06:00-01

headlines

ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=mornin
WRITER=mel
TAPE#
GRAPHIC=
(----------------)
VO-NAT


In Okinawa, three U-S servicemen are sentenced for raping a 12- year- old Japanese girl.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Melanie


And the Empire State and its 93 G-O-P delegates are up for grabs today. wx-head
(beth ad lib)

live-head
(larry ad lib)
ANCHOR=Melanie 2 shot
SS=2 shot


Don't go away, News 7 Mornin is next.

Japan-Rape


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=mornin
WRITER=MEL
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=Legal Scales


Three U-S servicemen are facing between six and seven years in a Japanese prison for the rape of a 12-year-old Okinawan girl.
The sentences handed down today follow six months of protests against American troops on Okinawa.
Barry Petersen has more.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=In a hushed
SUPER=03-Okinawa, Japan; :00
SUPER=01-Barbara Cannon/Mother; :24
SUPER=01-Barry Petersen/Reporting; :44
RUNS=:58
OUT Q=cbs News, okinawa

(( In a hushed courtroom, the judges gave the Americans a break...not the ten year sentences demanded by prosecutors.
Instead, Sailor Marcus Gill who admitted to the rape...seven years. Marine Rodrico Harp who lied about his role...seven years.
Marine Kendrick Ledet refused to rape the girl when he realized she was so young...only 12 years old...for him six and a half.
BARBARA CANNON/MOTHER:REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE SITUATION IS, I WANT MY SON TO KNOW THAT I LOVE HIM AND I AM WITH HIM.
The rape has fired anti-American sentiment here...demands that the American military pull out.
And in fact the Americans may reduce the size of some bases in Okinawa where they keep more than half the troops stationed in Japan.
The decision at this court house doesn't end the case. appeals could go on for a year. that means anti-american sentiment is going to be around here a lot longer. Barry Petersen, CBS News, Okinawa.))

Campaign-96


ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=mel
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=campaign 96


New Yorkers head to the polls this morning with close to 100 G-O-P delegates up for grabs.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Miami, FL/Yesterday;


Frontrunner Bob Dole is the heavy favorite in today's primary after sweeping Junior Tuesday.
Recent polls show Dole with a better than two-to-one lead over his rivals Pat Buchanan and Steve Forbes
SUPER=03-Colony, NY/Yesterday;


Yesterday Forbes won words of support from former New York Congressman Jack Kemp.
SUPER=03-Nashville, TN/Yesterday;


And while Kemp was endorsing Forbes, Dole received the backing of former candidates Lamar Alexander
SUPER=03-Washington DC/Yesterday;


And Senator Richard Lugar.
Both men dropped out of the race yesterday.
(----------------)



Tultex


ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=Dal
TAPE#96-11
GRAPHIC=tULTEX


Another textile plant is cutting into the fabric of the Southside economy.
Tultex says it'll ELIMINATE up to 140 jobs by the END of the month.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Martinsville/File Tape;


The company public relations officer says the cuts have already begun.
Kathy Rogers says reason is automation.
She says cuts are necessary to keep the company competitive in a slow retail climate.
Rogers says these layoffs affect workers in the cutting and manufacturing departments.
The company hopes it will be able to place at least 20 employees in open positions at the plant.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Beth 2 shot
SS=2 shot


Tuesday, Sara Lee Knit Products announced it is CLOSING its Martinsville facility -- that plant employs 420 workers.
And there's word of MORE layoffs from a Virginia-based company.

Overnite


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=cro
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=none


Overnite Transportation Company will layoff eleven-hundred workers nationwide beginning Monday.
Company officials say its because of declining traffic and low freight rates.
The Richmond based company has 14-thousand employees at more than 170 terminals nationwide.
An Overnite spokesman says the layoffs are being spread among the ranks, and will include positions from high-level managers to office workers and drivers.


