WDBJ 7 news at 11 for 12/03/03

[News-Heads]

[ANCHOR=Jean]

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

The holiday season is here. Now the white may come well before Christmas.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Live trees will once again be allowed in apartments.
Plus the people who just found out they live in a different county worry about more than just schools.
And Gwynny's going to be a Mommy.
(------------)
[Talent=Jean]

News 7 at Eleven is next.

[Video-Open]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=VidOpen]
[ENG#=2]

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

The calm before the storm... a winter storm warning is up. Snow, sleet and ice are on the way.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at 11]

[Snow-Preps]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=03-43 TC1:20:22]
[GRAPHIC=Winter Storm Warning]
[ENG#=3]

V-DOT crews would rather see snow than ice, but officials say they're prepared to fight the season's first wave of winter weather.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.]

750 V-DOT employees are standing by in western Virginia, ready to work twelve hour shifts until roads are clear.

The equipment is ready, and V-DOT has stockpiled thousands of tons of road salt and chemically treated abrasives to get the job done.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 01:00]
[IN Q=Interestingly enough]
((LAURA BULLOCK/VA. DEPT. OF SPOKESMAN: INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH FOR THE FIRST EVENT OF THE SEASON WE'RE TALKING ABOUT POSSIBLY ICE INSTEAD OF SNOW. THAT'S A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT FOR US. WE'D RATHER SEE SOME SNOW, GET A LITTLE PRACTICE PUSHING SOME SNOW. THERE ISN'T VERY MUCH WE CAN DO WITH ICE IF THAT HAPPENS.))
[SUPER=01-Laura Bullock/VA Dept. of Transportation]
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=with ice if that happens.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-December 4, 2002]

It was a year ago, that a winter storm snarled traffic on US-220 and stranded many motorists for hours.
Laura Bullock says the department has more weapons at its disposal this year, including liquid chemicals that will help jump-start the melting process.
(------------)

[Schools]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=School Info]
[ENG#=None]

Some schools are already dealying classes for tomorrow.
(XXXXXXX)
[TAKE SCHOOL TOUCH FULL]
Henry County schools have a two hour delay tomorrow.
No preschool or Reach classes in Roanoke.
Both Stepping Stones day care locations will open at 9 o-clock.
And a two hour delay in Tazewell County tomorrow.
(XXXXXXX)
[TAKE WDBJ WEBPAGE FS]
You can always find an updated list of school delays and closings on our webpage at WDBJ7.com
(-------------)

[Christmas-Trees]

[ANCHOR=JEan]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=4]

The state is already trimming its recent ban on Christmas trees.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@file]

The State Fire Marshal said today that the state was lifting its ban on fresh-cut trees for apartment-dwellers.
The state will follow the lead of the International Fire Code.
The I-F-C was amended today to permit fresh-cut evergreens in apartment and condominium units that do not have sprinklers.
Cut trees are still prohibited in places like churches, hospitals and dormitories without sprinkler systems.
(------------)

[Boundary-Dispute]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=03-45 TC54:05]
[GRAPHIC=None]

They thought they were Roanoke County residents, but recently learned they actually live in Botetourt.
Tonight, residents of two neighborhoods aired their frustration and concerns at a community meeting. [***NEWS 7 @ 11 IN MONITOR***]
[DOUBLE BOXES=Jean & JoeD /BAM;]

Joe Dashiell was there and has more on the situation. Joe, did residents get some answers?
They received an apology tonight,
[LIVE= JOeD /FULL BAM]
[SUPER=@Joe1;]
and some of the answers they were seeking Jean, but residents and officials are still trying to find their way through a difficult issue that crosses county lines.
[ENG#=1]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=you stand there]
[SUPER=03-Botetourt Co.; :05]
[SUPER=01-Elmer Hodge/Roanoke Co. Administrator; :29]
[SUPER=01-Jerry Burgess/Botetourt Co. Administrator; :34]
[SUPER=01-Scott Ferguson/Hill Drive Resident; :52]
[SUPER=01-Mary Adeoti/Hollins Resident; 1:07]
[RUNS=1:14]
[OUT Q=nobody knows anything.]
(( [OPENS ON NAT SOUND]
[IN Q=You stand there saying trust me]
((YOU STAND THERE SAYING TRUST ME, TRUST ME, BUT WHO DO WE TRUST.))
[RUNS= :04]
[OUT Q=who do we trust.]

