[1-News-Head]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]

More changes are in store for air travelers come New Year's Day.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Coming up next-- a look at what passengers can expect now that airports will be screening checked luggage for explosives.
(------------)
[anchor=Teresa]

Plus, a Blacksburg convenience store is robbed at gunpoint.


[Sports-head]


[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=twe]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]


Tonight in sports, Steve Mason says the future is bright for UVA football, Lee Suggs and Kevin Jones get some props from Air Force, and
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


led by Michael Vick, the Falcons try to wrap up their first playoff berth since 1998.
(------------)

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


It looks like 2002 will end on a warm note, with highs in the 50's and 60's. Our next chance of rain comes mid-week. I'll have the details coming up. [Video-Open]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=Video Open]
[GRAPHIC=News7at6]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 22:59]
[IN Q=This should not]

((BOB SCHENKEL/FEDERAL SECURITY DIRECTOR: THIS SHOULD NOT BE A DRASTIC DIFFERENCE FROM WHAT PASSENGERS HAVE ENCOUNTERED BEFORE.))
[RUNS=:06]
[OUT Q=encountered before]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


New security measures are about to take flight at airports across the country.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at 6]


Good evening, I'm Teresa Hamilton.

[Check-Baggage]


[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-52 TC-1:00:27]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at 6]

The government has made it a mandate, and Tuesday it will be become a reality in Roanoke. That is the day the Roanoke Regional Airport plans to begin screening all luggage for explosives-- something airports must do starting New Year's Day. Justin McLeod tells us what you need to know before your flight takes off.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :00]
[SUPER=01-Lynn Bagg/Air Traveler; :08]
[SUPER=01-Bob Schenkel/Federal Security Director; :32]
[SUPER=@justin1; :53]
[SUPER=01-Kyle Ireland/Air Traveler; 1:25]
[RUNS=1:50]
[OUT Q=JM, News 7, Roanoke]

((((NAT SOUND OF WALKING INTO AIRPORT AT 10:49:10))
The next time you head to the airport, you'll notice yet another change since September 11th.
[SOT 10:47:08]
[IN Q=I think they should]

((LYNN BAGG/AIR-TRAVELER: I THINK THEY SHOULD BE DOING IT. IN FACT, I THOUGHT THEY WERE DOING IT WHEN I CAME DOWN AND I FELT BETTER THINKING THAT THEY WERE DOING IT AND I'M GLAD THEY'RE STARTING.))
[Runs= 10]
[OUT Q=they're starting]


What they're starting to do is screen checked baggage for explosives.
The government has mandated that there be explosive trace detection machines in all U.S. airports by January first.
[SOT 22:35; TAPE 1]
[IN Q=The TSA screener]

((BOB SCHENKEL/FEDERAL SECURITY DIRECTOR: THE TSA SCREENER WILL TAKE A SWIPE OF CERTAIN LOCATIONS ON THE BAG AND RUN IT THROUGH THE EXPLOSIVE TRACE DETECTOR.))
[Runs= :11]
[OUT Q=explosive trace detector]


At some airports those detectors will be visible while other equipment will be behind the scenes.
There are six here at the Roanoke Regional Airport, all located in the lobby.
[SOT 11:31:30]
[IN Q=It's important to realize]

((JUSTIN McLEOD/REPORTING: IT'S IMPORTANT TO REALIZE THAT EACH AIRPORT WILL BE DIFFERENT. HERE IN ROANOKE FOR EXAMPLE YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE HERE WHEN YOUR BAGGAGE IS CHECKED. LOGISTICALLY HOWEVER THAT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE IN SOME OF THE LARGER AIRPORTS.))
[Runs= 12]
[OUT Q=larger airports]

((QUICK NAT SOUND OF AIRPORT))
If you're luggage is checked without you being there, the TSA will place a notice in your luggage making you aware of that fact.
It is also important to remember that you should keep your checked luggage unlocked.
Screeners will break the lock if they have to.
The screening process begins Tuesday here at the Roanoke Regional Airport.
[SOT 11:24:28]
[IN Q=I'm sure there will]

((KYLE IRELAND/AIR TRAVELER: I'M SURE THERE WILL PROBABLY BE SOME DELAYS AND SOME UPSET CUSTOMERS AS WELL.))
[Runs= :05]
[OUT Q=customers as well]


The Transportation Security Administration will work to keep those upset customers to a minimum.
The T-S-A says the screening will take just a few minutes and therefore should cause only a minor delay.
But it helps to be ready and you can do so by checking out the TSA's website.
That is tsatraveltips dot us.
Justin McLeod, News 7, Roanoke.))



