As Larry said, Loudon County is digital so you would need a digital scanner to get the most. There are still a few frequencies and talk groups your scanner can track, but what you will hear will really be limited.
As far as software for your 97, you can go to
www.starrsoft.com and get a 30 day trial version to program it by computer (much easier). The program you want is Win97.
Check the database under Loudon Co and pick the frequencies and talk groups that have an "A" for mode (analog). Also you can look under the Va database and get the state police frequencies. These will be changing in your area w/n the next couple of years and will also require a digital scanner to hear.
If you can afford a digital scanner that's what I'd do (~$500), but you can still get somethings up there.