WDBJ 7 morning news AM cutins for 03/24/99

[7County-Schools]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=eea]
[TAPE#=99-8]
[GRAPHIC=Roanoke Co. Schools]

It looks like a new high school is on it's way to Roanoke County.
The Board of Supervisors last night approved a conditional use permit-- over the objections of Pleasant Hill Drive residents, who are worried about safety.
But as Eric Earnhart reports, everyone could emerge a winner.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.; :00]
[SUPER=01-Sharon Seidel/Neighbor; :11]
[SUPER=01-James Garris/Parent; :30]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Craig Mitchell/Neighbor; 1:03]
[SUPER=01-Harry Nickens/Supervisor; 1:23]
[RUNS=1:48]
[OUT Q=EE, News 7]

(( The primary opposition came from resident of Pleasant Hill drive, the sole proposed entrance to the school site... who say the increased traffic will put their children at risk.
[SOT 04:43:20 tape 2]
[IN Q=can we afford]
(( SHARON SEIDEL/PARENT; CAN WE AFFORD A TRIAL PERIOD OF "LETS WAIT AND SEE HOW THIS PLAN WORKS" AS SCHOOL BOARD OFFICIALS HAVE SUGGESTED? THIS STATEMENT SENDS THE MESSAGE "LET'S WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE'S INJURED OR KILLED UNTIL A LIGHT OR ANOTHER ENTRANCE IS CONSIDERED.)) [RUNS 14]
[OUT Q=is considered]

But other parents told the board the new school has been on hold too long already.
[SOT 2:49:45]
[IN Q=issues concerning]
((JAMES GARRIS/PARENT; ISSUES CONCERNING SAFETY OF THE ENTRANCE AND EXITING OF THE PROPERTY IS STILL A CONCERN, HOWEVER IT IS MY URGING OF THE BOARD TO PASS THIS AND LETS GET ON AND LET'S PROVIDE LEADERSHIP TO THIS COMMUNITY FOR GETTING A HIGH SCHOOL BUILT. )) [RUNS 16]
[OUT Q=a high school built]

In the end, Pleasant Hill residents, accepting the inevitability of the new school and traffic, asked for some relief and protection.
[SOT 04:27:23]
[IN Q=this is what]
(( DR. CRAIG MITCHELL/NEIGHBOR; THIS IS WHAT I WANT, I WANT THE SCHOOL BOARD TO HAVE MORE THAN ONE ACCESS TO LESSEN THE BURDEN ON PLEASANT HILL, DO NOT LET THIS UNSAFE PROPOSAL PASS AS IT IS... LASTLY, DO NOT ALLOW PLESANT HILL AS A SOLE ACCESS POINT WITHOUT CONCRETE ASSURANCE OF A TRAFFIC LIGHT. )) [RUNS 16]
[OUT Q=of a traffic light]

But that's a problem... If county officials add more access roads, they say VDOT will NOT approve a traffic light.... and by itself, the pleasant hill intersection doesn't qualify under VDOT guidelines... but that's not the end of the story.
[SOT 04:31:25 tape 2]
[IN Q=you will get a traffic light]
(( HARRY NICKENS/SUPERVISOR; YOU WILL GET A TRAFFIC LIGHT, IN CONTRAST, DR. MITCHELL, TO WHAT V-DOT HAS DENIED IN THE PAST, YOU WILL GET IT BECAUE THE GOVERNMENT IS REQUESTING THE LIGHT. )) [RUNS 09]
[OUT Q=requesting the light]

Supervisors also removed some restrictions on the permit.... which will allow school officials to add more access roads to the site, AFTER a traffic light is built...
But Pleasant Hill residents have no guarantees.... they now have to trust school and County officials to be good neighbors.
Eric Earnhart, News 7.))