Residents of Hill Drive near Bonsack, and the Hollins neighborhood near Carvins Cove have similar concerns and they filled a meeting room at the Blue Ridge Library to get some answers.
For as long as anyone remembers, residents of both neighborhoods have considered themselves Roanoke County residents, but now they're dealing with a difficult switch that has raised questions about voting rights, school attendance, trash collection, emergency services, and other issues.
[SOT]
[IN Q=We understand]
((WE UNDERSTAND THEIR CONCERNS AND WE ARE GOING TO WORK IT THROUGH WITH THEM.)) ((WE WANT IT IN WRITING, EVERY QUESTION ANSWERED TO THEIR SATISFACTION AND THAT'S WHAT WE'LL TRY TO DO.))
[RUNS= :11]
[OUT Q=we'll try to do]

Top officials from both counties turned out for the meeting, and offered some comfort... For example students now attending Roanoke County schools can continue... but residents of both neighborhoods said they aren't entirely satisfied.
[SOT]
[IN Q=I understand]
((I UNDERSTAND THAT THEY'VE DONE A LOT OF WORK, AND THEY PUT A LOT OF EFFORT INTO IT AND I CAN ACCEPT THE TERMS THEY'VE COME TO. BUT BEING NON-BINDING IT CAN CHANGE ANY TIME, AND THAT GIVES US NO PEACE OF MIND.)) ((THEY'RE AGREEING TO HAVE ANOTHER MEETING SO MAYBE THEN WE CAN COME UP WITH SOME SOLUTION, BUT RIGHT NOW IT STANDS THAT NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING.))
[RUNS= :23]
[OUT Q=nobody knows anything.]))
(-------------)
[LIVE= JoeD /FULL BAM]

Officials are hoping that their work with Hill Drive residents, will serve as a model for those in the Hollins neighborhood...
[DOUBLE BOXES=JEan & JoeD /BAM;]

And for others Jean, tonight Elmer Hodge said he believes there are other residents along the Montgomery, Floyd and Franklin County lines who may be in the same boat.

[Dan-River]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Dan River]
[ENG#=None]
Dan River's recent financial problems now threaten its continued listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Dan River stock has fallen below one dollar per share on a 30-day average. As a result, N-Y-S-E will now consider whether the Danville-based company stock will remain listed on the exchange.

[Police-Beating]

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

Cincinnati police tonight are showing the entire video of the scuffle with a man who later died.
The effort to tell the people their side of the story comes just hours after a coroner ruled the man's cause of death was homicide.
Stacy Case has more from Cincinnati.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Cincinnati, OH; :00]
[SUPER=01-Clifford Rollinson/Cincinnati Resident; :17]
[SUPER=01-Scottie Johnson/Cincinnati Police Dept.; :38]
[SUPER=01-Carl Parrott/Hamilton County Coroner; 1:05]
[Super=@Case1; 1:15]
[Super=04-April, 2001; 1:24]
[RUNS=1:50]
[OUT Q=CBS News, Cincinnati.]
(( IT LOOKS LIKE A MOVIE THEATER.... PEOPLE PACKED IN SEATS--ALL EYES ON THE SCREEN. NAT: videotape
TRACK: BUT IT'S NOT HOLLYWOOD--- IT'S CINCINNATI--- WHERE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FINDS ITSELF ONCE AGAIN EXPLAINING WHY
AN AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN DIED IN THEIR CUSTODY. CLIFFORD ROLLINSON/CINCINNATI it seems like when black people are in custody if they do something wrong... instead of going to jail, some of them go to their grave.
TRACK: CONCERNED COMMUNITY MEMBERS TURNED OUT TO WATCH THE POLICE CRUISER TAPE IN ITS ENTIRETY--- AN EFFORT BY POLICE
TO KEEP THE DIALOGUE OPEN. IT SHOWS 350 POUND NATHANIEL JONES LUNGING AT POLICE AND POLICE HITTING HIM WITH THEIR BATONS. SCOTTIE JOHNSON/CINCINNATI POLICE DEPARTMENT I know there is some animosity about not trusting the police but somewhere somehow we've got to throw down the gauntlet and start a conversation.
WEDNESDAY, THE CORONER RULED JONES' DEATH A HOMICIDE, SAYING THIS FIGHT CAUSED HIS DEATH. BUT THE CORONER FOUND DANG
EROUS AMOUNTS OF PCP, COCAINE AND METHANOL IN HIS BODY---- AS WELL AS AN ENLARGED HEART.
IN ESSENCE, JONES WAS A WALKING TIME BOMB. CARL PARROTT/HAMILTON COUNTY CORONER
This word should not be interpreted as implying inappropriate behavior or the use of force by police. STACY CASE/CBS NEWS
THE JONES FAMILY PLANS AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION AND AUTOPSY---- IN LIGHT OF CINCINNATI'S HISTORY. TWO YEARS AGO, R
IOTS ERUPTED AFTER AN UNARMED AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN DIED IN POLICE CUSTODY. IN APRIL 2001, THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT STEPPED IN, REVAMPING POLICY AND PROCEDURE. THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT IS INVESTIGATING AGAIN TO DETERMINE IF FEDERAL ACTION IS REQUIRED THIS TIME. DIANE PAYTON/JONES' AUNT
He was the sweetest man you've ever seen.
THE OFFICERS INVOLVED ARE ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE PENDING A FORMAL INVESTIGATION---- THOUGH FOR MANY HERE, THEIR MINDS
ARE `ALREADY MADE UP. STACY CASE CBS NEWS, CINCINNATI.))

