Friday, January 27

Virginia General Assembly

Tobacco Buyout Bill Clears Hurdle

Legislation Will Make Payments To Producers Tax Exempt. Final Senate Vote Expected Today

A bill proposed by Senator Frank Ruff that will make payments under the Tobacco Buyout tax exempt cleared a major hurdle in the state Senate yesterday.
Shortly before noon yesterday, the Senate voted 39-0 to pass on second reading legislation that “allows a quota holder to subtract from his or her federal adjusted income the amount received from the federal tobacco buyout on the state tax return,” Ruff said yesterday.
The final vote on Ruff’s bill is expected today.
The senator said yesterday that he didn’t expect any opposition to the measure during today’s vote.
“I wouldn’t expect anyone to have any problems with it after it’s made it this far,” he said.
The measure cleared the Senate Finance Committee with a 14-1 vote Tuesday.
Halifax County Delegate Clarke Hogan said yesterday that he will work to ensure the bill passes when voted on in the House of Delegates.
“I will be actively monitoring this bill to make sure it gets out of the House,” he said. “Our farmers need for this to pass.
Calling the legislation “something that needs to happen,” Ruff agreed.
“Back in the 1990s, we had legislation passed that treated money the came from Phase I and II payments as a sale on capital assets,” he said shortly before the committee vote.
“This bill will mean that buyout payments are treated the same way as reimbursement for a lost asset,” he said. “To my way of thinking, buyout payments are the replacement of a lost asset and shouldn’t be looked at as income. Under the buyout program, tobacco farmers are involuntarily losing that capital asset and the federal government is paying them for that loss.”
On October 22, 20004, President George W. Bush signed legislation that ended the federal price support system for the nation’s tobacco farmers.
As introduced, the bill would have allowed a quota holder to subtract both the 2005 and 2006 payments on next year’s tax return, a stipulation that some Finance Committee members balked at.
“To satisfy the concern of the committee about the costs associated with the first year, the legislation was modified to allow only one (tax exempt) year at a time,” Ruff said yesterday. “Therefore, in 2007 you would be allowed to deduct the 2005 payment and in 2008 the 2006 payment and so forth.”
Under the legislation, quota holders who opt to receive a lump sum payment will be able to take a 10 percent tax credit annually.
If the legislation passes both houses of the General Assembly and is signed by Governor Tim Kaine, it will go in effect July 1.
“Therefore, it will not affect this year’s tax return at all,” Ruff said.

 

County Receives Federal Drought Designation

Will Allow Farmers To Apply For Low-Interest Loans

An announcement that Halifax County and much of Southside has received federal drought designation and is qualified for low-interest loans is too little, too late, according to Halifax County Extension Agent Traci Talley.
Governor Tim Kaine announced Wednesday that the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture granted federal drought disaster status for 38 localities, including Halifax County, in response to drought-like conditions since last summer.
The designations make farmers eligible for low-interest loans and “any supplemental relief that may be provided by Congress,” according to the prepared announcement.
Kaine said the designation will mean farmers have access to “much-needed assistance.”
“Since last summer and through the fall, many Virginia farmers have struggled with crop damage and losses caused by drought-like conditions,” he said. “Even though weather conditions have improved, the damage to the crops occurred early in the season. These disaster designations will allow much-needed assistance for many of our farmers.”
But Talley said that monetary assistance would help farmers more than additional debt.
“Unfortunately, this isn’t what we expected,” she said. “When we received the designation in the past, it came in the form of monetary assistance that allowed our producers to purchase much-needed forages and supplemental grains.
“With only being allowed a low-interest loans, it isn’t an alternative that’s enticing to our producers – many of whom have already incurred additional expense in the form of rising fuel prices and other increased costs like fertilizer.”
Talley said that many producers have been purchasing supplemental feed since mid-summer. “So with all of the increases in our production costs, we’re already in the red and taking out another loan isn’t the assistance we’d hoped for.”
According to the extension agent, Halifax County applied for the designation last summer, during the worst part of the drought. “Before, it came in the form of monetary assistance that was greatly needed,” she said.
“When you’re already in the red, to sink yourself into another loan isn’t what we need to do,” Talley said. “I’m glad that we received some assistance, but I wish it had come a little sooner and in another form. But any help we receive is greatly appreciated in these difficult times.”
Farmers who are interested in the low-interest emergency loans can contact the Farm Service Agency at 476-2147.

