Morning news on WDBJ 7 for 12/26/95

06:00-01

headlines

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=bmy
TAPE#
GRAPHIC=
(----------------)
VO-NAT

It was a white Christmas for many parts of southwest Virginia, but the icy conditions caused car accidents and injuries in Roanoke County..
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Beth

and another of Lynchburg's waterfront buildings is destroyed by fire Christmas day. live-head
(larry ad lib)

Ice-Ax

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#95-98
GRAPHIC=winter weather

Parts of western and southwest Virginia had a white Christmas.
Flurries fell in some areas, and the pace picked up during the evening as temperatures dropped.
Snow accumulation ranged from about an inch in Bristol to four inches in Wise and Glade Spring.
Motorists are advised to watch out for slick spots on Interstates 81 and 77.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./Last Night;

State police say icy conditions forced more than a half dozen cars off the road in northern Roanoke County last night.
Two people were injured in this two- car crash near the 146 exit.
Both northbound lanes of I- 81 were blocked for almost an hour as crews worked to clear the scene.
Authorities say anyone travelling should use caution in areas where drifting snow has frozen to the roadway.
(----------------)

Blaze

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=mornin
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#=edit of 95-95
GRAPHIC=Fire

For the second time in THREE months, Lynchburg's waterfront has suffered a loss to fire.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg/Yesterday;

The old Lukens building was destroyed in a Christmas day blaze.
Six hours after the first call came in, Lynchburg firefighters were still pouring water on what was left of the historic building on Commerce Street.
They say it will take a day or two before things have cooled down enough for them to get inside the rubble and try to determine what caused this fire.
(/////SOT/////)
IN Q=It's too unsafe
((JOHN JENNINGS/FIRE MARSHAL: IT'S TOO UNSAFE TO GET OVER INTO THE STRUCTURE TO TAKE A LOOK AT ANYTHING AT THIS TIME. IT MAY BE QUITE SOME TIME BEFORE WE ARE ABLE TO COME UP WITH A WHOLE LOT OF THE ANSWERS WE'D LIKE TO HAVE.))
SUPER=01-John Jennings/Lynchburg Fire Marshal;
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=like to have.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

The fire also spread to the building next door gutting all five stories, and destroying a medical clinic up top.
Authorities don't believe anyone was inside either building when they caught fire.
SUPER=04-January;

Earlier this year, an artists' group expressed interest in renovating the Lukens structure, creating lofts and shops out of the empty space -
And a number of spaces had recently been leased to other tenants.
(----------------)

Columbia-Crash

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=bmy
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC= plane crash

Investigators have virtually RULED OUT sabotage or a catastrophic mechanical failure...and are now focusing on "human error" on the part of the pilots, air traffic controllers, or BOTH...as the most likely cause of the crash of American Airlines flight 9-65.
Bob Orr has more about the investigation.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=CBS News
SUPER=01-Bob Orr/Reporting;
RUNS=1:35
OUT Q= Bob Orr, CBS News, Washington.
(( CBS NEWS HAS LEARNED THE PLANE'S COCKPIT VOICE RECORDER RECOVERED FROM THE WRECKAGE...
GRAPHIC 1 ...REVEALS NO SOUNDS OF AN EXPLOSION AND NO DISTRESS CALLS FROM THE CREW.
AND THE OTHER BLACK BOX -- THE FLIGHT DATA RECORDER -- SHOWS THE BOEING 757 FLEW A STEADY COURSE AND MADE NO ABRUPT TURNS ON ITS APPROACH TO CALI.
ONE INVESTIGATOR TOLD CBS NEWS.....THE DATA SEEMS TO CONFIRM AN ORIGINAL THEORY THAT "THE JET JUST FLEW INTO THE MOUNTAIN." GRAPHIC 1 OUT
GRAPHIC 2 JET ANIMATION PLANES APPROACH THE CALI AIRPORT THROUGH A NARROW GAP IN THE ANDES. SOMEHOW FLIGHT 965 WAS 13 MILES OFF COURSE WHEN IT CRASHED. COLOMBIAN AND U-S AUTHORITIES ARE STRUGGLING GRAPHIC 2 OUT TO ANSWER HOW THAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED ON A CLEAR NIGHT WITH EXPERIENCED PILOTS AT THE CONTROLS.
INVESTIGATORS OFFER A NUMBER OF POSSIBILITIES:
GRAPHIC 3 THE PILOTS MAY HAVE ALLOWED THE PLANE TO DRIFT.
COLOMBIAN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS MAY HAVE GIVEN THE CREW AN INCORRECT HEADING.
THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A MISCOMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE TOWER AND THE COCKPIT.
OR ONBOARD NAVIGATIONAL COMPUTERS MAY HAVE BEEN MISPROGRAMMED...SENDING THE PLANE ON A FATAL COLLISION COURSE UNNOTICED BY THE CONTROLLERS OR CREW. GRAPHIC 3 OUT
ORR STANDUP IT WILL BE MONTHS BEFORE INVESTIGATORS KNOW EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED. BUT THEY HAVE ALREADY ELIMINATED A NUMBER OF POSSIBILITIES, AND ARE CONFIDENT OF FINDING THE CAUSE OF THE DEADLIEST CRASH INVOLVING A U-S AIRLINER IN 7 YEARS. BOB ORR, CBS NEWS, WASHINGTON.))

