WDBJ 7 morning news AM cutins for 01/26/00

[7-E-Central-Snow]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=00-02]
[GRAPHIC=Winter Weather]

Much of Virginia continues to dig out from yesterday's storm that dumped a foot or more of snow in some places.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

Road crews in Lynchburg and central Virginia were left scrambling when this storm packed more of a punch than they expected.
Now they're worried about what might be coming next.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 21:41:50]
[IN Q=I think there's]
((RAY BOOTH/LYNCHBURG PUBLIC WORKS: I THINK THERE'S OTHER STORMS POTENTIALLY BEHIND THIS ONE, SO WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO ROLL IT BACK FURTHER TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE ROOM TO STORE OTHER SNOW THAT COMES BEHIND. I THINK THAT'S GOING TO BE A CHALLENGE.))
[SUPER=01-Ray Booth/Lynchburg Public Works]
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=be a challenge.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Primary roads throughout the area are fairly passable but some side streets or secondary roads still have seen a plow yet.
Area police handled dozens of accidents, but no serious injuries were reported.
(------------)

[WIPE WIPE WIPE]

[7-E-Danville-Snow]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=99-58 32:41]
[GRAPHIC=wipe wipe wipe]

[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville;]

Snow plows and shovels are also working overtime in Southside.
Forecasters had been predicting one to three inches of snow but the area received nearly a foot.
Yesterday crews made progress clearing primary roads but many secondary roads are still covered.
Volunteers using four wheel drive vehicles helped get hospital staff members to work in Danville.
(---------)

[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]

[7-E-Richmond-Snow]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=99-45 1:51:51]
[GRAPHIC=wipe wipe wipe]

[WIPE WIPE WIPE]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond ]

Even in downtown Richmond, travel was a difficult proposition for all but four wheel drive vehicles.
Police picked up legislators and kept things running smoothly for the General Assembly.
But the Governor declared a state of emergency at 1:45 P-M.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 15:51:00]
[IN Q=VDOT IS]
((GOV. JIM GILMORE: VDOT IS JUST PERFORMING.... RESPONDING SO WELL.))
[SUPER=@Gilmore;]
[RUNS=:21]
[OUT Q=so well.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The Governor's declaration means about 450 National Guard members are on duty, helping with emergency transportation.
(------------)

[7-S-Missing-Man]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=99-49 1:02:51]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The severe weather conditions in Southside is hampering the search for a missing Danville man.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville;]

Police officers are still looking for 86-year old Elbert Tapley.
Tapley has Alzheimer's Disease ... and authorities say he can become confused if he misses his medication.
Tapley is thought to have wandered off Monday afternoon before the snow began falling.
(------------)

[7-E-NM-Inmates]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=net G]
[GRAPHIC=VA Prisons]

A Southwest Virginia prison has been housing dozens of New Mexico prisoners for the past four months. Now, they're heading back out West.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[from 99-35 TC42:18]
[SUPER=03-Albuquerque, NM/September 3]

In September, 120 inmates were shipped to the Wallens Ridge Correctional Facility at Big Stone Gap.
That was after a rash of killings and prisoner uprisings in some private New Mexico prisons.
(------------)
[anchor=Melanie]
[graphic=Hold]

New Mexico's Corrections Secretary said most of the inmates will be going home.
Wallens Ridge can hold about 12 hundred inmates - but in September it was only about half full.

[7Weather]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=tar]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

Here's a look at your mid week forecast.
Partly sunny and windy today with highs in the upper 20s to low 30s.
Tonight mostly clear, but cold and blustery.
Lows fall into the mid teens.
The extended forecast...

[SUPER=X5000; set dissolve]
[SUPER=314-Partly Sunny/Winds NW 15-30/28-32/Mostly Clear/Cold & Blustery/12-17;]
[SUPER=#555; reset]

[45-E-Bowers]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=00-03 4:52]
[GRAPHIC=David Bowers]

Roanoke mayor David Bowers is seeking another term.
And he's promising a new agenda on city council.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Bowers made his campaign announcement yesterday morning... with family members and Democratic supporters behind him.
He said he's willing to accept responsibility for recent disharmony on city council, if it will bring progress on important issues.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=It's time to get our act together]
((DAVID BOWERS/ROANOKE MAYOR: IT'S TIME TO GET OUR ACT TOGETHER. IT'S TIME FOR THIS COUNCIL TO WORK TOGETHER IN HARMONY. AND IT'S TIME TO CHARGE AHEAD ONCE AGAIN, BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THE PEOPLE OF ROANOKE WANT.))
[SUPER=@Bowers]
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=the people of Roanoke want.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[GRAPHIC=Campaign 2000]

So far Bowers doesn't have any announced opposition within the Democratic party.
Republican Ralph Smith and Independent Duane Howard are expected to challenge Bowers, and others may enter the race before the filing deadline.

