WDBJ 7 morning news for 10/29/99

[11Robbery]

[ANCHOR=melanie]

[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=99-49]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Authorities will continue to search this morning for two men who robbed a local convenience store at gunpoint in Vinton.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Vinton]
It happened around 9:30 last night. Vinton Police say the suspects stole over 800-dollars from Alveros on Walnut Avenue... then fled on foot.
Police say they think the two suspects are black males probably in their late teens.
They were last seen wearing dark clothing and ski masks.
(------------)

[stewart-jet]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Payne Stewart]

Thousands are expected to mourn golf champion Payne Stewart at a funeral service today in Orlando, Florida.
Church officials say Christian artist Michael W. Smith is among those who will honor Stewart, killed when his plane mysteriously flew off course and crashed in South Dakota this week.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Houston, TX;]
[3:07:29]
Play has been suspended today at the Tour Championship in Houston so the players could be in Orlando.
The tournament began yesterday with a lone bagpiper marching across the foggy golf course, honoring the two time U.S. Open Champion.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
((, TOM FINCHEM, PGA TOUR COMMISSIONER, "We are still in shock 72 hours after the terrible plane crash on Monday took from us one of our great champions."))
[SUPER=01-Tom Finchem/PGA Tour Commissioner;]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=OF OUR GREAT CHAMPIONS.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[10:01;47-yesterdays 10 a.m. Newspath]
Meantime in Washington, investigators are analyzing the cockpit voice recording from Stewart's Learjet.
They're hoping it will contain sounds like a rush of air, that might show what was happening in the minutes before the fatal crash.
They're also looking at similar Learjet tragedies for clues.
(------------)

[blimp-crash]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

The crash of a Goodyear blimp injuries two people.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Suffield, Ohio;]
[3:09:23]
It happened last night near Akron, Ohio.
Goodyear officials say the pilot a technician on board suffered only minor injuries. There's been no immediate word as to why the blimp went down.
The State Highway Patrol says the blimp released about 200 gallons of kerosene fuel before it crashed.
(------------)
[11Rubatex]
[anchor=Kimberly]
[Newscast=Morn]
[tape=99-44 25:09]
[graphic=Rubatex Strike]

For the first time since it went on strike ... the Steelworkers union is communicating with Rubatex.
(--------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford]

The two sides still haven't met face-to-face ... and they still don't plan to sit down and talk.
But they exchanged letters this week.
The union wrote to request more information about the contract that's in dispute.
The company wrote the union to let members know it's getting close to hiring permanent replacement workers.

That means union jobs might be at risk.
Rubatex says it's producing 80-percent of what it produced before the strike ... and it's doing it with a much smaller workforce.
(----------)

[Roanoke-School]

[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=99-42 40:41]
[GRAPHIC=Roanoke Co. Schools]

The Glenvar Middle School project has been in the works for more than a year.
An announcement yesterday from a member of the Board of Supervisors regarding funding could mean a step forward on the project.
While some school board members say this is good news -- others question if it is a political ploy by Spike Harrison who is up for re-election on Tuesday.
Joy Sutton has more.
(///SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=The needs of Glenvar]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;00]
[SUPER=01-Spike Harrison/Roanoke Co. Bd. of Supervisors;05]
[SUPER=01-Butch Church/Candidate Bd. of Supervisors;29]
[SUPER=01-Thomas Leggette/Roanoke Co. School Board;35]
[SUPER=01-Mike Stovall/Roanoke Co. School Board;53]
[SUPER=@Joy2]
[RUNS=1:17]
[OUT Q=n7 Roanoke Co.]
(///// SOT /////)
(([SOT]
[IN Q=]
((NAT SOUND:THE NEEDS OF GLENVAR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS BOTH NOW AND IN THE FUTURE CAN BE MET WITH PHYSICAL PLANT IMPROVEMENTS AND ADDITIONS THAT ARE IN THE 6 TO 6.8 MILLION DOLLAR RANGE.))
[RUNS=]
[OUT Q=dollar range]

