06:00-01

HEADLINES
ANCHOR=Melanie
(----------------)
VO-NAT


A gunman shoots three people at a Milwaukee post office.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Melanie


And after 30 hours, a hostage crisis ends in Texas.
ANCHOR=Kimberly


You've heard it before-- mostly sunny and mild again today.
Temperatures climbing to near 60 for the high.
When will this warm, dry period end...we'll tell you, coming up in weather. Live-Head
ANCHOR=Melanie 2 shot


And a cross country wagon train trip is helping some troubled teenagers find their way. We'll have that story and much more--News 7 Mornin is next. Live-Head
ANCHOR=Melanie 2 shot


And a cross country wagon train trip is helping some troubled teenagers find their way. We'll have that story and much more--News 7 Mornin is next.

POSTAL-SHOOTING


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=mel
TAPE#Net
GRAPHIC=Shooting


There has been another shooting at a U-S post office.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Police in Milwaukee say a postal employee opened fire early this morning.
They say he shot three people before turning the gun on himself.
At least two people are known dead.
It happened on the third-floor sorting room
(----------------)
Talent=Melanie
SS=Shooting

in the city's main post office.
Witnesses say there were about 15-hundred workers in the building at the time.
They all fled when they heard the gunshots.

Daycare-hostages


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=mel
TAPE#Net
GRAPHIC=Standoff


In Plano, Texas a hostage standoff at a daycare center is over this morning.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Plano, TX;


Police say 33 year-old James Monroe Lipscomb, who took dozens of children hostage, released his last two captives last night and then surrendered peacefully.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=

(( BRUCE GLASSCOCK/PLANO POLICE CHIEF THE INITIAL INCIDENT STARTED OUT AS A RESULT OF A DOMESTIC SITUATION, AND THAT WAS AT THE ROOT OF THE ENTIRE ISSUE THROUGH THE ENTIRE NEGOTIATIONS. IT WAS A LONG-TERM DOMESTIC SITUATION THAT DEVELOPED OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS AND UNFORTUNATELY ERUPTES INTO WHAT OCCURED THE OTHER DAY." ))
SUPER=01-Bruce Glasscock/Plano Police Chief;
RUNS=:17
OUT Q=THE OTHER DAY.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


The two remaining children were Lipscomb's own son and step son.
Neither of them was hurt.
(----------------)



FARLEY


ANCHOR=Kimberly
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#Net
GRAPHIC=None


Investigators will perform an autopsy today on the body of comedian Chris Farley.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Chicago, IL;


Farley was found dead Thursday in his apartment in Chicago.
He was just 33.
SUPER=@File;


The former cast member of "Saturday Night Live" and movie actor often said his work was inspired by his comic idol John Belushi who died of a drug overdose in 19-82 also at the age of 33.
Police say there were no signs of foul play.
(----------------)



E-Skiier-Death


ANCHOR=Kimberly
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=JJA
TAPE#Net G
GRAPHIC=NONE


Officials at Snowshoe Mountain ski resort say a 9-year old skier died after hitting a tree yesterday.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Snowshoe, WV


The victim was on vacation from Jacksonville Florida- but his name is being withheld until relatives are notified.
The boy was skiing with his father and sister but was not in their sight when the accident happened.
The death is the first at Snowshoe this year and the fourth in the resort's 24 years of operation.
(----------------)



E-Roanoke-drums


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=11
WRITER=KHu
TAPE#97-86
GRAPHIC=Roanoke City Seal


Authorities are still trying to figure out what is in several barrels found buried at the Roanoke city Public Works Service Center this week.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/Tuesday


Seven containers were un-earthed Tuesday.
FORTY-THREE containers have turned up.
Excavation was completed Wednesday night at the Service Center.
That's where they keep and repair city vehicles, but the city attorney wouldn't say whether these substances could have come from the garage.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 14:39:25 Dibling
IN Q=We're not prepared

