WDBJ 7 news at 11 for 01/31/01

[News-Heads]

[ANCHOR=Jean]

[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

A rescue tonight - a person is pulled from the Roanoke River. We'll have details coming up.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Are you buying a home or car anytime soon? IT may be easier- we'll tell you why.
Plus this is golf not the NFL but there was a collission today. Mike STevens tells us what happened to Tiger on the course.
(------------)
[Talent=Jean]

News7 is next.

[Video-Open]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at 11]

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

Good news if you're thinking about buying a big-ticket item.
For the second time in a month, interest rates are going down.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=JEan]
[SS=NEws 7 at Eleven ]

Good evening...

[Interest-Rates]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Interest Rates]
[***ANCHOR TAG***]
The Federal Reserve hopes the cut of a half of a percent will jump start the sluggish economy.
The move comes after several reports showed the economy is weaker than expected.
Anthony Mason has more on what it means to you- the consumer.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Sun Won Sohn/Wells Fargo Chief Economist; :14]
[SUPER=01-Stephen Slifer/Lehman Brothers; :44 QUICK!!!]
[SUPER=10-Alan Greenspan/Federal Reserve Chairman/Thursday; 1:21]
[RUNS=1:40]
[OUT Q=we are in right now.]
((NARR: WITH CONSUMER CONFIDENCE ERODING AND RETAIL SALES SLIPPING, THE FED PROMISED A 'RAPID & FORCEFUL RESPONSE' AS ALAN GREENSPAN AGAIN SLASHED INTEREST RATES BY HALF A PERCENTAGE POINT:
Sun Won Sohn/Wells Fargo, chief economist: "You know I can't remember the last time he cut interest rates by a full precentage point in less than a month. That indicates how serious he thinks the economic situation is today."
NARR: IF GREENSPAN NEEDED MORE EVIDENCE, IT CAME IN THE LATEST G.D.P. NUMBERS (graphic) ECONOMIC GROWTH, WHICH WAS RUNNING AT NEARLY 6% IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR....SLID IN THE 3RD QUARTER AND PLUMMETED TO 1.4% IN THE FOURTH. THAT'S THE SLOWEST GROWTH RATE IN MORE THAN 5 YEARS. AND MANY ECONOMISTS SAY WE'VE NOW GROUND TO A HALT:
STEPHEN SLIFER / LEHMAN BROTHERS: "We've got first quarter growth pegged at zero."
NARR: LEHMAN BROTHERS STEPHEN SLIFER SAYS THE SLOWDOWN IN AUTO PRODUCTION IS ONE SIGN MANUFACTURING IS ALREADY IN RECESSION:
SLIFER: "If you look at anything related to the manufacturing sector, it looks awful. It is clearly awful."
NARR: RATE CUTS WILL MAKE BORROWING CHEAPER FOR BUSINESSES AND FOR CONSUMERS. BUT GREENSPAN ALSO HAS ANOTHER STRATEGY:
DR. SOHN: "He wants to help boost the stock market, which will in turn boost consumer confidence and consumer spending." NARR: CONSUMER SPENDING MAKES UP TWO THIRDS OF THE ECONOMY AND GREENSPAN HIMSELF SUGGESTED LAST WEEK IT COULD DETERMINE WHETHER WE SLIP INTO A RECESSION:
GREENSPAN/1/25/01: "The crucial issue is whether that marked decline breaches consumer confidence. So far it hasn't." NARR: BUT ECONOMISTS AGREE RIGHT NOW WE ARE WALKING A VERY FINE LINE:
DR. SOHN: "This is a high wire act between a recession and a soft landing. So it is very dangerous economic times that we are in right now." ))
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=JEan]
[SS=HOLD]

The Fed meets again in six weeks and implied today that more rate cuts are ahead.

