[7-81-Ax]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=81 Accident]



We have some morning travel news to pass along.
Rescue crews are trying to free the driver of an overturned tractor trailer on Interstate 81.
(XXXXXXXX)

[TAKE FULL SCREEN MAP]

The rig overturned in the northbound lanes just before six.
The accident is near mile marker 162 in Botetourt County-- that's the first Buchanan exit.
One lane has reportedly reopened. Traffic will be detoured off the interstate at exit 156 and back onto the highway at exit 162.

(-----------)



[7-Brzonkala]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Christy Brzonkala]


The woman who accused Virginia Tech of sexual discrimination has met with school officials to discuss a possible settlement of her lawsuit against the school.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@file]


Christy Brzonkala says she was raped in her dorm by two Hokie football players.
Brzonkala filed the lawsuit in 19-95, claiming Tech created a hostile environment when she accused the players.


A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in 19-96, but an appeals court recently told him to review the case.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=HOLD]


A federal magistrate issued a gag order yesterday barring those who attended the meeting from discussing the talks.
A Tech spokesman says the meeting was sought by Brzonkala's attorney.


[7-Reyes]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=99-]
[GRAPHIC=None]


Anti-abortion activist John Reyes (RAY-iss) has been released from a Lynchburg jail, after serving three of his six- month sentence for trespassing.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]


Reyes walked out of the Lynchburg city jail around 5 this morning. One of his staunchest supporters, the Reverend Richard Knodel (kuh-NO-del) was there to greet him.
The former Liberty University student had been convicted for his role in staging an anti-abortion rally at E. C. Glass High School in 1997.
Operation Rescue Director Flip Benham also served a six- month jail term.
Benham and Reyes will hold a news conference today to discuss their cases.
(------------)



[7-Redistricting]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Boty School Redsitricting]


Many Botetourt county residents are unhappy with the county's school redistricting plans.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Botetourt Co.]


Last night, parents and their children had a chance to look at the maps.
Overcrowding at Cloverdale Elementary school was one reason for the change -- but parents like Linda McFarland say what the board is proposing doesn't make sense.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=we don't understand]

((LINDA MCFARLAND/PARENT: WE DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU'RE TAKING A CHILD AWAY WHO IS A MILE AWAY FROM THEIR SCHOOL AND WANTING TO SHIP THEM TO ANOTHER SCHOOL IN ANOTHER DISTRICT.))
[SUPER=01-Linda McFarland/Parent]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=in another district]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


School board members say their hands are tied.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=so they're not]

((MIKE BEAHM/SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER: MOST OF THEM HAVE LIVED HERE THEIR ENTIRE LIVES AND THEY'RE THE ONES BEING IMPOSED UPON AT THIS POINT OPPOSED TO OTHERS THAT LIVE IN SUBDIVISIONS AND ARE RELATIVELY NEW TO THE COUNTY.))
[SUPER=01-Mike Beahm/Botetourt Co. School Board;]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=to the county]
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]


The board says the quality of the children's education is what they're keeping in mind.
A recommendation on the plans is expected to go to the school board later this week.
(------------)



[7Weather]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=tar]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]


Here's a look at your mid week forecast...
Sunny and warmer today with highs in the low to mid 40s.
Tonight clear and cold, with temperatures in the upper teens to low 20s.

[SUPER=X5000; set dissolve]
[SUPER=314-Sunny & Warmer/Winds NW 5-10/40-45/Clear & Cold/Light Winds/18-22;]
[SUPER=#555; reset]





[45-81-Ax]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=81 Accident]



We have some morning travel news to pass along.
A tractor trailer overturned his rig on Interstate 81 just before six this morning.
(XXXXXXXX)

[TAKE FULL SCREEN MAP]

The accident is in the northbound lane near mile marker 162 in Botetourt County-- that's the first Buchanan exit.
Traffic will be detoured off the interstate at exit 156 and back onto the highway at exit 162.
No word yet on the condition of the driver.
(-----------)



[45-Roanoke-Fire]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=99-]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]


Roanoke firefighters were busy this morning battling a house fire.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


Firefighters responded to the call on Patterson Avenue just after midnight.
When they arrived flames were shooting out of a window.
Everyone got out safely.
Fire investigators are working to determine the cause.
(------------)


[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]

[45-Trailer-Fire]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=99-]
[GRAPHIC=None]


[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Botetourt Co.]


