WDBJ 7 news at 6 for 01/04/05

[1-News-Head]

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[ENG#=1]
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Jean 2-Shot]
Local Marine Reservists make ready for combat in Iraq.
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[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]
And testing for T-B is not always fool-proof.

[Sports-head]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=2]

Baseball inducts two more into the hall of fame, a recap from the Big Easy on Tech's Sugar Bowl loss
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[VO-NAT]

and last words from noth USC and Oklahoma on tonight's national championship
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[WX-Head]
[ANCHOR=Robin]
[SS=None]

Record setting warm temperatures in the region today. You can expect more of the same for the next few days.
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[ANCHOR=Jean 4-Shot]

News 7 is next.
[Video-Open]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=Video Open]

[ENG#=3]
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[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Jean 2-Shot]

Destination Iraq.
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]

More local men give up civilian life for a year of full time military life.
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[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]

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

And I'm Jean Jadhon.
[Company-B]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sba]
[TAPE#=04-456 TC10:52]
[ANCHOR=Jean 2-Shot]
After months of training- a local reserve unit is preparing to deploy.
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]
Susan Bahorich reports approximately 90-marines from Company B began getting ready for action this morning.
[ENG#=4]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=At oh-700 the 4th combat... ]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :00]
[SUPER=01-Lance Cpl. Chris Ferguson/Company B; :30]
[SUPER=01-Lance Cpl. Josh Fullmer/Company B; :52]
[SUPER=01-Lance Cpl. Alexander Kalouf/Company B; 1:24]
[SUPER=01-Capt. Mike Weston/U.S. Marine Corps; 1:47]
[SUPER=@SUSAN2; 2:10]
[RUNS=2:19]
[OUT Q=SB, News7, Roanoke.]
((At oh-700 Company B of the 4th combat engineer battalion, 4th marine division fell into formation.
[NATS]
These 90-marines are readying for deployment. This is just the first of four-days the men will use to fill out paperwork and take care of last minute details before leaving for training in California or North Carolina on Saturday. After that, they'll most likely head to Iraq.

[SOT@9:43:10.27]
[INQ=YOU GET A LITTLE NERVOUS...]
((LANCE CORPORAL CHRIS FERGUSON, COMPANY B: YOU GET A LITTLE NERVOUS, CAN'T REALLY PREPARE YOURSELF -DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GOING INTO, SO YOU HAVE TO MENTALLY BE TOUGH AND PREPARE FOR ANYTHING, PREPARE FOR THE WORSE BASICALLY.)) [RUNS:10]
[OUTQ=.. THE WORSE BASICALLY.]

20-year-old Lance Corporal Chris Ferguson is lucky- in addition to the brotherhood of the Marine Corps- he has his two best friends accompanying him: Lance Corporals Josh Fullmer and Zac Hellkamp. The three graduated from Roanoke Valley Christian School in 2002.

[SOT@9:48:26.28]
[INQ=FOR US REAL...]
((LANCE CORP. JOSH FULLMER, COMPANY B: FOR US, WE WERE REAL GOOD FRIENDS IN HIGH SCHOOL, DID PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING TOGETHER FROM SOCCER TO BASKETBALL TO TRACK -AND ALL THE WAY TO THE MARINE CORP -IT'S BEEN FUN.)) [RUNS:09]
[OUTQ=... IT'S BEEN FUN.]

Now, the three will head off to war, but unlike marines in previous conflicts the equipment is more sophisticated.
Marines of today have new helmets, packs, protective vests- even first aid kits.
[nats]
Company officers say the average age of these men is 20.. most are college students who are putting their education on-hold.

[SOT@9:51:15.05]
[INQ=I'M SUPPOSE TO BE A...]
((LANCE CORPORAL ALEXANDER KALOUF: I'M SUPPOSE TO BE A SENIOR THIS YEAR, THE MENTALITY YOU HAVE TO HAVE IS: SCHOOL IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE HERE. I'LL GET IT DONE EVENTUALLY, BUT THIS IS SOMETHING MY COUNTRY NEEDS ME TO DO, SOMETHING MY FELLOW MARINES NEED ME TO DO FOR THEM.)) [RUNS:10]
[OUTQ=..DO FOR THEM.]