[SOLs]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=00-52 TC1:30:22]
[GRAPHIC=SOL's]

A bill that would weaken the Standards of Learning -- or strengthen them through diversity, depending on how you look at it -- got out of a House committee this morning in Richmond.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT caputo tape 11:22:40]
[IN Q=Right now]
((DEL. TOM JACKSON/D-HILLSVILLE: RIGHT NOW, A SCHOOL IS JUDGED TO BE A FAILURE OR NOT BASED ON ONE THING. THAT'S HOW THE STUDENTS PERFORM ON SOL TESTS.))
[SUPER=@Jackson;]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=SOL tests.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Jackson sponsored the bill, which would make S-O-L tests only half of what a school is accredited on.
That's instead of the 100 percent that takes effect in 2007.
The Governor came just short of saying he'd veto the bill.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 13:14:50]
[IN Q=The national]
((GOV. JIM GILMORE: THE NATIONAL SITUATION IS MOVING EVEN FOR TOUGHER STANDARDS AND MORE ACCOUNTABILITY....NOT THE TIME FOR VIRGINIA TO FLINCH...IN EDUCATION.))
[SUPER=@Gilmore;]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=in education.]
(-------------)
[TALENT=Jean]
[SS=HOLD]

The S-O-L bill now heads to the full House.

[Hager]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=00-55 TC1:00:27]
[GRAPHIC=John Hager]

From polio to politics, Lieutenant Governor John Hager says he will continue to defy others' low expectations.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond]

Hager actually called a news conference today to tell Capitol reporters he would remain in the contest for governor.
That's despite the fact Governor Jim Gilmore's staff has lobbied him to run again for the number two spot.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Well you know]
((LT. GOV. JOHN HAGER/R-CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR: WELL YOU KNOW, I THINK IT'S HIS PREROGATIVE. ... WOKE PEOPLE UP TO REFLECT ON THE CONTEST.))
[SUPER=01-Lt. Gov. John Hager/(R) Candidate for Governor;]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=the contest.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Governor Jim Gilmore would only publicly say he was pushing for EITHER Hager or Attorney General Mark Earley to run again for their current posts.
(------------)

[Rescue]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=01-03 TC14:19]
[GRAPHIC=]
A man was rescued from underneath a bridge over the Roanoke river in Salem tonight.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem]
Traffic was backed up while authorities brought the man to safety. Right now, it's unclear if the man jumped from the bridge. Authorities say he was injured and appeared to have been there since this morning. A resident in the area notified Salem police when they discovered the man under the bridge this evening..
(------------)

[Skakel]

[ANCHOR=Jan]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

Kennedy Nephew Michael Skakel will be tried as an adult-
(------------)
[VO-NAT 20:13:14]
[SUPER=03-Stamford, CT;]

The 40-year old faces murder charges from the 1975 death of neighbor Martha Moxley.
Skakel's lawyers wanted the case tried in juvenile court- because Skakel was 15 at the time of the murder- So was the victim-
Martha Moxley was killed after an evening of pre-Halloween fun with teenagers including Skakel and his older brother.
The 6-iron golf club used in the killing was matched to a set of golf clubs owned by the Skakel family.
(------------)

[Skier]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A ski collision gone terribly wrong- one skier died. Now the other skier is sentenced to 90 days in jail for the accident.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Eagle, CO;]

Prosecutors say Nathan Hall was skiing out of control when he struck and killed Alan Cobb of Denver.
It happened in 1997- Hall had just ended his shift as a lift operator at Vail ski resort and headed down the slopes-
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 20;08:18]
[IN Q=]
((NATHAN HALL: I KNOW I'M GUILTY. I'M GLAD I HAVE THE CHANCE TO APOLOGIZE. I CAUSED A LOT OF PAIN TO A LOT OF PEOPLE.))

[SUPER=01-Nathan Hall/Skier;]
[RUNS=14]
[OUT Q=A lot of people]
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]

Hall could have faced up to six years in prison- but a judge sentenced him to 90 days in jail and 240 hours of community service. Hall must also pay for Cobb's funeral and for his widow's therapy.
(------------)

[Accident-Report]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
Roanoke police are changing the way they handle traffic accidents. Police will continue to respond to all accidents. But beginning tomorrow police won't necessarily investigate and file a report. Under the new policy... if damage to a vehicle is less than one thousand dollars, no one's hurt and there are no extenuating circumstances, the accident won't be reported. The officer will, however, give the two parties a form to complete and exchange their insurance information. The officer will also keep a copy.