Pope

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=bmy
TAPE#NET-B
SS=pope john paul

Sometimes even the Pope needs to take a break.
Doctors say Pope John Paul the Second needs SEVERAL days of rest.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Vatican City/Yesterday;

The Pope halted his Christmas greetings from the Vatican, saying he couldn't go on.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 15:12:35
IN Q=NAT SOUND
RUNS=:03
OUT Q=NAT SOUND--silence
(----------------)
VO-NAT

John Paul appears to be suffering from the flu, and fatigue from a busy schedule.
Twenty minutes after his abrupt departure, he re-appeared-- assuring the crowd that he's fine.
Earlier, a fever forced him to miss celebrating Christmas Mass.
(---------------)
wipe wipe wipe

Martin

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=bmy
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=wipe/wipe/wipe
(----------------)
VO-NAT

The Hollywood community is mourning the death of actor and singer Dean Martin at age 78.
Comedian Jerry Lewis is said to be "completely shattered and grief-stricken" at the death of his longtime friend and former partner in the comedy team Martin and Lewis.
Singer Frank Sinatra called Martin his brother -- "not through blood, but through choice."
Sinatra and Martin were part of the Hollywood boys' club called the Rat Pack.
Martin died at his Beverly Hills home of acute respiratory failure.
(----------------)

1-Sports

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Mornin
WRITER=cro
TAPE#=sports cut in
GRAPHIC=none

Time now for sports and the latest from the world of college football.
Roy Stanley has all the details for us.
Good Morning, Roy.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=thank you
RUNS=1:44
OUT Q=in morning
$CCOFF

One-Larry

ANCHOR=Larry
NEWSCAST=Mornin'
WRITER=ldo
TAPE#M96-1 AAA Maps
CHROMAKEY=Live/Lobby
GRAPHIC=none

SUPER=15-Larry Dowdy;

(Roll cue:) We're packing our bags and heading for the bowls.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Completely all interstates...
SUPER=13-Donna Henderson/AAA of Virginia; :00
SUPER=12-Roanoke; :10
RUNS=2:33
OUT Q=234-A and 235-B.
(-------------)
LIVE=Larry/Full

(Larry does short weather & toss to bump)

Japan-Rape

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=bmy
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=scales

In Japan, two U-S servicemen on trial for attacking a 12-year-old Japanese girl have offered apologies.
Marine Rodrico Harp told the court today he was afraid Navy seaman Marcus Gill would hurt him if he did NOT go along with the assault.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Japan;

Also on the witness stand, Marine Private-First-Class Kendrick Ledet
(leh-DEHT') made an emotional plea for forgiveness.

Gill has admitted to the rape.
Harp and Ledet say they helped abduct the girl but did NOT rape her.
(----------------)
wipe/wipe/wipe

Amir

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=bmy
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC= WIPE WIPE WIPE
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Israel;

The confessed assassin of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin is changing his story.
Yigal Amir had told investigators that he plotted the murder.
Amir has now says he did NOT mean to kill the Prime Minister.
(----------------)

Drug-Court

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=Dal
TAPE# 95-102
GRAPHIC=scales/gavel