 

Daniels Pinning Hopes On Unique Treatment

Kevin Daniels, A Quadriplegic, Hopes Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Therapy Will Improve His Condition

Kevin Daniels wanted to help people and serve his community. That’s why he became a volunteer firefighter and an EMT with the South Boston Fire Department.
That same desire lives on in Daniels today. He still has his turn-out gear and his medical box and has recertified for heart defibrillation. Yet, there is nothing he can do.
Daniels was responding to a fire call on the night of August 7, 1998 when he was involved in a highway crash that resulted in a severe near-fatal brain injury. As a result of that injury, Daniels is now a quadriplegic with very limited movement in his arms and legs and limited speech.
With avenues of conventional medical treatment exhausted, Daniels has spent the past three years searching outside the realm of the conventional medical box for a treatment that offers some possibility for improvement in his condition and, hopefully, for others as well.
That avenue has been found.
After having undergone batteries of medical tests and examinations and a thorough review of his injury and medical records following the accident, Daniels has been accepted by the Steenblock Research Institute in San Diego,Cal. for umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy.
However, the treatment is very costly – between $8,000 and $12,000. In addition to the cost of the treatment, Daniels and his family will have a minimum five-day stay in California during the process. Including travel, lodging, meals and other expenses, the cost for the family is expected to be in excess of $20,000.
Insurance has covered some of Daniels’ medical expenses in the years following the accident. Still, Daniels and his family have had to bear and continue to bear a huge financial burden to cover needs and expenses not covered by insurance.
This treatment Daniels is seeking is not covered by any insurance and he is in need of financial assistance if he is to be able to obtain the treatment.
Daniels’ friends at the South Boston Volunteer Fire Company have started a process to help him.
The South Boston Volunteer Fire Company has established a trust fund called the Kevin Daniels Fund with the fire company being the receiving agency for people wishing to make donations. In addition to being the receiving agency, the fire company will administer the fund.
Persons wishing to make donations may mail their contribution to the South Boston Fire Department, 403 Broad Street, South Boston, Va. 24592. All contributions to the fund will be tax-deductible and will towards Daniels’ medical expenses.
“Every dime that is contributed to this trust fund will go toward his medical expenses,” said South Boston Fire Chief William Murray.
“The fire company will administer and look after this fund.”
The effort to assist Daniels, Murray said, is a way the firemen can help a fellow fireman.
“Kevin is very much a part of us,” added Murray.
“He comes and does what he can to help us with bingo. He still comes to the meetings and drills. I don’t know if this can get him back the way he was but, hopefully, something will happen that will improve his lifestyle and his quality of life.”
Dwight Spangler, a member of the South Boston Volunteer Fire Company and a close friend of Kevin, said he is glad the fire company is able to help in this way.
“We’ve always wanted to do something,” said Spangler, “but, what do you do? We want to help where we can. If we can do that by furnishing a place to accept donations and administering them, we’ll do it.
“Like a church gathers around to help one of their members, we’re gathering around him,” Spangler continued.
“Kevin wants to go back to doing what he did before. His short-term goal is to improve his speech, being able to improve his ability to communicate.”
Spangler said the fire company is not looking for a pat on the back for assisting Daniels.
“We just want to help Kevin improve his quality of life,” Spangler said.
Plans are in the works to try to set up fund-raising events in the community for Daniels in an effort to help him cover the cost of this and possible future treatments. Dates and locations of those events will be announced as they are scheduled.
The Treatment
Daniels and his parents, Pat and Terry Daniels of South Boston, have spent three years researching umbilical cord blood stem cell research and its benefits.
Embryonic stem cell therapy was not even considered.
“We wouldn’t do embryonic stem cell therapy because a life has to be taken,” explained Pat Daniels.
“I wouldn’t go that route.”
The route Daniels is going – umbilical cord stem cell therapy using umbilical cord blood obtained after the birth of a healthy baby – is effective in many cases. It is, however, expensive. And, there is no way of knowing how many treatments will be necessary.
Doctors have told the family that once they have the money in hand they could set up the treatment within 30 days.
The treatment will be performed at a clinic in Mexico, just across the United States border a short distance from San Diego. It will be performed as an outpatient procedure, but Daniels will have to stay for five days so doctors can monitor his condition in the wake of the treatment.
Cost figures for the treatment vary according to what is done.
“If Kevin gets an IV into the blood system, the cost is $8,000,” Terry Daniels explained.
“If it is done by inserting a catheter into area of the brain stem, the cost will be $12,000.”
Terry Daniels pointed out that going the route of the brain stem is the most direct method of treatment and may offer a better likelihood of success. He noted that while doctors tell the family that there has been a 75 percent success rate, there are no guarantees.
“We know there is a possibility that it may not work,” he said.
“While it may not help him, it won’t hurt him, either.”
The Hope For Success
If there is an improvement in Daniels’ condition, doctors say it won’t be seen until between three and six months after treatment. There is no way of knowing how much of an improvement will occur, the Daniels noted.
If additional treatments are needed, they will be done when and if the Daniels family can raise the money to cover the expense.
“We will do what we can as time progresses,” said Terry Daniels.
What Daniels and his family hope is that at the very least Kevin’s speech and ability to communicate will improve.
“His long-range goal is to get back on his feet and go to work,” Terry Daniels said.
“On the other hand, he realizes that may never happen. What he would really like is to be able to communicate better with people.”
While Daniels is hoping this treatment will help him, he also hopes it can help lead to treatments that will help others who face similar circumstances.
“I want this done to greatly improve my quality of life so I can go back to serving the people in the community,” Kevin said.
“Stem Cell therapy has been done outside the USA for years for various medical reasons with wonderful results. I want my results to help push stem cell use here in the USA to help others.”