[Airport-Tower]


[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-02 TC-3:32]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Meanwhile, Roanoke Regional expects an on time arrival for its new multi-million dollar upgrade.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


Construction on a new 200-foot air control tower began more than a year ago.
Airport officials say the project is on time and should be completed by April.
The existing 50-foot tower is too small and more than fifty years old.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 28:58]
[IN Q=The other main problem]

((JACQUELINE SHUCK/AIRPORT DIRECTOR: THE OTHER MAIN PROBLEM IS THE CURRENT TOWER HAS VISIBILITY ISSUES WHERE SOME OF THE BUILDINGS ARE IN THE WAY WHERE SOME OF THE BUILDINGS ARE IN THE WAY OF WHERE YOU WOULD SEE AN AIRCRAFT TAXING. THE NEW TOWER WILL HAVE A VIEW EVERY SINGLE PART OF THE PAVED SERVICE OF THE AIRPORT SO THEY'LL BE ABLE TO SEE THINGS SO IT'S SOMEWHAT OF A SAFETY ISSUE.))
[SUPER=01-Jacqueline Shuck/Airport Director]
[RUNS=:19]
[OUT Q=of a safety issue]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The new tower will feature the latest aviation technology and radar equipment.
The Federal Aviation Administration is paying the control tower's 9-point-2 million dollar price tag.
(------------)



[Checkpoints]


[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-47 TC-49:18]
[GRAPHIC=none]


Virginia State Police want to make sure the message is heard loud and clear this New Years.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./Saturday Night]


Troopers along with the Roanoke County Police held a sobriety check point on Route 311 near Hanging Rock last night.

In five hours, authorities checked 625 vehicles and arrested one person for D-U-I and another for being under the influence of drugs.
State Troopers say they will continue to have a zero-tolerance policy for driving above the legal limit.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 25:22]
[IN Q=If they're convicted]

((SGT. C.D. JESSEE/VA STATE POLICE: IF THEY'RE CONVICTED THEY CAN BE FINED UP TO STARTING AT LEAST AT A THOUSAND DOLLARS AND MAYBE EVEN TWELVE MONTHS IN JAIL. A LOT OF TIMES FIRST TIME OFFENDERS END UP GOING THROUGH VASAP PROGRAM SOME OF THE FINES AND THE JAIL TIME IS SUSPENDED IF THEY SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE PROGRAM AND THAT'S WHAT WE WANT THEM TO DO.))
[SUPER=01-Sgt. C.D. Jessee/VA State Police]
[RUNS=:16]
[OUT Q=them to do]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The State Police plan to have extra patrols on New Years Eve to keep the roads free of drunk drivers.
They also ask you to dial pound 77 or 9-1-1 on your cell phone if you see someone who appears to be drinking and driving.
(------------)



[B'burg-Robbery]


[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=NONE]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

Two people are under arrest for allegedly robbing a Blacksburg convenience store at gunpoint. 21- year old Wendell Rashad Jones and 20- year old Teresa Lynette Romero of Blacksburg are accused of robbing the seven- eleven on Toms Creek Road early this morning. Police say a man entered the store, displayed a gun and made off with money and lottery tickets. Authorities arrested the two after pulling over a car whose passenger matched the suspect's description.

[Pulley]


[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-41 TC-1:48:25]
[GRAPHIC=Pulley]


Friends and Family gathered today to say good bye to a Pittsylvania County woman who had been missing for more than three years.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pittsylvania Co./May 1999]


37 year old Patty Jo Pulley disappeared in May of 1999 when she left her home to go shopping in Danville.
Last week, a passerby found her remains near a bridge in Caswell County, North Carolina.
This afternoon, Pulley was laid to rest in her hometown of Hobbsville, North Carolina.
The state medical examiner is still trying to determine how Pulley died.
(------------)
[anchor=Teresa]
[ss=HOLD]


The Caswell County Sheriff said last week there were signs of foul play but would not elaborate.

[Tease#1]
[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[SS=NONE]

Still ahead-- we'll hear what viewers had to say about a couple of sensitive issues.
(---------------)
[VO-NAT]

Plus, neighbors helping neighbors. We'll take a look at a program that's been underway for more than 20- years.
(----------------)







[AEP-Program]


[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-51 TC-32:36]
[GRAPHIC=AEP]


A-E-P has a powerful way to help keep the lights on and it's done with your help.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


It's called the Neighbor to Neighbor Program.
It allows American Electric Customers to voluntarily contribute money toward the payment of a low income customers' winter energy bills.
Last year, customers in Virginia contributed more than 77-thousand dollars to the program.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 23:09:39]
[IN Q=It's simple]

((TODD BURNS/AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER: IT'S SIMPLE. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS WRITE AN EXTRA CHECK WHEN YOU PAY YOUR ELECTRIC BILL, WHATEVER CONTRIBUTION YOU CAN MAKE IS APPRECIATED, LABEL IT NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR PROGRAM VIRGINIA AND JUST THROW IT IN WITH YOUR OTHER BILL.))
[SUPER=01-Todd Burns/American Electric Power]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=your other bill]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