In Roanoke, a new drug court program is the first of it's kind in the state.
It puts non-violent drug offenders in a treatment program instead of jail.
The program is expanding next month, and Denise Allen has the story.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=good morning
SUPER=03-Roanoke; :05
SUPER=01-Judge Diane Strickland/Drug Court; :11
SUPER=@Denise1; :55
SUPER=01-Dennis Nagel/Prosecutor; 1:06
SUPER=01-Norborne Berkeley/Dep. Chief Probation & Parole Officer;1:16
RUNS=1:59
OUT Q=news 7
(( ((JUDGE DIANE STRICKLAND/DRUG COURT: GOOD MORNING LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. WE ARE HERE FOR DRUG COURT REPORTING.))
There's more to the city's drug court program than coming before Judge Diane Strickland. ((THEY ARE REQUIRED TO FIND EMPLOYMENT OR RETURN TO SCHOOL IF THEY WISH TO STAY IN THE PROGRAM. WE HAVE SUPPLEMENTAL CLASSES, PARENTING CLASSES, ANGER CONTROL MANAGEMENT.))
Besides the programs the judge mentioned, drug court participants must meet with counselors and probation officers at the Day Reporting Center.
Participants are also drug tested--in some cases several times a week.
Infractions such as positive drug tests, missed meetings or curfew violations are punished.
Participants are sentenced to community service or in more serious cases jail time.
Only non-violent offenders are allowed in drug court.
The accused has to plead guilty to get into the program.
Then the prosecutor's office determines if the defendant is eligible.
There are about 80 of these programs in the nation.
The oldest is only five years old.
These programs have helped lower the rate of repeat offenders.
And Roanoke officials are hoping for the same results. ((DENNIS NAGEL/PROSECUTOR: WE'VE FOUND THAT FIRST TIME OFFENDERS HAVE A 65 PERCENT AND IF WE CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT WE CAN HAVE FEWER SUBSTANCE ABUSING CRIMINALS ON THE STREETS.)) ((NORBORNE BERKELEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICER: OVER THE YEARS ANY PAROLE OFFICER WILL TELL YOU THEY TAKE PRIDE IN THE SMALL VICTORIES. BUT HERE YOU SEE GROUPS OF PEOPLE DOING EXTREMELY WELL.))
In January the program will also be available to drug offenders in Salem and Roanoke County.
These participants will also report to Judge Strickland and the Day Reporting Center.
The new year will also bring about some changes at the center.
The offices will be renovated so most of their services can be housed under one roof.
Roanoke's drug court program is only four months old and officials say it's off to a good start.
But they also say it will take years of follow up studies on participants to know if the program is truly a success.
Denise Allen News 7.))

Shopping

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=bmy
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=none

Shoppers are expected to crowd the stores again today.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@File;

This time they'll be searching for the best after-Christmas sales.
Retailers are offering dramatic markdowns to clear the shelves of holiday goods.
The markdowns could take a big bite out of retailers' profits during what many describe as a disappointing holiday season.
(----------------)

2-scores

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=cro
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=nfl logo

Not a disappointing night for Emmitt Smith.
The Cowboy set an N-F-L record as Dallas clinched home field throughout the N-F-C playoffs with a victory in Arizona.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Smith picked up his 25th rushing touchdown of the season, topping John Riggins' old mark set in 19-83.
Let's take a look at the scoreboards.
(-------------)
(/////////////)
SUPER=#C-200;
SUPER=100-Dallas/=37/Arizona/=13;

SUPER=101-Blue/=26/Gray/==7//Kansas/=51/UCLA/=30;

SUPER=96-San Antonio/105/Phoenix/100//Orlando/=92/Houston/=90;

Two-Larry

ANCHOR=Larry
NEWSCAST=Mornin'
WRITER=ldo
CHROMAKEY=Live/Microwave
GRAPHIC=none

(Live Interview)

SUPER=15-Larry Dowdy;

SUPER=13-Jill Wright/Roanoke Kennel Club;

(Adlib toss to ANIMAL HEALTH closing billboard)
(-------------)
LIVE=Larry/Full

(Toss to Beth)

2headlines

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=bmy
TAPE#
GRAPHIC=

Here's a look at today's top stories.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
ANCHOR=Beth

A fire on Christmas Day destroys another watherfront building in Lynchburg.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
ANCHOR=Beth

One of Hollywood's Rat Pack dies over the holiday. Dean Martin died of acute respiratory failure at age 78.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
ANCHOR=Beth

And the flu halt's Pope John Paul the Second's Christmas message. Doctors say he needs several days of rest.
(----------------)

And that's what's making news on this Tuesday December 26th.
ANCHOR=Beth

Don't go away, News 7 mornin will be right back.

