Friday, July 16, 2004

Senate Passes Buyout Bill
78-15 Vote Lays Groundwork For Compromise Bill With House

From Staff And Wire Reports

An unlikely coalition of tobacco-state lawmakers and anti-smoking advocates rallied behind a Senate measure Thursday to put new restrictions on cigarette makers and pay tobacco farmers $12 billion to give up federal quotas propping up their prices.

With a 78-15 vote, the Senate voted to pass an amendment to a foreign sales tax measure that will pay tobacco quota holders around $12 billion over six years and end the tobacco quota system.

The amendment also links legislation giving the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate the sale and marketing of cigarettes and tobacco products.

The agreement to combine a 10-year buyout for tobacco growers with new Food and Drug Administration powers broke weeks of deadlock over how to proceed with negotiations on a broad corporate tax bill.

Supporters worked until in the evening yesterday to get the buyout and new FDA authority to regulate cigarettes as a drug attached to the Senate tax bill so that talks could begin with the House on a compromise.

A bill the House passed last month included a smaller $9.6 billion tobacco buyout over five years and no new FDA regulations on manufacturing and marketing cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Congressman Virgil Goode said an amendment that passed the House would pay approximately the same as the Senate version to the quota holders and growers.

"The House version would keep phase II payments while the Senate version would eliminate them.

"The amount going to the quota holders will be about the same (as the House Bill)," Goode said. "I'm glad they've addressed and advanced the buyout provisions in the foreign sales tax bill."

Proponents of the amendment said they were not against a buyout program, just using taxpayer money to fund it.

"The tobacco buyout is simply a bad deal for taxpayers," said Arizona Rep. Jeff Flake, according to the Congressional Record. "The federal purchase of federally created quotas at two or three times the market price is simply not a free market solution."

Goode said he feared supporters of the amendment would view the plan as supporting tobacco rather than farmers.

"I believe the proponents have let their hatred of tobacco cloud their thinking in proposing this amendment," he said. "(They) regularly slam tobacco country and do not understand tobacco buyout provisions will largely aid thousands of small quota holders and tobacco producers in the southeastern United States."

The Senate would make tobacco companies pay for the buyout through a user fee that could be passed on to smokers. The House would spread the cost of its version to all taxpayers.

‘‘It’s now time to end the tobacco program with a fair buyout, not on the backs of taxpayers,’’ said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.

As part of an appropriations bill this week, House members also voted to forbid the Agriculture Department from carrying out a buyout financed by general tax revenues, putting the House on record as being on both sides of that issue.

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, has opposed giving the FDA authority to regulate cigarettes as a drug.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said, ‘‘I’m not a great fan of FDA regulation today, but these two issues needed to be married here ... if we’re to get either one of them out of the Senate and on the way down the legislative road toward some accomplishment.’’

The buyout would pay roughly 400,000 tobacco quota owners — most of them in the Carolinas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia — to give up federal allotments limiting how much they can sell each year. With no quotas to keep prices up, about half of the roughly 100,000 active tobacco growers may give up the crop altogether, said Keith Parrish, executive director of the National Tobacco Growers Association.

Farmers have been clamoring for a buyout in recent years after seeing the volume of leaf they can sell and the prices they get for it decline as Americans turned against smoking and cigarette makers turned to cheaper leaf from abroad.

The Senate measure forbids the FDA from banning cigarettes. The agency could restrict but not eliminate addictive nicotine in tobacco products, order the removal of certain ingredients or force cigarette makers to disclose more ingredients.

‘‘Current law makes sure we know what’s in products designed to help people quit smoking, like the patch or Nicorette gum, but not the very products that get people addicted in the first place to cigarettes themselves,’’ said Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio. ‘‘Isn’t that crazy?’’

Marketing terms such as ‘‘light’’ and ‘‘ultra-light’’ would be prohibited unless the FDA approved them. Studies have shown those cigarettes haven’t reduced health risks faced by smokers.

The FDA asserted authority over cigarettes in 1996, but the Supreme Court later ruled that only Congress can give the FDA that power.

