WDBJ 7 morning news for 11/26/04

[Franklin-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Kim]

[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=04-49 TC 12:46]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

[ENG#=]

It's been a busy morning for firefighters in Franklin County. They responded to a blaze in the Boones Mill area shortly after three.
(---------------)
[SUPER=03-Franklin Co./This Morning;]
The house at 420 Plainview Lane suffered major damage to the upper level. The residents were able to escape unharmed and no one was injured. Tanker trucks had to be brought in for water because of the home's remote location. Officials won't speculate on what caused the blaze, or on how much damage was done.
(----------------)

[VOB-Iraq]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Iraq]
[ENG#=1]

Military leaders in Iraq say two U- S Marines were killed in Fallujah on Thanksgiving.
They say insurgents ambushed the troops from inside a house they were clearing out.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Fallujah, Iraq;]

An Iraqi official says troops found a hidden lab with manuals explaining how to create explosives and biological weapons.
U-S military officials say chemicals WERE discovered, but emphasized they were used to make ordinary bombs, not chemical weapons.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=There were many]
(( THERE WERE MANY FORMULAS ON HOW TO MAKE EXPLOSIVES AND HOW TO MAKE DIFFERENT TYPES OF POISON.))
[RUNS=:08] (estimated bite runs time)
[OUT Q=type of poison]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
But as troops make some headway, the political situation remains difficult.
Leading Sunni Muslim politicians are urging the government to postpone the January elections, allowing them time to persuade those calling for a boycott to participate.
(------------)

[Ukraine]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
[ENG#=2]

Thousands of protestors in the Ukraine got a boost from the country's Supreme Court.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Kiev, Ukraine;]

Citing claims that Sunday's presidential election was rigged, the court temporarily barred making the results official.
A lot of pressure came from the Ukrainian people, who have been jamming the streets in protest of the election.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=You have to understand]
((LAURENCE LEE/SKY NEWS: YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NO TRADITION OF DEMONSTRATIONS HERE IN UKRAINE EITHER FROM THE TIME OF THE SOVIET UNION OR SINCE THEN SINCE THE COKLLAPSE OF THE SOVIET BLOC. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NEW GROUND FOR THE PEOPLE HERE. THEY ARE REALLY MAKING THIS UP AS THEY GO ALONG ))
[SUPER=01-Laurence Lee/Sky News;]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=as they go along.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko's election appeal will get a full court hearing on Monday.
In the meantime, he's told supporters to keep up the pressure.
(------------)

[11Christmas-Trees]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=04-43 TC34:13]
[GRAPHIC=Christmas Trees]
[ENG#=3]

People who live in apartments will be allowed to have live Christmas trees again this year.
(------------)
[VO-NAT 13]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Last year fire codes prohibited live trees in apartment buildings and in churches without sprinkler systems.
But people complained- and when fire codes were updated over the past year- they changed to allow trees.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 9:021]
[IN Q=]
((MARLAN MORRIS/ROANOKE FIRE MARSHAL: I'D HAVE TO SAY THAT ADHERENCE TO THAT CODE THAT WAS WRITTEN WOULD BE SAFER BUT IT'S A QUESTION OF ACCEPTABLE RISK EACH COMMUNITY HAS TO DECIDE HOW MUCH RISK IS REASONABLE THEY WANT TO TAKE.))
[SUPER=01-Marlan Morris/Roanoke Fire Marshal]
[RUNS=15]
[OUT Q=want to take.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT 19 plus pad]

The new fire code is regional, covering several states including Viriginia.
(------------)

[11Tree-Safety]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=04-47 TC18:43]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]
[ENG#=4]

There are several things to keep in mind if you have a live tree.
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]

Use lights designated for indoor use.
Don't use lights with worn, frayed, or broken cords.
Always unplug tree lights before going to bed.
Never use lit candles to decorate trees.
Make sure the tree doesn't block any exits.
Water your live tree daily.
When the tree dries out, and needles fall out easily, get rid of it.
(---------------)