Winter-Ax

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#95-98
GRAPHIC=winter weather

Some parts of western and southwest Virginia got snow yesterday.
Bristol reports an inch -- Wise and Glade Spring up to four inches.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./Last Night;

Last night, icy conditions forced more than a half dozen cars off the road in northern Roanoke County.
Two people were injured in this two- car crash near the 146 exit.
Both northbound lanes of I- 81 were blocked for almost an hour as crews worked to clear the scene.
Authorities say motorists should watch out for slick spots on Interstates 81 and 77 this morning.
(----------------)

L'burg-Fire

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#95-95
GRAPHIC=fire

Another Lynchburg landmark has been destroyed by fire.
Three months after a century- old railroad terminal burned to the ground, the Lynchburg waterfront has suffered ANOTHER historic loss.
Steve Smallshaw has more on yesterday's blaze at the old Lukens building downtown.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Six hours after
SUPER=03-Lynchburg/Yesterday; :00
SUPER=01-Cmdr. Donald Fuqua/Lynchburg Fire Dept.; :10
SUPER=@ssm1; :41 (screen right!)
SUPER=01-John Jennings/Lynchburg Fire Marshal; :52
SUPER=04-January; 1:10
RUNS=1:28
OUT Q=News7, Lynchburg.

(( Six hours after the first call came in, Lynchburg firefighters were still pouring water on what was left of the old Lukens building on Commerce Street.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:08:47
IN Q=When we got
((CMDR. DON FUQUA/LYNCHBURG FIRE DEPT.: WHEN WE GOT TO THE BACK OF THE BUILDING, MOST OF THE FIRE WAS, THE WHOLE BACK SIDE OF THE STRUCTURE WAS ON FIRE, COMING OUT OF EVERY WINDOW IN THE BUILDING. AND THEN WE JUST SORT OF HAD TO STAY BACK BECAUSE WE KNEW THE WALLS WERE GOING TO COME DOWN BECAUSE IT HAD BURNT THROUGH THE ROOF AND SUPPORTS AND ALL, WHICH IT DID.))
RUNS=:16
OUT Q=which it did.

By noon, all that remained were a few stubborn brick walls that hadn't collapsed yet.
The fire also spread to the building next door gutting all five stories.. and destroying a medical clinic up top.
Authorities don't believe anyone was inside either building when they caught fire.
(/////SOT/////)
SU 14:59:55
IN Q=
((Investigators say it will take a day or two before things have cooled down enough for them to get inside the rubble and try to determine what caused this fire. In the meantime, they're not ruling anything out.))
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=anything out.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 13:09:06
IN Q=It's too unsafe
((JOHN JENNINGS/FIRE MARSHAL: IT'S TOO UNSAFE TO GET OVER INTO THE STRUCTURE TO TAKE A LOOK AT ANYTHING AT THIS TIME. IT MAY BE QUITE SOME TIME BEFORE WE ARE ABLE TO COME UP WITH A WHOLE LOT OF THE ANSWERS WE'D LIKE TO HAVE.))
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=like to have.

For downtown Lynchburg, it was another historic building lost to fire.
Earlier this year, an artists' group expressed interest in renovating the Lukens structure, creating lofts and shops out of the empty space.
Those plans fell through, but a number of spaces had recently been leased to other tenants...
...tenants who spent Christmas Day watching their building disappear.
Steve Smallshaw, News7, Lynchburg.))

Bosnia

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=bmy
TAPE#net-a
GRAPHIC=bosnia

Christmas was NOT a white one in Bosnia.
Soldiers in Tuzla spent Christmas Day sloshing through muck, setting up equipment in a cold rain.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Singing (NAT SOUND)
SUPER=03-Zupanja, Croatia; :
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=it glows-- like a lightbulb
(----------------)
VO-NAT

But the troops did get a bit of holiday cheer, eating their first hot meal since arriving last week.
In addition to a turkey dinner,
SUPER=03-Tuzla, Bosnia; :
residents sent Santa Claus to deliver bags of candy -- American candy.
The troops also received Christmas cards written by children back home.
Army engineers are constructing a bridge, preparing for the arrival of thousands more troops.
(-------------------)
wipe wipe wipe