Philip Morris USA is the only major tobacco company to support FDA regulation of cigarettes. Company executives say it could better communicate with customers about new, safer products in a regulated environment with clear, uniform rules.

The other major companies say the new advertising restrictions would make it harder for them to gain new customers while ensuring that Philip Morris retains its market share.

Almost $480,000 Distributed To Organizations Wednesday
Community Foundation Of Dan River Region Distributes Chastain Fund Grants

Eight recipients collected approximately $480,000 in grants here Wednesday when Chastain Home funds were distributed by the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region.

"We were most fortunate to have been the recipient of the Chastain Fund," said the Foundation's Vice President Victor Millner Jr.

Millner said that $1,030,000 was received from the Chastain Fund for distribution to the area.

The funds help the elderly, dependent women and organizations that improve the quality of life.

Awards were made at The Prizery in South Boston.

Recipients included: the Alzheimer's Association, $7,500 to provide respite care subsidy assistance for Alzheimer's families who could not otherwise afford the care.

Wendy Fuller accepted the grant on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association. She told those gathered at The Prizery for the grants reception that 700 residents in Halifax County are affected.

"We will use the funds to help someone carrying for someone in their family, to train people, and for respite care," Fuller said.

The American Red Cross received $3,000 to implement the Family Caregiving Program in Halifax County.

Ginger Weaver, Red Cross area director, thanked the Foundation, saying the funds would help them move forward here with the program.

Community Arts Center Foundation/The Prizery, $250,000, to construct a 330-seat Center for the Performing Arts, to be named for Chastain.

John Cannon, chairman of The Prizery's capital fundraising campaign, said the gift would enable The Prizery to expand educational and cultural opportunities. "We hope to enrich their lives," he said of Chastain's goal to help elderly women. Cannon said there also would be over 20 programs for schools at the Center. "The Chastain gift has made this possible," he said.

Halifax County-South Boston Regional Library, received $31,000, and will expand library collections in large print, recorded books and fiction. Library director Paul Johnson said that with $40,000 less in state funds in three years, the funds will allow them to purchase materials for older users.

Halifax Volunteer Fire Department, $47,500 to purchase a new EMS vehicle.

A 1978 brush truck currently serves double duty for EMS calls as well. Fire chief Darryl Dawson said about 75 percent of the department's call are EMS. Thanking the Chastain Home and the Foundation, he estimated it would have taken the Halifax VFD four years to collect the funds for the EMS vehicle.

Lake Country Area Agency on Aging, $99,400, to eliminate the existing waiting list of 40 elderly women in Halifax County for home care services and to expand the emergency shelf staple meal program for 78 elderly women.

Ed Taylor, CEO of the Lake Country Agency said that beginning next week the Agency will eliminate the waiting list and begin its work here.

South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts & History, $12,000, accepted by Gerald Gilliam, museum president. The funds are slated to upgrade the quality of the exhibits and create a free video lending library.

Interviews with senior citizens and video presentations to allow the elderly to enjoy museum exhibits and opportunities are part of the museum's agenda, Gilliam said in accepting the Foundation donation.

The YMCA of South Boston/Halifax County, $29,000, to provide a wellness program in a central locality geared towards aging women. Marcus Hargrave, "Y" executive director, said the funds would help provide several programs for those with arthritis, yoga for seniors and a nutrition informational program for the elderly.

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is a public charity serving Danville, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Henry counties in Virginia and Caswell County, North Carolina.

The Foundation holds more than $12 million in assets.

IDA Approves Lighter Budget
Proposed Budget Was Cut By Around 25% By Supervisors

As of June 30, the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority ended the fiscal year with assets totalling $6,774,445, according to a financial report.

The Board ended the year with net income of $278,331.

Members of the Board unanimously approved, on a motion by Board member Carlyle Ramsey and with a second by Billy Royster, a $508,222 budget based on the approved budget by Halifax County.

The IDA had previously approved a $598,713 budget, but the county cut its funding by 25 percent from the $428,691 requested.

The county funded $339,200 to the IDA.

