WDBJ 7 news at Noon for 02/25/99

[HEADLINES]

[TALENT=Melanie]

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[VO-NAT]

The death toll rises in two avalanches in the Austrian Alps, meantime another avalanche hits a resort town in Switzerland.
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[ANCHOR=Melanie]

And a live report from a Roanoke house fire.
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[TALENT=Patrick]
[SS=None]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=None]

News 7 at noon is next.

[Roanoke-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#99-5 TC21:22]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

Firefighters are trying to put out a fire in Southeast Roanoke at this hour.
The house on Tazewell Avenue caught fire around 10:30 this morning.
[Double Boxes=Melanie and Keith/Microwave]

Keith Humphry is on the scene and he joins us now.
[Live=Keith Full/Microwave]
[SUPER=@Keith1;]
[SUPER=05-Roanoke;]
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(Rollcue: only one home at time.)
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[KEITH'S MIKE HOT!!!!]
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[Double Boxes=Melanie and Keith/Microwave]

[Schoolwatch]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=School Info]

We have a few school announcements this afternoon.
They are....
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[Take Schoolwatch Full Screen]
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[WX-One]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Winter Weather]

Snow is falling around the viewing area.
For the latest on the forecast, let's check in with Patrick Evans. [Patrick in Chroma Key]
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[WX-Pro Full]

[DOUBLE BOXES=Patrick and Kimberly/Microwave]
(toss to Kimberly)

[Snow]

[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#99-6 TC21:53]
[GRAPHIC=None]
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[Double Boxes=Patrick and Kimberly/Microwave]
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[Live=Kimberly Full/Microwave]
[SUPER=@Kimberly1;]
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[Live=Kimberly Full/Microwave]
[SUPER=05-Roanoke Co.;]
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[Double Boxes=Melanie and Kimberly/Microwave]

[Avalanche]

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

Another avalanche hit a resort town in Switzerland today.
There are no known fatalities yet but officials say several homes were destroyed.
Meantime, the death count has climbed to 32 from two avalanches that slammed into neioghboring villages in Austria.
Several more are still missing and today American air crew joined airlift operations.
Richard Roth reports.
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[SOT]
[9:05:51]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Landeck, Austria; :00]
[SUPER=01-Richard Roth/Reporting; :55]
[RUNS=1:09]
[OUT Q=cbs news Landeck, Austria]

[dragging-death]

[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

A Texas jury is listening to closing arguments this afternoon in the penalty phase of the dragging death trial.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Jasper, TX;]

The jury that convicted John King must decide whether he should get the death penalty for killing James Byrd Junior.
Prosecutors say King is prone to violence and should be executed.
The defense is arguing for life in prison.
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[SOT]
[7:23:28]
[IN Q=]
((SONNY CRIBBS/DEFENSE ATTORNEY THE ALTERNATIVE IS PRETTY GRIM...I HOPE THAT I CAN TALK HIM INTO GIVING HIM LIFE, BUT I HAVE SOME MIXED EMOTIONS ABOUT THAT. NOT THAT I BELIEVE IN THE DEATH PENALTY, BUT THAT'S NOT MUCH OF A FUTURE FOR A 23-YEAR OLD KID, IS IT?))
[SUPER=01-Sonny Cribbs/Defense Attorney;]
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=year old kid is it?]
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[VO-NAT]

During the week-long trial, prosecutors said King and two co-defendants chained Byrd to a pickup truck last June, then dragged him 3 miles on a back country road to his death.
The torture was so severe -- Byrd was decapitated.
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[Baby-Switch]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Baby Swap]

Ever since learning last summer that their babies had been switched at birth, two Virginia families had been working together.
But that spirit of cooperation may be over.
A Charlottesville newspaper says one family has informed the other it can't see one of the girls.
One of the aunts involved says she's been told by Paula Johnson that her attorneys have advised her not to let the family members visit the girl.
Johnson is raising Callie Marie Conley, who was switched at birth in 1995 with Johnson's biological daughter, Rebecca Grace Chittum. [tease1] [HARD MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

More money is on the way to U-S Servicemen and women-- That's just one of the stories still ahead on News-7 at Noon.
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[VO-NAT ]

And ties between the U-S and Israel are strained-- following the announcement that a U-S teenager wanted for murder will not be extradited from Israel.
We'll have that story when we return.
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[music up full] [comm1]

[israel-extradition]