((WE'RE NOT PREPARED TO IDENTIFY NOR ARE WE ABLE TO IDENTIFY WHO PLACED THIS MATERIAL ON CITY PROPERTY OR HOW IT GOT THERE OR WHEN IT GOT THERE.))
SUPER=01-Will Dibling/Roanoke City Attorney
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=it got there.(double out)
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Dibling says it's possible the containers were there when the city bought the property 23 years ago. He can't say how long they've been there.
(----------------)


1-Tease-Live
ANCHOR=Melanie 2 shot


Just ahead, a California man has designs for a new grand piano.
ANCHOR=Kimberly 2 shot


His ideas are taking center stage--we'll have that story when we return.
Bump-Chyron
Comm Break #1


New-Piano


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=lba
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=NONE


The image of a gleaming ebony grand piano, its lid propped open, has been a familiar sight in concert halls for ages.
Now, for the first time in a century and a half, the piano could change..and a man in California is the father behind the "grand" new design.
Ann Fraser has the story.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=
SUPER=12-Berkeley, CA; :00
SUPER=13-Daniell Revenaugh/Inventor;:18
SUPER=13-Ann Fraser/Reporting; 2:25
RUNS=2:35
OUT Q=CBS News


Stocks Bump
Comm Break #2

stocks
SUPER=x5101;
SUPER=430-y/110.91/7846.50/y/24.20/1523.17;



SUPER=431-hc/51f/h1b/59e/i@/89g/u/52/i$/28d;
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SUPER=433-ic/51d/i1/74/h@/34f/ie/61g/i1/30a;
SUPER=434-ha/8d/h@/45/if/23e/ha/25*/i$/39c;





SUPER=#555;RESET



E-B'burg-Arson


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=THa
TAPE#97-85
GRAPHIC=Arson


A Virginia Tech student accused of setting fire to a campus fraternity will be watched closely now that he's out of jail.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Christiansburg;


21- year old Chad Justin (knee-me) Niemi was released on 30- thousand dollars bond yesterday.
Conditions of his release include-- abstaining from alcohol and checking in with Blacksburg police on a daily basis.
SUPER=03-Blacksburg/Tuesday;


Niemi was arrested Tuesday morning after the Kappa Alpha fraternity house was gutted by fire.
Niemi's bond was originally set at 15- thousand dollars but was later revoked after he allegedly lied to a magistrate.
Prosecutors say Niemi failed to mention prior convictions for being drunk in public and possession of marijuana.
(----------------)


E-Firefighters


ANCHOR=Kimberly
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#97-78
GRAPHIC=Lynchburg City Seal


It's part of the job, but it's hardly routine.
Some Hill City firefighters are being honored for their recent bravery, including the rescue of a three year old girl from a burning apartment building.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg


Robert Ore was recognized by the Lynchburg fire department and its lifesaving crew for his heroics last Friday night.
SUPER=03-Lynchburg/December 13;


Ore was part of a crew that responded to a fire at the College Hill apartments.
He says he was just doing his job.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 6:49:52//6:54:25
IN Q=That's the biggest

((ROBERT ORE/LYNCHBURG FIREFIGHTER: THAT'S THE BIGGEST REWARD. THE PLAQUES ARE NICE, THE RECOGNITION IS NICE, BUT THE BIG REWARD IS KNOWING THAT THERE'S A LITTLE THREE- YEAR- OLD GIRL, TYANA HUBBARD, THAT'S GOING TO BE AT HOME WITH HER FAMILY THIS YEAR FOR CHRISTMAS.))
SUPER=01-Robert Ore/Lynchburg Firefighter; :00
RUNS=:15
OUT Q=this year for Christmas.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=04-November 4;


The city also honored four firefighters who saved a family from their burning home on Otey Street in November.
(----------------)



S-Allen-Education


ANCHOR=Kimberly
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=equ
TAPE#97-84
GRAPHIC=Education


It's a math lesson of sorts for Virginia schoolteachers.
Governor George Allen is proposing two-and-a-quarter percent raises for teachers, starting in 1999.
Allen plans a similiar pay hike for state workers in the budget plan he will unveil today.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Richmond;