 

Watkins Facing Jail On Murder Charge
Alford Plea Could Mean Life Plus 40 Years In Prison

Calvin Eugene Watkins entered Alford pleas Wednesday in Halifax County Circuit Court to the second degree murder of Herman Laman Louden and the aggravated malicious wounding of Tremaine Walker. Watkins, a 29-year-old South Boston resident, faces a maximum sentence of life plus 40 years for the crimes, which date back to March 15, 2004.
Under terms of the Alford plea, Watkins did not admit guilt to the offenses, but recognized the weight of the evidence against him. Judge Leslie M. Osborn presided over Wednesday’s hearing, during which Commonwealth’s Attorney Kim Slayton White and Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Freshour proffered evidence gathered by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Division of Forensic Science and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. White said that the Commonwealth was prepared to enter into evidence more than 100 photographs, and had subpoenaed a number of forensic scientists with specialties in DNA analysis and bloodstain pattern analysis.
In its proffer, the Commonwealth said that Watkins was at the residence of Walker and Louden, located off Dryburg Rd. in northern Halifax County in the early morning hours of March 15, 2004. Investigators initially determined that Louden and Walker were each shot by Watkins after he became angry with them, but later examination concluded each of them were hit in the head with a blunt instrument. Louden was immediately incapacitated and killed by the blows. Walker survived, but is left with debilitating injuries.
Watkins became a “person of interest” in the case after a witness told police he had seen Watkins at the Louden/Walker residence the day before the attacks and connected him with an automobile at the same location, according to Commonwealth evidence. Investigators received a tip that Watkins was at another location in Halifax County, Freshour continued, with the defendent subsequently being located and detained on other charges.
Subsequent examination by the Virginia Division of Forensic Science performed on clothing worn by Watkins the day of the attacks revealed blood spots containing the DNA of both victims, according to the Commonwealth. That evidence, along with statements taken from Watkins and other witnesses, prompted the Commonwealth to indict Watkins for murder in July 2004.
Watkins’ attorney, Tracy Quackenbush, said after the hearing that Watkins maintains his innocence, but entered his plea due to “strong evidence” against him. Quackenbush added she had been prepared to question some of the Commonwealth’s DNA evidence, the admissibility of one of Watkins’ statements and the veracity of at least one prosecution witness, had the case gone to trial She added she was also prepared to present evidence that another person may have been involved in the assaults.
“He [Watkins] maintains his innocence but couldn’t adequately explain his case,” Quackenbush told the court.
“This case presents a perfect example of the teamwork needed to prepare for the prosecution of a violent crime,” said White.“Good investigative work, effective forensic science and thorough trial preparation led to this guilty plea.” Judge Osborn remanded Watkins to custody following the hearing to await sentencing in an upcoming court term. The Commonwealth anticipates testimony from family members of Louden and Walker, along with medical and forensic testimony at the sentencing.