[War-Reunion]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=01-01 TC34:27]
[GRAPHIC=None]
A ten year reunion is in the works for local Gulf War veterans.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@File;]
In December of 1990, 120- men left the Roanoke Valley to serve in the Persian Gulf. The troops returned in April- many had forged close friendships with each other. About 15 members of the unit are now organizing a ten year reunion- They hope they'll see commrades they haven't talked with in years.
[sot 00:18:54]
(////sot/////)
[in q=We're talking]
((JIMMY GOAD/GULF WAR VETERAN: WE'RE TALKING ABOUT SIX MONTHS IN A WAR TYPE SITUATION, AND WE SLEPT TOGETHER, WE ATE TOGETHER YOU KNOW WE WERE FRIENDS TOGETHER YOU KNOW, WE HAD A REAL CLOSE RELATIONSHIP.))
[SUPER=01-Jimmy Goad/Gulf War Veteran;]
[RUNS=15]
[OUT Q=close relationship.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
The reunion is planned for June but a location has not been selected. Right now... organizers are looking for sponsors to help with costs. They're also trying to contact local Gulf War vets. So far, they've only been in contact with about 20 veterans. Anyone who wants more information is asked to call the Marine Reserve Center in Roanoke.
(------------)

[Tease1]
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[writer=chr]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[SS=None]

Will the death of famed railroad photographer Winston Link derail plans plans for a Roanoke museum?
Find out next on News Seven.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

And a year after an Alaska Airlines jet crashed into the Pacific, family members remember the victims.
(-------------)

[Sports-Preview]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[WRITER=MST]
[TAPE#=sports preview]
[GRAPHIC=none]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Hey folks]
[RUNS=:26]
[OUT Q=THE BIG 7]
((Hey folks this is Mike Stevens back in the News 7 Sports office with highlights of tonight's UVa-Maryland battle at U-Hall. Plus, Vick has a new agent, Tiger has some very new injury problems at Pebble Beach, Salem has new found enthusiasm on the hardwood, local refs have some real problems and Earnhardt has new reason to get milk moustache tonight on

the Big 7.))[Museum]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=01-08 TC02:01]
[GRAPHIC=Link]

Famed railroad photographer O. Winston Link died yesterday afternoon near his home in Westchester County, New York.
Link had been feeling ill, and was driving himself to see a doctor when he had a heart attack and died.
It's unclear how Link's death will affect plans for a Roanoke museum honoring his work.
But as friends and admirers mourned his death today, they expressed optimism that the project will move forward.

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

Link's railroad photographs are considered among the finest black and white images of the 20th century.
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

And plans for the renovation of the old N&W passenger station include a Link museum.
Though discussions with Link had not produced an agreement, roanoke leaders and some of Link's associates outside the Valley say they want to make sure his accomplishments are recognized.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 02:26]
[IN Q=He tried to capture]
((JIM SEARS: HE TRIED TO CAPTURE FOR AMERICA AND FOR THE WORLD THE WAY LIFE WAS IN THE 50S AND 60S, PARTICULARLY WITH THE STEAM ENGINE. SO HE HAD A GREAT DEAL OF THOUGHT FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS IN CAPTURING THE PAST.))
[SUPER=01-Jim Sears/Center in the Square]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=in capturing the past.]
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]

Funeral arrangements are not complete, but there are plans for a service Saturday morning in Westchester County, New York.
O. Winston Link will be buried next to his parents in Shepherdstown, West Virginia early next week.