In explaining the cuts, IDA Treasurer Gene Faucett said a portion of the cuts would come from the executive director's salary.

"We assume it will be January 1, 2005 before we get a new director," he said. "So we used that money to make up some of the cuts."

Following an executive session, the Board voted to continue the performance incentives for the Interim Director. The incentives, up to $5,000, are based on job creation and leadership.

The Board also unanimously voted to turn over the purchase option on 350 acres adjacent to Berry Hill to the current owners.

The motion included a clause to renew the option if the purchase by the present owners of Berry Hill doesn't go through.

Interim IDA Director Patsy Vaughan told the Board that the contract for an environmental site assessment for the Georgia Pacific property had been awarded to Hurt & Profit.

Vaughan said the company, with a $1,780 bid for the Phase I study, beat out Timmons Group ($2,500) and Dewberry and Davis ($3,600) for the contract.

"I didn't see any reason not to award Hurt & Profit based on costs," Vaughan said. The initial report is expected by the end of the month.

Following their executive session, the Board voted to renew the option on the former Georgia Pacific property for one month until the environmental site assessment is complete.

The renewal, which comes at no cost to the IDA, is a $175,000 option on 104 acres.

In updating the Board on work at Riverstone, Project Manager Mike Blankenship said the contractors working on the site were doing a good job.
"You are fortunate to have contractors involved who are interested in doing a good job and looking out for your interests," he said.

Blankenship said that about 75 percent of the footers had been poured in Building I and the slab for Building II should be poured next Tuesday.
"Overall, I'm pleased with how things are going," the project manager said. "In about another month, you'll be seeing progress at the site from the road. Everything being done is in the bottom right now."

Blankenship said that the contract for street lighting at the site was ready to send out for bid.

IDA Board Chairman John Cannon told the Board that the Tobacco Commission's Special Project Committee had approved $1.35 million for the VIPER motorsports initiative at Virginia International Raceway.

Cannon said the Halifax IDA was working with the Institute for Advanced Learning in Danville on the regional project.

"We felt that in order to have a regional approach, this is the way to go about it," he said.

The project is expected to go before the full Tobacco Commission on July 22.
Cannon said he was confident the project will benefit the economic development efforts in Southside.

"This is a money-making machine," he said. "We'll definitely see the benefits of this. I'm elated it's moving forward."

State Tourneys Open Today
Halifax Sends Four Softball Champions To State

BY DOUG FORD | GV Staff Writer

Halifax County Dixie Softball will once again send four district champions to state play beginning today, including the Halifax American Angels, Halifax National Ponytails, Halifax National Belles and Halifax Debs.

All four teams have a tough act to follow, with Halifax County Dixie Softball all-star teams claiming state titles in each division last year, including the Halifax National Angels, Halifax National Ponytails, Halifax National Belles and Halifax Debs.

Halifax County Dixie Softball was the only organization in the 11-state Dixie Softball organization to send all four all-star teams to World Series play last season.

Halifax American Angels

Sound play in all facets of the game carried the Halifax American Angels through district play, and on to the state tourney at Crewe, where they will face the District 5 winner at 6:30 today.

Halifax American has three veteran pitchers, including Blaire Hodges, Kate Bane and Jennifer Lacks, and all have been consistent this season, according to manager Barbara Lacks.

"They have all thrown strikes and handled pressure situations well," said manager Barbara Lacks.

"These three girls were also on the 2002 American Angel team which went to the World Series.

"We also have two rookie pitchers, Kendall Lloyd and Meg Bane, who fared very well in the district tournament."

Behind the plate is Samantha Gibson, with Tanisha Malone, Lacks, Hodges, KiAna Pierce and Lucy Ferguson holding down the infield, added Lacks.
"We had two outstanding plays in the outfield during district play from Lloyd and Autumn McFadden.

"Helping them hold down the outfield are Meg Bane, Shannon Smith, BriAna Pierce and Kate Bane."

Meredith Day rounds out the squad.

The Halifax American offense is strong, Blaire Hodges leading the attack, followed by Kate Bane and Jennifer Lacks.

