WDBJ 7 news at 11 for 12/02/03

[News-Heads]

[ANCHOR=Jean]

[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]
[ENG#=1]

Coming up on News 7-
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Put the pedal to the metal on 81 and you may have to pull more money out of your wallet-
12 shootings on an Ohio interstate- Tonight authorities say they are all linked.
And new information tonight- this Tech running back may be running to the pros.
(------------)
[Talent=Jean]

News 7 at Eleven is next.

[Video-Open]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=VidOpen]

[ENG#=2]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 6:36:35]
[IN Q=One of the best ways]
((SGT. TOM FOSTER/STATE POLICE TROOPER: ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO INFLUENCE UNSAFE DRIVING BEHAVIOR IS THROUGH FINES.))

[RUNS=:05]
[OUT Q=is through fines]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

If you thought your last speeding ticket was bad, imagine getting one for 500 bucks. It could soon happen in our area.
(------------)
[ANCHOR =Jean]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at 11]

[Safety-Corridor]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-47 TC34:36]
[GRAPHIC=I-81]

The next time you speed up on certain parts of Interstate 81, be prepared to pay up.
It's part of the new highway safety corridor law which is designed to reduce highway deaths and injuries.
Where will it first take effect? [***SAFETY CORRIDOR IN MONITOR***]
[DOUBLE BOXES=Jean & Justin / BAM;]

Justin McLeod is here now with an answer. Justin?
Jean, it will most likely happen in our area.
[LIVE= Justin /FULL BAM]
[SUPER=@Justin1;]

We're talking about a fifteen mile stretch of I-81 that attracts more than 80-thousand motorists a day.
Because of that, State transportation officials say it is one of the most dangerous parts of interstate 81 in all of Virginia.
[ENG#=3]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.]

V-Dot held a public hearing tonight to explain the new law which allows the state to create highway safety corridors on certain highways.
To meet the criteria, state officials have to review crash data, accident reports, and the volume of traffic.
The first proposed corridor is for I-81 from Ironto to just south of 581 in Roanoke.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 6:35:05]
[IN Q=It is one where we]
((SGT. TOM FOSTER/STATE POLICE TROOPER: IT IS ONE WHERE WE EXPERIENCE HIGHER THAN NORMAL CRASH FREQUENCY AND THE CRASHES ARE OFTEN QUITE SEVERE.))
[SUPER=01-Sgt. Tom Foster/State Police; ]
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q=OFTEN QUITE SEVERE]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

In the last three years, this stretch of I-81 has seen more than 450 accidents, a third of which resulted in injuries.
If it's designated a highway safety corridor, the state can lower the speed limit and impose fines that are double what they are now.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 6:39:38]
[IN Q=The fines can be]
((CONNIE SORRELL/VDOT CHIEF OF POLICY: THE FINES CAN BE UP TO 500 DOLLARS FOR A MOVING VIOLATION WHICH IS SPEEDING AND THE MONEY DOESN'T GO TO THE STATE POLICE OR V-DOT IT GOES TO THE STATE LITERARY FUND.))
[SUPER=01-Connie Sorrell/VDOT Chief of Policy; :]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=state literary fund]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

V-Dot is now taking public comment and the transportation commissioner is expected to make a decision by the end of the year.
If it's approved for I-81 between Montgomery County and Roanoke, it could be up and running by mid-January.
The state must first put up signs warning motorists they are about to enter a highway safety corridor.
(------------)
[LIVE=Justin /FULL BAM]

V-Dot will also launch a public awareness campaign possibly on television and the radio.
In the coming months, other highways mainly in Northern Virginia are also expected to be designated highway safety corridors.
[DOUBLE BOXES=Jean & Justin /BAM;]

Jean, I-81 at the I-77 interchange in Wythe County could also become one but the state says that is more than a year away.