[7MLK-Day]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=98-83]
[GRAPHIC=MLK Holiday Vote]

Martin Luther King Day will now be an official holiday in Lynchburg, but those who supported the issue still are not happy.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

City council voted to replace the existing spring holiday with a day to honor Dr. King in January.
But Lynchburg's minority community had pushed to give King his own day, without forfeiting another city holiday.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 17:26:24]
[IN Q=We have the]
((ED BARKSDALE/LYNCHBURG COUNCIL MEMBER: WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY.. .. MAKE US UNIQUELY AMERICAN.))
[SUPER=01-Ed Barksdale/Lynchburg Council Member; :00]
[RUNS=16]
[OUT Q=uniquely American.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Other council members were concerned that ADDING a King holiday would cost the city about 200- thousand dollars in lost production and overtime.
(------------)

[7WEATHER]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=KMC]
[TAPE #=]
[GRAPHIC=]

Taking a look now at your midweek forecast..
The chance for some more rain is in the forecast for today. Look for partly cloudy skies and highs in the mid-60s.
Cloudy, with some light winds overnight. Lows will be in the lower-40s.
The extended forecast...

[CK/WX PRO=]
MAPS

[SUPER=X5000; set dissolve]
[SUPER=314-Partly Cloudy/Chance of Showers/60-65/Mostly Cloudy/Winds 5-10/40-44;]
[SUPER=#555; reset]
[7BIRTHDAYS!] 3/25/99
Thursday:

[SUPER=130-67/Nellie Damewood/Vinton]

Anniversary:
[SUPER=130-66th/Luther & Hattie Young/Rocky Mount]

[SUPER=130-31/Monica Gulliams/Goodview]

[SUPER=130-14/Chris Stevens/Roanoke]

[SUPER=130-3/Cody Smith/Christiansburg]

[SUPER=130-52/Edd Crawford/Austinsville]

[SUPER=130-/Betty Agee/Rocky Mount]

[SUPER=130-/Rebecca Scott/Vinton]

[SUPER=130-/Danielle Hall/Blacksburg] This one was e-mailed -picture stored.

No Pictures:

[SUPER=131-75/Mildred Green/Bland]

[SUPER=131-/Justin Gourley/Sago]

[cutopen]
[SUPER=19-Melanie/Moon;]

[45Galax-Murder]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Murder Investigation]

Authorities in Galax are investigating a possible double homicide.
Yesterday afternoon they responded to a call that someone had been shot at a home on Popular Knob Road.
They found 63 year old Carol Higgins dead inside the house.
Her husband, 64 year old James Higgins, was discovered dead outside the home.
Both were found with gunshot wounds to the head.

[45E-Appox-Murder]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=99-7 43:42]
[GRAPHIC=None]

State Police believe they've recovered the gun used in Appomattox County murder.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Amherst Co.]

Acting on a tip, state police divers searched the James River in Madison Heights yesterday.
They found a small caliber, semi- automatic handgun about forty feet from shore.
Investigators say there's a "good chance" it's the gun used to kill 35-year old Nick Olivarri last September.
Olivarri's wife and another man have been charged with his murder.
(------------)

[45E-Roanoke-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=99-11 16:26]
[GRAPHIC=Fire Investigation]

Roanoke fire investigators are trying to determine what sparked a blaze--
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

last night in an abandoned house.
The fire broke out at about 6 at the corner of 17-th Street and Carroll Avenue in Northwest.
No one was injured .
(------------)

[45E-Brush-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=99-15 3:59]
[GRAPHIC=Brush Fire]

Meantime, arson is suspected in a blaze that scorched some ten acres in Franklin County.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Franklin Co.;]

It broke out at about two in the Callaway section of the County.
It took three hours and a helicopter to contain the blaze.
The terrain was so steep bulldozers couldn't make it up hill.
Firefighters dug a line around the fire by sliding down the hill.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 17:09:14]
[IN Q=No I don't]
((NO I DON'T THINK IT WAS ACCIDENTAL. NOT WITH THE HUMIDITY TODAY. THERE'S NO WAY IT WAS ACCIDENTAL.))
[SUPER=01-Richard Law/Chief Forest Warden;]
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q=it was accidental. DOUBLE OUT!!!!!!!]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Investigators say evidence like tire tracks will lead them to whoever started the fire.
(------------)

[45E-VDOT-Hearing]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#99-10 33:39]
[GRAPHIC=I-73]

Although it's still years away from being constructed, the prospect of a major new highway through western Virginia is generating strong support and serious concerns.
(-----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;]