About an hour earlier, a mobile home in Botetourt County went up in flames.
No one was injured in the fire at the Hollins Mobile Home Park.
Firefighters had the flames out in minutes.
(------------)



[45-E-Trade-Protest]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=sgo]
[TAPE#=99-38 1:33:24]
[GRAPHIC=None]


The White House says violent protests in Seattle against the World Trade Organization will not keep President Clinton from addressing the group today.
Yesterday Union workers in Martinsville staged their own W-T-O protest.
(//////SOT///////)
[SOT]
[InQ=So we tell them]
[SUPER=03-Martinsville]
[OUTQ=we are the Union. -- DOUBLE OUT!!!]
[runs=:03]
(-----------------)

[vo-nat]
They rallied against China's potential entry into the World Trade Organization...
Saying it would give U-S companies one more country where they could send American jobs.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 7:08:09]
[IN Q=I'VE GOT 22]

((LUCY HAIRSTON/UNITE! UNION: I'VE GOT 22 YEARS INVESTED. THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WITH 40-50 YEARS INVESTED IN THIS COMPANY. WE HAVE NOTHING TO LOOK FORWARD FOR NOTHING IS GOING TO GET BETTER BECAUSE CHINA WORKS FOR LESS.))
[SUPER=01-Lucy Hairston/UNITE! Union]
[RUNS=11]
[OUT Q=china works for less]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The UNITE union rallied in front of Tultex.
It's one apparel company that has sent hundreds of jobs to other countries where the labor is cheaper.
The union blames free-trade deals ... like NAFTA ... a deal that removed trade barriers between the U-S, Canada and Mexico.
(------------)



[45-OSHA-Proposal]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=tfl]
[TAPE#=99-]
[GRAPHIC=Workplace Injuries]


It's an ergonomics proposal that means more protection for employees, but less control for industry.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposal covers any job that includes repetitive motion, from nurses and secretaries to anyone who uses a computer.
A Roanoke Occupational Medicine Physician says that puts pressure on the company to prove the employee ISN'T suffering from a work-related injury.
And takes away incentive for employees to return to work.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT tc 01:53:02]
[IN Q=You can have]

((DR. HETZAL HARTLEY/MEDICAL DIRECTOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH: YOU CAN HAVE AN EMPLOYEE THAT SAYS THEY'RE STILL SUFFERING FROM PAIN BUT YOU CAN'T PROVE IT, THEY DON'T FEEL LIKE THEY CAN RETURN TO WORK YET AND SO YOU'RE PAYING SOMEONE TO BE OFF WORK YET YOU CAN'T REALLY DOCUMENT THAT THEY NEED TO BE OFF WORK.))
[SUPER=01-Dr. Hertzel Hartley/Occupational Therapist; ]
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=off work.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Virginia businesses may implement the OSHA proposal within a few months.
(------------)



[45-Nelson-Sheriff]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=None]


They're mourning the loss of their sheriff in Nelson County.
Ronald R. Wood suffered a stroke Thanksgiving, and was taken to Lynchburg General Hospital where he died last night.
Wood served as sheriff for the last 8 years and was recently elected to another term, he was with the department for 26 years.
Ronald Wood was 62.

[45Weather]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=tar]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]


Taking a moment now to check the mid- week forecast...
Sunny and a bit warmer today, with highs in the low to mid 40s.
Staying clear and cold overnight, as lows fall into the upper teens and low 20s.
Looking ahead to the next five days....partly sunny through Friday...with rain likely over the weekend.