[S-FFE]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=MST]
[TAPE#=SP-173 TC]
[GRAPHIC=Friday Football Extra]
[ENG#=1]

In sports, the high school football regional championships kick off across the state. Here's the Friday Football Extra run down, with the home teams listed on the bottom of each matchup.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=first game...]
[RUNS=:40]
[OUT Q=tape runs :50]
(-----------------)

[Marketwatch]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=NET]
[GRAPHIC=Business News]
[ENG#=1]

In business news, The U-S financial markets re-open this morning for an abbreviated session.
And, analysts predict an increase in sales this holiday season.
Marcella Palmer has those and more in this morning's Marketwatch.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Marcella Palmer/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=:59]
[OUT Q=in New York, I'm MP.]
((TODAY IS BLACK FRIDAY, TRADITIONALLY THE BUSIEST SHOPPING DAY OF THE YEAR, IT'S ALSO THE UN-OFFICIAL START OF THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON. THE NEXT MONTH IS CRITICAL TO RETAILERS BECAUSE THAT'S WHEN THEY'LL PULL IN MORE THAN HALF OF THEIR PROFITS... ANALYSTS PREDICT A 3 TO 5 PERCENT INCREASE IN SALES THIS YEAR OVER LAST.
AFTER CLOSING FOR THANKSGIVING DAY, U-S MARKETS RE-OPEN TODAY FOR AN ABBREVIATED DAY OF TRADING. THE DOW CLOSED UP 27 NASDAQ UP 18
AND IF YOU ENJOY ALL THINGS PECAN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, LIKE THOSE EVER POPULAR PECAN PIES AND A NUMBER OF OTHER DELIGHTS, YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR IT... TROPICAL STORMS IN THE SOUTH, RECENT RAINS IN TEXAS ALL HELPED CREATE A TIGHT PECAN SUPPLY... GEORGIA THAT MEANS YOU'RE LOOKING AT RECORD HIGH PRICES
And traders on wall street we'll be watching the u.s. dollar.... Dropping to record lows against the euro.
FOR MORE ON THE MARKET LOG ON TO OUR SITE AT CBS DOT MARKETWATCH DOT COM IN NEW YORK I'M MARCELLA PALMER.))

(tape tosses to stocks)
[STOCKS] [WOOD ROGERS SPONSOR BOARD 5185 ESSC] [COMM]

[11Patrick-Fatal]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Fatal Accident]

A Patrick County man died when he was hit by a car.
State police say 88 year old Thomas Jefferson Cockram of Meadows of Dan was trying to walk across Route 58 about a quarter- after- six last night when he was hit and killed.
Troopers say no charges will be filed against the driver-- a 17 year old girl.

[11Roanoke-Park]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=04-40 TC1:06:53]
[GRAPHIC=Flood Aftermath]
[ENG#=1]

Some Roanoke parks are not what they used to be and it could be that way for awhile.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

It's been nearly two months since flood water caused extensive damage to several Roanoke parks.
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

They're technically back open but some areas like the playground and ballfields at Wasena Park remain off limits.
The city says it could be spring before the cleanup is complete.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 6:11:42]
[IN Q=It takes time]
((GARY HEGNER/ROANOKE PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT: IT TAKES TIME AND WITH NO FEMA DECLARATION FOR GOVERNMENT WE ARE HAVING NO OTHER BACKUP FAR AS FUNDING RIGHT NOW. WE'RE HAVING TAKE CARE OF THIS OUT OF OUR OWN ROUTINE BUDGET.))
[SUPER=01-Gary Hegner/Roanoke Parks & Recreation Department]
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=own routine budget]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The city says, in a normal year it would have no trouble getting F-E-M-A funds but, because of all the hurricanes, this year it's proving difficult.
Damage estimates for the parks top more than 100-thousand dollars.
(------------)

[11Grandin-Road]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=04-42 TC40:34]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=2]

