WDBJ 7 morning news for 07/09/98

[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

In central Florida, a man holds police at bay after gunning down three sheriff's deputies.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

And a million dollar judgement in a civil suit against a drunken driver who killed a Roanoke County school teacher.
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Some patchy fog, otherwise not too much going on around here this morning.
Expect more muggy weather, as we begin a fairly long stretch of sunny days.
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)
[2-shot]

[KITTS-AWARD]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=MEL]
[TAPE# NET-A]
[GRAPHIC=Travis Lam]

A Salem jury says a teenager who killed a schoolteacher while driving drunk must pay one point three million dollars to the dead woman's family.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem;]

That was the verdict yesterday in a civil lawsuit filed by Gary Kitts.
Travis Lam was 16 when he smashed his car into 35 year old Bonnie Kitts in December 19-95.
He was convicted of drunken driving and aggravated involuntary manslaughter.
Lam is now a pre- med student at the University of Virginia.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[(EXTRA BITES)] [16:22:30]
[IN Q=MONEY IS NOT THE ISSUE]
(( GARY KITTS:MONEY IS NOT THE ISSUE HERE. IT'S THE COMMUNITY AWARENESS. DEALING WITH ALCOHOL- RELATED ACCIDENTS MY WIFE GAVE HER LIFE TO EDUCATE KIDS. [16:16:45 ] CHARLIE PHILLIPS:WHEN SOMEONE'S LIFE IS TAKEN IN THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS OCCURRED, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS UNINTENTIONAL, BOTH FAMILIES WILL ALWAYS BE AFFECTED))
[SUPER=01-Gary Kitts/Victim's Husband;]
[SUPER=01-Charlie Phillips/Travis Lam's Attorney;14]
[RUNS=:20]
[OUT Q=ALWAYS BE AFFECTED]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Lam spent nine weeks in juvenile detention centers and performed 100 hours of community service.
His driver's license also was revoked for five years.
(----------------)

[DEPUTIES-SHOT]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=MEL]
[TAPE#net-O]
[GRAPHIC=Standoff]

A police standoff is underway near Orlando, Florida this morning after three sheriff's deputies were gunned down last night.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Geneva, FL;]

Early this morning SWAT teams fired tear gas into a house where the suspect is holed up.
The shooting began last night when deputies responded to a call about a man pulling a weapon on another man.
One deputy was killed, two others have been hospitalized.
The gunman is believed to be alone in the house.
(----------------)

[MONTANA-FREEMAN]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=MEL]
[TAPE#net-T]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

Four top members of the Montana Freemen have been convicted of bank fraud.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Billings, MT;]
[4:04]
A jury in Billings found them guilty of taking part in a massive assault on the nation's banking system.

Prosecutors said the anti-government group issued bogus checks totaling more than 15 billion dollars.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[4:05:04-10]
[IN Q=We're somewhat]
(( SHERRY MATTEUCCI/U.S. ATTORNEY WE'RE SOMEWHAT PERPLEXED BY SOME OF THE DECISIONS THAT WERE MADE... BUT WE WILL REASSESS AND ANALYZE THOSE DECISIONS. ))
[SUPER=01-Sherry Matteucci/U.S. Attorney;]
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q=THOSE DECISIONS.]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

The jury deadlocked on charges against eight other freemen and the judge declared mistrials in those cases.
(----------------)

[5-Buchanan-Accident]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=mornin]
[WRITER=eea]
[TAPE#=598-24 52:16]
[GRAPHIC=None]

State investigators are taking a close look at the stretch of I-81 in Botetourt County where 7 people last their lives last weekend.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Botetourt Co./Yesterday;]