 

A Record-Shattering Day

The HCHS Swim Team Broke Five School Records Wednesday In The Western Valley District Championship Meet

When the start of the swimming season rolled around in early December, Halifax County High School swim coach Spencer Ferguson predicted his team would have a good season and set some records in the process.
The Comets swimmers delivered – and in a big way.
Comets swimmers shattered five school records and 17 team members qualified to compete in the Northwest Region Meet Wednesday as the Comets boys team placed second and the girls team placed third in the district meet at Hargrave Military Academy.
Wednesday’s finishes marked the best finish the Comets swim team has had in district competition in several seasons.
“I was so excited for the kids,” Ferguson said.
“They impressed the heck out of me. I’m so proud of them I can hardly stand it. I had predicted this was going to be a great year – that records would fall and we would make a good showing in the district – and we did. These kids did everything I had expected them to do.”
Dane Ferguson shattered his previous school record of one minute and 59.39 seconds in winning the 200-yard boys freestyle event in a time of 1:58.75.
Caroline Clements had set a new school record of 25.98 seconds in the girls 50-yard freestyle event in the last regular-season meet. She broke that mark Wednesday night, turning in a time of 25.35 seconds in a second-place finish in that event.
Clements also held the school record in the 100-yard freestyle event and she broke that mark with a time of 55.72 seconds enroute to a third-place finish in that event.
“She has worked very hard this season,” Ferguson pointed out.
“She came into the season out of shape and I rode her and she got herself into shape. She was unbelievable. She has set the tone for the girls that will be coming up.”
The Comets boys 400-yard freestyle relay team consisting of Eric Nelson, Bryan Slagle, Jarrett Pearce and Ferguson had set a new school record of 3:59.39 earlier this season. They snapped that mark in big fashion Wednesday night, turning in a time of 3:48.60 in winning the district in that event. That mark was almost 11 seconds faster than their previous record.
Halifax County’s win in that event was a dramatic one as the Comets found themselves trailing the E.C. Glass tandem by a full length when Ferguson hit the water to swim the final leg.
Ferguson, in a valiant effort, caught the final Hilltoppers swimmer at about the three-quarters mark of the final leg and inched him at the finish to give the Comets the win.
“He knew he had to work hard,” said the Comets coach.
“It was amazing to watch him.”
The Comets girls 200-yard freestyle relay team consisting of Lacy Will, Sarah Rosche, Megan Rosche and Clements also had an outstanding swim and shattered the school record for that event. The tandem turned in a time of 1:53.58 in posting a third-place finish.
E.C. Glass won the boys meet with a total of 231 points with Halifax County (92), Franklin County (82) Patrick Henry (33) and GW (25) trailing in order.
The Hilltoppers swimmers also won the girls meet, finishing with a total of 179 points. Patrick Henry was the runner-up with 167 points and Halifax County placed third with 63 points. Franklin County (48 points) and GW (25 points) rounded out the field.
“E.C. Glass is just awesome,” Ferguson said.
“I have gotten to know their coach and he’s a class act and runs a real good program. Beating them in one or two events is almost as good as winning the district.”
It was a big day for Comets swimmers in terms of swimmers advancing into the February 10 Northwest Region Meet at George Mason University in Manassas.
In the boys relay events, the Comets’ 200-yard medley relay team of Nelson, Phillip Saunders, Slagle and Trevor Griffin qualified with their second-place finish. The 200-yard freestyle relay team consisting of Nelson, Slagle, Pearce and Ferguson qualified with their second-place finish in a time of 1:41.99 and the 400-yard freestyle relay team consisting of Nelson, Slagle, Pearce and Ferguson qualified with its victory.
Individually, Ferguson and Pearce qualified in the 200-yard freestyle, Pearce qualified in the 100-yard breaststroke and Nelson qualified in the 50-yard freestyle.
Saunders and William McGhee qualified in the 200-yard IM, Slagle and Andrew Wilkins qualified in the 100-yard backstroke, Ferguson and Griffin qualified in the 100-yard freestyle and Saunders qualified in the 500-yard freestyle.
Halifax County’s girls 200-yard medley relay team consisting of Emily Bowen, Courtney McDowell, Clements and Sarah Rosche qualified with their third-place finish and time of 2:13.12.
The Comets girls 200-yard freestyle relay team consisting of Meagan Rosche, Sarah Rosche, Lacy Will and Clements qualified with their third-place finish and time of 1:53.58.
Halifax County’s girls 400-yard freestyle relay team consisting of Lindsey Martin, Emily Rosche, Meagan Rosche and Sarah Rosche qualified with its fourth-place finish and time of 4:43.19.
Individually, Emily Rosche qualified for the regional meet in the 200-yard freestyle, Will qualified in the 200-yard IM, Clements and Meagan Rosche qualified in the 50-yard freestyle and C.A. Nichols qualified in the 100-yard butterfly.
Also, Clements and Will qualified in the 100-yard freestyle, Martin qualified in the 500-yard freestyle, Bowen qualified in the 100-yard backstroke and McDowell and Emily Rosche qualified in the 100-yard breaststroke.

