Friday, March 10, 2006

Hogan Blasts Senate Budget Plan

Says ‘Unrealistic’ Plan Is Based On Money That Doesn’t Exist

Halifax County Delegate Clarke Hogan said yesterday that the Senate is being “irresponsible” in threatening to delay the passage of the state’s budget when their plan is based on revenue sources that don’t currently exist.
“They have a budget that’s built on two new revenue sources that haven’t passed the House and therefore don’t exist and are frankly unrealistic,” he charged.
Hogan said the Senate plan is currently $2 billion short in funding, “and yet they’re holding the rest of the budget hostage to try to get what they want.”
Members of the General Assembly are scheduled to leave Richmond Saturday while House and Senate budget conferees try to iron out their differences in the amount of money allocated to the state’s transportation problems.
The House and Senate budget-writing panels on February 19 unveiled divergent state government spending blueprints for two years that begin July 1, with key differences focusing on money for roads, rails and transit.
The House plan provides slightly more than $1.26 billion through June 2008 for transportation, including $600 million from a projected unappropriated balance of $1.4 billion from tax collections bolstered by a robust economy.
The Senate’s $4 billion, four-year transportation package is built largely on increased taxes on gasoline as well as the sales of homes and automobiles.
Sen. John H. Chichester, R-Stafford and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, suggested a permanent revenue stream dedicated to transportation is preferable to dipping into the budget surplus.
The House would shift about $325 million in general fund appropriations for capital outlay projects to transportation. It would use debt to cover about $237 million of those capital projects while $185 million would be eliminated. It would not, however, exceed the amount of borrowing recommended in the governor’s introduced budget.
The House plan would provide millions more in both cash and borrowing authority for projects to ease acute highway congestion in northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.
If the two groups are unable to reach an agreement it could likely affect the ability of local governments to create their budgets, Hogan said.
“If we’re able to resolve this issue quickly, the budget impasse won’t have an effect on anyone,” he said. “But if we’re not, local governments and others who depend on state funds will be unable to construct their budgets.
“It’s incumbent on us to resolve these differences quickly,” Hogan said. “We could spend a couple of weeks or even a month talking about transportation.”
Hogan recommends that lawmakers resolve the other portions of the budget and “set transportation aside until there’s some reasonable plan” to consider.
“There’s no reason to hold K-12 education money, the pay for law enforcement and health care funding while we’re arguing about transportation,” he said. “That’s the prudent course of action at this point.”
According to the delegate, there is no unanimity among the members of the Senate who are advocating for a tax increase.
“They (members of the Virginia Senate) can’t even agree on which taxes to raise!” he said.
“They’re Holding The Budget Hostage To Get What They Want.”
The Halifax County delegate charged that the Senate leadership has unveiled a budget plan based on unrealistic expectations of revenue.
“Largely, the pieces of the Senate plan are based on two very suspect revenue sources,” he said.
Hogan said the majority of the additional funds would come from a new gas tax plan that hasn’t even been passed by the House.
“They want to raise the gas tax at the wholesale level and ask people to keep their receipts and mail them in twice a year and then the state will mail a refund back,” he said. “That’s really part of their plan. I’m not making it up.
“The only way that will raise money is if people decide not to mail in their receipts,” Hogan predicted.
The Republican delegate suggested that the plan has not been thoroughly thought through by the Senate.
“Nowhere in the budget have they investigated how much it will cost to process those receipts. It’s just a bizarre plan and frankly I can’t imagine that anyone would seriously consider it. Until they come up with a legitimate plan, I’m not even going to consider it,” he said.
Hogan said that half the increases in the Senate’s plan are based on the gas tax.
“It’s so bizarre and unrealistic that we can’t take their plan seriously,” he said.
The other revenue stream, according to the delegate, is a plan to tax tractor-trailers.
“They want to raise the tax on trucks to the extent that some of the smaller trucking companies won’t be able to get their license to do business,” he said. “Everyone is aware that there is a shortage of trucking in the state, and to arbitrarily raise taxes on the trucking business is about as ill-conceived an idea as I’ve ever seen.”
The biggest problem is the Senate has based their budget on these two initiatives – initiatives that haven’t been okayed by the House of Delegates, Hogan said.
“They have a budget that’s built on two new revenue sources that haven’t passed the House and therefore don’t exist and are frankly unrealistic,” he said.
Because the two Senate initiatives haven’t been voted on in the House, Hogan said the Senate budget is $2 billion short.
“They’re the ones who are proposing tax increases and while they’re admitting the increases they’ve passed are unrealistic and undoable, they’re holding the budget hostage to get what they want,” he said.
Taking The Responsible Course Of Action
Hogan pointed out that recent forecasts indicate the state has a $2 billion budget surplus after the last tax increase, passed two years ago. He said the state’s revenue has increased by as much as 15 percent.
“Any reasonable person would understand that with huge surpluses, there’s no need to raise taxes. I’ve seen nothing in the last two months that would make me think tax increases are necessary. To raise taxes when we have huge budget surpluses would be totally irresponsible.
“The responsible course of action is to resolve the differences in the budget other than transportation, pass those and then develop a transportation plan that’s logical,” he said.
Hogan called Chichester “the common denominator” in the fact that this is the third time in six years the budget wasn’t resolved in the 60-day session.
“He’s the one who will throw us out of a process that has worked for hundreds of years to basically hold the state hostage to get what he wants,” he said. “That’s irresponsible leadership in our political process.
“What the Senate has done for the third time in six years is say ‘if we can’t get what we want, we’ll shut down the government,’” he said.
If a budget isn’t reached by June 30, state funding will cease to localities.
“It will affect every person in Virginia,” Hogan said. “In another month, it will start to be a real problem.
“Our position is they have a budget right now that’s built on tax increases that didn’t pass both bodies (the House and the Senate) and therefore don’t exist. For them to play a game of chicken based on revenue that doesn’t exist is irresponsible,” he added. “It’s incumbent on the Senate membership to stop this silliness."