An engineer from the State Crash Investigation Team spent yesterday morning looking over the wreckage.
He'll also look at the highway where it happened, searching for any structural problems that may have contributed to the accident.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 00:37:39]
[IN Q=everytime you]
[SUPER=01-David McAllister/Crash Investigation Team;]
((DAVE MCALLISTER/CRASH INVESTIGATION TEAM; EVERY TIME YOU HAVE A CRASH, IT'S A BREAKDOWN BETWEEN THE DRIVER, THE VEHICLE AND THE ROADWAY, AND IF WE CAN ISOLATE THAT OR OTHER CAUSAL FACTORS WE'RE IN A MUCH BETTER POSITION TO TRY TO PREVENT OTHER CRASHES FROM OCCURRING))
[RUNS=:16]
[OUT Q=from ocurring]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Wrecker service operator Hugh Simmons has seen several accidents on that particular section of highway.
He says it's especially dangerous when it rains.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 00:35:18]
[IN Q=It's coming]
((HUGH SIMMONS/HUGH'S BODY SHOP; IT'S COMING OFF THE MOUNTAIN THERE, THEN IF YOU'RE GOING SOUTH, IT'S COMING DOWN FROM THE ARCADIA EXIT, COMING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, SO YOU'VE GOT WATER IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.))
[SUPER=01-Hugh Simmons/Hugh's Body Shop]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=both directions]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The investigation could take several months.
If it finds any safety defects in the road, the team will report them to the state highway department.
(------------)

[Salem-Ax]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin']
[WRITER=djo]
[TAPE#=98-48]
[GRAPHIC=Accident]
Two men escaped with only minor injuries after a collision in Salem yesterday.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem;]
Police say an S-U-V crossed the median of Indiana Street and struck an oncoming minivan.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT=20:40:33]
[IN Q=AND THAT FLIPPED]
((MELVIN LUTZ/SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT; AND THAT FLIPPED HIM OVER AND THREW THE DRIVER OUT AND HE WENT SCOOTING UP THE STREET.))
[SUPER=01-Melvin Lutz/Salem Police Department;]
[RUNS=06]
[OUT Q=UP THE STREET.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital for what were described as non life threatening injuries. The driver and passenger of the minivan escaped without injuries. Charges against the hospitalized man are pending.
(------------)

[E-Lucky-Winner]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin']
[WRITER=djo]
[TAPE#=98-46]
[GRAPHIC=Layoffs]
A phase-out at a Dublin sewing plant will leave nearly 70 people unemployed in six weeks.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Dublin;]
The plant manager of L-W-I or "Lucky Winner, Incorporated" says, the owner told him it was an "economic and reorganization" decision. The 25-year old company cuts and distributes cloth. Departments will be phased out over the next four to six weeks. According to the plant manager, outside contractors will be used to fulfill the company's obligations.
(------------)

[E-City-Finance]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=sgo]
[TAPE#=98-40 1:32:32]
[GRAPHIC=Roanoke City]

Cities across the nation are doing well financially.
But a national study says Roanoke is not one of them.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Star City officials say the city's outlook is rather dim.
According to a National League of Cities report, Roanoke will be "less able" to meet its financial needs in the coming years.
Director of Finance Jim Grisso said one reason is the city won't collect as much car-tax revenue as it first expected.
He blames that on the so-called "blue book," which Roanoke is now using to assess car values.
But Commissioner of the Revenue Sherman Holland says the blue book is NOT to blame.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 11 46 58]
[IN Q=I DON'T]
((SHERMAN HOLLAND/ROANOKE COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE: I DON'T THINK THAT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE BOOK AT ALL. I'M NOT TOO INTO THOSE PROJECTIONS ANYWAY BECAUSE THAT'S NOT PRIMARILY A CONCERN OF THIS OFFICE. THIS OFFICE IS CONCERNED WITH MAKING SURE THE TAXPAYERS GET A CORRECT, CONSISTENT AND AN ACCURATE BILL. AND IF THAT GENERATES LESS MONEY FOR THE CITY THEN SO BE IT.))
[SUPER=01-Sherman Holland/Roanoke Comm. of the Revenue;]
[RUNS=22]
[OUT Q=SO BE IT]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Holland said Roanoke is losing revenue from another place:
Not as many people are shopping within the city limits.
(------------)

[1-Sports]

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

In sports, the streets of Paris were filled with cheers as France earned a spot in the World Cup Finals.
The French team will take on Brazil.
Mike Stevens has details.
Good Morning Mike.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Hey everybody]
[RUNS=1:36]
[OUT Q=see ya then.]

