WDBJ 7 morning news for 11/19/98

[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

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

Independent counsel Kenneth Starr puts his case against President Clinton forward today.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

And a deadend in the criminal investigation of the U-V-A switched baby case.
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

It's a fairly cloudy view outside this morning, with an approaching cold front bringing the promise of some showers later tonight.
Today's outlook, plus a peek ahead at the weekend, coming up.
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)
[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

[Impeachment]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#None ]
[GRAPHIC=Impeachment Inquiry]

President Clinton is in Tokyo this morning leaving his presidency in the hands of his lawyers.
Later this morning Kenneth Starr will lay out his case for impeachment.
Lee Cowan has the latest.
[Live=Lee Full/Newspath]
[SUPER=01-Lee Cowan/Reporting;]
[SUPER=05-Washington DC;]
( ad lib)
[***ROLLED FROM NEWSPATH***]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Joe Lockhart/White House Spokesman; :38]
[SUPER=01-Rep. Henry Hyde/House Judiciary Chairman; 1:03]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=mistreated at all]

[Live=Lee Full/Newspath]
[SUPER=05-Washington DC;]
( ad lib)

((AS IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS GET UNDER WAY THIS MORNING, IT COULD WELL BE MONICA LEWINSKY MAY END UP ALMOST A FOOTNOTE. WORD LAST NIGHT IS THE COMMITTEE HOPES TO EXPAND IT'S INQUIRY BY CALLING MORE WITNESSES, INCLUDING AT THE VERY LEAST, THE PRESIDENT'S CLOSEST ADVISOR BRUCE LINDSEY AND PRIVATE ATTORNEY BOB BENNETT. (( NAT STARR )) "good morning" NOT ONLY THAT, BUT THE COMMITTEE'S HEARING WILL OPEN WITH A LENGTHY STATEMENT BY KEN STARR WHO IS EXPECTED TO OUTLINE WHAT HE CALLS A PATTERN OF MISUSE OF THE PRESIDENT'S POWER AND AUTHORITY TO OBSTRUCT JUSTICE. TO DO THAT, HE WILL BRING UP ISSUES NOT EVEN CONTAINED IN HIS ORIGINAL REPORT ON LEWINSKY. AND THAT HAS THE WHITE HOUSE CRYING FOUL.
(( SUPER: JOE LOCKHART//WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN )) (( SOT AT 8:46:08 ))
"There is something fundamentally unfair and disturbing about the Republicans and the Independent Counsel saying that they can cover any subject they want, they can expand this into any fishing expedition they want but the President's council has to keep on the issues that THEY think are germane. The American public will reject that." REJECT IT OR NOT, THE COMMITTEE'S CHAIR SAYS IT'S JUST FOLLOWING THE RULES AND ONLY HIGHLITES HOW PARTISAN THESE HEARINGS HAVE BECOME.
(( SUPER: REP. HENRY HYDE//HOUSE JUDICIARY CHAIR )) (( SOT AT 11:06:55 ))
"The Democrats want to stick to Monica Lewinsky. We want to look at everything." (( NAT CLINTON )) AS FOR THE PRESIDENT - HE WILL BE OUT OF TOWN - LEAVING HIS PRESIDENCY IN THE HANDS OF HIS ATTORNEYS WHO SO FAR, ARE ONLY GOING TO BE GIVEN A HALF AN HOUR TO CROSS EXAMINE THE COMMITTEE'S WITNESSES. ON THAT THE DEBATE CONTINUES:
(( LOCKHART SOT AT 8:45:30 ))
This process isn't fair."
(( HYDE SOT AT 11:04:35 ))
"They're not being mistreated at all."))

[Local-Committee]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Impeachment Inquiry]

Three Virginians sit on the Judiciary committee, two of them from our part of the state.
News-Seven's Ellen Qualls will be in Washington.
She'll have more on what Bob Goodlatte and Rick Boucher have to say during today's proceedings tonight on News-7 at Five and News-7 at Six.