 

Comets Square Off Against GW Tonight

The Halifax County High School Varsity Boys Cagers, Fresh Off Of A 59-50 Win Over E.C. Glass, Will Face Archrival GW Tonight In Danville

Tonight will be a big night for the Halifax County High School varsity boys basketball team.
The Comets (6-10 overall, 3-1 district) will travel to Danville to face the state’s third-ranked team, Western Valley District leader GW (15-0 overall, 4-0 district) in the first of two regular-season meetings between the two archrivals.
Halifax County, which downed E.C. Glass 59-50 here Tuesday night to notch its third straight district win, needs a win tonight if it is to stay in contention for the regular-season district championship.
Comets coach Ron Parson says tonight’s game is a big one for his team. However, he says it is not a game that will make or break his team’s season.
“It’s a big game,” said Parson.
“All of the district games are big games. We’re not going to put a make-or-break status on this game. We’re just going to try to go out and play the best we can.”
Parson says the big thing in his mind is for his team to play well, regardless of the outcome.
“It’s like climbing a mountain,” he said.
“You want to keep climbing. When the playoffs (district tournament) starts, that’s when you want to be peaking. We still feel like we’re still going up the mountain. That’s why it’s important for us to play better. We need to get better each game pointing towards the playoffs.
“Either way, win or lose, the thing we want to do is go in there and play well,” Parson continued.
“We want to play well for four quarters. If we play well for four quarters, anything can happen. It being a rivalry game, you never know what will happen. But, you’ve got to play well for four quarters. That’s the key.”
Parson says he feels his team is in a good position right now, especially considering the rocky start his team had to the season.
“You’ll take 3-1 in the district now as opposed to being 12-4 overall and 1-3 in the district. We’re thrilled to be 3-1 right now. I think we’re more focused on what we’ve got to do and we’re finally starting to play together. If you can do that, that will offset a lot of other things.”
The Comets will enter tonight’s game fresh off of a 59-50 win over E.C. Glass in a game that the Comets had to struggle to pull the win out of the fire.
Blaine Key led the Comets’s effort, scoring 20 points and snaring a team-high 10 rebounds. Derek Brooks followed with 12 points, Morgan Brown chipped in seven points and Jeremy Jeffress and Mark Ferrell scored six points each.
Ferrell also had a good night on the boards, claiming six rebounds.
Key set the early tone for the Comets, scoring four of the team’s first five points in a somewhat surprising first quarter that saw the Comets run away to a 17-2 lead in the first eight minutes.
The momentum changed hands in the second quarter as the Hilltoppers picked up some easy baskets off of the Comets’ pressure defense and took advantage of a handful of Comets miscues.
Glass outscored the Comets 13-4 in the first four minutes of the quarter to cut the Comets’ lead to six points. From there, Glass cut the Comets’ lead to a single digit three times and trailed 25-24 at halftime.
Key responded for the Comets in the third quarter, getting the lead back for the Comets after the Hilltoppers got the first score of the second half to take the early advantage. He scored six of the eight points his team scored in the third quarter which ended with the Comets on top 34-32.
A good move inside yielded a basket for Key in the first 30 seconds of the fourth quarter to put the Comets up 36-32. That proved to be just the breathing room the Comets needed.
Glass got no closer than three points after the first two minutes of the fourth quarter. The Comets, with the help of a three-pointer from Jeffress, a basket from Brooks and a tip-in of an offensive rebound by Key, pulled out to a 45-35 lead with 3:59 left in the game.
The Hilltoppers trimmed the Comets’ lead to six points with two and a half minutes to play but Halifax County, with a free throw from Brooks, a three-pointer from Derwin Leigh and two free throws from Brown spread the lead to a dozen points with 1:26 left in the contest.
From there, it was a mop-up operation for the Comets as they held on for the nine-point win.
Parson had nothing but praise for the performance of Key.
“He really stepped it up tonight,” Parson said.
“It seemed that every loose ball around the boards he was the one that his hands on it. He’s an aggressive player.”
Not only that, Parson noted that several of Key’s baskets came from moves down along the post.
“I thought the guards did an excellent job of dumping the ball inside,” Parson stated.
“We’ve spent a lot of time working on it. The guys are starting to respond to it. With Derek (Brooks) Mark (Ferrell) and Blaine inside, that’s a, pretty strong inside game.”
Parson pointed out that he was surprised at how easily his team got the early lead and spread the margin to 15 points.
“I was real surprised that we jumped out to that big of a lead and I was just as surprised we gave it up,” said the Comets coach.
“They hit some easy baskets off of our press. They broke our press and got some easy shots.”

