WDBJ 7 morning news for 03/03/00

[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

The death count rises from Wednesday's shooting spree in Pennsylvania.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

And a 15 year old boy at a home for troubled youths in Botetourt County is charged with making bombs.
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Skies cleared out overnight, but it's still fairly breezy and cool this morning.
A storm moving well to our south will bring back the clouds today...by the outlook for the first weekend in march should stay dry.
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)
[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

[pa-shooting]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Murder Invest.]

A third victim of Wednesday's shootings in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has died.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Wilkinsburg, PA;]
[3:01:47]
Two other victims remain hospitalized in critical condition.
In addition to murder and attempted murder charges, the suspected shooter has also been charged with a hate crime, ethnic intimidation.
Police believe Ronald Taylor targeted his victims because they were white.
Police say Taylor shot a maintenance working at his apartment complex.
And then walked to a nearby Burger King and then a McDonald's restaurant, where, it's alleged, he shot more people.

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

[E-Blacksburg-Beating]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=99-59 42:50]
[GRAPHIC=None]

No charges will be filed against the man who fatally beat a Virginia Tech resident advisor after he broke into his home.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg/Monday;]

Prosecutors say 29-year-old Thomas L. Hyman had a high blood alcohol content -- of point-two-six -- when he broke down the front door last weekend.
Hyman, a diabetic, also had an abnormally high blood sugar level.
Hyman was beaten unconscious by a resident in the house who said he did NOT know him.
Those familiar with Hyman say his behavior was out of character.
(------------)

[E-Arcadia-Bombs]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=99-53 1:37:26]
[GRAPHIC=Bot. Co. Pipe Bombs]

Sheriff's deputies found two bombs at a school in Botetourt County.
They say a 15-year-old made them.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Botetourt Co.;]

One bomb was in the student's bedroom at the Arcadia Leadership Academy, a boarding school for troubled boys.
Sheriff's deputies found a second bomb hidden in the woods.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 12:43:00]
[IN Q=]
((IT WAS A SMALL CYLINDRICAL DEVICE ABOUT THREE INCHES LONG AND ONE INCH IN DIAMETER. HAD A FUSE ATTACHED TO IT.))
[SUPER=01-Gene Lee/Counselor;]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=attached to it]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The 15-year-old was charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor.
Prosecutors say if he's convicted, he could spend two years in prison.
(------------)

[Threat-Charges]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=bomb Threat Charges]

In Pulaski County, six high school students face felony charges for making a bomb threat to the school.
One of the students admitted making the call from inside the school while the others encouraged him.
Deputies also arrested a student for a bomb threat against the school last month.

[Neighborhood-Improvements]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morning]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Residents in the Melrose-Rugby Neighborhood say crime has given their community bad reputation.
But they say the neighborhood is bouncing back -- and they're striving to make it an even better place to live.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Some 30 residents attended a workshop with the Roanoke City Planning committee-- to determine what changes they would like to see in their neighborhood.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT3:16:09]
[IN Q=The people are concerned]
((CARL COOPER/RESIDENT: THE PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED AND THE PEOPLE ARE GETTING INVOLVED. I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD REALIZE WE ARE COMMITTED TO GROWING AND WE'RE FACING PROBLEMS LIKE ANYONE ELSE))
[SUPER=01-Carl Cooper/Resident]
[RUNS=12]
[OUT Q=like anyone else]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Some of the proposed improvements include-- bringing a grocery story and other businesses to the area, identifying and reporting maintenance violations and reducing noise ordinance violations
For the changes to move forward -- both the Roanoke City Planning Commission and City Council must approve them.
(------------)

[1-Sports]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]

In sports, Roy Stanley has highlights from the Regional basketball tournaments, including Cave Spring's loss to G-W Danville.
Good Morning Roy.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good morning]
[RUNS=2:27]
[OUT Q=later on Mornin]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(Melanie ad lib toss to Kimberly/Wx)

[One-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke Co.;]
[SUPER=01-Eric Lamp/Compaq;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke Co.;]

(toss to stocks)
[STOCKS] [COMM] ((Archive:))

[E-Inspections]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=00-03 45:08]
[GRAPHIC=None]

It's been a bargain for more than a decade.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond/File Tape]

