WDBJ 7 news at 6 for 01/29/04

[1-News-Head]

[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]

Police suspect Marcus Vick's been completing passes off the field, as well.
(------------)
[ENG#=1]
[VO-NAT :05]
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]
And an off-track betting company finally lays down cash on a Vinton location.
(------------)

[Sports-Head]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]
[ENG#=2]
As is always the case on Thursdays this time of the year - we'll have the latest edition of the ACC Connection.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
And we'll also have details of the Marcus Vick inviestigation tonight in Sports.
(------------)
[WX-Head]
[ANCHOR=Robin]
[SS=None]

Our blue skies today replaced by snow flurries and clouds tomorrow. Temperatures drop as well. Forecast details ahead. [Video-Open]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=Video Open]

[ENG#=3]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]

A prominent Virginia Tech football player is under investigation.
[ANCHOR=Ketih 2-Shot]

Blacksburg police conduct an early morning search of Marcus Vick's apartment.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]

Good evening, I'm Keith Humphry.
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]

And I'm Shannon Young.
[Vick-Search]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rde]
[TAPE#=04-01 TC18:22]
[ANCHOR=Shanonn 2-Shot]
A search does NOT necessarily lead to charges.
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]

And at last check, police have NOT filed charges against the 19 year old Tech quarterback.
[DOUBLE BOXES=Ketih-Shannon & Rachel/Microwave;]

New River Valley Bureau Chief Rachel DePompa has been working on this still-developing story.
She is in our Blacksburg Newsroom with the details. Rachel?
[LIVE= Rachel /FULL Microwave]
[SUPER=@Rachel1;]
[SUPER=05-Blacksburg;]

Keith and Shannon, According to a search warrant filed this morning at the Montgomery County courthouse, this whole investigation has to do with allegations Marcus Vick contributed to the delinquency of a minor.
According to this search warrant 3-underage females told police they were in Vick's apartment two days drinking. Two of the girls told police a 15 year had sexual intercourse with Vick.
[ENG#=4]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg/File Tape;]

Police searched his Blacksburg apartment early this morning looking for a Bicardi rum bottle, a digital camera, condoms, and sheets and bed clothes.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=This is an ]
((SHOWALTER:THIS IS AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION AND OUT OF RESPECT TO THE ALLEGED COMPLAINANTS AND THE ALLEGED SUSPECT THIS OFFICE NOT GOING TO MAKE A COMMENT, NO FORMAL CHARGES FILED AND AGAIN THIS IS A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION.))
[SUPER=01-Joey Showalter/Montgomery Co. Commonwealth's Atty;]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=preliminary investigation.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[TAKE VO OF MARCUS VICK :]
Vick just finished his redshirt freshmen year with the Hokies.
He's a Newport News native and will turn 20 this March.
This past season he played in 11 games and was the only player on the team to throw a TD pass and catch one.
Of course, he is the younger brother of Michael Vick.
(------------)
[LIVE= Rachel /FULL Microwave]
[SUPER=05-Blacksburg;]

We have attempted to reach Marcus Vick this afternoon but have not been successful.
Virginia Tech says "this is a matter for the police and the courts. The university defers to the Blacksburg Police departyment to state the facts of the case." It goes on to say "no immediate actions are planned, but the university could enact athletic or student sanctions depending on the results of the police investigation."
[DOUBLE BOXES=Keith-Shannon & Rachel /Microwave;]

Again, Keith and Shannon, Marcus Vick has not been charged with anything, but there is an investigation underway by Blacksburg Police.

[Hincker]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=Six]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=03-42 TC1:45:40]
[GRAPHIC=Campaign 2004]

The campaign for mayor of Roanoke is becoming more crowded.
This afternoon, school safety activist Alice Hincker announced that she will seek the Republican nomination for the city's top office. [***CAMPAIGN 2004]
[DOUBLE BOXES=Keith & JoeD /Newsroom;]

Joe Dashiell is in the newsroom tonight with more on Hincker's announcement.
[LIVE= JoeD /FULL Newsroom]
[SUPER=@Joe1;]

Keith, recent controversy surrounding school safety has kept Alice Hincker in the public eye for several months. Today, Hincker said her concerns about the city's leadership have prompted her to run for mayor.
[ENG#=1]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I believe the city of Roanoke]
[SUPER=01-Alice Hincker/(R) Candidate for Mayor; :00]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :13]
[RUNS=:50]
[OUT Q=do the job better than they do.]
(( [SOT 01:31]
[IN Q=I believe the city of Roanoke ]
((I BELIEVE THE CITY OF ROANOKE HAS A LEADERSHIP VACUUM IN ITS SCHOOL SYSTEM, IN THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE AND IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. AND I BELIEVE THIS IS DRASTICALLY AFFECTING ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE IN ROANOKE.))
[RUNS= :12]
[OUT Q=all aspects of life in Roanoke.]

