[7Druckenmiller]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Druckenmiller Rape Charge]


A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for later today in the rape case against Jim Druckenmiller.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Christiansburg/April 28]


A recent Virginia Tech graduate says the former Tech quarterback raped her March fourth at a house in Blacksburg, where the two attended a party.
Druckenmiller's attorneys say he had consensual sex with the woman after she aggressively pursued him throughout the evening of March third and the early morning hours of March fourth.
Druckenmiller is a backup quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers.
He will stand trial July 19th and could face a prison sentence of five years to life.
(------------)


[7Hearing-SOL]


[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=SOL's]


State School Board members got an earful at last night's public hearing in Roanoke.
The topic was supposed to be rewards and penalties for SOL performance.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


Instead, parents and teachers spoke of the consequences they're suffering because of the SOL tests themselves.
They spoke about teachers with no time for creativity... drilling social studies students to remember names, places and dates.
Administrators, already faced with limited resources, voiced concerned about the prospect of further "punishment" from the state.
And parents told stories of children with damaged self-esteem.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=we realize]

(( TERRI FLANAGAN/PARENT; WE REALIZE THAT OUR CHILDREN MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE THINGS THAT THEY ARE TAUGHT , BUT THIS SOL THING IS GETTING OUT OF HAND. OUR CHILDREN ARE BEING PUSHED SO HARD THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY TIME TO THINK ABOUT BEING A CHILD ANY MORE. ))
[SUPER=01-Terri Flanagan/Parent; ]
[RUNS=:16]
[OUT Q=a child anymore]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Teachers say if the state intends to punish schools when students fail the tests, it should also provide the recources needed to get things right.
(------------)



[7E-PH-Teachers]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=99-13 1:21:44]
[GRAPHIC=Education]


Students at the top of the class, and at the bottom receive their teacher's attention, but sometimes students in the middle are on their own.
A new program at Patrick Henry High School promises to change that.
(///// SOT /////)
[NAT SOT OF STUDENTS 00:52:01 TAPE 1]
[IN Q=Push Up, Push Up]

((PUSH UP PUSH UP. THERE YOU GO. GOOD JOB.))
[RUNS=:03]
[OUT Q=Good Job.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Floyd Co.]


About sixty rising sophomores have signed on with the ASSIST program. And ten teachers have volunteered to serve as mentors.
This week, small groups are visiting Apple Ridge Farm in Floyd County for exercises designed to build teamwork and trust.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=In the future]

((SHEREE WILLIAMS: IN THE FUTURE, WHEN LIKE WE'RE READY TO GRADUATE, WE'LL HAVE SOMEBODY TO TALK TO, AND IF WE'RE HAVING PROBLEMS WE CAN WORK THAT OUT WITH A TEACHER THAT WE TRUST. ))
[SUPER=01-Sheree Williams/Rising Sophomore; :]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=teacher that we trust.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Over the next three years, school officials hope the ASSIST Program will help students improve their academic performance, become more involved in school activities, and make stronger connections among students of different backgrounds.
(------------)


[7S-Danville-Grant]


[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=99-10 1:58:42]
[GRAPHIC=None]


Danville residents will soon be getting some new outdoor recreation facilities, thanks to a half-million dollar grant from the Department of Transportation.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville;]


The money will fund a 12-mile bicycle path along the Dan River.
It will also help transform the site of the old Richmond and Danville rail yard into an open-air pavilion for concerts and entertainment.
These plans are just part of a three-point-six million dollar investment to bring tourism to Danville.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=We're trying to make the flight]

((SHARON CARNEY/DANVILLE DEPT. OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: WE'RE TRYING TO MAKE THE FLIGHT OUT OF DANVILLE TO STAY IN DANVILLE AND WITH THE ADDITIONS THAT WE'RE MAKING, PEOPLE ARE NOW FINDING I DON'T HAVE TO GO SOMEPLACE ELSE TO DO THESE THINGS, I CAN DO THEM RIGHT HERE. ))
[SUPER=01-Sharon Carney/Danville Dept. of Comm. Dev.]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=them right here.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=]
[GRAPHIC=None]


The project should be completed in about a year and a half.
It's the fourth largest grant of its kind in the state.