But Virginia lawmakers are just a few votes away from raising state inspection fees for cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 16:22:41]
[IN Q=A car inspection]
((DEL. LEO WARDRUP/R-VIRGINIA BEACH: A CAR INSPECTION TAKES ABOUT HALF AN HOUR...15 DOLLARS FOR AN AUTO INSPECTION FEE.))
[SUPER=01-Del. Leo Wardrup/(R) Virginia Beach;]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=inspection fee.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Supporters of the bill say the going rate for auto work is 35 dollars an hour and up.
Governor Jim Gilmore says he's willing to consider the potential fee increase.
(------------)

[E-Thurber]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=99-58 1:04:06]
[GRAPHIC=Campaign 2000]

She's run in every city council election since 1984 but never won.. now activist Jane Thurber is ready to try it again.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

Thurber announced her candidacy yesterday for the Ward Three seat on Lynchburg city council.
She says citizens are tired of a city council that wastes money trying to attract new residents while ignoring its public employees.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:01:22]
[IN Q=The best way]
((JANE THURBER/I- LYNCHBURG COUNCIL CANDIDATE: THE BEST WAY TO MARKET LYNCHBURG TO MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES IS TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF POLICE, FIREFIGHTERS, TEACHERS, SCHOOLBUS DRIVERS AND SHAPE UP.))
[SUPER=01-Jane Thurber/(I) Lynchburg Council Candidate]
[RUNS=11]
[OUT Q=and shape up.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Thurber is opposed by incumbent councilman Robert Garber.
(------------)

[E-Breastfeeding]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tfl]
[TAPE#=99-60 1:16:16]
[GRAPHIC=Breastfeeding]

Two women say a recent breastfeeding experience at New River Valley Medical Center has soured them to Carilion hospitals.
Tonya Flory has more.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; 00]
[SUPER=01-Melina Perdue/Carilion Women Services; :08]
[SUPER=01-Mary Potter/New Mother; :29]
[SUPER=@Tonya2; :42]
[SUPER=01-Christy Porterfield/New Mother; :47 ]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg/December 1999; 1:05]
[RUNS=1:32]
[OUT Q=News 7.]
(( Cut backs were made to the lactation program at Carilion hospitals in November to make the hospital more efficient.

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT tc 21:39:08]
[IN Q=We stopped]
((MELINA PERDUE/VP CARILION WOMEN SERVICES: WE STOPPED OUT SEVEN DAY A WEEK 24 HOUR A DAY ON CALL COVERAGE AND WE ARE COVERING SIX DAYS A WEEK, MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY USUALLY UNTIL ABOUT SEVEN AT NIGHT ON WEEKDAYS AND UNTIL NOON ON SATURDAY.))
[RUNS= :15]
[OUT Q=noon on Saturday.]
That decision forced Mary Potter get help from Montgomery Regional Hospital.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT tc 00:01:23]
[IN Q=The lactation]
((MARY POTTER/NEW MOTHER: THE LACTATION CONSULTANTS CALLED ME AT HOME COACHED ME THROUGH THINGS, CAME OUT ON SUNDAY MORNING FOR ME TO COME OUT SO THAT THEY COULD WORK WITH ME ON A FEW THINGS AND WITHOUT THEM I WOULD HAVE GIVEN UP, I REALLY WOULD HAVE.))
[RUNS= :14]
[OUT Q=really would have.]
Christy Porterfield did give up after she had trouble breastfeeding her third child.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT ub 00:08:11]
[IN Q=If a mother]
((CHRISTY PORTERFIELD/MOTHER: IF A MOTHER GOES AWAY SAD FROM HER EXPERIENCE FROM A BIRTH AND SHE DIDN'T HAVE SERVICES THAT SHE FELT SHOULD BE PROVIDED SUCH AS BREASTFEEDING THEN WHAT WOULD MAKE ME WANT TO TAKE MY CHILD BACK WHEN HE HAD A BROKEN ARM OR A TEMPERATURE OF 104.))
[RUNS= :17]
[OUT Q=of 104.]

