
[GRAPHIC=None]

It's possibly the oldest house in Roanoke.
But the rare log cabin may no longer be standing come summer's end.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

Historians say this two story log cabin is a treasure from before the Civil War.
It's made from chestnut trees now extinct in this area, with special notching from the nineteenth century.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 15:42:15]
[IN Q=This represents]
((I THINK IT'S ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURES IN ROANOKE PROBABLY ONE OF THE EARLIEST. I THINK IT'S ABOUT 1800.))
[SUPER=01-Anne Stuart Beckett/Architectural Historian;]
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q=about 1800]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

A demolition crew has already ripped down the roof and the old kitchen behind the house.
The city has condemned the building as a safety hazard, saying it's been vacant for years.
Officials say the owner, Charlene Dean, would rather tear it down than take responsibility for it.
The house is scheduled to be destroyed by July 2nd.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=NOne]

The homeowner could not be reached for comment.

[3-Sports]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]

To sports now, the Washington Caps go home empty handed as the Detroit Red Wings earn their second straight Stanley Cup title.
Mike Stevens has highlights.
Good Morning Mike.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Howdy]
[RUNS=1:56]
[OUT Q=good Wednesday folks.]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(Melanie ad lib toss to Kimberly/Wx)
[Local-Recap]
[SUPER=#4059;Local Recap]
[2-Shot=Mel/Kmc]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Now here's another look at today's top local stories:
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Condemned killer Dennis Eaton issued a public apology last night, after learning his final appeal was rejected by the U-S Supreme Court.
In the statement, Eaton said he wished peace for the families of his victims.
Eaton is scheduled to die tomorrow night for killing four people.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

A car plunged 50 feet off a Bedford County bridge last night, but no one was injured.
The car hit a column at the bottom of the bridge on Morgans Mill Road. Traffic has been halted until the bridge can be repaired and it's stability assured.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Firefighters were met by smoke and flames when they responded to a fire at the Bedford Motel last night.
They were able to contain the blaze to one end of the building.
No one was injured in the blaze. No cause has been determined.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
(Kimberly mic hot)
(///////////////)
[2 shot=Mel/Kmc]
(Kimberly ad lib weather)
(-------------)
[Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)
[Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]
(ad lib bye)