[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

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


After days of jury selection, testimony is scheduled to begin today in the capital murder trial of Jeffrey Allen Thomas.
Thomas stands accused of killing 16-year old Tara Munsey.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


And we'll have highlights from last night's public hearing on a proposed bio-medical research and technology park in Roanoke.
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
(ad lib weather)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)

[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


Newx 7 Mornin is next.

[11Thomas]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=00-49]
[GRAPHIC=Thomas Trial]


Testimony is set to start today in the capital murder trial of Jeffrey Allen Thomas.
Attorneys have picked 27 of the 28 people who will be narrowed down to 12 jurors today.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pulaski;]


Thomas is accused of shooting 16-year old Tara Munsey to death last year during what prosecutors call a rape or attempted rape.
His defense attorneys still contend the case was too heavily publicized for Thomas to receive a fair jury trial in Pulaski County.
The trial is expected to last at least two weeks and include testimony from more than 80 witnesses.
(------------)



[BioMed-Center]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=00-53]
[GRAPHIC=none]

A proposed biomedical research and technology park in Roanoke has taken another step forward.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The project was discussed in detail during a public hearing and comment period last night.
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

If the project is approved by Roanoke city council... the park would be located on a 110- acre site near downtown Roanoke. About a half dozen people spoke during the hearing. All voiced support-- but one business owner did say he hoped he and others would be justly compensated if they were to relocate.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 19:47:13]
[IN Q=When we ask]

((BRAD ALLEN/ROANOKE BUSINESS OWNER: WHEN WE ASK SOMEONE TO SACRIFICE LET'S MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF OUR FAIR AND JUST COMPENSATION MEASURES AWE HAVE IN PLACE ARE ADHERED TO.))
[SUPER=01-Brad Allen/Roanoke Business Owner;]
[RUNS=06]
[OUT Q=are adhered to.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Roanoke city council, planning commission and Redevelopment and Housing Authority were also at the public hearing. All three have to decide whether to go with the plan. But city council has the ultimate say on the project when it meets March 19th.
(------------)



[11L'burg-Council]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=01-06 TC50:53]
[GRAPHIC=Lynchburg Seal]


The state of the city of Lynchburg is "good", but there are many challenges ahead.. that was the message from the city's mayor last night.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]


Carl Hutcherson delivered his first State of the City address as Lynchburg mayor.
In front of a packed audience inside city council chambers, Hutcherson said Lynchburg has a lot of things to be proud of.. including its diverse and dedicated workforce.
But with the city budget process looming, leaders say they'll have difficult decisions to make in the coming months.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 22:07:09]
[IN Q=As we continue]

((CARL HUTCHERSON/LYNCHBURG MAYOR: AS WE CONTINUE ON THIS YEAR'S BUDGET CYCLE, BOTH THE CITY AND THE LYNCHBURG SCHOOL SYSTEM WILL HAVE TO MAKE A NUMBER OF DIFFICULT DECISIONS AND SACRIFICES IN ORDER TO MEET OUR OBLIGATIONS. LYNCHBURG CITY COUNCIL IS COMMITTED TO CONTINUING THOSE CORE SERVICES THAT YOU AS CITIZENS HAVE COME TO RELY UPON.))
[SUPER=01-Carl Hutcherson/Lynchburg Mayor]
[RUNS=22]
[OUT Q=come to rely upon.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The city also presented Awards of Excellence to seven people for their contributions to Lynchburg.
They included former Region 2000 director Rodger Fauber, school board member Harry Smith and Liberty University chancellor Reverend Jerry Falwell.
(------------)



[11South-Boston]


[ANCHOR=shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=01-01 TC1:16:45]
[GRAPHIC=None]


Clifton Forge residents will soon decide whether to remain a city or become a town.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-South Boston]


South Boston underwent a similar change not too long ago.
Six years ago, South Boston reverted from a city to a town.
Town officials say the move improved services and saved money.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 16:54:40]
[IN Q=The town had an enormous]

((TED DANIEL/TOWN MANAGER: THE TOWN HAD AN ENORMOUS TAX BURDEN ON IT. BUT BY BECOMING PART OF THE BIGGER COUNTY GROUP THEY WERE ABLE TO SPREAD THAT ACROSS.))
[SUPER=01-Ted Daniel/Town Manager]
[RUNS=11]
[OUT Q=spread that across]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Residents immediately saw their real estate taxes cut in half.
But some changes took longer.
For example, the city and county are now just talking about sharing library services and 9-1-1 operations.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[SS=None]


Clifton Forge residents will vote next Tuesday on whether to revert to a town and become part of Alleghany County.