Potter says she spoke with Melina Perdue to express her concerns.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT tc 00:02:55]
[IN Q=That was]
((MARY POTTER/NEW MOTHER: THAT WAS SEVERAL MONTHS AND YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE.))
[RUNS= :05]
[OUT Q=has been done.]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT tc 00:09:50]
[IN Q=Having a baby]
((CHRISTY PORTERFIELD/MOTHER: HAVING A BABY IS THE MOST WONDERFUL THING AND FOR SOMEONE TO TELL ME THAT I CAN'T FEED MY CHILD IS VERY DISHEARTENING OR NOT AT LEAST BE ABLE TO HELP ME WITH THAT.))
[RUNS= :10]
[OUT Q=me with that.]
Perdue says Carilion is considering adding another lactation consultant in the New River Valley. Tonya Flory, News 7. ))

[Health-Check]

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

In other medical news, you're never too old to have heart problems taken care of.
Doctor 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=1:32]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]
((A WARNING FOR MIDDLE AGED POT SMOKERS- MARIJUANA MAY BE BAD FOR YOUR HEART.
A STUDY FROM HARVARD FINDS THE RISK OF A HEART ATTACK SHOOTS UP FIVE TIMES HIGHER IN THE HOUR AFTER SMOKING POT.

ITS NOT CLEAR WHY MARIJUANA INCREASES THE RISK- IT MAY RELATE TO THE FACT SMOKING IT RAISES HEART RATE ABOUT 4O BEATS A MINUTE. $1 4 your health Too old? Never!
ALSO TODAY - HOW OLD IS TOO OLD WHEN IT COMES TO HAVING A BYPASS OR OTHER HEART SURGERY? THE ANSWER- NEVER TOO OLD.
A STUDY FROM THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY SAYS ITS PERFECTLY FINE TO DO HEART SURGERY ON PEOPLE IN THEIR EIGHTIES- PROVIDED THEY ARE IN OTHERWISE GOOD HEALTH.
THE STUDY FOLLOWED ALMOST 5 THOUSAND PEOPLE IN THEIR EIGHTIES WHO HAD HEART SURGERY- AND FOUND THEIR CHANCE FOR RECOVERY WAS JUST AS GOOD AS SOMEONE 30 YEARS YOUNGER
AND FINALLY- WHEN YOU GO TO THE DOCTOR, ODDS ARE YOU WILL LEAVE WITH A PRESCRIPTION. BUT WILL YOU ALSO LEAVE WITH A LIST OF POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?
A REPORT IN THE JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE REPORTS ABOUT ONE IN FIVE PEOPLE WILL SUFFER A REACTION TO MEDICATION- MOST WILL NOT BE TOLD AHEAD OF TIME OF WHAT REACTIONS MIGHT TAKE PLACE.
THE USUAL CULPRITS: ANTIBIOTICS, ANTI DEPRESSANTS AND ARTHRITIS DRUGS.
NOW THIS REPORT SAYS WE DOCTORS DONT LIKE TO TELL YOU ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS- BECAUSE OF THE POWER OF THE MIND- WE TELL YOU- AND YOU'LL GET THEM.
HOWEVER- IT TURNS OUT THE PATIENTS MOST LIKELY TO HAVE REACTIONS WERE THE ONES WHO WERE TOLD NOTHING.
- THATS A LOOK AT THE DAYS TOP HEALTH STORIES. IM DRDH FOR CBS NEWS))

(ad lib to weather)

[Two-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#NONE]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke Co.;]
[SUPER=01-Marti Stephens-Hartka/Microsoft]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke Co.]

(I'll call for #)
[SUPER=16-(540) 989-6000/Entre' Computer;]

[Double Boxes=KMC & SPA]
(toss to Kimberly)
((Archive:)) [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]

A third victim of the mass shooting this week in Pennsylvania has died.
Two others remain hospitalized in critical condition.
Police believe the suspected shooter was on a mission to kill white people.
In addition to murder and attempted murder charges, Ronald Taylor has also been charged with a hate crime.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kim]

A 15 year old living at a home for troubled boys is charged with making bombs.
Botetourt County deputies say one of the bombs was found in the boy's bedroom at the Arcadia Leadership Academy.
A second was found in the woods.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

A 23 year old Roanoke man faces more than 60 years behind bars in connection with a fatal car accident.
Timothy Wayne Sayers admitted yesterday to driving under the influence of alcohol and cocaine last October.
Police say he was driving at speeds of up to 85 miles an hour when he crashed his car into a tree, killing his three passengers.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And that's what's making news on this Friday, March Third.
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

[2-pa-shooting]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Murder Invest.]