Alice Hincker has continued to make headlines as a critic of the school administration, and co- founder of the Roanoke School Violence Protection Coalition.
As she gathered with supporters at the Roanoke Higher Education Center, Hincker said she is not a single issue candidate... that her concerns about school safety apply to many other areas as well.
She said she supports the renovation of Victory Stadium, and hopes to stop construction of the new stadium and amphitheater.
[SOT 16:30]
[IN Q=When I sat down]
((WHEN I SAT DOWN, I THINK REALLY THE EXPERIENCES OF THE LAST TEN MONTHS AND SEEING HOW COUNCIL OPERATES WORKING WITH THEM, I CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT I CAN PROBABLY DO THE JOB BETTER THAN THEY DO.))
[RUNS= :13]
[OUT Q=do the job better than they do.]))
(-------------)
[LIVE= JoeD /FULL Newsroom]

Roanoke has never had a female mayor, and Hincker is the first woman to run for the office in more than 20 years. While that wasn't a motivation, she says it does make the race "more exciting."
[DOUBLE BOXES=Keith & JoeD /Newsroom;]

Keith , David Bowers and Nelson Harris are vying for the Democratic nomination and independents Mac McCadden and E. Duane Howard are waiting in the wings... expected to make formal announcements during the next few weeks.

[Auburn-Schools]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=jmc]
[TAPE#=03-50 TC1:33:34]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=2]

A hoax shut down three schools in Montgomery County today.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Montgomery Co.]

Authorities say someone made a bomb threat against Auburn Middle and High Schools.
Officials closed those buildings and the elementary school as a precaution.
A police dog searched the schools but didn't find anything.
Investigators haven't found out who was responsible yet.
(------------)

[Bus-Accident]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rde]
[TAPE#=04-07 TC01:03]
[GRAPHIC=School Bus Accident]
[ENG#=3]

Pulaski Police are blaming a morning school bus accident on the bus driver.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pulaski]

It happened around 10:15 this morning at the intersection of Moorehead Lane and Route 11 in the town of Pulaski.
Police say 47 year old Elizabeth Cardoza was trying to cross two lanes of traffic when she pulled out in front of 51 year old Henry Altizer.
Altizer's car slammed into the side of the bus injuring two kids in his car.
They were both treated for minor injuries and released.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT:30:55:00 ]
[IN Q=Kids are fine.]
((NICHOLS:KIDS ARE FINE THEY WERE CHECKED HERE BY RESCUE PERSONAL SO THEY'RE FINE. :06))
[SUPER=01-Ron Nichols/Pulaski Co. Schools;]
[RUNS=:06]
[OUT Q=so they're fine.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The bus driver is charged with failure to yield the right of way.
County school officials say she has a clean driving record and won't be suspended.
(------------)

[Campbell-Robbery]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=03-55 TC40:20]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=4]

A suspected armed robber is being held without bond after hge got into a scuffle with a store owner in the middle of a busy highway this afternoon.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Campbell Co.]

Around 1:30, police say 25-year-old Terrence A. Marshall held up a cigarette store and mobile home supply business on Route 29 in Campbell County.
The store's owner chased Marshall across the highway and tackled him in the median strip.
Marshall got away but deputies arrested him a few minutes later.
(------------)

[Tease#1]
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]
[SS=NONE]
[ENG#=V10]

Vincton gets ready to bring in the betting. The details are just ahead.
(---------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]

Plus local college students puts the finishing touches on what is one of the most accurate predictors of the Presidential primary season.
(----------------)
[1st-Wx]
[Vinton-Betting]
(MINI OPEN)
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sba]
[TAPE#=03-49 TC1:30:07]
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]
The town of Vinton is "betting" revenue from off track racing will be a "sure thing."
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]
Colonial Downs inked a deal for a site to host the area's only off-track betting.
[DOUBLE BOXES=Ketih-Shannon & Susan /BAM;]
Susan Bahorich says it was a toss-up between two-sites. Which was chosen?
[LIVE= Susan /FULL BAM]
[SUPER=@SUSAN1]
Shannon/Keith- It's a lot between Vineyard and Niagara Roads across from the Lancerlot Sports Complex. And, even though it borders a neighborhood, it seems this once controversial project is now being accepted by the community.
[ENG#=1]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=This site..]
[SUPER=03-Vinton; :00]
[SUPER=01-Henry Brabham/Land Owner; :27]
[SUPER=01-Cory Gary/Resident; :51 QUICK]
[SUPER=01-Billy Obenchain/Vinton Town Council; 1:00]
[RUNS=1:11]
[OUT Q=.. this company here.]
((This site may look like a wasteland - inhabited by a few deserted cars, trucks and piles of snow - but Colonial Downs is "racing" to call it home.
[NATS@21:52:06:00]
[INQ= It starts...]
((HENRY BRABHAM, LAND OWNER: IT STARTS RIGHT HERE WHERE THE STREET INTERSECTS THE ROADS AND IT GOES BACK ABOUT 1200 FEET IN THIS DIRECTION.)) [RUNS:09]
[OUTQ= .. in this direction.]

