WDBJ 7 morning news for 01/21/05

[Winter-Weather]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

[NEWSCAST=AM]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=05-03]
[GRAPHIC=Winter Weather]
Parts of Western Virginia saw a few inches of snow overnight... And a coating of ice and snow could make the morning commute difficult in some areas. But most in the Roanoke Valley will see wet pavement
[DOUBLE BOXES= /Microwave;]
Joe Dashiell has been on the road this morning. Joe, how bad is it?
[LIVE= /FULL]
[SUPER=@joe1]
[SUPER=05-Roanoke]
Kimberly, VDOT tells us the roads are in pretty good shape this morning, and our own travels bear that out.. most of Interstate 81 is in minor condition with some slick spots... with some of the counties north of 81 fairing a little worse. Here in the Roanoke Valley, no problems to report.
[ENG#=1]
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[SOT]
[IN Q=The crews were fueld up and standing by]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :00]
[SUPER=01-Cornelia Hargrave/Newspaper Carrier; :19]
[RUNS=:32]
[OUT Q=go to my day job]
((The V-DOT crews were fueled up and standing by along major highways. And Roanoke snowplows spread salt on many city streets. But the temperature hovered around freezing overnight, and the snow didn't stick to the pavement. Newspaper carrier Cornelia Hargrave wasn't anticipating any problems.
[SOT 09:36]
[IN Q=A lot less]
[RUNS= :14]
[OUT Q=go to my day job.]))
[LIVE= /FULL]
[SUPER=05-Roanoke;]

[DOUBLE BOXES= /Microwave;]

[School-Info]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=School Information]
[ENG#=none]

As you can see, we're running a list of school announcements at the top of your screen.
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[TAKE FS WEB ADDRESS e681] For a continuously-updated list of all weather-related closings and delays, go any time to our home page at wdbj7-dot-com.
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[AMMLK-Street]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin']
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=05-02 TC 2:01]
[GRAPHIC=none]
[ENG#=2]

Lynchburg activists who want to rename the city's Fifth Street corridor after the late Doctor Martin Luther King are ready to take their idea to city council.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

The group known as the Coalition For the Beloved Community met to brainstorm ideas last night.
They plan on promoting the name change at next Tuesday's council meeting.
It's an idea, they say, whose time has come.
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[SOT 19:25:15]
[IN Q=There is not]
((GARNELL STAMPS/SUPPORTS NAME CHANGE: THERE IS NOT ONE MAJOR ROAD, STREET, AVENUE OR ANYTHING NAMED FOR A PROMINENT AND DESERVING AFRICAN AMERICAN. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE.))
[SUPER=01-Garnell Stamps/Supports Name Change]
[RUNS=12]
[OUT Q=absolutely unacceptable.]
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[VO-NAT]

The re-naming idea has been brought up twice before over the last 25 years but failed in the face of opposition from some business owners.
The coalition hopes to have the change approved by the end of February.
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[VOB-Inauguration]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Bush]
[ENG#=3]

Today President Bush wraps up a week of inaugural events with a national prayer service.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC;]

Yesterday, Bush took the oath of office for a second term before thousands gathered at the U-S Capitol and millions watching on T-V.
During his inaugural address, Bush vowed to spend the next four years advancing freedom throughout the world.
And while he didn't mention Iraq by name, he said the U-S had helped millions achieve freedom.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=Our country has]
(( OUR COUNTRY HAS ACCEPTED OBLIGATIONS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO FULFILL, AND WOULD BE DISHONORABLE TO ABANDON.))
[RUNS=:07] (estimated bite runs time)
[OUT Q=to abandon.]
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[VO-NAT]

Meanwhile, inaugural protestors plan a few more demonstrations today.
During the inauguration, some of them carried flag- draped coffins, while others turned their back on the President's motorcade.
Police made a handful of arrests.
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[Iraq]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Iraq]
[ENG#=4]

Authorities in Iraq say a car bombing outside a Shiite mosque has left at least 13 people dead and 40 wounded.