[Slavery-Museum]

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

An uplifting tribute to the millions whose dignity was stripped away.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Fredericksburg]

That's how the National Slavery Museum's architect described the project today.
Officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking in Fredericksburg.
Former governor Doug Wilder, himself the grandson of slaves, is leading the project.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=We're pasat the]
((DOUG WILDER/FORMER GOVERNOR; WE'RE PAST THE TALKING STAGE, WE'RE AT THE STAGE WHERE WE'RE CLEARING GROUND, WE'RE GETTING INFRASTRUCTURE DETERMINED.))
[SUPER=01-Doug Wilder/Former Governor; ]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=getting infrastructure determined.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The museum had already started collecting artifacts and exhibits.
(------------)

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

Still ahead on News 7, the latest on the search for a missing college student and why it hits close to home for one area athlete.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Plus a familiar face wants to return the mayor's office... and make some big changes. Who would get the axe if David Bowers has his way when News 7 returns.
(-------------)

[Sports-preview]

[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=twe]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]
[ENG#=4]

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[RUNS=:22]
[OUT Q=in sports."]
((Hey, everybody. Travis Wells here in the News 7 Sports Office. Coming up later, the Tech ladies crown the Monarchs from Old Dominion. The ACC-Big Ten Challenge visits Charlottesville, and Kevin Jones explains his decision to forgo his senior season. Plus Awesome Bill plans to take it easy in 2004. All that and more on the way in sports.))

[Missing-Student]

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

The man accused of kidnapping a college coed is back in North Dakota tonight.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Grand Forks, ND]

Alfonso Rodriguez waived his extradition and was brought back to Grand Forks to face charges in the disappearance of Dru Sjodin (Sho-DEEN.)
[SUPER=03-Crookston, MN]
The 50 year old convicted rapist appeared in a Minnesota court earlier today- two days after police arrested him at
his mothers home there.
Meanwhile the search goes on for the 22 year old Sjodin- searchers covered about 400 square miles around Grand Forks.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 57 from pkg]
[IN Q=Approx.]
((SGT. MICHAEL HEDLUND/GRAND FORKS POLICE: APPROXIMATELY 1150 VOLUNTEERS CONDUCTED SEARCHES ON FOOT WITH AN ADDITIONAL 550 SEARCHING FROM ATV'S.))
[SUPER=01-Sgt. Michael Hedlund/Grand Forks Police;]
[RUNS=06]
[OUT Q=SEARCHING FROM ATV'S.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Sjodin hasn't been seen since she left her job at a shopping mall November 22nd.
Authorities today released a picture of Rodriguez's 2002 Mercury Sable hoping to solicit new leads in the case.
(-------------)