These marines are upbeat, even eager to get their 12-month deployment underway. But for the officers who have seen the horrors of war and felt the heat of Iraq- know this will be an eye-opening experience.

[SOT@9:33:13.14]
[INQ=THE WEATHER IS NOT GREAT...]
((CAPT. MIKE WESTON, U.S. MARINES: THE WEATHER IS NOT GREAT. IT'S GOING TO BE VERY, VERY HOT AFTER THE SANDSTORMS STOP - IT GETS TO BE EXTREMELY HOT: 120-130. IN ADDITION, IT'S VERY, VERY TENSE INITIALLY, UNTIL THEY GET USED TO THE RHYTHMS OF BEING OVER THERE.)) [RUNS:14]
[OUTQ=... BEING OVER THERE.]

And Weston says even that rhythm could change after the Iraqi elections at the end of this month - leaving these men to play by ear as they work to support Operation Iraqi Freedom and a constantly evolving government.... SB, News7, Roanoke.))

[Tuberculosis]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=04-43 TC1:23:53]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=1]

Health officials are holding a public meeting tonight to discuss an active case of tuberculosis at Elon Elementary in Amherst.
It's still not clear whether the infected person is a student, teacher or any kind of employee. But those who believe they may have been exposed are being urged to get tested.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-File Tape]

A skin test is typically used to determine if someone has active T-B. But health officials say the test is not always accurate. It can take 10 to 12 weeks after infection for it to register positive.
Many who are infected don't actually develop the disease, so they're not sick or contagious.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT: 12:32:30]
[IN Q=Once you are infected]
((LEX GIBSON/HEALTH OFFICIAL; ONCE YOU ARE INFECTED IT CAN ANYWHERE FROM SEVERAL MONTHS TO YOUR LIFETIME 60 YEARS BEFORE YOU BREAK DOWN AND GET TB IF EVER 42 90 PERCENT OF PEOPLE INFECTED WITH TB GERM WILL NOT DEVELOP TB IN THEIR LIFETIME))
[SUPER=01-Lex Gibson/Health Official]
[RUNS=19]
[OUT Q=TB in their lifetime]
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[VO-NAT]

Once T-B disease is diagnosed the course of treatment includes antibiotics for six to nine months.
T-B is spread through the air when a person coughs or sneezes, but experts say the disease is difficult to contract.
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[Tech-Returns]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rde]
[TAPE#=04-42 TC1:45:18]
[GRAPHIC=Sugar Bowl]
[ENG#=2]
The Hokies are back in Blacksburg tonight.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=203-Roanoke;]
About a dozen cheering fans greeted the team as players got off the plane around noon in Roanoke.
[SUPER=203-Blacksburg; ]
It was a similar scene when the players arrived on the Tech campus by bus. The team was fairly quiet as players grabbed their bags. Coach Beamer says it's good to be home.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT: 51:17:00 ]
[IN Q=We had a great]
((FRANK BEAMER: WE HAD A GREAT TIME DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS, WISH THE GAME HAD TURNED OUT A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT. IT WAS A GREAT WEEK, AND YOU KNOW OUR KIDS PLAYED HARD, WE JUST DIDN'T PLAY WELL ENOUGH :29 ))
[SUPER=201-Frank Beamer/VT Football Coach;]
[RUNS=:13]
[OUT Q=didn't play well enough.]
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[VO-NAT]
Several fans patted players on the back and wished them well. They even took the time to get a few more autographs.
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[Hokie-Fans]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=04-55 TC38:14]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]
[ENG#=3]

