12:00-01

NOON-HEADLINES

TALENT=
SS=None
(----------------)
VO-NAT

The U-S Supreme Court has stayed a state execution that drew a protest from the Vatican.
(----------------)


And more legal trouble for Virginia Tech Football players.
(/////////////)
TALENT=Beth
SS=None


Showers should taper off this afternoon for awhile, but it will remain cold and damp today. I'll have the forecast in a few minutes.
(///////////////)
ANCHOR=Melanie


Pope-O'Dell


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=equ
TAPE#96-98
GRAPHIC=supreme court


Convicted killer Joseph O'Dell will NOT be executed tomorrow.
The U-S Supreme Court today stayed the execution, pending a review of O'Dell's appeal.
SS=Pope John Paul


The case had drawn the support of Pope John Paul, who asked both President Clinton and Governor George Allen to spare O'Dell's life.
O'Dell was
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Jarratt/File Tape;

scheduled to be electrocuted tomorrow for the rape and murder of a Virginia Beach woman.
SUPER=03-Richmond


Yesterday Governor Allen politely dismissed the Pope's attempts to intervene in the case.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 01:04:35
IN Q=You don't

((GOV. GEORGE ALLEN: YOU DON'T WANT TO SAY THAT THE POPE GETTING INVOLVED IS NOT IMPORTANT. THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS ARE THE FACTS. THE ACTUAL FACTS. THE ACTUAL EVIDENCE. I DON'T KNOW IF THE POPE WENT THROUGH ALL THESE TRANSCRIPTS, AND WENT THROUGH ALL THE EVIDENCE, AND WENT THROUGH ALL THE DECISIONS BY THE FOURTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS, AND VARIOUS DISTRICT COURTS, AND THE STATE COURTS. I DON'T KNOW IF HE DID OR DID NOT. BUT I AM.))
SUPER=@Allen;
RUNS=:23
OUT Q=But I am.
TALENT=Melanie
SS=None


Allen says his office has received 300 to 400 calls from Italian media and government officials.
Meantime the Commonwealth went ahead with another execution--Ronald Lee Hoke Senior was put to death last night for the 19-85 rape, robbery and murder of a Petersburg woman.
He is the eighth inmate put to death in Virginia this year.

Tech-Players


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=tal
TAPE#96-90
GRAPHIC=Va Tech Football


The two Virginia Tech football players charged with rape and attempted sodomy have filed a civil suit against the alleged victim.
Brian Edmonds and James Crawford are both free on 45 thousand dollars bond after their arrests yesterday.
Double Boxes=Melanie and Tracy/Microwave


Tracy Altizer joins us from the Montgomery County courthouse with the latest.
Live=Tracy Full/Microwave
SUPER=@Tracy1;
SUPER=05-Christiansburg;
(ad lib)
(Rollcue:alleged rape victim )
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=
SUPER=01-Matt Pethybridge/Players' Lawyer;
RUNS=:16
OUT Q=32 million dollars
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Christiansburg;
(ad lib)
SUPER=@file; :15
RUNS=:45
Out Q=campus this fall
(-------------)
Live=Tracy Full/Microwave
SUPER=05-Christiansburg;
(ad lib)



Double Boxes=Melanie and Tracy/Microwave



RED-CROSS


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=red cross


It's being called the single worst
attack ever against Red Cross workers. (----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@File;

10:00:00
A spokesman says a gunman broke into a Red Cross compound in Chechnya early this morning and fatally shot six workers as they were sleeping.
It's the deadliest attack against the Red Cross in 133 years of existance.
The agency has now suspended all operations in Chechnya, pending an investigation.
(----------------)



Citadel


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=mel
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=citadel


At the Citadel today, two female cadets are taking final exams, but they're living off campus.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Charleston, SC;


The women say they fear for their safety.
Kim Messer and Jeanie Mentavlos allegedly were harassed and had their clothes set on fire.
Their attorney says the women reported the abuse, but no action was ever taken.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT

4:01:17
IN Q=as a mother are you concerned...
SUPER=01-Mary Mentavlos/Mother;
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=under a lot of stress.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


