[7Fitzgerald]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#98-56]
[GRAPHIC=Ronald Fitzgerald]
Virginia executed it's eleventh death row inmate last night.
Ronald Lee Fitzgerald asked for no clemency from the governor.
In 1993, he murdered two men and raped two women in a seven hour crime spree. The men's families witnessed the execution.
Ellen Qualls reports.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Virginia's newest]
[SUPER=03-Jarratt; :00]
[SUPER=@file; :06]
[SUPER=01-Robert Neville/Death Penalty Advocate; :25]
[super=01-Larry Traylor/Virginia Dept. of Corrections; :31]
[super=01-Brent Epperson/Media Witness; :43]
[super=01-Amy McLaughlin/Media Witness; :54]
[super=02-David Damico/Fitzgerald's Attorney; 1:22]
[SUPER=@Ellen1;]
[RUNS=1:47]
[OUT Q=News-7, Jarratt]
[7S-West-release]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=98-52 2:01:04]
[GRAPHIC=None]
Dennis West- who maintained his innocence through two murder trials will soon be out of prison- and living in the Roanoke Valley.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/1989]
The 46-year old former Salem businessman will be paroled on election day- having exhausted a 20-year sentence under the old parole guidelines.
West claims he discovered his wife's mutilated body in their Union Street home in March of 1988.
Authorities say Dennis West stabbed Barbara in the back, strangled her and slit her throat.
(------------)
[TALENT=Kimberly]
[SS=None]
He's scheduled for release from the Keene Mountain prison November 3rd, then plans to live in Vinton with his parents.
At the moment, West is going to be on supervised parole for the next six months, but the parole board may extend that.
[7WEATHER]
[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY]
[NEWSCAST=CUTIN]
[WRITER=KMC]
[TAPE #=]
[GRAPHIC=]
Taking a look now at your Thursday forecast..
Another chilly and breezy day ahead, as temperatures only reach the lower-50s under partly sunny skies.
Skies clear out overnight, as temperatures hover around the freezing point.
The extended forecast...
[CK/WX PRO=]
MAPS
[SUPER=X5000; set dissolve]
[SUPER=314-Partly Sunny/Gusty Winds 15-20 MPH/50-55/Clear/and Cold/30-35;]
[SUPER=#555; reset]
[7BIRTHDAYS!] 10/23/98
Friday:
[SUPER=130-/Jeff Rotenizer/Independence]
[SUPER=130-1/Alexis Hurst/Hiwassee]
[SUPER=130-1/Jessica Dillon/Penhook]
[SUPER=130-14/Jamie Young/Rocky Mount]
[SUPER=130-11/Jesse Chapman/Collinsville]
[SUPER=130-39/Audrey Walker/Christiansburg]
[SUPER=130-14/Dominicka Bumpass/Halifax]
[SUPER=130-1/Samantha Molloy/Roanoke]
[SUPER=130-28/Susan Willard/Riner]
[SUPER=130-3/Ceidra Harvey/Charlotte, NC]
[SUPER=130-4/Thomas Hale/Troutville]
[SUPER=130-7/Brittany Carter/Fieldale]
[SUPER=130-12/Kevin Byrd/Gretna]
No Pictures:
[SUPER=131-/Rome Altizer/Salem]
[SUPER=131-/Nancy Ahmad/Fincastle]
[SUPER=131-10/Matthew Law/Rocky Mount]
Anniversary:
[SUPER=131-27th/Bill & Chris Monday/Christiansburg][cutopen]
[SUPER=19-Kimberly/McBroom;][45E-School-Shooting]
[Anchor=Kimberly]
[Newscast=cutins]
[Writer=chr]
[Tape=net-F;from 98-31]
[Graphic=Legal Scales]
A 15- year old charged in the Richmond school shootings pleaded guilty yesterday to wounding a teacher and a teacher's aide.
(------------)
[vo-nat]
[super=@file]
As part of a plea agreement, Quinshawn Booker will live in a home for troubled boys until he finishes its program.
He will also be on probation until he turns 21.
Booker could spend up to 25 years in prison IF he gets in any more trouble with the law.
The high school teacher wounded in the June shootings says he supports the agreement.
(---------------)
[45E-Pritchett]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=djo]
[TAPE#=98-53 :46:47]
[GRAPHIC=Bud Pritchett]
Trouble with his attorneys could lead to a continuance in the case of a Roanoke man charged in connnection with the May 1997 Ironto rest stop murder.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
Livingston "Bud" Pritchett is charged with the robbery and shooting death of (ESS-Tuhl) Estel Singleton.