[Giles-Investigation]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=eea]
[TAPE#=98-68 TC53:35]
[GRAPHIC=Bomb Threat]

Police investigating bomb threats at Giles County high schools are apparently close to filing charges, in fact they plan to make a statement later this morning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pearisburg;]

They're not releasing details, but investigators apparently made a major breakthrough in the case yesterday as they interviewed students at the Sheriff's office.
They've also identified at least two pay phones involved.
So far, four bomb threats have been called in this week, including one yesterday morning at Narrows High School.
(------------)

[S-UVA-Babies]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#98-69 1:00:30]
[GRAPHIC=Baby Swap]

The police investigation into how two babies were switched at birth three years ago at the University of Virginia Medical Center has come to a halt -- with NO clear answers.
NEWS 7 has learned the police report has been turned over to Commonwealth's Attorney in Charlottesville with NO clear findings of fault, no suspects or criminal allegations.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@file; ]

Commonwealth's Attorney Dave Chapman is expected to talk to the families of Rebecca Chittum in Buena Vista and Callie Johnson in Greene County in a matter of days about any details he will be making public.
A source close to the investigation says the 1995 baby switch may have simply been a mistake.
The police investigation is expected to remain open indefinitely, just in case new information comes up.
(----------------)

[1-Sports]

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

In sports, the U-V-A basketball team travels to Alaska without two of its players.
Mike Stevens has details.
Good Morning Mike.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Howdy folks]
[RUNS=1:44]
[OUT Q=a little bit.]

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

[One-Steve]

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

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke Co.;]
[SUPER=01-Vadim Polyakov/Fencing Coach;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke Co.;]

(toss to stocks)
[STOCKS] [COMM] ((Archive:Fencing))

[E-Rockbridge-Fires]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=sta]
[TAPE#=98-56 1:58:33]
[GRAPHIC=Arson Arrest]

Several Rockbridge area firefighters are under arrest-- the result of a 19 month investigation into several suspicious fires.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Rockbridge Co.;]

Charges against nine firefighters with the Lexington and Effinger Fire Departments include arson and breaking and entering.
They could each face up to seven years behind bars.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 23.50.04 - 23.50.20]
[IN Q=We have a good deal]
((CHRIS BLALOCK/ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT: WE HAVE A GOOD DEAL OF DAMAGES A LOT OF THESE HOMES, SOME OF THEM WERE UNDER REMODELING. THEY STILL HAD A VALUE TO THEM AND ANYTIME YOU BRING OUT FIRE EQUIPMENT AND RUN LIGHTS AND SIRENES IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS YOU PUT THE PUBLIC AND THE FIREFIGHTERS AT RISK.))
[SUPER=01-Chris Blalock/Rockbridge Co. Sheriff's Dept.]
[RUNS=16]
[OUT Q=firefighters at risk.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

At least 21 suspicious fires were reported over a 19-month period.
Authorities said all of those charged confessed and said they set the fires because they wanted to put their training to use.
Charges against two others are pending.
(------------)

[E-Poindexter]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=djo]
[TAPE#=98-63 1:46:17]
[GRAPHIC=Poindexter]

The investigation into a fatal pepper spray incident has raised some questions from a civil rights group.
That same invesitgation cleared the two Roanoke police officers involved.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
Derek Poindexter was pepper sprayed by two officers who thought he was chewing crack. When Poindexter refused to spit it out, the officers sprayed him. He later died. The N-double-A-C-P says the officers' actions were out of line and adds they may not be solely responsible.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT=14:29:58]
[IN Q=WE WANT TO]
((MARTIN JEFFREY/LOCAL NAACP PRESIDENT; WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS GOES BEYOND JUST THE DECISION OF THOSE TWO OFFICERS. TO THE DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICIES THAT SAY IT'S OKAY FOR YOU TO SPRAY PEPPER SPRAY IN THE FACE OF A MAN WHO'S HANDCUFFED. THAT'S JUST LUDICRIOUS.))
[SUPER=01-Martin Jeffrey/Local NAACP President;]
[RUNS=17]
[OUT Q=JUST LUDICRIOUS.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Poindexter's mother says she has taken the matter up with an attorney.
(------------)

[E&H-Chief]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Emory and Henry]

Emory and Henry College fired its police chief this week.
Wallace Ballou says she was let go for trying to crack down on campus drinking.
She said school administrators don't want a no-alcohol policy enforced because they're afraid of offending alumni who holds tailgate parties at home football games.
School officials declined to comment.
Just under a thousand students attend Emory and Henry which is affilitated with the United Methodist Chuch.
Last spring, Virginia methodists asked five church-affiliated colleges to ban alcohol.