The Citadel has suspended two male cadets -- ordering one off campus and placing the other under commandant's arrest.
Five other cadets have been relieved of their military command duties during the investigation.
(----------------)

wipe/wipe/wipe

army-aquittal


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=mel
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=wipe wipe wipe
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Ft. Leonard Wood, MS;


At Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri a U-S Army sergeant has been found not guilty on charges of sexual harassment.
The charges against staff sergeant George Blackley Junior had ranged from fondling to making lewd gestures.
Two other sergeants at the base recently pleaded guilty to assault and misconduct.
(----------------)



CHALLENGER


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=mel
TAPE#Net
GRAPHIC=None


NASA confirms that two large objects that washed ashore this morning at Cocoa Beach are parts of the Challenger.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Cocoa Beach, FL;


The shuttle exploded January 28, 1986, shortly after lift-off.
The parts found are described as a 15-foot by 9-foot section and a 4-foot section.
This is the 10th anniversary year of the Shuttle Challenger disaster.
(----------------)



SIMPSON


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=simpson


Famed Pathologist Doctor Michael Baden returns to the witness stand today at the O-J Simpson civil trial.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Santa Monica, CA/Yesterday;

7:05:04
Yesterday he testified about the bloody socks found in Simpson's bedroom.
Baden said that Blood on one side of a sock seeped through to wet the other side, suggesting there was not a foot in it when it became stained.
The defense expert also believes more than one person killed the victims and that the struggle lasted longer than plaintiff's contend.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=

((LAURIE LEVENSON/LOYOLA LAW SCHOOL;"Dr. Bahdin, is very important for the defense because its his job to go up here and say that the Plaintiffs' time line doesn't work. That the struggle took so many minutes and there would't have been time for OJ to commit the crime and gotten home." ))
SUPER=01-Laurie Levenson/Loyola Law School;
RUNS=:15
OUT Q=and gotten home.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Baden also told the jury that cuts on Simpson's hand were not defensive wounds, but were more likely caused by a jagged object like glass.
(----------------)

WIPE/WIPE/WIPE

MODEL-MURDER


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=NOON
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=wipe/wipe/wipe
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Los Angeles, CA;


In another courtroom drama in southern California, a photographer has been sentenced to life in prison for killing model and former L-A Raiders cheerleader Linda Sobek.
Charles Rathbun led police to Sobek's grave site about a week after she disappeared in November 19-95.
He maintains the death was an accident.
(----------------)
tease#1

HARD MUSIC UNDER
ANCHOR=Melanie


When we come back,
Henry County supervisors are working with V-DOT to fix one of the area's most dangerous intersections.
(--------------)
VO-NAT


And,
Next year when you get the urge to shop at Valley View Mall, it might take less time to get there.
But first let's check in with Beth...
(---------------)
Talent=Beth

Wx-Tease We've seen light to moderate rainfall across the region since last night. It looks like the rain will be tapering off some this afternoon-- but there is more on the way tomorrow. Right outside the wdbj studio-- music up full comm1

Special-Election


ANCHOR=mel
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=spr
TAPE#96-93
GRAPHIC=election 96


The fate of the Virginia Senate is now in the hands of voters from five local counties.
Today's special election in Franklin, Henry, Floyd, Patrick, and Carroll counties will determine if Democrats keep a senatorial split... or whether Republicans gain a majority for the first time in state history.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Henry Co.;


Early this morning Democratic hopeful Roscoe Reynolds cast his ballot in Henry County... and at the same time made one final plea to the voters of the 20th district.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 7:37:18
IN Q=They are

((ROSCOE REYNOLDS/D- STATE SENATE CANDIDATE: THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE STANDING UP, SPEAKING FOR THEM. MAKING SURE THAT EDUCATION REMAINS ON THE FRONT BURNER AND THAT OUR AREA RECEIVES ITS FAIR SHARE. I'VE TRIED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THAT'S TOPS ON MY AGENDA. ))
SUPER=01-Roscoe Reynolds/(D) State Senate Candidate;
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=my agenda
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Franklin Co.;


Meanwhile his Republican counterpart took to the polls in FRANKLIN County.
Allen Dudley says he's confident that voters received HIS message.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 10:09:22
IN Q=We've talked

((ALLEN DUDLEY/R- STATE SENATE CANDIDATE: WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THE FUTURE AND THE OPPORTUNITIES WE HAVE IN THIS AREA IN JOB CREATION AND IMPROVEMENTS THAT WE SEE. WE NEED TO CONTINUE IN EDUCATION AND VITAL PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES. ))
SUPER=01-Allen Dudley/(R) State Senate Candidate;
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=safety issues
ANCHOR=mel
SS=hold


Make sure you're tuned to News- 7 at 5 and 6 for live updates on the race.