It's not a flood, but construction that's causing a problem in another part of Roanoke.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

The city is spending more than 800-thousand dollars to make improvements on Grandin Road.
Workers have already narrowed the street to help slow traffic.
They've also expanded the sidewalks to allow for more outdoor dining.
But the project is taking longer than expected and many merchants say business is suffering as a result.
The project, which will include new landscaping, should now be completed by spring.
(------------)

[6-Rescue-Mission]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=04-38 TC1:48:21]
[GRAPHIC=Thanksgiving]
[ENG#=3]

62 turkeys, 30 hams and more than 400 cakes and pies ... that's just part of what volunteers at Roanoke's Rescue Mission helped dish out to those in need.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

The Rescue Mission serves a traditional Thanksgiving meal to hundreds of people every year.
Despite an apparent upturn in the national economy, officials expected to play host to more than a thousand people yesterday.
But they are never lacking for volunteers to help prepare and serve the meal.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:42:30//1:50:45]
[IN Q=I think for]
((JOY SYLVESTER-JOHSON/RESCUE MISSION DIRECTOR: I THINK FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE IT'S PROBABLY ONE OF THEIR GREATEST BLESSINGS TO BE ABLE TO SERVE ON THANKSGIVING DAY. IN FACT WE HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE THAT WANT TO SERVE THAT IT HAS TO BE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE, AND THEN WE TRY TO ENCOURAGE THE OTHER PEOPLE TO COME AND SERVE ON THE OTHER 364 DAYS WHEN WE COULD REALLY USE THEIR HELP.)) ((LARRY FORREST/VOLUNTEER: I GUESS TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO THE LESS FORTUNATE AND THE PEOPLE THAT REALLY NEED IT. I FEEL LIKE I'M BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO DO THIS AND I'M VERY GRATEFUL TO BE IN THE POSITION THAT I AM TO BE ABLE TO DO THIS.))
[SUPER=01-Joy Sylvester-Johnson/Rescue Mission Director; :00]
[SUPER=01-Larry Forrest/Volunteer; :17]
[RUNS=29]
[OUT Q=able to do this (2nd TIME!).]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

On average, the Rescue Mission serves about 500 meals a day.
(------------)
(Kim tosses to bump)
[BUMP] [COMM]

[Biz-Brief]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Business News]
[ENG#=1]

In business news, trading is expected to be light in today's abbreviated session.
U-S financial markets close today at 1 P-M. In other news, gold prices are up. And a European Union Judge says when he'll rule on Microsoft sanctions. Stan Case has more in today's business brief.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Stan Case/Reporting; :]
[RUNS=1:00]
[OUT Q=I'm Stan Case.]

[TAPE TOSS TO STOCKS] [STOCKS] [WOOD ROGERS SPONSOR BOARD 5185 ESSC] [COMM]

[11Kilgore-Fraud]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jwi]
[TAPE#=04-41 TC59:28]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=1]

An old crime with a new high tech spin is getting lots of bites on the Internet.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond;]
"Phishing" is a fraud scheme that uses emails to trick recipients into giving out personal and financial information.

By using email, thieves can access as many as 10- thousand potential victims in a matter of seconds.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:21:28]
[IN Q=Think of bass fishermen]
((JERRY KILGORE/VIRGINIA ATTORNEY GENERAL: THINK OF BASS FISHERMEN WHO THROW LURES INTO THE LAKE OR THE POND. EVENTUALLY A FISH IS GOING TO BITE. THE CRIMINALS INVOLVED IN PHISHING OPERATE IN THE SAME WAY. THEY SEND OUT UNSOLICITED EMAIL MADE TO APPEAR AS IF THEY'RE FROM A MERCHANT OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION.))
[SUPER=@Kilgore;]
[RUNS=17]
[OUT Q=or financial institution]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Kilgore plans to introduce legislation this year to help protect Virginia consumers. Credit card officials estimate one- in- every- 20 people who receive fraudulent emails responds. They say anytime an email requests personal information- call the sender to make sure it's legitimate.
(------------)

