WDBJ 7 morning news for 11/29/99

[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Fire fighters battle a five alarm fire this morning in Campbell County.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

While the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle doesn't get under way until tomorrow, the protests have already begun.
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
Time to head back to work after the long holiday weekend---

You'll be greeted by variable clouds and cool temperatures this morning...with a sharp cooldown by this time TOMORROW morning.
Forecast details, coming up.
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)
[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

[Campbell-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=99-45 TC54:45]
[GRAPHIC=Campbell-Fire]

Five fire companies battled a blaze in Campbell County early this morning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Campbell Co.]

The fire at Hyland Auto Parts on Timberlake Road destroyed two buildings.
Some fifty firefighters tried to save the business, but could not.
Timberlake Road was closed for a time-- but has just re-opened.
(------------)

[E-Holiday-Traffic]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=99-49 00:29:49]
[GRAPHIC=HOLIDAY TRAVEL]

The holiday travel crush is coming to an end, but not before causing some major tie-ups.
Last night, traffic on Interstate 77 coming into Virginia from North Carolina was backed up about 20- miles due to construction.
The situation on Interstate 81 was NOT as severe but state police say traffic was heavy.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

Both Interstates saw their share of accidents and delays yesterday, as travelers headed back to school and home after the holiday break.
[SOT 1:39:16]
[INQ=we've experienced]
((SGT. TOM FOSTER/STATE TROOPER: WE'VE EXPERIENCED ONE FATALITY SO FAR THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND STATE WIDE WE'VE EXPERIENCED 16 FATAL CRASHES THIS WEEKEND.))
[SUPER=01-Sgt. Tom Foster/State Police]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUTQ=crashes this weekend.]
(----------)
[VO-NAT]

Nationwide-- an estimated 28- million people were expected to travel by car between Wednesday and Sunday.
(------------)

[E-Deer-Cars]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=99-43 1;08:42]
[GRAPHIC=none]

It's not just holiday traffic causing accidents in our area -- but deer.
As Joy Sutton reports-- there's a reason the four legged creatures are putting themselves in harm's way this time of year.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=It's hunting season]
[SUPER=@File; :00]
[SUPER=01-Sgt. Tom Foster/State Police; :09]
[SUPER=07-Robison Triplett; :32]
[SUPER=07-Jim Mitchell; :41]
[SUPER=@Joy1; :52]
[SUPER=04-November 11; 1:13]
[RUNS=2:03]
[OUT Q=news 7]
(( It's hunting season -- and officials say that means a lot of deer are coming out of the woods and onto the roads.

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT1:34:22]
[IN Q=This time of year]
(( THIS TIME OF THE YEAR THERE'S A LOT MORE ACTIVITY IN THE WOODS, HUNTERS GOING INTO THE DEER'S HABITAT AND CAUSING THEM TO COME OUT. ALSO THE VEGETATION IS BEGINNING TO DECREASE AND THE DEER COME OUT OF THE MOUNTAINS INTO THE SUBURBS AND GRAZE ON LAWNS AND GRASS PLANTED ON THE ROADWAYS.))
[RUNS= 19]
[OUT Q=on the roadways]

And if you're like most motorists you've probably spotted a few deer.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:46:57]
[IN Q=Coming home]
((ROBIN TRIPLETT:COMING HOME I'M REAL CAUTIOUS LOOKING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD A LOT TO SEE IF ONE WILL COME OUT AND HIT THE CAR BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF THEM OUT THERE))
[RUNS= 8]
[OUT Q=out there]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:47:44]
[IN Q=They'll come out]
((JIM MITCHELL:THEY'LL COME OUT OVER THE ROADS,AND IF YOU'VE EVER SEEN SOME OF THE CARS THAT HAVE BEEN HIT BY A DEER IT CAN TEAR THEM UP PRETTY BAD ))
[RUNS= 7]
[OUT Q=pretty bad]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:45:31]
[IN Q=Sometimes the deer]
((JOY SUTTON/REPORTER: SOMETIMES DEER APPEAR OUT OF NOWHERE CATCHING DRIVERS BY SURPRISE. BUT OFFICIALS SAY IT'S NOT ALWAYS BEST TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING ONE))
[RUNS= 9]
[OUT Q=hitting one]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:34:59]
[IN Q=Were we usually see]
((SGT. FOSTER/VA STATE POLICE:WHERE WE USUALLY HAVE MORE SERIOUS INJURY RESULT IS WHEN THE MOTORIST TRIES TO AVOID THE DEER AND THEY RUN OFF THE ROAD AND STRIKE A STATIONARY OBJECT SUCH AS A LARGE TREE OR THEY SWERVE TO THE OTHER DIRECTION ON A TWO LANE ROAD AND STRIKE ONCOMING VEHICLES HEAD-ON ))
[RUNS= 13]
[OUT Q=head-on]