BAILEY


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=MEL
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=none


F. Lee Bailey has spent his career keeping clients out of jail.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Tallahassee, FL/Yesterday;


But now, the famed trial attorney finds himself behind bars, arrested on contempt of court charges.
The dispute is over millions of dollars in stock that once belonged to a drug dealer Bailey represented.
Bailey could be locked up for up to six months.
(----------------)




1-Sports


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Mornin
WRITER=cro
TAPE#=sports cut in
GRAPHIC=none


It looks like Virginia Tech has locked up a game with Rhode Island in the Atlantic Ten.
Steve Mason has the details in sports.
Good morning Steve.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=good morning
RUNS=1:35
OUT Q=you then

$CCOFF

One-Larry


ANCHOR=Larry
NEWSCAST=Mornin'
WRITER=ldo
TAPE#M96-3 Movie/Maple Fest
CHROMAKEY=Live/Lobby
GRAPHIC=none



SUPER=15-Larry Dowdy;



(Roll cue:) This week, Anna Wentworth

finds her prince, in Kermit the Frog.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=This voyage has begun...
SUPER=18-"Muppet Treasure Island"; :00
SUPER=24-Courtesy: Walt Disney Pictures; :10
SUPER=13-Anna Wentworth/Arts Reviewer; :56
SUPER=18-Anna's Grade/"B"; 1:00
RUNS=1:10
OUT Q=fans of the TV series.

((MUPPET TREASURE ISLAND/WALT DISNEY PICTURES: THIS VOYAGE HAS BEGUN. WE'LL GO WHERE THE WIND MAY TAKE US.)) Anna Wentworth/Movie Reviewer: The Muppets are back!
Young Jim Hawkins--Kevin Bishop--and pals Rizzo the rat and Gonzo hit the open seas with Kermit--as Captain Smollet--and his crew of misfits.
Tim Curry is delightfully wicked as Long John Silver--the mysterious one-legged man.
Most of the old favorite muppet characters appear and their adventures are engaging AND entertaining.
"Muppet Treasure Island" has a damsel, and this Robert Lewis Stevenson classic goes whole hog with Miss Piggy AND, that musical Muppet touch. ((NAT SO...SONG FROM MUPPET TREASURE ISLAND.))
Bouncy songs and clever allusions help to give "Muppet Treasure Island" a "B", but some of the shipboard scenes drag a bit.
The movie will appeal to adults as well as kids, and especially those who were fans of the TV series.
(-------------)
LIVE=Larry/Full



(Roll cue:) A couple of big weekends coming up in Highland County.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT M96-3
IN Q=It really is...
SUPER=13-Mary Sweitzer/Highland Co. Chamber of Commerce; :00
SUPER=12-Highland Co.; :20
RUNS=1:17
OUT Q=what it is today.
(-------------)
LIVE=Larry/Full



(Toss to Beth)


Chase


ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=kmc
TAPE#96-24
GRAPHIC=NONE


He fled from police for miles-- but this morning he's behind bars.
Shawn Love of Prince George County is being held in Roanoke without bond.
As Kimberly McBroom reports, Love made his first appearance in court yesterday.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q= On the morning after
SUPER=03-Roanoke/Yesterday; :00
SUPER=03-Roanoke/Tuesday Night; :15
SUPER=@Kimberly1; :52
RUNS=1:06
OUT Q=McBroom, News 7

(( On the morning after his epic car chase, 22- year- old Shawn Michael Love attended his arraignment in a wheelchair.
Love also had visible scars on his face--
(/////SOT/////)
SOT nat sound of crash.

(( ))
RUNS=:10


all signs of the injuries he received in this dramatic car crash.
Police officers and state troopers quickly swarmed around Love and the jurvenile girl riding along with him.
Love's alleged crime spree began with an attempted murder charge in Prince George County.
From there, Love headed west.
Authorities believe he robbed three motels in Lynchburg and Amherst county.
But it was a twist of fate that resulted in Love's eventual arrest.
Moments after an A-P-B was issued, a Bedford County deputy who'd stopped to eat at McDonalds saw Love's vehicle pull into the same restaurant.
And it was there where the pursuit began. Standup Tag
In Roanoke, Love is charged with a felony for attempted malicious wounding.
He's also charged with two misdemeanors, including reckless driving and failing to stop for a police car.
His next court appearance will be May 13th.
Kimberly McBroom, News 7.))