Henry Brabham recently leased these 8 acres to Colonial Downs to host its off-track betting.

[SOT@21:49:59:15]
[INQ= I think..]
((HENRY BRABHAM, LAND OWNER: I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE REAL EXCITING THING FOR THIS AREA. YOU'RE GOING TO FIND PEOPLE FROM WV AND NC BEING BUSED INTO THIS AREA. THIS WILL BE THE ONLY PLACE THEY'LL HAVE TO BET ON THE HORSES.)) [RUNS:13]
[OUTQ=...on the horses.]

Off track betting is big business and once meant big controversy for the town of Vinton. ((nats from file tape?? BETTING NOISES)) ...Houses border the land where the parlor will sit and most residents seem okay with that.

[SOT@22:07:57:17]
[INQ=I think...]
((CORY GARY, VINTON RESIDENT: I THINK IT WILL HELP THE COMMUNITY AND BE EXCITING TO DO.)) [RUNS:06]
[OUTQ=... exciting to do.]

[SOT@21:56:30:03]
[IN Q=From the Colonial Downs..]
((BILLY OBENCHAIN, VINTON TOWN COUNCIL: FROM THE COLONIAL DOWNS FACILITY WE ESTIMATE TO SEE 175-190 THOUSAND DOLLARS ANNUALLY IN TAX REVENUE. GOOD THING ABOUT THAT THE TOWN OF VINTON DIDN'T HAVE TO FRONT OR PUT UP ONE PENNY TO GET THIS COMPANY HERE.)) [RUNS:14]
[OUT Q=.. this company here.] ))
(-------------)
[LIVE=Keith-Shannon & Susan /FULL BAM]
Shannon/Keith- I talked to other residents in the community who asked not to be on camera, but they said the same thing - they're okay with the building coming to their neighborhood.
[DOUBLE BOXES=Keith-shannon & susan /BAM;]
They would rather *that* than the alternative of possibly raising residents' taxes.

[Methadone-clinics]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=mmu]
[TAPE#=03-53 TC52:42]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG=2]

A Senate Committee has approved legislation to keep methadone clinics far away from schoolchildren.
But the bill won't stop plans for a proposed facility in Roanoke.
Senators William Wampler and Brandon Bell introduced the bill.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@file;]

It prohibits setting up a methadone clinic within a half of a mile of a school or daycare center.
The bill also requires the state to notify local officials when a methadone clinic plans to move into an area.
The Southwest Virginia lawmakers say there is a proper place for these drug treatment centers but that they should not be near children.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 15:13:39]
[IN Q=IT'S HARD ENOUGH TO KEEP KIDS]
((SENATOR WILLIAM WAMPLER/R-BRISTOL: IT'S HARD ENOUGH TO KEEP KIDS OFF DRUGS NOW RATHER THAN TO HAVE A CENTRAL LOCATION WHERE PERHAPS SOME CRIMINAL ACTIVITY WILL TAKE PLACE FOR THOSE WHO MAY WANT TO FURTHER A HABIT.))
[SUPER=01-Sen. William Wampler/(R) Bristol]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=MAY WANT TO FURTHER A HABIT.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The new regulations would not apply to the proposed clinic on Hershberger Road because of constitutional issues.
(------------)

[Excellent-Life]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=04-03 TC11:37]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=3]
A man who held himself out on the Internet as a "financial pastor" allegedly took in three million dollars from churches.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
William Thomas Warren offers financial advise on the web site "Excellent Life-dot-org," promising returns of 30-to-40 percent. The F-B-I says Warren never invested in anything. According to a criminal complaint filed today in federal Court, the government's analysis shows Warren used the pen name "Thomas DeSante," co-mingled all investors' funds and frequently transferred money to his personal account.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Keith]
[SS=None]
Federal agents found Warren hiding in a basement crawl space of his home on Calvert Road in Troutville.