The driver of this vehicle swerved to avoid a deer and ended up hitting a ditch and flipping the vehicle on it's side.
That's why officials advise staying in your lane -- and applying the brakes quickly.
Officials say there have been 49 crashes in Roanoke, Montgomery and Botetourt counties in November alone -- and every year state police say there is at least one fatality here locally.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:34:04]
[IN Q=Typically in this ]
((TYPICALLY IN THIS AREA DEER RELATED CRASHES INCREASE FROM AROUND 4 TO 5 PERCENT TO 12 TO 15 PERCENT DURING HUNTING SEASON))
[RUNS= 10]
[OUT Q=pre-dawn hours]

Officials say it's good to use your high beams in spotting a deer -- but once you encounter one it's best to put your lights on low beam so that the animal is not distracted.
Also keep an eye out for more deer during the early evening hours just after sunset and the very early pre-dawn hours.
Joy Sutton, News 7. ))
(------------)

[E-Danville-Murder]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=99-38 1:24:06]
[GRAPHIC=Murder]

An 18- year old was shot and killed early yesterday morning outside a Danville nightspot.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville;]

Police say Torrenzo Dewhan Bennett of Ringgold was shot with a handgun in the shoulder, thigh and left side.
Authorities found Bennett outside Phatty Bobalatti's Pub and Grill on Piney Forest Road, just after midnight.
Police have arrested and charged a 17 year old with murder as well as the attempted murder of another man.
(------------)

[Seattle-protest]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=CLINTON]

After taking a few days off for thanksgiving...it's back to work today for President Clinton.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington DC;]

He'll sign a spending package in the rose garden that includes funds for more teachers and police.
Later in the week, the president will address the world trade organization in Seattle.
[SUPER=03-Seattle, WA;]

The week long W-T-O Conference is expected to attract as many as 50-thousand protesters.
Some early arrivals have already gotten started.
Dozens of anti World Organization protesters have claimed control of an abandoned apartment, building...illegally squatting in the belief that free trade...and the W-T-O..are overpowering basic human rights...such as housing.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
((WE BELIEVE THAT HOUSING IS A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE, AND BASICALLY WE'RE HERE TO JUST HAVE A FUNCTIONING HOUSEHOLD OF PEOPLE WHO CAN COOPERATE WITHOUT AUTHORITARIAN RULE."))
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=authoritarian rule.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The protesters also say the W-T-O is more concerned about profits than worker safety, compensation and the environment.
(------------)

[1-Sports]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]

In sports, Roy Stanley has highlights from around the N-F-L, including the Skins overtime win over the Eagles.
Good Morning Roy.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good morning]
[RUNS=2:12]
[OUT Q=later on Morning]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(Melanie ad lib toss to Kimberly/Wx)

[One-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke;]
[SUPER=01-Debbie Harris/Artist;]
[SUPER=01-Bill Kohler/Artist;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke;]

(toss to stocks)
[STOCKS] [COMM] ((Archive: art))

[2-Campbell-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=99-45 TC54:45]
[GRAPHIC=Campbell-Fire]

A Campbell County business was destroyed by fire early this morning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Campbell Co.]

