WDBJ 7 news at 6 for 07/15/01

[1-News-Head]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]

Fueled by faith, hard work and dedication.
Just ahead on NEWS 7 at six.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
A look at the rebirth of a landmark nearly a year after fire threatened to destroy the historic Lexington church.
(------------)
[anchor=Teresa]
And, details on a fundraiser for children with disabilities.

[Sports-Head]

[ANCHOR=Roy]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rst]
[TAPE#=Sports-Head]
[GRAPHIC=None]

In sports, The Winston Cup drivers were in Chicago Highlights from Major League Baseball.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

And a Salem pitcher is making a name for himself in the Carolina League.
(------------)

[WX-Head]
[ANCHOR=Jacey]
[SS=None]

A beautiful Sunday with temperatures peaking in the mid-eighties... but tonight it's clear skies and cool temperatures once again. We've got the work week forecast next. [Video-Open]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=Video Open]

(/////SOT/////)
[SOT22:24]
[IN Q=It's pretty much a gutted]
(( I'TS PRETTY MUCH A GUTTED STRUCTURE ON THE INSIDE --BUT I BELIVIEVE IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS YOU'RE GOING TO SEE A LOT OF PROGRESS))
[RUNS=:08 ]
[OUT Q=see a lot of progress]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

A local church is still on the road to recovery ... nearly a year after a devastating fire.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[GRAPHIC=News7at6]

Good evening, I'm Teresa Hamilton

[Lexington-Church]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=01-29 TC-36:18]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at 6]
When the sanctuary of the Lexington Presbyterian church went up in flames --it was a loss to the entire city of Lexington. The church was not just a place of worship for hundreds --but a historical landmark. But as Joy Sutton tells us --nearly one year later --the congregation is picking-up the pieces.

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Lexington; :00]
[SUPER=04-July/Last Year; :13]
[SUPER=01-Mike Strickler/Reconstruction Committee; :18 (QUICK) ]
[SUPER=@Joy1; 1:32]
[RUNS=1:36]
[OUT Q=Sutton, N7, Lexington.]
(///// SOT /////)
(([nat sot]
[IN Q=]
[RUNS= 04]
[OUT Q=]

Their faith has kept them strong -- even though for the past year --they've had to hold service in the auditorium.

The sanctuary which was once magnificent in structure --was destroyed by a blaze --that will forever be etched in many people's memories.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT27:43]
[IN Q=After the intial shock wore off]
((AFTER THE INITIAL SHOCK WORE OFF. WE KNEW WE HAD A JOB TO DO))
[RUNS= 06]
[OUT Q=had a job to do ]

And although it remains barren and gutted the sanctuary still holds the building blocks of a promising future.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT22:49]
[IN Q=We're tyring to make it look]
((WE'RE TRYING TO MAKE IT LOOK ALMOST AS EXACTLY AS IT WAS ESPECIALLY FROM THE EXTERIOR. WE'VE ALREADY SECURED THE CLOCK THAT WAS ON THE STEEPLE -- WE'RE ALREADY THERE))
[RUNS= 11]
[OUT Q=already there]

Making sure that everything looks almost the same is not only to appease the congregation --but important if the church wants to remain a historic landmark.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT24:06]
[IN Q=We're planning to get the same type]
((WE'RE PLANNING TO GET THE SAME TYPE CHANDELIERS WE HAD FOR THE CEILING, THE SAME PEWS, AND OF COURSE OUR ORGAN WE HAVE SIGNED OUR ORGAN CONTRACT))
[RUNS= 15]
[OUT Q=our organ contract]

But it will take time to get everything back to normal.
It's a day many can already visualize.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT29:03]
[IN Q=For me I will like the formality of it]
((FOR ME I WILL LIKE THE FORMALITY OF IT.. I WILL ENJOY A FORMAL SERVICE.. I HAVE MISSED THAT SINCE THEY CHURCH BURNED AND TO ME THAT WILL BE SPECIAL))
[RUNS= 13]
[OUT Q=that will be special]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT13:50]
[IN Q=Now that a temporay roof has been]
((NOW THAT A TEMPORARY ROOF HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE BUILDING --CONSTRUCTION CAN BEGIN ON THE INSIDE --THE GOAL IS TO HAVE THE SANCTUARY BACK IN SERVICE BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR. JOY SUTTON, NEWS 7, LEXINGTON))
[RUNS= 11]