[Express-Girl]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=rle]
[TAPE#=03-51 TC16:37]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=2]
One Roanoke Express player knows Dru Sjodin's (Sho-DEEN.)
(------------)
[VO-NAT - :18]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
Defenseman Tim O'Connell is a Grand Forks, North Dakota native- who met Dru through a mutual friend. He went college with her, and the two worked together at a restaraunt in Grand Forks in the summer of 2002. Now some of his friends are joining searches of the North Dakota plains, looking for any sign of Dru.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT - 10:42:17]
[IN Q=They just go out...]
((TIM O'CONNELL/ROANOKE EXPRESS DEFENSEMAN; THEY JUST GO OUT AND TRY TO DO WHAT THEY CAN, ANYWAY THEY CAN HELP OUT. EVERYBODY'S TRYING TO KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE BACK HOME, SO THAT'S THE ONLY WAY WE CAN LOOK AT IT.))
[SUPER=01-Tim O'Connell/Roanoke Express Defenseman; ]
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=can look at it.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT - :13+]
O'Connell says he still has hope that Sjodin (shuh-DEEN) will be found alive.
(------------)

[Grimes]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=03-52 TC19:13]
[SS=None]
[ENG#=3]
Pittsylvania County's prosecutor has apologized for the actions that led him to be cited for contempt of court. Keith Humphry has more on the feud between David Grimes and a Judge that almost led to a trial.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=A judge from]
[SUPER=03-Chatham; :00]
[SUPER=01-Judge Pat Doherty; :11]
[SUPER=01-David Grimes/Pittsylvania Co. Commonwealth's Attorney; :26]
[SUPER=01-Leigh Drewry/Special Prosecutor; :44]
[SUPER=04-November 30, 1995; :53]
[SUPER=@Keith2; 1:37]
[RUNS=1:49]
[OUT Q=KH, News 7.]
(( A judge from Roanoke County presided over the ante-bellum courtroom, prepared to hear evidence of disrespect shown Judge B-A Davis. [9:54] ((THERE WILL BE SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COURT TO FIND EACH OF YOU GUILTY OF CIVIL CONTEMPT.)) [RUNS:05] The deal was Grimes and his deputy Bryan Haskins would each have to read from an "agreed statement," apologizing for delaying trials last May. [9:59:00] ((FOR THAT INCONVENIENCE, I TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND HAVE APOLOGIZED.)) [RUNS:03] Grimes read reporters a prepared statement but wouldn't depart from it. Special prosecutor Leigh Drewry says Grimes tried to bait judge Davis into acting inappropriately Grimes by suggesting the judge was incapable of following the law. [10:12:18] ((JUDGE DAVIS TREATS EVERYONE THE SAME WAY. I'VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF PRACTICING BEFORE HIM. I FIND HIM TO BE A PERFECT SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN.)) [RUNS:09] Davis was not in court today and could not have been called as a witness even if the case had gone to trial. Drewry still believes a case could have been made for criminal contempt. [10:13:30 REVERSE 2] ((IN FACT, I BELIEVE I CONSIDERED BRINGING AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE AGAINST THEM OF OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE.)) [RUNS:07] But Judge Doherty agreed to transfer the criminal contempt citation to civil contempt and accept an apology from Grimes and Haskins as their punishment. Prosecutor Drewry thinks Grimes has a vendetta against Judge Davis, citing complaints Grimes has filed with the Chief Justice and the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission. 10:18:32 ((I LEARNED AS A YOUNG LAWYER REAL FAST. IF YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE ON A JUDGE YOU'VE GOT TO GET HIM THE FIRST TIME.)) [RUNS:06] David Grimes was re-elected last month to another four-year term as Pittsylvania County Commonwealth's Attorney with 62-percent of the vote. Keith Humphry, News 7.))

[Bowers]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=myr]
[TAPE#=03-50 TC47:54]
[GRAPHIC=David Bowers]
[ENG#=4]

Former Roanoke mayor David Bowers says he wants to reclaim the city, and he'll start by firing one of its leaders.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
Bowers announced his plans today to run again for mayor, after losing to Ralph Smith three years ago. He described city hall as a mess. If elected, he says the first thing he'll do is make changes in adminstration, including taking a vote to fire city manager Darlene Burcham.
(/////SOT////)
[IN Q=i'm determined to get]
((DAVID BOWERS/D-- CANDIDATE FOR ROANOKE MAYOR: I'M DETERMINED TO GET INTO THE RACE FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR MAYOR, AND TO CHANGE THINGS DOWN AT CITY HALL AND TO GET THE CITY BACK ON TRACK AND TURN THINGS AROUND AS IT SHOULD BE. I THINK IT'S JUST A MESS RIGHT NOW.))
[SUPER=01-David Bowers/(D) Candidate for Roanoke Mayor;]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=mess right now]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Darlene Burcham's office had no comment. Bowers says his other priorities includes saving Victory Stadium and building peace between the school board and city council.
(------------)