 

HCHS Comets Varsity Girls Cagers Fall Short At Glass

Hilltoppers Pull Away In Second Half For 59-46 Win

The Comets varsity girls basketball team played E.C. Glass close for the second time this season without beating the Hilltoppers, this time losing 59-46 Tuesday in Lynchburg.
Kemper Russell led the Comets with 15 points for the game, eight coming in the second quarter to help her team to a 28-25 halftime lead. Talesha Medley was the other Comet in double figures, finishing with 10 points, all before halftime.
Lashunda Davis, Deelynn Leigh and Taniqua Younger all had six points, Shauna Harris two points and Ashley Coleman one point for the Comets.
Unlike the team’s prior meeting, when Glass rallied from a big deficit in winning by a point, the Comets rallied from 14 points down in the second quarter to take a halftime lead.
Halifax went cold from the floor in the third quarter, Younger’s basket the only Halifax tally, as Glass rallied for a 37-30 advantage going in the final period.
The Hilltoppers hit 10 of 14 free throws down the stretch to help hold the Comets at bay, with Courtney Barille hitting eight of 11 foul shots among her 14 points for the quarter.
Barille, a thorn in the Comets’ side in their earlier game, was just as effective in the rematch, scoring a game-high 30 points, including a 12 for 15 game at the foul line. Glass hit 16 of 22 foul shots as a team, while Halifax was only four of 10.
Medley held the hot hand early for the Comets, scoring six points in the first quarter, but Barille was hotter, hitting three baskets and four of four foul shots to help Glass take the 23-9 lead.
Russell added a field goal and Ashley Coleman one of two shots from the line to help Halifax stay in the game, and the Comets rebounded with a strong second quarter to take the lead at halftime.
Russell scored eight points, Medley four points, and Davis three points, while Younger and Leigh added baskets to stake the Comets to a three-point halftime advantage.
As productive as the Comets’ offense was in the second quarter, it was equally ineffective in the third, Younger’s bucket the only points for Halifax.
Barille scored half of her team’s 12 points in the third quarter, as Glass took a 37-30 lead going into the final period.
Russell added her final five points, Leigh four points, Davis three points, and Shauna Harris and Younger two points each in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough, as Glass outscored the Comets 22-16 to seal the win.
Tuesday’s setback kept Halifax winless in the Western Valley District at 0-4, and left them with a 2-11 record overall for the season going into today’s game here against GW.
That contest is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

 

Obituaries

Mary Elizabeth Coleman
Mary Elizabeth Coleman, 91, of 2131 Spencer Street, Danville, formerly of Scottsburg, died January 25, 2006, at Danville Regional Medical Center.
Mrs. Coleman was born in Halifax County on October 4, 1914, to the late William Bill Boyd and Annie Boyd, and was married to the late Rev. Joe Nathan Coleman. She was a member of Spanish Grove Baptist Church.
Survivors include five daughters, Annie Hamlett of Danville, Evelyn Perry of Prospect Park, N.J., Elizabeth Duncan of Passaic, N.J., Samejra Hamilton of White Plains, N.Y. and Carolyn Venable of Los Angeles, Calif.; four sons, Earl Coleman and Nathan Joe Coleman, both of Scottsburg, Joe Coleman of Paterson, N.J. and Keith Venable of Middletown, N.Y.; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three sons-in-law, William Duncan, John Perry and Harold Hamlett; three daughters-in-law, Cynthia Magee, Wendy Coleman and Mae Coleman.
Funeral services for Mrs. Coleman will be held January 29, at 2 p.m. at Spanish Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Ronnie Womack officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 7 to 8 at Jeffress Funeral Home Chapel and other times at the home.