[OUT Q=news 7 lexington]))[Goshen-Bridge]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=rle]
[TAPE#=01-33 TC-22:28]
[GRAPHIC=none]
Another piece of Rockbridge County history is getting a makeover.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Rockbridge Co.;]
The Virginia Department of Transportation is renovating the bridge over the Calfpasture River in Goshen. The bridge is being dismantled and getting prepared to be shipped to North Carolina to be refurbished and galvanized.
The load capacity of the bridge used to be just 6 tons, but will be rated for 20 tons after the renovations are complete. The bridge was built in 18-91, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
(------------)

[McEachin]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=kle]
[TAPE#=01-17 TC-1:29:33]
[GRAPHIC=Campaign 2001]
The Democratic candidate for Attorney General says he has a plan to help combat prescription drug abuse.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Don McEachin is spending the day in Roanoke and will be traveling to other areas in southwest Virginia over the next four days.
During his tour he will be making stops to discuss his plans and believes his message will be well received.
McEachin says he realizes Southwest Virginia has special needs, and is focusing on a multi part plan to help combat the abuse of OxyContin.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:04:51]
[IN Q=I believe the people]
((DEL. DONALD MCEACHIN/DEM. ATTORNEY GENERAL CANDIDATE: I BELIEVE THE PEOPLE OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA ARE GOOD HARD WORKING PEOPLE. AND IF THEY UNDERSTAND THE DANGERS OF INHERITING THIS DRUG WE CAN PUT AN END TO THE EPIDEMIC JUST LIKE THAT.))
[SUPER=@McEachin;]
[RUNS=11]
[OUT Q=just like that.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

McEachin says he is excited about being back on the campaign trail after the primary.

(------------)[WV-Flooding]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=01-31 TC-20:27]
[GRAPHIC=Flood Relief]
Federal officials say victims of last Sunday's floods in West Virginia will be provided housing.
(------------)
[VO-NAT 24 plus pad]
[SUPER=03-Kimball, WV/Last Week; ]
Officials say FEMA will eventually provide travel trailers and then mobile homes to eligible flood victims. FEMA estimates more than one thousand homes were destroyed in the floods, another 16-hundred had major damage and 11-hundred had minor damage. Officials expect those numbers to rise as people finish collecting and cleaning their belongings and start registering for government help. As of today 24 roads in West Virginia are still out.
(------------)

[Therapeutic-Riding]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=01-44 TC- :57]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Funding for one local program could mean the difference for children in our area in need of special therapy.
That's why a fundraiser was held today in Bedford for Astride with Pride.
It's a place where kids and adults can go for therapeutic riding.
(///// SOT /////)
[nat SOT]
[RUNS=04]
(---------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford]
The Bluegrass Hoppers kicked off the fundraiser with a little therapy of their own --- music for the soul.

The other attraction was the wine tasting area --where people could sample some of the best wines on the market.
It was all in the name of charity.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT10:37:11]
[IN Q=Most of the riders do not have]
((MOST OF THE RIDERS DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THE FEES -AND WE'RE 100-PERCENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM NOBODY GETS A SALARY))
[SUPER=01-Marilyn Jones/Astride with Pride]
[RUNS=12]
[OUT Q=gets a salary]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

So, the money raised will make sure the program can continue to give scholarships to those people who couldn't otherwise afford the program.
One mother says it has helped her son who has cerebral palsy gain confidence.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT10:35:18]
[IN Q=It ha also helped with his]
((IT HAS ALSO HELPED WITH HIS MOVEABILTY HIS FUNCTIONING AS FAR AS HIS BACK IT HAS LOOSENED HIM UP.. IN ALL WAYS ITS HELPED HIM))
[SUPER=07-Angela Robertson]
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=it's helped him]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The riding program is for anyone ages four and older with a disability .
(--------------)
[Tease#1]
[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[SS=NONE]
Still to come on News 7, a look back at a group of high school students who organized to try to save their school...
(---------------)
[VO-NAT]
but before that, a Martinsville deputy is trying to clear up his grandfather's name, and solve a ghost story at the same time... More on that in just a minute, but first, let's check in with Jacey in the Weather Center...
(----------------)

[Parkway-Ax]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=01-39 TC - 23:45]
[GRAPHIC=Accident]
An accident on the Blue Ridge Parkway this afternoon leaves one man seriously injured.
(------------)
[VO-NAT 19]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;]
The accident happened around three- thirty when the driver of a motorcycle crashed his bike near Sweet Annie Hollow in Roanoke County. Authorities say the man suffered serious injuries in the wreck. A female on the bike-- was also injured. Right now-- authorities are looking into whether a mechanical problem may have contributed to the crash.
(------------)

[Starrett-Profile]