[Microsoft]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Microsoft]


Making national headlines--
A federal appeals panel will take up arguments for a second day in the Microsoft battle with the government.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC;]


Yesterday, the judges asked both sides some tough questions.
They challenged Microsoft attorneys to prove the company didn't hurt competitors.
And they asked government lawyers to justify why they should uphold a lower court ruling last summer to break up the company.
Microsoft claims it never violated anti-trust laws.
The government, meanwhile, says Microsoft had a monopoly.
(------------)


[Ray-Lewis]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]


More legal trouble for Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-File Tape;]


Lewis is being sued for 10- million- dollars in a wrongful death case, stemming from a double- homicide outside an Atlanta nightclub a year ago.
He was charged with killing two men after a post- Super Bowl Party.
The charge was eventually dropped.
Lewis pleaded guilty to misdemeanor obstruction of justice.
The suit was filed on behalf of the one- year- old daughter of one of the victims.
It also names former Lewis companions Joseph Sweeting and Reginald Oakley, who were acquitted of murder charges.


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


[Marketwatch]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=NET]
[GRAPHIC=Business News]


In business news, The feeling is growing on Wall Street that Chairman Alan Greenspan and the Fed will ease again before next month's meeting. Alexis Christoforous has that story and more in this morning's Marketwatch.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Alexis Christoforous/Reporting; :00 ]
[RUNS=1:46]
[OUT Q=your local stocks.]





(tape tosses to stocks)

[STOCKS] [COMM]

[11Akers-Execution]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=00-49 TC1:37:07]
[GRAPHIC=Akers]


His attorneys are trying to stay his execution.
But condemned killer Thomas Akers says he wants to die.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Rocky Mount/January 1999;]


Akers is one of two men convicted of murdering 24-year old Wesley Smith in December, 1998.
Smith's body was found in a Franklin County field. He was beaten to death with a baseball bat.
One of the witnesses scheduled to attend Thursday's execution, is the victim's father, Wayne Smith.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 01:46:45]
[IN Q=It's nothing that I'm really]

((IT'S NOTHING REALLY THAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING, BUT IT'S MY WAY OF PUTTING CLOSURE IN THAT, AND KNOWING IN MY MIND THAT IT'S OVER WITH, WILL BE ONE LESS CHAPTER THAT I CAN TURN OFF AND I WON'T HAVE TO REHASH AND RELIVE. AND AT LEAST I DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HIM WALKING THE STREETS AND DOING IT TO SOMEONE ELSE.))
[SUPER=01-Wayne Smith/Wesley Smith's Father]
[RUNS=:22]
[OUT Q=doing it to someone else.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=none]


Akers refused to file any appeals and he threatened to kill again if the state doesn't carry out the death sentence.
But his attorneys have asked the Virginia Supreme Court to stop the execution, arguing that Akers is mentally ill and has brain damage.

[11Wolverine-Cuts]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=01-03]
[GRAPHIC=Layoffs]


About one-hundred workers at a Montgomery County company are losing their jobs...
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg]


Wolverine Gasket of Blacksburg announced the lay-offs yesterday.
The reduction is effective March 5th and is expected to last at least through the end of that month.
Officials say a slumping auto industry is to blame and that since January,Wolverine's business of making car gaskets is down 40-percent.
(------------)



[11Carilion]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=00-50 TC1:55:53]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]


A former Carilion doctor is told by a judge to either move his practice or PAY for the right to practice.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem/February 7]
[TAPE#=500-20 TC1:41:29]


Dr. William Ball's contract with Carilion stipulated he must wait two years before practicing in the area after his contract expired.
Carilion says Dr. Ball failed to honor that non-compete clause.
Ball argued the clause didn't apply since his contract ended in September.
(---------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=none]


The court sided with Carilion.
Ball will now have to move his primary care practice at least 25 miles away from its original location, or buy back his right to practice from Carilion.
Ball's lawyer says he plans to appeal.

[Health-Check]


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


In medical news, patients believe communication is a top priority during a doctors visit.
And acupuncture may help relieve aching joints.
Doctor Dave Hnida has those stories and more in this morning's Health check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Dave Hnida/Reporting; :00 ]
[RUNS=1:16]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]

((Information: ON CAM WORDS SPEAK LOUDER THAN ACTIONS- AT LEAST WHEN IT COMES TO DOCTORS AND PATIENTS.