[7Weather]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#None]
[GRAPHIC=None]


Taking a look at your morning weather forecast--
It will be turning partly sunny today with temperatures getting up in to the 70s--
As we head into the evening it will be mostly cloudy
Temperatures should drop down to the lower 50's.
Taking a look at the extended forecast--
[SUPER=X5000; SET DISSOLVE]
[SUPER=314-Turning Partly Sunny/70-75/Mostly/Cloudy/50-54 ;Area forecast]
[SUPER=#555;RESET]

ESS C
(EXTENDED)


[Sponsor board ]

[45E-City-Manager]


[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=eea]
[TAPE#=99-28 3:41]
[GRAPHIC=Roanoke City Seal]


A second public forum on Roanoke's City Manager search drew a few more people last night.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]


About fifteen people attended the forum at the Jefferson Center.
The meetings are supposed to give citizens a chance to tell the search committee what qualities they want in a new City Manager.
Monday night's forum at the Civic Center Exhibition Hall was attended by only four.
(------------)



[45E-E-Toys]


[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=99-22 42:54]
[GRAPHIC=EToys]


An internet toy company is bringing hundred of jobs to Pittsylvania County.
As Marya Jones reports E-Toys is bringing good news to a troubled economy.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Pittsylvania County brought]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Charles Hawkins/(R) Chatham; :24]
[SUPER=@Marya1; :45]
[SUPER=01-Gerard ElChaar/eToys; 1:09]
[RUNS=1:33]
[OUT Q=MJN7.]

((NAT SOUND CLAPPING)) (([Guy holding up welcome sign]
Pittsylvania County brought out a warm welcome for the area's newest major employer, eToys.
The California-based internet toy retailer says it will bring 330 full-time and 900 holiday seasonal jobs to the area. Along with an investment of 14-million dollars.
The good news even made some local lawmakers feel like it WAS the holiday season.
[SOT 1:31:31 - 1:31:53]
[RUNS= :22]

((CHARLES HAWKINS/SENATOR-CHATHAM: IT IS CHRISTMAS. IT IS WHAT WE'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR. IT IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR JOBS THAT HAVE NOT ONLY A FAIRLY GOOD INCOME PROVIDED WITH THEM, BUT ALSO A FUTURE. THIS IS THE GROWING INDUSTRY THAT WE HAVE TO TAP INTO AND IT GIVES US ACCESS TO THOSE MARKETS AND THOSE JOBS THAT HERETOFORE HAVE NOT BEEN AVAILABLE FOR US. THIS GETS US IN THE BALLGAME.)) ((MARYA JONES/NEWS 7: IT'S A DIFFERENT BALLGAME FOR THE THE AREA. ETOYS DOES ITS BUSINESS HERE ON THE INTERNET, WHERE IT SELLS CHILDRENS VIDEOS, SOFTWARE, MUSIC AND GAMES. LAST YEAR, THE COMPANY HAD SALES TOTALLING THIRTY-MILLION DOLLARS.))
[RUNS= :10]


This warehouse in Blairs will serve as eToys' East Coast shipping and distribution center...and company officials say the central location was only part of their decision.
[SOT 1:22:45 - 1:24:00]
[RUNS= :15]

((GERARD ELCHAAR/eTOYS: THERE'S NO QUESTION THAT THE SITE FROM VIRGINIA'S STRATEGIC LOCATION, ITS HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE AND ITS DEDICATED OFFICIALS ...THESE WERE THE MAIN INGREDIENT IN OUR SELECTION PROCESS. ))
The distribution center is scheduled to open for business July of next year. Hiring is expected to begin in several months. Marya Jones, News 7.))

[45E-Carroll]


[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=THa]
[TAPE#=99-11 1:15:30]
[GRAPHIC=Cynthia Carroll]


Cynthia Carroll pleaded NO contest in court yesterday to charges she engaged in a sexual relationship with one of her students.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford;]


Carroll is accused of having sex with the young man when she worked as a teacher and principal at the Three Angels Christian School in Radford.
Jeremy (Cull-tiss) Cultice, who's now 21, says the lenghty relationship began when he was 14.
He says he knew it was wrong but could NOT find the courage to ask for help.
Cultice finally broke his silence last year.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=It's gotten]

((JEREMY CULTICE: IT'S GOTTEN EASIER, I CAN SLEEP A LITTLE BETTER NOW AND AT LEAST GET UP EVERY MORNING AND SAY WELL, I'M NOT THE BAD PERSON, IT'S NOT ME AND I CAN GO ON WITH MY LIFE TO SOME EXTENT BUT I'M NEVER GOING TO FORGET IT.))
[SUPER=07-Jeremy Cultice; :00]
[RUNS=:22]
[OUT Q=forget it.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


A judge will decide Carroll's fate in August.
If convicted, she could spend up to 70- years in prison.
(------------)


[8E-Sheriff-Council]


[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=99-12 1:21:47]
[GRAPHIC=Simpson]


Lynchburg Sheriff Lawrence Simpson says he was only encouraging his deputies to fight for a pay raise when he mentioned cross burnings on the lawns of city council members.
But the controversy could lead to his dismissal.
Steve Smallshaw reports.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=As controversy]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg; :00]
[SUPER=01-Harry Shelton/Former Jail Employee; :14]
[SUPER=01-Gil Cobbs/Lynchburg Democratic Committee; :25]
[SUPER=01-Jack Mills/SCLC Bedford Chapter; :51]
[SUPER=@ssm2; 1:05]
[RUNS=1:11]
[OUT Q=News7, Lynchburg.]