[ANCHOR=Jacey]
[NEWSCAST=Sun AM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=Va. Profile #4 1:32:32]
[GRAPHIC=Va. Profile]
[ANCHOR TAG] A Martinsville Sheriff's Deputy has been trying to figure out a spooky case, and at the same time clear the name of his grandfather... In this week's Virginia Profile, News 7's Justin McLeod explains how a ghost put Dan Starrett on a mission.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=The mystery began]
[SUPER=01-Dan Starrett/Local Author; :05]
[SUPER=@Justin2; 1:12]
[RUNS=2:07]
[OUT Q=standard]
(( The mystery began on April 17, 1973.
[SOT 3:10]
[IN Q=I woke up and felt]
((DAN STARRETT/LOCAL AUTHOR: I WOKE UP AND FELT LIKE MY BED WAS SHAKING. I LOOKED UP AND SAW A FIGURE OF A MAN STANDING DOWN THE END OF THE HALLWAY AND IT KINDA HAD A GLOW TO IT.))
[Runs= 14]
[OUT Q=had a glow to it]

Starrett had no idea who it was until two years later when his father died.
At the funeral, he saw a picture of his grandfather for the first time.
He looked exactly like that ghostly figure.
[SOT 15:10]
[IN Q=My grandfather had some unfinished]
((DAN STARRETT: MY GRANDFATHER HAD SOME UNFINISHED BUSINESS DOWN HERE AND SINCE I WAS INVOLVED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT THEN I WAS CHOSEN MORE OR LESS CHOSEN TO BE THE ONE TO TAKE CARE OF THIS.))
[Runs= 10]
[OUT Q=take care of this]

That unfinished business goes back to 1917 when Walter Starrett worked as a railroad cop in Indiana.
On Christmas Eve, he attempted to throw out two drunks.
One pulled a knife and Starrett shot him to death.
[SOT 10:51]
[IN Q=When the word was circulated]
((DAN STARRETT: WHEN THE WORD WAS CIRCULATED THROUGH TOWN THAT MY GRANDFATHER HAD KILLED ONE OF THE FINER DRUNKS, FINER CITIZENS, THEY FORMED A LYNCH MOB. THEY WAS GOING TO LYNCH HIM.))
[Runs= 11]
[OUT Q=going to lynch him]

He was charged with murder.
But before he could have his day in court, Starrett was shot to death while chasing a suspect on the job.
But his name was never put on a national monument dedicated to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
Starrett wondered why.
[SOT 7:54]
[IN Q=The reason he was turned]
((DAN STARRETT: THE REASON HE WAS TURNED DOWN BECAUSE HE HAD THIS MURDER CHARGE HANGING OVER HIS HEAD.))
[Runs= 05]
[OUT Q=over his head]

So began a seven year journey to clear his grandfather's name.
Finally in 1999, Walter Starrett was added to the monument in Washington D.C.
Dan Starrett has since written a book about all this titled the father, the son, and the railroad ghost.
[SOT 17:01]
[IN Q=A lot of people believe me]
((DAN STARRETT: A LOT OF PEOPLE BELIEVE ME AND A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T. A LOT OF PEOPLE THINK I'M JUST CRAZY.))
[Runs= 03]
[OUT Q=i'm just crazy]

That's because this ghost story has a spooky element to it, an important date that kept creeping up over the years.
April 17th is the day Dan Starrett saw the ghost, the day his father died, the day he discovered important information about the mystery, and the day he received proof of publication for his book.
Justin McLeod, News 7. ))

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[graphic=Hold]

Starrett's book is getting national attention.
Lifetime television has taped a segment on this mystery that will air in November.
Starrett also says he has received a few calls from Hollywood inquiring about doing a movie.

[Tease#2]
[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[SS=NONE]
Still to come on News 7, Roy Stanley will bring us up to date in the world of sports...
(---------------)
[VO-NAT]
but before that, we'll have the story of the organized protest of several Roanoke students - who wanted to keep THEIR school alive. Stay with us.
(----------------)