INFANT-DEATH


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=none


In Delaware today, two New Jersey teens will be reunited in the courtroom for the first time since the death of their newborn baby.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@FILE;

10:10:30
Amy Grossberg and Brian Peterson are expected to plead innocent to murder charges.
They're accused of killing their baby and dumping the body in a dumpster outside a motel last month.
Prosecutors filed a motion yesterday arguing that the two 18- year- olds from New Jersey should not be granted bail while awaiting trial.
(----------------)



Child-Spending


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=lba
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=va state seal


A children's advocacy group says more than half the states, including Virginia, are spending less than 50 cents of every one-hundred dollars in taxes on child care and early education programs.
The Children's Defense Fund has released a study that ranks Virginia among the bottom ten states for having spent the least on children in 19-94.
The study was timed to coincide with state efforts to write new welfare laws, including programs that benefit children.

Henry-Supers


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=kmc
TAPE#96-89
GRAPHIC=NONE


Consolidating social services and improving a dangerous intersection--
Those are two key issues the Henry County Board of Supervisors is working on.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Henry Co.;


Henry County and Martinsville leaders met jointly, and voted to merge their social services departments.
The new consolidated department will move into the Tultex building in downtown Martinsville.
The new office should be in operation by June first.
SUPER=@File;


The county board also heard V-Dot's plans to improve the safety of the hazardous Route 2-20 intersection in Ridgeway.
The plan includes the re-alignment of Mica Road with the intersection of Water Plant Road.
Also included-- a new traffic light and turning lanes.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 4:03:32
IN Q=WE feel it's

((H.G. VAUGHN/HENRY CO. SUPERVISOR: WE FEEL IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT CITIZENS REALIZE V-DOT HAS GIVEN THIS TOP PRIORITY THROUGHOUT ALL THE PROJECTS THAT THEY HAVE IN THE STATE. IF CITIZENS UNDERSTAND THAT, AND WE DO-- LET'S HOPE NOT, IF WE SHOULD HAVE ANOTHER ACCIDENT THEN THEY'LL KNOW V-DOT IS TRYING TO PUT THIS THROUGH HAS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.))
SUPER=01-H.G. Vaughn/Henry Co. Supervisor;
RUNS=:18
OUT Q=quickly as possible
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Vaughn expects the project to take about 18 months.
(----------------)





City-Council


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=JoeD
TAPE#96-99
GRAPHIC=NONE


Improvements on Interstate 5-81 won't provide any relief for motorists this Christmas season, but yesterday Roanoke City Council took another step toward building a new interchange near Valley View Mall.
Council voted to hire an architectural and engineering firm to design the interchange bridge and ramps.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;


The project will cost about five million dollars. Officials say it will divert much of the traffic that now empties onto Hershberger Road.
Motorists will have to endure one more Christmas of traffic problems before the project is completed.
(----------------)



Tease#2

SOFT MUSIC UNDER
ANCHOR=Melanie


Still to come,
Atlantic city is leaving tourists with more money in their pockets-- the meter maids bringing something other than tickets.
(-----------------)
VO-NAT


and,
Area nurses are expressing concern over their changing work environment.
Many say patient care is suffering.
Stay with us.
(-----------------)


Nurses


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=kmc
TAPE#96-103
GRAPHIC=NONE