A third victim of Wednesday's shooting in Pennsylvania has died.
Two other victims remain hospitalized in critical condition.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Wilkinsburg, PA;]
[3:01:47]
In addition to murder and attempted murder charges, the suspected shooter has also been charged with a hate crime-- ethnic intimidation.
Police believe Ronald Taylor targeted his victims because they were white.
Police say Taylor shot a maintenance working at his apartment complex.
And then walked to a nearby Burger King and then a McDonald's restaurant, where, it's alleged, he shot more people.
(------------)

[school-shooting]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=School Shooting]

In the Michigan school shooting case, a 19-year-old man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Flint, MI;]
[3;05:39]
The man is accused of leaving a stolen gun within reach of a six-year-old boy who allegedly used it to kill a fellow first-grader.
Jamelle James, who was arraigned yesterday, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Investigators believe James left the .32-caliber pistol under his blankets in a house where the boy stayed.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
(( ARTHUR BUSCH, GENESEE CO. PROSECUTOR, THIS DEFENDANT WAS GROSSLY NEGLIGENT IN ALLOWING THE LITTLE BOY TO GET A LOADED PISTOL.))
[SUPER=01-Arthur Busch/Genesee Co. Prosecutor;]
[RUNS=:06]
[OUT Q=a loaded pistol.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The prosecutor says a stolen 12-gauge shotgun and drugs were found at the house as well.
The accused shooter is staying with an aunt, at least for now.
(------------)

[2-E-Arcadia-Bombs]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=99-53 1:37:26]
[GRAPHIC=Bot. Co. Pipe Bombs]

Botetourt County deputies say a 15 year old boy mae two bombs that were found at a school.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Botetourt Co.;]

One bomb was in the student's bedroom at the Arcadia Leadership Academy, a boarding school for troubled boys.
Sheriff's deputies found a second bomb hidden in the woods.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 12:43:00]
[IN Q=]
((IT WAS A SMALL CYLINDRICAL DEVICE ABOUT THREE INCHES LONG AND ONE INCH IN DIAMETER. HAD A FUSE ATTACHED TO IT.))
[SUPER=01-Gene Lee/Counselor;]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=attached to it]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The 15-year-old was charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor.
Prosecutors say if he's convicted, he could spend two years in prison.
(------------)

[2-Threat-Charges]

[E-Sayers]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=99-49 1:51:09]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A guilty plea from the man who was behind the wheel the night three people were killed in a drunk- driving accident on Hershberger Road.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

23- year old Timothy Wayne Sayers says he has no memory of the accident last October.
Sayers had been drinking and using cocaine.
He was driving about 85 miles an hour when he crashed his car into a tree, killing his passengers.
Sayers has continued to drive.
The prosecutor says D-M-V had been waiting for the outcome of the case before lifting Sayers' driving privileges.
Yesterday, the Judge ordered him to surrender his license.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[graphic=None]

Sayers faces up to 61 years in prison when he's sentenced.

[E-Melrose-Rugby]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morning]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=00-07 11:45]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Some Roanoke residents are hoping to improve in their neighborhood by joining forces with the city.
Joy Sutton has the story.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :0303]
[SUPER=01-Shirley Bethel/Resident; :13]
[SUPER=01-Carl Cooper/Resident; :23]
[SUPER=01-Chris Chittum/Roanoke City Planner; 1:10]
[SUPER=@Joy1; 1:21]
[RUNS=1:26]
[OUT Q=N7 Roanoke]
(( Shirley Bethel has lived in the Melrose/Rugby Neighborhood for 20 years.
She says she wants to take an active role in improving her community - by participating in forums like this one with the Roanoke City Planning Department.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 18:51:04]
[IN Q=I think it's great]
((SHIRLEY BETHEL:I THINK IT'S GREAT BECAUSE TI GIVES THE NEIGHBORHOOD A CHANCE TO SPEAK-OUT FOR WHAT THEY WANT))
[RUNS= 05]
[OUT Q=they]