VT=VO

THE BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL REPORTS PATIENTS WOULD LIKE MORE TALK- AND LESS ACTION FROM THEIR DOCTORS WHEN THEY GO IN FOR A VISIT. IN THIS STUDY. MOST PATIENTS SAY WHAT THEY'D LIKE MOST IS TO DISCUSS WHAT THEY CAN DO TO GET HEALTHIER- AND HAVE A SAY IN THEIR TREATMENT. LOWEST ON THE LIST OF DESIRES: HAVING A BIG EXAM DONE- OR GETTING A PRESCRIPTION.
VT=VO

LOOKING FOR WAY TO HELP YOUR ACHING JOINTS? THINK ACUPUNCTURE, A STUDY FROM THE UNIV OF MARYLAND SHOWS THOSE THIN LITTLE NEEDLES PROVIDE BIG RELIEF WHEN IT COMES TO ARTHRITIS- ESPECIALLY SEVERE ARTHRITIS. AFTER 3 MONTHS OF REGULAR ACUPUNCTURE- MOST PATIENTS SAID THEY HAD LESS PAIN AND STIFFNESS.
ON CAM
FINALLY TODAY- IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOME YOUNGER LOOKS=- GET IN LINE.

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF COSMETIC SURGERY SAYS MORE AMERICANS THAN EVER BEFORE ARE HAVING LIFTS NIPS AND TUCKS. THE NUMBER ONE COSMETIC PROCEDURE: LIPOSUCTION - ALMOST 700-THOUSAND DONE LAST YEAR. THATS A LOT OF FAT TO SUCK OUT. NEXT ON THE LIST: EYELIDS FOLLOWED BY FACELIFTS AND BREAST AUGMENTATION, THAT'S A LOOK AT SOME OF THE DAYS TOP HEALTH STORIES. I'M DR. DAVE HNIDA FOR CBS NEWS.))
(Kimberly tosses to bump)


[bump-chyron] [Streaming-Video]
[comm #3]


[2-HEADLINES]
[2-shot=KMC/SYO]
[SUPER=#4049; Morning Headlines]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


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


As a pool of 28 jurors is narrowed down to 12, testimony will begin today in Jeffrey Thomas' capital murder trial.

Defense attorneys question whether Thomas can get a fair trial in Pulaski county.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Shannon]


Governor Gilmore has ordered a state hiring freeze and a halt in "discretionary spending" by state agencies.


That follows Gilmore's executive order to make up to 15- percent cuts to the existing two year budget.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


And Bourbon Street is covered with beads--
It's Mardi Gras week in New Orleans.
We'll have highlights from the big party in the Big Easy.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


And that's what's making news on this Tuesday, February 27th .
[ANCHOR=Shannon]


News 7 Mornin' will be right back.



[2-11Thomas]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=00-49]
[GRAPHIC=Thomas Trial]


Testimony in the capital murder trial of Jeffrey Allen Thomas is set to begin today.
Attorneys have picked 27 of the 28 people who will be narrowed down to 12 jurors today.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pulaski;]


Thomas is accused of shooting 16-year old Tara Munsey to death last year during what prosecutors call a rape or attempted rape.
His defense attorneys still contend the case was too heavily publicized for Thomas to receive a fair jury trial in Pulaski County.
The trial is expected to last at least two weeks and include testimony from more than 80 witnesses.
(------------)



[2-BioMed-Center]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=00-53]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Residents, business owners and others voiced their opinions on a proposed biomedical research and technology park in Roanoke.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The project was discussed in detail during a public hearing and comment period last night.
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

If the project is approved by Roanoke city council... the park would be located on a 110- acre site near downtown Roanoke. About a half dozen people spoke during the hearing. All voiced support-- but one business owner did say he hoped he and others would be justly compensated if they were to relocate.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 19:47:13]
[IN Q=When we ask]

((BRAD ALLEN/ROANOKE BUSINESS OWNER: WHEN WE ASK SOMEONE TO SACRIFICE LET'S MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF OUR FAIR AND JUST COMPENSATION MEASURES AWE HAVE IN PLACE ARE ADHERED TO.))
[SUPER=01-Brad Allen/Roanoke Business Owner;]
[RUNS=06]
[OUT Q=are adhered to.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Roanoke city council, planning commission and Redevelopment and Housing Authority were also at the public hearing. All three have to decide whether to go with the plan. But city council has the ultimate say on the project when it meets March 19th.
(------------)



[2-11L'burg-Council]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=01-06 TC50:53]
[GRAPHIC=Lynchburg Seal]


Lynchburg's mayor says the state of the city is "good", but there are many challenges ahead.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]