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Baghdad, Iraq;]

The explosion hit as worshipers were celebrating one of Islam's most important holidays.
Police say the blast left several cars burning, but did little damage to the mosque,
Meanwhile, in an audio messaage militant leader Abu Musab al- Zarqawi called on insurgents to prepare for a long struggle against the Americans.
His group has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks in the lead- up to the elections.
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[Marketwatch]

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

In business news, a disappointing day on Wall Street as stocks tumble.
However, an industry rumor has Hasbro shares soaring.
Alexis Christoforous has those stories and more in this morning's Marketwatch.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Alexis Christoforous/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=1:27]
[OUT Q=in New York.]
((STOCKS START THE NEW TRADING DAY AT NEW LOWS FOR THE YEAR ... INVESTORS HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED BY COMPANIES EARNINGS REPORTS, ESPECIALLY THEIR OULOOK FOR THIS YEAR'S PROFITS.
THE DOW TUMBLED 68 POINTS THE NASDAQ SANK NEARLY 28
DELTA AIRLINES LOST OVER 2 BILLION DOLLARS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER AS SOARING OIL PRICES AND AN INTENSE FARE WAR TOOK A TOLL ON THE AIRLINES BOTTOMLINE. DELTA, WHICH BARELY DODGED BANKRUPTCY LAST LAST FALL, SAYS THE ROAD AHEAD IS A DIFFICULT ONE.
INVESTORS BID DOWN SHARES OF EBAY - THE ONLINE AUCTIONNEER'S PROFIT AND FORECAST MISSED WALL STREET'S TARGETS. SEVERAL ANALYSTS RESPONDED BY DOWNGRADING THE STOCK.
THE PARENT COMPANY OF MACY'S AND BLOOMINGDALE'S MAY WANT TO DO A LITTLE SHOPPING OF ITS OWN - FEDERATED DEPT STORES IS REPORTEDLY IN EARLY STAGE TALKS TO BUY MAY DEPT STORES. MAY'S RETAIL BRANDS INCLUDE LORD AND TAYLOR AND MARSHALL FIELD'S.
SHARES OF HASBRO TOOK OFF on an industry rumor that the company is set to re-launch the FURBY - THE ONCE HOT SELLING INTERACTIVE PLUSH TOY THAT WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN THE LATE 1990s.
Signs that inflation remains contained have kept a lid on fixed rate mortgages A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.67 percent this week, down from last week when it averaged 5.74 percent
TRACK ALL THE MARKET ACTION AT CBS.MW.COM IN NY I'M ALEXIS CHRISTOFOROUS.))

(tape tosses to stocks)
[STOCKS] [COMM]

[AMVDOT-Crews]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=04-46 TC 1:30:04]
[GRAPHIC=Winter Weather]
[ENG#=1]

V-Dot crews have been busy throughout the night and into the morning, but most of the hard work was done before the snow even fell.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.]

Two years ago, V-Dot began pre-treating major roads with a chemical called brine.
It's a salt and water combination that prevents snow and ice from accumulating.
In the past, the state had to purchase brine from an outside supplier, but now V-Dot crews can make it on their own by using an automatic mixing system.
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[SOT 2:14:33]
[IN Q=We think it is going]
((LAURA BULLOCK/VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: WE THINK IT IS GOING TO BE A VERY COST EFFECTIVE MEANS OF TRYING TO COMBAT SNOW AS IT IS STARTING. IT'S GOING TO COST US ABOUT FIVE CENTS A LANE MILE TO PRE WET PAVEMENT.))
[SUPER=01-Laura Bullock/Virginia Department of Transportation;]
[Runs=09]
[OUT Q=pre wet pavement]
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[VO-NAT]