***ANCHOR TAG***
Changing dynamics in the health care industry are creating concerns for local nurses.
Many are worried about how they can provide adequate care while following hospital protocol.
Kimberly McBroom has more.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Downsizing and re- engineering
SUPER=@File;
SUPER=01-Lisa Vautrot/Carilion Registered Nurse;
SUPER=03-Roanoke;
SUPER=01-Rebecca Rice/Va. Nurses Association Pres.;
SUPER=@Kimberly1;
RUNS=1:22
OUT Q=McBroom, news 7


(( Downsizing and re- engineering are quickly becoming buzz words for the health care industry.
The current trend is to have unlicensed assistive personnel help with traditional nursing duties.
But some R.N.'s say the help is becoming a hindrance.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 6:57:19

((LISA VAUTROT/CARILION REGISTERED NURSE: WE DELEGATE THAT DUTY. IT'S A NURSING DUTY. THEY'RE NOT A NURSE. THEY'RE PRACTICING NURSING WITHOUT A LICENSE. WE DON'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DELEGATE TO THEM TO DO THAT, AND THAT LEAVES EVERYBODY IN A BIND. ))
RUNS=:12


Representatives with the Virginia Nurses Association met with area health care professionals.
The V- N- A says the board of nursing only has authority over licensed employees-- often leaving R-N's accountable for those who are not licensed.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 6:53:01

((REBECCA RICE/VA NURSES ASSOC. PRES. I THINK WE REALLY NEED TO BE CONCERNED WITH LOOKING AT HOW THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE TRAINED, THE KINDS OF EXPERIENCE THEY HAVE, AND THEN WHAT IS THE RATIO OF NURSES TO UNLICENSED ASSISTIVE PERSONNEL, TO PATIENTS. ))
RUNS=:14


Rice says the Roanoke Valley isn't alone-- the trend is occurring all over the country.
She says the V-N-A will be there to offer support to nurses as they deal with the changes.
But there may be even more support coming.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 8:12:01

((KIMBERLY MCBROOM/NEWS 7: SOME NURSES AT THE MEETING SAY IT'S TIME THEY STOOD TOGETHER-- PERHAPS AS A UNION. LISA VAUTROT IS A LEADER IN THE EFFORT TO UNIONIZE CARILION. SHE SAYS THAT CAMPAIGN IS MAKING GOOD PROGRESS. KIMBERLY MCBROOM, NEWS 7. ))
RUNS=:12
(----------------)
TALENT=Melanie
SS=NONE


Meanwhile, Carilion officials were not availible for comment.

Limitorque


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#96-91
GRAPHIC=layoffs


Layoffs have hit the Limitorque (lih-mih-TORK) Corporation in Lynchburg.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg;


Workers confirm that the pink slips began going out last week.
In all, about 38 people are affected: 23 hourly workers, and 15 salaried personnel.
(-------------)
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=hold


(Lih-mih-TORK) Limitorque manufactures devices that open and close valves.
The plant employs several hundred people.

T-G-I-F


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#96-88
GRAPHIC=business news


A Lynchburg based retailer is closing up shop.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg;


T-G-I-F says its locations in Lynchburg, Blacksburg, and Lexington are no longer getting their clothing from J-Crew, their main supplier.
T-G-I-F, which stands for The Greatest In Fashion, is closing after 15 years in business.
(-------------)

WEATHER
SUPER=300-41/96/E-5/29.86s/72/1984/5/1951;
SUPER=301-41/100/Calm/28.88s/76/1924/3/1989;

Forecasts
SUPER=X5000;
SUPER=330-Mostly Cloudy/Possible Showers/40-44/Mostly Cloudy/Possible

Showers/43-47;
SUPER=331-Mostly Cloudy/Possible Showers/40-44/Mostly Cloudy/Possible

Showers/43-47;
SUPER=332-Cloudy/Showers/35-40/Showers/Likely/40-45;
SUPER=333-Mostly Cloudy/Showers/38-42/Mostly Cloudy/Possible Showers/40-44;
SUPER=334-Cloudy/Rain Showers/33-37/Rain & Snow/Less than 1 Inch/38-42;
SUPER=X5001;


Wall-Street


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=stocks


Two big factors that could affect the U-S economy have Wall Street's attention today.
The Federal Reserve's policy- makers hold their final meeting of the year today.
There's widespread belief among economists that the central bank will leave interest rates unchanged, as it has for nearly a year.
And the Commerce Department says housing construction grew nine-point-two percent in November, the fastest rate of increase in 16 months.
Analysts had been looking for a much smaller advance.

