[News-Heads]

[ANCHOR=Jean]

[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=Heads]
[GRAPHIC=None]


Today on New 7 at 5, a videotape gives police a clearer picture of the man who killed seven people in a Texas church.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

and V-M-I's superintendent will NOT face criminal charges over his use of a school discretionary account.
(------------)

[Weather-Head]
[TALENT=Robin]
[SS=None]


Lovely weather for the weekend as promised yesterday. After a chilly start, sunshine rules on Saturday.

[Medical-Head]


[ANCHOR=Tonya]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#med heads]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

Today on health check -- television host Bob Barker is facing surgery.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Plus -- a new way to patch up patients during surgery.
(----------------)

[2-SHOT]
[open]
[SUPER=#4063; Headline Banner]
[SUPER=@Jean1;]
[SUPER=@Tonya1;]
[SUPER=@Patrick1;]
[SUPER=@robin1;]
[SUPER=@Mike1;]


[5-VMI-Bunting]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=599-14 5:22:29]
[GRAPHIC=Bunting Investigation]


The Investigation of V-M-I Superintendent Josiah Bunting's spending practices has ended withOUT any criminal charges.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lexington]


Lexington Commonwealth's Attorney Gordon Saunders says there was no evidence of fraud or any attempt to conceal the way purchases were made.
The trouble is there weren't any guidelines for spending the 100-thousand dollars in the Superintendent's "discretionary account," so the superintendent had no way of knowing whether he was following proper procedure.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=The attorney general's]

((THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE HAS REVIEWED MY FINDINGS AND AGREES WITH MY LEGAL ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATION THAT NO CRIMINAL VIOLATION OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE PAYMENTS FOR EXPENSES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT'S ALLOTMENT.))
[SUPER=01-Gordon Saunders/Lexington Commonwealth's Atty]
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=superintendent's allotment.]
(---------------------)
[V/O- NAT SOT]


Saunders says V-M-I's Board of Visitors should review each of the 47-thousand dollars worth of alcohol, flowers and gifts questioned by state auditors to determine whether General Bunting owes the Institute for personal expenses.
(---------------------)



[5-Floyd-Aftermath]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=599-13 21:48]
[GRAPHIC=Floyd aftermath]


The Hurricane may be gone but the flood water is not-
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Edgecombe Co., NC;]


This is what's left behind in North Carolina- flood waters rushes into a quarry.
Water covers streets, homes and cars-
According to Federal officials- New Jersey and North Carolina were the hardest hit by Floyd.
Parts of North Carolina received 15 inches of rain.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:49:41]
[IN Q=]

((JANE BULLOCK/FEMA CHIEF OF STAFF: WE KNOW THERE ARE PEOPLE STRANDED. WE KNOW THAT MANY REIVERS THAT HAVE FLOODED HAVE NOT CRESTED YET. WE HAVE MAJOR SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION GOING ON.))
[SUPER=01-Jane Bullock/FEMA Chief of Staff; ]
[RUNS=07]
[OUT Q=going on.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[Super=04-Coast Guard;;]


This is video from one of several rescues that took place in North Carolina and Virginia- Coast Guard and National Guard crews used helicopters to pluck people from flood waters- and stranded in homes surrounded by water.
Some were on rooftops and trees trying to stay above the water.
Traffic is closed on Interstate 95 between Petersburg Virginia and Benson North Carolina- 170 miles in all because of flooding.
(------------)



[Tease#1 ]



[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=Tease 1]
[GRAPHIC=None]


The nation's second largest city is hit with another scandal involving charges of police corruption. We'll have the details after this break.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

and we'll tell you why some customers of a small water company are upset with its owner.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Tonya]


Patients undergoing hernia surgery could have an easier recovery. We'll show you why in today's Health Check.
[ANCHOR=Jean]


and Andrew Freiden tries to learn a lot about long distance on the golf course.