[45-E-Custody-Case]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=99-47 1:37:04]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A Roanoke father has found himself in a frustrating custody battle.
Prosecutors say a mother has taken her kids and kept them illegally in Louisiana.
But the sheriff there refuses to arrest her.
Tina Tenret has the father's story.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I'd like]
[SUPER=03-Lafayette, LA; :19]
[SUPER=01-Tim Davis/Father; :24]
[SUPER=01-Betty Jo Anthony/Prosecutor; :37]
[SUPER=@Tina1; :45]
[RUNS=1:00]
[OUT Q=Tina Tenret News7 Roanoke]
(((///// SOT /////)
[SOT 52:35]
[IN Q=I'D LIKE]
((TIM DAVIS/FATHER: I'D LIKE THE QUICK AND SAFE RETURN OF MY CHILDREN.))
[RUNS= :03]
[OUT Q=OF MY CHILDREN]
Tim Davis' ex-girlfriend took their kids, 6-year-old Carrie and 7-year-old Corey, to Louisiana. Davis has full custody, and Roanoke police have issued two warrants for her arrest. But a Louisiana sheriff refused to arrest her -- saying there's no room in his jail.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 53:38]
[IN Q=They're the only]
((TIM DAVIS/FATHER: THEY'RE THE ONLY STATE IN 50 STATES THAT DOESN'T HAVE A FELONY CRIMINAL ABDUCTION LAW. THAT NEEDS TO CHANGE.)) [RUNS 06]
[OUT Q=NEEDS TO CHANGE]
Fact is, states are not required to arrest fugitives for each other -- even though they usually do.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 3:04:05]
[IN Q=It could happen]
((IT COULD HAPPEN WITH ANY CRIME THAT'S COMMITTED AND THIS STATE WANTS THE PERSON BACK FROM ANOTHER STATE. IT COULD BE MURDER OR ANYTHING.))
[RUNS= :08]
[OUT Q=murder or anything]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 18:17:27]
[IN Q=The FBI arrested]
((TINA TENRET/NEWS7: THE FBI ARRESTED VIVIAN MCMAHON ON CHARGES OF FLEEING TO AVOID PROSECUTION. THEY USUALLY RESERVE THIS CHARGE FOR VERY SERIOUS CRIMINALS. ROANOKE DEPUTIES PLAN TO PICK HER UP FROM LOUISIANA AND BRING HER BACK TO ROANOKE THIS WEEK. TINA TENRET NEWS7 ROANOKE))
[RUNS= 14]
[OUT Q=Tina Tenret News7 Roanoke]))

[45-E-NM-Inmates]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=net G]
[GRAPHIC=VA Prisons]

After filling up space in a southwest Virginia maximum security prison, dozens of New Mexico Prisoners are heading back out West.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[from 99-35 TC42:18]
[SUPER=03-Albuquerque, NM/September 3]

In September, 120 inmates were shipped to the Wallens Ridge Correctional Facility at Big Stone Gap.
That was after a rash of killings and prisoner uprisings in some private New Mexico prisons.
(------------)
[anchor=Melanie]
[graphic=Hold]

New Mexico's Corrections Secretary said most of the inmates will be going home.
Wallens Ridge can hold about 12 hundred inmates - but in September it was only about half full.