And residents say while their neighborhood has gotten a bad rap because of crime -- the residents do care about their community.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 31:16:21]
[IN Q=With the help of the city]
((CARL COOPER: WITH THE HELP FROM THE CITY AND THEM ALLOWING US TO PART OF THE PROCESS THIS NEIGHBORHOOD IS GOING TO CONTINUE TO GET EVEN BETTER))
[RUNS= 8]
[OUT Q=even better]

This is the third workshop where residents have come together to address changes they would like to see happen.
At this final workshop -- residents voted for the issues they felt were the most important of all the proposed changes.
Some of those improvements included: -bringing a grocery store and other businesses to the area -identifying and reporting housing maintenance violations and working with the City Rental Inspections program -reducing noise ordinance violations - and targeting youth through the schools - Changing the commercial zoning along Orange Avenue to only encompass the strip areas already designated -And implementing measures to reduce speeding in the neighborhood.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 18:44:45]
[IN Q=If you get everybody]
((CHRIS COOPER/CITY PLANNER: IF YOU GET EVERYBODY GOING THE SAME DIRECTION KIND OF FOCUSING ON SOME OF THE SAME ISSUES THEY YOU REALLY HAVE A LOT MORE IMPACT AND SUCCESS))
[RUNS= 7]
[OUT Q=success]

In order for the changes chosen by these residents go forward -- the planning commission and city council must adopt them.
Joy Sutton, News 7, Roanoke.))

[Three-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#NONE]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke Co.;]
[SUPER=01-Mike Hartman/Epson]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke Co.;]

(I'll Call for #)
[SUPER=16-(540) 989-6000/Entre' Computer;]

[double Boxes=SPA & MEL]
(toss to Melanie)

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=None]
(ad lib toss to bump)
[BUMP-Chyron]
[COMM #6]
((Archive: computers))

[E-Fuel-Prices]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=sgo]
[TAPE#=99-51 1:33:53]
[GRAPHIC=Gas Prices Up]

Drivers have already seen gas prices skyrocket...
But truckers are paying an even higher price than most of us.
And Scott Goldberg reports, some say it could cost them their livelihoods.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Troutville; :00]
[SUPER=01-Eddie Baker/Trucker; :19 QUICK]
[SUPER=01-Chris Miller/Independent Trucker; :39]
[SUPER=@Scott2; 1:03]
[RUNS=1:17]
[OUT Q=sg, news-7.]
(((///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=natsound]
((NATS: (ANYTHING QUICK AT THE PUMP).)) [RUNS01]
[OUT Q=]

It doesn't matter if you drive on four wheels or 18 ...
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 7:50:07 ]
[IN Q=i think]
((DRIVER: I THINK IT'S LOUSY. I THINK WE'RE GETTING RIPPED OFF.)) [RUNS02]
[OUT Q=RIPPED OFF]

... to a certain extent, we're all in this together.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 7:20]
[IN Q=i paid]
((EDDIE BAKER/TRUCKER: I PAID A DOLLAR-45.)) [RUNS02]
[OUT Q=DOLLAR-45]

But if you're driving a tractor-trailer ... a dollar-45 is actually a bargain.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 7:31]
[IN Q=that is]
((EDDIE BAKER/TRUCKER: THAT IS THE LOWEST PRICE I'VE SEEN FROM TUCSON ALL THE WAY HERE.)) [RUNS04]
[OUT Q=THE WAY HERE]

Pumped-up prices are hitting truckers the hardest.
Especially those who own their own trucks -- the skyrocketing cost of diesel is stealing a huge chunk of Chris Miller's profits.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 8:53]
[IN Q=it's, uh ..]
((CHRIS MILLER/INDEPENDENT TRUCKER: IT'S, UH ... REALLY KILLING A LOT OF TRUCK DRIVERS.)) [RUNS04]
[OUT Q=TRUCK DRIVERS]

Miller expects to take home only 10-thousand dollars this year.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 9:30]
[IN Q=i'm living]
((CHRIS MILLER: I'M LIVING ON 50-DOLLARS A WEEK TO MAKE TRUCK PAYMENTS, INSURANCE PAYMENTS ... ALL THE OTHER PAYMENTS I HAVE TO MAKE ON HERE ...)) [RUNS10]
[OUT Q=ON HERE]

And he says if someone doesn't do something soon to bring down fuel prices ... his time behind the wheel may be up.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 10:07]
[IN Q=if i have]
((MILLER: IF I HAVE TO PAY TWO DOLLARS A GALLON ... I'M GONNA PARK THE TRUCK .. I CAN'T MAKE ANY MONEY DOING THAT.)) [RUNS06]
[OUT Q=DOING THAT]

Analysts say it'll be a couple months before prices come down.
Meantime ... unleaded gas in Virginia could soon cost a dollar-70 a gallon.
And diesel ... might get awfully close to that 2-dollar price Mr. Miller says could drive him out of business.
Scott Goldberg, News-7.))