Spike Harrison and Harry Nickens -two members of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors -- say it is time to move forward on the expansion of Glenvar Middle School.
That's why they say it is important to allocate the funding now -- because any further delay in action would jeopardize the projects future.
But not everyone agrees on the timing of this announcement.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT1:37:08]
[IN Q=It's a shame]
((BUTCH CHURCH/CANDIDATE ROANOKE CO. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:IT'S A SHAME...SMACKS OF ELECTION TIME)) [RUNS9]
[OUT Q=]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT21:30:43]
[IN Q=I just don't think]
((THOMAS LEGGETTE/ROANOKE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD:I JUST DON'T THINK IT'S RIGHT THIS CLOSE TO AN ELECTION TO TRY TO PLAY GAMES WITH PEOPLE AND SO THAT'S WHY I REFUSED TO VOTE)) [RUNS7]
[OUT Q=refused to vote]

Thomas Leggette was the only Roanoke School Board member who voted against accepting the money. But other board members say regardless of the timing Glenvar Middle School needs this money.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT21:34:27]
[IN Q=You don't look]
((MIKE STOVALL/ROANOKE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD:YOU DON'T LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH WHETHER. IF IT WAS POLITICS, NON-POLITICS WHATEVER THE CASE MIGHT BE. IT'S 6.8 MILLION DOLLARS IT'S GONNA GO TO COMMITMENT WE MADE AND I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO IT)) [RUNS12]
[OUT Q=forward to it]

Harrison says he would be criticized regardless even if waited till after the election.
And everyone involved agrees that improvements to Glenvar Middle School are crucial and in the best interest of the students.
Joy Sutton, News 7, Roanoke County. ))

[11Superintendent]

[ANCHOR=kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=99-43 32:41]
[GRAPHIC=Roanoke Co. Schools]

The Roanoke County School Board approved the contract for its new superintendent.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.]

Linda Weber will start her three year term on January 1st.
She will receive a 98-thousand dollar salary. Weber was introduced to teachers and staff yesterday afternoon.
She will replace Deanna Gordon who is retiring.
(------------)

[11Helicopter-Logging]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=99-29 1:47:59]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Leaf watchers along the Blue Ridge Parkway may have noticed the sound of helicopters this week near the Peaks of Otter.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Botetourt Co.]

Contractors for Georgia Pacific are using a twin-propeller helicopter to clear a 120-acre stand of ice- damaged trees in Botetourt County.
Crews on the ground cut the trees and the chopper flies them to a nearby staging area.
The operation is quick, efficient and more environmentally- friendly than conventional logging methods.
(-----------------)

[11Halloween]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jha]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Halloween]

Two more areas have joined the list of communities observing Halloween on Saturday, October 30.
Floyd County and the town of Floyd are asking parents and children to do their trick or treating a day early.
(+++++++)
[TAKE FS GFX]
For an updated list of communities observing Halloween one day early, visit our home page any time at WDBJ7-dot.com.
(+++++++)

[11Ghost-Tours]

[ANCHOR=]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=99-40 1:04:25]
[GRAPHIC=wipe wipe wipe]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem/Last Night]

With Halloween so close - the Salem Museum set out to introduce people to the ghosts of their area.
Re-enactors played the roles of some of the city's late residents on the second annual ghost tour.
The goal is to give the living... a lesson in history.
(------------)

[coma-mom]

[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

An incredible story out of California.
A comatose woman who delivered twins in June is back at home today with her new babies and husband.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Loma Linda, CA;]
[3:02:36]
Doctors say it's nothing short of a miracle.
In April Maria Lopez slipped into a coma from a ruptured blood vessel in her brain, she was pregnant at the time.
Her family decided to end her life support in June.
But Maria awakened while recieving last rites.
Six days later, she gave birth to healthy twin girls.
Lopez still faces months of rehabilitation that includes learning to walk again.
But doctors say her future looks bright.
(------------)

[Health-Check]

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

In medical news, the F-D-A has just approved a new anti-flu drug, but it's not for prevention as some people may think.
Dr. Dave Hnida has that story and more in this morning's Health check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Dave Hnida/Reporting; :00 ]
[RUNS=1:28]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]

((Information: ON CAM Doctors worry a new anti-flu drug, Tami flu, will cause people to skip getting a flu shot this year.