 

Lindstrand Purchases Star Warehouse For $437,347

Inflatable Product Producer Startup Expected Soon

Lindstrand Technologies Ltd.., a British-based manufacturer of inflatable structures, has made good on a commitment to establish its first U.S. engineering and manufacturing facility by purchasing a former tobacco warehouse and land in South Boston for $437,347.
The high-tech manufacturer of such products as portable bridges, aircraft hangers and floor barriers, announced just over a year ago its intentions to establish a manufacturing facility here, one that would create up to 50 jobs.
Lindstrand USA initially entered into a lease agreement with the owners of the Star Warehouse, David T. Neal and Surgeon Neal.
The warehouse is situated on 3.9 acres of land just off Hamilton Boulevard in Houghton Industrial Park.
Mike Eades, Halifax County IDA Executive Director, referred to the purchase as “the final piece of the puzzle” in what has been over a year of efforts by state and local officials.
Eades said Lindstrand was already moving equipment and raw materials into the facility and that he expected hiring of employees within the next two months.
In announcing Lindstrand’s decision last year, former Governor Mark Warner said the firm chose Virginia for its first U.S. manufacturing facility because of the competitive incentives offered by the Commonwealth as well as the support and expertise of Virginia Tech.
“Many companies are seeking locations that have the support of a research university to aide in the design and development of new products,” said Warner.
“Virginia Tech’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program at Riverstone Technology Park in South Boston will provide a direct tie into the university,” Warner added.
The state Economic Development Partnership worked with the Halifax Industrial Development Authority, the Virginia Employment Commission and Danville Community College to prepare the state’s proposal and negotiate an incentive package to secure the project for Virginia.
A $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund along with $90,000 from the Tobacco Commission helped fund the project.
The Department of Business Assistance will work with Danville Community College to provide work force training through its Workforce Services Program.

Eleven Fires Since March 1

A fire Wednesday on Old Mill Road burned 23 acres of planted pine, according to Alex Williamson of the Virginia Department of Forestry
“The fire is still under investigation,” he said.
Wednesday’s fire makes 17 brush fires in the county since February 15.
“We’ve had 11 fires since March 1,” Williamson said.
Since mid-February, fires have destroyed 75 acres of woods and 22 acres of grassland, added Williamson.
Fire and forestry officials are urging residents to be extremely careful when burning debris.
“The 4 p.m. burning law is in effect,” Williamson said.
The forestry official credited the hard work of area firefighters with quickly responding to the fire calls.
“Without them, it would have been a lot worse,” he said.
It’s important to remember that the responsibility lies on the individual doing the burning and we’ve had very dry and windy conditions in the county. People need to exercise extreme caution.”