The fire at Hyland Auto Parts on Timberlake Road destroyed two buildings.
Some fifty firefighters tried to save the business, but could not.
Timberlake Road was closed for a time-- but has just re-opened.
(------------)

[E-House-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=99-44 1:06:14]
[GRAPHIC=fire]

A family watched their home go -up in smoke yesterday afternoon in northwest Roanoke.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Authorities say the fire started in the kitchen of this home on the corner of tenth street and Courtland Avenue -- and quickly spread to the rest of the house.
Charlotte Parker says she and her grandchildren were outside raking leaves, when she noticed smoke coming from inside her house.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 6:11:13]
[IN Q=I didn't get no further]
((I DIDN'T GET NO FURTHER THAN THE DOOR TO TRY AND REACH FOR THE TELEPHONE THE SMOKE WAS SO BLACK IN THERE I COULDN'T SEE, AND THE SMOKE WAS SO STRONG I THOUGHT IT WAS BETTER FOR ME TO GET OUT.))
[SUPER=01-Charlotte Parker/Resident]
[RUNS=11]
[OUT Q=get out]
(----------)
[VO-NAT]

Authorities say food left cooking on the stove is to blame -- but they are calling the fire an accident.
The house was a total loss.
Parker and her family rented the home and will stay with relatives.
(------------)

[hsing-hsing]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Now that Washington National Zoo's beloved Hsing-Hsing has been put to sleep, there are only five giant pandas in the United States.
Three are in the San Diego Zoo and there are two in Atlanta.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington DC;]
[3:07:46]
Hsing Hsing was 28, or roughly 90 human years.
The maladies of old age, including kidney failure and arthritis, had left the zoo with no choice but to put him to sleep.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
(( LISA STEVENSON, NATIONAL ZOO, ASSOCIATE CURATOR.:IT BECAME VERY CLEAR TO US THAT WE COULD NOT MAINTAIN HIS QUALITY OF LIFE. EVERYTHING BECAME AN EFFORT FOR HIM. IT WAS AN EFFORT FOR HIM TO GET UP. IT WAS AN EFFORT FOR HIM TO EAT, AND HE WAS VERY TIRED.))
[SUPER=01-Lisa Stevenson/National Zoo;]
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=and he was very tired.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The panda is one of the world's most endangered species.
Experts believe there are about one-thousand left, living in the mountains of China.
(------------)

[Health-Check]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=NET]
[GRAPHIC=Mornin Health Check]

In medical news, doctors are no longer telling pregnant mothers not to exercise.
Doctor Dave Hnida has that story and more in this morning's Health check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Dave Hnida/Reporting; :00 ]
[RUNS=1:14]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]
((We used to think exercise and pregnancy were not a good mix. That it was dangerous for the mother and the baby. But research shows done properly, exercise not only makes for a healthier pregnancy, but an easier delivery. One study in particular found women who exercised regularly during pregnancy had 80% less C-sections than women who didn't exercise. When it came to labor, the exercisers on average were two hours shorter. And their babies were half as likely to show signs of distress during labor and delivery. But before heading to the gym, a few points to remember. Pregnancy is not the time to take up a new strenuous exercise program such as jogging if you haven't been doing it all along. You also have to make sure your heart rate doesn't go above 140 and you don't get overheated. Its also important to avoid bouncing and lots of jerk motions. You see joints get looser during pregnancy and are more prone to injury. And by all means, after four months, don't do any exercise where you lay flat on your back. It can interfere with blood flow to the body. And last but not least, drink plenty of fluids. You are much more prone to dehydration while you are pregnant. I'm Dr. Dave Hnida for CBS News.))

(ad lib to weather)

[Two-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#NONE]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke;]
[SUPER=01-;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke;]

[Double Boxes=KMC & SPA]
(toss to Kimberly)
((Archive: Art)) [2-HEADLINES]
[2-shot=Mel/Kmc]
[SUPER=#4049; Morning Headlines]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

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

In Campbell County, firefighter are cleaning up a five alarm fire.
The fire at an auto parts store on Timberlake Road closed down that road for a time this morning, but it HAS re-opened.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kim]

While the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle doesn't get under way until tomorrow, the protests have already begun.
Last night, a group of activists took over an abandoned apartment building in downtown Seattle. The protesters -- some wearing masks -- blame global free trade for what they say is a lack of affordable housing.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Employees and visitors are mourning the death of the giant panda Hsing-Hsing at the National Zoo in Washington.
Hsing-Hsing had arthritis, irreversible kidney disease and other ailments of old age.
He had lived to be 28, well beyond the panda's normal life expectancy.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And that's what's making news on this Monday November 29.
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

[3-Campbell-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=99-45 TC54:45]
[GRAPHIC=Campbell-Fire]

More than fifty firefighters battled a blaze in Campbell County early this morning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Campbell Co.]

