Monday, January 30, 2006

Hogan, Ruff Slam Kaine’s Road Plan

BY Alex Woolridge
Capital News Service

When Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine announced his transportation initiative as a solution to the Virginia’s biggest hot-button issue, the state’s top Republican officials were quick to respond.
Attorney General Bob McDonnell and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling last week publicly criticized the plan, which calls for several tax increases. Delegate Clarke N. Hogan, R-South Boston, has echoed these complaints, saying the tax increases are unnecessary considering the state’s budget surplus.
No one involved in creating the plan, he said, has been able to answer his questions about how the initiative was planned out.
“It’s almost as if these people got together in a room and said, ‘OK, let’s do this,’” Hogan said. “And when you’re talking about a billion-dollar-a-year tax increase that’s supposed to be a major overhaul of our transportation system, I would think you’d put a little bit more thought into it than that.”
In his view, there are no tangible goals tied to the revenue that the tax increases would generate. Hogan similarly dismissed as irresponsible a plan making its way through the Senate, saying the estimated financial need will not be met by the tax hikes.
“How in the world do you solve a $50 billion present problem with a billion dollars a year? Which is to say that their plan is no plan at all,” he said. “It doesn’t address the problem.”
Sen. Frank M. Ruff, R-Clarksville, expressed two concerns regarding the governor’s transportation plan. For one, Ruff said he worried that some of the tax burden would fall equally among all drivers, even though some drivers are on the road far less than others. Also, he said, the taxpayers from his district would be responsible for a dilemma that mostly affects Northern Virginia.
“I’m somewhat concerned that we’re trying to solve Northern Virginia’s problems with the [taxes from] folks in my area,” he said. “Their household income is far less than in those regions.”
Hogan suggested legislators from both political parties should carefully scrutinize the initiative during the weeks ahead.
“I think it’s the general consensus in the general public that they’re not getting what they want out of the transportation dollars, but where are we spending it? Where are they going? How are we using them? And those are the kind of questions that we have to ask.”
Kaine says transportation is Virginia’s No. 1 problem. His plan would raise $1 billion a year for road projects and mass transit. He would generate the money by raising the sales tax on cars, tax on auto insurance premiums, the annual registration fees on heavy passenger vehicles and the fines and fees for abusive drivers.
Sen. John Chichester, a Republican who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, has proposed an alternative plan that involves raising the gasoline tax.

 

South Boston Town Council

Taylor Lofts, Church Hill, On Work Agenda

Consideration of a special use permit to allow Landmark Asset Services, Inc., to establish a 46-unit multifamily residential complex, Taylor Lofts, in the Taylor Building leads tonight’s 5:45 p.m. South Boston Council work session agenda.
Council members will meet in Council Chambers at 502 Yancey Street.
The Taylor Building is located at the intersection of Noblin and Ferry Streets and a public hearing regarding the permit is advertised for Council’s Monday, February 13, meeting.
The South Boston Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the permit request following its January meeting.
The Current Issues Committee will also address the adoption of a Church Hill Community Developmen Block Grant (CDBG) program income plan to determine how income (repayment of housing rehab loans) generated from the Church Hill Project will be spent.
During tonight’s session South Boston Police Chief Mick Reed is scheduled to discuss a new community policing program, silent partner alert, an on-line public safety broadcast system via theInternet.
Also on the agenda, Reed will discuss the town code regarding hours of operation for businesses with pool tables.
The Current Issues Committee’s agenda includes discussion of the addition of Edmonds Trail, from Dan River Church Road to end – 0.6 lane miles - to the VDOT Highway Maintenance schedule for reimbursement.
Also on the agenda, additional rental inspection districts are expected to be proposed. A public hearing regarding the new districts is advertised for Monday, February 13, during Council’s regularly scheduled meeting. The establishment of new rental inspection districts within blighted areas of the town is to prevent deterioration and to maintain safe, decent and sanitary living conditions for tenants. The first district named was North Main Street from Broad Street north to Hamilton Avenue.
Also on the Current Issues Committee agenda, discussion of appointments to the Industrial Development Authority, the Improvement Council and the Board of Zoning Appeals.
The Finance Committee is expected to address a Greenstone Townhouse developers’ reimbursement agreement with Dr. and Mrs. L.W. Roberts. The Roberts sought an agreement from Council last year.

