Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 17, 1994 TAG: 9411170110
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Judge Lance Ito is trying to avoid sequestering the Simpson jurors.
Those who have been sworn in, and the potential alternates yet to be interviewed, were under orders for three weeks to avoid television, newspapers and bookstores lest they see a report of the case.
He lifted the blackout last week, letting them watch certain TV shows and see newspapers with all the Simpson stories clipped out.
Permitted viewing includes movie channels, home shopping, sports and cartoons. Most entertainment programming is OK, except that the jurors must turn off the news breaks.
Forbidden viewing: News shows, talk shows, tabloid TV such as "Hard Copy," and even the venerable "60 Minutes."
All radio is off limits.
When prospective jurors were interviewed, those who said jury duty would cost them their jobs were excused. Ito said the $5 a day jurors are paid just wouldn't replace their incomes.
Two perks have been offered: A company that records books on tape will supply its products free to the jurors, and a videotape distributor will lend its movies.
If these measures aren't adequate to shelter the jurors from outside information about the trial, Ito has told them sequestering still is a possibility. He has told them to pack three days' worth of belongings and be ready to move into a hotel quickly.|
Call him Newt
Q: Is Newt Gingrich's real name Newt? N.N.
A: The Georgia congressman and apparent speaker-to-be of the House is Newton Leroy Gingrich, born June 17, 1943, in Harrisburg, Pa.
He prefers Newt, apparently. We had to look in several reference books that used his nickname before finding one (Who's Who) that gave his full ID.|
Big waterline
Q: When will the large waterline from Carvins Cove to Crystal Spring be put in operation? Will it mean people on the south side of town will be drinking Carvins Cove water all the time, or just part of the time? W.N., Roanoke
A: The line is expected to open in March, and it won't bring much change in people's water sources.
That's because residents on the south side already drink Carvins Cove water sometimes.
Crystal Spring supplies water to homes in higher elevations on the south side of Roanoke, but any time the water pressure drops, Carvins Cove water supplements the supply, said Craig Sluss, manager of the Roanoke Water Department.
The new waterline won't replace any existing service. It's meant to beef up the system and provide a parallel line to handle emergencies.
Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB