ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, December 23, 1995 TAG: 9512250046
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
ACLU: Now, Capitol is a public forum
RICHMOND - The American Civil Liberties Union said Friday that by allowing a woman to place a Nativity scene in the Capitol, state officials have created a forum for other forms of expression.
The Senate and House of Delegates clerks on Thursday allowed Rita Warren, 68, of Fairfax County to place a small creche just inside the front entrance to the Capitol.
``Having created a public forum ... you cannot now refuse others who wish to use the same space for expressive purposes, regardless of the content of their message,'' Kent Willis, state executive director of the ACLU, wrote in a letter to House Clerk Bruce Jamerson and Senate Clerk Susan Scharr
- Associated Press
Ex-coach sentenced on pot charges
ABINGDON - Ronald H. Tallman, a former Washington County teacher and sports coach, has been sentenced to three years in prison on felony marijuana charges.
Tallman, 47, had pleaded guilty Aug. 23 to three counts of possessing and distributing more than a pound of marijuana. He could have received up to 30 years in prison at his sentencing Thursday by Circuit Judge Charles Smith Jr.
Commonwealth's Attorney Dennis Godfrey and Joe Johnson, Tallman's attorney, said there was no indication Tallman ever sold drugs on school property or to children.
- Associated Press
Man arraigned on murder charge
ABINGDON - A Washington County man, who confessed to killing a Tennessee woman, was arraigned Friday on a first-degree murder charge.
Bobby Joe Gott, 29, is charged with killing Lee Ann Nicole Gobble, 22, of Blountville, Tenn., at his home Nov. 11. Gott reportedly confessed Thursday night, telling police that he shot Gobble and dumped her body in a cave near his house.
``Apparently there was a romantic interest between the victim and Gott,'' Commonwealth's Attorney DennisGodfrey said after the arraignment.
Acting on an anonymous tip Thursday afternoon, authorities searched the area around Gott's house. Gott gave them permission to search the house and told them where the weapon allegedly used in the killing was, Godfrey said.
- Associated Press
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