 

NWTF Raises Over $30K

National Wild Turkey Federation Held Annual Banquet Saturday

Over 300 conservation advocates gathered Saturday at The Prizery for this year’s annual National Wild Turkey Federation banquet, according to Halifax County Chapter President Dr. Bill McCarty.
Between raffles, donations and auctions, McCarty said he estimates the event raised between $30-$40,000 for the group’s conservation efforts.
According to the chapter president, although this year’s event was smaller than some in the past.
“We set up for about 340 people and I believe around 320 came out to the event,” he said. “We purposely downsized it (the banquet) because we wanted to have a smaller, nicer facility and The Prizery is more in keeping with the theme of the National Wild Turkey Federation. The Prizery is an ideal place to have it. The ambience is much better.”
During the event, two county residents were recognized for their work with the organization.
“Bill Abbott of Abbott Farm Supply was given an award for his support of the chapter and his conservation efforts and Rodney Blanks was given a print for his efforts in conservation and restoration,” McCarty said.
Blanks was instrumental this year in creating two wildlife management areas, one on Terry’s Bridge Road and the other on Wolf Trap Road, according to the chapter president.
During Saturday’s event, around 23 guns were raffled, McCarty said.
“Two of the winners donated them back to the chapter to be auctioned off so the chapter could raise more money,” he said. “This is a good example of the kind of people we have in the National Wild Turkey Federation.”
And the highlight of the evening?
“It was just the camaraderie among good people with a common goal,” McCarty said.

 

Area Unemployment Falls
Slightly In December

Halifax County’s unemployment rate fell to 6.1 percent in December, down one-tenth of a percent from the November rate of 6.2 percent, according to figures released by the Virginia Employment Commission.
The county reported a civilian labor force of 15,054, with 14,131 workers in the county employed and 923 residents seeking work in the month of December. Mecklenburg County’s jobless rate held steady at 6.2 percent in December, with 779 of the county’s 12,623 labor force seeking work, the VEC reported. Charlotte County’s unemployment rate showed positive signs in December, falling six-tenths of a percent to 7.4 percent, according to the Commission’s figures.
Pittsylvania County reported 6.2 percent unemployment last month, up one-tenth of a percent from the November rate of 6.1 percent.
The City of Danville continues to reel from the recent closing of Dan River, Inc., charting an unemployment rate in December of 10.4 percent, up dramatically from the November rate of 8.9 percent, according to the VEC figures. The city reported a civilian labor force of 20,870 with 2,168 unemployed. Martinsville continues to rebound from the decline of the textile and tobacco industries, reporting a 7.2 percent jobless rate, down seven-tenths of a percent from the November rate of 7.9 percent. In October, the city reported a jobless rate of 8.3 percent, the Commission reported. Virginia’s unemployment rate fell three-tenths of a percent in December, to 3 percent, according to the VEC.

 

No Contest – GW Crushes Comets

The Halifax County High School Varsity Boys Cagers Look To Rebound Tuesday Against Franklin County In Wake Of Friday Night’s 94-66 Loss At The Hands Of GW