[Alaska-Air]

[ANCHOR=JEan]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A year ago today, Alaska Air flight 261 fell out of the sky off the coast of Southern California, killing all 88 people on board.
Today, the victims' families gathered to remember their loved ones.
Chris Lawrence has more.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Point Mugu, CA; :00]
[SUPER=01- Ed White/Alaska Airlines; ]
[SUPER=01-Matt Manning/Victims' Relative]
[SUPER=01-Paige Stockley/Lost Both Parents]
[SUPER=01-Chris Lawrence/Reporting]
[RUNS=1:35]
[OUT Q=Pt. Mugu, California]

[Pan-Am]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

12 years since the Pan Am Bombing over Lockerbie Scotland- the tears still flow for family members.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Camp Zeist, Netherlands]

Today they did get some closure- a verdict in the case-
The court in Netherlands finds (Adele Bahset Ali Ah-ma Gra-he) guilty of planting the bomb.
Ahma- Gra-he is on officer in Mohamar Ghadafi's Libyan Intelligence Service.
He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 20-years.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=20:20:39]
((PETER LOWENSTINE/FATHER OF MURDERED SON: 20 YEARS FOR KILLING 270 PEOPLE .. SOMEHOW IS NOT KEEPING WITH THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE MURDERED.))
[SUPER=01-Peter Lowenstein/Victim's Father;]
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=people murdered.]
(---------)
[VO-NAT]

A second man second man- (Al Ah-men Kahleaf A-fee-ma) was acquitted-
A Free man.. he left for Libya tonight.
Victim's parents say they will never be free of this tragedy.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 20:29:22]
[IN Q=]
((JACK FLYNN/VICTIM'S FATHER: AFTER 12 YEARS IT WAS SOME LEVEL OF JUSTICE BUT IT WILL NEVER BRING YOUR KID BACK.))
[SUPER=01-Jack Flynn/Victim's Father;]
[RUNS=13]
[OUT Q=YOUR KID BACK.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

270 people died including 35 Syracuse University students on their way back home from studying abroad.
Some powerful figures cited in court today-
400 parents lost a child that day- 146 children lost a parent.
(------------)

[L'burg-Murder]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=00-53 TC44:46]
[GRAPHIC=Murder Invest.]

A man wanted in connection with Lynchburg's first murder of the year turned himself in to police this morning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

51- year- old Jessie Lee Gray was stabbed to death during a fight inside this apartment building on Rivermont Avenue last night.
Police identified 40- year- old James Andrew Burley as a suspect in Gray's murder.
Officers arrested Burley after he came to the police department to be served with a warrant on an unrelated charge of forging a public document.
He's being held without bond.
(------------)

[Roanoke-Shooting]

[ANCHOR=JEan]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=00-50 TC1:15:19]
[GRAPHIC=Shooting]

Police are trying to track down suspects in a shooting that happened outside Lucy Addison Middle School last night.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

A fight broke in the parking lot after a Parks and Recreation league basketball game.
The fight ended in gunfire-- a 22-year-old Roanoke man was hit in the hand.
Nathaniel Martin says he doesn't know who fired the shots.
Police say no Addison students were involved... the participants were high school students and adults.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=JEan]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]

They've questioned two teenage boys, but no one has been charged.

[Falwell]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=00-48 TC1:31:20]
[GRAPHIC=Jerry Falwell]

Attorneys for the Reverend Jerry Falwell are hoping their lawsuit against the Clinton Justice Department will get a better reception with the new Presidential administration.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

Falwell claims the Clinton White House conspired with the F-B-I to create a secret database on anti-abortion activists like himself.
The Justice Department says it has given Falwell all the documents he requested under the Freedom of Information Act.
But Falwell says not everything has been turned over.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 20:39:55]
[IN Q=We're very confident]
((LARRY KLAYMAN/JUDICIAL WATCH: WE'RE VERY CONFIDENT THAT "A", WE'LL GET COOPERATION FROM THIS ADMINISTRATION, BUT EVEN IF WE DON'T, THAT THIS COURT WILL RULE IN OUR FAVOR AND ULTIMATELY MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE ALL THE FACTS AND ALL THE DOCUMENTS.))
[SUPER=01-Larry Klayman/Judicial Watch]
[RUNS=11]
[OUT Q=all the documents.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

A federal judge heard arguments today and is deciding whether to dismiss Falwell's lawsuit or let it proceed.
(------------)

[Young]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=01-06 TC01:52]
[GRAPHIC=Rickey Young]
Martinsville Attorney Rickey Youngs got a break in court today. The two felony charges against him have been thrown out.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@File;]