Pope

Dean-Martin

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=bmy
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=none

Actor and singer Dean Martin has died at age 78.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Comedian Jerry Lewis is said to be ``completely shattered and grief-stricken'' at Martin's death.
Singer Frank Sinatra called Martin his brother -- ``not through blood, but through choice.''
Sinatra and Martin were part of the Hollywood boys' club called the Rat Pack.
Another member of the Rat Pack, Joey Bishop said Martin was the same on and off camera.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=I said
((JOEY BISHOP/ACTOR: I SAID THIS ABOUT HIME I NEVER SAW A MORE HONEST PERFORMER. DEAN WAS DEAN ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE TIME. ))
SUPER=01-Joey Bishop/Actor;
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=of the time.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Martin died at his Beverly Hills home of acute respiratory failure.
(----------------)

3-Sports

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Mornin
WRITER=cro
TAPE#=sports cut in
GRAPHIC=none

Time now for sports --
The holiday hoopla continues on both the high school and collge fronts.
Roy Stanley takes a look at all the tournament action.
Good Morning, Roy.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=thank you
RUNS=1:33
OUT Q=everybody
$CCOFF
Birthdays
TALENT=Larry
SS=none
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=(nat sot music)
RUNS=2:09

Three-Larry

ANCHOR=Larry
NEWSCAST=Mornin'
WRITER=ldo
TAPE#M96-1 Bowl Shirts
CHROMAKEY=Live/Lobby
GRAPHIC=none

(ROLL TAPE COLD OUT OF BIRTHDAYS)
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Welcome back to...
SUPER=12-Blacksburg; :00
SUPER=13-Steve Glosh/Store Manager; :17
RUNS=2:22
OUT Q=more news seven mornin'.
(TAPE TOSSES TO BUMP)

Ax

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#95-98
GRAPHIC=winter weather

State police say watch out for icy conditions on some parts of Interstates 81 and 77 this morning, that, after Christmas flurries caused havoc for travelers.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./Last Night;

Icy conditions forced more than a half dozen cars off the road in northern Roanoke County last night.
Two people were injured in this two- car crash near the 146 exit.
Both northbound lanes of I- 81 were blocked for almost an hour as crews worked to clear the scene.
(-------------)

Rugby-Ax

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=rjo
TAPE#95-97
GRAPHIC=NONE

Earlier in the day one woman was sent to the hospital following a three car accident in Roanoke.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/Yesterday;

It happened on Rugby Avenue.
Police say it appears one of the cars failed to stop at a stop sign, was struck broadside and pushed into a another vehicle.
The woman was trapped inside her car and had to be cut out by the fire department.
She was taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 03:50:33
IN Q=We just had a
((CAPT. RICHARD DEWS/ROANOKE FIRE DEPT.: WE JUST HAD A THERE CAR COLLISION IN THIS INTERSECTION. ONE OF THE VICTIMS APPARENTLY HAS SOME SLIGHT INJURIES. MAYBE A BROKEN HIP AT WORST.))
SUPER=01-Capt. Richard Dews/Roanoke Fire Dept.;
RUNS=:07
OUT Q=broken hip at worst.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Authorities have NOT released the name of the injured woman.
Police are still investigating.
(----------------)

Fire

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=mornin
WRITER=nle
TAPE#=edit of 95-95
GRAPHIC=Fire

Lynchburg's waterfront is scorched by fire -- it's the second time in three months.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg/Yesterday;

The old Lukens building was destroyed in a Christmas day blaze.
Six hours after the first call came in, Lynchburg firefighters were still pouring water on what was left of the historic building on Commerce Street.
They say it will take a day or two before things have cooled down enough for them to get inside the rubble and try to determine what caused this fire.
(/////SOT/////)
IN Q=It's too unsafe
((JOHN JENNINGS/FIRE MARSHAL: IT'S TOO UNSAFE TO GET OVER INTO THE STRUCTURE TO TAKE A LOOK AT ANYTHING AT THIS TIME. IT MAY BE QUITE SOME TIME BEFORE WE ARE ABLE TO COME UP WITH A WHOLE LOT OF THE ANSWERS WE'D LIKE TO HAVE.))
SUPER=01-John Jennings/Lynchburg Fire Marshal;
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=like to have.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