The fire at Highland Auto Parts on Timberlake Road destroyed two buildings.
Five fire companies tried to save the business, but could not.
Timberlake Road was closed for a time-- but has just re-opened.
(------------)

[2-E-Holiday-Traffic]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=99-49 00:29:49]
[GRAPHIC=HOLIDAY TRAVEL]

After several days of bumper to bumper traffic, the holiday travel crunch is petering out-- but not before causing some major tie-ups.
Last night, traffic on Interstate 77 coming into Virginia from North Carolina was backed up about 20- miles due to construction.
The situation on Interstate 81 was NOT as severe but state police say traffic was heavy.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

Both Interstates saw their share of accidents and delays, as travelers headed back to school and home after the holiday break.
[SOT 1:39:16]
[INQ=we've experienced]
((SGT. TOM FOSTER/STATE TROOPER: WE'VE EXPERIENCED ONE FATALITY SO FAR THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND STATE WIDE WE'VE EXPERIENCED 16 FATAL CRASHES THIS WEEKEND.))
[SUPER=01-Sgt. Tom Foster/State Police]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUTQ=crashes this weekend.]
(----------)
[VO-NAT]

Nationwide-- an estimated 28- million people were expected to travel by car between Wednesday and Sunday.
(------------)

[E-Car-Accident]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=99-42 1:16:26]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]

There were several accidents reported in our area last night.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Botetourt Co.]

This seven car pile up in Botetourt County closed down one southbound lane of interstate 81 near Buchanan.
State police say the accident was caused by drivers following the vehicle in front of them too closely.
Three people were taken to the hospital.
(------------)

[2-E-Deer-Cars]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=99-43 1;08:42]
[GRAPHIC=none]

It's the time of year when deer put themsleves in harm's way as many of them wander onto busy roadways.
Joy Sutton finds out why.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=It's hunting season]
[SUPER=@File; :00]
[SUPER=01-Sgt. Tom Foster/State Police; :09]
[SUPER=07-Robison Triplett; :32]
[SUPER=07-Jim Mitchell; :41]
[SUPER=@Joy1; :52]
[SUPER=04-November 11; 1:13]
[RUNS=2:03]
[OUT Q=news 7]
(( It's hunting season -- and officials say that means a lot of deer are coming out of the woods and onto the roads.

[2-E-Danville-Murder]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=99-38 1:24:06]
[GRAPHIC=Murder]

A teenager faces murder charges after a shooting early yesterday morning outside a Danville nightspot.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville;]

Police say 18-year old Torrenzo Dewhan Bennett of Ringgold was shot in the shoulder, thigh and left side.
Authorities found Bennett outside Phatty Bobalatti's Pub and Grill on Piney Forest Road, just after midnight.
Police have arrested and charged a 17 year old with murder as well as the attempted murder of another man.
(------------)

[2-Seattle-protest]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=CLINTON]

President Clinton is back in Washington this morning, ready for a busy week of fund raising, bill signing, and haggling over global trade.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington DC;]
[3;00:18]
This afternoon he'll sign a spending package in the rose garden that includes funds for more teachers and police.

Later in the week, after fundraising events in California, Mr. Clinton arrives in Seattle for the World Trade Organization Conference.
[SUPER=03-Seattle, WA;]
[3:24:33]
The meeting doesn't get underway until tomorrow, but protests have already begun.
Last night a group of activists took over an abandoned apartment building in downtown Seattle.
(//////SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
((WE'RE HERE BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT HOUSING IS A RIGHT FOR EVERYBODY, WE'RE CREATING THIS SPACE TO TURN IT OVER TO THE HOMELESS, AND WE HOPE THE CITIZENS OF SEATTLE CAN RESPECT THAT AND ACT IN SOLIDARITY."))
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=act in solidarity.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The protesters also say the W-T-O is more concerned about profits than worker safety, compensation and the environment.
(------------)

[Three-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#NONE]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke;]
[SUPER=01-Yvonne Olson/Arts Council of the Blue Ridge]
[SUPER=01-Stephanie Burkholder/Artist]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke;]

[double Boxes=SPA & MEL]
(toss to Melanie)

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=None]
(ad lib toss to bump)
[BUMP-Chyron]
[COMM #6]
((Archive: art))

[church-restoration]