Pritchett's family members say his court appointed attorneys have suggested that he plead guilty in exchange for a lesser sentence.
They think it's part of a conspiracy to convict an innocent man.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT=14:41:33]
[IN Q=THAT'S FROM THE]
((MARTIA PRITCHETT/PRITCHETT'S SISTER; THAT'S FROM THE DETECTIVE TO THE POLICEMEN THAT WAS ON THE SCENE AT THAT TIME, AS WELL AS THE JUDGE, THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY, AND THE DEFENSE. THEY ALL WORKED TOGETHER I BELIEVE.))
[SUPER=01-Martia Pritchett/Pritchett's Sister;]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=I BELIEVE.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Pritchett's attorneys would not confirm or deny whether they have recommended a plea agreement, saying only that they are doing what is in their client's best interest.
The family is seeking help from the Roanoke chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the national N-double-A-C-P and the American Civil Liberties Union.
SCLC officials say Pritchett will tell Judge Ray Grubbs he is dissatisfied with his attorneys in hopes of getting the case continued.
The family plans to replace his legal team.
(------------)
[45S-Bacova-Guild]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=sta]
[TAPE#=98-60 1:23:50]
[GRAPHIC=None]
In nine days, employees at the Bacova plant in Low Moor will vote on whether or not to join forces with the United Paperworkers International Union.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Alleghany Co.;]
About a week ago union officials accused company management of using "fear tactics" to discourage employees from organizing.
Yesterday, an official with Burlington Industries, Bacova Guild's parent company, responded.
[pre pro]
Dick Windham said the company would rather communicate directly with employees than go through a third party.
Windham also said management has been holding meetings for employees to give the company's point of view.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=None]
Bacova Guild's Low Moor plant employees about 300 people.
If workers vote to organize, they would create the first union of the company's seven plants in Virginia.
[45-5-Flu-Vaccine]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=tfl]
[TAPE#=598-26 1:34:54]
[GRAPHIC=Flu Shots]
The popularity of flu shots this year is leaving some Roanoke Valley residents out in the cold.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Due to delays in receiving the flu vaccine from one manufacturer, Carilion Health Systems is canceling its public flu shot clinics planned for the rest of October and November.
(------------)
[anchor=Kimberly]
[ss=Hold]
Lewis-Gale Hospital officials also say they've run out of the vaccines at some local health fairs.
The shots are still available at the Health Departments and check with your doctor's office to schedule your shot now through December.
[45WEATHER]
[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY]
[NEWSCAST=CUTIN]
[WRITER=KMC]
[TAPE #=]
[GRAPHIC=]
Taking a break from the news now to check the forecast--
Turning partly sunny today and quite breezy, with winds anywhere from 15 to 20 miles an hour.
Highs in the low and mid 50s.
Clear skies overnight and downright cold, as lows drop into the lower 30s.
As for the next four day...staying sunny and cool...
[SUPER=X5000; set dissolve]
[SUPER=314-Partly Sunny/Gusty Winds 15-20 MPH/50-55/Clear/and Cold/30-35;]
[SUPER=#555; reset]
[8E-School-Shooting]
[Anchor=Kimberly]
[Newscast=cutins]
[Writer=chr]
[Tape=net-F;from 98-31]
[Graphic=Legal Scales]
A teenaged boy entered a guilty plea yesterday for shooting and wounding a Richmond school teacher and teacher's aide.
(------------)
[vo-nat]
[super=@file]
As part of a plea agreement, 15- year- old Quinshawn Booker will live in a home for troubled boys until he finishes its program.
He will also be on probation until he turns 21.
Booker could spend up to 25 years in prison IF he gets in any more trouble with the law.
The high school teacher wounded in the June shootings says he supports the agreement.
(---------------)
[8E-Home-Depot]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=eea]
[TAPE#=98-63 TC1:05:11]
[GRAPHIC=Home Depot]
Shoppers got a first look inside the new Home Depot store on Hershberger Road last night... but it doesn't open for business until this morning.
Eric Earnhart reports.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=This store is more]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :01]
[SUPER=01-Denise Knight/Employee; :08-QUICK]
[SUPER=01-Tony Brown/Operations Vice President; :23]
[SUPER=@File; :31]
[SUPER=01-Harry Nickens/Vinton Supervisor; :47]
[SUPER=@eric2; 1:30]
[RUNS=1:40]
[OUT Q=EE, News-7.]