"Tanisha Malone, Lucy Ferguson, Shannon Smith and Samantha Gibson are batting fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh, with the potential to clear the bases at any at-bat," said Lacks.

"Lloyd, KiAna Pierce, BriAna Pierce, Meg Bane and Autumn McFadden are good contact hitters and great hustlers on the bases.

"All this makes the American Angels offense very strong."

The Angels World Series will be held in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, starting July 30.

Halifax National Ponytails

The Halifax National Ponytails all-stars are one of three county all-star teams defending state titles this year.

Halifax National will face Clarksville today at 2 p.m. at the Ponytails State Tournament in Powhatan.

Pitching, a strong suit last year, is again solid, according to manager Eddie Daniel, with Lauren Daniel, Lyndsay Lawter and newcomers Jessie Bagbey and Allison Thaxton bringing depth to the position

"Our pitching is still strong, with Daniel and Bagbey, who pitched a complete game in our final game in the district," said Daniel.

"Allison Thaxton is a big asset, she comes in with a different variety of off-speed pitches.

"Lyndsay Lawter (like Daniel) returns from last year, and she is on her game."
Daniel said he was surprised by the team's execution of the short game in the district, a trend that he hopes will continue.

"We had some girls lay down some terrific bunts, we kind of worked hard on the bunts, and they laid them down and executed them to a tee," said Daniel.
"We advanced runners and got scores off them, and I was real tickled with that. Out bats were strong, and two or three are still coming along.

"Robin Jennings, who came on with the injury to Michelle Johns, has put the bat on the ball and will help us a lot.

Pitching is still the key to the state and beyond, emphasized Daniel, who said Megan Day, normally a first baseman, can pitch some if needed.

Betty Rose returns behind the plate, bringing World Series experience to the position, and Brittany Cole will be Rose's backup.

"She (Cole) has really improved during the regular season and will be a good catcher for us," said Daniel."

Day, also a veteran, will be at first base, with newcomers Jill Trickey, Cole and Jameshia Smith in the infield, and Jamilia Smith and Emily Conner in the outfield.

Daniel is optimistic entering state play with a good mix of talent among the veterans and newcomers.

"We went undefeated in the district, we'll take on Clarksville Friday and take them one by one.

"We'll play our game and hopefully go to Louisiana (Ponytails World Series).
Halifax National Belles

Depth and versatility again mark the Halifax National Belles all-star team, which only two years ago claimed the first-ever Dixie Softball World Series crown ever for Halifax County.

Halifax National will play Patrick County today at 2 p.m. in the Dixie Belles State Tournament at Appomattox.

Pitching runs deep on the Nationals team this season, but hitting has also come along, according to coach Kathy Hudson.

"Our pitching looks strong, and did well in the district, and although our team is not known as a hitting team, they hit the ball well in the district," said Hudson.

Jessica "Moo" Morris, Paige Rickman, Heather Hudson, Tracy Spencer and Amber Bowman can all be called upon to pitch, but all can play other positions.

"Most all of them can play other positions, as can the other members of the team," noted Hudson

We've been blessed, because most of these girls can play everywhere. All 12 players are really good, and that makes it hard sometimes, because only nine can play.

"They're all equally as good. For instance we've got six really good outfielders.
Depth lends itself to versatility, with Liz Trickey, Bowman, Spencer, Morris, Heather Oakes, Shayna Oakes, Ally Thompson and Mandy Watts returning from last season's World Series team.

Hudson, Rickman went to the World Series as members of the Halifax National Ponytails last year, and Brooke Duffey won it all with the 2002 Halifax National Belles in the World Series, and Mindy Watts also brings experience to the squad.

Halifax County Debs

Halifax County Debs manager Gary Rogers thinks the Debs are ready for state tournament play after sweeping Charlotte County in the district with two straight wins.

The Halifax County Debs all-stars are five-time defending state champions.
"I thought we did well, we made some mistakes on defense, but most were minor mental mistakes," said Rogers.

"But, we worked on those in practice and we ironed them out. We hit the ball well in the district, and I feel like we have a stronger hitting team than we've ever had.