A-E-P matches those contributions up to 37-thousand dollars.
Since the program began in 19-82, A-E-P has contributed more than two million dollars to the program.
Funds from the Neighbor to Neighbor program are distributed through Virginia's Department of Social Services.
(------------)



[Feedback]


[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=jmc]
[TAPE#=FdBack - 55:38]
[GRAPHIC=none]


It's been a while since we had a chance to take a look at mail from our viewers.
Assignment editor Joe McKean brings us this week's Feedback.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./December 5; :05]
[RUNS=1:48]
[OUT Q=music/animation]

((The snowstorm earlier this month that left people stranded for hours on Route 220 prompted a meeting among state and local officials to discuss the problem and ways to avoid it. One official put part of the blame on people who were unable or unwilling to move their vehicles, so the police and VDOT could do their jobs.
That sounded like a snow job to one viewer, [Larry D. Hicks/Boones Mill] who wrote: "I have heard some lame excuses before but this has to take the prize. 220 has been a problem for years when it comes to snowfall, and one would think after all this time there would be contingency plans just for this type of occurrence. But with [this] mindset...it is a wonder that VDOT even has one snowplow."
The thirtieth anniversary of Title IX, the federal law requiring equal opportunities for female athletes, has led to some discussion that maybe that law went too far.
A young athlete from Franklin County [Kristen Russell] wrote to say that equality is still an elusive goal.
"I would like to add that as a female athlete I think it is ridiculous and totally degrading that anyone would ever propose to make changes to Title IX. If any changes should be made it should be for female athletics to be recognized as they are...Our varsity volleyball team and softball team both made it to regionals this past year and we did not get a third of the publicity, the prizes or even the food that [the football team] received. I am not writing to express my complaints about our volleyball team, but simply to point out that women athletes are still not treated equally."
If you'd like to ring in the New Year with a few comments about sports, weather OR news, you can do it by regular mail...fax...or email.
Joe McKean, News-7.))




[Tease#2]
[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[SS=NONE]

Still ahead on the newscast, plans are underway to give a main building in Pearisburg a makeover,
(---------------)
[VO-NAT]

and want to curl up with a good book on the weekends? In Roanoke your plans will get a little more difficult. We'll explain next.
(----------------)






[Rke-Library]


[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-45 TC-1:04:03]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]


Some new rules for the New Year are about to go into effect at Roanoke's main library.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


Starting January first, the library on Jefferson Street will close Sundays and shorten its Wednesday hours from 10 until 6.
The library is currently open from 9 to 9 on Wednesdays.
The changes are in response to a nearly 3-million dollar decrease in state aid to public libraries.
The Roanoke Library Board said recently it regrets the reduction in funding but quote "must share in the solution of a problem that affects us all."
(------------)


[Giles-Courthouse]


[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=02-44 TC-1:44:54]
[GRAPHIC=none]

The Giles County courthouse is getting ready for a much needed facelift.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pearisburg;]

The courthouse, located in the heart of Pearisburg, was built in 1836. Next year-- renovations will begin on the structure which has been placed in the register of historical buildings.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:02:44]
[IN Q=The engineering]
[SUPER=01-Howard Morris/Giles Co. Supervisor; ]

((THE ENGINEERING PLAN IS UNDERWAY NOW, AND WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A ONE- POINT TWO TO ONE POINT FOUR MILLION DOLLAR RENOVATION AND IT'S WELL UNDERWAY AND IT'S NECESSARY, THE COURTHOUSE HAS BEEN HERE A LONG TIME AND EVERYBODY IS WORKING TOGETHER LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DAY THE COURTROOM WILL BE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE UPSTAIRS AND ITS WELL UNDERWAY AND WE'RE VERY HAPPY ABOUT IT, VERY ENTHUSED. ))
[RUNS=23]
[OUT Q=very enthused.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The town of Pearisburg is also preparing to celebrate its bicentennial. The town was founded in 1806 and officials say the courthouse will be the centerpiece of the celebration.
(------------)




[Sports tease]


[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=twe]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]


Coming up, UVA has capped off a special season and now look ahead to what's to come, the Hokies hope they can put together a special effort in the Walnut Bowl,
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


while former Hokie Michael Vick and the Falcons make the playoffs the hardway. We'll clear up the NFL post season picture next.
(------------)


[S-Falcons]


[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=twe]
[TAPE#=SP-140 TC1738]
[GRAPHIC=Falcons]


The Atlanta Falcons needed a win or a New Orleans loss today in order to make the NFC playoffs.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Cleveland, OH/Fox Sports; :00]