The announcement came with news of 447- million more dollars to support the state's new academic standards and testing program.
And in what may be a little wishful thinking -- the Governor included five million dollars for charter schools.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 09:29:47
IN Q=And you know

((GOV. GEORGE ALLEN: AND YOU KNOW WHERE THAT'S COMING FROM? THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ACTUALLY SAYS IF YOU RUN A CHARTER SCHOOL WE'LL GIVE YOU MONEY. BUT THAT'S ON OUR TERMS AND IT WOULD BE THE DECISIONS OF VIRGINIANS.))
SUPER=@Allen;
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=of Virginians.
TALENT=Kimberly
SS=Education


The 1998 General Assembly will take up charter schools in a matter of weeks.
The concept has its best shot ever of passing next year.

E-2-Charter-Schools


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=equ
TAPE#97-81
GRAPHIC=None


If Virginia begins establishing charter schools, many parents and students want to know exactly what the programs are all about.
Ellen Qualls wraps up her look at one charter school in North Carolina.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Rocky Mount, North
SUPER=03-Rocky Mount, NC; :00
SUPER=01-Rob Barrow/Charter School Student; :07
SUPER=01-Cheryl Ellis/Charter School Teacher; :37
SUPER=01-Travis Twiford/Nash-Rocky Mount Sup't.; 1:03
SUPER=01-Tiffani Wallace/Charter School Student; 1:25
SUPER=@Ellen1; 2:11
RUNS=2:22
OUT Q=Qualls, News 7.


(( Rocky Mount, North Carolina's three month old Charter Public School is off to a good start.
sot TAPE TWO 12:07:34

((ROB BARROW/CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENT: I LOVE IT. IT'S-- Why? THE WAY WE LEARN. AND THE WAY THAT IF SOMEBODY MAKES TROUBLE, THEY CAN GET RID OF THEM. QUICKER.))
runs=:16


In fact, one criticism is that charter schools will cherry pick the best behaved and the brightest... or segregate by race or ethnicity.
But this school has a 60-40 racial split.
It may be cherry-picking the best parents out of the system though.
sot tape three 21:44:30

((CHERYL ELLIS/CHARTER SCHOOL TEACHER: SO WHEN I CAME HERE AND I WAS HEARING "THE PARENTS REALLY WANT TO BE INVOLVED," AND I WAS THINKING "YEAH I KNOW, PARENTS REALLY LIKE TO BE INVOLVED, BUT LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THESE PARENTS. WE HAD FOUR GRAND OPENINGS IN TWO WEEKS.))
runs=:11

BUTT BUTT
sot tape three 12:45:07

((CHERYL ELLIS/CHARTER SCHOOL TEACHER: 350 PARENTS CAME TO THE FOURTH GRAND OPENING IN TWO WEEKS. THEY'RE SERIOUS.))
runs=:08


The local Superintendent fought the school's startup as harmful to the existing schools -- but now he says he's neutral.
sot TWIFORD TAPE 13;29:24

((TRAVIS TWIFORD/NASH-ROCKY MOUNT SUPERINTENDENT: TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, AS A PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR, I'M A LITTLE BIT JEALOUS. BECAUSE THEY'RE GIVEN FREEDOM TO NOT BE CONSTRAINED BY STATE REGULATIONS. AND I FEEL LIKE THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SHOULD HAVE THAT SAME OPPORTUNITY.))
runs=:16


He predicts parents will eventually teacher-shop, picking the regular school or the charter school based on that year's teacher.
sot tape two 12:03:34

((TIFFANI WALLACE/CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENT: IT'S GREAT. What do you like about it? THE TEACHERS. THE STUFF THAT WE LEARN. AND HOW WE LEARN IT.))
runs=:08


It is money that both sides in the debate say is the biggest stumbling block.
sot TWIFORD TAPE 13:29:47

((TRAVIS TWIFORD/NASH-ROCKY MOUNT SUPERINTENDENT: THERE'S IN OUR SITUATION IN EXCESS OF TWO MILLION DOLLARS OF LOCAL AND STATE MONEY THAT'S LEAVING OUR BUDGETS AND GOING INTO THE CHARTER SCHOOL BUDGETS.))
runs=:09