B'burg-Shooting


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=tal
TAPE#96-18
GRAPHIC=murder investigation


Blacksburg police believe Robert L. Asbury was so distraught over his broken marriage that he killed his estranged wife and her friend, and then took his own life.
In wrapping up their investigation, police say they've pieced together the fatal events of February 23rd.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Blacksburg/February 23;


It appears Donald Anderson arrived at Susan Asbury's Fairfax Pointe apartment and encountered her estranged husband.
Robert Asbury then shot Anderson four times.
Police say he hid Anderson's body in the garage, and then waited for his wife to get home.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 19:14:53
IN Q=

((LT. B.E. BRADBERY/BLACKSBURG POLICE: SHE WAS MET IN THE KITCHEN BY ROBERT ASBURY, ASSAULTED, TAKEN TO THE THIRD FLOOR MASTER BEDROOM AND SHOT FOUR TIMES. AND THEN ROBERT ASBURY SAT DOWN BESIDE SUSAN'S BODY AND COMMITTED SUICIDE WITH THE SAME GUN. ))
SUPER=01-Lt. B.E. Bradbery/Blacksburg Police;
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=with the same gun.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Bradbery says Asbury left a note behind, apologizing to family members.
(----------------)



Brzonkala


ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=KHu
TAPE#96-19
GRAPHIC=Brzonkala


Christy Brzonkala decided NOT to return to Tech last Fall- -only AFTER she learned one of her alleged attackers would ALSO be back on campus.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/Yesterday


Attorneys for the University went to court yesterday to ask a federal judge to DISMISS Brzonkala's claims.
She insists she had no choice but to leave- -fearing for her safety, after she was raped.
She felt she could not go back to Tech as long as Tony Morrison and James Crawford were still there.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=And we think

((LARRY HINKER/TECH SPOKESMAN: AND WE THINK THAT THAT'S UNFOUNDED SINCE SHE LIVED IN THE SAME DORMITORY WITH BOTH OF THOSE GENTLEMEN FOR SEVEN MONTHS BEFORE BRINGING THIS TO OUR ATTENTION.))
SUPER=01-Larry Hinker/Virginia Tech Spokesman
RUNS=:08
OUT Q=our attention.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Even at a school with 24-thousand students, Brzonkala's lawyer says the Fairfax woman was intimidated.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=During the year

((EILEEN WAGNER/BRZONKALA'S ATTORNEY: DURING THE YEAR SHE AVOIDED CONTACT WHEREVER POSSIBLE. SHE STAYED IN HER ROOM, SHE CHANGED HER APPEARANCE. SHE AVOIDED CONTACT WITH MOST OF THE STUDENTS IN HER DORMITORY.))
SUPER=01-Eileen Wagner/Brzonkala's Attorney
RUNS=:11
OUT Q=her dormitory.
ANCHOR=Beth
SS=hold


A decision from Judge Jackson Kiser is probably AT LEAST a month away- -on whether this case will even be heard in federal court.

Escape


ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=cro
TAPE# edit of prison escape 96-16
GRAPHIC=prison break


Authorities found TWO 17-year-old boys who ESCAPED from the Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Center near a guard shack early today on the Powhatan County prison grounds.
State police say the boys were captured at about one a-m.
The Department of Youth and Family Services, which runs the prison, says the boys climbed a fence to escape early last night.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Powhatan/February 21;


This escape comes about TWO weeks after a convicted murderer and rapist climbed out a kitchen vent and scaled FIVE fences to escape the Powhatan Correctional Center.
He was captured just over a day after his escape.
(------0----------)




Citizens-Police Academy


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=kmc
TAPE#96-3
GRAPHIC=NONE


Some Southside students are learning what its like to be on the right side of the law.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Martinsville/Last Night;


The Martinsville police department has started a teen police academy.
Last night's lesson- learning to pay attention to details at a crime scene.
High- school students go through an eight week mini-version of basic training.
Besides showing them the ropes-- the department hopes to build better rapport with teens.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 7:51:18
IN Q=Young adults that

((DAVID EDWARDS/MARTINSVILLE POLICE CHIEF: YOUNG ADULTS THAT WE'RE GETTING IN THESE CLASSES PROBABLY AREN'T THE KIND THAT'S GOING TO GIVE US A PROBLEM ANYWAY-- I DON'T KNOW. I HOPE WE'VE GOT SOME BORDERLINE PEOPLE IN HERE WHO MAY BE LEARNING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. BUT WHEN THEY COME IN AND SIT THROUGH THIS ACADEMY, THEY'LL MAYBE HAVE A CHANGE OF HEART AND SWING OVER.))
SUPER=01-David Edwards/Martinsville Police Chief;
RUNS=:17
OUT Q=swing over
(----------------)
VO-NAT