It was over almost as quickly as it began.
GW, with the help of two Comets turnovers, raced to an 8-0 lead in the first 55 seconds, built a 20-point lead at the end of the first quarter and cruised to an easy 94-66 win over Halifax County Friday night in Danville to keep its season-long winning streak intact.
The immediate focus now for the Comets (6-11 overall, 3-2 district) is to pick up the pieces and put Friday’s loss behind them and get ready for Tuesday night’s home Western Valley District encounter against Franklin County.
Halifax County, now in third place in the district standings behind GW (15-0 overall, 5-0 district) and Franklin County (14-3 overall, 4-1 district), can make a statement with a win here Tuesday over the Eagles. A win by the Comets could turn the battle for second place in the standings into a horse race.
Franklin County won the first meeting, scoring an 80-47 victory over the Comets on January 6 in Rocky Mount. The Comets played very well in the first half, playing the Eagles to a two-point game through two quarters before unraveling in the second half.
Comets head coach Ron Parson says his team can beat Franklin County Tuesday if it will play for four quarters like it played in the first half of the previous game against the Eagles.
“Franklin County is a very good team, but I think if we play for four quarters it can be anybody’s game,” he pointed out.
“I think if we stay focused and run our offense we’ll be fine, we’ll be competitive. We can’t go down and start throwing up shots and bad passes. Nobody can afford to do that against a good team.”
The Comets are undefeated at home in district play thus far. Parson said winning the home district games is important.
“I told the guys at the beginning that you’ve got to win your home games and half of your away games,” he pointed out.
“ If you do that, you’ll be no worse than second place in our district.”
Having witnessed Friday night’s contest, Parson said GW appears to be alone unto itself when it comes to how the district teams stack up.
“I think GW is way ahead of everybody,” Parson said.
“ I don’t think Franklin County is that far ahead of us. Tuesday night we’ll know for sure.”
Halifax County fell behind at the outset of Friday’s game against GW and matters got ugly very quickly for the Comets in the game punctuated with 13 three-point baskets between the two teams and almost as many flying slam dunks.
Jeremy Jeffress and Derek Brooks, who scored 25 points and 21 points respectively, combined to score 46 of the Comets’ 66 points. But, it wasn’t nearly enough.
GW broke on top quickly with Michael McGeough hitting a three-pointer to open the game. Then, GW’s pressure defense forced the Comets into making a pair of turnovers, both of which resulted in GW baskets. Before the Comets could bat an eye, they trailed 8-0.
The Comets briefly stopped the bleeding with Morgan Brown hitting two of four free throw attempts to make it a 10-2 GW lead with 5:40 left in the first quarter.
Halifax County never got any closer the rest of the night.
After the Eagles’ J.C. Chaney hit a pair of free throws, GW guard Nick Barbour came up with a steal, shuffled the ball to Ridge McKeither and McKeither nailed a slam dunk to put the Eagles up 14-2. Two more baskets followed and GW was up 19-2 with half of the opening quarter gone.
For all practical purposes, it was game over at that point.
The Comets trailed 29-9 at the end of the first quarter after getting five points from Jeffress in the last two and a half minutes of the quarter.
GW extended its lead to 32-9 in the first 37 seconds of the second quarter and bumped its lead to 39-12 when Robbie Price hit a trey with 5:49 left in the half.
The Comets trailed 45-18 when they made their best run of the half. Jeffress started the run with a layup, Blaine Key a pair of free throws and Brooks hit three straight baskets to make the score 49-30 with a minute left in the half.
GW scored four points before the half ended, three coming on a try from Price to make it a 53-30 GW lead at halftime.
Two GW baskets to kick off the third quarter put the Comets down 58-30. Jeffress broke the ice for the Comets with a dunk off of a steal. After GW’s Justin Reynolds hit a trey, the Comets hit another flurry, this one including a pair of three-pointers from Jeffress and a basket each from Brooks and Key to make it 63-42 with 4:15 left in the quarter.
Halifax County scored only two points the rest of the quarter and GW ran away to a 79-44 lead.
From there, it was basically a mop-up operation for GW.
While the Comets could not keep pace against the hot-shooting Eagles, they still shot 53 percent from the floor for the game and committed only nine turnovers, five of which came in the first half.
Parson said, however, that if a team is going to shoot the way GW did throughout the night, nobody will beat them.
“There are not many teams that are going to shoot like that,” he said.
“You might have the starting five come out and shoot the ball well but everybody they put on the floor shot the ball well. It doesn’t matter what you do if somebody is going to shoot like that. They hit several shots where we had people right in their face. There’s not much you can do.
“I just told the guys that this was one of those nights that can happen to anybody,” added Parson.
“I saw it happen to Texas against Duke. Texas was number two in the country and they got beat by 40 by Duke. It happens.”