[81-Accident]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-45 TC53:27]
[GRAPHIC=81 Accident]
[ENG#=4]

Motorists in Montgomery County today experienced firsthand how bad traffic can get on Interstate 81.
A pickup truck pulling a camper overturned around 2:30 this afternoon blocking all northbound lanes of I-81 near Ironto.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Montgomery Co.]

State Police were able to get one lane open a short time later but the right lane remained closed for nearly three hours.
That led to a ten mile backup that stretched all the way into Christiansburg.
Troopers say traffic finally got back to normal around seven this evening.
(------------)

[School-Violence]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-53 TC03:36]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=1]

She is one of his harshest critics, but Alice Hincker says she could work with Roanoke's school superintendent if she becomes a school board member.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Alice Hincker is founder of the Roanoke School Violence Protection Coalition or RSVP for short.
It's a group made up of local citizens who meet to discuss ways to prevent violence in Roanoke schools.
In addition to that role, Hincker now wants to be on the school board.
She plans on applying for the job left by the recent resignation of Melinda Payne.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 7:54]
[IN Q=I've worked with Dr. Harris]
((ALICE HINCKER/RSVP COALITION FOUNDER: I'VE WORKED WITH DR. HARRIS FOR YEARS AND WE HAVEN'T ALWAYS SEEN EYE TO EYE. ONE OF MY KIDS IS A JUNIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL AND THE OTHER IS A FRESHMEN AND OVER THE YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL THINGS THAT WE HAVE DISAGREED ON BUT I CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOLS AND HE CONTINUES TO DO HIS JOB AS THE SUPERINTENDENT.))
[SUPER=01-Alice Hincker/RSVP Coalition Founder]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=as the superintendent]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

More than 25 people showed up tonight for R-S-V-P's second meeting.
Across town, the city's appointed school violence task force met again as well.
At that meeting some members expressed concerns that city council and school board may not implement its final recommendations.
(------------)

[City-Audit]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=03-44 TC59:42]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=2]

One year after an audit revealed problems in the maintenance department of the Roanoke City Schools, there are more questions.
The Director of the department has been placed on leave, one week before school board members are to consider a follow- up review.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

School officials confirm that William Sharpe has been placed on administrative leave with pay.
Assistant Superintendent for Operations Dick Kelley says the decision was the result of management issues, and does NOT involve any allegations of fraud.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=JEan]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Sharpe was hired about a year ago, AFTER a city audit revealed that maintenance department employees had falsified bid information. The city auditor is expected to present a follow-up report next week.
Efforts to contact Sharpe this afternoon were unsuccessful.

[Missing-Student]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=3]

Searchers will be back out tomorrow looking for missing college student Dru Sjodin (Soh-Deen..) while tonight a convicted sex offender is in prison accused of kidnapping the woman.
More information is coming out about Alfonso Rodriguez who spent 23 years in prison for rape.
Eric Phillips reports.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-John Packett/Grand Forks Police Chief; :17]
[SUPER=01-Peter Welte/North Dakota State Attorney; :39]
[SUPER=01-Eric Phillips/Reporting; :50]
[SUPER=01-Hans Tween/Friend of Missing Student; :58]
[SUPER=01-Sven Sjodin/Brother of Missing Student; 1:17 QUICK!!!]
[RUNS=1:25]
[OUT Q=Eric Phillips, reporting.]
((MONDAY NIGHT AUTHORITIES ARRESTED 50 YEAR OLD ALFONSO RODRIGUEZ, JR. AT HIS HOME IN CROOKSTON MINNESOTA. THE CONVICTE
D SEX OFFENDER IS ACCUSED OF KIDNAPPING DRU SJODIN IN GRAND FORKS NORTH DAKOTA, 25 MILES AWAY, JUST DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING. Chief John Packett/Grand Forks Police: The arrest of Alfonso jr. last night the investigation is only at the 50 yard line."
ACCORDING TO THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, RODRIGUEZ IS CONSIDERED A LEVEL 3 SEX OFFENDER, JUST RELEASED FRO
M PRISON IN MAY. HE WAS SERVING A SENTENCE FOR RAPE. AUTHORITIES ARE BEING TIGHT LIPPED ABOUT THIS INVESTIGATION... ONLY GIVING HINTS DURING A PRESS CONFERENCE. Peter Welte/North Dakota State Attorney: We do have probable cause that he was in Grand Forks and was in the parking lot. MORE THAN 1000 VOLUNTEERS ARE SCOURING THE COLD, SNOWY AREA AROUND GRAND FORKS WHERE THE 22-YEAR-OLD WAS LAST SEEN. THEY'RE SEARCHING FOR ANYTHING HELPFUL. Hans Tweed/Friend of Victim: Ay kind of evidence. clothing, receipts anything that will bring us to Dru. ACCORDING TO POLICE SHE WAS LEAVING HER JOB AT A LOCAL MALL NOVEMBER 22 WHEN SHE DISAPPEARED. HER CAR NEVER LEFT THE PARKING LOT. MONDAY'S ARREST GIVES INVESTIGATORS AND FAMILY MEMBERS SOME HOPE... Sven Sjodin/Brother of Missing Woman: "I know we are just right around the corner from you Dru...we'll see you in a while, we love you." I'M ERIC PHILIPS REPORTING.))

