[News-Heads]

[ANCHOR=Jean]

[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=jja]
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Next on News 7-Vermont's Supreme Court says gay partners have to be given the same rights as married couples. We'll have that story and reaction from Virginia's governor.
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[VO-NAT]

Also the mother of a man suspected of murdering his pregnant girlfriend says she turned in him because she feared for his life.
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[Weather-Head]
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Some more precipitation is on the way, and it may well include some wet snow by late tomorrow afternoon. Details coming up.


[Medical-Head]


[ANCHOR=Tonya]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#med heads]
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In Medical News, doctors tell parents not to share antibiotics with their children.
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[VO-NAT]

and also we'll tell you why a Christmas carol also has some good advice for your holiday snacking.
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[ANCHOR=JEAN]


[open]
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[SUPER=@Jean1;]
[SUPER=@Patrick1;]

[SUPER=@Denise1;][Video-Open]



[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
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(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 15:07:45]
[IN Q=]

((WE'VE BEEN ENGANGED FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS AND IT'S JUST INCREDIBLE TO HAVE THIS DAY COME.))
[RUNS=07]
[OUT Q=this day come.]
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[VO-NAT]


An historic ruling- Vermonts high court rules same sex couples should have the same marriage benefits as opposite sex couples.

(------------)[5-Gay-Marriage]



[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=jja]
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[need supser on na070 governor]
The decision does not mean same sex couples can start lining up for marriage licenses.
The court calls on the legislature to decide whether those benefits should come through traditional marriage or a system of domestic partnership.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Montpelier, VT]


The ruling came after three same sex couples filed suit for the right to marry in Vermont.
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[SOT 15:07:09]
[IN Q=]

((HOLLY PUTERBAUGH/SUED FOR RIGHT TO MARRY: THIS IS AN AMAZING DAY. SUNDAY IN CHURCH THE MINISTER SAID AND I'M GONNA GRACK, I GUESS YOU KNOW WHOSE GONNA CRACK AT THEIR WEDDIGN TOO... SAID HE WISHED AND PRAYED FOR EACH OF US THAT WE SOULD HAVE A CHRISTMAS FILLED WITH LOVE AND JOY. MINE WILL BE.)) ((I THINK THE COURT DID A GOOD JOB. WHAT THEY RULED ESSENTIALLY IS EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO THE SAME PROTECTION AS EVERYONE ELSE. THAT'S SOMETHING I'VE NEVER DISAGREED WITH.))
[SUPER=01-Holly Puterbaugh/Sued for Right to Marry; 00]
[SUPER=01-Gov. Howard Dean/Vermont; :20]
[RUNS=28]
[OUT Q=disagreed with.]
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[5-Gilmore-React]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
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Could Vermont's ruling be applicable in Virginia?
Only if a similar case was decided by our state Supreme Court-- a court that has NOT smiled on gay and lesbian rights in the past.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond]


Governor Jim Gilmore says he expects NO immediate impact in the Commonwealth.
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[SOT 14:06:30]
[IN Q=It's against ]

((GOV. JIM GILMORE: IT'S AGAINST THE PUBLIC LAW, PUBLIC POLICY OF THE COMMONWEALTH, AND I DON'T THINK THAT WILL CHANGE, UNLESS THE LEGISLATURE DECIDES TO MAKE A CHANGE. WHICH I THINK IS UNLIKELY.))
[SUPER=@Gilmore;]
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[OUT Q=is unlikely.]
[TALENT=Jean]
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Virginia law goes so far as to state that "a marriage between persons of the same sex is prohibited."
And in 1997, Abingdon Delegate Joe Johnson got passed into law that "any marriage entered into by persons of the same sex in another state or jurisdiction shall be void in all respects in Virginia."
The Virginia Chapter of the A-C-L-U says that law -- and political realities-- notwithstanding, there's nothing in Virginia's CONSTITUTION which strictly prohibites same sex marriages.


[5-Carruth]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
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[WRITER=jja]
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The mother of Pro-football palyer Rae Carruth says she's the one who turned her son in.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Wildersville, TN/Last Week]


Last week FBI agents arrested Carruth after his mother told a bail bondsmen he was hiding at a Tennessee motel- He was caught as he emerged from a car trunk there.
Carruth's mother Theodry says she hasn't told her son yet that she tipped authorities off, but she says she hopes he understands.
[Super=03-Charlotte/Last Weekend;]


Carruth says she wanted to make sure her son would be safely returned to North Carolina rather than being killed while on the run.
Carruth faces the death penalty for the murder of his girlfriend.
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[5-Hank-Snow]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
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Country music pioneer Hank Snow has passed away. Snow, whose popularity peaked during the 1950's and sixties, was best known for his song "I was Movin' On."
His other hits included, "I Don't Hurt Anymore," and "Golden Rocket."
"I'm Movin On" was on the country charts for almost a year in 1950.
In the mid-1950s, Snow was a mentor to Elvis Presley -- and made concert tours with him.
Hank Snow died today at his home at the age of 85.[(toss to R)] toss to PATRICK [Robin-Tease] [12/20/1999]
[SS=NONE]PATRICK IN WX-CENTER

[WXPRO/FULL] WEATHER MAP TOMORROW FORECAST FIVE DAY FORECAST
[SS=NONE]PATRICK TOSS BACK



[Tease#1]



[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=chr]
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Still to come on the newscast, a local post office is going all out to put it's mark on Christmas,
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[VO-NAT]


And we'll see how the Virginia Tech Hokies are trying to make the holidays a little sweeter for some fans in the hospital.
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[COMM-#1]






[5-Border-Arrest]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
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A suspected terrorist trying to get into the country last week with bomb making materials was stopped by border agents-
Today the federal government honored the inspectors who intercepted the man- and they sent out a warning for Americans to be especially careful this holiday season.
Lisa Hughes has more.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Washington DC;]
[SUPER=01-Raymond Kelly/Customs Service Comm.;]
[SUPER=01-Dan Clem/Customs Inspector;]
[SUPER=01-Sandy Berger/Nat'l Security Advisor;]
[Super=01-Lisa Hughes/CBS News;]
[RUNS=1:44]
[OUT Q=standard outcue.]

((The Customs Service calls them heroes four inspectors from Washington state whose routine border stop last week led to the discovery of bomb-making supplies and the arrest of an Algerian man who may be linked to terrorists. RAYMOND KELLY/CUSTOMS SERVICE COMM.: WHILE WE DO NOT YET KNOW MR. RESSAMS EXACT INTENTIONS, WE DO KNOW THAT HE WAS CARRYING THE PRIMARY INGREDIENTS FOR A VERY POWERFUL BOMB Police are investigating whether Ahmed Ressam may have be connected to terrorist groups in Canada and to Osama bin Ladenthe alleged mastermind of the U-S embassy bombings in Kenya and Nairobi. The inspectors who stopped Ressam say his arrest will stay with them a long time. Dan Clem/Customs Inspector : THE DEVASTATING EFFECT THAT THIS COULD HAVE HADAS THE INSPECTOR SAIDIT DOES CAUSE YOU TO THINK Overnight, Canadian police evacuated a Montreal neighborhood while a bomb detection robot searched Ressams van. Nothing turned up. An international search is underway for a man who may have been his accomplice. Until now, the greatest terrorist threat seemed to be overseas. But Americans are warned to be careful abroad AND at home--especially as cities around the country prepare for major Y2K celebrations. SANDY BERGER, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR: HUGHES STANDUP CLOSE))

[5-Tech-Hospital]


[ANCHOR=jean]
[NEWSCAST=5pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=599-14 1:02:24]
[GRAPHIC=Tech Football]


The Virginia Tech football team is used to thousands of fans cheering them on during the toughest of games.
Today-- the players got a chance to brighten the spirits of those who may need it the most.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg;]


The team arrived at Montgomery Regional hospital this morning to visit folks who may NOT be able to make it home for the holidays.
For players, like Shayne Graham, the opportunity to bring a smile to someone's face was priceless.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 9:31;26]
[IN Q=Not eveyrone]

((SHAYNE GRAHAM/VIRGINIA TECH KICKER: NOT EVERYONE IS ABLE TO BE IN THE CONVENIENCE OF THEIR OWN HOME TO WATCH OUR GAMES OR SEE US FROM THE STANDS SO IT'S NICE TO BE HERE AND HAVE THESE PEOPLE MEET US ONE ON ONE, YOU KNOW TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO US AND GET SOME AUTOGRAPHS SIGNED FOR THEM, JUST TO SEE THEM SMILE IS A VERY NICE FEELING.))
[SUPER=01-Shayne Graham/Virginia Tech Kicker; :00]
[RUNS=:20]
[OUT Q=nice feeling.]
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[VO-NAT]


The team's main goal was to visit the sick-- but they also signed autographs for hospital employees and their families.
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[5-Xmas-Postmark]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5pm]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=599-17 1:06:00]
[GRAPHIC=Postal service]


With the onslaught of Christmas cards and packages, you might not expect to find any holiday spirit inside a post office these days.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Appomattox Co.]