 

Comets Varsity Girls Cagers Compete Well In Loss

GW Eagles’ Height, Depth, Prevail In 64-41 Win

The Comets varsity girls basketball team may not have brought the depth, height and overall athleticism that GW-Danville has to Friday’s game here between the long-time rivals.
It did, however, bring a level of intensity and hustle that allowed them to avoid the huge deficits at game’s end that have become more normal than not during the past several seasons, the Comets falling 64-41 to the Eagles.
Kemper Russell led the Comets with 11 points, Key Ferrell counted two three-pointers among her 10 points, and Taniqua Younger finished with eight points for Halifax.
Lashunda Davis scored six points, Deelynn Leigh three points, Dachrista Teeters two points, and Shauna Harris a point from the foul line for the Comets, who remained winless (0-5) in the Western Valley District.
Eight players hit the scorebook for GW, which got double figure scoring from Ashlynn Massey (12), Ashley Houston (11) and Erica Warren (10).
GW owned a 16-5 lead after one quarter, a 33-19 halftime advantage, and a 52-34 bulge after three quarters before outscoring Halifax 12-7 in the fourth quarter for the final margin.
The Comets played better than that final margin indicated, according to coach Ray Reaves, who disputed one of the older sports axioms.
“You’ve heard from a lot of coaches that there are no moral victories in sports, you either win or lose,” began Reaves.
“That may be true at the pro or college level, but I believe we got a moral victory here tonight. We lost by 23 points, but the score doesn’t mean as much to me as how we played.
“My girls left the gym feeling good about themselves and how we performed against a very good team.
“We played a team that has been ranked in the top ten of the state really tough. Take away some of their second-chance points and some of our missed layups and we’re possibly right back in the ball game.”
A slow start left the Comets staring at a double-digit deficit going into the second quarter, Davis and Ferrell scoring early baskets to get Halifax to within 6-4 before a 10-1 run gave the Eagles some breathing room.
Baskets by Ferrell, Russell and Younger early in the second quarter allowed Halifax to keep pace with GW.
A jumper by Leigh cut the deficit to 26-14, GW used a three-pointer to give it a 15-point lead, and Younger scored again to make it 29-16.
Harris hit one of two foul shots and Davis scored on a drive near the end of the half to cut the margin to 33-19 at intermission.
Ferrell hit the first of her treys early in the third quarter to make it 35-22, and Davis, Younger, and Russell hit field goals, but GW hit three of its four treys for the game to make it 52-29.
Russell hit a follow shot and Ferrell nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer, as the Comets cut their deficit by five with a quarter remaining.
Russell scored five points in the final quarter and Teeters added two more, but Halifax could get no closer, GW hitting four of four from the line down the stretch.
The Eagles were a sizzling 10 of 12 (83 percent) as a team from the foul line for the game, a statistic Reaves noted makes a team “awfully hard” to beat, particularly when playing from behind.
The same shortcomings that have plagued the Comets this season – lack of overall size and poor free throw shooting (5-15) – worked against them Friday as well, according to Reaves, who emphasized the positives the team took from the game.
“The reason we played so well is that we were more aggressive and got after the ball,” noted Reaves.
“The girls were diving on the floor for loose balls, and they played with so much intensity and enthusiasm.
“I told the girls I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Reaves was also impressed with the focus and composure shown by the Comets after teammate Talesha Medley left the game with an injury midway of the third quarter.
“The girls talked among themselves after Talesha got hurt and agreed that Talesha would want them to continue to play as hard as they had before, and they did just that.
“I was impressed with that and the respect they showed toward their teammate, to go out and play that way, and I hope we continue to play like that.
“We can take a lot from this game, and if we play the next few games with the same hustle and intensity, and if we play this way the rest of the season, who knows what can happen.”
The varsity girls basketball team, now 2-12 on the season, needs to win one of its two remaining district games for a chance at a spot in the Western Valley District tournament, is first opportunity coming tomorrow at Franklin County.
Game time is 7:30 p.m.