[E-Sesame-Street]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tfl]
[TAPE#=98-60 TC1:40:08]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The Salem Civic Center plays host to Sesame Street Live this weekend.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; ]
But one of the show's characters gave some patients a sneak preview yesterday at the Medical Center for Children at Roanoke Community Hospital. Star of the Children's Television Network and popular tickle toy Elmo played games with sick children this afternoon.

And after the activities ended, Elmo served "C" is for cookies in the playroom.
(------------)

[Health-Check]

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

In medical news, there's new evidence that the effects of smoking can be passed on to newborns through breast milk.

Rick Jackson has that story and more in this morning's Health check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Rick Jackson/Reporting; :00 ]
[RUNS=1:23]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]
(( GOOD MORNING.
MOTHERS WHO SMOKE COULD BE PASSING ON MORE THAN JUST NUTRIENTS WHEN BREAST FEEDING THEIR BABY--
THEY COULD, IN ESSENCE, BE PASSING ON THEIR ADDICTION.
VT=VO
((vo))
RESEARCHERS SAY THESE CHILDREN MAY LEARN TO LIKE THE TASTE OF TOBACCO... BECAUSE CIGARETTE SMOKE CAN AFFECT THE SMELL AND THE FLAVOR OF BREAST MILK.
A STUDY PUBLISHED IN TODAY'S NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE FOUND THAT MILK TAKEN FROM MOTHERS.. HAD A STRONG CIGARETTE ODOR UP TO AN HOUR AFTER THEY SMOKED.
SCIENTISTS SAY THIS MAY BE ONE REASON WHY CHILDREN OF SMOKERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO SMOKE THEMSELVES WHEN THEY GROW UP.//
VT=VO
((vo))
DOCTORS SAY LITTLE IS STILL KNOWN ABOUT A BEHAVIORAL DISORDER THAT STRIKES MILLIONS OF CHIDREN... DESPITE YEARS OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT.
ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER, OR A-D-H-D, OFTEN CAUSES HYPER--AND EVEN DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR--BETWEEN THE AGES OF FOUR AND FOURTEEN.
RIGHT NOW, MANY OF THESE KIDS ARE BEING TREATED WITH RITALIN...
BUT SOME EXPERTS SAY PEDIATRICIANS MAY BE OVER-PRESCRIBING THE DRUG.
MEANTIME, THE CAUSE OF A-D-H-D REMAINS A MYSTERY.//
VT=VO
((vo))
AND DOCTORS CONFIRM WHAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SAYING ALL ALONG-- THAT THE PUSH BY H-M-O'S TO SAVE MONEY IS COMPROMISING PATIENT CARE.
RESEARCHERS SURVEYED NEARLY 800 PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS--
MORE THAN HALF SAID THEY FELT PRESSURE FROM HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS TO SEE MORE PATIENTS DAILY.. AND TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF REFERRALS THEY MAKE TO SPECIALISTS.
IN SOME CASES --UNFORTUNATELY--
THE DOCTORS SAID THEY HAD #INDEED# COMPROMISED THEIR PATIENT'S CARE.//

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]

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke Co.;]
[SUPER=01-Cate Fox/Hollins University Senior;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke Co.;]

[Double Boxes=KMC & SPA]
(toss to Kimberly)
((Archive:Fencing)) [2-HEADLINES]
[2-shot=Mel/Kmc]
[SUPER=#4049; Morning Headlines]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

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

Kenneth Starr takes the spotlight in an historic day in American politics.
For only the second time this century impeachment proceedings get underway in Washington.
Starr goes before the House Judiciary Committee and will aurgue the President repeatedly mis- used his authority and power as president.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kim]

Nine Rockbridge County firefighters are charged with arson.
Authorities say some of them set fires, just so they could put them out.
The volunteers are also accused of setting fires to get more funding for their departments.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[ss=none]