 

Comets Girls Soccer Team Has Experience, Talent

With 14 Returning Players Including Last Year’s Top Scorers, The HCHS Varsity Girls Soccer Team Is Poised For A Solid Season

Halifax County High School varsity girls soccer coach Sid Young has every reason to smile these days.
With 14 returning players including the team’s top three scorers from last year returning for the 2006 season, the Comets could be a major player in the Western Valley District race.
“I don’t recall ever having had that many players returning in one season,” Young said.
“This is the most experience we’ve had in quite awhile.”
The experience factor weighs well in the Comets’ favor and will continue to do so for awhile to come. Halifax County’s three top scorers from last year, Mary Beale, Melissa Smith and Lacy Will, are back this season. Being that they are only sophomores this season, Young can look forward to an additional two years with that tandem.
Smith and Will will play forward for the Comets this season. Beale will join junior Emily Bowen at center midfield with senior Emily Nichols also possibly seeing some action at that spot.
At the wing midfield positions, Young will have left-footed Kirsten Marvin at the left wing with juniors Suzanne Gasperini and Krystal Hooker seeing playing time on the right side.
Also possibly seeing some playing time at wing midfield positions are junior Emily Seat and seniors Amanda Barksdale and Brittney Fifer.
Young has junior Angel Wilkins at a left defender position and Gasperini penciled in at the right defender position. Senior Courtney McGill will play the sweeper spot and Mary Lantor has been penciled in at the stopper position.
Senior Emily Nichols and Hooker could also see action at defender positions.
Returning senior Olivia Leonard will play at the goalkeeper position this season. She gained some experience last season playing behind last year’s starter, Libby Austin. Leonard’s backup at goalkeeper will be senior Jessie King.
The Comets have seven seniors, five of which, Nichols, Leonard, Marvin, King and McGill have experience. The other two seniors, Lindsey Martin and C.J. Hartridge, have some previous experience but did not play last season.
With eight returning juniors and the three returning combining with the experience-laden group of seniors, the Comets appear to have the ingredients to make a statement in the Western Valley District race.
“We did well last year, for the most part,” Young said.
“We let a couple of games get away from us. This year, I think we can compete pretty well with all of the teams in the district.”
Young noted that Franklin County gave his team some problems last year but that the coach that coached the team last season is not returning this season. Patrick Henry, Young said, will also have a new coach this season.
“We gave E.C. Glass some tough games last year and they lost a lot of people,” he pointed out.
The Comets split with GW last season.
“I think we can play with the teams in the district,” he said.
Young said the team is starting to come together.
“We’re still having to work on the basics, but not as much as we have had to in the past,” he said.
“The girls are finally starting to come together. The first couple of weeks they didn’t play that well together. I think some of that is just getting the rust off. Some of them haven’t touched a ball in four months. They’re starting to get their touches back and are coming around.”
The Comets officially open their 2006 season next week with a road game Monday against Prince Edward County and a road game Wednesday against Tunstall.

 