VT=VO
Tami Flu was just approved by the F-D-A as treatment for the flu, not as a prevention as some people may think.
The drug has been found to cut the severity of the flu in half along with cutting the duration of this week- long illness by about two days.
But when it comes to staying healthy there is no substitute for a flu shot.
Tami Flu is intended to be used in situations where you get the flu before your flu shot has kicked in or someone in your family gets sick before you get immunized.

VT=VO
Also today, a study in the journal hypertension says some chronically hostile people can't seem to cool it even when they're asleep.
Researchers found people who scored high on hostility tests had blood pressure readings on average 11 points higher during sleep than mellower people.
High blood pressure during sleep has been linked to more rapid damage to the heart and blood vessels.
ON CAM And finally a word of warning from eye doctors about cosmetic contacts - a type of contacts that are worn to change color or add design - not necessarily to correct vision.
Now here's the problem. Some people share these contacts and therefore share the germs these contacts soak up.
This can lead to vision threatening infections.
And the American academy of Ophthalmology is especially concerned about teens borrowing cosmetic contacts for Halloween.
The Academy says share candy, not contacts.
And that's a look at the day in health. I'm Dr. Dave Hnida, for CBS News.))

(ad lib to weather)
[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]

Former Roanoke mayor Noel Taylor is hospitalized at Roanoke Memorial hospital this morning in critical condition.
Taylor was mayor for 17 years before retiring from office in 1992.
He also pastored High Street Baptist Church for 37 years.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
A memorial service for pro golfer Payne Stewart will be held today at his church in Orlando, Florida.
Stewart died Monday when his Learjet crashed into a South Dakota field after flying out of control for several hours.
IN Washington, Investigators are analyzing the cockpit voice recording.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Just a few months ago her family was ready to take her off life support.
Now, a woman who delivered twins while she was recovering from a Her family calls it a miracle.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And that's what's making news on this Friday October 29-th.
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

[Taylor]

[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Former Roanoke Mayor Noel Taylor is hospitalized in Roanoke Memorial hospital this morning.
(-------------)
[vo-nat]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/December 28, 1998;]

The hospital is releasing few details but we do know his condition is listed as critical.
Taylor served as Roanoke Mayor for 17 years.
He left office in 19-92.
Taylor also served for 37 years as pastor at High street Baptist Church. He retired from the church in December of 1998.
(-----------)

[2-11Robbery]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=99-49]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Authorities are still searching for two men who robbed a local convenience store at gunpoint in Vinton.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Vinton]
It happened around 9:30 last night. Vinton Police say the suspects stole over 800-dollars from Alveros on Walnut Avenue... then fled on foot.
Police say they think the two suspects are black males probably in their late teens. They were last seen wearing dark clothing and ski masks.
(------------)

[11Edwards]

[ANCHOR=]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=sgo]
[TAPE#=99-36 1:11:54]
[GRAPHIC=Campaign 99]

A big-money battle is pitting State Senator John Edwards against challenger William Fralin come election day.
(+++++++)
[TAKE GFX Map]
This morning we'll look at the 21st District race.
Scott Goldberg begins with a look at the incumbent.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=203-Roanoke/November 1995;00]
[SUPER=201-John Edwards/(D) 21st District;16]
[SUPER=219-Scott/GOLDBERG; 2:05]
[RUNS=2:22]
[OUT Q=Scott Goldberg/News 7]
((
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT from beta 95-81 at 49:37]
[IN Q=natsound]
((NATS: HANDSHAKES, HUGS)) [RUNS01]
[OUT Q=]

Long before John Edwards went to Richmond ... [senate floor? 99-1 at 21:52]
Long before he built the legislative record on which he's running for reelection ... [PH hall of fame]
The native Roanoker was a high school hero ... more concerned about his record on the track.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:43]
[IN Q=my pole vaulting]
((JOHN EDWARDS: MY POLE VAULTING RECORD AT PATRICK HENRY LASTED 16 YEARS. DANNY THOMPSON BROKE IT. AND HIS RECORD IS STILL THERE.)) [RUNS06]
[OUT Q=STILL THERE]