Still, the charter school gets NO capital funds.
It retro-fitted an old JC Penney store.
So far, its library is empty.
A loan pool from the state would help.
But without money, there are fewer strings -- more room for innovation.
sot TWIFORD TAPE 13:49:07

((TRAVIS TWIFORD/NASH-ROCKY MOUNT SUPERINTENDENT: SO I THINK THAT THEY CAN CAUSE CHANGE FASTER THAN WE CAN. AND THAT'S WHY I SAID "I SURE WISH THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WOULD TAKE THE SHACKLES OFF OF US.))
runs=:09



sot standup


Charter schools haven't been around long enough for independent evaluations of performance.
That leaves other states to decide if they're willing to wait.
Ellen Qualls, News 7.))

Two-Steve


ANCHOR=Kimberly
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=spa
TAPE#MR-1
GRAPHIC=NONE


The newest animated feature in the movie theaters is not a Disney product.
Last weekend it ranked eighth in ticket sales and pulled in more than Three million dollars.
Here's Anna Wentworth with her review of Anastasia.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Fox outfoxes
SUPER=13-Anna Wentworth/Arts Reviewer; :00
SUPER=18-"Anastasia"-20th Century Fox; :11
SUPER=18-Anna's Grade "B"; :49
RUNS=:54
OUT Q=historical fact

((Fox outfoxes Disney with its charming musical fantasy, "Anastasia." The only problem is that this story of the Russian Romanov has no historic basis.
The animation is grand and the voices will cast.
Meg Ryan is a spunky Anya, an orphan who may be the only remaining member of the Russian aristocracy. Two con men plan to pass her off as Anastasia in order to receive the reward offered by Anastasia's grandmother. John Cusack is the voice of the attractive Dimitri and Kelsy Grammer brings life to Dimitri's partner is crime, Vladimir.
Here Raputin is a villain returned from the underworld to complete his curse against the Romanov's by getting rid of Anastasia once an for all. There is a cute dog, villainous bat and lots of pleasant songs. "Anastasia" gets a B. It's not a bad choice for the holidays, but it's simply a fairy tale, not historical fact.))
Talent=Kimberly
(Kimberly reads 3-Weather)

2-HEADLINES
SUPER=#4050; Headline Banner
ANCHOR=Melanie


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


There's been a shooting in the main post office in Milwaukee.
At least two people are dead.
The gunman was an employee.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
ANCHOR=Kimberly


After a 30-hour siege, the day-care hostage standoff in Plano, Texas, is over.
A gunman surrendered last night after freeing the last of the hostages -- his young son and stepson.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
ANCHOR=Melanie


And fellow comics and fans are mourning the death of Chris Farley.
The former "Saturday Night Live" cast member was found dead yesterday in his Chicago apartment.
He was 33.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Kimberly


And that's what's making news on this Friday, December 19th.
ANCHOR=Melanie


News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

2-POSTAL-SHOOTING


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=mel
TAPE#Net
GRAPHIC=Shooting


Police in Milwaukee this morning are investigating a shooting at the city's main post office.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Milwaukee, WI


Police say a postal employee opened fire early this morning.
They say he shot three people before turning the gun on himself.
At least two people are dead.
It happened on the third-floor sorting room.
(----------------)
Talent=Melanie
SS=Shooting


Witnesses say there were about 15-hundred workers in the building at the time.
They all fled when they heard the gunshots.
One witness counted 12 shots.