And news 7 has learned that that a state police investigation determined that the switch of two baby girls at the University of Virginia hospital may have been an innocent mistake.
A source close to the investigation says the police probe failed to turn up a suspect and recommended that no criminal charges be brought.
(----------------)
[anchor=Kimberly]

And that's what's making news on this Thursday, November 19th.
[anchor=Melanie]

News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

[2-Giles-Investigation]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=eea]
[TAPE#=98-68]
[GRAPHIC=Bomb Threats]

There mayhave made some headway in the investigation of several bomb threats phoned in to two high schools in Giles County.
Police say they plan to make a statement later this morning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pearisburg;]

They're not releasing details, but investigators apparently made a major breakthrough in the case yesterday as they interviewed students at the Sheriff's office.
They've also identified at least two pay phones involved.
So far, four bomb threats have been called in this week, including one yesterday morning at Narrows High School.
(------------)

[2-S-UVA-Babies]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#98-69 1:00:30]
[GRAPHIC=Baby Swap]

The police investigation into how two babies were switched at birth three years ago at the University of Virginia Medical Center is over for now-- without coming up with any clear answers.
NEWS 7 has learned the police report has been turned over to Commonwealth's Attorney in Charlottesville with NO clear findings of fault, no suspects or criminal allegations.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@file; ]

Commonwealth's Attorney Dave Chapman is expected to talk to the families of Rebecca Chittum in Buena Vista and Callie Johnson in Greene County in a matter of days about any details he will be making public.
A source close to the investigation says the 1995 baby switch may have simply been a mistake.
The police investigation is expected to remain open indefinitely, just in case new information comes up.
(----------------)

[2-IMPEACHMENT]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=Mel]
[TAPE#net]
[GRAPHIC=Impeachment Inquiry]

President Clinton is in Tokyo trying to boost the Asian economy.
Meantime, his lawyers are stateside trying to save his presidency.
Later this morning Kenneth Starr lays out his case for impeachment when he testifies before the House Judiciary Committee.
Lee Cowan reports.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=L]
[SUPER=01-Joe Lockhart/White House Spokesman; :38]
[SUPER=01-Rep. Henry Hyde/House Judiciary Chairman; 1:03]
[SUPER=01-Lee Cowan/Reporting; 1:26]
[RUNS=1:40]
[OUT Q=CBS NEWS WASHINGTON.]
((AS IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS GET UNDER WAY THIS MORNING, IT COULD WELL BE MONICA LEWINSKY MAY END UP ALMOST A FOOTNOTE. WORD LAST NIGHT IS THE COMMITTEE HOPES TO EXPAND IT'S INQUIRY BY CALLING MORE WITNESSES, INCLUDING AT THE VERY LEAST, THE PRESIDENT'S CLOSEST ADVISOR BRUCE LINDSEY AND PRIVATE ATTORNEY BOB BENNETT. (( NAT STARR )) "good morning" NOT ONLY THAT, BUT THE COMMITTEE'S HEARING WILL OPEN WITH A LENGTHY STATEMENT BY KEN STARR WHO IS EXPECTED TO OUTLINE WHAT HE CALLS A PATTERN OF MISUSE OF THE PRESIDENT'S POWER AND AUTHORITY TO OBSTRUCT JUSTICE. TO DO THAT, HE WILL BRING UP ISSUES NOT EVEN CONTAINED IN HIS ORIGINAL REPORT ON LEWINSKY. AND THAT HAS THE WHITE HOUSE CRYING FOUL.
(( SUPER: JOE LOCKHART//WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN )) (( SOT AT 8:46:08 ))
"There is something fundamentally unfair and disturbing about the Republicans and the Independent Counsel saying that they can cover any subject they want, they can expand this into any fishing expedition they want but the President's council has to keep on the issues that THEY think are germane. The American public will reject that." REJECT IT OR NOT, THE COMMITTEE'S CHAIR SAYS IT'S JUST FOLLOWING THE RULES AND ONLY HIGHLITES HOW PARTISAN THESE HEARINGS HAVE BECOME.
(( SUPER: REP. HENRY HYDE//HOUSE JUDICIARY CHAIR )) (( SOT AT 11:06:55 ))
"The Democrats want to stick to Monica Lewinsky. We want to look at everything." (( NAT CLINTON )) AS FOR THE PRESIDENT - HE WILL BE OUT OF TOWN - LEAVING HIS PRESIDENCY IN THE HANDS OF HIS ATTORNEYS WHO SO FAR, ARE ONLY GOING TO BE GIVEN A HALF AN HOUR TO CROSS EXAMINE THE COMMITTEE'S WITNESSES. ON THAT THE DEBATE CONTINUES:
(( LOCKHART SOT AT 8:45:30 ))
"This process isn't fair."
(( HYDE SOT AT 11:04:35 ))
"They're not being mistreated at all." (( LEE COWAN )) "Despite the apparent expansion in the scope of this hearing, Hyde says he plans to have it all wrapped up by the end of the year. When asked how he planned to do that, he said `We have a super human staff.' Lee Cowan, CBS News, Washington."))