[E-Bedford-Buzzards]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=99-52 1:48:32]
[GRAPHIC=Buzzards]

They're unsightly, they're dirty and they're even a little spooky.. and they're also regular visitors to the town of Bedford for a few months every winter.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford]

This is what residents of the Peaksview neighborhood have been dealing with every night since October.. hundreds of buzzards circling over their homes, and roosting in nearby trees.
Police have tried for years to scare the birds away.. now they're applying for a federal permit to start killing them.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 21:44:59]
[IN Q=This is what]
((OFFICER ROBERT MONK/BEDFORD POLICE: THIS IS WHAT THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE HAS BASICALLY TOLD US WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO DO, WE'VE TRIED EVERYTHING ELSE THAT WE CAN DO AND THIS IS MORE OF A LAST RESORT TYPE THING AND THERE'S NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM.))
[SUPER=01-Robert Monk/Bedford Police Department;]
[RUNS=17]
[OUT Q=correct the problem.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Monk says the birds' droppings can pose a health hazard to area residents, especially children.
(------------)

[3-Sports]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]

In sports, Roanoke College advances in the N-C-A-A Division three tournament.
Roy Stanley has more.
Good Morning Roy.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good morning]
[RUNS=2:32]
[OUT Q=day everybody]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(weather toss)

[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]

Sheriff's deputies found two bombs at a school in Botetourt County.
One bomb was in the student's bedroom at the Arcadia Leadership Academy, a boarding school for troubled boys.
Sheriff's deputies found a second bomb hidden in the woods.
The 15-year-old deputies say made the devices faces two felonies and a misdemeanor.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Virginia lawmakers are just a few votes away from raising state inspection fees for cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Supporters of the bill say the going rate for auto work is 35 dollars an hour and up.
Governor Jim Gilmore says he's willing to consider the potential fee increase.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Residents say crime has given the Melrose-Rugby neighborhood a bad name, but they'll work to change that.
Some of the proposed improvements-- bringing a grocery story and other businesses to the area, identifying and reporting maintenance violations and reducing noise ordinance violations
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
(Kimberly mic hot)
(///////////////)
(Kimberly ad lib weather)
(-------------)

[kimberly Reads Time Off Promo]

[Time-Off-Promo]

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

They won their first talent competition in Staunton back in the mid 19-50s...
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Staunton;]
45 years and three Grammys later, the Statler Brothers are still honored as "hometown boys" at the museum that bears their name.
Their former school not only houses the group's awards, but also photos and fan mementos.
Among their most cherished...the honors they received for their veteran anthem, "More than a Name on the Wall".

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 15:29:32]
[IN Q=They've received]
((CATHEY MORTON/STATLER TOUR GUIDE: THEY'VE RECEIVED LOTS OF RECOGNITION, MUSIC CITY NEWS SINGLE FOR 1990, LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF LETTERS. AND AS YOU CAN SEE, THE PLAQUE DISPLAY FOR VETERANS ASSOCIATIONS THROUGHOUT OUR NATION. RIGHT BESIDE THAT IS FOR THE PERSIAN GULF. WE HAD TROOPS STATIONED THERE. . THE STATLERS WERE VERY SUPPORTIVE.))
[SUPER=01-Cathey Morton/Statler Tour Guide;]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=were very supportive]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Learn more about the Statler Brothers and their museum in this week's
(XXXXXXX)
[TAKE FULL SCREEN GRAPHIC]
"Time Off", coming up tomorrow on News 7 Saturday Morning.
(-------------)
[2-SHOT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Now here's Keith Humphry with a preview of News 7 at Six.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=It's been]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=tonight on News 7 at Six.]
(-------------)
[Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)
[Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]
(ad lib bye)
[SUPER=16-(540) 989-6000/Entre' Computer;]