[Sniper-Update]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=cdo]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=4]

Authorities now say the shootings along an Ohio highway are all linked.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Columbus, OH]
In addition to eleven shootings near I-270 around Columbus, investigators also link a shot fired through an elementary school window to the weapon.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=and we are comfortabel;]
((CHIEF DEP. STEVE MARTIN/FRANKLIN CO., OH SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND WE ARE COMFORTABLE COLLECTIVELY THAT THOSE TWELVE ARE RELATED.))
[SUPER=01-Chief Dep. Steve Martin/ Franklin Co., OH Sheriff's Office;]
[RUNS=:05;]
[OUT Q=that those twelve are related;]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
The shooting at the school occured at approximately 1:35 AM on Veteran's Day. No one was inside. 62 year old Gail Knisley is the only casualty from the shootings which began in May.
(------------)

[Tease1]
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[WRITER=dse]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[SS=None]
[ENG#=V10]

What will become of two Roanoke landmarks?
New groups are working save one and reshape another.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Plus reminders of Saddam Hussein, Baghdad landmarks are coming down.
(-------------)

[Sports-Preview]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]
[ENG#=1]

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[RUNS=:24]
[OUT Q=..in sports"]
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[Bedford-Ax]

(Mini Open)

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=03-39 TC2:00:14]
[GRAPHIC=School Bus Accident]
[ENG#=1]

Nine Bedford County school children and their bus driver are recovering tonight after their bus was hit from behind by a pickup truck this morning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford Co.]

Authorities say 39-year-old Curtis Dale Wood was going about 40 miles per hour when his pickup rear-ended Bus Number 159 on Joppa Mill Road around 7:45.
The impact sent nine students to the hospital for treatment of bumps and bruises.. Wood and the bus driver also were injured in the crash.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:05:18]
[IN Q=One boarded]
((HAROLD JONES/BEDFORD CO. SCHOOLS TRANSPORTATION: ONE BOARDED AND ANOTHER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BOARDING THE BUS WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF THE BUS.))
[SUPER=01-Harold Jones/Bedford Co. Schools Transportation]
[RUNS=09]
[OUT Q=back of the bus.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The bus driver.. 61-year-old Sandy Bays.. is being held overnight at Bedford Memorial Hospital.
Wood told police he was blinded by the sun and never saw the bus.
He's been charged with reckless driving.
(------------)

[Victory-Stadium]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=03-46 TC45:45]
[GRAPHIC=Victory Stadium]
[ENG#=2]