Comets Girls Tennis Team Looks To Compete In WVD

Halifax Has Eight Returning Players

The Halifax County High School girls tennis team is looking to a strong nucleus of returning players to help it compete in the Western Valley District this season.
Greg Donner returns as head coach for the Comets, with Liza Saunders on board for her first season as assistant coach, and the team will benefit from the strong group of returnees, according to Donner.
Returning for the Comets are Colleen Barnes, Sarah Bradford McCollum, Shanna Luck, Lee Lewis, Lauren Tetterton, Seanna Bradley, Kandance Irby and Teylor Edmunds.
Lauren Kluge, Jessie Simmons and Holly Griffin are new to the team this year.
“The girls tennis team is working hard to prepare for its season opener Monday at Prince Edward County High School,” began Donner.
“This will be the Big Blue’s only warm-up before they face Franklin County Tuesday in their district opener.”
The Comets will field a young squad but one with more experience than last year, returning six starters with a year of competition behind them in the Western Valley District.
“Last year the Comets had only three experienced players among a group composed primarily of freshmen and sophomores, said Donner.
“We played seven to nine ladies in every match last year, and it gave us a chance to develop a team.”
“This year we have eight returning players who are on a level very close to one another.”
The Comets did lose top seed Anne Frazier Elliott and Amanda Holmes to graduation, but return a team with only one senior, Colleen Barnes, in the starting line-up.
Starting the first match at the difficult number one singles position is sophomore Shanna Luck, Donner said.
“As a freshman, she won the number two position and played on the number one doubles team,” he noted. “Her experience should be great help in establishing herself as a leader of a squad that is still very young.
The most experienced member of the team is Barnes, who returns for her fourth season and has proven in the past to be a strong and dependable performer.
“She is a very steady player and a team leader,” said Donner. “She will join Luck in the number one doubles spot for the early season matches and should lead the team with her consistent play.
Behind Luck and Barnes, the remaining top six singles seeds are Sarah Bradford McCollum, Teylor Edmonds, Lee Lewis and Seanna Bradley, added Donner.
“All members of this group have a lot of playing time from last year and should be ready for the competition in district play,” said Donner.
“As of this moment, the group has been moving up and down the ladder and it could be that way for the remainder of the season. There is a lot of parity on this team, and things should firm up by the middle of the season.”
Just behind the top six players are two other returnees, Lauren Tetterton and Kandance Irby, both of whom are playing consistent tennis and could easily unseat one of the current top six, according to Donner.
First-year players Kluge, Simmons and Griffin are learning quickly, said Donner, adding they could also find themselves in the mix as the season progresses.
That depth will come in handy as the Comets battle in one of the most competitive district races in many seasons, emphasized Donner.
“E.C. Glass is very much a favorite to win the title again but the rest of the teams are on equal ground,” he said.
“Patrick Henry has been a very strong team for the past few years but lost a lot of its starters to graduation. They will still be tough and we have played well against them the last two years and should be more competitive this year.”
Donner said that GW will field a team similar to the Comets, young but experienced.
“We are very close and should be playing close matches from top to bottom. With our opponents being somewhat unknown at this time, it its possible that the three teams could be fighting to the end for position in the district tournament.
“Overall, the coach and players are ready for a competitive season and are hoping to establish themselves as one of the top seeds at year’s end.
“It will be a difficult effort but the elements for success are there if they can just keep their focus and continue to improve.”

 