Maggie Jones Henderson
Maggie Jones Henderson, 88, of Lynchburg, died January 23, 2006, at Avante’ of Lynchburg. She was the wife of the late Marvis G. Henderson.
Born in War, WVa., she was a daughter of the late Frank Calvin Jones and the late Vergie Roach Jones. Mrs. Henderson was the personnel director for K-Mart before her retirement, and was a member of Park View United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her children, Joan Kalons Pease of Bradenton, Fla., Ronald David Henderson and Thomas Lee Henderson, both of Lynchburg, and Daniel Bryan Henderson of Wilmington, Del; two brothers, James Jones of Mayfield, Ky. and L.F. ‘Buddy’ Cochran of Roanoke; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service for Mrs. Henderson will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2006, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, with the Rev. Jeri Bishop officiating.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, Lynchburg Unit, 2316 Atherholt Road, Suite 108, Lynchburg, 24501.
Condolences can be sent to www.whittenfuneralhome.com.

Salvatore Frank Lorello
Salvatore Frank Lorello, Esquire, 62 of Midlothian, died January 25, 2006, at his residence.
He had been a partner in Owens, Root and Lorello in Encinitas, Calif. and was presently with the Framme Law Firm in Richmond.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Granger Lorello; four children, Tiffany Ann Hunt, Ryan Charles, Waverly Everett, and Sebastiano Mario Lorello; four grandchildren; a brother, Chuck Lorello; and sister, Anne Marie Troccoli.
Funeral services for Mr. Lorello will be at 11 a.m. today, January 27, at Chesterfield Baptist Church, with the Rev. David L. Engleman officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider John’s Foundation, c/o Johnston Willis Hospital, 1401 Johnston Willis Drive, Richmond, 23235, Attn: Deborah Nolan.

Samuel J. Parker
Samuel J. Parker, 82, of 1028 Childrey Church Road, Nathalie, died January 25, 2006, at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Brookneal. He was the husband of Mary Elizabeth Hines Parker.
Mr. Parker was born in Halifax County on January 8, 1924, son of the late Samuel John Parker and Carrie Coates Parker Crews. He was a member of Childrey Baptist Church and a farmer.
In addition to his wife, survivors include one son, S. Jason Parker and wife, Wanda, of Nathalie; two daughters, Linda Riddlebarger and husband, Steve, of Harrisonburg, and Gayle Wall and husband, Kenny, of Nathalie; eight grandchildren, Christopher and Jasmine Parker, Annette, Brandon and Ryan Enoch, Tyler Wall, Teresa Comer and husband, Michael, of Grottos, Stephanie Burgess and husband, Don, of High Point, N.C.; four great-grandchildren, Brittany and Dillon Comer, Kaley and Jadon Burgess; and one sister, Homie Bomar of Nathalie.
Funeral services for Mr. Parker will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow, January 28, at Childrey Baptist Church by the Rev. Rodney Barwick. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Childrey Baptist Church Building Fund, or a charity of choice.
The family is receiving friends at the home.

Owen Lacy Beadles
Owen Lacy Beadles, 79, of 1202 Wilson Memorial Trail, Vernon Hill, died January 25, 2006, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Beadles was born in Halifax County on August 28, 1926, the son of the late George Beadles and Mary Lillian Crews Beadles and was married to Betty Jane Trent Beadles. He attended Centerville Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife; two sons, Roy Beadles and friend, Wanda Newcomb, of Vernon Hill, and Larry Wayne Beadles and wife, Linda, of Nathalie; six grandchildren, Anita Beadles, Amanda Beadles, Jennifer Beadles, Tammy Beadles, Larry Wayne Beadles Jr., and Tonya Beadles, all of Nathalie; three step-grandchildren, John Newcomb, Josh Newcomb and Jacob Newcomb, all of Vernon Hill; two brothers, Robert Beadles and wife, Nancy, and Pete Beadles, all of Nathalie; and one sister, Elizabeth Trent of Vernon Hill. Mr. Beadles was also preceded in death by one son, Herbert Lacy Beadles.
Graveside services will be held tomorrow, January 28, at 2 p.m. at Catawba Baptist Church with the Rev. Richard Saunders officiating.
The family will receive friends this evening, January 27, from 7:00 until 8:30, at Powell Funeral H ome, and other times at the home.