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

[One-Steve]

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

[Roll Cold out of Break]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Today on news 7]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon; :00]
[SUPER=07-Billy Thompson; :22]
[SUPER=07-Pauline Perry; :34]
[SUPER=12-Roanoke; :46]
[SUPER=07-Jeff Eller; :53]
[SUPER=07-Julia Ellis; 1:04]
[SUPER=07-Sandra Thompson; 1:27]
[RUNS=1:43]
[OUT Q=need to know about it]

[Steve Live]

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

[Davis-Trial]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

Trial is scheduled to begin today for an 88-year-old Franklin woman charged with first-degree murder.
Authorities say Virginia Davis murdered 51-year-old John Winbrow last year by beating him to death.
Davis' attorney says the elderly woman is physically incapable of beating someone to death.
She could face life in prison if convicted.

[E-Campus-Card]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=lba]
[TAPE#=98-44 48:18]
[GRAPHIC=Scams]

A settlement has been reached in a scam affecting college and high school students and their parents.
Yesterday Attorney General Mark Earley announced the settlement involving 35 states, including Virginia.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Ferrum/April;]

The "Campus Card" was solicited by the National College Registration Board in April.
Earley says the N-C-R-B misled students into believing their college required them to buy the 25 dollar Campus Card for identification.
The settlement will require the company to cease operations and reimburse customers.
Almost six-thousand students nationwide responded to the "Campus Card" offer, including as many as 160 Virginians. [pinnacle 1003]
If you have questions or think you may be eligible for a refund you can call the Attorney General's Office at (804) 786-0594.
(-------------)

[E-Mental-Patient]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#98-51 26:23]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Mental health advocates want to know if something could have been done to prevent a patient from stealing an ambulance yesterday morning in Lynchburg.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

Police arrested 51-year old Dennis Ray Carter after a short chase down Court Street.
Authorities had taken Carter to the hospital for evaluation after he complained of hearing voices inside his head.. minutes later he drove off in a Brookneal Rescue Squad unit.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 6:29:21]
[IN Q=With what happened]
((PHIL THEISEN/LYNCHBURG DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS: WITH WHAT HAPPENED THIS MORNING, I THINK THE QUESTION WOULD BE `WHERE WAS SECURITY?' IT'S OUR UNDERSTANDING THAT ONE PERSON IS STATIONED BACK THERE AT ALL TIMES AND I WOULD THINK NORMALLY THAT THAT PERSON WOULD BE CALLED UPON TO STAND BY A PATIENT.))
[SUPER=01-Phil Theisen/Depressive Disorders Assoc.; :00]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=by a patient.]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Hospital officials say patients who voluntarily seek treatment can not be held against their will.
(----------------)

[Health-Check]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=NET]
[GRAPHIC=Mornin Health Check]

In medical news, 2 popular pain relievers that can be purchased over the counter will soon carry warnings for drinkers.
Rick Jackson has that story and more in today's Health check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Rick Jackson/Reporting; :00 ]
[SUPER=@file; ]
[RUNS=1:13]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]
((ONCAM=RICK
((on camera))
TWO FAMILIAR OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN RELIEVERS MAY DO YOU MORE HARM THAN GOOD.. UNLESS YOU READ THE NEW WARNING LABELS CAREFULLY.
VT=VO
((vo))
TYLENOL WILL BEGIN CARRYING LABELS THAT CAUTION PEOPLE WHO DRINK 3 OR MORE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES A DAY.. TO CONSULT THEIR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING THE MEDICATION.
THE LABELS ALSO WARN HEAVY DRINKERS THAT TAKING THE DRUG COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF LIVER DAMAGE.
NEW WARNINGS FOR THE PAIN RELIEVER, MOTRIN, GO EVEN FURTHER-- EMPHASIZING THE RISK OF STOMACH BLEEDING WHEN COMBINED WITH ALCOHOL.
THE CHANGES COME IN RESPONSE TO AN F-D-A PROPOSAL THAT ALL HOUSEHOLD PAINKILLERS CARRY ALCOHOL WARNING LABELS.//
VT=VO
((vo))
A STANDARD AIDS DRUG IS ALSO PROVING EFFECTIVE AT TREATING HEPATITIS B.
A STUDY IN TODAY'S NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE SAYS THE DRUG, 3-T-C, SLOWED LIVER DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE DISEASE.
DOCTORS HOPE THE FINDINGS WILL LEAD TO ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS.
MORE THAN 300-MILLION PEOPLE ARE INFECTED WITH HEPATITIS B WORLDWIDE.//
VT=VO
((vo))
SOME PREGNANT WOMEN LIKE TO WALK AROUND JUST BEFORE GIVING BIRTH--
OTHERS PREFER TO LAY BACK AND LET NATURE TAKE ITS COURSE.
A NEW REPORT SAYS EITHER WAY IS FINE... AS LONG AS IT MAKES THE MOTHER-TO-BE HAPPY.
DALLAS RESEARCHERS FOUND THAT THE DECISION TO MOVE ABOUT OR STAY IN BED HAD NO NOTICEABLE EFFECT ON THE DELIVERY.
AND THAT IS A LOOK AT TODAY'S MEDICAL NEWS. I'M RICK JACKSON, CBS NEWS, NEW YORK))