[5-Rubatex]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5pm]
[WRITER=sgo]
[TAPE#=599-39 2:00:39]
[GRAPHIC=None]


The striking Rubatex union still won't say why its members aren't working.
But a spokesman WILL say there's a reason for the silence.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford]


The United Steelworkers Local 240 went on strike last week but refused to talk about it.
A union spokesman says he doesn't want to negotiate a contract through the media.
But he won't say why the union isn't talking to Rubatex and hasn't brought a new proposal to the table.
The company says issues are mandatory overtime, wages and contributions to a health plan.
Neither side sees an end to the strike at Bedford's biggest employer.
(------------)


[5-Wright]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5pm]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=599-11 1:19:53]
[GRAPHIC=None]


A second man has pleaded guilty to his role in the beating death of a Bedford resident last year.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford]


23-year old Robert Junior Wright pleaded guilty to first degree murder for helping to kill 36- year- old Jeffrey O'Neill Kirkland in April of 1998.
Prosecutors agreed to the reduced plea in order to spare a ten- year- old eyewitness from having to testify.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:51:46]
[IN Q=He had been]

((RANDY KRANTZ/PROSECUTOR: HE HAD BEEN ONE OF OUR CONCERNS ALL ALONG IN THIS CASE, WHEN NEGOTIATIONS STARTED TAKING PLACE ON A POSSIBLE PLEA TO FIRST DEGREE MURDER, WE REALIZED THAT WOULD ALLOW US TO SPARE HIM THE ADDITIONAL TRAUMA OF TESTIFYING, THE ONLY ISSUE BEING WHETHER IT OCCURRED DURING THE COURSE OF A ROBBERY.))
[SUPER=01-Randy Krantz/Prosecutor]
[RUNS=16]
[OUT Q=of a robbery.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Wright was sentenced to 41 years and 9 months in prison.
His twin brother Rollins has yet to stand trial for HIS alleged role in the crime.
(------------)



[5-cop-Scandal]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=None]


Police in Los Angeles are once again coming under scrutiny. Lawyers for a man shot at point blank range while handcuffed and in custody are saying their client was framed. Now there is an investigation into charges a dozen officers were running a crime ring. Manuel Gallegus has more.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Los Angeles;]
[SUPER=01-Tomar Toister/Public Defender;]
[SUPER=01-Bernard Parks/L-A Police Chief;]
[SUPER=01-Maneul Gallegus/CBS News;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=CBS NEWS LA]


IT'S ONE OF THE LARGEST SCANDALS IN LOS ANGELES POLICE HISTORY. ONE INVOLVING COCAINE, CORRUPTION, AND POSSIBLE MURDER.
THE INFORMATION IS COMING FROM A FORMER OFFICER RAFAEL PEREZ.
PEREZ IS IN JAIL FOR STEALING 8 POUNDS OF COCAINE FROM AN EVIDENCE LOCKER. NOW, AS PART OF A PLEA BARGAIN, HE'S TALKING ABOUT OTHER ALLEGEDLY "DIRTY CASES."

-NAT SOT-

ONE CASE INVOLVES JAVIER OVANDO. THREE YEARS AGO, OVANDO WAS SHOT BY POLICE DURING A GANG RAID. HE WAS LEFT PARALYZED, AND SENT TO PRISON. BUT PEREZ NOW CLAIMS HE SHOT OVANDO IN THE HEAD AFTER HE WAS HANDCUFFED AND THEN LIED AT HIS TRIAL. THE ATTORNEY WHO LOST HIS CASE IS SHOCKED_

-SOT- TAMAR TOISTER, PUBLIC DEFENDER 8;06;11 tape 1

"they shot the young man, then to cover themselves they put a gun in his hand and then had him arrested for allegedly pointing the gun at them."
OVANDO WAS FREED LAST NIGHT.
THERE MAY BE OTHER CASES INVOLVING POSSIBLE COVER UPS OF DRUGS AND SHOOTINGS. L-A- POLICE CHIEF BERNARD PARKS SAYS SO FAR ONLY CERTAIN OFFICERS ARE TARGETED.

-SOT-BERNARD PARKS, L-A POLICE CHIEF TAPE 2 10;25;41

10;28;46 "we have sent 11 officers home who were on active duty and another officer who had already been terminated on a prior case."
IN THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF OVER 70 LAPD OFFICERS HAVE BEEN FIRED FOR MISCONDUCT. AND THE CONCERN NOW IS THAT OFFICER PEREZ MAY HAVE TAINTED AS MANY AS 200 CRIMINAL TRIALS IN WHICH HE TESTIFIED. MANUEL GALLEGUS, CBS NEWS LOS ANGELES.

[5-Water-Rates]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=Six]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=599-12 1:13:48]
[GRAPHIC=Higher Water rates]


Higher water rates are on the way for Roanoke residents.
On Monday night, city council will consider a proposal that would raise rates by about 18 percent effective January first.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Carvins Cove]


The higher rates are the result of the current drought and the new water sharing agreement with Roanoke County.