[Stocks]

[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=None]
After a big drop yesterday, it was a mixed day on Wall Street, [TAKE DOW & NASDAQ PAGE]
[RUNS=:30]
[SUPER=x5000;]
[SUPER=440-x/41.92/10510.29/y/9.14/2068.23;]
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]
The DOW was up 42. The Nasdaq was off 9 points.
[SUPER=271-i/1.07/38.78/h/0.30/55.95/h/0.46/32.73/h/3.10/82.00/h/0.42/80.92;]
[SUPER=272-i/0.09/37.07/i/0.60/21.81/h/0.29/7.15/h/0.41/64.43/h/0.27/34.03;]
[SUPER=273-i/0.35/9.95/h/0.76/45.86/h/0.57/19.00/i/0.33/22.28/i/0.21/8.00;]
[SUPER=274-h/0.31/12.42/i/0.27/71.88/h/0.33/37.09/h/0.19/46.48/h/1.21/54.48]
[SUPER=#555; Reset]

[SPONSOR ANNOUNCE]
[COMMERCIAL]

[Hunton-YMCA]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=03-46 TC1:50:58]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=1]

Reports of the death of Lynchburg's inner-city Y-M-C-A apparently have been greatly exaggerated.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

The Hunton Y-M-C-A was formed during the days of segregation and historically has served minority children in the 12th Street neighborhood.
It closed its doors just before Christmas, and organizers are trying to re-group and decide what direction the Y is headed.
But they vow to re-open this spring.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:47:38]
[IN Q=It's been a]
((DANETTE MCCAIN/HUNTON YOUTH ORGANIZATION: IT'S BEEN A TOUGH LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. ABOUT NINETY PERCENT OF OUR YOUTH LIVE BELOW FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES, THEIR FAMILIES CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY PROGRAMMING FEES AND SO IT'S DIFFICULT TO SUSTAIN THIS PLACE AND BE OPEN 14 TO 16 HOURS A DAY.))
[SUPER=01-Danette McCain/Hunton Youth Organization]
[RUNS=13]
[OUT Q=14 to 16 hours a day.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

McCain says they're looking for volunteer and financial help from the community.
(------------)

[Mock-Con]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rle]
[TAPE#=04-02 TC28:32]
[GRAPHIC=Campaign 2004]
[ENG#=2]

Political pundits will be keeping a close eye on Washington and Lee University into the weekend.
(------------)
[VO-NAT - :23]
[SUPER=03-Lexington;]
Today the school is setting up for its quadrennial Mock Convention which starts tomorrow morning. The event will try to predict who the Democrats will nominate for President later this year. The event is totally student run. Students book nationally known speakers, like this year's keynote James Carville, and also research each state for political trends, trying to make sure they get the prediction right.
(//////SOT/////)
[SOT - 10:06:09]
[INQ=Unlike a number...]
((MICHAEL DENBOW/MOCK CONVENTION POLITICAL CHAIR; UNLIKE A NUMBER OF POLITICAL PUNDITS WHO FOCUS ON IOWA AND NEW HAMPSHIRE, THESE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN FOCUSING ON THEIR STATE FOR A WHOLE YEAR. THEY KNOW THE COMINGS AND GOINGS, THE RUMBLINGS, THEY KNOW HOW THEIR STATE IS GOING TO FALL.))
[SUPER=01-Michael Denbow/Mock Convention Political Chair; ]
[RUNS=12]
[OUTQ=state is going to fall.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT - :06+]
The Mock Convention boasts a very good success rate. They've only been wrong once since 1948.
(------------)

[Sports Tease]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]
[ENG#=V10]
Coming up tonight on News 7 sports - more on the Marcus Vick situation in Blacksburg.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
and Steve Mason checks in with this week's edition of the ACC Connection.
(------------)

[S-Vick]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-157 14557]
[GRAPHIC=Marcus Vick]
[ENG#=1]

If you missed the top of the newscast tonight it is one of those days where the line between news and sports gets blurry. And in this case the person caught in the middle is Marcus Vick.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg/2003 Season; :00]
The Virginia Tech quarterback is under investigation by the Blacksburg police Department. The 19 year old Newport News native has NOT been charged with anything at this time, but Montgomery County Commonwealth's attorney, Joey Showalter, confirms that a search warrant for Vick's Blacksburg apartment was issued this morning at 3:30 and executed at 4am. News 7 has obtained a copy of warrant and it says that police were looking for a rum bottle, a vodka bottle, bed sheets, condoms and a digital camera.
(------------)
[TALENT=MIKE]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD MARCUS VICK]
The search warrant also indicates that three underage teenage girls two aged 15 and one aged 14 consumed alcohol while in his apartment. One of the 15 year old girls is alleged to have had sex with Vick in his bedroom according to statement one of the other girls gave police. The warrant also states that two other men were present in the apartment. Again, at this time - no charges have been filed.