Supporters of Victory Stadium marked the anniversary of the Roanoke landmark today with a tribute to World War II veterans, and a call for the stadium's renovation.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=God Bless America]
((GOD BLESS AMERICA LAND THAT I LOVE))
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=land that I love.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The Salute Victory Committee organized the ceremony at the National Guard Armory to mark the 61st anniversary of the stadium's dedication.
Speakers described the stadium site as hallowed ground. They noted its role as a significant landmark for half of the city's history, and they urged officials not to dismantle one of the last vestiges of World War II.
(------------)

[WIPE WIPE WIPE]

[King-Bridge]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=03-52 TC18:18]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=3]

[WIPE WIPE WIPE]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]
A new committee today began molding the First Street Bridge into a memorial to Martin Luther King, Junior. Committee members talked about making the century-old span a destination in itself, as well as a means of getting downtown from the Henry Street area. They discussed ways of identifying the bridge as a memorial to the late civil rights leader... whether by a sign, a plaque, or statue... and how to recognize LOCAL civil rights leaders. The committee gave itself six months to come up with specific recommendations.
(------------)

[Saddam-Bust]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Saddam Hussein]
[ENG#=1]

Saddam Hussein the man is out of sight and now
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Baghdad, Iraq;]
his statue is going down too.
Today crowds gathered as a statue of the former leader was taken down from the top of a building.
It took a crane to bring the huge statue down to the ground.
Onlookers cheered as the symbol of Saddam's regime was dismantled.
The giant bronze bust is just one of many that before the war... appeared all around Baghdad.
(------------)

[Tease2]
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[WRITER=dse]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[SS=None]
[ENG#=V10]

Fans of the Nutcracker will have plenty of chances to see the ballet this holiday season.
Why that may be trouble for local dance companies when NEws 7 returns.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Plus holiday shopping jumps to a fast start.
What's flying off the shelves when News 7 returns.
(----------------)

[Commercial]

[Dueling-Nutcrackers]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11 p.m.]
[WRITER=syo]
[TAPE#=03-38 TC2:02:40]
[SS=None]
[ENG#=1]

It'll take more than the sugar plum fairy to sweeten the bottom line for two Roanoke ballet companies. Both are relying on The Nutcracker to bring in holiday dollars. But as Shannon Young reports, competing performances could result in one company being upstaged.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Even without costumes or set]
[SUPER=03-Salem; :00]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :17]
[SUPER=01-Terri Post/Southwest Virginia Ballet Exec. Director; :50]
[SUPER=@Shannon2; 1:40]
[RUNS=1:47]
[OUT Q=music ends]
(([SOT ]
[RUNS] Even without costumes or sets, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker is easy to recognize. The story of Clara and her doll is perhaps the most famous of all ballets and, for many dance companies, is a holiday staple. This year there are TWO local productions to choose from.
[SOT 9:14:12 - 9:14:22]
[IN Q=People have got to be confused...]
((PEOPLE HAVE GOT TO BE CONFUSED. THEY'RE SEEING, OKAY THE NUTCRACKER... WHERE IS THAT? (LAUGHS))) [RUNS:10]
[OUT Q=where is that?]
Terri Post's Southwest Virginia Ballet will take the stage at the Roanoke Civic Center December 13th and 14th. That same weekend, the seasonal favorite will also be performed at the Jefferson Center by Roanoke City Ballet and the Radford University Dance Department.
[SOT 9:03:10 - 9:03:25]
[IN Q=We don't feel very good about it.]
((WE DON'T FEEL VERY GOOD ABOUT IT. WE'VE HAD THESE DATES FOR THREE YEARS. AND FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THE DECISION FOR THE OTHER COMPANY TO DO THE NUTCRACKER WAS LAST MINUTE.)) [RUNS:15]
[OUT Q=nutcracker was last minute.]
We spoke briefly by phone with City Ballet, which even organized a rehearsal for taping. But our later calls for an interview went unreturned. Post says it's not unusual for multiple ballet companies to offer the Nutcracker and may even be expected because of the potential revenue. That's why choosing to go head to head with another company could mean stepping on some toes.
[SOT 9:03:27 - 9:03:38]
[IN Q=It would not have been as bad...]
((IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AS BAD I THINK IF IT HAD EVEN BEEN ON A DIFFERENT WEEKEND BUT DIRECTLY OPPOSITE US IS NOT SHOWING VERY GOOD JUDGMENT.)) [RUNS:11]
[OUT Q=not showing very good judgment.]
Southwest Virginia Ballet will hold two performances; City Ballet, three.
Tickets range from about eleven to thirty dollars. SY, News 7.))