The fire also spread to the building next door gutting all five stories, and destroying a medical clinic up top.
Authorities don't believe anyone was inside either building when they caught fire.
SUPER=04-January;

Earlier this year, an artists' group expressed interest in renovating the Lukens structure, creating lofts and shops out of the empty space -
And a number of spaces had recently been leased to other tenants.
(----------------)

Christmas-Band

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=THa
TAPE#95-106
GRAPHIC=NONE

In Pittsylvania County, there's a band that has been entertaining for more than a quarter century.
Perhaps no where is its talent more appreciated than at a Danville nursing home.
Teresa Hamilton has the story.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Starts with sound of music
SUPER=03-Danville; :00
SUPER=01-Lelia Scearce/Roman Eagle Resident; :27 QUICK!!
SUPER=01-Cheney Lea/Roman Eagle Resident; :55 QUICK!!
SUPER=01-Austin Jones, Sr./Band Member; 1:10
SUPER=01-Jack Estlow/Band Member; 1:30
SUPER=@Teresa2; 1:40
RUNS=1:57
OUT Q=Hamilton, News 7, Danville.

((Start with nat sound of band
They say laughter's the best medicine.
But at Roman Eagle Nursing Home it's the music.
take more sound of music
The Tightsqueeze Philharmonic Band has been entertaining here for years.
Their taste in music dates back to the 20's, 30's and 40's.
For Lelia Scearce, there's no sitting still.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=We couldn't
((LELIA SCEARCE/ROMAN EAGLE RESIDENT: WE COULDN'T ASK FOR ANYONE BETTER, IF YOU COULD, PLEASE SHOW US ))
RUNS=:05
OUT Q=please show us.

For the most part, the Tightsqueeze band takes center stage, but on nearly every trip, there's one or two residents who share the spotlight.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=She'll be
((She sings "She'll be coming around the mountain when she comes." ))
RUNS=:00
OUT Q=when she comes.

There's no question, residents appreciate and look forward to their visit.
The music seems to melt away the years--
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Yes, it does
((CHENEY LEA/ROMAN EAGLE RESIDENT: YES, IT DOES, BACK TO MY COLLEGE DAYS, TO MY COURTING DAYS. ))
RUNS=:07
OUT Q=courting days.

But don't be fooled into thinking the residents are the only one's who benefit from the sweet sound.
Austin Jones will be the first to tell you otherwise.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=
((AUSTIN JONES, SR./BAND MEMBER:WE HAVE 400- POUNDS OF EQUIPMENT WE HAVE TO MOVE FOUR TIMES AND SOMETIMES I GET HERE AND I'M SO TIRED I CAN'T HARDLY STAND UP AND I WHEN I GET HOME I FEEL LIKE I'M AS SPRY AS A 16- YEAR OLD SO THEY CHEER US UP MORE THAN WE CHEER THEM UP. JACK ESTLOW/BAND MEMBER: MUSIC IS A LANGUAGE IN ITS OWN, IT CAN MAKE YOU HAPPY, IT CAN MAKE YOU SAD, IT CAN PICK YOU UP OR LET YOU DOWN, AND I THINK IT PICKS THEM ALL UP WHEN WE'RE HERE AND I KNOW IT PICKS US UP WHEN WE LEAVE. ))
RUNS=:00
OUT Q=when we leave.

start with christmas music....
Of course, the bands monthly visit for December, would NOT be complete, without a little Christmas music.
And, judging by the smiles, the sound was better than any present they could've left under the tree.
sound of christmas music.
Teresa Hamilton, News 7, Danville.))

4-scores

ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=cro
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=

In sports --
Kevin Williams grabbed two touchdown passes and Emmitt Smith set an N-F-L record to lead Dallas over Arizona.
(----------------)
VO-NAT

Smith picked up his 25th rushing touchdown of the season, topping the mark set by John Riggins in 1983.
The Cowboys have clinched home field throughout the N-F-C playoffs.
Let's take a look at the scoreboards.
(-------------)
(/////////////)
SUPER=#C-200;
SUPER=100-Dallas/=37/Arizona/=13;

SUPER=101-Blue/=26/Gray/==7//Kansas/=51/UCLA/=30;

SUPER=96-San Antonio/105/Phoenix/100//Orlando/=92/Houston/=90;