[S-Super]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-158 20247]
[GRAPHIC=SUPER BOWL]
[ENG#=]

The Super Bowl 38 Hype is winding down and the pregame preparations are starting to heat up. Unlike past years when the Rams and others have littered the sky with pass after pass - the Panthers plan to keep it simple and run the ball right down New England's throat.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=BITE]
[SUPER=01-John Fox/Panthers Head Coach; :00]
[RUNS=:22]
[OUT Q=...CAN DO OFFENSIVELY."]
(xxxxxxxxxxx)
[go to pinnacle] And get the snacks ready and lock your TV in right here on Your Hometown Station. Sunday the Super Sunday festivities are right here. Pregame action from Houston begins at 2, with the kickoff set for 6:25pm this coming Sunday.
(------------)

[S-ACC]

[ANCHOR=mike]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-162 1:00:15]
[GRAPHIC=atlantic Coast Concerence connection]
[ENG#=3]

12 and 5 Virginia will try and win its first conference road game Saturday at Wake Forest where the UVa freshman must play well. They are the focus of Steve Mason's ACC Connection.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=@Steve1; :00]
[SUPER=03-Chapel Hill, NC/This Past Saturday; :14]
[SUPER=01-J.R. Reynolds/Averaging About 8 Points a Game; :34]
[SUPER=01-Donte Minter/UVa Freshman Forward; :59]
[SUPER=01-T.J. Bannister/UVa Freshman Point Guard; 1:23]
[RUNS=1:43]
[OUT Q=......atlantic coast conference connection"]
(----------------)
((STEVE MASON:THE CAVALIERS HAVE 10 ACC GAMES REMAINING BEFORE THE CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT MARCH 11TH. 5 FRESHMAN ARE SEEING MINUTES THIS SEASON AND AVERAGING 30 OF THE UVA'S 76 POINTS A GAME. HERE'S A CLOSER LOOK AT VIRGINIA'S BRAT PACK. ))
((Former Roanoke Catholic product J.R. Reynolds became the second UVa freshman to season to earn rookie of the week honors after scoring 26 points and shooting 64 percent from the field in two games last week. But J.R. is encouraged most not by individual stats but by the chemistry UVa's freshman five are developing. ((:))
Gary Forbes leads UVa freshman in scoring with 9.9 points each time out. But Dante Minter has also been impressive. His hustle and defense are two reasons UVa 's leading scorer Elton Brown has spent a little more time on the bench of late. ((:)) T.J. Bannister's brings an incredible quick, slashing style of play to the line up. The development of his leadership abilities among his freshman teammates is crucial consider floor general Todd Billet is a senior. ((:)) ((:))
The Cavaliers are OH and 3 in ACC road games this season and will look for that first win Saturday at Wake Forest. Steve Mason for your WDBJ-7 Atlantic Coast Connection.))
[Miss-Roanoke]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=cja]
[TAPE#=03-47 TC1:52:06]
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]
It's called 'Miss Roanoke Valley', but in recent years, contestants haven't had to live in the area to win the crown.

[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]
[ENG#=1]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/March 1999]
For most of its history, the pageant was open only to local residents. For the last two years, the competition served as a Runner-up pageant, open only to those who placed in other pageants across Virginia. This guaranteed contestants... but it also meant local women were frequently excluded. This year, the pageant will return to its original rules, allowing ONLY local residents to compete.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 02:21:00]
[IN Q= The main thing]
((MARK SCHREIER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: THE MAIN THING IS THAT WE ARE GIVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO ON TO MISS VIRGINIA AND GO ON TO MISS AMERICA TO YOUNG LADIES IN THE ROANOKE VALLEY. THEY'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE TO DRIVE THREE OR FOUR HOURS TO COMPETE IN A PAGEANT ANYMORE.))
[SUPER=01-Mark Schreier/Executive Director]
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q= a pageant anymore]
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]
Schreier says the community wants a local winner, one who would be available for more community services.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=]
[GRAPHIC=]
A pageant will not be held in the New River Valley this year, so young women in that area are encouraged to participat e in Miss Roanoke Valley. The deadline for entry is February 20.