Last night, Carl Hutcherson delivered his first State of the City address as Lynchburg mayor.
In front of a packed audience inside city council chambers, Hutcherson said Lynchburg has a lot of things to be proud of.. including its diverse and dedicated workforce.
But with the city budget process looming, leaders say they'll have difficult decisions to make in the coming months.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 22:07:09]
[IN Q=As we continue]

((CARL HUTCHERSON/LYNCHBURG MAYOR: AS WE CONTINUE ON THIS YEAR'S BUDGET CYCLE, BOTH THE CITY AND THE LYNCHBURG SCHOOL SYSTEM WILL HAVE TO MAKE A NUMBER OF DIFFICULT DECISIONS AND SACRIFICES IN ORDER TO MEET OUR OBLIGATIONS. LYNCHBURG CITY COUNCIL IS COMMITTED TO CONTINUING THOSE CORE SERVICES THAT YOU AS CITIZENS HAVE COME TO RELY UPON.))
[SUPER=01-Carl Hutcherson/Lynchburg Mayor]
[RUNS=22]
[OUT Q=come to rely upon.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The city also presented Awards of Excellence to seven people for their contributions to Lynchburg.
They included former Region 2000 director Rodger Fauber, school board member Harry Smith and Liberty University chancellor Reverend Jerry Falwell.
(------------)



[Higher-Education]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=00-48]
[GRAPHIC=none]


The Higher Education Center in Roanoke is shaping up to be a learning experience for everyone involved in its construction.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


Big changes are in the works.
This parking lot set to hold about 90 vehicles will be complete by early Spring.
The coffee shop is brand new -- it opened its doors last week.
And this is the future site of a new day care center.
But a tea party in the library?
Folks at the Higher Ed Center say that's nothing new.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=We've got 13]

[tc:00:1:04] ((JAY STEPHENS: WE'VE GOT 13 DIFFERENT SCHOOL HERE, WE ALSO HAVE WORKFORCE TRAINING. WE RENT OUT ROOMS TO BUSINESS OR NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHO WANT TO DO TRAINING OR HAVE MEETINGS HERE. SO WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, IT'S NOT JUST STRUCTURED CLASSROOM LEARNING.))
[RUNS=11]
[SUPER=01-Jay Stephens/Higher Education Center]
[OUT Q=classroom learning.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


15 institutions, including Virginia Tech, Hollins and Radford have teamed up to bring high-tech education to the Roanoke Valley.
(------------)
[Anchor=Shannon]
[SS=none]


News 7 Business reporter Jennifer Miele will have more on the changes coming up tonight on News 7 at 6.[Mardi-Gras]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]


It's "Fat Tuesday".
At least a million tourists are in New Orleans to celebrate the Big Easy's biggest party.
Teri Okita reports from Mardi Gras.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-New Orleans, LA/Last Night; :00]
[SUPER=01-Teri Okita/Reporting; :23]
[SUPER=01-"Rex"/Mardi Gras King; :39]
[RUNS=1:22]
[OUT Q=Okita, CBS News, New Orleans.]

((
LOCATOR: NEW ORLEANS, LA/LAST NIGHT WEIGHED DOWN WITH BAUBLES AND BEADS, PARTY-GOERS ON BOURBON STREET ARE LETTING IT ALL HANG OUT.

MOS SOTS


Stand Up: Teri Okita/CBS NEWS "These throws or beads originated as a symbol of the upper class bestowing gifts on the masses standing on the streets. Now, they're just momentos of a good time at Mardi Gras.
WITH THE RIVERSIDE ARRIVAL OF REX, THE KING OF MARDI GRAS, THE FAT TUESDAY FESTIVITIES GOT UNDERWAY.

SOT: "Rex"/King of Mardi Gras
SOT: It looks great so far."


"REX" IS A NEW ORLEANS BUSINESSMAN, CHOSEN EACH YEAR, TO BE THE GRAND POOBAH OF THE MAIN PARADE. THE CROWDS HAVE ALREADY TURNED OUT FOR A HANDFUL OF OTHER PARADES, INCLUDING THIS ONE, THROWN BY THE KREWE OF ORPHEUS WITH WHOOPI GOLDBERG AND GLENN CLOSE.
MARDI GRAS MARKS THE LAST DAY OF REVELRY BEFORE THE CHRISTIAN SEASON OF LENT BEGINS. EVERYWHERE YOU TURN, IT'S CRAZY COSTUMES, MERRY MASKS, AND FUNNY HATS AND THE TRUE SURVIVORS ARE THOSE WHO CAN OUTPLAY AND OUTLAST THE REST AND MAKE IT TO MIDNIGHT. TERI OKITA, CBS NEWS, NEW ORLEANS. ))

[Bush-Address]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=George W. Bush]


Tonight, President Bush will take his one-point-nine- trillion- dollar budget to Congress.
Bush's plane will call for a "fair and responsible" tax cut, a reduction of the national debt, and an increase in spending for areas like education.
He adds that some spending cuts are needed to protect the surplus.