[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A patched-up St. Francis Basilica has reopened in Assisi, Italy -- two years after it was damaged in an earthquake.
The quake sent some of the finest frescoes of medieval Europe crashing down in a cloud of dust.
Seventeen million dollars has been spent so far to restore the basilica, and the job is far from finished.
Allen Pizzey reports from Italy.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[3:26:27]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Assisi, Italy; :00]
[SUPER=01-Nicola Giandomenico/Basilica Priest; 1:08]
[SUPER=01-Allen Pizzey/Reporting; 1:27]
[RUNS=2:00]
[OUT Q=cbs news, Assisi.]
(((Mass/file ceiling falling in/frescoes/restoration work/setup interview) vo: A mass for a moment many thought would never come...the re-opening of the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi. The massive earthquake that sent the vaulted ceilings crashing down killed four people...and reduced the work of the masters of the Italian renaissance to hundreds of thousands of tiny fragments. The frescoes are considered to be among the finest examples of their kind in the world. That they are once again on public display is testament to the dedication of more than 500 of Italy's top restorers...who laboured against all odds to meet the deadline of re-opening before the dawn of the millennium. And what thirteenth century builders did leaves them in awe.
NAT SOT Italian
vo: "I think they were of an extraordinary intelligence"...says structural restorer Paolo Rocchi..."they designed in the best way possible, with one small flaw, they did not think of earthquakes. In a non-seismic area this would never have fallen down." vo: To try to ensure it never falls again...springs have been attached to support arches...which in turn have been reinforced with a combination of carbon-fibre...kevlar and mahogany.
SOT Padre Nicola Giandomenica, Basilica Priest
"All the technologies have been used just to prevent damages for future earthquakes, but we do know that nothing last forever." vo: There are hopes that up to eighty percent of the frescoes of the great master Cimabue and the school of his pupil Giotto can be restored. o/c: Twentieth century technology can restore but it can never hope to recreate the delicate beauty of the 13th century artists..so those portions of the frescoes that cannot be replaced will be left...homage to the destructive powers of nature.
(Containers and church in background/mass)
vo: The earthquake also left thousands homeless...many of whom are still living in containers under the shadow of the basilica on which so much time...effort and money has been lavished. But as one restorer put it...this is a gift not just for Italy...it is for the entire world. A...P...CBS News, Assisi>))

[2-hsing-hsing]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The panda is one of the world's most endangered species.
Experts believe there are about one-thousand left, living in the mountains of China.
And with the passing of the Washington National Zoo's beloved Hsing-Hsing there are only five giant pandas in the United States.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington DC;]
[3:07:46]
Hsing Hsing was 28, or roughly 90 human years.
The maladies of old age, including kidney failure and arthritis, had left the zoo with no choice but to put him to sleep.
The wrenching final decision ....which left keepers and officials in tears....was made yesterday by the zoos deputy director.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
(( HUDSON:Q: WHAT WERE YOUR WORDS? A: ITS KIND OF THE END OF AN ERA. ITS UNFORTUNATE, BUT ITS THE BEST THING TO DO.))
[SUPER=01-McKinley Hudson/Zoo Deputy Director;]
[RUNS=:04]
[OUT Q=and he was very tired.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Hsing - as he was known - had lived his life on the front pages.
After President Nixon's trip to China thawed the Cold War in 1972, the Chinese government sent a pair of the rare pandas to America as a gift.
(------------)

[3-Sports]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]

In sports, Roanoke College picks up a win on the court, and a local coach is honored.
Roy Stanley has more.
Good Morning Roy.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good morning]
[RUNS=2:21]
[OUT Q=great day everybody]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(weather toss)

[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]

Five fire companies battled a blaze in Campbell County early this morning.
The fire at Hyland Auto Parts on Timberlake Road destroyed two buildings.
Timberlake Road was closed for a time, but has re-opened.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Virginia's highways saw their share of accidents and delays, as travelers headed back to school and home after the holiday break.
16 people died in crashes on Virginia roads between Wednesday and Sunday.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

An 18- year old was shot and killed early yesterday morning outside a Danville nightspot.
Police say Torrenzo Dewhan Bennett of Ringgold was shot with a handgun in the shoulder, thigh and left side.
Police have arrested and charged a 17 year old with murder as well as the attempted murder of another man.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
(Kimberly mic hot)
(///////////////)
(Kimberly ad lib weather)
(-------------)
[Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)
(ad lib bye) [Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]