High Expectations For Comets Boys Tennis

Team Stocked With Seven Returnees

The Halifax County High School boys tennis team has high expectations for a breakout season, the Comets returning seven players, including three fifth-year netters at the top of the singles ladder.
Coach David Riddle, in his seventh year as head coach, is more optimistic than usual about the team’s chances for a competitive year.
It all starts at the top, according to Riddle, who points to Michael DeJarnette, Michael Boyd and Richard Evans as the big reasons for his optimism.
“Expectations are about as high as they’ve been in awhile,” said Riddle, who will again be assisted by Brian Matson this year.
“I have a lot of experience at the top of the singles ladder and I have some strong players down low as well.
“We probably have more experience in the top three than I’ve ever had, with Michael DeJarnette, Michael Boyd and Richard Evans all five-year players.”
Michael DeJarnette and Michael Boyd each got invaluable experience last year that will help their games this coming season, according to Riddle.
“Michael DeJarnette was the number one singles seed last year, and he struggled some in his first year at number one, but it helped him prepare for this year,” explained Riddle.
“Michael Boyd played at number two singles last year, but both had experience as lower seeds before, and both of them are working on their games.
Richard Evans, the number three singles seed, is also a fifth-year senior, moving up from the four singles seed in 2005, while newcomer Justus Eisenbeiss, a junior, is slated for the number four singles seed.
“Evans was four seed last year and probably had the best won-loss record on the team,” noted Riddle, who added Eisenbeiss brings more experience than his first-year status indicates.
“Justus has played tennis virtually his entire life, primarily on clay courts,” said Riddle.
“This is a new surface for him, but he’s adjusted to it quickly.”
Freshmen Patrick Barnes and Chris Moore round out the top six singles seeds, Barnes at number five and Moore at number six.
“Both Patrick and Chris were on the team last year as eighth-graders, and each of them gained a lot of experience in exhibition matches,” said Riddle.
“They’re both working real hard and will fit in at the five and six spots nicely.”
The Comets have experience beyond the top six singles seeds, and Riddle is looking for three-year player Ricky Owens and two-year netter Michael Jones to contribute this season.
“Ricky has been with us for three years and I’ve seen some sound improvement with his game, while Michael is a two-year player. Just like everyone else, he’s been working on his game and working hard to improve.
Two sophomores, Jonathan Chappell and Dane Carder, both first-year players, round out the squad.
“Jonathan was a member of the wrestling team and has been a pleasant surprise for us. He’ll definitely help us out, and Dane is working to improve his game,” said Riddle.
Unlike singles, the doubles ladder is still a work in progress, according to Riddle, who currently has Barnes and Moore slated at number three doubles.
“It’s close among the top four, DeJarnette, Boyd and Evans are all fifth-year seniors, and Eisenbeiss is right there. We’re still experimenting with combinations,” noted Riddle.
The Comets’ coaches have been pleased with the effort and work put in so far by the team, including attendance in the off-season conditioning program and summer camps.
That has Riddle looking forward to the upcoming season, and predicts his team will be competitive in the Western Valley District.
“We’ve worked hard all summer and in conditioning, and we’ve looked great from the first day of practice,” began Riddle.
“The guys have been playing on weekends and our turnout for conditioning was close to 100 percent.
“I’m as optimistic as I’ve ever been. I expect E.C. Glass and Patrick Henry to be at the top again and it should be interesting between the two of them.
“Franklin County and GW both lost some players from last year, and have some experience coming back, but I realistically expect us to compete for third place.
“Keep in mind we lost one decision to PH by a 5-4 score last year. We were right there with them and lost the match on a tie-breaker. We lost a lot of 5-4 decisions last year, including a couple to GW and Franklin County, and both of them came down to the final match.”
Riddle said this might be the year the Comets break through to win some of those close matches.
“I’ve started to see some continuity in the program with a lot of fifth-year players. A lot of them started in eighth grade and came to camps before then.
“They know the game now, and one of the first thing my seniors told me this year was that we were going to start winning some of those close matches.

 