(ad lib to weather)

[Two-Steve]

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

[On Record]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
Welcome back to news 7 Mornin.
Each month I present the segment Mornin' Round Table. And each month I get e-mails and other feedback from folks who want me to know that the opinion the people in the segment expressed is not their opinion. And I appreciate the input. But I do want to take a moment to mention the purpose of the segment.
Mornin Round table is deffinatly not a scientific poll, nor is it ment to be. I visit with far too few people to assume that it gauges the opinion of an entire area.
What I hope it does do, is spark conversation, maybe even a lively debate. Whether its at home with your family, around the water cooler with co-workers, or amongst your friends at school.
Maybe one of the opinions you hear is from a point of view you hadn't considered, maybe you dissagree with it completely but if the Mornin' Round Table made you think about it that long, then it did its job.
And Kimberly we'll have more of those opinions coming up a little later on.
[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]

A sheriff's deputy is dead, gunned down in a shootout at a house in central, Florida.
Two other deputies were injured.
The suspect is now holed up inside the house.
SWAT teams are using tear gas to try and force him out.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

A million dollar judgement in a civil suit against a drunken driver who killed a Roanoke County school teacher.
Travis Lam has already been convicted of drunken driving and involuntary manslaughter in the death of Bonnie Kitts.

He now must pay close to one million 400- thousand dollars to her family.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[ss=none]

And in Delaware today two teenagers will be sentenced for killing their newborn in November 19-96.
They pleaded guilty to Manslaughter this spring.
Police accused them of killing the child after he was born and then putting his body in a trash bin.
(----------------)
[anchor=Kimberly]

And that's what's making news on this Thursday July 9th.
[anchor=Melanie]

News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

[E-Kitts]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=98-39 1:33:27]
[GRAPHIC=Lam, Travis]

A million-dollar verdict for the family of a Roanoke County woman hit and killed by a teen-aged drunk driver over 2 years ago.
And the reward against Travis Lam could help raise awareness of drinking and driving.
Keith Humphry has details.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Bonnie Kitts' husband]
[SUPER=03-Salem; :00]
[SUPER=04-December 14, 1995; :04]
[SUPER=01-Gary Kitts/Victim's Husband; :13]
[SUPER=07-Travis Lam; 28]
[SUPER=01-Jimmy Kitts/Victim's Son; 1:24]
[SUPER=@keith1; 1:38]
[RUNS=1:57]
[OUT Q=News 7, Salem.]

(( Bonnie Kitts' husband has never felt justice was done.
The speeding car that killed his wife 10 days before Christmas in 1995 was driven by a drunken 16 year old honor student.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 16:21:35]
[IN Q=]
((THIS VERDICT RESTORES OUR FAITH IN THE JURY SYSTEM.)) [RUNS:05]
[OUT Q=]

Lam doesn't remember much about the accident... though he recounted how he felt when he came to and learned he'd killed a teacher.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
((I WAS TOTALLY DISGUSTED WITH MYSELF. I FELT SO MUCH PAIN AND REMORSE FOR THE KITTS FAMILY.)) [RUNS:10]
[OUT Q=]

Lam is now 19, a pre-med student at U-V-a with no money, NOW... but with considerable earning potential, given his aspiration to become an anesthesiologist... Lam might ONE day be able to make good on the 1-million, 365-thousand dollar judgment.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 16:24:15]
[IN Q=]
((WE HAVE NO INTEREST IN ANY FUNDS FROM TRAVIS LAM OR HIS FAMILY. ANY MONEY, FUNDS RECEIVED FROM HIS PERSONAL FINANCES WILL ALL BE DONATED TO MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING.)) [RUNS:11]
[OUT Q=]