The city is now purchasing water from other localities, and it will lose revenue from the sale of water under the new agreement.
(------------)
[Anchor=Jean]
[GRAPHIC=Hold]


When a second increase takes effect in 2001, the average residential customer will be paying about two dollars and 30 cents more per month.


[5-Waterworks]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=599-16 5:38]
[GRAPHIC=Water Supply]


A Smith Mountain Lake water company is wasting at least three thousand gallons of water a day. The state...
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Franklin Co.;]


Health Department estimates two to four gallons a MINUTE run down David Talbott's driveway.
The Water Works Company -- run by one man from his home -- apparently refuses to fix the leak.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 28:07]
[IN Q=On two consecutive]

((DAVID TALBOTT/RESIDENT: ON TWO CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS THE RESERVOIR WAS ALMOST DRY. SOME PEOPLE WERE DOWN TO A TRICKLE.))
[SUPER=01-David Talbott/Resident;]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=to a trickle]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Robert Winney, the water company owner, serves four subdivisions.
But state corporation commission records show he frequently shuts the water off, blames imaginary shareholders, and overcharges customers.
Twice the state agency has refused to let Winney raise rates above 270-dollars a year.
In a recent letter, he told David Talbott he doesn't have the money to fix this leak.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=JEAN]
[SS=Hold]


Robert Winney did not return phone messages from News7.

[Tease#2]



[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5p]
[WRITER=afr]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]


Coming up next on the Newscast, Andrew Freiden takes a private golf lesson from Chip Sullivan at Ashley Plantation.


(///////SOT/////////////)
[IN Q=While Jean]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=Continues]





[5-Texas-Shooting]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=nET]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at 5]


Fort Worth Police say the shooting was caught on amateur video tape- tape that will probably never be seen by the public.
The shooting left 8 people dead- including the gunman.
Bobbi Harley has more on the investigation.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Fort Worth, TX]
[SUPER=01-Ralph Mendoza/Fort Worth Police;]
[SUPER=01-Bobbi Harley/CBS News;]
[SUPER=01-]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=Fort Worth, Texas.]

((
POLICE NOW KNOW ALL TOO WELL HOW LARRY ASHBROOK CARRIED OUT HIS CRIME... ACTING CHIEF RALPH MENDOZA/FT. WORTH POLICE: He is just holding his hand out with the gun in it, and is slowly and methodically picking things to shoot at.
POLICE KNOW THAT BECAUSE IT'S CAUGHT ON VIDEOTAPE. TWO PEOPLE AT THE WEDGEWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS, ROLLED THEIR CAMERAS DURING THE RAMPAGE. THE TAPE IS NOW EVIDENCE AUTHORITIES WILL NOT RELEASE - TWO MINUTES IN ALL SHOWING THE SUSPECT SHOOT AS MANY A TWENTY BULLETS INTO THE CROWD. SEVEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED BEFORE ASHBROOK TOOK HIS OWN LIFE. INSIDE THE 47-YEAR-OLD MAN'S HOME POLICE FOUND NOTES AND LETTERS - ASHBROOK EVEN APPARENTLY WROTE TO THE FT. WORTH STAR TELEGRAM - DESCRIBING WHAT HE CALLED ODD EVENTS AND HUMILIATION - THAT HE WAS BEING TARGETED. BUT NONE OF IT, AUTHORITIES SAY, GIVES THEM A CLUE AS TO WHY HE WALKED INTO THIS CHURCH SHOOTING WEDNESDAY NIGHT. BOBBI HARLEY/FT. WORTH,TEXAS - Investigators and clean-up crews are now working together inside - the hope is to have the church ready in time for services Sunday morning.
THIS COMMUNITY HAS ALREADY COME TOGETHER - PRAYING FOR THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES - NOW IT HOPES TO GET THINGS AS BACK TO NORMAL AS POSSIBLE. BH, CBS NEWS, FT. WORTH, TEXAS))

[5-Andrew]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5pm]
[WRITER=afr]
[TAPE#=599-10 1:21:48]
[GRAPHIC=nONE]


Beautiful weather like today tends to draw golfers to the links.
That's where we find Andrew Freiden-- checking out the brand new Ashley Plantation course.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=The clubhouse]
[SUPER=@Andrew1]
[SUPER=01-Chip Sullivan/Club Professional]
[SUPER=03-Botetourt Co.]
[RUNS=2:05]
[OUT Q=I'm Andrew Freiden]

