SVHEC Sets Construction

Board Of Directors Seeking Bids To Finish 10,000 Square Feet Of Existing Space

The Board of Directors of the SouthernVirginia Higher Education Center is seeking bids to finish 10,000 square feet of the existing building for administrative offices, classrooms and laboratory space at the Center, according to John Cannon, chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee and Board member.
Cannon said yesterday that the Board has approximately $300,000 in hand from a previous Tobacco Commission grant, and plans to approach the Commission this year for additional funding of the project.
“We’re doing the design for a partial buildout for administrative offices, classroom and laboratory space in about 10,000 square feet on the west wing of the building,” Cannon said. “Right now, we’re moving forward with the architect’s plans.”
The project description consists of the interior renovation of approximately 4,500 square feet into a suite of offices for the executive director of the center, additional classrooms and lab space, with the potential for an additional 1,000 square feet of buildout if funding is available.
The construction will take place inside the existing facility and will consist of the construction of a number of classrooms and offices to house the Center’s staff.
According to Cannon, concrete figures as to the number of classes and laboratories isn’t available because the plans for the job haven’t been completed.
“We don’t know how much we can build with the $300,000, but we plan to go back to the Tobacco Commission, and in order to do that we have to have plans for the project in place,” he said.
Cannon said the Board is seeking a fee-based proposal for the construction.
“The contractors will give the Board the percentage of markup and profit on the job and based on the qualifications of the contractors and the fees submitted, the Board will make a decision on which contractor we will use,” he said. “Once we have selected the contractor, he becomes part of the team and we will move forward with input from all parties. It’s a unique way to do it, but we have to move forward. It will be a fast-track job. As it’s being designed, it’s being built.”
The anticipated completion date for the construction is June 30.
Governor Mark Warner signed legislation in April of last year that funds the Center annually as a state-sponsored higher education center.
The state will fund $1.6 million for the SVHEC.
Of that total, $1.2 million will come from an annual General Fund allocation, with the remainder from lease arrangements at the center.
The center had previously operated on a $475,000 annual budget.

 

Sheriff’s Deputies Investigating Thefts

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating several thefts reported over the weekend, according to Halifax Sheriff’s Office Captain Larry Fears.
Deputy D.H. Barksdale is investigating the theft of a Kimber 270 rifle with scope belonging to Malcolm Wooten of Roxboro, N.C., Fears said.
The rifle was reportedly stolen Thursday from the back of Wooten’s truck while it was parked outside a Riverdale business, Fears said.
Deputy S.M. Bowen is investigating the theft of a black and yellow plastic Craftsman toolbox with assorted tools and a sliding tool tray belonging to James Solomon of Wade Pond Road in Alton, Fears said.
The items were reportedly stolen from the bed of the victim’s truck within the past two weeks, police said.
Deputy T.C. Spencer is investigating the theft of two electric drills belonging to William Overby of Cedar Grove Road in Alton, Fears said.
The drills were reported stolen Thursday out of the victim’s pickup truck bed, police said.
Deputy T.N. Bratton is investigating the theft of a Suzuki dirt bike and weed eater belonging to Sharon Hill of Tom’s Trail in Crystal Hill, Fears said.
The items were reported stolen on December 22 from a storage shed on Hill’s property, police said.
Deputy J.M. Burton is investigating the theft of a hunting dog collar tracking system belonging to Chris Clowdis of Hog Wallow Road in Nathalie, Fears said.
The theft was reported Thursday and the collar was reported stolen from the victim’s truck, police said.

 