Obituaries

Elizabeth Shaw ‘Liz’ Alderson
Elizabeth Shaw ‘Liz’ Alderson, 89, of South Boston, died March 7, 2006, at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was born in Pittsylvania County on April 13, 1916, the daughter of the late James Henry Shaw and Emma McGregor Shaw, and was married to the late Lacy Thomas Alderson.
Mrs. Alderson was a member of Oak Level Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Nancy A. Howerton of South Boston; two sons, W.T. ‘Billy’ Alderson of Prospect Hill, N.C. and Ryland Alderson of Danville; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. One daughter, Mary Payne, and one sister, Amanda Thompson, preceded Mrs. Alderson in death.
Funeral services for Mrs. Alderson will be held tomorrow, March 11, at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Terry Blevins officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends this evening, March 10, from 7:00 until 8:30, at Powell Funeral Home, and other times at the home of her daughter, 4064 Bill Tuck Highway, South Boston.
For memorials, consider the Halifax County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 875, South Boston, 24592, or Halifax Regional Hospice, 2204 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston.
Henry Norman Soyars
Henry Norman Soyars, 79, of Cascade, died March 8, 2006, at Danville Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Soyars was a native of Pittsylvania County, the son of Charles keen and Annie Still Soyars, and was the husband of Gene Dickens Soyars. He served in the Navy during World War II and graduated from Ferrum Junior College. A truck driver with Roy Stone Transfer for 30 years, he then worked for Wackenhut Security in Eden, N.C.
A memorial service for Mr. Soyars with the Rev. Wayne Mayberry officiating is being planned at Cascade Baptist Church. Burial will be at 3 p.m. on March 16, at Virginia Veteran Cemetery at Amelia.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Soyars is survived by a daughter, Virginia Soyars of Summerfield, N.C.; a son, Charles Dickens Soyars of Augusta, Ga.; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Norma Gene Soyars and a son, Vernon Franklin Soyars.
Memorials may be made to Cascade Baptist Church.
You may express condolences at virginiacremation.com.
Russell G. Baker
Russell G. Baker, 87, of Colorado, died March 7, 2006. Mr. Baker was a former resident of Williamsburg. He was a member of the Investment Committee, and Finance & Audit Committee to the City of Williamsburg.
Survivors include his wife, Judy; his children, Malina and husband, Bill, and Valeda and Sean; grandchildren, Brook, Corwyn, Stephan, Sophia and Leif. Services will be in Colorado.
Shernitha Snead Douglas
Shernitha Snead Douglas, 41, of Clover, died March 5, 2006, at MCV Hospital in Richmond.
Ms. Douglas was born in Halifax County on August 10, 1964, the daughter of Irene Pleasant Snead and the late Charles Henry Snead Jr.
Survivors include two daughters, Lakisian L. Douglas and Bianca S. Staten, both of Clover; one son, Troy M. Douglas of Clover; her mother; four sisters, Sharon Smith and husband, Larry, of Navarne, Fla., and Yvette Dunkley and husband, Warren, of Clover, Gwendolyn Harp-Vaughan and husband, Gary, and Sheena Price, all of Detroit, Mich.; two brothers, Reginald D. Snead of Oswego, N.Y. and Ronnie Snead of Drakes Branch; and a devoted friend, John Goode.
Funeral services for Ms. Douglas will be held today, March 10, at 2 p.m. at Bethel Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Mattie Carr officiating. Burial will follow in the Snead Family Cemetery in Saxe.
The family is receiving friends at the home of Yvette Dunkley, 4023 Green Valley Road, Clover.
Sallie Mae Carrington Hamilton
Sallie Mae Carrington Hamilton of Philadelphia, Pa., formerly of Halifax County, died March 3, 2006.
Mrs. Hamilton was the daughter of the late Willie Carrington and Cornelia Jackson Carrington.
Survivors include one daughter, Gwendolyn Fant; two sons, Christopher Hamilton and Gilbert Hamilton; one sister, Dorothy Carrington, all of Philadelphia; five grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Hamilton will be held tomorrow, March 11, at 2 p.m. at New Shiloh Baptist Church in Nathalie with burial in the church cemetery.
Condolences may be emailed to Jeffressfh@aol.com.
The family will receive friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Junior Jennings in Nathalie.
Lee Ethel Hill
Lee Ethel Hill, 70, of Temple Hills, Md., formerly of Nathalie, died March 5, 2006, in Arlington. She was the daughter of the late Johnnie Mack Boyd and Elizabeth Barbour Boyd.
Mrs. Hill is survived by her husband, Leon ‘Bobby’ Hill, of the home; one daughter, LuWanda Todd and husband, Henry, of Ft. Washington, Md.; two grandsons, Khaleel and Shomari Todd of Ft. Washington; four sisters, Mary Garner, Jerlean Hubbard and Gracie Boyd, all of Nathalie, and Mildred Hubbard of Baltimore, Md.; and four brothers-in-law, Henry Terry, Jordan Hubbard and James Boyd of Nathalie and JoeAllen Hubbard of Baltimore.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow, March 10, at 2 p.m. at Sunflower Baptist Church in Nathalie with burial in the church cemetery.