 

SBS Sets Open Practice

Open Practice At SBS Set For March 18

The 2006 South Boston Speedway racing season will roll into action on Saturday, March 25. One week prior to the season-opening event, America’s Hometown Track will host an open practice session on Saturday, March 18, which will be open to all divisions and competitors.
The open practice session on March 18 will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Registration will begin that morning at 9 a.m.
Speedway officers have announced that open practice sessions will be held throughout the 2006 racing season. Open practice sessions will be held from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month from April through September, weather permitting.
A total of 19 events are scheduled as part of South Boston Speedway’s 2006 schedule. Highlighting the schedule this season will be action for the Late Model Stock Car Division competitors as well as drivers in the Limited Sportsman Division and the Pure Stock Division.
Season tickets, good for all events in 2006, are available for the value price of $150 per person. A season ticket pass for youth, ages 10-15, is available for the 2006 season at a cost of $99.
Tailgating spots are also available for the 2006 racing season at South Boston Speedway. Spaces are available for the entire season or on a weekly basis.
The tailgating area will be open for cars and trucks. Grills and unlimited size coolers will be available in the tailgating area. Tailgating passes good for the entire season are priced at $285.
For more information visit the track’s web site or phone the track at (434) 572-4947 or toll free at 1-877-440-1540.

 

Obituaries

Joseph Calvin Milam Sr.
Memorial services for Mr. Joseph Calvin Milam Sr. will be held today at 11 a.m. at the Brooks Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Raymond McGarr officiating.
Interment will follow in the Shady Grove U.M.C. cemetery.
Visitation will be at the home, 1100 Whitt Farm Trail in Virgilina.
Mr. Milam, 60, died Friday, January 27, at Duke University Medical Center.
He was born in Sanford, N.C., on August 27, 1945 the son of the late Woodrow Wilson Milam and Beatrice Hall Milam White, and was married to Brenda Whitt Milam.
He was employed with the parks department.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Milam is survived by a daughter, Melinda Milam of Apex, N.C.; two sons, James Auston Milam of Greensboro and Spc. Joseph C. Milam Jr. of Ft. Drum, N.Y. and a brother, Woodrow Wilson Milam Jr. of South Boston.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Audrey Frances Milam and a brother, James Kenneth Milam.
Anyone wishing to give memorials should consider the Halifax County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 875, South Boston, Va. 24592 or the Halifax Regional Hospice, 2204 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, Va. 24592.

Mamie Hamlett Scott
Funeral services for Ms. Mamie Hamlett Scott were held yesterday, January 29, at the Henderson Funeral Home Chapel in Brookneal.
The Rev. Elynor Rose officiated.
Ms.Scott, 61, of Devon Way in Virginia Beach and formerly of Charlotte Courthouse, died Thursday, January 26 at Seaside of Atlantic Shores.
She was born in Lynchburg on July 6, 1944, the daughter of the late Daniel Lee Hamlett Jr. and Pearl Imogene Hamlett, was a member of the First Baptist Church of Monroe, a graduate of the University of Virginia and was a retired teacher for the Amherst County School System.
She is survived by one daughter, Jennifer Wood and husband Dwayne of Virginia Beach; one brother, Daniel DeWitt Hamlett of Victoria; six sisters, Eva Harper of Lynchburg, Imogene Scott, Ida Mae Harper and Nancy Harper, all of Madison Heights, Lois Hudson of Rustburg and Mary Ann Riley of Garland, N.C.
Five brothers and five sisters preceded her in death.
Memorials may be made to the America Cancer Society, 1-800-227-2345, www.cancer.org or the Make A Wish Foundation, 1-800-722-9474, www.wish.org.