The government had said Young tried to defraud D-M-V by understating the amount of money he paid for certain luxury cars... that he was trying to avoid paying the sales tax.
The judge entered a directed verdict of acquittal today on those charges.
The jury will still consider the five counts of willful failure to file federal tax returns. Those charges are misdemeanors.
(------------)

[GA-Flag]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The confederate flag sparks controversy in a lot of places.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Atlanta, GA]

Today in Georgia- a new flag went up over the State Capital- one that diminishes the size of confederate flag from the state's old flag.
The new flag features the state seal and small replicas of earlier flags-
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 13:40:35]
[IN Q=]
((I SAW OLD GLORY GO UP FIRS AND THEN I SAW OUR GEORGIA FLAG. THAT WAS A SPIRIT OF HALLELJEH, INSIDE OF MYSELF A SPIRIT OF RECONCILATION.))
[SUPER=01-Tyron Brook/(D) GA State Representative; ]
[RUNS=09]
[OUT Q=OF RECONCILATION.]
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[SS=None]

State officials say it'll cost about a half million dollars to replace 20-thousand state flags.
[Tease2]
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[writer=chr]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[SS=None]

One set of twins in a classroom can create some confusion.
Just imagine what three sets can do.
We'll visit one local classroom to find out.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

And we'll see a new age solution to a dirty old problem.
(----------------)

[Henry-Twins]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=00-45 TC1:48:32]
[GRAPHIC=None]

They're seeing double in one Henry County classroom.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Henry Co.]

At Campbell Court Elementary School in Bassett, there are three sets of twins in one kindergarten class.
One of the sets is identical, the other two are fraternal.
To help ease the confusion, the twins often become part of the lesson plan.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 00:10:07]
[IN Q=We talked about]
((ELLEN RANDALL/TEACHER: WE TALKED ABOUT THEM HAVING THE SAME BIRTHDATES. WE ALSO READ A BOOK CALLED ENTITLED DOUBLE TROUBLE. THAT WAS KINDA OF FUN. WE'VE TALKED ABOUT LIKENESS AND DIFFERENCES.))
[SUPER=01-Ellen Randall/Teacher]
[RUNS=15]
[OUT Q=and differences]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

In case you're wondering how the class tells the identical twins apart, one is taller than the other.
Incidentally, another Henry County school has five sets of twins though they are not all in the same classroom.
(------------)

[Cancer-Play]

[ANCHOR=JEan]
[NEWSCAST=11p.m.]
[WRITER=syo]
[TAPE#=01-05 TC08:20]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Hospitals aren't usually thought of as training grounds for theater.
But the cancer center at Roanoke Memorial is helping actors prepare for their roles.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
The cast of "Wit" toured the cancer ward and learned about life as an outpatient this morning. The experience was designed to help the actors give an accurate portrayal of a middle aged professor with ovarian cancer and the lessons she learns.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=What's most important...]
((JERE HODGINS/"WIT" DIRECTOR; WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT... IT'S ABOUT THIS WOMAN'S JOURNEY AS SHE GOES FROM THE AWARENESS THAT SHE HAS THE CONDITION TO... THROUGH THE PROCESS OF THE ATTEMPTS TO HEAL HER.))
[SUPER=01-Jere Hodgins/"Wit" Director;]
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=attempts to heal her.]
(--------------)
[VO-NAT]
A handful of actors was expected to meet with a couple of cancer patients this afternoon. The play's star said she wanted to absorb the experience.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 2:45-2:31]
[IN Q=I don't have any expectations...]
((KAREN GIBSON/ACTOR: I DON'T HAVE ANY EXPECTATIONS. I JUST WANT TO INFUSE IT. I WANT TO LET IT SINK IN AND SEE WHAT I LEARN... JUST EXPERIENCE IT.))
[SUPER=01-Karen Gibson/Actor;]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=just experience it.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[GRAPHIC=None]
"Wit" opens February 15th at Mill Mountain Theatre.