The program is also stirring interest among aspiring police officers.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 8:36:24
IN Q=I just want

((JIM LOWELL/MARTINSVILLE HIGH SENIOR: I JUST WANT TO GET AN EDGE ON THE POLICE ACADEMY AND EVERYTHING ELSE-- NOT MUCH OF AN EDGE, OF COURSE-- BUT LEARN A LITTLE BIT MORE THAN I WOULD NOMRALLY GOING INTO IT. ))
SUPER=01-Jim Lowell/Martinsville High Senior;
RUNS=:09
OUT Q=going into it
(----------------)
TALENT=Melanie
SS=none


Students learn patrol and arrest procedures, as well as investigation techniques.

2-scores


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=cro
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=none


Turning now to sports --
The Virginia Tech Hokies will play Rhode Island tonight in the second round of the Atlantic 10 tournament.
Let's take a look at the scoreboards.
(/////////////)
SUPER=#C-200;
SUPER=97-Rhode Island/=85/La Salle/=59//Seton Hall/=80/West Va/=78;
SUPER=97-St. Bonaventure/=72/Dayton/=60//St. Joseph's/=80/Duquesne/=72;
SUPER=97-Boston College/=70/Pittsburgh/=66//Miami/=77/Rutgers/=67;
SUPER=97-Syracuse/=76/Notre Dame/=55//Wisconsin/=54/Penn State/=52;
SUPER=97-Minnesota/=72/Iowa/=64//Providence/=80/St. John's/=72;



SUPER=103-Detroit/==4/Hartford/==2//New Jersey/==2/Toronto/==2;
SUPER=103-Dallas/==2/San Jose/==1//Los Angeles/==3/Edmonton/==2;
SUPER=103-Vancouver/==5/Buffalo/==2;


Two-Larry


ANCHOR=Larry
NEWSCAST=Mornin'
WRITER=ldo
TAPE#M96-3 Puffenbarger Syrup
CHROMAKEY=Live/Lobby
GRAPHIC=none



SUPER=15-Larry Dowdy;



(Roll cue:) The sugar water is flowing in preparation for this weekends start

of the Highland Co. Maple Festival.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Yes, that is right...
SUPER=13-Ivan Puffenbarger/Sugar Orchard Owner; :00
SUPER=12-Highland Co.; :40
RUNS=2:11
OUT Q=from Puffenbarger's this year.
(-------------)
LIVE=Larry/Full



(Toss to Melanie & Beth)


2headlines


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=mornin
WRITER=mel
TAPE#
GRAPHIC=


Here's a look at today's top stories.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


In Japan, three U-S servicemen are given harsh sentences for the rape of an Okinawan schoolgirl.
All three had confessed to some role in the rape of the 12-year-old.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
ANCHOR=Beth


It could be a big day for Senator Bob Dole.
The G-O-P presidential frontrunner is favored to win today's New York primary.
Ninety-three delegates are up for grabs.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
ANCHOR=Melanie


Prominent attorney F-Lee Bailey spent the night in a federal prison.
Bailey is serving a six-month contempt sentence over his failure to turn over stock from a drug dealer.
(----------------)


And that's what's making news on this Thursday, March 7th.
ANCHOR=Beth


News 7 Mornin will be right back.

servicemen


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=mel
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=legal scales


Three U-S. servicemen based in Japan have been convicted in the rape of a 12-year old Okinawan girl.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Okinawa, Japan;


They'll serve sentences ranging from six-and-a-half to seven years in a Japanese prison.
The case strained relations between the U-S and Japan, sparking months of protest that called for the removal of American troops from the island.
(----------------)




primaries


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=mel
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=campaign 96


The New York primary is today, with close to one hundred Republican delegates at stake.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Austin, TX/Yesterday;


Frontrunner Bob Dole bounced right off his eight-primary sweep Tuesday into high-profile endorsements yesterday.
He won words of support from his old rival, former President George Bush and his son Texas Governor George W. Bush.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=

4:21:53 ((SEN. BOB DOLE, R-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE:THIS IS THE ICING ON THE CAKE... WITH SUPER TUESDAY COMING UP. ))
SUPER=01-Sen. Bob Dole/(R) Presidential Candidate;
RUNS=:06
OUT Q=coming up.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Colony, NY/Yesterday;