The Cleveland Browns weren't inclined to help though, because they too were still alive for the post season.
Atlanta trailed 10-zip before Michael Vick hooked up with Brian Finneran. Finneran put on a move and found the endzone to get the Falcons on the board in the second quarter. Vick with 240 yards thru the air.
It was 16-10 Atlanta in the 4th quarter, but Browns backup QB Kelly Holcomb found Kevin Johnson for the tying score with 7 minutes left.
The Browns led 24-16 late, but Vick got the Dirty Birds in position for the tie. However, Warrick Dunn
[SUPER=30-Atlanta/16/Cleveland/24/;]

was done--stuffed on 4th and one at the goal line. Cleveland won it 24 to 16.
(------------)


[S-Saints]


[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=twe]
[TAPE#=SP-125 TC20239]
[GRAPHIC=none]


[WIPE to ENG!!]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-New Orleans, LA/Fox Sports; :00]


With the loss, the Falcons needed a Saints loss to Carolina to back into the playoffs.
And the Aints were more than happy to accomodate. Aaron Brooks was picked off twice by the Panthers Terry Cousin.

[SUPER=30-Carolina/10/New Orleans/6/;]

Former Hokie Shayne Graham booted a 50 yard field goal as Carolina handed New Orleans a 3rd straight loss dashing the Saints playoff hopes with a 10-6 victory.
(------------)


[S-Skins]


[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=twe]
[TAPE#=SP-132 TC20333]
[GRAPHIC=none]


[WIPE to ENG!!]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Landover, MD/Fox Sports; :00]


The Redskins threw a farewell party for Darrell Green today, and broke a 10 game losing streak to arch rival Dallas.

Lavar Arrington scored a touchdown and setup two more with fumble recoveries as the Skins took care of the Cowboys 20 to 14, ending the season at 7 and 9. Now here's all of today's NFL scores.
(------------)


[S-Scores]


[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=twe]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=]


[go to scores]
[SUPER=#556;]
[SUPER=x5022;]
[SUPER=0100-/Atlanta/16/j/Cleveland/24///j/Carolina/10//New Orleans/6///;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0100-/Miami/24/j/New England/27//Final in OT//Baltimore/31/j/Pittsburgh/34///;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0100-j/Minnesota/38//Detroit/36////Cincinnati/9/j/Buffalo/27///;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0100-j/Tennessee/13//Houston/3////Dallas/14/j/Washington/20///;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0100-/Jacksonville/10//Indianapolis/10/3///Seattle/7//San Diego/10/3//;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0100-/Green Bay/10//N.Y. Jets/21/3///Arizona/7//Denver/9/3//;]
[RUNS=:30]
[OUTCUE=last score."]
(----------------)


[S-Tire]


[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-134 34:44]
[GRAPHIC=Tire Bowl]


The Virginia football team wrapped up a solid 9 and 5 season yesterday with a dominating 48-22 win over West Virginia in the Tire Bowl. Steve Mason takes a quick look at what's a head for the Wahoos.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Charlotte, NC; :00]
[SUPER=01-Billy McMullen/UVa Senior Receiver; :38]
[SUPER=01-Jerton Evans/UVa Senior Safety; :52]
[SUPER=01-Wali Lundy/826 Yards Rushing, 10 TD's This Season; 1:21]
[SUPER=01-Matt Schaub/28 TD Passes This Season; 1:28]
[SUPER=01-Al Groh/UVa Head Football Coach; 1:37]
[SUPER=@Steve1; 2:02]
[RUNS=2:19]
[OUT Q=....News 7 sports"]
(---------------)



[S-Special]


[ANCHOR=TRAVIS]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-141 :22TC]
[GRAPHIC=TECH/AIR FORCE]


Tuesday night's game with Air Force marks Virginia Tech's 10th straight postseason bowl game. And while the Diamond Walnut bowl may not compare to playing in the Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl or Gator Bowl, Mike Stevens says there's still something "special" about this game.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=VIRGINIA TECH AND...]
[SUPER=@mike1; :00]
[SUPER=03-Lexington; :21]
[SUPER=01-Frank Beamer/Virginia Tech Head Coach; :33]
[SUPER=01-Richard Bell/Air Force Defensive Coordinator; 1:04]
[SUPER=01-Lee Suggs/1255 Rushing Yards in 2002; 1:35]
[SUPER=01-Wes Crawley/Air Force Defensive Back; 1:43]
[RUNS=2:04]
[OUT Q=...NEWS 7 SPORTS."]
(--------------)




[S-Hoops]


[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=twe]
[TAPE#=SP-131 TC15633]
[GRAPHIC=Roanoke College Hoops]


To the hoops court where Roanoke College will host the 10th annual V-Foundation Classic tomorrow and Tuesday. Joining the Maroons in the event will be Mount Union, Maryville and Transylvania. The tournament and auction proceeds will once again benefit cancer research.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Page Moir/Maroons Head Coach; :00]
[RUNS=:26]
[OUT Q=coaches against cancer."]

(-------------------)
by SS