[Video]

[ANCHOR=JEan]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

It's a dirty job, that's why robots are doing it.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[Super=X5052 (loads FX)]
[Super=X5045 (starts FX)]
[SUPER=75-Indianapolis, IN;]

The city of Indianapolis, Indiana is using a high technology robot to run new computer lines through the city's sewer systems.
Fiber optic cables will be run through the city's sewers bringing high-speed computer communications networks to city offices and local businesses
The robot called "SAM," short for Sewer Access Module, is actually the latest high tech tool used in installing fiber-optic telecommunications lines.
(------------)
[Super=X5043 (clears FX)]

[S-Extra]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=EXTRA]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

UVa looks to crush the Terps tonight at U-Hall, Vick gets his new agent, Tiger gets more than he "Kneeds." And it's Hometown Hoops Weekly night. But first in tonight's Extra Point.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=75-Welcome, NC; :00]
If you're like us you might be ready for a little snack at this time of night. If so, how about a bite of the new Dale Earnhardt - OREO chevy. Oreo will sponsor the car in the season opening Bud Shootout on February 11th. Also, OREO has a contest where you can win a Winnebago to tickets to meet Dale. Now tonight's college numbers.
(///// Sports chyron Motion/////)
[IN Q=FIRST SCORE]
[go to score boards]
[Super=#556;]
[super=x5027;]
[super=0098-/Maryland #10/76/j/Virginia #11/99////Virginia Tech/61/j/Boston College #20/83///;]
[super=x5009;]
[super=0098-j/Roanoke/77//Bridgewater/60///j/Emory & Henry/84//W & L/77///;]
[super=x5009;]
[super=0098-/Ferrum/63/j/Averett/71///j/Va. Wesleyan/82//Lynchburg/72//Dennis Brown - 29 pts./;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0098-j/VCU/73//JMU/70//Final In Overtime/j/Liberty/65//High Point/61//Beau Wallace - 20 pts./;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0098-/N.C. State/69/j/Wake Forest/74////West Virginia/46/j/Pittsburgh/63///;]
[SUPER=X5009;]
[SUPER=0098-j/Virginia Tech/48//Syracuse/46//Women/j/Guilford/89//W & L/51//Women/;]
[Runs=:30]
[out q=last score]
(--------------)
[go to break]

[S-UVa]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-87 4605TC]
[GRAPHIC=ACC]

The Virginia Cavaliers and Maryland Terrapins hooked up last night in the battle of nation's 10th and 11th ranked teams.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Charlottesville/ESPN; :00]
Virginia was in control of this one the entire first half as Donald Hand feeds Adam Hall for the alley-oop slam. UVa would take advantage of a major spurt as Keith Friel's three pointer keyed a 24-to-2 Cavalier run on Maryland. Travis Watson played tough inside all night as he went head to head with Lonnie Baxter. And Roger Mason's slam would help UVa take a 47-to-35 lead into the lockeroom at halftime. Maryland would get within one before UVa went on another tear. This time Friel's outside shooting and Hall high flying antics keyed a 22-to-4 run.
[SUPER=33-Maryland #10/76/Virginia #11/99;]
Virginia beats Maryland like a drum 99-to-76.
(------------)
[GO TO PINNACLE 1204] You can see Virginia right here on WDBJ-7 this Saturday night at 8 against Wake Forest.
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[WIPE TO PINNACLE]

[S-WDBJ]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

(------------------)
[WIPE TO PINNACLE BOARD 1201] Tonight I invite you to join Your Hometown Station right after the second episode of Survivor to find out who will survive at the top of the ACC as Duke hosts Carolina on WDBJ-7 at 9.
(-----------------)

[S-Tech]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=TECH HOOPS]

The results were mixed for the Virginia Tech basketball teams last night. The Tech men lost to 20th ranked Boston College 83-to-61. Tech shot 53 percent and out-rebounded the Eagles, but they committed 30 turnovers. The Hokies women beat Syracuse on the road 48-to-46. Sarah Hicks led all scorers with 17. The Tech women are now 14-and-5.