Steve Forbes picked up a long-sought-after endorsement yesterday from former housing secretary and congressman Jack Kemp.
Kemp said Forbes' economic message has to be brought to the G-O-P platform.
SUPER=03-Nashville, TN/Yesterday;


Meantime, former Tennessee governor Lamar Alexander and Senator Richard
SUPER=03-Washington DC/Yesterday;

Lugar quit the race.
Both endorsed Senator Dole.
(----------------)



Shutdown


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=cro
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=washington dc


Meantime on Capitol Hill --
The House today debates a bill that would fund several government agencies and avoid another partial federal shutdown March 16th.
But President Clinton threatens a veto because the measure and a similar one passed by the Senate contain less money for social programs than he wants.


Carroll-Administrator


ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=tal
TAPE#96-9
GRAPHIC=none


Carroll County administrator Billy Mitchell is suspended WITH pay, and state police are investigating possible MISSING county funds.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@File;


The board of supervisors suspended Mitchell Saturday after an auditor's report turned up some discrepancies.
SUPER=03-Hillsville;


Since then, county attorney Phillip Jones says the auditors have raised MORE concerns.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 14:05:49

((PHILLIP JONES/CARROLL CO. ATTORNEY: THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT'S BEEN GATHERED THOUGH HAS CREATED A SITUATION WHERE PROCEDURALLY IT WOULD BE PROPER TO BRING THE STATE POLICE IN TO INVESTIGATE IT FURTHER. ))
SUPER=01-Phillip Jones/Carroll Co. Attorney;
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=investigate it further.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Mitchell was treasurer of the Industrial Development Authority and the Public Service Authority, which NEWS-7 has learned MAY be focal points of the investigation.
County supervisor Emmett Jones says the board will no longer allow the county administrator--no matter who it is-- to serve in that capacity.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:44:46

((EMMETT JONES/CARROLL CO. SUPERVISOR: AT LEAST, I THINK THREE OF THE AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED TO APPOINT TEMPORARILY A NEW SECRETARY/TREASURER. ))
SUPER=01-Emmett Jones/Carroll Co. Supervisor;
RUNS=:11
TALENT=Beth
SS=state police investigation


The board appointed Jimmy Alderman of Carroll County's computer operations as acting county administrator.

Kevorkian


ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=cro
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=kevorkian


Dr. Jack Kevorkian's attorney is expected to argue today that criminal charges AGAINST his client should be DROPPED.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Southfield, MI/Yesterday;


Kevorkian's argument comes AFTER a federal appeals panel in San Francisco struck down Washington state's BAN on assisted suicide.
Kevorkian is accused of aiding in the deaths of two people in Michigan.
(-------------)


f-lee-bailey


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=mel
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=bailey


Attorney F-Lee Bailey is in a Florida jail this morning.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Tallahassee, FL/Yesterday;


The defense lawyer known for his hard questions during the O-J Simpson trial could not answer the demand of a federal judge.
He was ordered to give the government millions of dollars worth of stock from a drug case.
Bailey failed to meet the judge's deadline yesterday.
He could stay in jail for up to six months.
(----------------)




Church-Theft


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=cro
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=none


While Methodist choir members in Roanoke County have been lifting their voices in song, a thief has been lifting their wallets.
Authorities say three United Methodist churches have been hit in the last three weeks, apparently by the same person.
More than a half-dozen choir members at Bonsack United Methodist Church were victimized Sunday.
As choir members sang during the morning service, someone entered the choir room, rifled through purses and took a wallet from a man's jacket.
Two church members reported seeing a man leaving the building and getting into a small white car.
The description matched that of a man seen at two other churches.


3-Sports


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Mornin
WRITER=cro
TAPE#=sports cut in
GRAPHIC=none


In sports, Steve Mason has an A-C-C preview, the latest in women's basketball, and a little bit of Lacrosse.
Good morning Steve.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=hello again
RUNS=1:52
OUT Q=everybody

$CCOFF
Birthdays
TALENT=Larry
SS=none
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=(nat sot music)
RUNS=1:18
out= back to you.