For Gary Kitts and his two boys, this case was more about drawing attention to the fact that the store clerk who sold Lam the beer got away with it and that Travis Lam spent just five weeks in juvenile detention.
And of course no amount of money will bring Bonnie back.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 16:25:35]
[IN Q=]
((IT DOESN'T EASE THE PAIN. THE LAST THREE DAYS I'VE HAD TO RELIVE WHAT I HAD TO RELIVE ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO. IT'S REALLY BROUGHT US TOGETHER AS A FAMILY, BUT IT'S BEEN EXTREMELY PAINFUL.)) [RUNS:13]
[OUT Q=painful.]

(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=The jury wasn't]
((THE JURY WASN'T TOLD THAT THE FIRST $200,000 OF THIS AWARD WILL BE PAID BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. SO THE KITTS FAMILY WILL COLLECT ONCE THIS JUDGMENT IS MADE FINAL. ANYTHING OVER AND THE 200,000 FROM INSURANCE WILL COME ONLY WHEN AND IF TRAVIS LAM BECOMES ABLE TO PAY. KEITH HUMPHRY, NEWS 7, SALEM.)) [RUNS:20]
[OUT Q=News-7, Salem]))

[E-Buchanan-Accident]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morning]
[WRITER=eea]
[TAPE#=98-32]
[GRAPHIC=Fatal Accident]

The Independence day crash that killed 7 people in Botetourt County will be closely analyzed by special investigators.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Botetourt Co./Yesterday;]

The head of the Richmond-based Crash Investigation Team spent yesterday morning sifting through the wreckage of the car and truck involved.
He'll also analyze the stretch of road where the accident occurred.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 00:35:18]
[IN Q=we do this primarily]
((DAVID MCALLISTER/CRASH INVESTIGATION TEAM; WE DO THIS PRIMARILY TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED IN THE WRECKS, AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT CRASHES LIKE THIS FROM OCCURRING. THE INTEREST IN THIS PARTICULAR CRASH OBVIOUSLY IS THE NUMBER OF DEATHS, WHERE IT HAPPENED, ON A VERY BUSY STRETCH OF INTERSTATE 81.))
[RUNS=19]
[OUT Q=of interstate 81]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

One wrecker service operator says that section of highway has a history of accidents, and is dangerous when it rains.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 00:35:18]
[IN Q=It's coming]
((HUGH SIMMONS/HUGH'S BODY SHOP; IT'S COMING OFF THE MOUNTAIN THERE, THEN IF YOU'RE GOING SOUTH, IT'S COMING DOWN FROM THE ARCADIA EXIT, COMING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, SO YOU'VE GOT WATER IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.))
[SUPER=01-Hugh Simmons/Hugh's Body Shop]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=both directions]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

If the investigation team finds drainage problems, or defects in the road, they'll reccomend changes to the Highway Department.
(------------)

[2-Salem-Ax]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin']
[WRITER=djo]
[TAPE#=98-48]
[GRAPHIC=Accident]
Two men escaped with only minor injuries after a collision in Salem yesterday.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem;]
Police say an S-U-V crossed the median of Indiana Street and struck an oncoming minivan.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT=20:40:33]
[IN Q=AND THAT FLIPPED]
((MELVIN LUTZ/SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT; AND THAT FLIPPED HIM OVER AND THREW THE DRIVER OUT AND HE WENT SCOOTING UP THE STREET.))
[SUPER=01-Officer Melvin Lutz/Salem Police Department;]
[RUNS=06]
[OUT Q=UP THE STREET.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital for what were described as non-life threatening injuries. The driver and passenger of the minivan escaped without injuries. Charges against the hospitalized man are pending.
(------------)

[2-DEPUTIES-SHOT]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=MEL]
[TAPE#net-]
[GRAPHIC=Standoff]

There may be a break in a police standoff this morning in central Florida.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Geneva, FL;]

Early this morning SWAT teams fired tear gas into a house where a suspect is hold up.
He's wanted for shooting three sheriff's deputies.
It all began last night when deputies responded to a call about a man pulling a weapon on another man.
One deputy was killed, two others have been hospitalized.
The gunman is believed to be alone in the house.
(----------------)