Many Hokie FANS are also back in Virginia today- as several planes touched down filled with fans- back from the Big Easy.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=203-Roanoke; :00]
[RUNS=1:19]
[OUT Q=get em next year laughs.]
((This charter plane with 180 hokie fans.. just one of several that touched down and taxied into Roanoke Regional Airport-
Not a lot of spring in the step of fans that arrived early in the day- but still a lot of Hokie in their hearts- despite the loss. MARGARET RIGGS: NO I'M NOT DISAPPOINTED TECH DID WELL MADE A LOT OF GOOD PLAYS. DREW LAW: WELL IT WAS A TIGHT GAME WISH TECH WOULD'VE WON BUT CAN'T WIN EVERYONE I GUESS. BRIAN WALLACE: WE LOST BY THREE POINTS WE MADE A COMEBACK I THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT EVERYBODY'S PRETTY HAPPY WITH IT. DARYN BECK: I THINK AUBURN EXPECTED TO BEAT US BY A LANDSLIDE AND THEY DIDN'T IT WAS A GOOD GAME A LOT OF FUN.
and big fun is what many fans say they had in the big easy.... MOLLY HALL: BOURBON STREET AND WALKING AROUND ALL THE SHOPPING ALL THE PEOPLE. RICKY LAW: IT WAS WILD IT WAS MY FIRST TIME I WAS EXCITED THE WHOLE TIME. JEAN: HOW'D YOU GET THOSE BEADS? I NOTICE YOU HAVE A LOT OF BEADS? BRIAN WALLACE: I BOUGHT MOST OF THEM AND THROUGH SOME OTHER WAYS IT WAS A GOOD TIME.
Now it's time for many fans to recover... PATRICK LAW: YEA I NEED SOME SLEEP DEFINITLY NEED SOME SLEEP NOW. and in true - maroon and orange spirit- these fans say the Hokies are still number one to them. BOB MAUCK: WE LET ONE GET AWAY BUT WE'LL ALWAYS BE BIG HOKIE FANS.. WE'RE PROUD OF EM. DARYN BECK: GO HOKIES GET EM NEXT YEAR..LAUGHS!))
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[ad lib with Keith two shot before tease]

[Tease#1]
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]
[WRITER=dse]
[SS=NONE]
[ENG#=APRISA]

Transportation will be in the fast lane at this year's general assembly session.
What's in the Republican plan when News Seven returns.
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[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Jean 2-Shot]
And many of us made New Year's resolutions to work out more and area gyms are now resolved to get your business. We'll show you what they're offering.
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[1st-Wx]
[Transportation]
(MINI OPEN)
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=jwi]
[TAPE#=04-41 TC1:47:21]
[ANCHOR=Jean 2-Shot]
There's lots of rubber- necking going on in Richmond.
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]
But Virginia lawmakers don't expect too many delays this year when it comes to improving transportation.
[DOUBLE BOXES=Keith-Jean & Jennifer/Microwave;]
Richmond Bureau Chief Jennifer Wishon is here to explain. Keith and Jean, House Republicans today released their transportation plan,
[LIVE=Jennifer/FULL]
[SUPER=@Jennifer1;]
[SUPER=05-Richmond;]
which looks a lot like the Governor's plan released last month. Some say that's a good sign the compromise process will be accelerated.
[ENG#=1]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=A bad transportation system]
[SUPER=03-Richmond; :05]
[SUPER=01-Del. Bob McDonnell/(R) Virginia Beach; :12]
[SUPER=01-Del. Dave Albo/(R) Springfield; :56]
[SUPER=01-Del. William Howell/(R) Stafford; 1:14]
[RUNS=1:24]
[OUT Q=WE LOOK FORWARD TO DOING SO.]
((A bad transportation system can be an economic drag. Just one reason House Republicans want to spend an additional 938- million dollars on transportation over the next two years.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 22:48:36]
[IN Q=Over the past 12 years]
((DEL. BOB MCDONNELL/(R) VIRGINIA BEACH: OVER THE PAST 12 YEARS THERE'S BEEN SOME FOUR OR FIVE DIVERSIONS FROM THE TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND. BEEN PAID BACK, SOME HASN'T. NONE OF IT'S BEEN PAID BACK WITH INTEREST.)) [RUNS11]
[OUT Q=back with interest]
Republicans want to use state surplus money to repay the Transportation Trust Fund and propose a constitutional amendment that would lock it up. They'd funnel the three percent tax on rental cars to transportation, along with a third of the money made on insurance premium tax revenues. ((***QUICK*** NATS OF TRAIN)) A Rail Enhancement Fund would get 33- million to support freight and passenger rail. Republicans also want to create a commission to come up with innovative, long- term solutions to keep Virginia moving.