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

We're in for a wintry few days. Brent Watts has the complete forecast when News 7 returns.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Plus Gwyneth Paltow's OSCAR may be getting a baby brother.
(----------------)

[Commercial]

[Dueling-Nutcrackers]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11 p.m.]
[WRITER=syo]
[TAPE#=03-48 TC31:00]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=1]
It was not intentional.
(------------)
[VO-NAT :25]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/Last week;]
That's what the executive director of City Ballet says about scheduling competing performances of the Nutcracker later this month. Two of Michele Goacher's (GOE-cherrz) shows at the Jefferson Center will go head to head with the
[SUPER=03-Salem/Last week;]
Tchaikovsky favorite presented by Southwest Virginia Ballet at the Roanoke Civic Center. Goacher says the overlapping schedule was an accident but that, as a last resort, it could happen again.
(///// SOT at :25 )
[SOT]
[IN Q=If I want to offer City Ballet...]
((MICHELE GOACHER/CITY BALLET: IF I WANT TO OFFER CITY BALLET THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THE NUTCRACKER AND THAT'S THE ONLY DATE THAT'S OPEN THEN WHO'S TO SAY, YOU KNOW? EVERYONE WANTS TO OFFER THEIR DANCERS THE MOST.))
[SUPER=01-Michele Goacher/City Ballet;]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=offer their dancers the most.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT :12]
Gaucher adds it wouldn't be a bad idea for each dance company to look at the other companies' schedules before planning performances. Both ballets will take the stage the weekend of December 13th.
(------------)

[Paltrow-Baby]

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

Academy award winner Gwenyth Paltrow delivered good news today.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@File;]
She and her rocker boyfriend, Chris Martin, announced they are expecting a baby.
Martin is the lead singer of the band, Cold Play. A publicist said the couple was pleased to confirm the pregnancy. Paltrow is due next summer. There is no word yet on whether the two plan to marry.
(------------)

[S-Extra]

[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=twe]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=V10]

Coming up, college roundball from the ACC-Big Ten Challenge, the Tech women bounce ODU, and Kevin Jones explains his decision to turn pro, but first tonight's extra point,
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-NASCAR; :00]

Awesome Bill Elliott announced today that he is retiring from full time driving. Elliott made his Winston Cup debut in 1976 and was voted Nascar's most popular driver a whopping 16 times. Elliott will race a part time schedule in 2004, which is said to include five to ten races. He'll be replaced in the number nine Dodge of Ray Evernham, by Busch Series driver Kasey Kahne.
(------------)
[go to boards] [go to break]
[SUPER=#556;]
[SUPER=x5027;]
[SUPER=0098-/Minnesota/62//Virginia/68/2//j/Duke #6/72//Michigan St. #5/50///;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0098-j/Georgia Tech #13/73//Ohio St./53////Clemson/64/j/Purdue #20/76///;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0098-j/Roanoke/72//Emory & Henry/58////James Madison/71/j/La Salle/79///;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0098-/Old Dominion/72/j/Virginia Tech #25/79//Women/j/Randolph-Macon/81//Lynchburg/70//Women/;]
[SUPER=x5009;]
[SUPER=0097-j/Hidden Valley/56//Northside/53////North Cross/32/j/James River/50///;]
[RUNS=:25]
[OUTCUE=last score."]
(------------------)

[S-Ladies]

[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=twe]
[TAPE#=SP-155 TC12137]
[GRAPHIC=Tech Hoops]
[ENG#=1]

Bonnie Henrickson's Tech women improved to 5 and oh tonight, beating in state rival Old Dominion for the fourth time in the last five meetings between the two schools.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg/Monarchs vs. Hokies; :00]

It was Christmas store night at the Cassell, benefiting needy children in the area.
The Hokies Erin Gibson went to work quickly down low. The former Carroll County standout puts in the baby hook for 2 of her 20 points on the night.
Dawn Chriss tallied 21 for Tech. She knocks down the j from the corner pocket.
Carrie Mason then finished things off crossing over and burying the pull-up jumper. Virginia Tech
[SUPER=33-Old Dominion/72/Virginia Tech/79/;]
overcame a one point halftime deficit to lead by 14 in the second half, before winning 79-72.
(------------)

[S-UVA]