[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

In Israel, an American teenager sought by U-S authorities for extradition on murder charges will stay in Israel.
The surprise decision by Israel's Supreme Court today could strain ties between the two countries.
Jesse Schulman reports.
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[SOT]
[9:08:18]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Jerusalem, Israel; :00]
[SUPER=01-David Libai/Defense Attorney; :11]
[SUPER=01-Jesse Schulman/Reporting; :56]
[RUNS=1:09]
[OUT Q=CBS News, Tel Aviv;]
((Maryland teenager Samuel Sheinbein will not be returning home to face murder charges, after judges of the Israeli Supreme Court ruled him immune from extradition. David Libai, Defense Attorney: A majority of three against two determined not to extradite Samuel Sheinbein to the United States.
(File)
Sheinbein is accused of killing and dismembering a fellow teenager in a Washington DC suburb in 1997. After the killing Sheinbein, who is Jewish, fled to Israel and claimed citizenship here. The law in Israel says a citizen of the Jewish state can not be extradited against his will, no matter what the crime or where it was committed.
(Maryland prosecutors)
Maryland prosecutors traveled to Israel to fight for his return. Plea-bargaining and legal wrangling dragged on for a year and a half.
(Sheinbein today)
But today, the final ruling was handed down. The Court declared Sheinbein's claim to Israeli citizenship valid, and barred his extradition. Schulman OC close: The ruling does not mean he escapes altogether. He now faces trial in here in Israel for the Maryland murder, and he'll serve any sentence in an Israeli prison. js cbs news tel aviv.))

[Military-raises]

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

America's servicemen and women may be in line for their biggest benefits increase since the early 19-80s.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington DC;]
[7:33:45- 2nd on top stories]
The Senate has voted overwhelmingly to boost benefits, including an across-the-board four-point-eight percent pay hike, with more increases in the future.
The package, which now goes to the House, would also boost retirement and educational benefits.
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[Mexico-O]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=sgo]
[TAPE#=98-77 TC2:01:44]
[GRAPHIC=Going South]

For years, an apparel factory was a place that just about anyone could get a decent-paying job.
Now those jobs are becoming fewer and fewer.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

And that reality is making things tougher for the people who worked in sewing factories for their entire careers.
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[IN Q=it's sad]
((PAT HAMMOCK/UNITE UNION: IT'S SAD WHEN YOU WORK AT A PLACE FOR 20-SOMETHING YEARS AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN YOUR JOB PICKS UP AND GOES TO MEXICO.////////////////RICHARD MINTER/UNITE UNION: NOT EVERYONE IS MEANT TO BE A COMPUTER PROGRMAMER NOR A ROCKET SCIENTIST. THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT ARE FOREVER GOING TO HAVE TO WORK AT MCDONALDS. THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT FOREVER ARE GOING TO HAVE TO WORK AT LAME-DUCK JOBS.))
[SUPER=01-Pat Hammock/Unite! Union; :00]
[SUPER=01-Richard Minter/Unite! Union; :06]
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[OUT Q=lame-duck jobs]
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[VO-NAT]

Now those former apparel workers are taking classes, learning new skills to get jobs in today's economy.
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[TAKE FULL SCREEN BOARD -- tonight]
Tonight on News-7, you'll hear more about these workers and a fear they share with Mexicans who work in sewing plants.
Watch Going South at six.
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[Hit-and-Run]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=chu]
[TAPE#=99-3]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A Danville man has been arrested for fleeing the scene of a multi-car accident that injured seven people.
Sylvester Waverly Hood was picked up by Danville police Saturday at his home.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville/February 15;]

The accident happened last week on Claiborne Street.
Police say Hood was speeding in a Lexus when he smashed into another car, causing it to hit a third car.
Seven people had to be treated at the hospital.
Hood is charged with three counts of hit-and-run and one count as a habitual offender.
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[Tease2] [SOFT MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

So who were the big winners at last night's Grammys?
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[VO-NAT ]

The answer is-- Women.
Lauryn Hill, The Dixie Chicks, Madonna and Celine Dion have some new additions to their trophy cases.
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[Grammys]

[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Grammy Awards]

It was ladies night at this year's Grammy Awards.
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[SUPER=04-NARAS - CBS; HOT CHANGE!!!!!]
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[VO-NAT]

Madonna led off a parade of female nominees with the award for Best Pop Album.
Other winners include the ``Titanic'' song, ``My Heart Will Go On,'' which sailed away with four awards including best female pop vocal for Celine Dion.
The Dixie Chicks won best Country Album.
The Best Country song went to Shania Twain.
But the night really belonged to Hip Hop singer Lauryn Hill who won a record five Grammy's including Album of the year and Best New Artist.
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[VO-NAT]

But the men weren't completely shut out.
Actor-rapper Will Smith won Best Rap solo performance.
The Best Rock performance by a group went to Aerosmith.
And Ricky Martin won Best Latin Pop Album.
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[Stocks]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE# none]
[GRAPHIC=stocks]

On Wall Street at Noon, the Dow was DOWN 118 points.
[tease3] [SPORTS MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Still ahead in sports, Nascar tries to cash in on it's increasing popularity.
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[VO-NAT]

Plus, Atlanta didn't win the World Series, so why are the Braves going to Disney World?
We'll have the details from Florida, when News 7 at Noon continues.
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[COMM BREAK #3]