Condolences may be emailed to Jeffressfh@aol.com.
Frances Crews Leigh
Frances Crews Leigh, 65, of 2132 Swain Road, Halifax, died March 7, 2006, at Duke University Medical Center.
Mrs. Leigh was born in Halifax County on February 22, 1941, to the late Tommie Francis Crews and Melissie Ferrell Crews, and was married to Joe Louis Leigh Sr. She was a member of New Arbor Baptist Church, and a teacher’s assistant and bus driver I the Halifax County Public School System.
Survivors include two daughters, Carolyn L. Logan and Sandora L. Leigh, both of Halifax; four sons, Mark W. Leigh of Bridgeport, Conn., Joe Leigh Jr., Shirley Leon Leigh and Thomas B. Leigh, all of Halifax; three sisters, Mamie Tucker, Florine Edmonds and Marie Leigh, all of Halifax; three brothers, John Henry Crews of Bridgeport, Melvin Wells and George T. Crews, both of Halifax; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one son-in-law, Lt. Thomas E. Logan; and one daughter-in-law, Gwendolyn T. Leigh. Three sisters, Edith Oliver, Viola Crews and Martha Sue Lawson; and three brothers, David Wells, Joseph Crews and Walter Crews, preceded Mrs. Leigh in death.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow, March 11, at 3:30 p.m. at New Arbor Baptist Church with the Rev. Nelson Stamps officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends this evening, March 10, at Jeffress Funeral Home Chapel from 7 until 8, and other times at the home.
Markwood King Wenzel
Markwood King Wenzel of Halifax died March 8, 2006.
He was born in Myersdale, Pa. on February 23, 1939, the son of the late Warden Dowe Wenzel and Claire McKinley Wenzel, and was married to Louise Herrington Wenzel.
Mr. Wenzel is survived by his wife; two daughters, Dorothy Satterfield and husband, Steve, of Halifax, and Laura Coning and husband, John, of South Boston; one son, Ward Wenzel and wife, Amy, of South Boston; four grandchildren; and one sister, Jean Bulter of Aiken, S.C. Two brothers, Donald B. and William Wenzel preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held Monday, March 13, at 11 a.m. at Powell Funeral home Chapel with the Rev. Don Davidson officiating.
The family will receive friends at the home of his daughter, Dorothy Satterfield, 1220 Cowford Road, Halifax.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Hunters for the Hungry, P.O. Box 304, Big Island, 24526.
Robert Lee Wilson
Robert Lee Wilson, 62, of 7216 Morton’s Ferry Road, Clover, died March 8, 2006, at his home.
Mr. Wilson was born March 16, 1943, in Halifax County to the late Samuel Wilson and Mildred Dennis Wilson, and was married to Gloria Clark Wilson. He was a member of Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church, and was a United States Army Veteran.
Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Renee L. Wilson of Carlisle, Pa.; two sisters, Carolyn W. Williams of Chesapeake and Vivian W. Brooks of Halifax; one brother, Edwin Samuel Wilson of Nathalie; his mother-in-law, Edna Clark of Clover; two brothers-in-law, Isaac Williams Jr. and Dublin Brooks; and one sister-in-law, Linda Wilson.
Funeral services for Mr. Wilson will be held tomorrow, March 11, at 11 a.m. at Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church with the Rev. Lorenzo S. Otey officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at The Crawford House Chapel this evening, March 10, from 7 to 8, and other times at the home.
Lucinda “Lucy” Jenkins Bailey
Mrs. Lucinda “Lucy” Jenkins Bailey, of Manhattan, N.Y., died at the age of 98.
She was born in Clinton, S.C. on October 27, 1907, and was married to the late Floyd Augusta Bailey.
Funeral services for Mrs. Bailey will be held Monday, March 13 at 11 a.m. with services at the Piney Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Whitfield Scott officiating.
John Duane ‘JD’ Woodward
John Duane ‘JD’ Woodward, 43, died at his home on Powell Road, South Boston, March 5, 2006.
His father, John Henry ‘Jack’ Woodward, preceded him in death. Survivors include his mother, Margaret Alice Woodward; one sister, Sharon Woodward Novia, both of Halifax; one brother, Scott Branson Woodward of Norfolk; and two children, Eliza Rae and Leo Robert Woodward, both of Virginia Beach.
Mr. Woodward was a graduate of Halifax County High School, a Veteran of the United States Navy and an honor graduate of Old Dominion University. He was employed by Halifax County School System as a teacher in Special Education and Spanish.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Harvey Edward Noell
Survivors of Mr. Noell were printed in the Wednesday, March 8 edition incorrectly. Survivors should have included three daughters, Evelyn Noell of Oxford, N.C., Tangeneka Palmer of South Boston, and Brittany Noell of Alexandria. They were listed as his sisters. The funeral home regrets the error and apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused the family.