For local officials who have embraced the project, I-73 is an economic development issue...
It's a make or break proposition for communities such as Martinsville and Henry County that are losing traditional industries and jobs.
(///////SOT/////////)
[SOT ARMSTRONG 09:54:16]
[IN Q=If it comes]
((DEL. WARD ARMSTRONG/D- MARTINSVILLE: IF IT COMES IN 12 TO 15 YEARS, IT'S ONE THING, BUT IF IT'S 20 TO 25 YEARS, I'M NOT CERTAIN BUT THAT IT WILL BE AN INTERSTATE THROUGH A GHOST TOWN IN MY PART OF THE STATE, THAT IT WILL COME TOO LATE.))
[SUPER=@Armstrong]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=that it will come too late.]
(-----------------)
[VO-NAT]

But during a day-long hearing that brought speakers from Roanoke, southside and the New RiverValley, transportation officials also heard from individuals who believe the routing of I-73 will determine if the project is an economic boon or a community nightmare.
(///////////SOT///////////)
[SOT GLEINER 10:33:09]
[IN Q=You base your decision]
((ALAN GLEINER/I-73 REGIONAL IMPACT NETWORK: YOU BASE YOUR DECISIONS ON ENGINEERING DATA AND TOPOGRAPHY AND ENDANGERED SPECIES. WE'RE MAKING OUR DECISIONS BASED ON THE CHARACTER OF OUR LIVES, AND WHAT WE VALUE FOR OUR CHILDREN AND OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.))
[super=01-Alan Gleiner/I-73 Reg'l Impact Network]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=and our neighborhoods.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[GRAPHIC=Hold]

I-73 was just one of many projects that local leaders addressed yesterday.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board did not make any decisions on I-73 or other projects.

[45WEATHER]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=KMC]
[TAPE #=]
[GRAPHIC=]

Taking a break to look at the forecast now...
Partly cloudy skies today, with a chance of showers.
Highs in the low to mid 60s.
Mostly cloudy tonight, with lows in the lower 40s.
The five day outlook includes a mix of clouds and sunshine, with highs mainly in the 50s.
[SUPER=X5000; set dissolve]
[SUPER=314-Partly Cloudy/Chance of Showers/60-65/Mostly Cloudy/Winds 5-10/40-44;]
[SUPER=#555; reset]
[cutopen]
[SUPER=19-Melanie/Moon;]

[8-2-County-Schools]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=eea]
[TAPE#=99-8]
[GRAPHIC=Roanoke Co. Schools]

Last night, the Roanoke county board of supervisors granted a conditional use permit for a new high school in the southern part of the county.
(XXXXXXXXXX)
[TAKE FULL SCREEN MAP]
They did so over the objections of Pleasant Hill Drive residents, who are worried about safety.
But as Eric Earnhart reports, they still may get what they want.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.; :00]
[SUPER=01-Sharon Seidel/Neighbor; :11]
[SUPER=01-James Garris/Parent; :30]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Craig Mitchell/Neighbor; 1:03]
[SUPER=01-Harry Nickens/Supervisor; 1:23]
[RUNS=1:48]
[OUT Q=EE, News 7]

(( The primary opposition came from resident of Pleasant Hill drive, the sole proposed entrance to the school site... who say the increased traffic will put their children at risk.
[SOT 04:43:20 tape 2]
[IN Q=can we afford]
(( SHARON SEIDEL/PARENT; CAN WE AFFORD A TRIAL PERIOD OF "LETS WAIT AND SEE HOW THIS PLAN WORKS" AS SCHOOL BOARD OFFICIALS HAVE SUGGESTED? THIS STATEMENT SENDS THE MESSAGE "LET'S WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE'S INJURED OR KILLED UNTIL A LIGHT OR ANOTHER ENTRANCE IS CONSIDERED.)) [RUNS 14]
[OUT Q=is considered]

But other parents told the board the new school has been on hold too long already.
[SOT 2:49:45]
[IN Q=issues concerning]
((JAMES GARRIS/PARENT; ISSUES CONCERNING SAFETY OF THE ENTRANCE AND EXITING OF THE PROPERTY IS STILL A CONCERN, HOWEVER IT IS MY URGING OF THE BOARD TO PASS THIS AND LETS GET ON AND LET'S PROVIDE LEADERSHIP TO THIS COMMUNITY FOR GETTING A HIGH SCHOOL BUILT. )) [RUNS 16]
[OUT Q=a high school built]