The new automatic mixing system cost the state 46-thousand dollars.
Using brine however does have its limitations.
It only works effectively in temperatures above 20 degrees.
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[11Seniors-Cold]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=sba]
[TAPE#=04-45 TC 1:27:30]
[GRAPHIC=Cold Weather 4490]
[ENG#=2]
A local service is providing a watchful eye for some seniors who may not otherwise get it...
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]
Meals on Wheels provides a hot meal to senior citizens over the age of 60, who might not otherwise receive one. In addition to this service, volunteers checks to see if the home's in disrepair, warm enough on cold days and even monitors the senior's behavior.
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[SOT@11:27:39.23]
[IN Q=I appreciate it.]
((MARION RAMSEY, PARTICIPANT: I APPRECIATE IT. I REALIZE IT'S AN INCONVIENCE TO THEM, BUT IT'S CERTAINLY HELPFUL TO ME AND OTHERS WHO ARE PROVIDED MEALS.))
[SUPER=01-Marion Ramsey/Participant]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=.. are provided meals.]
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[VO-NAT]
650-seniors are involved in the program in Roanoke City, County, Salem and Botetourt. If seniors or their caregivers are interested in this or similar programs they can call the League of Older Americans.

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(kim tosses to bump)
[BUMP] [COMM]

[Taser-Man]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
[ENG#=1]

Officials at Los Angeles International Airport are defending the use of a taser on a 78- year- old man.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Los Angeles, CA;]

William Lamb says he broke his elbow, and has marks on his legs where airport police officer used an electric taser gun to subdue him.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=Then he grabbed]
((WILLIAM LAMB/TASER VICTIM: THEN HE GRABBED MY RIGHT HAND AND PUT IT UP BEHIND MY BACK AND STARTED PUSHING IT UP AND PULLING AND YANKING IT AS MUCH AS HE COULD. ))
[SUPER=02-William Lamb/Taser Victim;]
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=as he could.]
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[VO-NAT]

Lamb had returned from an extended vacation, and discovered his car was not in the parking lot.
Airport officers impounded it because the registration had expired.
Lamb says he will add assault to the charges he has filed.
Airport police are not commenting about the incident.
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[Biz-Brief]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Business News]
[ENG#=2]

In business news, Stocks tumbled yesterday after earnings warnings from e-Bay and Qualcomm. The disappointing earnings from the technology sector caused nervous investors to overlook strong results from Citigroup and the possible merger of two department store giants, May Department Stores and Federated Department Stores. Now here's a look at your local stocks. [KIM TOSSES TO STOCKS] [STOCKS] [COMM]

[11Phipps]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=sba]
[TAPE#=04-43 TC1:54:15]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=1]
Drunk driving charges against a man in death of his own son have been dropped.
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[VO-NAT]
Glovern Ray Phipps of Salem was due in court yesterday morning on charges of reckless driving and driving under the influence.
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./November 2004]
The Roanoke County Commonwealth's Attorney says Phipps faces no charges "at this time." The oroginal charges stemmed from a November accident on Thompson Memorial Boulevard. Phipps' five-year-old son, Ryan died the next day from injuries authorities believe were sustained in the crash. The Prosecutor says the case could go to a grand jury next month where new charges could be sought.
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[11K&C-Trucks]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=02-55 TC 39:12]
[GRAPHIC=Guilty Plea]
[ENG#=2]

More than six years after federal agents raided a Campbell County trucking company, one of the owners has pleaded guilty to falsifying records.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Campbell Co./October 1998]

Authorities searched the offices of K-and-C Trucking on Route 29 in 1998.
They seized records including logs that indicated how many hours the company's drivers were putting in.
Yesterday, co-owner Norvell Preston pleaded guilty to two Class A misdemeanors related to the falsification of those records.
Two more employees are scheduled to enter pleas later today.
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[6-Pulaski-School]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=rde]
[TAPE#=04-52 TC47:08]
[Graphic=none]
[ENG#=3]

More than 500 students in Pulaksi County are settling into their new school.

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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pulaski Co.;]
Pulaski Elementary school officially opened its doors yesterday. The new, state of the art, facility cost more than 12 million dollars. Students from Draper, Northwood and Clairemont moved in to their brand new classrooms this morning. Superintendent Don Stowers said the first day went off without a hitch.
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(Kim tosses to bump) [Trigger] [BUMP]