2-Daycare-hostages


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=mel
TAPE#Net
GRAPHIC=Standoff


A tense hostage drama at a daycare facility ended without violence this morning in Plano, Texas.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Plano, TX;


Police say 33 year-old James Monroe Lipscomb, who took dozens of children hostage, released his last two captives last night and then surrendered peacefully.
At a news conference following Lipscomb's surrender, police said the incident started with a domestic situation, and that remained a key issue in their negotiations.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=

(( BRUCE GLASSCOCK/PLANO POLICE CHIEF IT WAS A LONG-TERM DOMESTIC SITUATION THAT DEVELOPED OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS AND UNFORTUNATELY ERUPTES INTO WHAT OCCURED THE OTHER DAY. ))
SUPER=01-Bruce Glasscock/Plano Police Chief;
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=THE OTHER DAY.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


The two remaining children were Lipscomb's own son and step son.
Neither of them was hurt.
(----------------)



2-FARLEY


ANCHOR=Kimberly
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#Net
GRAPHIC=None


Investigators will perform an autopsy today on the body of comedian Chris Farley.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Chicago, IL;


Farley was found dead Thursday in his apartment in Chicago.
He was just 33.
SUPER=@File;


Farley was perhaps best known for his stint on "Saturday Night Live", playing overweight, sweaty, high strung characters--an inspiration from his idol John Belushi.
Belushi died of a drug overdose in 19-82, also at the age of 33. 17 Farley also starred in several movies including "Tommy Boy," " Beverly Hills Ninja" and "Black Sheep."
(----------------)



BOSNIA


ANCHOR=Kimberly
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#Net
GRAPHIC=Bosnia


It's official. American troops will stay in Bosnia indefinately.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Washington, DC;


Yesterday President Clinton said the peacekeeping mission would be extended well past the June 19-98 deadeline.
Some 8-thousand U-S troops are in the former Yugoslvia as part of a NATO- led stablization force of 32 thousand.
Mr. Clinton said they can't come home until the job is done.
(----------------)



E-Soldier


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=Dal
TAPE#97-87
GRAPHIC= Bosnia


One Roanoke soldier serving in Bosnia has packed a lot into his visit home, including a trip down the aisle.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;


Yesterday turned out to be the perfect day for Sgt. Frank Davilla (Da-Villa) and his girlfriend, Tracey to tie the knot.
Frank is on a two week leave.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 14:21:50
IN Q=OUR MISSION

((SGT. FRANK DAVILLA/1ST BATALLION 115TH INFANTRY: OUR MISSION SPECIFICLY IS TO PROTECT THE BRIDGE.))
SUPER=01-Sgt. Frank Davilla/1st Batallion 115th Infantry;
RUNS=:07
OUT Q=THE BRIDGE
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Tracey and Frank have been together for five years.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 14:25:54
IN Q=I'VE KINDA BEEN

((TRACEY DAVILLA/NEWLYWED: I'VE KINDA BEEN THROUGH THIS WITH HIM BEFORE. THIS TIME IS A LITTLE EASIER BECAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT IT'S NOT AS HARD. JUST WORK. KEEP MYSELF BUSY.))
SUPER=01-Tracey Davilla/Newlywed;
RUNS=:11
OUT Q=KEEP MYSELF BUSY
(----------------)
VO-NAT


The honeymoom will have to wait until Frank returns home in late May.
The Davillas are planning a trip to Disney World and then a stop in Puerto Rico to visit Frank's mom.
(----------------)


3-Tease-Live
ANCHOR=Melanie 2 shot


Still to come, it's a cross country journey that brings to mind the pioneer days.
Talent=Kimberly 2 shot


Only this trip is for modern day teenagers who have lost their way. We'll have more when we return.
Lottery-Chyron Bump-Chyron
Comm Break #5

Lottery
Pick 3/Pick 4
SUPER=69-8/5/8/4/5/4/5;



SUPER=#555; RESET



Wagon-Train


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=lba
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=NONE

****ANCHOR TAG*****
A cross country trip may not be the first thing to come to mind when you're looking for ways to be tough on crime.
But that's just what one group of teenagers is doing to serve their time.
They are traveling through Texas in a wagon train.
As Jay Gormley reports, this unique program gives troubled teens a sense of survival by teaching the ways of the pioneers.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=
SUPER=12-Azle, TX; :00
SUPER=13-Gary French/Vision Quest Trooper; :24 QUICK
SUPER=13-Valerie Espinosa/Vision Quest Trooper;:38
SUPER=13-Jay Gormley/Reporting;1:04
RUNS=1:37
OUT Q=time well served