[2-Local-Committee]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Impeachment Inquiry]

Three Virginians sit on the Judiciary committee, two of them from our part of the state.
News-Seven's Ellen Qualls will be in Washington.
She'll have more on what Bob Goodlatte and Rick Boucher have to say during today's proceedings tonight on News-7 at Five and News-7 at Six.

[PAULA-JONES]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=MEL]
[TAPE#net]
[GRAPHIC=Impeachment Inquiry]

House Republicans are expanding their impeachment list to include attorney Robert Bennett who represented the President in the Paula Jones case.
[graphic=Paula Jones]

Meantime, Jones has given Inside Edition her first interview since SETTLING her sexual harassment lawsuit against President Clinton.
At one point Jones got upset over a question from Deborah Norville.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[5:08:01]
[IN Q=]
((WHY WOULD BILL CLINTON CARE ABOUT...NOT PRETTY ENOUGH AND NOT GOOD ENOUGH. ))
[SUPER=03-"Inside Edition"/King World;]
[RUNS=:26]
[OUT Q=NOT GOOD ENOUGH.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=None]

Jones says she believes she came out ahead even though she did NOT get an apology from President Clinton.
She says she wants to be remembered as a mordern day David who took on Goliath and won.

[REPUBLICANS]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=MEL]
[TAPE#net]
[GRAPHIC=Republicans]

The House G-O-P leadership is in place for the next Congress.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington DC;]

Divided Republicans have united behind Louisiana's Bob Livingston as their next Speaker of the House.
But it took Texan Dick Armey three ballots to hold onto his job as Majority Leader.
Oklahoma's J-C watts, the only black G-O-P congressman, was elected to the number-four Republican leadership post.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=Noen]

And Virginia Republican Tom Davis was picked to chair the National Republican Congressional Committe.
That means Davis will direct G-O-P candidate recruitment and fund-raising for the 2-thousand elections.

[Three-Steve]

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

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke Co.;]
[SUPER=01-Laura Clark/Hollins University Sophomore;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke Co.;]

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

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

[Wharf-fire]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#net]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

At least half of California's oldest working pier has been destroyed by fire.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Santa Barbara, CA;]

Within an hour flames consumed at least a quarter of the historic Stearns Wharf built in 18-72.
Fire boats have joined land crews to battle the fire which is still burning this morning.
Ironically, a chemical used to preserve the wooden structure is actually helping fan the flames.
The wharf has seen everything from cargo ships to floating casinos to Naval service.
In more recent years, it's become a tourist attraction with shops and restaurants.
(----------------)

[E-Pepper-Spray]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=sgo]
[TAPE#=98-62 TC1:26:59]
[GRAPHIC=Pepper Spray]

Roanoke police say officers using pepper spray is pretty common, but complaints about it are not.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

That's according to the man who teaches other officers how to use force.
Sgt. Eric Mills said officers use pepper spray an average of 107-times a year.
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/1996;]

Mills said pepper spray stings, but doesn't cause any serious injuries.
He also said he's been sprayed with pepper spray HIMSELF -- and knows what it feels like.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 3:10]
[IN Q=it dilates]
((MILLS: IT DILATES THE VESSELS IN YOUR EYES, SO THE EYES GO SHUT. THEY BURN. YOUR SKIN BURNS. YOUR BRONCHIAL PASSAGES CONSTRICT, SO YOU HAVE TO CONCENTRATE ON BREATHING AND BREATHE DEEPLY.))
[SUPER=01-Sgt. Eric Mills/Roanoke Police Department;]
[RUNS=17]
[OUT Q=DEEPLY]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Mills said police only use pepper spray when suspects under arrest ignore an officer's verbal commands.
(------------)