(( )) [Stats] [09/17/1999] [CK/ESS]FIVE BACKGROUND [CK/WXPRO] [CK/VIEWERNET] [CK/WXPRO]WEATHER MAPS [CK/CHYRON/5 PAGES]REGIONAL FORECASTS [ESS/FULL]EXTENDED FORECAST [WALK OVER FOR 3 SHOT] [Forecasts]
[SUPER=#577]
[SUPER=X5000]
[SUPER=330-Mostly Clear/Light Winds/40-44/Mostly Sunny/And Mild/73-76]
[SUPER=331-Mostly Clear/And Chilly/46-50/Mostly Sunny/Pleasant/72-76]
[SUPER=332-Clear and/Cool/40-44/Mostly Sunny/Pleasant/70-72]
[SUPER=333-Clear and/Cool/40-44/Mostly Sunny/Light Winds/68-72]
[SUPER=334-Clear and/Cold/38-40/Mostly Sunny/Light Winds/68-70]
[SUPER=X5001][tease#3]


[health music under]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=]
[TAPE#tease 3]
[GRAPHIC=None]


In Sports, Mother Nature is causing problems for NASCAR qualifying.
[ANCHOR=Tonya]


On Health check, solving the problem of high cholesterol could soon be as easy as getting an injection,
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

And a new program is working to help medical professionals with substance abuse problems stay clean and sober.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT ub 10 18 57]
[IN Q=If you've got]

((JOHN HASTY/PROGRAM DIRECTOR: IF YOU'VE GOT AN IMPAIRED PRACTITIONER WORKING ON YOU, YOU'RE IN JEOPARDY.))
[RUNS=:05]
[OUT Q=in jeopardy]

[health bump]
[Comm Break#3]



[5-Health-Intervention]


[ANCHOR=Tonya]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tfl]
[TAPE#=599-17 4:42]
[GRAPHIC=Health Check]

About 10 percent of Virginia's medical field is at-risk for drug and alcohol abuse.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; ]

That number is higher for health care professionals than the general public.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT ub 10 15 02]
[IN Q=Me being a]

((JOHN HASTY/PROGRAM DIRECTOR: ME BEING A PHARMACIST I KNOW THAT WE HAVE THE CANDY JAR SO TO SPEAK AND NURSES HAVE ACCESS TO MEDICATION AND THE PHYSICIANS SO OUR THREE GROUPS TEND TO RUN HIGHER THAN OTHER GROUPS.))
[SUPER=01-John Hasty/Program Director; ]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=than other groups.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

A conference today at the Hotel Roanoke addressed the issue and talked about ways to treat impaired health practitioners. Program organizers say medical personnel can hide an addiction problem longer so it's worse when it finally comes to light. The program is designed to reach everyone in the health industry from nurses aids to brain surgeons. The one year old intervention program so far is considered a huge success.
(------------)



[5-Hernia]


[ANCHOR=Tonya]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=559-15 18:27]
[GRAPHIC=Health Check]


A new technique is helping men recover faster from their most common surgery.
A hernia is an abnormal tear in the abdominal wall. Sometimes it is hardly noticeable. Other times it can cause great pain.
Every year more than 700 hundred thousand men have surgery to fix the problem.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Miami, FL;]


Traditionally doctors have used stitches to mend the abdominal wall, but that method created tension in the area and required a long recovery period.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 4:28:10]
[IN Q=That's when people were ]

((DR. ARTHUR GILBERT-HERNIA INSTITUTE OF FLORIDA: THAT'S WHEN PEOPLE WERE TOLD NOT TO GO BACK TO WORK FOR SIX WEEKS. DON'T DO HEAVY LIFTING FOR THREE MONTHS. ANYTHING LIKE THAT AND THE REOCCURRENCE RATE FOLLOWING THAT SURGERY WAS VERY HIGH RUNNING ANYWHERE TO 15 AND 25 PERCENT.))
[SUPER=01-Dr. Arthur Gilbert/Hernia Institute;]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=15 and 25 percent.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


That has all changed now thanks to a patch made of two pieces of polypropylene.
The patch provides support to the abdominal wall without creating tension in the muscle. That means there is less chance of reinjury.
And the recovery time is much faster. This is Patrick Clawson's second hernia surgery, but only his first with the patch.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=A lot less pain.]