[hate-crimes]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#net-]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Stiffer sentences for hate crimes, the request from the daughter of a black man... who was dragged to his death in Texas earlier this year.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington DC;]

Frances Mullins testified yesterday before the Senate judiciary committee.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
(( FRANCIS RENEE MULLINS/DAUGHTER: "I CANNOT GET OVER THE HURT AND DEEPLY FELT HATRED OF HOW HE DIED...EXCUSE ME (TEARY)" ))
[SUPER=01-Frances Renee Mullins/Victim's Daughter;]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=excuse me.]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

The panel is holding hearings on a bill that would broaden the federal hate crime law to cover, along with skin color... gender, disability and sexual orientation.
(----------------)

[grossberg-decision]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#net-]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

Two teen-age parents will be sentenced today in Delaware for killing their newborn.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@File;]
[4:07:18]
Brian Peterson and Amy Grossberg pleaded guilty last spring to manslaughter.
They were originally charged with first-degree murder after delivering their baby in secret in a motel room, killing him and dumping his body in a trash bin.
Both blamed the other for the baby's death.
Under Delaware law, manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, but guidelines suggest a term of two and a-half years.
(----------------)

[2-E-Lucky-Winner]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin']
[WRITER=djo]
[TAPE#=98-46]
[GRAPHIC=Layoffs]
Nearly 70 people will be without jobs after a Dublin sewing plant phase-out.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Dublin;]
The plant manager of L-W-I or "Lucky Winner, Incorporated" says, the owner told him it was an "economic and reorganization" decision. The 25-year old company cuts and distributes cloth. Departments will be phased out over the next four to six weeks. According to the plant manager, outside contractors will be used to fulfill the company's obligations.
(------------)
[Birthdays]
[SS=none]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT ]
[IN Q=(nat sot music)Thur.]
[RUNS=:58]
[out= back to you.]

[Three-Steve]

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

[ROLL COLD OUT OF BIRTHDAYS]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Today on News 7]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon; :00]
[SUPER=12-Roanoke; :09]
[SUPER=07-Jeff Eller; :27]
[SUPER=07-Bobbye Behrnes; :47]
[SUPER=07-Pauline Perry; 1:03]
[SUPER=07-Billy Thompson; 1:30]
[SUPER=07-Sandra Thompson; 1:56]
[SUPER=07-Julia Ellis; 2:11]

[RUNS=2:50]
[OUT Q=might be too much]

[Steve Live] [On Record]

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

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

[E-Pitts-Pot]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=chu]
[TAPE#98-42 1:02:50]
[GRAPHIC=Drug Bust Pot]

A drug search in Pittsylvania County turned up plenty of marijuana.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT (helicopter noise)]
[IN Q=(helicopter noise)]
[RUNS=:04]
[OUT Q=(helicopter noise)]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pittsylvania Co.;]

Law enforcement officers in the air and on the ground spent the last several days getting rid of hundreds of pot plants.
Spotters in helicopters located the illegal plants... and directed ground crews to them.
Some of the marijuana stalks topped 15-feet and had to be chopped down.
All total, more than 500-pot plants were destroyed.
The Pittsylvania County sheriff's department conducts a drug search like this one every year.
(----------------)

[E-VCE-Audit]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#98-45 49:58]
[GRAPHIC=Virginia State Seal]

Virginia's prisoners aren't bringing in enough money, though they have plenty of work.
In fact they make clothing, furniture, wood products, and all state license plates.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@file;]

According to a just-released state audit, Virginia Correctional Enterprises was more than five million dollars in debt at the end of March.
The state auditor says policymakers need to fund it as a rehabilitation program-- or make it more competitive as a business.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 15;47:33]
[IN Q=If not]
((WALTER KUCHARSKI/STATE AUDITOR: IF NOT, IT'S GOING TO HAVE CONTINUED FINANCIAL PROBLEMS LIKE IT HAS RIGHT NOW, WHICH IS A CASH SHORTAGE, THE LACK OF ABILITY TO COLLECT CERTAIN RECEIVABLES, THE NEED TO BUY INVENTORY, AND NOT HAVE THE POWER TO EITHER BORROW MONEY OR RAISE CAPITAL.))
[SUPER=01-Walter Kucharski/State Auditor;]
[RUNS=:16]
[OUT Q=raise capital.]
[TALENT=Kimberly]
[SS=Virginia State Seal]

Correctional Enterprises is already under investigation for possibly violating trade laws.
That's for costumes Virginia inmates made for the film "The Island of Dr. Moreau (mor-OH).