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 22:57:39]
[IN Q=What we're talking about]
((DEL. DAVE ALBO/(R) SPRINGFIELD: WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT IS BRINGING PEOPLE IN FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR, FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES, FROM AREAS THAT HAVE DONE DRAMATIC REFORMS AND HAVING THEM BRAINSTORM.)) [RUNS11]
[OUT Q=and having them brainstorm]
Republicans praise their on- going investments against Governor Warner's one- time spending proposals. Still Delegate William Howell called the governor's plan "a positive contribution."
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 22:46:56]
[IN Q=Based upon what legislators]
((DEL. WILLIAM HOWELL/(R) STAFFORD: BASED UPON WHAT LEGISLATOR AND OUR STAFF KNOW ABOUT HIS PROPOSAL SO FAR I BELIEVE WE CAN WORK WITH THE GOVERNOR ON TRANSPORTATION ISSUES AND FOR THE GOOD OF ALL VIRGINIANS WE LOOK FORWARD TO DOING SO.)) [RUNS12]
[OUT Q=look forward to doing so]))
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[LIVE=Jennifer/FULL]
[SUPER=05-Richmond;]
Both plans will be considered this year.
[DOUBLE BOXES=Keith-Jean &Jennifer/Microwave;]
Keith and Jean, the '05 General Assembly convenes next week.

[L'burg-Robbery]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=04-46 TC1:06:15]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=2]

A Lynchburg man is in custody after he allegedly robbed an insurance agency at gunpoint this afternoon.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

Just before two, the suspect held up the Hundley, Wilkins & Bowles office on Eleventh Street.
After forcing the owner to the floor, the man fled with cash and checks from a front office.
But police were close by and arrested him about a block away.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 13:08:16]
[IN Q=I don't think]
((LT. TOM LAWTON/LYNCHBURG POLICE: I DON'T THINK THE SUBJECT WAS RUNNING AT THE TIME. I BELIEVE THE OFFICERS RESPONDING ... A DESCRIPTION WAS GIVEN OF THE SUBJECT AND OFFICERS RESPONDING TO THE SCENE FELT LIKE HE MATCHED THE DESCRIPTION AND IN FACT IT TURNS OUT HE DID.))
[SUPER=01-Lt. Tom Lawton/Lynchburg Police Department]
[RUNS=13]
[OUT Q=turns out he did.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The suspect has been identified as 30-year-old Angel Medina.
Medina will likely face assault, robbery and firearms charges.
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[Apt-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=jmc]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Fire Invest.]
[ENG#=3]

Authorities have released the names of the two people killed in a fire on New Year's Day.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/Saturday]

The fire in an apartment on Sixth Street southwest killed 47-year-old Debra Hippensteel and 51-year-old Cleveland Haymaker.
Officials are still looking into the cause.
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[Stocks]

[ANCHOR=JEan 2-Shot]
[NEWSCAST=6]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Fears of inflation sent stocks lower. [TAKE DOW & NASDAQ PAGE]
[RUNS=:30]
[SUPER=x5000;]
[SUPER=440-y/98.65/10630.78/y/44.29/2107.86;]
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]

The DOW fell 99 points today.
The NASDAQ dropped 44.
[SUPER=271-i/0.29/43.26/h/0.42/61.05/i/0.13/33.89/i/0.64/45.82/h/0.07/41.80;]
[SUPER=272- /Unchg/17.00/h/0.01/6.55/i/0.31/67.17/i/0.44/36.15/i/0.44/14.46;]
[SUPER=273-i/0.25/39.79/i/0.46/16.69/i/0.29/35.24/i/0.17/5.51/i/0.96/19.62;]
[SUPER=274-i/0.85/71.94/i/0.41/40.08/i/0.54/51.65/i/0.13/53.22/i/1.50/111.00;]
[SUPER=#555; Reset]

[COMMERCIAL]
[Toms-Creek]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rde]
[TAPE#=04-47 TC1:01:59]
[ANCHOR=Jean 2-Shot]
Blacksburg's talking sewer again.
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]
[ENG#=1]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg;]
It's been just ten months since the town scrapped controversial plans to build a sewer line in Tom's Creek. The council decided today it will create a committee to help select a firm to study Blacksburg's sewer needs. The committee will tentatively be made up of two council members and two utility board members. There are currently seven different firms vying for the job.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT: 2:57:00 ]
[IN Q= We really need. ]
((ROGER HEDGEPETH: WE REALLY NEED A UNIFORM SYSTEM AND NOT A SYSTEM FOR ONE SECTION OF TOWN. :04 TOMS' CREEK 38% OF THE TOWN LAND AREA, SO WE NEED A UNIFORM SYSTEM FOR THE WHOLE TOWN :13.))
[SUPER=01-Roger Hedgepeth/Blacksburg Mayor;]
[RUNS=:13]
[OUT Q=FOR THE WHOLE TOWN ]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Last year's plan for a sewer line through Tom's Creek sparked months of debate, a lawsuit and a landslide election victory for three council members who opposed the project.
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[Sports tease]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6om]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=APRISA]