Police Report Quiet Holiday

Law enforcement from across the county reported a safe and quiet New Year’s holiday, with no significant arrests reported on New Year’s eve, spokesmen said yesterday.
“It was quiet, we’re thankful to say,” South Boston Police Chief G. M. Reed said.
South Boston reported no incidents of driving under the influence over the holiday weekend.
But in statistics released yesterday, the town reported:
• Eight speeding violations.
• Six incidents of driving on a suspended operator’s license.
• One reckless driving by speed.
• Three incidents of public drunkeness.
• Two disorderly conduct citations.
• Two charges of possession of marijuana.
• One charge of the underage possession of alcohol.
Eight patrol officers were on the street in South Boston on New Year’s Eve, the chief said.
Reed credited both community awareness and additional officers on the street with the reduction in what has historically been a DUI-laden holiday.
“We didn’t have any DUI’s and that’s really unusual,” he said. “I think the community has become very aware of the hazards (of driving under the influence) and it’s not just the fact that we had extra officers on the roads.
“It’s the community becoming aware of the logic of staying put or having a designated driver,” Reed added. “We feel very good that we got through this New Year’s eve without anyone getting hurt. The credit goes to the community.”
Sgt. T.L. Barksdale of the Virginia State Police agreed. “That has a lot to do with it,” he said. “Stiffer fines and sentences for drunk driving seem to be working to make our roads safer.”
Barksdale reported seven troopers on duty in the county over the holiday weekend.
Captain Larry Fears of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Department said that while two driving under the influence charges were reported over the weekend, no wrecks were involved and the offenses occurred on New Year’s Day and January 2.
“No wrecks were involved,” he said. “We’re certainly pleased that Halifax County reported no serious injuries over the holiday. It just goes to show that the community is becoming aware of the dangers of drinking and driving.”

 

Obituaries

Margaret Shelton Dodd

Margaret Shelton Dodd died January 2, 2006, at the Woodview Nursing Home.
Born February 10, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Henry P. Shelton and Mammie Gosney Shelton, and was married to the late Ira Bryant Dodd. She was a member of Melville Avenue Baptist Church.
Survivors of Mrs. Dodd include a daughter, Judith Dodd Fitts of Halifax; three grandchildren; and four great-grandsons. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Dodd Simpson.
Funeral services will be held today, January 4, at 2 p.m. at Townes Memorial Chapel with the Revs. Charles Swanson and James Bullock officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Chatham.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home at 1 p.m. before the service today, and other times at the home of her daughter, 1094 East Oak Hill Drive, Halifax.

Mary Elizabeth Bigger Hayes

Mary Elizabeth Bigger Hayes, 90, of Chase City died December 29, 2005, at Chase City Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Mrs. Hayes was born in Mecklenburg County on June 25, 1915, to the late Charlie and Annie Dell Bigger, and was married to the late Robert ‘Tom’ Hayes. She was a member of Berean Baptist Church of Chase City where she was deaconess, Sunday school teacher, pianist, missionary and worked with the BTU.
Survivors include three children, Joyce Jones and husband, Larry, of Chase City, Kevin Hayes and wife, Olive, of Manhattan, N.Y. and Gerald Hayes and wife, Sandra, of Chesterfield, N.J.; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and one god-daughter, Kentierra Hodges. She was also preceded in death by two children, Carlton Hayes and Mildred Thomas.
Funeral services for Mrs. Hayes will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow, January 5, at Berean Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Frank Harrison officiating and Rev. Marvin Harris assisting. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends this evening, January 4, from 7 until 8 at Giles-Harris Funeral Home in Chase City. Email condolences to harrifh@kerrlake.com.

Carolyn King Parrish

Carolyn King Parrish of 2000 Cody Road, Nathalie died January 3, 2006, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Parrish was born in Halifax County the daughter of the late Ross S. King and Edna Lloyd King, and was married to the late Billy Ray Parrish. She was a member of Brookneal Church of God of Prophecy.
Survivors include three sons, Anthony Ray Parrish of South Boston, Evan Dale Parrish and Mark Allen Parrish, both of High Point, N.C.; five brothers, Warren King of Burlington, N.C., Gerald King of Nathalie, Gene King of Sanford, N.C., Ronnie King of Hurt, and Randy King of Mebane, N.C.; six grandchildren, Rebecca Saunders, Meagan Parrish, Morgan Parrish, Rainey Parrish, Maranda Parrish, Zachary Parrish and Morgan Parrish; a beloved friend, Bobby Clay of Nathalie; and one stepson, Michael Clay of Nathalie.
Funeral services for Mrs. Parrish will be held tomorrow, January 5, at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Steven Meek officiating. Burial will follow in the King Family Cemetery at Cody.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home this evening, January 4, from 7:00 until 8:30, and other times at the home of her brother, Gerald King, 9254 L.P. Bailey Memorial Highway, Nathalie.

Frederick Earl Garrett Sr.