Now, State Senator Edwards is trying to vault himself into a second term ...
In a tight race ...
Where the spending bar's been raised higher than any state race in Southwest Virginia history.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 13:21]
[IN Q=i knew]
((EDWARDS: I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE EXPENSIVE. I DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS GOING TO BE THIS EXPENSIVE.)) [RUNS04]
[OUT Q=THIS EXPENSIVE]
Both candidates will have raised more than 400-thousand dollars by the time it's over...
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT from fralin ad]
[IN Q=in the state]
((FRALIN AD: IN THE STATE SENATE RACE, VOTERS HAVE A CHOICE.)) [RUNS02]
[OUT Q=A CHOICE]

... but it was challenger William Fralin who got a head start spending it.
He spent cash early and often ... buying glitzy ads ripping Edwards' record.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT from fralin ad]
[IN Q=MANDATORY]
((FRALIN AD: MANDATORY JAIL TIME FOR ASSAULTING A TEACHER? EDWARDS VOTED NO.)) [RUNS04]
[OUT Q=VOTED NO]

Edwards says it's money that's been spent on outright distortions.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 11:55]
[IN Q=he pulls out]
((EDWARDS: HE PULLS OUT THE ONE I VOTED AGAINST AND SAYS THAT'S MY POSITION. WELL, OBVIOUSLY, IT'S NOT.)) [RUNS03]
[OUT Q=IT'S NOT]

The truth is: Edwards voted FOR a different version of a bill that DOES require jail time for hitting a teacher...

And for another bill that DOES give serial killers the death penalty.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 10:22]
[IN Q=some people]
((SCOTT GOLDBERG: Some people have criticized you for not fighting back. EDWARDS: I THINK PEOPLE WANT A POSITIVE CAMPAIGN ...)) [RUNS06]
[OUT Q=POSITIVE CAMPAIGN]

Which is why Edwards says his ads won't slam his opponent. [edwards tv spot]
Rather ... he's spending money to tout what he's done and still wants to do...
Gambling that policies -- more than personalities -- register with voters.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 10:36]
[IN Q=building the roanoke]
((EDWARDS: BUILDING THE ROANOKE HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER. ABOLISHING THE FOOD TAX. FIGHTING FOR PATIENTS' RIGHTS AND REAL HMO REFORM. THESE ARE THE THINGS PEOPLE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT.)) [RUNS09]
[OUT Q=HEAR ABOUT]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 52:23 -- tinsley tape]
[IN Q=JOHN EDWARDS...]
((REV. TINSLEY: JOHN EDWARDS IS MY FRIEND ..)) [RUNS02]
[OUT Q=MY FRIEND]

He's also expecting to cash in on support from black voters ... [chubb-wilson from 98-21 at 58:57] though a dispute with activist Perneller Chubb-Wilson cost him her endorsement. And activist Jeff Artis today called Edwards a "johnny-come-lately" on the issues facing the black community.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 9:03]
[IN Q=they know]
((EDWARDS: THEY KNOW I HAVE A STRONG CIVIL RIGHTS RECORD AND I'M PROUD OF THE RECORD GOING BACK MANY, MANY YEARS.)) [RUNS05]
[OUT Q=many, many years]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT STANDUP]
[IN Q=]
((SCOTT GOLDBERG: EDWARDS MIGHT BE VULNERABLE FOR TWO REASONS. HE HAS A WELL-FUNDED, STRONG REPUBLICAN CHALLENGER. AND HIS SEAT HAS A HISTORY OF SWITCHING PARTIES. BUT THIS YEAR, EDWARDS IS BANKING ON HIS LEGISLATIVE TRACK RECORD -- HOPING IT'S THE ONLY REASON VOTERS NEED TO GIVE HIM ANOTHER FOUR YEARS. SCOTT GOLDBERG, NEWS-7.)) [RUNS18]
[OUT Q=NEWS-7]))

[11Fralin]

[ANCHOR=]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=99-37 1:23:23]
[GRAPHIC=Campaign '99]