That's NOT the case in Appomattox County, where postmaster Rick Elkins delivers a little holiday cheer with every letter and card he hands out.
Elkins runs the post office in tiny Evergreen, which is besieged every Christmas for its special postmark and cachet (cash-ay).
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 16:45:23]
[IN Q=I have requests]

((RICK ELKINS/EVERGREEN POSTMASTER: I HAVE REQUESTS FOR A LOT OF MAILERS, COLLECTORS WILL SEND IN FOR THE CACHET I PUT ON MY ENVELOPES, I'VE GOT THAT FROM 38 DIFFERENT STATES AND NINE FOREIGN COUNTRIES, AND THEN I GET TREMENDOUS MAILINGS.. PEOPLE DRIVE IN TO HAVE THEIR MAIL CANCELLED HERE. I DON'T NECESSARILY GET THE SALE BUT I GET TO GIVE THEM THE SERVICE AND THAT'S WHAT THE POSTAL SERVICE IS ALL ABOUT.))
[SUPER=01-Rick Elkins/Evergreen Postmaster; :00]
[RUNS=17]
[OUT Q=is all about.]
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[VO-NAT]


Elkins started using the Christmas tree postmark five years ago.
He says he handles about one hundred to two hundred extra letters a day during the holiday season.
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[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5p]
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Stay with us, there's more News 7 to come. After the break, Patrick Evans will have a detailed look at our forecast. And then a little later, he'll be back with some nutritious suggestions for your holiday meals.
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[health music under]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
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Coming up on Health check, parents are warned about the dangers of sharing prescriptions with their different children,
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[VO-NAT]

and we'll see a new exercise program is that is gaining in popularity in the area. It's uplifiting for both the body AND the soul.
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[SOT tc00:12:01]
[IN Q=Membership has grown]

((ONAWA MILLER/WELLNESS DIRECTOR: MEMBERSHIP HAS GROWN EVERYDAY WE USUALLY GET AT LEAST ONE EVERYDAY.))
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[OUT Q=one everyday.]

[health bump]
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[5-Prescriptions]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=599-10 1:56:31]
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As any parent could tell you, a sick child can make life hectic. But doctors are urging those parents, don't turn to leftover antibiotics to save a trip to the pediatrician.
Dr. Deanna Lites reports.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Miami, FL;]
[SUPER=01-Debby Goldwasser/Mother;]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Gal Grijalva/Pediatrician;]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Otto Ramos/Pediatrician;:41]
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[5-Chestnut]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=599-18 1:05:00]
[GRAPHIC=Healthy Eating]


If you're looking for a healthy holiday snack, you don't have to look past the Christmas song for a suggestion.
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[VO-NAT]


It turns out chestnuts roasting on an open fire are a healthy alternative to high fat Christmas snacks.
University of Florida nutritionists say chestnuts contain only one gram of fat. Almonds and cashews have as many as 15 grams.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 13:37:23]
[IN Q=Chestnuts are]

((''WELL, CHESTNUTS CAN REALLY CONTRIBUTE NUTRITIONALLY. THEY ARE A FAIR SOURCE OF POTASSIUM AND SOME OTHER NUTRIENTS, CARBOHYDRATES, AND THEY ARE LOW IN FAT, SUPRISINGLY, COMPARED TO OTHER NUTS SO THEY WOULD BE A REALLY GOOD CHOICE TO ADD TO OUR HOLIDAY SEASON.''))
[SUPER=01-Dr. Linda Bobroff/Nutritionist;]
[RUNS=:13]
[OUT Q=our holiday season.]
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[VO-NAT]


Patrick Evans will be back after sports with some more nutritious snacks coming up after sports.
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[5-Soul-Roots]


[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=5]
[WRITER=tfl]
[TAPE#=99-9 1:54:07]
[GRAPHIC=Exercise]