"We have to put it all together for the state, because we do have some new faces, but we're getting there on that."

Rogers feels hitting will be a strongpoint if the bats keep rolling.
"I was pleased with the pitching in the district, we rotated different people and that worked out well, with Jasmine Parker, Jessie Lloyd, Emily Pool doing most of the pitching."

"We have several more behind those, Jessica Lewis, Lyndsey Hastings, Amanda Rogers, who can step up to throw a game or inning or two if we need them."

Erica Elliott, Lori Reeves, all can throw.

Depth is also a strongpoint on this team, with all 12 players capable of starting.

"It's tough from a coach's point of view as to who starts, but it'll be determined by who's pitching, by what type of defense is set up, and by what defensive rotation we want.

"That's what's going to drive that, not the ability of any player."

Rogers said every player is capable of playing at least two if not more positions, another strong suit.

"We're most fortunate in that respect, and in the outfield, we have a lot of speed and strong arms," he continued.

Most of them have played varsity high school outfield at one time or another, including Cari Clark, Reeves, Kim Ford, Lewis and Parker.

Infielders Mallory Lawter, Rogers, Hastings and Elliott, along with catcher Jamie Anderson, all have multi-season experience on the varsity high school level.

South Hill, previously in the same district as Halifax, will pose a good test in the team's opening game.

"They typically have a fundamentally sound team with some pretty good catching, so I look forward to a good game."

At Least Four Baseball Teams Are Bound For State

At least four Halifax County Dixie Baseball all-star teams are bound for the state tournament, including the South Boston/Halifax County Dixie Majors all-stars, South Boston Dixie Boys 13/14 all-stars, Halifax Dixie Baseball Minor League all-stars and the Halifax County Babe Ruth 13/15 all-stars.

The first two teams mentioned enter state tournament play today, and following are previews for them.

South Boston Dixie Boys 13/14 All-Stars

South Boston manager Dean Waltman said hitting will be his team's strongpoint entering the state tournament today in North Roanoke.

The 13/14 all-stars play the District 6 winner at 12 noon today, and play their second game tomorrow.

"Our strongpoint is hitting throughout the lineup," said Waltman, but pitching will be a key in the state.

Waltman said his squad is 10-deep in pitching, a key element in the team's district win, and will be a key in the state.

South Boston also fielded well in the district, a trend Waltman hopes will continue in the state tourney.

"We won four games and lost only one in district play, committing only three errors," said Waltman.

"That was a big key, along with a stifling defense. If that shows up in Roanoke, that will be a key."

Allen Stephens, Daniel Wilborn, Pierre Brandon and Shawn Hylton saw the most time on the mound for South Boston in the district tournament.
Jacob Hodges saw the most time behind the plate, with Stephens, Chad Waltman, Shane Cole, John Cole, Michael Ferrell, Drew Hall and Jeremy Foster playing the infield.

Stacey Majors, Stanley Thomas Wilborn, Thomas and Stephens can play in the outfield positions, but are capable of playing other positions.
That will come in handy, according to Waltman.

"We have players who can man several positions, and have players who can come off the bench and help us," said Waltman.

"We're a well-rounded team, and that will help us."

Also beneficial is the fact that the team returns many players who won the state last year, and got valuable World Series experience.

"We'll see better pitching in the state, and I hope the bats will come through," note Waltman.

"We won the state last year, and went to the World Series, so nerves shouldn't be a problem."

South Boston/Halifax County Dixie Majors

The South Boston/Halifax County Dixie Majors all-stars open state tournament play today in Brookneal at 5:30 p.m. against Pulaski County.

Manager Jeremy Satterfield said his team's strength is in its bats.

"Our strength is in our hitting, and if we stay on top of it, it's a definite strength," said Satterfield.

Pitching needs to remain as consistent as it was through district play for the team to do well, he added.

"One pitcher went six innings, and the others no more than four in district play.

"We have eight or nine legitimate pitchers on the team who we can call on," said Satterfield.

A team can't ride two or three pitchers beyond the district to the state or beyond if they hope to be successful, he emphasized.