Republican William Fralin has devoted a large share of his campaign treasury to purchase air time for commercials.
But he's also worked hard to meet as many voters as he can, one- on- one.
Joe Dashiell profiles the Fralin campaign and the controversy it's generated.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=William Fralin]
[SUPER=203-Roanoke Co.; :00]
[SUPER=220-Joe/Dashiell; :14]
[SUPER=201-William Fralin/(R) State Senate Candidate; :48]
[SUPER=204-March 19, 1999; 1:08]
[RUNS=2:03]
[OUT Q=Joe Dashiell News 7]

((William Fralin has been hard to miss, as he's carried his campaign into the neighborhoods of the Roanoke Valley.
At six foot six, Fralin's lengthy stride and quick smile make him a natural campaigner. [NAT SOUND OF DOOR-TO-DOOR TAPE 3 01:45:12]
[IN Q=I've been watching what's happening]
((I'VE BEEN WATCHING WHAT'S HAPPENING ON TV IN THE NEWSPAPER. YOU'RE THE MAN, THANK YOU VERY MUCH... ALRIGHT, THAT WILL PICK YOU UP.))
[RUNS= :08]
[OUT Q=that'll pick you up.]

His name is everywhere, from the yard signs that line neighborhood streets to the television campaign fueled by close to 400- thousand dollars in campaign contributions he's collected so far. [NAT SOUND OF COMMERCIAL... PRE-PRO]
[IN Q=William Fralin]
((WILLIAM FRALIN, THE RIGHT VALUES, THE RIGHT IDEAS FOR ROANOKE.))
[RUNS= :05]
[OUT Q=right ideas for Roanoke.]

A lawyer long active in Republican politics, Fralin comes from a prominent family known for its philanthropy and community involvement, but he's never held elective office.
He says education and taxes are the two most important issues in this campaign.
[SOT 01:37:21 TAPE 3]
[IN Q=I think when voters]
((I THINK WHEN VOTERS MAKE THEIR DECISION THEY'RE NOT GOING TO MAKE IT BASED ON PERSONALITIES OR WHOSE LAST NAME IS OR ANY OF THOSE THINGS. THEY'RE GOING TO SAY WHO DO I AGREE WITH MOST OF THE TIME. AND I HOPE THAT'S WILLIAM FRALIN.))
[RUNS= :13]
[OUT Q=and I hope that's William Fralin.]

And yet the final days of the campaign have focused more attention on Fralin's tactics, television commercials that attack John Edwards' voting record. [BITE FROM FRALIN CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT INTERVIEW 00:32:00 TAPE 1]
[IN Q=I truly believe]
((WILLIAM FRALIN: I TRULY BELIEVE THERE WILL NOT BE ANY NEGATIVE CAMPAIGNING IN THIS ELECTION. AND I LOOK FORWARD TO TALKING ISSUES WITH JOHN.))
[RUNS= :07]
[OUT Q=talking issues with John]

Back in March when Governor Gilmore and other Republicans joined Fralin on Mill Mountain for his campaign kickoff, he said he was not going to tear anyone down, but by Wednesday's Kiwanis Club luncheon, critics were asking if he hasn't done exactly that. [FRALIN AT MEETING 01:12:29 TAPE 2 ]
[IN Q=You know, there's just a lot of differences]
((YOU KNOW THERE'S JUST A LOT OF DIFFERENCES HERE, AND I THINK IT'S LEGITIMATE POLITICAL DISCOURSE.))
[RUNS= :06]
[OUT Q=political discourse.]

Fralin bristles at the suggestion his campaign commercials have distorted Edwards' record.
[SOT 01:31:09]
[IN Q=John Edwards is a fine man]
((JOHN EDWARDS IS A FINE MAN. I'M NOT ATTACKING HIS CHARACTER OR ANYTHING ABOUT HIM OTHER THAN THE WAY HE VOTES. AND I THINK IF WE CAN'T TALK ABOUT THAT WITHOUT RISKING HAVING YOUR OWN CHARACTER ATTACKED, WHERE ARE WE IN POLITICS.))
[RUNS= :15]
[OUT Q=where we are in politics.]