Three-Larry


ANCHOR=Larry
NEWSCAST=Mornin'
WRITER=ldo
TAPE#M96-3
GRAPHIC=none



(ROLL TAPE COLD OUT OF BIRTHDAYS)
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Welcome back to...
SUPER=15-Larry Dowdy; :00 (Screen right)
SUPER=13-Ivan Puffenbarger/Sugar Orchard Owner; :22
SUPER=12-Highland Co.; :50
RUNS=2:33
OUT Q=mornin. Stay there.
(TAPE TOSSES TO BUMP)


Layoffs


ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=Dal
TAPE#96-11
GRAPHIC=tULTEX


Another Southside textile plant announces layoffs.
Tultex says it will ELIMINATE up to 140 jobs by the END of the month.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Martinsville/File Tape;


The company public relations officer says the cuts have already begun.
Kathy Rogers says reason is automation.
She says cuts are necessary to keep the company competitive in a slow retail climate.
Rogers says these layoffs affect workers in the cutting and manufacturing departments.
The company hopes it will be able to place at least 20 employees in open positions at the plant.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Beth 2 shot
SS=2 shot


Tuesday Sara Lee Knit Products announced it is CLOSING its Martinsville facility.
That plant employs 420 workers.
But there is SOME good news from Southside --

American-Martinsville


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=lbe
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=none


American of Martinsville says business is booming.
The Martinsville furniture company is taking over a plant in Chilhowie
(chill-HOW-ee) to keep up with orders.


For the past few years the plant has been operated by Lea (LEE) Industries.
American primarily makes furniture for hotels and motels.
No word on if this will mean an increase or decrease in jobs at the Chilhowie plant.

Administrator


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=tal
TAPE#edit of 96-9
GRAPHIC=none


In Carroll County, state police are investigating the possibility of missing funds.
Now county administrator, Billy Mitchell, is suspended with pay.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@File;


The board of supervisors suspended Mitchell Saturday after an auditor's report turned up some discrepancies.
SUPER=03-Hillsville;


Since then, county attorney Phillip Jones says the auditors have raised MORE concerns.
Mitchell was treasurer of the Industrial Development Authority and the Public Service Authority, which NEWS-7 has learned MAY be focal points of the investigation.
(-------------)
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=none


The board appointed Jimmy Alderman of Carroll County's computer operations as acting county administrator.

Housing-Preview


ANCHOR=Beth
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=JoeD
TAPE# 96-20
GRAPHIC=roanoke city


Plans for a rental inspection program in the city of Roanoke will get a workout tonight, when the city brings together landlords, tenants, and neighborhood advocates.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/January 20;


Roanoke was developing the program before January's fatal fire on Stewart Avenue, but that tragedy has put the project on a FAST track.
The proposal would target older neighborhoods, requiring city inspections of rental property before a new tenant is allowed to move in.
Tonight at 7:00, the city is holding a Community Workshop at the Roanoke Civic Center Exhibition Hall.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Beth
SS=hold


The city plans to hold at least one more workshop before the rental inspection program is finalized.

4-scores


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=morn
WRITER=cro
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=none


In college basketball --
Virginia Tech will play Rhode Island tonight in the second round of the Atlantic 10 tournament.
Let's take a look at the scoreboards.
(/////////////)
SUPER=#C-200;
SUPER=97-Rhode Island/=85/La Salle/=59//Seton Hall/=80/West Va/=78;
SUPER=97-St. Bonaventure/=72/Dayton/=60//St. Joseph's/=80/Duquesne/=72;
SUPER=97-Boston College/=70/Pittsburgh/=66//Miami/=77/Rutgers/=67;
SUPER=97-Syracuse/=76/Notre Dame/=55//Wisconsin/=54/Penn State/=52;
SUPER=97-Minnesota/=72/Iowa/=64//Providence/=80/St. John's/=72;



SUPER=96-New York/=89/Toronto/=82//Minnesota/103/Philadelphia/=90;
SUPER=96-Boston/110/LA Clippers/=97//Washington/=99/Seattle/=88;
SUPER=96-San Antonio/100/Denver/=90//Utah/101/Indiana/=94;



SUPER=103-Detroit/==4/Hartford/==2//New Jersey/==2/Toronto/==2;

SUPER=103-Vancouver/==5/Buffalo/==2; SUPER=103-Dallas/==2/San Jose/==1//Los Angeles/==3/Edmonton/==2;
by SS