((((feet front of the deck at a 45 degree angle. Head and eye balls straight to the front.))
WELCOME TO A BOOT CAMP THAT'S ALWAYS ON THE MOVE. ((Move... huh huh huh... hurry up))
A BOOT CAMP WHERE THEY CIRCLE THE WAGONS EVERY DAY. WELCOME TO VISION QUEST...HOME TO TROUBLED TEENS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SHARE OF RUN-INS WITH THE LAW. ((It's a lot better than being locked up.))
FOR 15 YEAR OLD GARY FRENCH... IT WAS EITHER JAIL OR TIME SPENT WITH VISION QUEST. GARY IS JUST ONE OF 40 TEENAGERS WHO WERE ONCE INVOLVED IN EVERYTHING FROM DRUG DEALING TO DRIVE BY SHOOTINGS.
(SOT)

CG-VALERIE ESPINOSA, VISION QUEST TROOPER ((I've been in military programs before. But this is the strictest military program I've been in.))
BUT THERE'S MORE TO VISION QUEST THAN STRICT DISCIPLINE. YOU SEE... PART OF THE PROGRAM INVOLVES A FOUR MONTH TRIP ACROSS THE COUNTRY BY WAGON TRAIN.
EVERY MORNING, THESE KIDS PACK UP AND MOVE OUT TO A DIFFERENT LOCATION. FOR THE NEXT MONTH, THEY'LL BE TRAVELING TEXAS.
(SOT)

CG-JAY GORMLEY, REPORTING ((Vision Quest has a two fold purpose. Number one... to install a sense of discipline. And number two... the kids here learn responsibility. Meaning, they have to feed and care for the animals.))
(nats)

((Big tough gangster kids and we can't even do a little bitty push up))
IN BETWEEN THE PUSHUPS... FEEDING THE MULES... AND CLEANING THE TENTS
THERE'S STILL TIME FOR SCHOOL.
IN FACT FOUR HOURS A DAY IS DEVOTED TO EDUCATION.
THE HOPE HERE IS... ONCE THEIR TIME IS SERVED AT VISION QUEST.
THEIR TRIP BACK IN SOCIETY WILL BE TIME WELL SERVED.))
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=NONE


That was Jay Gormley reporting.
The Vision Quest program is based in Tucson, Arizona and has been in existence since 19-77.

S-Columbia


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=tfl
TAPE#597-51
GRAPHIC=Columbia


In medical news, Columbia HCA officials are now responding to this week's announcement that Virginia's largest health insurer is dropping three Columbia-owned hospitals from one of its plans.
Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield and Columbia have been in contract negotiations for the past several months.
Columbia officials say the talks were held in good faith.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Lewis-Gale, Montgomery Regional and Pulaski Community Hospital C-E-O's say they submitted numerous proposals to Trigon.
And up until this past Monday--hospital officials claim they were led to believe they were in the Preferred Provider Organization and final negotiations were still underway.
Trigon has now entered into an exclusive agreement with Carilion Health System.
(----------------)



Health-Check


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=lba
TAPE#=NET
GRAPHIC=Mornin Health Check


Elsewhere, it's that time of year--when many of us will be exposed to the flu.
Mika Brzezinski has that story and more in this morning's Health check.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=
SUPER=01-Mika Brzezinski/Reporting; :00 quick
SUPER=@File; :06
RUNS=1:10
OUT Q=CBS News, New York.