(( As controversy continues to swirl around sheriff Lawrence Simpson, more questions are being raised about his character.
Former jailer Harry Shelton says he's heard Simpson make other inappropriate racial and ethnic remarks.
[SOT 12:56:35]

((HARRY SHELTON/FORMER JAIL EMPLOYEE: HE LOOKED AT THAT TICKET AND SAYS `WELL THIS DUDE'S CRAZY, LOOK AT HIS LAST NAME, HE'S A POLLACK'. AND HE SAID THAT IN FRONT OF SEVERAL OF THE DEPUTIES UPSTAIRS.))
[RUNS= 12]
[OUT Q=deputies upstairs.]
[SOT 21:17:56]

((GIL COBBS/LYNCHBURG DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE: THE SHERIFF IS NOT ALL BAD, NOT ALL BAD, BUT WHEN YOU DO THINGS YOU HAVE TO PAY A PRICE.))
[RUNS= 08]
[OUT Q=pay a price.]


The price Cobbs and others want Simpson to pay is with his job.
Lynchburg Democrats have drafted a letter to Simpson, asking that he resign.
Now, local citizens are talking about getting up a petition.. they'll need ten percent of the people who voted in the 1997 election to sign it, in order to ask a circuit court judge for a recall.
[SOT 17:31:22]

((JACK MILLS/SCLC BEDFORD CHAPTER: GET HIM IN FRONT OF A CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE AND SEE WHAT HE'S GOT TO SAY TO THAT JUDGE. THAT'S WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN. THE MAN MADE A BIG MISTAKE AND EVEN THOUGHTS LIKE THAT ARE NOT TOLERABLE IN A SOCIETY TODAY.))
[RUNS= 16]
[OUT Q=a society today.]


Simpson has refused to comment.
Steve Smallshaw, News7, Lynchburg.))

[8E-L'burg-Post-Office]


[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=99-15]
[GRAPHIC=]


Lynchburg residents won't be losing a local post office, as some had feared.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]


About 75 residents attended a public hearing yesterday morning on the fate of the Rivermont Postal Station.
Postal officials want to move out of their current building and into a nearby commercial location to save money.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 10:06:39]
[IN Q=We're paying for]

((BILL HUSTON/LYNCHBURG POSTMASTER: WE'RE PAYING FOR 44- HUNDRED SQUARE FEET, WE ONLY NEED FOUR OR FIVE HUNDRED. I'M HEATING AND COOLING AND CLEANING THAT SPACE AND WE CAN'T CONTINUE TO DO THAT. AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL BE ABLE TO FIND A LOCATION IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA THAT WILL SERVE THE COMMUNITY.))
[SUPER=01-Bill Huston/Lynchburg Postmaster]
[RUNS=18]
[OUT Q=serve the community.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Huston (HYOO-ston) says there's a chance the post office could stay where it is if a new lease could be worked out with the building's owner.
(------------)


[8E-Sammons]


[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=99-17 27:26]
[GRAPHIC=None]


After six years on the job, Franklin county's administrator is stepping down.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Franklin Co.;]


Macon Sammons is headed to Virginia Tech, where he will promote local economic growth.
He says he's already improved Smith Mountain Lake and created two industrial parks.
But sources say county supervisors have privately criticized his performance.
Sammons won't say.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:16:37]
[SOT 15:02:17]
[IN Q=How much of this]

((MACON SAMMONS/CO. ADMINISTRATOR: HOW MUCH OF THIS IS DUE TO PUBLIC PRESSURE FROM THE BOARD? I HAVE BEEN A CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN VIRGINIA LOCALITIES FOR 17 CONSECUTIVE YEARS. THAT'S A LONG TIME, A LOT OF NIGHT MEETINGS -- I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO A CHANGE. butt butt butt DON HUTCHERSON/BUSINESS OWNER: THE GUY HAS NEVER DONE ANYTHING BAD TO ME OR ANYTHING ELSE BUT WE NEED MORE DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP I THINK THAN HE WAS GIVING US.))
[SUPER=01-Macon Sammons/Franklin Co. Administrator;]
[SUPER=01-Don Hutcherson/Business Owner; :17]
[RUNS=:25]
[OUT Q=he was giving us]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=]
[SS=NONE]

Sammons says his resignation is effective July second.
by SS