((PATRICK CLAWSON-HERNIA PATIENT; A LOT LESS PAIN. THE RECOVERY PERIOD IS THREE TIMES FASTER. I'M BASICALLY DOING NORMAL THINGS. I WENT BACK TO WORK THE NEXT DAY.))
[SUPER=01-Patrick Clawson/Hernia Patient;]
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=the next day.]
[ANCHOR=Tonya]
[GRAPHIC=Hold]


The surgery is done under a local anesthetic and takes about 40 minutes.

[5-Cholesterol-Vaccine]


[ANCHOR=Tonya]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tfl]
[TAPE#=599-18 8:27]
[GRAPHIC=Cholesterol]

Volunteers are signing up in Chicago to tests a new vaccine that lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Chicago, IL; ]

The injection only has to be given once as opposed to current medications taken daily. In laboratory animals the vaccine raised good cholesterol by 40 percent and reduced the blocks that cause heart attacks. Doctors are hoping it will reverse hardening of the arteries in humans as well.
(------------)



[5-Barker]


[ANCHOR=Tonya]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=HealthCheck]


Doctors are planning to operate on game show host Bob Barker to clear an artery in his neck.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-File Tape;]


Doctors in Washington say Barker is at risk of a stroke as the artery is 85-percent blocked.
The 75 year old host of "The Price is Right" was taken to the hospital yesterday after he developed numbness in his left arm.
Today he is said to be resting comfortably and is in good spirits.
The surgery is scheduled for Monday. He will be hospitalized through Friday of next week.
(------------)


[S5-Nascar]


[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=5pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-38]
[GRAPHIC=TICKER]


The two minute ticker is still feeling the effects of Hurricane Floyd.
[GRAPHIC=NEW HAMPSHIRE]


Qualifying this afternoon in New Hampshire was washed out as the rain continues to pelt the Northeast.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Loudon, NH/SpeedVision; :00]


Ernie Irvan was walking through the garage surveying the precipitation that has been falling at the track for two straight days.
The garage area was quiet and vacant this afternoon as NASCAR called off time trials and rescheduled them for tomorrow morning at 11..
(------------)


[S5-Roll]


[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=5pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-49]
[GRAPHIC=FFE]


The football season is at week number four tonight and it should be clear sailing for everyone now that Floyd has gone back to Mayberry.
We will have highlights of a season-high 17 games tonight at 11:35 on Friday Football Extra.
Here's where you'll find our crews tonight.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=first audio]
[RUNS=:35]
[OUT Q=...LOGO COMES FULL - YOU FADE]
(------------)
[anchor=mike]
[graphic=FLOYD/GILES]


In one other Friday Football Extra note, emotions got out of control after the September 3rd Giles and Floyd game, and as a result two Giles' fans face criminal charges.
Doris Lee Ratcliffe faces a misdemeanor assault and battery charge after being accused of hitting a referee with a stadium seat.
Her husband Bentley Wayne Ratcliffe faces two felony assault charges on a police officer after intervening on behalf of his wife.
Their trial is set for October 14th, and Floyd Commonwealth's attorney Gino Williams says the woman could face up to 12 months in jail and a $25 hundred dollar fine.
Their son is a star player on the Giles' team.

[S5-WDBJ]


[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=5pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=NONE]
[GRAPHIC=none]

[GO TO PINNACLE 7501]
(------------)


Your Hometown Station is the place for college football this weekend. Saturday at three Penn State travels to Miami to take on the Hurricanes
Then at eight Saturday night Florida hosts Tennessee in the Swamp here on WDBJ-7.
(------------)

[wipe to pinnacle 7503]
Sunday we have the doubleheader with Jacksonville battling the Panthers and the Chiefs taking on the Broncos.
Steve Mason will be in the house at six. Have a safe weekend everybody
(------------)

[go to break]

[5-Kicker]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]


The city of lights will get even brighter for the new year.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Paris;]


Paris is gearing up for the millennium. A team of more than 20 electricians is in charge of preparing for the illumination of the Eiffel Tower.
The men need to install 20-thousand light bulbs. To make things even more difficult, they can only work at night when the tower is closed to the public.
They began the operation early this month. It should last until the end of November.
That's not bad considering it took 300 steel workers three years to build it beginning in 1887.
The new bulbs will be lit during a light show scheduled for midnight New Year's Eve.
(------------)

[Close-ID] [5pm] SUPER=x4035; fax/copyright [SUPER=x4034;email/copyright]
by SS