The Orange Bowl combatants offer final words, ODAC basketball from today
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[VO-NAT]
and we will take a look back at the Hokies three point Sugar Bowl loss to the Tigers.
(------------)

[S-Bowl]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Sugar Bowl]
[ENG#=1]
Last night's three-point loss to Auburn in the 71st Sugar Bowl was anything but a sweet experience for the Tech players and coaches. Mike Stevens has more on a close-but-no-cigar finish to their season.
(//////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=First Audio]
[SUPER=203-New Orleans, LA/Last Night; :00]
[SUPER=201-Frank Beamer/1 and 2 in Sugar Bowl Games; :21]
[SUPER=201-Josh Morgan/2 Touchdown Catches; :56]
[SUPER=219-Mike Stevens/mstevens*wdbj7.com; :1:15]
[SUPER=201-Bryan Randall/2 TDs & 2 interceptions; 1:34]
[SUPER=201-Chuck Zatarain/Past Sugar Bowl President; 1:57]
[RUNS=2:06]
[OUT Q=News 7 Sports.]
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[S-Orange]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-178 1:42:34]
[GRAPHIC=NCAA]
[ENG#=2]

The Hokies are drawing comparisons in tonight's national championship Orange Bowl.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Landover, MD; :00]

When asked if Oklahoma's defense reminds the trojans of anyone, the USC players quickly referred to their season opening date with Tech.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Matt Leinhart/USC Quarterback; :00]
[SUPER=01-Reggie Bush/USC Running Back; :12]
[RUNS=:22]
[OUT Q=......very physcial"]
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[S-Hoops]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-182 1:55:15]
[GRAPHIC=ODAC]
[ENG#=4]

Ronaoke College beat Hollins in ODAC women's hoops today.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;]

Three players accounted half of the points scored today. Hollins coach Karen Harvey would watch Brandi Cochran regis
ter 19 and teammate Nicole [SUPER=33-Roanoke/72/Hollins/57;]Grant had 20.
Roanoke's Erin Hanson led all Maroon scorers with 21 as Raonoke wins 72-57.
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[S-Fame]

[ANCHOR=steve]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-179 ]
[GRAPHIC=major league baseball]
[ENG#=1]

The Baseball Hall of fame will induct two players who were cornerstones of the Red Sox and Cubs.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-Major League Baseball; :00]
Wade Boggs and the Cubs Ryne Sandberg are going into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Boggs is entering with 474 votes out of a record 516 votes cast. Sandberg, the 1984 National League M-V-P, garnered 393 votes, or 76 percent. Pete Rose, ineligible for the ballot because of his lifetime ban from baseball, received nine write-in votes, six fewer than last year.
(-----------------------)

[Workout-Resolution]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=myr]
[TAPE#=04-44 TC1:32:48]
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]

If you're a regular at the gym, you've probably noticed a few new faces lately.
[ENG#=1]
[ANCHOR=Jean 2-Shot]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
One of the most popular and probably most broken New Year's resolution is to get in shape. And each New Year, area fitness centers see an increase in new membership. The Roanoke Valley Y-M-C-A says it had more than 20-new memberships just in its first two days of operation.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT :35]
[IN Q=we've been lined]
((BILL ZAZYNSKI/ROANOKE VALLEY YMCA: WE'VE BEEN LINED UP THROUGHOUT THE DAY W/38 PEOPLE COMING IN TO SIGN UP GETTING A TOUR, TRYING THINGS OUT, AND DIFFERENT THINGS LIKE THAT.))
[SUPER=01-Bill Zazynski/Roanoke Valley YMCA;]
[RUNS=08]
[OUT Q=things like that]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Many places, including the Y-M-C-A, are offering deals on enrollment fees through the month of January. The Roanoke Athletic Club is cutting its enrollment fee to 50-dollars. And Gold's Gym in Roanoke County is eliminating its fee altogether.
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