[6-Fincastle-Boundaries]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=sba]
[TAPE#=504-13 15:56]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=3]
Plans to expand the town of Fincastle are moving forward. Earlier this week, the Fincastle Planning Commission and Council met to review revised boundary adjustments. The plan would increase the town's current 140-acres to more than 16-hundred.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Fincastle]
The group has been working for years to expand town boundaries- but the plan has met with opposition. Homeowners in Botetourt County, who would be included in the adjustment, worry the change would affect taxes, farmland and the environment. Officials say a public hearing is expected for early December- but no official date has been set.
(------------)

(toss to steve for weekend preview) [11Dollar-Buildings]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=04-39]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=2]

Some businesses frame the first dollar they ever make.
And then there are some businesses that only COST a dollar to buy.
Steve Smallshaw explains.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Rodney Taylor knows]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg; :00]
[SUPER=01-Rodney Taylor/Businessman; :29]
[SUPER=01-Terri Proffitt/Lynch's Landing; 1:13]
[SUPER=@ssm2; 1:29]
[RUNS=1:39]
[OUT Q=News7, Lynchburg.]
(( Rodney Taylor knows a good bargain when he sees one.
The long-time Lynchburg businessman whose sportswear shop has become a fixture on Main Street now his sights set closer to the riverfront.
His latest investment cost him the grand total of one dollar.
[SOT 15:09:00]
((YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR...))
[RUNS= 02]

Taylor is the new owner of an old railroad building on Jefferson Street ... a Charlottesville developer bought the building right next door for the same price.
The crumbling roofs and dilapidated condition of both structures apparently weren't a turn-off.
[SOT 15:08:03]
((RODNEY TAYLOR/BUSINESSMAN: IT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT'S UNIQUE ABOUT LYNCHBURG, IS THAT A LOT OF THE ORIGINAL BUILDINGS ARE STILL HERE AND ALOT OF THEM HAVE BEEN LOST, AND THOSE THAT CAN WE SAVE, AND I THINK THESE BUILDINGS HAVE A LOT OF VALUE AND I THINK THEY ADD A LOT TO THE CHARACTER OF THE CITY AND MAKE LYNCHBURG A NEATER PLACE.))
[RUNS= 14]
[OUT Q=a neater place.]

Taylor figures he'll spend about a million dollars stabilizing and renovating his building over the next six months ... and then start looking for retailers and restaurateurs to move in.
For him and his future tenants, it's a chance to be part of a revival along the riverfront.
[SOT 15:07:44]
((TAYLOR: IT'S JUST REALLY EXCITING AND IT'S GOING TO BE .. THESE BUILDINGS ARE RIGHT IN THE CENTER OF WHAT'S GOING TOBE A CITY PARK AND A RIVERFRONT PARK, SO TO ME I THINK IT'S A NATURAL FIT AND SOMETHING THAT I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT SEEING THESE SAVED AS MUCH AS ANYTHING.))
[RUNS= 13]
[OUT Q=as much as anything.]
[SOT 15:09:52]
((TERRI PROFFITT/LYNCH'S LANDING: EVERYTHING THAT WE'VE TALKED ABOUT FOR SEVERAL YEARS HAS BEEN THAT THE RIVERFRONT WOULD BE THIS INCREDIBLY DYNAMIC HUB WHERE PEOPLE COME AND GATHER. AND THESE DEVELOPERS ARE GOING TO HELP US ACHIEVE THAT VISION. SO FROM THAT STANDPOINT THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT PIECE OF RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT.))
[RUNS= 14]
[OUT Q=riverfront development.]

Both buyers must complete renovations within 3 years and have a tenant 18 months after that ... or pay the city the full price of the buildings ... ten thousand dollars apiece.
Steve Smallshaw, News7, Lynchburg. ))

[Tape tosses to bump] [TRIGGER] [BUMP]