Stocks


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=lba
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=stocks


On Wall Street at Noon, the Dow was DOWN 3 points.
tease#3

SPORTS MUSIC UNDER
ANCHOR=Melanie


Coming up in sports,
Hometown hoops weekly travels to Staunton for this week's highlights.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


And,
The Dolphins are out of a playoff berth, But they did their best to spoil things for an A-F-C east rival.
Stick around.
(---------------)

MUSIC UP FULL comm4

monday-football


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=lba
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=nfl


The Buffalo Bills hit a roadblock on their road to the playoffs last night.
Jimmy Johnson and the Miami Dolphins won 16 to 14 at Joe Robbie stadium.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Miami, FL/ABC Sports;


The Dolphins had 3 field goals in the first three quarters.
By the fourth quarter, The Dolphins held onto a 9-7 lead.
Then O-J Mcduffie caught a Marino pass for the 16- 7 advantage.
The Bills answered with a touchdown-- but it was too little too late.
SUPER=30-Miami/16/Buffalo/14/;


Buffalo is now forced to win next week for a shot at the playoffs.
(-------------)



Irvin


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=sma
TAPE#=FB96-4
GRAPHIC=Dallas Cowboys


Cowboy Michael Irvin spent time quieting rumors yesterday about possible drug probation violations.
(----------------)
VO-NAT #eng
SUPER=03-Irving, TX; :00


In July, the dallas wide receiver was fined and sentenced to 4 years probation for felony drug charges.
Irvin denies that he has violated his probation.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q="I

((MICHAEL IRVIN/DALLAS COWBOY RECEIVER: I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING ALL THE REPORTS, AND ALL THE THINGS AROUND LAST WEEK. SOMEBODY RUN THIS. AT LEAST EASE SOME OF THE PEOPLE'S HEAD. I WILL PLAY FOOTBALL HERE THIS YEAR.))
SUPER=01-Michael Irvin/Dallas Cowboy Receiver; :00
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=...this year"
(-------------)


Pitt


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=KSH
TAPE#ST5-24
GRAPHIC=Big East


Big East football added a new coach yesterday.
Former Ohio State assistant
(---------------)
VO-NAT #eng
SUPER=03-Pittsburgh, PA; :00

Walt Harris was named the new head coach at The University of Pittsburgh. He replaces Johnny Majors and hopes his team will play like the N-F-L's Pittsburgh Steelers.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q="I'm

((WALT HARRIS/NAMED NEW PITTSBURGH COACH:))
SUPER=01-Walt Harris/Named Pittsburgh Head Coach; :00
RUNS=:17
OUT Q=...football"
(-------------)



River


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=sma
TAPE#=BB97-2
GRAPHIC=Hometown hoops weekly


Hometown Hoops was in Moneta last night for the Staunton River/Fieldale Collinsville battle.
(----------------)
VO-NAT #eng
SUPER=03-Moneta/Cavaliers vs. Golden Eagles; :00


The Golden Eagles seem to have had their pregame homework done and were ready for the cavs.
Golden Eagle Matt Roberts steps up at the top of the circle and nails the
SUPER=33-Staunton River/54/F.-Collinsville/48;

3 pointer for 3 of his game high 23.
The Cavs answered. Brad Bodkin takes the pass and nails a trey of his own.
But the Eagles K.C. Carroll serves up a masterpiece in the form of a blue collar basket and gets the foul.
and the Golden Eagles prevail 54-48 at home.
(-------------)


NO-TICKETS


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#Net
GRAPHIC=None


Atlantic City, New Jersey is getting into the holiday spirit.
The city's police officers will not be issuing parking tickets from now until Christmas.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Atlantic City, NJ;


Instead motorists will find a note on their windshields that reads:
The meter is red as time has expired.
In the rush of the season we knew you'd be tired.
A parking ticket would make you just blue.
So during this season of friendship and cheer, Merry Christmas to you and best wishes all year. (----------------)
by SS