Frederick Earl Garrett Sr., 81, of Farmville, formerly of South Boston, died January 3, 2006, at Holly Manor in Farmville.
Mr. Garrett was born in South Boston on June 10, 1924, the son of the late Johnnie I. Garrett and Madge Lambeth Garrett and was married to Ernestine Long Garrett. He was a member of Scottsburg Baptist Church, Faulkner Memorial Masonic Lodge #91, Gideon International, and Robert Morris Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star #80.
Survivors include his wife of Farmville; one daughter, Patsy Garrett Watson and husband, Gene, of Farmville; one son, Frederick Earl Garrett Jr. and wife, Anita, of Green Creek, Ariz.; six grandchildren, Eleanor W. Ross, Garrett Ford Watson, Patrick Larkin Watson, Casey Marie Watson, Luke Christopher Garrett and Nicole Smith.
A memorial service for Mr. Garrett will be held January 9, at 11 a.m. at Scottsburg Baptist Church with the Rev. Terry Scearce and the Rev. Dr. Michael Cheuk officiating. A family reception and meal will follow the service at the church.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Faulkner Memorial Masonic Lodge, Scottsburg Baptist Church Building Fund, Halifax Regional Alzheimers Support Group or a charity of your choice.

Margaret Riggan Jones Tingen

Margaret Riggan Jones Tingen, 82, of Nelson died January 2, 2006, at Duke Hospital.
A native of Vance County, N.C., Mrs. Tingen was the daughter of Willie Bruce and Hester Wilson Riggan. She was retired from Burlington Industries.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow, January 5, at 2 p.m. at Nelson Baptist Church, of which she was a member, with the Rev. James McAlister officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
In addition to her husband, Algie Thomas Tingen, survivors include two daughters, Linda J . Frazier and Margie J. Williamson, both of Clarksville; three sons, Dougla Peele Jones Jr. and Cecil Ray Jones, both of Nelson, and Willie Taylor Jones of Oxford, N.C.; her stepchildren, Eileen Graniello and Danny and Dennis Tingen; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Nannie Felle Faucette of Stovall, N.C. and Dorothy Alford of South Hill; and one brother, Donald Bruce Riggan of Clarksville. Mrs. Tingen was also preceded in death by her first husband, Douglas Peele Jones Sr.
The family will receive friends this evening, January 4, from 7 until 9, at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home. You may express your condolences at www.wclfh.com

 

ACC All-Star Celebrity Hoops Challenge Coming To HCHS

The First-Ever ACC All-Star Celebrity Basketball Challenge Will Be Held April 29 At HCHS

Area college basketball fans will receive a big treat this spring as Halifax County High School will host the first-ever ACC All-Star Celebrity Basketball Challenge on Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Game Coordinator Dewey Compton said advance tickets for the special fund-raising event will go on sale Friday, February 3 with the advance tickets being priced at $8 each. Tickets at the door will be $10 each. Children ages two and under will be admitted free.
A select team of seniors from various ACC schools including Duke, North Carolina, Virginia and N.C. State will team up to challenge Halifax County high School faculty, students and friends.
Compton said Duke star J.J. Redick, who played for Cave Spring High School when Cave Spring faced Halifax County High School here a few years ago, is expected to be among the ACC all-stars for the game.
In addition to the game, there will be a halftime slam dunk contest, a three-point shootout, a free throw shooting contest, a half-court and long distance shot contest, drawings for prizes and live music provided by K97.5 WQOK afternoon radio personality Brian Dawson.
Compton said the event will be a fun game for all members of the family and that further details will be announced at a later date.
Persons desiring more information should contact Compton at 572-4100

 

Piedmont Racing Expo & Auction Set Jan. 20-21

The 20th Annual Event Will Be Held At The North Carolina State Fairgrounds In Raleigh, N..C.