[E-State-Budget]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=98-61 1:51:34]
[GRAPHIC=Va. Budget]

State Republicans are pitching their tax cut proposals by showing how they can help local people.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem;]

A crowd of sheriff's deputies gathered today, eager to get the nine-percent raise offered by the Governor.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 15:54:30]
[IN Q=You may be]
((YOU MAY BE A DEPUTY SHERIFF WORKING AND YOU'RE BEING PAID $21,247 A YEAR AND YOU MAY BE WORKING BESIDE A TOWN POLICE OFFICER WHOSE SALARY IS $31,000 A YEAR AFTER THEY'VE BEEN THERE FIVE YEARS.))
[SUPER=@Marrs;]
[RUNS=:13]
[OUT Q=five years]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The Republican tax cuts would also give more money to police and all lottery profits to education -- a total of almost three-million-more dollars in Roanoke County.
But Democrats say they've suggested giving lottery money to schools before -- only to be shot down.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 16:38:30]
[IN Q=Three times]
((THREE TIMES THE REPUBLICAN MAJORITY ... STUDENTS IN VIRGINIA.))
[SUPER=@Woodrum;]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=students in Virginia]
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=None]

The tax cut proposals will go before the General Assembly when the session starts in January.

[Bluefield-Jobs]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=New Jobs]

Some 200 new jobs are coming to the West Virginia side of Bluefield.
A telemarketing firm says it will set up an operation there.
Mayor Nelson Walker says the company will work out of a former Grants Supermarket location but would not dislose any other information about the business.

[E-Amazement-Square]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#98-78 TC02:56]
[GRAPHIC=None]

One woman's amazing generosity is providing a big boost to the Amazement Square project in Lynchburg.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

Officials with the children's museum announced today they have received a one million dollar donation from the estate of the late Maylia (MAIL-yuh) Green Rightmire.
Rightmire died last year at the age of 91.. but not before making the bequest and requiring the museum to match it dollar for dollar.
So far Amazement Square has raised more than 60 percent of the 5 million dollars it needs.
The museum should open in the year 2000.
(----------------)

[E-Lord-Dance]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=98-70 1:02:29]
[GRAPHIC=None]

It's the biggest selling performance video of all time in the U-S.
(/////SOT/////)
[NAT SND]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]
[Runs=:04]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

And last night "Lord of the Dance" came alive on a Roanoke stage.
The Irish Dance Troupe graced the Roanoke Civic Center -- minus its famed star -- American Michael Flatley.
Flatley formed the Celtic dance troupe in 1994.
Since March, "Lord of the Dance" has crossed the globe with stops in Holland, Belgium, and South Africa, among others.
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[3-Sports]

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

In sports, a struggling Clemson football team gets rid of its coach.
Mike Stevens has details.
Good Morning Mike.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=Good morning]
[RUNS=1:24]
[OUT Q=a great day.]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(weather toss)
[Local-Recap]
[SUPER=#4059;Local Recap]
[2-Shot=Mel/Kmc]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

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

Police may be close to cracking the case of several bomb threats.
Four Bomb threats have been called in this week to two Giles County high schools.
Investigator's apparently made a major breakthrough while interviewing students yesterday.
They may make a statement later this morning.
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[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

News-7 has learned that the police investigation into the case of two girls switched at birth has turned up no clear cause and no criminal allegations.
A source close to the investigation says a report was turned over to the Charlottesville Commonwealth's Attorney.
The investigation into the switch will remain open indefinately, though, in case new information arises.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Nine firefighters in Lexington and Rockbridge County are under arrest-- charged with arson and breaking and entering.
At least 21 suspicious fires were reported over a 19 month period in the area.
All of the firefighters facing charges confessed, saying they wanted to put their training to use.
Charges are pending against two others.
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[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
(Kimberly mic hot)
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[2 shot=Mel/Kmc]
(Kimberly ad lib weather)
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[Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)
(ad lib bye) [Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]