[E-Babies-Swimming]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=tfl]
[TAPE#=98-41 1:15:49]
[GRAPHIC=None]
A sink or swim lesson for babies is stirring controversy among pediatricians.
The process involves throwing a baby into a swimming pool fully clothed.
It is supposed to teach babies to float to the top and prevent drowning in case they fall into water.
Tonya Flory has details.
(/////SOT/////)
[IN Q=Are these]
[SUPER=01-Dr. William Kagey/Pediatrician; :08]
[SUPER=01-Jim Parker/Parent; :34 QIUCK]
[SUPER=01-Lee Ann Wheat/YMCA Instructor; :37]
[SUPER=@Tonya2; :59]
[RUNS=1:11]
[OUT Q=Health Check]
(( Dunking infants in order to make them pool safe is a method with which Salem pediatrician William Kagey does not agree.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT ub 13 40 01]
[IN Q=Young babies]
((DR. WILLIAM KAGEY/PEDIATRICIAN:YOUNG BABIES SHOULD NOT BE DUNKED UNDER THE WATER BECAUSE THEY SWALLOW TOO MUCH WATER AND CAN HAVE CONVULSIONS SO YOUNG BABIES, SO YOUNG BABIES SHOULDN'T BE DUNKED UNDER THE WATER.)) [RUNS:12]
[OUT Q=under the water]
The YMCA and YWCA call their techniques safe and fun, not traumatic for the infants and parents. Jim Parker says he and his wife wanted to start lessons early so 19-month old Joseph wouldn't be afraid of the water.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT ub 19 11 24]
[IN Q=That's what we]
((JIM PARKER/PARENT:THAT'S WHAT WE WANT TO DO IS KEEP HIM FROM BEING TOO SCARED OF THE WATER.)) [RUNS:03]
[OUT Q=as he can]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT ub 18 54 51]
[IN Q=It's the]
((LEE ANN WHEAT/YMCA INSTRUCTOR:IT'S THE ONES WHO HAVE NEVER HAD ANY WATER EXPERIENCE, ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY'RE FIVE YEARS OLD AND THE PARENTS SAY LET'S GIVE MY CHILD SWIMMING LESSONS, THOSE ARE THE ONES THAT ARE HARD TO TEACH BECAUSE IT'S VERY SCARY, THEY'RE NOT USED TO IT.)) [RUNS:13]
[OUT Q=used to it.]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 19 11 42]
[IN Q=He's going]
((JIM PARKER/PARENT:HE'S GOING TO BE AROUND A LOT OF POOLS IN HIS LIFE AND WE DON'T WANT TO WORRY ABOUT HIM DROWNING AND WE FEEL LIKE IF HE LEARNS EARLY HE'LL BE BETTER IN THE LONG RUN.)) [RUNS:10]
[OUT Q=long run]
And swim instructors say the parental involvement not only helps the babies learn in a nurturing environment, but also strengthens the bond of trust between the child and the parent. Tonya Flory, News 7, Health Check.))

[3-Sports]

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

In sports, the World Cup soccer finals are set.
Mike Stevens has details.
Good Morning Mike.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good Morning again]
[RUNS=1:56]
[OUT Q=nice Thursday 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]

A one-point-three million dollar verdict in the civil trial against Travis Lam.
Lam was found liable in the wrongful death of Bonnie Kitts, a schoolteacher he struck and killed while driving drunk in 1995.
The Kitts family says any money they receive will go to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

A special investigation could bring changes to a section of I-81 where seven people died last weekend.
The Richmond-based Crash Investigation Team is inspecting the roadway and the wreckage to determine what caused the accident.
One tow-truck operator says the spot is notorious for accidents.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Almost 70 people will lose their jobs at a Dublin sewing plant.
The plant manager at Lucky Winner Incorporated says the decision was made for economic and organizational purposes.

L-W-I is a 25-year old company that cuts and distributes cloth. Several departments will be phased out over the next six weeks.
(-------------)
[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)