[JeffersonHigh-Reel]
[anchor=Denise]
[newscast=SunAM]
[writer=chr]
[tape=Newsreel #4 TC-1:23:08]
[graphic=Newsreel]
There was no shortage of school pride more than 25- years ago when the decision was made to close a local high school.
In today's Virginia Newsreel... we look back at the organized protest of several Roanoke students - who wanted to keep THEIR school alive. Here's Keith Humphry.
(/////////SOT/////////)
[sot]
[in-q=the school boards]
[super=10-Bill King/Reporting/1973; :00]
[super=03-Roanoke/1973; :11]
[super=04-1965; 1:05]
[super=10-A. Byron Smith/Jefferson H. S. PTA President/1973; 1:16]
[super=03-Roanoke/December 5, 1978; 1:35]
[super=03-Roanoke/May 17; 1:38]
[runs=2:02]
[out-q=I'm KH.]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT from "1973" BETA TAPE TC 39:27]
[IN Q=THE SCHOOL]
((((39:27 - BILL KING/REPORTING : THE SCHOOL BOARD'S ACTION WOULD MAKE THE CLASS OF 1974 THE LAST TO GRADUATE FROM JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL - 39:31 - SENDING UNDERCLASSMEN THEN ON TO Fleming or PATRICK HENRY HIGHS - 39:35 ))
[RUNS= 08]
[OUT Q=PATRICK HENRY HIGHS]
[VO of students gathering at courthouse from "1973" BETA TAPE] When the school board decided to close Roanoke's Jefferson High - students decided they WOULDN'T accept the decision - without a fight.

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT from "1973" BETA TAPE TC 39:43]
[IN Q=WE HEARD]
((39:43 -- BETSY:WE HEARD ABOUT THE PROPOSITION AND THE MINUTE WE HEARD WE JUST STARTED WORKING EVERYONE IT WAS JUST EVERYONE SEEMED TO HAVE THE SAME IDEA THEY WANTED TO DO SO METHING ABOUT IT - 39:52))
[RUNS= 09]
[OUT Q=DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.]

[vo of student protesters from "1973" BETA TAPE] Dozens of teens took their concerns to the steps of the courthouse...
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT from "1973" BETA TAPE TC 42:31]
[IN Q=NATS PROTESTING]
((42:31 - PROTESTING STUDENTS CHANTING- LOUD!!! - 41:38 ))
[RUNS= 07]
[OUT Q=NATS PROTESTING]

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT from "1973" BETA TAPE TC 39:54]
[IN Q=IF I AM]
(( 39:54 - IF I AM BUSED TO PATRICK HENRY I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OR TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OTHER OPPORTUNITIES - 40:03 - MY CASE IS TYPICAL OF THE OTHER STUDENTS AT JEFFERSON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL -- 40:08 -- :09 - SO IN CONCLUSION I WOULD LIKE TO SAY PLEASE SAVE OUR SCHOOL -- NATS CHEERING PAN TO OTHER STUDENTS - 40:20))
[RUNS= 25]
[OUT Q=SAVE OUR SCHOOL -- NATS CHEERING]
[holdover video] The Roanokers who got diplomas [take black and white 1965 classroom interiors video from tape A-32 TC 18:40] from Jefferson High spanned GENERATIONS. In the spring of 1973 - current students called on adults, like the P-T-A president, to remind the Board of that.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT from "1973" BETA TAPE TC 40:45]
[hold up 1965 video until he says "MANY YEARS AGO" - then pop up the speaker]
[IN Q=IT Hadn't]
((40:45 - IT HADN'T BEEN MANY YRS AGO THAT NEARLY EVERYBODY WHO'D GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL IN RKE VA GRADUATED FROM JEFFERSON HIGH -- 40:55 -- NATS CHEERING -- 40:58))
[RUNS= 13]
[OUT Q=JEFFERSON HIGH -- NATS CHEERING]

[1978 exterior of building from TAPE A 207 TC 24:40] Though the building survived - the High School did NOT, as the Board opted to go through with its decision. [1978 classroom interior pics from TAPE A 207 TC 24:57] serving as the backdrop for alternative education programs... and
The building had renewed life... [symphony playing on TAPE 01-16 around TC 1:02:20] now features performing arts as the Jefferson Center...
(//////////SOT/////)
[SOT - NAT SOUNDBURST ON TAPE 01-16 TC 1:02:13]
[IN-Q=symphony music]
[runs= 03]
[out-q=symphony music]

[back to students protesting with good nat sound under on "1973" BETA TAPE] It's NOT what the students raised their voices for on that day - but the Jefferson Center has at least kept one fear from becoming reality...

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT from "1973" BETA TAPE TC 41:09]
[IN Q=THEY DON'T WANT]
((THEY DON'T WANT TO SAY LATER ON THAT I GRADUATED FROM JEFFERSON AND THEY SAY WHO AND WHERE IS JEFFERSON? 41:18 ))
[RUNS=09]
[OUT Q=WHO AND WHERE IS JEFFERSON?]
[hold up either speaker VO or protest VO] That's Virginia Newsreel. I'm Keith Humphry.))