Fralin has knocked on more than six thousand doors, and plans to make it seven thousand before Tuesday.
He's expecting a close vote... one that could depend on another doorstep down the street.
Joe Dashiell News 7))

[11Williams-Execution]

[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Va Death Penalty]

The U-S Supreme Court spared the life of a convicted killer last night - agreeing to hear his appeal less than an hour before he was set for execution.
(++++++++)
[TAKE PRE-PRO FULLSCREEN]
Michael Wayne Williams was sentenced to die for robbing and killing a Cumberland County couple in 1993.
He also pleaded guilty to killing four men in Prince George County in 1992.
(++++++++)

[Glenvar-School]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morning]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=99-45]
[GRAPHIC=Roanoke County Schools]

The Roanoke County School Board could soon get the funding it needs for renovations to Glenvar Middle School.

(------------)
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:32:31]
[IN Q=There is a basic agreement]
((SPIKE HARRISON/ROANOKE CO. BD. OF SUPERVISORS: THERE IS A BASIC AGREEMENT AMONG THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO RECOGNIZE BETWEEN 6 MILLION AND 6 POINT 8 MILLION FOR THE NECESSARY COSTS FOR GLENVAR MIDDLE SCHOOL))
[SUPER=01-Spike Harrison/Roanoke Co. Bd. of Supervisors]
[RUNS=8]
[OUT Q=Middle School]
(---------)

Four of five of the Roanoke County School Board members voted in favor of accepting the money.
But board member Thomas Legette voted against -- saying he questions the timing of the announcement, since Spike Harrison is up for re-election on Tuesday.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT21:30:43]
[IN Q=I just don't think]
((THOMAS LEGGETTE/ROANOKE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD:I JUST DON'T THINK IT'S RIGHT THIS CLOSE TO AN ELECTION TO TRY TO PLAY GAMES WITH PEOPLE AND SO THAT'S WHY I REFUSED TO VOTE))
[SUPER=01-]
[RUNS=7]
[OUT Q=refused to vote]
(-----------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.]

Harrison says he is doing this in the best interest of the students -- and he would be criticized even if he waited until after the election.
(------------)

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

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

Authorities will continue to search this morning for two men who robbed a local convenience store at gunpoint in Vinton.
Vinton Police say the suspects stole over 800-dollars from Alveros on Walnut Avenue... then fled on foot.
Police say they think the two suspects are black males probably in their late teens. They were last seen wearing dark clothing and ski masks.
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

The Steelworkers union is communicating with Rubatex. They exchanged letters this week.
The union wrote to request more information about the contract that's in dispute.
The company wrote the union to let members know it's getting close to hiring permanent replacement workers.

That means union jobs might be at risk.
Rubatex says it's producing 80-percent of what it produced before the strike ... and it's doing it with a much smaller workforce.

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]
The Roanoke County School Board approved the contract for its new superintendent.
Linda Weber will start her three year term on January 1st of the year 2000.
She will receive a 98-thousand dollar salary.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
(Kimberly mic hot)
(///////////////)
(Kimberly ad lib weather)
(-------------)
[Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)
[Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]
(ad lib bye)

[Promo]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Time Off]

With Halloween just around the corner, how about a trip UNDERGROUND?
Not to a cemetery....
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Luray;]

To Luray Caverns.
Just a couple of hours up the road are the largest caverns on the east coast.
But that's not Luray's only claim to fame....
The Great Stalacpipe Organ is in the Guinness Book as the world's largest musical instrument.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 12:44:56]
[IN Q=It operates on]
((JOHN SHAFFER/PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR: IT OPERATES ON A VERY SIMPLE PRINCIPLE THAT THE STALACTITES GIVE OFF A MUSICAL TONE WHEN THEY'RE TAPPED, NOT UNLIKE WATER INA CHAMPAGNE GLASS. DEPENDING UPON THE LEVEL OF WATER, THAT DETERMINES THE TONE. WELL, THE STALACTITES ARE THE SAME WAY.))
[SUPER=01-John Shaffer/Public Relations Director;]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=are the same way]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

But you'll have to find your Halloween BATS elsewhere... these caverns have no outdoor entrance.
(------------)
[TALENT=KIMBERLY]
Learn more about Luray Caverns in this week's "Time Off", coming up tomorrow at 8 on News 7 Saturday Morning. [GRAPHIC=TIME OFF]