The team is loaded with players from the Halifax County High School team that made noise in the state tourney this season, and who have continued their strong play into the Dixie season.

The team includes Jason Lloyd, Steve Smith, Chris Conner, Jacob Owen, Clyde Brooks, Chris Perkins, Brent Long, Nathan Thomas, Chris Lowery and Ryland Clark and Ryan Roller.

Jody Nelson pitched at Randolph-Macon College this year as a freshman, and Kirby Barbour and Chad Lewis bring the team even more experience at their respective positions.

Satterfield is looking for the team's good play to continue in Brookneal.

"I'm pretty happy with the offense and defense through district play, and I'm looking forward to it," said Satterfield.

"I think we have a good a chance as anybody."

Obituaries

Queen La’Bella Brown

Infant Queen LaBella Brown, daughter of Yolanda White and Derrick Brown died July 11 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Infant Brown is survived by her parents, of South Boston; one sister, Nya Brown of South Boston; one brother, derrick Brown Jr. of South Boston; her paternal grandfather, Charles Brown of Arlington; her maternal grandmother, Linda Henderson of Halifax; her great-grandmothers, Gertrude Byrd and Martha Brown, both of Halifax. She was preceded in death by two grandparents, Queen White and Alice Brown.

Graveside services were held July 15 at 3 p.m. at County Line Baptist Church Cemetery.

Florence Willetta D. Carrington

Florence Willetta Daniel Carrington, 76, of 1128 Alphonse Dairy Road, South Boston died July 13 at Berry Hill Nursing Home.

Mrs. Carrington was born in Mecklenburg County on November 9, 1927, the daughter of the late John Henry Daniel and Virginia Wilkerson Daniel and was married to the late James Irving Carrington. She was a member of Jeters Chapel Baptist Church.

Survivors include one sister, Mossie Meadows of Baltimore, Md.; four nephews, George and Randolph Scott, both of South Boston, Henry Daniel of Durham, N.C. and Rudy Daniel of Baltimore.

Funeral services for Mrs. Carrington will be held tomorrow, July 17 at 2 p.m. at Jeters Chapel Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
The family is receiving friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Scott, 1122 Alphonse Dairy Road, South Boston.

John Nathaniel Morton

John Nathaniel Morton, 56, of 403 Rosser Avenue, South Boston died July 9 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mr. Morton was born in New York on April 12, 1948, the son of John Morton Sr. and the late Marjorie Taylor Johnson and was married to the late Sheila Betts Morton. He was a member of St. Luke Apostolic Church.

Survivors include his father of Clover; two daughters, Denisha Morton of South Boston and LaQuan Morton of New York; two sisters, Marjorie Brinkley of Baltimore, Md. and Brenda Fox of New York; two brothers, Walter Morton of Decatur, Ga. and Kenneth Johnson of Teaneck, N.J.; six grandchildren; one stepson, Lamont Thomas of South Boston; and his father and mother-in-law, Bishop and Mrs. Harry Betts Sr. of South Boston.

Funeral services for Mr. Morton will be held today, July 16 at 1 p.m. at St. Luke Apostolic Church with Elder Harry J. Betts officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Annie Jones Sydnor

Annie Jones Sydnor, 87, of North Main Street, Halifax died July 10 at Berry Hill Nursing Home.

Mrs. Sydnor was born in Halifax County on June 7, 1917, the daughter of the late Walter Jones and Olivia Dodson Jones, and was married to the late Owen Sydnor. She was a member of Banister Hill Baptist Church, and was a retiree of J.P. Taylor Tobacco Company.

Survivors include one son, John Traynham and daughter-in-law, Mavis Traynham, of Ft. Washington, Md.; two sisters, Lottie Traynham of Clover and Mildred Brown of New Haven, Conn.; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

After 5 p.m. today, July 16, the remains will lie-in-state at Crawford House, 721 N. Main Street, Halifax, where funeral services will be held July 17 at 11 a.m.

The Rev. Mattie Carr will officiate. Burial will follow in Banister Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.