One of the larger area events for NASCAR short track racers and teams, the 20th Annual Piedmont Racing Expo & Auction will be held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh,N.C. January 20-21.
This will mark the 20th year that promoter and auctioneer Phillip Walker of Hillsborough, N.C., the “Piedmont’s Racing Auctioneer” has conducted this auction and trade show and the second year at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Last year Walker filled the Kerr Scott Building at the fairgrounds so when the opportunity arose to get in the new 50,000 sq. ft. Exposition Center which just opened in October, Walker didn’t pass it up.
“We waited several years for an open weekend at the fairgrounds and I didn’t want to let this opportunity get away!” noted Walker.
The feature events of the Expo are the Piedmont Racer’s Auction and the Oval Track Tradeshow. Racers from several states can buy and sell used racing parts, engines, race cars, tow trucks, trailers, and engines. They can also see what’s new for 2006 by visiting the Oval Track Tradeshow where vendors will have the latest in racing technology, equipment, and new parts on display.
Walker added, “With the additional space we’re adding two new events to our show for 2006. We’re adding an Oval Track Race Car Show and a Racing Memorabilia Auction to benefit racing charities. The first 100 race cars entered into the show will be guaranteed an indoor spot whereas in years past, all race cars, tow trucks, and trailers for the auction had to be displayed outside due to space.”
Walker said there would be several classes for asphalt and dirt race-cars and trucks as well as a class for go-karts and Legend Cars. Large trophies and a $150 cash award will be given to class winners and winners of other special awards such as Best Graphics and Best Engineering. There will also be a special four- foot trophy award and $500 for “Best of Show”.
“I’m very pleased to announce that the Racing Memorabilia Charity Auction will be sponsored by 99.9 Genuine Country Radio and all proceeds from this auction will be shared by Ernie Irvan’s Race2Safety Head Injury Foundation and the Sam Ard Care Fund,” Walker stated.
“Both of these racers suffered career ending head injuries and we want to draw as much awareness to these causes as possible. We’re working with Ernie to arrange time in his schedule to attend and hoping to have several other notable drivers to come hang out with us, sign autographs and maybe even help us do some auctioneering during the memorabilia auction. Also, Sam Ard was a regular at South Boston and Orange County in the 1970’s and 80’s and won lots of races and championships in the Sportsman and Busch Grand National Divisions.”
This event, by far, will be the largest and best Piedmont Racing event in the 20 year history of the show. It will be the perfect place for racers to showcase their cars and sponsors, buy and sell cars and parts, pickup new merchandise from the oval track trade show, and for fans to buy autographed memorabilia from their favorite Cup, Busch, or Hooter’s Pro-Cup teams.
Consignments are needed for the auction. Racers are urged to pre-register parts and rolling stock for the auction. Consignments will be accepted at the Exposition Center on the fairgrounds from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18 and from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 19.
No consignments will be accepted on Friday. Vehicles for the car show can be entered until 12 noon on Friday, January 20.
The Expo opens at 1 p.m. on Friday, the Racing Memorabilia Auction will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 20, followed by the parts auction at 6:30 p.m. selling lots 1-250.
Saturday’s Parts Auction starts at 9 a.m. and car show awards will be presented at 3 p.m.
Admission is $10 per day general admission and doors open at 1 p.m.on Friday, January 20, and 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 21.
More information can be obtained from Walker’s website at www.phillipwalkerauctions.com or contacting him directly at 919-732-7024 or via email at pwalker@phillipwalkerauctions.com.

 

Rice Named As Crew Chief For Hornaday

Chris Rice Of Cluster Springs Will Be The New Crew Chief For NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Veteran Ron Hornaday This Season

KERNERSVILLE, N.C. - Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) has named Chris Rice  crew chief of the No. 33 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team and two-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday for the 2006 season.
Previously Rice served as crew chief for Busch Series driver Stacy Compton at ST Motorsports. Prior to 2005, Rice was crew chief at Bill Davis Racing and worked with Elliott Sadler on a late model team from 1993-1996. Winning at his hometown track, Rice led Sadler and the team to the 1995 South Boston Speedway Track Championship.
“Joining KHI and to have the opportunity to work with Ron Hornaday and entire No. 33 team is an honor,” said Rice. “I’ve been racing all my life and I’m really looking forward to a successful 2006 season.”
Veteran driver, Ron Hornaday will return in 2006 driving No. 33 truck led by Rice. Hornaday finished fourth in the No. 6 in the 2005 championship point standings, and earned his second career Truck Series Most Popular Driver award.
“I’ve known Chris for a number of years,” said Hornaday. “He is the last piece to the puzzle to make this race team complete. We are going to go out and run this 2006 season like we did last year, racing as hard as we can for every spot week after week. Chris has the knowledge to lead this team to a championship run.”