Execution Delayed

Just days before he was suppose to be executed, Winchester's Edward Bell got a temporary reprieve from Governor Tim Kaine.

Friends and co-workers of Bell's victim, former Winchester Police Sgt. Ricky Timbrook, are not happy with Kaine's decision to delay Bell's execution.

Bell murdered Timbrook in 1999 and was sentenced to death.

Kaine based his decision on waiting for the U.S. Supreme Court to issue its decision on the constitutionality of lethal injection.

The temporary reprieve lasts until July 24. Bell unsuccessfully appealed his sentence to the Virginia Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Unifying the City and County

Winchester and Frederick County officials are going to meet Thursday night to discuss the possibility of unifying the two governments.

People are wondering what a consolidation would mean for city services.

In terms of local law enforcement, officials expect to have only one department.

Winchester has a police department of its own and the county has a sheriff's office.

Unification committee members say a scenario in which both administrations would co-exist is unlikely.