[Sports Tease]

[ANCHOR=Roy]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rst]
[TAPE#=Sports Tease]
[GRAPHIC=None]

And coming up in sports, The Devil Rays beat the Braves in Atlanta scores from Major League baseball.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

And the Roanoke Valley is preparing for the Commonwealth games that begin this week.
(------------)

[S-Race]

[ANCHOR=Roy]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rst]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=NASCAR Logo]

The Winston Cup drivers were at the Chicagoland Speedway for the inaguaral running of the Tropicana 400.
Ricky Rudd would take the early lead and the caution came out when Mike Skinner hit the wall in turn number four.

Jimmy Spencer, Jerry Nadeau and Kevin Harvick would all lead the race at one time. Points leader Jeff Gordon failed to lead a lap before the halfway mark.
Kevin Harvick would lead for over 90 laps and he takes the checkered flag winning the Tropicanna 400 in Chicago. Robert Pressley was second, Ricky Rudd third Dale Jarrett fourth and Jimmy Spencer fifth.
We'll hear from the winner and have all the highlights tonight at 11.

[S-MLB]

[ANCHOR=Roy]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rst]
[TAPE#=SP-95 (53:17)]
[GRAPHIC=Braves/Tampa]

Tampa Bay was in Atlanta for an afternoon showdown with the Braves.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Atlanta, GA/WTBS; :]

Fred McGriff would lead the offense for the Devil Rays this single scores Greg Vaughn and Tampa jumped out to the 2 to nothing lead in the third.
Still in the third, John Flaherty hits this single to left field it scores McGriff and Russ Johnson and the Devil Rays were on top 4 to nothing.
[SUPER=92-Tampa Bay/9/Atlanta/1/;]

The Devil Rays would add to that score in the seventh this time McGriff gets all of the pitch sending it over the right field wall for a solo homer and Tampa goes on to win it 9 to 1.
(------------)

[S-Kibler]

[ANCHOR=Roy]
[NEWSCAST=Six]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=sp-92 tc 1:58:06]
[GRAPHIC=Salem Avalanche]

The Salem Avalanche is looking to stop Kinston's dominance of them this season. The Indians and Avs are going at it right now. We'll have highlights tonight at 11.
Salem is in the midst of a 10 game home stand. Being home is a relief after a 13 game road trip that only yeilded three victories.
Ryan Kibler was a bright spot of that trip. The pitcher was on the mound for two of the three road wins.
Denise Allen has more on the right hander.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Dave Collins/Salem Manager; :03]
[SUPER=03-Salem/Wednesday; :13]
[SUPER=01-Ryan Kibler/1.71 ERA, 6-0; :27]
[SUPER=@Denise2; 1:40]
[RUNS=1:50]
[OUT Q=News 7 Sports (QUICK OUT!)]
((
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:24:06]
[IN Q=initially]
[RUNS=]
[OUT Q=is history]

That history includes a six and oh record in nine starts in the Carolina League.
Before joining the Avalanche Ryan Kilber was three and five in Ashville. He says there he started working on his mechanics and everything came together in Salem.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 17:01:39]
[IN Q=like staying ]
[RUNS=]
[OUT Q=with my body]

Collins says Kibler is one of those rare players who at the tender age of 21, is consistently mentally ready at each start.
Kibler is proud of his pregame preps. He calls himself a student of the game and is well read on his sport. He also uses visualization the night before a start, as well as right before the game.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 17:03:04]
[IN Q=I visualize]
[RUNS=]
[OUT Q=done it before]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:24:19]
[IN Q=the thing]
[RUNS=]
[OUT Q=do that]

Ryan Kibler has made good use of his time in the Carolina League dominating the hitters he's faced. In 63 innings pitched he's got 54 strikeouts and Collins says he wouldn't be surprised if Kibler took another step up before the season is finished.
Denise Allen News 7 Sports.))

(--------------)[S-Commonwealth]

[ANCHOR=Roy]
[NEWSCAST=Six]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=sp-102 tc 26:28]
[GRAPHIC=Commonwealth Game]

Virginia Amateur Sports is billing the Commonwealth Games as something for everyone, no matter what your competitive tastes are.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Many events got underway this weekend even though the opening ceremonies are Friday the 20th.
Athletes are competing in 46 different sports this year.
Their ages range from as young as five to 91 years old.
Virginia Amateur Sports lost its state funding in the budget battle of the recent General Assembly.
That hasn't impacted the games this year. The organization will request funds again next year, but the future is uncertain.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=we don't anticipate]
[SUPER=01-Jacquie Jordan/Virginia Amateur Sports; :00]
[RUNS=16]
(--------------) [OUT Q=aware of that help]