[S-Vick]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-92 :53]
[GRAPHIC=COLLEGE FB]
This year's "Kickoff Classic" in August will pit Ga. Tech against Syracuse.
[GRAPHIC=MICHAEL VICK]
Had Michael Vick stayed at Tech, there is no question the Hokies would have been in that game. News 7 Sports learned today that Vick has settled on his new agent and marketing firm. Vick has selected OCTAGON Sports, a company that has offices in 19 countries and over 1000 employees.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Vick will be involved with some big names at Octagon. The company represents among others, tennis star and heartthrob Anna Kournikova and NBA great David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs. OCTAGON is just beginning to make its big push in the NFL. Currently the company also represents Vick's cousin and current Saints' quarterback Aaron Brooks. The company also has recent ties to Virginia Tech in that it was part of the "Hokie Toasties" campaign after the 1999 season.
(------------)

[S-Tiger]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-85 10324TC]
[GRAPHIC=TIGER WOODS]

Last year Tiger Woods brought the field at Pebble Beach to its knees on two occasions, now he's the one who is hurting. In a bizarre accident yesterday, Tiger hyper extended his left knee while walking through the fans on his way off the course after a practice round.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=BITE]
[SUPER=01-Tiger Woods/Hyper-extended Left Knee; :00]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=...extended my knee."]
(------------)
[talent=mike]
[graphic=hold tiger]
Tiger has never withdrawn from a PGA event. The tourney begins later today.

[S-Salem]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=rst]
[TAPE#=SP-89 (26:34)]
[GRAPHIC=Hoops Logo]

It has taken the Spartans awhile to gel, but Salem High school is again one of the teams leading the way in the Blue Ridge District.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem; :]

First year head coach Grant Smythers took over the Spartan program this past summer replacing Charlie Morgan.
Smythers missed the Spartans summer camp and then he had to deal with waiting for the football players to join the team in the middle of December after winning the Division Four state championship.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="We developed...]
[SUPER=01-Grant Smythers/Salem Head Coach; :]
[RUNS=:16]
[OUT Q=.....is there."]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem/Spartans vs Terriers; :]

The Spartans have settled down and now are 8 and 1 in the Blue Ridge.
The team chemistry has come full circle and the Spartans are hitting their peak at just the right time.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="We definitely...]
[SUPER=01-Andrew Rutledge/Salem Forward; :02]
[SUPER=01-Manuel Lewis/Salem Center; :12]
[RUNS=:19]
[OUT Q=.....constant movement.]
(-------------)
[talent=mike]
[graphic=charlie morgan]
As for former Salem boss Charlie Morgan and his new team Dobyns Bennett out of Kingsport ended an 8 year, 23 game losing streak to rival Science Hill last night.

[S-Hoops]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-90 4449TC]
[GRAPHIC=hometown Hoops weely]

Coaches move all the time, but in a couple of years Single A and Double A girls' hoops will also be on the move. Steve Mason tells us how some folks already are planning for the calendar change.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=@Steve1; :00]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :24]
[SUPER=01-Steve Fleshman/West. Va. Officials Commissioner; :51]
[SUPER=01-Billy Pope/Northside Head Boys Coach; 1:36]
[SUPER=01-Woody Deans/Patrick Henry Athletic Director; 1:55]
[RUNS=2:15]
[OUT Q=...hometown hoops weekly"]
(-------------)
((STEVE MASON:)) ((Steve Fleshman is the commissioner of officials in western Virginia. He's also an accountant. ((:)) According to his calculations, when realignment kicks in, his refs will go from covering 700 games a season to 1800. He will need 60 to 70 more referees. ((:))
This CPA might be in the middle of tax season, but he's also busy formulating a plan for 2003. ((:)) In two years refs might have to do multiple games in one night, and that affects coaches who know every call counts. ((BILLY POPE/NORTHSIDE HEAD COACH:)) William Byrd athletic director Jane Layman is opposed to realignment because she feels girls double A basketball will lose media coverage competing for the spotlight with the five other girls and boys divisions. Patrick Henry athletic director Woody Deans looks forward basketball alignment. ((:))
Fleshman's commissioners contract up in two years, but he says he hopes to be back in office when realignment begin s. Steve Mason News 7 sports.))