[Nascar]

[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=ssa]
[TAPE#=net-]
[GRAPHIC=Nascar]

Veteran Winston Cup crew chief Larry McReynolds is leaving Richard Childress Racing at the end of the season to form his own team.
McReynolds will join forces with Indiana businessman John Dangler. A sponsor has not been named at this point.
McReynolds helped lead Dale Earnhardt to victory in the 19-98 Daytona 500, before being moved to Mike Skinners' team halfway through the season.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@File;]

Plus, one- hundred million dollars a year isn't enough for NASCAR. The circuit is consolidating its broadcast rights to cash in on its increasing popularity.
NASCAR said that, beginning next year, it will no longer allow racetracks to negotiate television deals for each of the season's 34 races.
The racing circuit is the only sport to see its television ratings increase each year in the nineties.
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[Volleyball]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Volleyball]

The Group 2-A state quarterfinal volleyball match between William Byrd and Bassett High Schools will be played tonight at 6 in Vinton.
The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday at 6, but was postponed twice because of poor weather conditions.

[Salem]

[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=rst]
[TAPE#=SP-40]
[GRAPHIC=Region three]

From Roanoke to Salem, where the Spartans advanced in the region three tournament with a 59 to 45 win over Tunstall in the quarter-finals.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem/Salem vs. Tunstall; :]

The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but got postponed by snow.
Tunstall would control the first quarter. Joshua Cobbs pulls up and hits this jumper. The Trojans were up by three.

But Salem's Adam Rutledge would take over. He hits this three to give the Spartans their first lead at 12 to 9.
[SUPER=33-Salem/59/Tunstall/45/;]

Rutledge would then come up with this steal, as the Spartans put together a 10 to nothing run. Salem wins it 59 to 45.
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[anchor=Patrick]
[graphic=region 4]

In Region 4 last night, Patrick County outshot Lebanon 67-to-56 to move on to the semi-finals.

[South]

[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-26]
[GRAPHIC=BIG SOUTH]

On to the college ranks, where the Big South conference honored it's best last night in Asheville.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford; :00]

Winthrop first year coach, and Cave Spring graduate Gregg Marshall-- who led the Eagles to the biggest turnaround in Division One this year-- was named coach of the year.
Radford's Leslie Ballard, the senior from D-C who topped the 1000 point mark this past Saturday, earned first team honors.
RU's Andy Savtchenko and Correy Watkins were named to the all-rookie team.
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg; ]

And on the women's side, Liberty's Elena Kisseleva was named conference player of the year, after leading the Flames to the regular season title.
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[talent=Patrick]
[graphic=hold!!]

Kisseleva and teammate Sarah Wilkerson made first team all-Big South, along with Radford's Lori Mitchell.

[ODAC]

[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=rst]
[TAPE#=SP-39]
[GRAPHIC=ODAC]

The ODAC women's tournament opens up today at the Salem Civic Center.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem; :]

Members of the eight teams gathered for a banquet last night. Randolph-Macon head coach Carroll LaHaye was named coach of the year and Tara Carleton of Macon Woman's college was chosen player of the year.
Macon won the regular season championship with a 19 and 1 conference record. Roanoke College was second at 17 and 3.
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[IN Q=First audio...]
[SUPER=01-Susan Dunagan/Roanoke Head Coach; :]
[RUNS=:20]
[OUT Q=...ncaa also."]
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[VO-NAT CON'T]

Virginia Tech head coach Bonnie Henrickson was the guest speaker. Henrickson and the Lady Hokies leave Roanoke this afternoon for the Atlantic 10 tournament in Philadelphia.
The Lady Hokies first game is Saturday.
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[talent=Patrick]
[graphic=hold!!]

Roanoke native Aimee Beightol made first team all-ODAC while her siser Allison was second team along with Roanoke College's Cheryl Rhodes and Carrie McConnell.
W&L's Jessica Mentz is the freshman of the year. The tournamen gets underway in just a few minutes.

[Braves]

[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-32 4409TC]
[GRAPHIC=BRAVES]

Don't confuse the Atlanta Braves with the newest members of the Mickey Mouse Club.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Kissimmee, FL; :00]

The Braves are taking their cuts at the brand new Wide World of Sports Complex on the Disney World property.
And some fan- favorites of year's past are among those in camp. Otis Nixon and Brian Hunter. Both will be called on to fill the leadership void created by the loss of Andres Gallaraga.
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[IN Q=FIRST AUDIO]
[SUPER=01-Bobby Cox/Braves Manager; :00]
[RUNS=:16]
[OUT Q=....VERY WELL."]
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[vo nat con't]
Nixon was given a handmade quilt to autograph by a group of admirers.
The Braves first preseason game in March 4th against Georgia Tech. Their first big league game is March 7th against the Devil Rays.
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