(( THE FLU SEASON IS UPON US, ACCORDING TO A NEW GOVERNMENT REPORT. FEDERAL HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY FLU HAS BEEN CONFIRMED IN AT LEAST 27 STATES...AND IT'S STILL ON THE RISE. RESEARCHERS SAY THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF FLU CASES APPEARS TO BE INFLUENZA TYPE A. THAT'S THE TYPE INCLUDED IN THIS WINTER'S FLU VACCINE. BUT DOCTOR'S CAUTION, SOME PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD A SHOT, STILL MAY COME DOWN WITH THE FLU. THE GOVERNMENT SAYS IT HAS TAKEN THE FIRST STEPS TO MAKING IT EASIER FOR COUPLES TO HAVE CHILDREN. THE C-D-C HAS RELEASED ITS FIRST-EVER CONSUMER REPORT ON SUCCESS RATES OF FERTILITY CLINICS. IT'S AVAILABLE OVER THE INTERNET, BUT OFFICIALS CAUTION THE REPORT SHOULD NOT BE USED TO RANK OR GRADE CLINICS. SINCE SOME SPECIALIZE IN MORE DIFFICULT FERTILITY CASES AND WOULD NATURALLY HAVE LOWER SUCCESS RATES. THE F-D-A SAYS THE SEAFOOD INDUSTRY IS BATTENING DOWN THE HATCHES WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD SAFETY. UNDER NEW RULES, SEAFOOD PROCESSORS MUST IDENTIFY POTENTIAL HAZARDS SUCH AS MERCURY, PARASITES, BACTERIA AND OTHER TOXINS. THE INDUSTRY WILL ALSO TAKE MORE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT RISKS. AND THAT IS TODAY'S MEDICAL HEADLINES. I'M MIKA BRZEZINSKI CBS NEWS NEW YORK. ))
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=None
(ad lib toss to bump)

BUMP-Chyron
COMM #6



E-Pilot


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=tte
TAPE#97-80
GRAPHIC=NONE


A Danville pilot has not let medical problems keep him down--not when he prefers to be up, flying high.
Tina Tenret has the story of pilot Charles Scott.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=What we're going to do
SUPER=03-Danville; :00
SUPER=01-Charles Scott/Diabetic Pilot; :26
SUPER=@Tina2; 1:35
RUNS=1:38
OUT Q=TT, News7, Danville
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=

((WHAT WE'RE GOING TO DO...))
RUNS=:05


((Charles Scott counts on these wings to carry him past the clouds.
The government denied him 15 years of flying and he's not about to lose another minute.
When Scott was 29 a doctor diagnosed him with diabetes -- and his flying career crashed with a thud.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 11:12:19
IN Q=After being

((CHARLES SCOTT/PILOT: AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED YOU GET A COUPLE OF SHOCKS. ONE, YOU REALIZE YOUR HEALTH IS NO LONGER PERFECT. YOU'VE LOST YOUR JOB AND I'D LOST MY HOBBY.))
RUNS=:16
OUT Q=lost my hobby


After writing countless letters to congressmen and lobbyists, Scott changed the federal rulebook -- now diabetics can fly.
He checks his blood sugar level before, during, and after every flight -- carries sugary snacks just in case.
He still savors the taste of victory.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 11:24:14
IN Q=It was super

((IT WAS SUPER. IT WAS LIKE BEING ABLE TO WALK AGAIN. I SYMPATHIZE WITH ANYONE IN A WHEEL CHAIR. IT WAS LIKE BEING ABLE TO STAND UP AND WALK AGAIN.))
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=walk again
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 11:15:26
IN Q=It really is like

((IT REALLY IS LIKE SITTING IN GOD'S HAND. YOU GET TO GO UP. THE PRETTIEST SITE I THINK I HAVE EVER SEEN IS TO LOOK AT THE EARTH FROM 51,000 FEET. IT'S ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS.))
RUNS=:17
OUT Q=absolutely gorgeous


The win is bittersweet -- Scott can no longer fly commercially.
That means he cannot earn money as a pilot or as an instructor.
But for Scott, that's just another hurdle to leap.
Tina Tenret, News7, Danville))

2-E-Skiier-Death


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=JJA
TAPE#Net G
GRAPHIC=NONE


Officials at Snowshoe Mountain ski resort say a 9-year old skier died after hitting a tree yesterday.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Snowshoe, WV


The victim was on vacation from Jacksonville Florida- but his name is being withheld until relatives are notified.
The boy was skiing with his father and sister but was not in their sight when the accident happened.
The death is the first at Snowshoe this year and the fourth in the resort's 24 years of operation.
(----------------)