((This store is more than wood and high tech hardware for former grocery store cashier Denise Knight, it's a future.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 0:04:43]
[IN Q=]
((DENISE KNIGHT/EMPLOYEE; IT'S BETTER OPPORTUNITIES, CAREER, I'M READY TO GO TO THE TOP.))
[RUNS04]
[OUT Q=to the top]
She has good reason to aim high... Home Depot Operations Vice President Tony Brown is a Roanoke Native, and William Fleming High School alumnus who couldn't wait to come home.
[SOT 00:57:24]
[IN Q=we knew that]
((TONY BROWN/OPERATIONS VICE PRESIDENT; WE KNEW THAT ROANOKE WAS READY FOR THIS TYPE STORE, WE WANTED TO BE PART OF THE COMMUNITY, WE THOUGHT THAT ROANOKE WAS THE TYPE OF CITY WE WANTED TO GO TO.))
[RUNS09]
[OUT Q=to go to]
But does Roanoke County want Home Depot to come back... to Cave Spring?
Some County residents are still seething over that re-zoning vote... Local government officials were conspicuous in their absence tonight... Supervisor Harry Nickens was one of the exceptions.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 00:50:40]
[IN Q=I'm here to]
((HARRY NICKENS/VINTON SUPERVISOR; I'M HERE TO JUST SEE HOW HOME DEPOT DEALS WITH OPENING NEW STORES; ))
[RUNS:07]
[OUT Q=new stores]
Nickens was publically thanked for his support during the opening ceremonies.
With home Depot's high profile and deep pockets, we asked if it's opponents can expect a fair fight.
[SOT 00:51:26]
[IN Q=I don't think]
((HARRY NICKENS/VINTON SUPERVISOR; I DON'T THINK THERE'S A FIGHT, I THINK THERE'S A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION, AND I BELIEVE ULTIMALY WE WILL SEE, IF HOME DEPOT GOES INTO CAVE SPRINGS, A VERY POSITIVE RECEPTION FOR HOME DEPOT IN THAT AREA.))
[RUNS12]
[OUT Q=in that area]
Home Depot officials believe THIS store is the key to making that happen... They say Cave Spring site opponents are welcome to visit.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 00:57:28 ]
[IN Q=we feel that]
((TONY BROWN/OPERATION VICE PRESIDENT; WE FEEL THAT ONCE THE COMMUNITY SEES WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORE, THAT THEY'RE GOING TO WANT A HOME DEPOT OVER IN THAT AREA.))
[RUNS09]
[OUT Q=in that area]
But public opinion is only part of it... the new site still has go win Vdot approval, and survive a lawsuit by a citizen's group.
Eric Earnhart, News 7.))
[8E-Retail]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=cutins]
[WRITER=sgo]
[TAPE#=98-62 57:04]
[GRAPHIC=None]
At least one retail expert says Roanoke has one too many major discount stores.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[retail tape]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
Stores like Target are popular because you can buy just about anything under one roof.
But now that Roanoke has three big retailers -- Target, Walmart and Big-K, Richmond analyst Ken Gassman predicts one store won't make it.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 13 57 30]
[GASSMAN TAPE]
[IN Q=what happens]
((KEN GASSMAN/RETAIL ANALYST: WHAT HAPPENS IS, IN A MARKET WHAT YOU OFTEN SEE IS, WHEN YOU HAVE THREE RETAILERS BATTLE IT OUT, THERE ARE TWO SURVIVORS AND ONE LOSER.))
[SUPER=01-Ken Gassman/Retail Analyst;]
[RUNS=09]
[OUT Q=one loser]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Gassman would NOT say which store he thinks is going to close.
He did say that no matter how popular big stores get, there will always be a place for small specialty stores.
(------------)
[8WEATHER]
[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY]
[NEWSCAST=CUTIN]
[WRITER=KMC]
[TAPE #=]
[GRAPHIC=]
Turning your attention now to weather...CHILLY weather, that is.
Becoming partly sunny today, with gusty winds around 20 miles an hour.
Daytime highs only warming into the lower 50s.
Clear and cold tonight, with lows in the lower 30s.
The extended forecast is calling for more of the same....
[SUPER=X5000; set dissolve]
[SUPER=#555; reset]
[SUPER=314-Partly Sunny/Gusty Winds 15-20 MPH/50-55/Clear/and Cold/30-35;]
by SS