Margaret Bomar Saunders
Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Bomar Saunders were held yesterday, January 29, at the Powell Funeral Home.
The Rev. Jack Stewart officiated. Burial followed at the Halifax Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Saunders, of Shepherds Gate in South Boston, died Thursday, January 26, at her home.
She was born December 10, 1922 in Halifax County and was 83. She was the daughter of Henry James Bomar and Sadie Hendricks Bomar and was married to the late Edwin J. Saunders.
Mrs. Saunders is survived by two daughters, Mary Queen Puryear and fiancé Pete Jettef of Kilgore, Texas, and Vivian Tingen and husband Randy of South Boston; three grandchildren, William Welcher of Virgilina and James Bogan and Lisa Clark, both of South Boston; three step-grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Arnita Davis of Nathalie, Josephine Harmon of Richmond and Mary Helen Whedon of Danville and two brothers, Howard Bomar of Brookneal and James Henry Bomar of Lynchburg.
One sister and two brothers preceded her in death.
For memorials, please consider the Halifax Regional Hospice, 2204 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, Va., 24592.

Ileen Crews Brown
Funeral services for Mrs. Ileen Crews Brown will be held today at 2 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Tim Cannon officiating.
Burial will follow in the Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the residence, 1417 Moore Street, South Boston.
Mrs. Brown, 82, died Friday, January 27, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
She was born May 30, 1923 in Halifax County, the daughter of Edward Issac Crews and Sirviller Lacks Crews, and was married to the late Estes Clyde Brown.
Mrs. Brown is survived by a daughter, Patsy Brown Gravitt and husband Hugh of Virgilina; a sister, Imogene Crews Wagstaff of Nathalie; four sisters-in-law, Dorothy B. Jennings, Lennie G. Brown, Dorothy L. Brown and Betty D. Brown; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia E. Crews and Venice C. Philpotts.

Louise Owen Cardwell
Graveside services for Mrs. Louise Owen Cardwell will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Clover Cemetery with the Rev. Doug Spurlock officiating.
The family will receive friends today from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cardwell of Virginia Beach, formerly of Halifax County, died Saturday, January 28, at her home.
She was born July 5, 1925 in Halifax County, the daughter of Ernest Thomas Owen and Sally Ann Chandler Owen, and was married to Luther Marshall Cardwell.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Cardwell is survived by two sons, Michael Rian Cardwell of Virginia Beach and Marshall Ernest Cardwell of Hampton; a brother, Curtis Thomas Owen and wife Elva of Chesapeake and a number of nieces and nephews.

Annie Hudgins Chandler
Funeral services for Mrs. Annie Hudgins Chandler, 96, will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel.
The Rev. Bob Woodfin will officiate and interment will be in Olive Branch United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home and at other times at the home of Charles Chandler, 3059 Coleman Drive, Alton.
Mrs. Chandler, a homemaker, died Saturday, January 28, at The Woodview.
A Halifax County native, she was born December 19,1909, a daughter of the late Oscar D. Hudgins and Virgie Yarborough Hudgins, and was married to the late Charlie Glenn Chandler.
Mrs. Chandler was a member of Olive Branch United Methodist Church.
She is survived by one son, Charles Pleasant Chandler and wife Elizabeth of Alton; one brother, Peter Daniel Hudgins of Raleigh, N.C.; one granddaughter, Judy Chandler Vicks and husband Eddie of South Boston; one grandson, Charles Michael Chandler and wife Wanda of South Boston; one great-grandson; two great-granddaughters; and two great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Chandler was preceded in death by one grandson, Bryan Wayne Duffer; one half-brother, John Oscar Hudgins; and two sisters, Elsie Long and Mary Webster.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Alzheimers Association, Southside Virginia Chapter, P.O. Box 310, South Hill, Va. 23970.