The President says his plan will bring fiscal sanity to the budget.[11Gilmore-Budget]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=500-6 TC1:56:40]
[GRAPHIC=None]


The state budget battle continues--
The Governor has ordered a state hiring freeze and a halt in "discretionary spending" by state agencies.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond;]


The action follows Governor Jim Gilmore's Saturday night executive order to make up to 15 percent cuts to the existing two year budget.
The General Assembly adjourned without a new budget compromise Saturday night.
That left the Governor with last year's budget -- based on higher revenues than the state has actually collected.
So the balanced budget act could require 419- million dollars in cuts.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 15:06:23]
[IN Q=All the actions that we are]

((ALL THE ACTIONS THAT WE ARE TAKING ARE BEING REQUIRED BY LAW AND BEING REQUIRED BY THOSE ACTS. THIS IS NOT WHAT I WANT TO DO. IT'S WHAT I THINK WE ... IMPACT ON THEM IS MINIMIZED.))
[SUPER=@Gilmore;]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=impact on them is minimized.]
(-------------)
[TALENT=Shannon]
[SS=None]


The Governor has ordered lawmakers to return to Richmond in late March to try again for a budget compromise.
Gilmore blamed the Senate for the emergency spending freeze 15 times during yesterday's news conference.
Virginia Beach Republican Senator Ken Stolle (STAH-lee) is calling the budget emergency "ridiculous" and unnecessary melodrama.

[11Science-Museum]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=01-12 TC1:47:12]
[GRAPHIC=None]


The Science Museum of Western Virginia has announced some big changes.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

Last year-- the museum received 725- thousand dollars in state funding. But the museum may not get any for the upcoming year. Yesterday-- the museum announced a series of cuts to deal with the projected shortfall. Starting March 18th, the museum will close on Sundays and Mondays. The museum will also lay off 19 part time employees. Full time employees at the museum will also take a 10- percent cut in pay.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 01:08:41]
[IN Q=We would]

((KEN SCHUTZ/SCIENCE MUSEUM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: WE WOULD JUST HOPE THAT THE PUBLIC WOULD BEAR WITH US AND ENJOY WHAT IS HERE FRO THE 12 MONTH PERIOD AND VOTE AND LOBBY IN A WAY THAT WOULD HELP ASSURE THAT WE WOULD HAVE FUNDING RESTORED IF WE DO INDEED LOSE IT.))
[SUPER=01-Ken Schutz/Science Museum Exec. Director; ]
[RUNS=13]
[OUT Q=lose it.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The museum will also suspend contributions to its employees retirement plan.
(------------)


[Local-Recap]
[SUPER=#4059;Local Recap]
[2-Shot=Kmc/Syo]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


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


Testimony is set to start today in the capital murder trial of Jeffrey Allen Thomas.
Attorneys have picked 27 of the 28 people who will be narrowed down to 12 jurors today.
Thomas is accused of shooting 16-year old Tara Munsey to death last year during what prosecutors call a rape or attempted rape. The trial is expected to last at least two weeks.

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Shannon]

Plans to build a proposed biomedical research and technology park in Roanoke were discussed at a public hearing last night. If the project is approved by Roanoke city council... the park would be located on a 110- acre site near downtown Roanoke. About a half dozen people voiced support-- but one business owner did say he hoped he and others would be justly compensated if they have to relocate.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


Wolverine Gasket of Blacksburg announced it will layoff about one hundred employees.
The reduction is effective March 5th and is expected to last at least through the end of that month.
Officials say a slumping auto industry is to blame. Since January,Wolverine's business of making car gaskets is down 40-percent.

(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
(Shannon mic hot)
(///////////////)
(Shannon ad lib weather)
(-------------)

[2-SHOT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


Now here's Keith Humphry with a preview of News 7 at Six.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Tonight we go]
[RUNS=18]
[OUT Q=on News 7 at 6.]
(-------------)
[Double Boxes=Kimberly/Shannon and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)

(ad lib bye) [Double Boxes=Kimberly/Shannon and Steve]
by SS