Northwest Roanoke residents are getting into the groove of a regular exercise routine with the help of the new YMCA Family Wellness Center.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; ]

The Orange Avenue branch is set up specifically for families living in that neighborhood. Wellness Director Onawa (AHN-awa) Miller teaches a unique aerobics workout on Saturday mornings.
(///// NAT SOUND /////)
[SOT ]
[IN Q=We're having]

((ONAWA MILLER/WELLNESS DIRECTOR: WE'RE HAVING AFRO-CENTRIC DANCE CLASS, ENTITLED SOUL ROOTS AND YOU DO GET A WORKOUT BUT ITS ALSO A SPIRITUALLY UPLIFTING CLASS AS WELL SO WE BRING IN SOME CULTURE HERE AS WELL.))
[SUPER=01-Onawa Miller/Wellness Director; :03 ]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=here as well.]
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[VO-NAT]

Members dance to live African and Cuban drumming to get a workout for the mind as well as the body.
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[SOT tc 00:23:25]
[IN Q=The spiritual thing]

((ELLIS HOLMES/DRUMMER: THE SPIRITUAL THING THAT WE TRY TO ACCOMPLISH WITH THE DRUMS AND WITH THE DANCERS ALLOWS THE PERSON TO GET INVOLVED WITH THEIR BODIES AND HAVE FUN, SO WHEN YOU ARE HAVING FUN YOU FORGET ALL ABOUT THE LABORIOUS TERM OF WELL, I'VE GOT TO GO EXERCISE.))
[SUPER=01-Ellis Holmes/Drummer; ]
[RUNS=:19]
[OUT Q=to go exercise.]
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[VO-NAT]


The Center opened on November 1st and already has over 160 members.
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[S5-East]


[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=5pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-60]
[GRAPHIC=TICKER]

Welcome everybody to the two minute sports ticker that begins a little Sugar Bowl rhetoric. The Virginia Tech-Florida State matchup has been raising the eyebrows of college football purists ever since it was announced earlier this month. But Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden says it's time folks quit crying and start recognizing that the Seminoles and Hokies are the chosen few this year.
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[SOT]
[IN Q="We all think...]
[SUPER=01-Bobby Bowden/303 Career Coaching Wins; :00]
[RUNS=:50]
[OUT Q=...MONOPOLIZE ANYMORE."]
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[S5-France]


[ANCHOR=Denise]
[NEWSCAST=5pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-45 11908tc]
[GRAPHIC=BILL FRANCE]

NASCAR President Bill France Junior disclosed today that he is battling a treatable form of cancer. France, who is now 66 years old
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Martinsville/Last Month;:00]

has been in charge of the National Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing since 1972. In 1997, he had a mild heart attack while NASCAR was in Japan for one of its exhibition races. Back in February, France turned over some of his day-to-day responsibilities to Mike Helton, the man on the right of your screen. France's son Brian also is actively involved in NASCAR.
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[S5-EYE]


[ANCHOR=DENISE]
[NEWSCAST=FIVE]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=SP-51 TC 1:20:47]
[GRAPHIC=NFL]


Cleveland's Orlando Brown went to the hospital today with impaired vision after a referee's penalty flag hit him the eye during yesterday's loss to Jacksonville.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Cleveland, OH/NFL;]


The flags are weighted with BBs.
The six-foot-seven, 350 pound tackle whose father lost his sight to glaucoma became enraged and shoved referee Jeff Triplette after the incident.
Brown was ejected for shoving the referee. NFL rules prohibit players from touching officials and Brown will most certainly face a fine and possible suspension.
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[anchor=denise]
[ss=ticker]


Coming tonight at six more on UVA's preparaion for the MICRON Bowl and the NCAA is investigating Florida State.

News 7 at Five will return after this.[5-COOKING]


[ANCHOR=JEAN]
[NEWSCAST=five]
[WRITER=pev]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]


If you're into holiday baking, but want to avoid excess fat & calories, there are several ways to do it.
[Double Boxes=Jean/Patrick in small studio]


Patrick Evans has slipped over to the News 7 kitchen, where he's serving up diet-conscious goodies that won't ruin your waistline over the holidays.
[Live= Full/Microwave]
[SUPER=@Patrick1;]
[SUPER=01-Lee Ann King/Lewis-Gale;]



[ESS/FULL=INFORMATION BOARD]



[Double Boxes=Jean/Patrick]

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