2-E-Roanoke-drums


ANCHOR=Kimberly
NEWSCAST=11
WRITER=KHu
TAPE#97-86
GRAPHIC=Roanoke City Seal


It's still a mystery as to what exactly is contained in several barrels dug up this week at the Roanoke city Public Works Service Center.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/Tuesday


Seven containers were un-earthed Tuesday.
FORTY-THREE containers have turned up.
Excavation was completed Wednesday night at the Service Center.
That's where they keep and repair city vehicles, but the city attorney wouldn't say whether these substances could have come from the garage.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 14:39:25 Dibling
IN Q=We're not prepared

((WE'RE NOT PREPARED TO IDENTIFY NOR ARE WE ABLE TO IDENTIFY WHO PLACED THIS MATERIAL ON CITY PROPERTY OR HOW IT GOT THERE OR WHEN IT GOT THERE.))
SUPER=01-Will Dibling/Roanoke City Attorney
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=it got there.(double out)
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Dibling says it's possible the containers were there when the city bought the property 23 years ago. He can't say how long they've been there.
(----------------)



S-Legislation


ANCHOR=Kimberly
NEWSCAST=Morn
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#97-79
GRAPHIC=Lynchburg City Seal


Lynchburg city leaders are making a list and checking it twice--
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg


City leaders and their local delegates sat down yesterday to discuss priorities for the next session of the General Assembly.
Lynchburg wants to make sure it gets the state money it's been promised for projects like sewer repair and economic development.
Senator Steve Newman says the state should be able to fund those one- time expenses this year.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 2:05:40
IN Q=I think it's

((SEN. STEVE NEWMAN/R- LYNCHBURG: I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT THAT IF WE'RE GOING TO HAVE LESS PROSPERITY IN THE FUTURE, THAT WE ARE NOT SPENDING IT ON JUST AGENCY EXPENSES WHICH MEANS IT WILL JUST CONSTANTLY GROW AND GROW AND GROW, SO THIS IS A BIG CHANGE, I THINK, IN OUR BUDGETING.))
SUPER=01-Sen. Steve Newman/(R) Lynchburg; :00
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=in our budgeting.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Also: Lynchburg doesn't want the elimination of the personal property tax to affect other state funding.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 2:02:12
IN Q=That's definitely

((MITCH NUCKLES/L'BURG COMMISSIONER OF REVENUE: THAT'S DEFINITELY A CONCERN OF THE LOCALITIES. IT HAS TO BE A DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR REPLACEMENT AND ALSO SOME FACTOR OF THE GROWTH. PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX GROWS ON AVERAGE BETWEEN SEVEN AND TEN PERCENT A YEAR, SO A GROWTH FACTOR DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE PUT INTO THE FACTOR.))
SUPER=01-Mitch Nuckles/Commissioner of Revenue; :00
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=into the factor.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Senator Newman promised the group that the tax cut plan WILL be passed in the Senate.
(----------------)


Local-Recap
SUPER=#4059;Local Recap
2-Shot=Mel/Kmc
ANCHOR=Melanie


Now here's another look at today's top local stories:
(----------------)
VO-NAT
ANCHOR=Melanie


a nine year old Florida boy is dead after an accident on the slopes of Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia. The boy crashed into a tree--it's the first accident at the ski resort this year.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
ANCHOR=Kimberly


Authorities still don't know what the substance is that's contained in more than 40 barrels that have been found buried at the Roanoke city Public Works Service Center.
Some workers think the containers may have been underground for more than 20 years.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
ANCHOR=Melanie


And a Danville pilot who was banned from flying because of his diabetes is back up in the air. Charles Scott's case prompted changes in federal flying regulations.
(-------------)
ANCHOR=Kimberly
(Kimberly mic hot)
(///////////////)
2 shot=Mel/Kmc
(Kimberly ad lib weather)
(-------------)
2-Shot=MEL/KMC

(ad lib bye)
by SS