[fat-ballerina]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=cdo]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=2]

Fired for being too fat? Prima ballerina Anastasia Volochkova (Vol- itch-kova) once lost her job to her love of ice cream, but today she returned to work.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Moscow, Russia;]
110 pounds on a frame of 5 foot seven is hardly overweight, but that didn't stop the Bolshoi Ballet from firing this ballerina in September. The dance company claimed it cannot find her a partner for ballets which require lifting because she has become to bulky. Volochkova returned to the famous Bolshoi stage today after a court ruling last week gave her job back. Since being fired in September Volochkova (Vol-itch-kova) has performed for audiences in the Ukraine and Russia.
(------------)

[S-Extra]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=EXTRA POINT]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]
[ENG#=V10]
New information that Tech's Kevin Jones IS leaving for the NFL, College hoops from VMI, Radford and Roanoke College, but first our extra point.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Charlottesville; :00]
The Atlantic Coast Conference rookie of the year is Georgia Tech's Reggie Ball. He received 58 of the 63 votes cast by members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association. The Georgia native threw for 19-hundred-80 yards and was the team's second-leading rusher with 392 yards and three touchdowns. In one other ACC note, Clemson coach Tommy Bowden got a three-year contract extension. His salary will remain at one-point-one (m) million dollars a year with an additional 300-thousand available in incentives. The contract runs through 2010. The Tigers were 8-and-4 this season and Bowden was named the A-C-C coach of the year yesterday.
(------------)
[go to scores]
[SUPER=#556;]
[SUPER=x5027;]
[SUPER=0097-j/Roanoke Catholic/64//Cave Spring/50////Carlisle/64/j/Halifax/76///;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0097-/James River/51/j/Stanton River/66////Blacksburg/55/j/Patrick Henry/65///;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0097-/Giles/45/j/Fort Chiswell/65////Glenvar/49/j/Northside/52//Girls/;]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUTCUE=last score."]
(--------------)

[S-Jones]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=SP-153]
[GRAPHIC=Kevin Jones]
[ENG#=1]
The father of Kevin Jones tells The Associated Press the Virginia Tech running back will pass up his final season of college eligibility to enter the N-F-L draft.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :00]

The junior will most likely forgo his final year of eligibility and declare himself eligible for next years NFL draft. Jones has run for 1,494 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Hokies. He is a finalist for the Doak Walker award. Coach Frank Beamer talked about how valuable Jones has been to the program today.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=BITE]
[SUPER=01-Frank Beamer/17 Seasons at Virginia Tech; :00]
[RUNS=:26]
[OUT Q=...BEING A PART OF HIS FOOTBALL TEAM."]
(----------------)
[anchor=steve]
[graphic=Jones]

Virginia Tech has scheduled a news conference for today at one o'clock.

[S-Vick]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-164 26:44]
[GRAPHIC=mike vick]
[ENG#=2]

Michael Vick will most likely start for the first time this season Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Vick says his right leg feels great and he's just looking forward to getting back to the field. He played this past weekend and is excited to get back out there this week.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Michael Vick/Falcons Quarterback; :03]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=....we're trying to get a win"]
(--------------)

[S-Beamer]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-157 12114tc]
[GRAPHIC=INSIGHT BOWL]
[ENG#=3]
Virginia Tech takes on Cal in the December 26th Insight Bowl. The Golden Bears handed second ranked USC its only loss
earlier this season.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=THEY'VE WON...]
[SUPER=01-Frank Beamer/17 Seasons at Virginia Tech; :00]
[RUNS=:26]
[OUT Q=...IS GONNABE PRETTY GOOD."]
(------------)
[VO-NAT CON'T]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :00]
Outside of Beamer's office today, crews began getting ready to start the massive West Side expansion of Lane Stadium.