[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=twe]
[TAPE#=SP-153 TC13155]
[GRAPHIC=UVA Hoops]
[ENG#=2]
In Charlottesville, the ACC-Big Ten Challenge paid a visit to U-Hall in the form of the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Charlottesville/ESPN2; :00]

Majestic Mapp gave the Hoos an early one point lead with the floater in the lane.
But the story in the first half was Elton Brown. The big fella scored 13 first half points to stake the Cavs to a 35-34 lead at the break.
[SUPER=33-Minnesota/78/Virginia/86;]

Virginia wins it 86 to 78.
(------------)

[S-GT]

[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=twe]
[TAPE#=SP-159 TC13401]
[GRAPHIC=none]
[ENG#=3]

[WIPE to ENG!!]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Columbus, OH/ESPN; :00]

Elsewhere in the challenge, Georgia Tech continued its nice early season run by beating up on Ohio State.
B-J Elder banged in 18 points for the Ramblin' Wreck. Marvin Lewis tossed home 15 of his own, including the long three ball.
Then check out Ismail Muhammad.
[SUPER=33-Georgia Tech/73/Ohio State/53/;]
He likes the jam sandwich. The Jackets rolled past the Buckeyes by 20, 73 to 53.
(------------)

[S-Jones]

[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=11PM]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-163 24:13]
[GRAPHIC=Kevin Jones]
[ENG#=4]

As Kevin Jones plots his future in the NFL, the Virginia Tech Hokies now must get ready for a future without him. Steve Mason has more on the official announcement that K-J is headed for the pros.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :00]
[SUPER=01-Kevin Jones/3,322 Yards & 34 TD's in Tech Career; :20]
[SUPER=01-Tracey Jones/Kevin's Mom; :34]
[SUPER=03-Chester, PA/2000; :44]
[SUPER=01-Billy Hite/Va. Tech Running Backs Coach; :59]
[SUPER=01-Mike Imoh/Va. Tech Sophomore Running Back; 1:06]
[SUPER=01-Frank Beamer/Va. Tech Head Coach; 1:28]
[SUPER=01-Thomas Jones/Kevin's Father; 1:37]
[SUPER=@steve1; 1:49]
[RUNS=2:03]
[OUT Q=..news 7 sports"]
(-----------------)

((Jones entered the Tech media room looking like a million bucks. Big money his projected top 10 pick will bring him in the NFL draft, the possibility of injury at tech next season, and the ability to take care of his family were major reasons for his decision, which was not an easy one. ((:)) ((TRACEY JONES/KEVIN'S MOM:))
The last time KJ made this type of move his mom was at his side as he broke out the Tech colors and then broke the hearts of Penn State fans back in 2000 at Cardinal O'Hara High school. But Jones leaves Blacksburg a year early with the full support of his coaching staff and his teammates. ((BILLY HITE/VA. TECH RUNNING BACK COACH:)) ((MIKE EMOH/VA. TECH SOPHOMORE RUNNING BACK:)) ((CEDRIC HUMES/VA. TECH SOPHOMORE TAILBACK:))
While the reality of his departure is painful for those who love him at Tech, the timing of KJ's announcement might help coach Beamer in that two huge recruiting weekends are on the horizon and Jones NFL jump leaves the door open for another blue chip tailback.)) ((FRANK BEAMER:VA TECH HEAD COACH:)) ((THOMAS JONES/KEVIN'S FATHER:)) ((STEVE MASON:))

[S-Dudley]

[ANCHOR=travis]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=twe]
[TAPE#=SP-162 TC2548]
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[ENG#=1]

[WIPE to ENG!!]

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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Charlottesville; :00]

Jones will be in Richmond next Tuesday night for the Dudley Award Ceremony. He is a finalist for the award that goes to the state's best player along with UVA quarterback Matt Schaub. Schaub finished as the runner up for the Dudley Award last year, losing to Lee Suggs by just two votes. The third finalist is Hampden-Sydney wide receiver Conrad Singh.
(------------)

[TOSS TO BREAK]

[Gingerbread-Man]

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

It's that time of year.. time for gingerbread houses and gingerbread men...
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Vancouver, British Columbia]

We are about to show you what is being called the largest gingerbread man in the world.
This guest has taken up residence at a Vancouver hotel.
Half a dozen cooks used more than 200 pounds of flour and about 44 pounds of sugar to make the huge cookie.
The giant cookie is the main attraction in the hotel's gingerbread lane- an edible village that features more than 2-dozen hand crafted gingerbread houses. (------------)