In the end, Pleasant Hill residents, accepting the inevitability of the new school and traffic, asked for some relief and protection.
[SOT 04:27:23]
[IN Q=this is what]
(( DR. CRAIG MITCHELL/NEIGHBOR; THIS IS WHAT I WANT, I WANT THE SCHOOL BOARD TO HAVE MORE THAN ONE ACCESS TO LESSEN THE BURDEN ON PLEASANT HILL, DO NOT LET THIS UNSAFE PROPOSAL PASS AS IT IS... LASTLY, DO NOT ALLOW PLESANT HILL AS A SOLE ACCESS POINT WITHOUT CONCRETE ASSURANCE OF A TRAFFIC LIGHT. )) [RUNS 16]
[OUT Q=of a traffic light]

But that's a problem... If county officials add more access roads, they say VDOT will NOT approve a traffic light.... and by itself, the pleasant hill intersection doesn't qualify under VDOT guidelines... but that's not the end of the story.
[SOT 04:31:25 tape 2]
[IN Q=you will get a traffic light]
(( HARRY NICKENS/SUPERVISOR; YOU WILL GET A TRAFFIC LIGHT, IN CONTRAST, DR. MITCHELL, TO WHAT V-DOT HAS DENIED IN THE PAST, YOU WILL GET IT BECAUE THE GOVERNMENT IS REQUESTING THE LIGHT. )) [RUNS 09]
[OUT Q=requesting the light]

Supervisors also removed some restrictions on the permit.... which will allow school officials to add more access roads to the site, AFTER a traffic light is built...
But Pleasant Hill residents have no guarantees.... they now have to trust school and County officials to be good neighbors.
Eric Earnhart, News 7.))

[8Franklin-Schools]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=99-9]
[GRAPHIC=None]

It's a new direction for Franklin county....
Local officials are now focusing on high- tech industries that will keep younger residents from moving elsewhere for a job.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Franklin Co.;]

County supervisors are applying for a seven-and-a-half million dollars to buy the Virginia Apparel building and turn the former textiles plant into a workforce training center.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 20:16:01]
[IN Q=This workforce training center]
((THIS WORKFORCE TRAINING CENTER WILL BOTH PROVIDE VOCATIONAL SKILLS AND HIGHER LEVEL SKILLS IN COMPUTER PROGRAMMING AND COMPUTER TECHNICIANS.))
[SUPER=01-Wayne Angell/Franklin Co. Supervisor;]
[RUNS=:13]
[OUT Q=technicians]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Part of the money will also renovate Franklin County High School.
For elementary children -- a six-and-a-half million-dollar new school between Burnt Chimney and Boones Mill.
And more than a hundred thousand dollars in state lottery money will pay for a videoconferencing system, macintosh lab upgrades, a distance learning lab, and an internal internet system.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 20:13:50]
[IN Q=I know]
((I KNOW SEVERAL PEOPLE MY AGE WHO WOULD PREFER TO STAY IN FRANKLIN COUNTY BUT THERE ARE NO OPPORTUNITIES TO STAY.))
[SUPER=01-Jason Altice/High School Senior;]
[RUNS=:06]
[OUT Q=to stay]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The workforce training center should be ready in about two years -- the new elementary school in about five.

(------------)

[8WEATHER]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=KMC]
[TAPE #=]
[GRAPHIC=]

Turning your attention now to the mid- week forecast...
Partly cloudy skies, with a chance of showers.
High temperatures will reach the low to mid 60s this afternoon.
Clouds will stick around tonight, as lows fall into the lower 40s.
The extended forecast stays cloudy tomrrow, with some sunshine ahead for the weekend.
Highs will be in the mid and upper 50s.
[SUPER=X5000; set dissolve]
[SUPER=#555; reset] [SUPER=314-Partly Cloudy/Chance of Showers/60-65/Mostly Cloudy/Winds 5-10/40-44;]