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=BITE]
[RUNS=:28]
[OUT Q=...to move forward."]
(-----------)
[VO NAT CON'T] The workers had to bring in an extra crane to get the huge light poles safely to the ground. The first attempt failed, leaving one of the poles leaning against the back side of the stadium.
(------------)

[S-Radford]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-162]
[GRAPHIC=Radford hoops]
[ENG#=3]

The Radford men's basketball team fell to American University 83-69 tonight top drop the Highlanders to 3 and 2.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford/Knights vs. Highlanders; :00]

The Radford women's team beat Southern Virginia 93-49 at the Dedmon Center. Amanda Neby takes the pass and hits the jumper for two of her 13 points.
[SUPER=33-Radford/93/Southern Virginia/49;]The Knights had just one player in double figures and trailed 54-34 at th
e half.
Radford's Robin Kantin finds Kylie Williamson on the wing, she hits two of her 11, RU improves to 2 and 1.
(------------)

[S-Maroons]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-161 ]
[GRAPHIC=ODAC]
[ENG#=4]

Roanoke College opened ODAC play against Eastern Mennonite tonight.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem/]

Susan Dunagan had her Lady Maroons ready to play.
The Royals trailed at the half but Laura Ludholtz closes the gap with the nice drives and hoop, 31-25 Roanoke.
[SUPER=33-Eastern Mennonite/61/Roanoke/54;]Then, former Cave Spring star Lindsay Reynolds buries the jumper from the ri
ght side, she had 10 points.
Emily Smith then scores on the post move, but Eastern Mennonite comes back to win 61-54.
(------------)

[S-VMI]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-155 ]
[GRAPHIC=VMI basketball]
[ENG#=3]

In college basketball, OH and 3 VMI looked for its' first win of the season tonight.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lexington/Knights vs. Keydets; :00]

The Keydets opened the home season against Southern Virginia, the team right down the road in Buena Vista.
In the first half, VMI's Radee Skipworth intercepts the ball and goes coast to coast for the jam, two of his 16 points.
The Knights, David Tarwater rips rope from the baseline to bring Southern Virginia College to within five, still in the first half.
[SUPER=33-VMI/85/Southern Virginia/62;]Then, Sam Mielnick takes the pass in the paint and gets the bucket and the fo
ul for the Keydets, 32-22 VMI. The Knights Ryan Henderson scores, but VMI wins 86-62.
(------------)

[Hot-Items]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=1]

The holiday shopping season is off to a fast start.
(------------)
[VO-NAT 18.5]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY]

Several items are hot this year-
Electronics including plasma T-Vs and camera phones are expected to be big sellers.
The I-pod is already flying off the shelves.
The must have toys for kids include Swan Lake Barbie, Hulk Hands and McFlurrry maker.
Retailers say they're projected the best year since 1999.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
((DAN BUTLER/NATIONAL RETAIL FOUNDATION: I THINK THE ECONOMY IS TURNING AROUND, THERE'S CONSUMER CONFIDENCE AND RETAIL PERFORMANCE IN THE THIRD QUARTER WAS SO STRONG THAT RETAILERS FEEL VERY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT PERFORMANCE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.))
[SUPER=01-Dan Butler/National Retail Foundation;]
[RUNS=09]
[OUT Q=in the fourth quarter.]
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[VO-NAT]

Analysts say if you can't find the item you're looking for in the stores, go online. Many people say that's the way to find the best price on items too. Experts say stick with retailers who will guarantee delivery before the big day.

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