[45Weather]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=tar]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

Taking a break from the news now to check the forecast...
Partly sunny and windy today, with highs only around 30.
Tonight should turn mostly clear, but stay cold and blustery.
Lows in the teens.
The five day forecast is calling for partly sunny skies into Saturday....with another winter storm possible by Sunday.
Highs in the 30s.
[SUPER=X5000; set dissolve]
[SUPER=314-Partly Sunny/Winds NW 15-30/28-32/Mostly Clear/Cold & Blustery/12-17;]
[SUPER=#555; reset]

[8-E-Central-Snow]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=00-02]
[GRAPHIC=Winter Weather]

Most of the east coast is digging out from yesterday's massive snow storm.
As much as 17 inches fell in parts of Virginia.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

Road crews in Lynchburg and central Virginia were left scrambling yesterday when this storm packed more of a punch than they expected.
Now they're worried about what might be coming next.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 21:41:50]
[IN Q=I think there's]
((RAY BOOTH/LYNCHBURG PUBLIC WORKS: I THINK THERE'S OTHER STORMS POTENTIALLY BEHIND THIS ONE, SO WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO ROLL IT BACK FURTHER TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE ROOM TO STORE OTHER SNOW THAT COMES BEHIND. I THINK THAT'S GOING TO BE A CHALLENGE.))
[SUPER=01-Ray Booth/Lynchburg Public Works]
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=be a challenge.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Primary roads throughout the area are fairly passable but some side streets or secondary roads have not been plowed.
Area police handled dozens of accidents, but no serious injuries were reported.
(------------)

[WIPE WIPE WIPE]

[8-E-Richmond-Snow]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=99-45 1:51:51]
[GRAPHIC=wipe wipe wipe]

[WIPE WIPE WIPE]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond ]

Even in downtown Richmond, travel was difficult for all but four wheel drive vehicles.
Police picked up legislators this morning and kept things running smoothly for the General Assembly.
But the Governor declared a state of emergency at 1:45 P-M.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 15:51:00]
[IN Q=VDOT IS]
((GOV. JIM GILMORE: VDOT IS JUST PERFORMING.... RESPONDING SO WELL.))
[SUPER=@Gilmore;]
[RUNS=:21]
[OUT Q=so well.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The Governor's declaration means about 450 National Guard members are on duty tonight, helping with emergency transportation.
(------------)

[8-S-SOL-Race]

[ANCHOR=Mel]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=99-46 1:47:29]
[GRAPHIC=Standards of Learning]

The state Senate has decided that elementary school children should not have to specify their racial background while taking the S-O-ls.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond;]

The bill was inspired by some parents in Harrisonburg who said their mixed race child got upset trying to pick a box to check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT senate 01:37:20]
[IN Q=There was no]
((SEN. KEVIN MILLER/R-HARRISONBURG: THERE WAS NO AFRICAN-AMERICAN/CAUCASIAN. THERE WAS NO MIXED. THERE WAS NO OTHER.
THE CHILD WAS UPSET. THE TEACHER SAID YOU HAVE TO CHECK ONE OF THE BLOCKS.))
[SUPER=01-Sen. Kevin Miller/(R) Harrisonburg;]
[RUNS=:19]
[OUT Q=the blocks.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

One Senator asked why the bill was limited to elementary students if it was a problem for all students.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT SENATE 01:42:02]
[IN Q=So if you're]
((SEN. BENNY LAMBERT/D-RICHMOND: SO IF YOU'RE GONNA SOLVE THE PROBLEM, LET'S SOLVE IT. LET'S NOT PLAY AROUND WITH IT.))
[SUPER=01-Sen. Benny Lambert/(D) Richmond;]
[RUNS=:04]
[OUT Q=with it.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Senator Miller says he was advised to "water down" the bill, because there would be less opposition if it only applied to elementary students.
(------------)

[8-Bowl-Bet]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=tar]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Sugar Bowl]

It was painful for Blacksburg's Town Council, but yesterday they had to pay up.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg;]

Council members came to their meeting decked out in Florida State Seminoles jerseys.
The jerseys were worn to settle a bet with Tallahassee's major after F-S-U won the Sugar Bowl.
The jerseys have to be returned to Florida in good condition.
Council will also send a basket of Virginia products.
(------------)

[8Weather]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=tar]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

Let's take another look at your mid- week forecast...
Partly sunny with gusty northwest winds with highs near 30.
Turning mostly clear overnight, cold and blustery with lows around 15.
The five day forecast is calling for partly sunny skies into Saturday....with another winter storm possible by Sunday.
Highs in the 30s.
[SUPER=X5000; set dissolve]
[SUPER=314-Partly Sunny/Winds NW 15-30/28-32/Mostly Clear/Cold & Blustery/12-17;]
[SUPER=#555; reset]