[SUPER=X5000; set dissolve]
[SUPER=314-Sunny & Warmer/Winds NW 5-10/40-45/Clear & Cold/Light Winds/18-22;]
[SUPER=#555; reset]





[8-81-Ax]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=81 Accident]



We have some morning travel news to pass along.
A tractor trailer driver overturned his rig on Interstate 81 just before six this morning.
(XXXXXXXX)

[TAKE FULL SCREEN MAP]

The accident is in the northbound lane near mile marker 162 in Botetourt County-- that's the first Buchanan exit.
Traffic will be detoured off the interstate at exit 156 and back onto the highway at exit 162.
No word yet on the condition of the driver.
(-----------)



[8-E-Boty-Schools]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=99-43 1:15:11]
[GRAPHIC=Boty Co School Redistricting]


Botetourt County's school redistricting is drawing fire from parents.
Some children who now live only one mile from school, will have to attend a school seven miles away.
Last night parents and their children had a chance to see the redistricting maps.
Kate Weidaw has the story.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=nat sound]
[SUPER=03-Botetourt Co.; :03]
[SUPER=01-Linda McFarland/Parent; :19]
[SUPER=01-Katie McFarland/Student; :37]
[SUPER=01-Jim McDowell/Parent; :51]
[SUPER=01-Mike Beahm/Botetourt Co. School Board; 1:16]
[SUPER=@Kate2; 1:26]
[RUNS=1:33]
[OUT Q=kwe news 7]

(([NAT SOUND 44:47]
[RUNS= 5]

Parents are not happy with the Botetourt County school board's redistricting plans for students. Overcrowding at Cloverdale Elementary school was one reason for the change -- but parents like Linda McFarland say what the board is proposing doesn't make sense.
[SOT 47:32]
[INQ=]

((LINDA MCFARLAND/PARENT: WE DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU'RE TAKING A CHILD AWAY WHO IS A MILE AWAY FROM THEIR SCHOOL AND WANTING TO SHIP THEM TO ANOTHER SCHOOL IN ANOTHER DISTRICT.))
[OUT=]
[RUNS= 9]

For Linda's daughter Katie, going to Greenfield next year would mean a seven mile ride. But Katie says she doesn't want to leave her friends and will miss Cloverdale.
[SOT 50:24]
[INQ=]

((KATIE MCFARLAND/STUDENT: I DON'T WANT TO CHANGE TEACHERS BECAUSE I HAVE ALL THE TEACHERS MY BROTHER HAD.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 5]

As parents and their children looked at the lines on the map outlining the new districts some were keeping an open mind about the plan.
[SOT 41:51]
[INQ=]

((JIM MCDOWELL/PARENT: I'M NOT TO KEEN ON THE IDEA I DON'T KNOW ALL THE REASONS WHY BUT I'LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 10]

School board members say their hands are tied.
[SOT 59:20]
[INQ=]
((MIKE BEAHM/SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER: WE'RE ABSOLUTELY NOT GONG TO MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY. [SOT 58:59]

MOST OF THEM HAVE LIVED HERE THEIR ENTIRE LIVES AND THEY'RE THE ONES BEING IMPOSED UPON AT THIS POINT OPPOSED TO OTHERS THAT LIVE IN SUBDIVISIONS AND ARE RELATIVELY NEW TO THE COUNTY.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 16]

The board says the quality of the children's education is what they're keeping in mind. A recommendation on the plans is expected to go to the school board later this week. Kate Weidaw News 7 Botetourt County.))

[8-Nelson-Sheriff]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=None]


Nelson County's sheriff has died.
Ronald R. Wood suffered a stroke Thanksgiving, and was taken to Lynchburg General Hospital where he died last night.
Wood was with the department for 26 years, and served as sheriff for the last eight.
He was recently re-elected to another term.
Wood was 62 years old.

[8Weather]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=AM Cutins]
[WRITER=tar]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]


Time again to check the forecast...
Sunny and a bit warmer today, with highs of 40 to 45.
Tonight promises to be clear and cold again, with lows around 20.
The next five days will gradually warm up into the 50s and low 60s...with rain possible again by the weekend.

[SUPER=X5000; set dissolve]
[SUPER=314-Sunny & Warmer/Winds NW 5-10/40-45/Clear & Cold/Light Winds/18-22;]
[SUPER=#555; reset]


by SS