Friday, July 2, 2004

Proposal Is Made To Save Bridge
VDOT Commissioner Shucet: ‘Point Of Saying Yes Or No’ Today

"It looks like we have a decent chance at a breakthrough," Clarkton Bridge advocate W.W. "Ted" Bennett said yesterday.

Supporters of the preservation of Clarkton Bridge are hopeful that a proposal sent to VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet will save the structure.

"We faxed (Shucet) a proposal around 11:30 this morning," Bennett confirmed. "We haven't resolved everything yet, but we think we've got a real shot."

Advocates are relying on a blend of public and private funds to save the structure.

"In order to convince VDOT that Southside is willing and wants to save the bridge, we're planning to ask the Boards of Supervisors of Halifax and Charlotte counties to provide between $30 -$35,000 a year earmarked for the bridge."

Around one-third of that amount will be earmarked for insurance, maintenance and inspection of the structure, with the remainder designated to repay a loan of around $200,000 to fix the underwater pier.

"We may not need that," he said, adding that the funds could potentially come from the private sector. "But that will demonstrate to the state that not only the private sector, but the public sector is serious about saving the bridge as well."

Supervisors will hold a special called meeting today at 1 p.m. to address the proposal.

"The proposal that we raise $1.5 million is simply doomed to fail," Bennett said. "We've had engineering advice that the critical repairs will cost between $100 - $200,000."

A Lynchburg company is prepared to conduct a cost estimate on repairs to the pier, considered a critical factor in saving the structure, next week, Bennett said.

"We went with the private sector and found significant donors," Bennett said. "We didn't want this project to be a burden to taxpayers."

Bridge advocates plan to meet with VDOT officials today to address the proposal to save the structure..

According to P.K. Pettus, who has been active in the effort to save the bridge, members of the Clarkton Bridge Alliance and other interested parties were working with anonymous private sector donors to raise the necessary funds mandated by VDOT to save the span.

Bennett said that advocates for the bridge also didn't want a piecemeal approach to preserving the bridge.

"We want the whole thing resolved," he said.

VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet, in a Halifax County meeting last Thursday, offered bridge proponents until the close of business today to raise the money that would save the bridge and make it safe for pedestrian and equestrian use.

Pettus said there was no shortage of people interested in preserving the bridge.

"There's been a huge amount of interest," she said. "Especially with people who have a history of supporting both historical preservation and conservation efforts.

"What's really exciting is so many people from many different sectors are willing to rally here," Pettus added.

Clarkton Bridge advocates said they were confused by VDOT's rush to demolish the bridge.

The struggle to save the bridge hasn't gone unnoticed around the state, according to bridge advocates.

"I've received calls from the Washington Post about the bridge," Pettus noted. "There's a huge amount of support and interest from all over the state in saving this asset to Southside."

In a letter to Commissioner Shucet, Fifth District Congressman Virgil Goode supported the preservation of the bridge.

"I am very familiar with the Clarkton Bridge," Goode wrote, adding that he and his wife had visited the site numerous times. "The bridge, as you know, crosses the Staunton River and in my opinion should not be destroyed.

"It could be a great tourist attraction for both Charlotte County and Halifax County," he added. "I wanted to let you know of my continued support for the Clarkton Bridge, and I know that many citizens do not want to see the bridge demolished by (VDOT).

"I hope that VDOT will work with the interested parties in saving this facility."
Al Weed, who is challenging Goode for his Fifth District seat this November, said he was shocked by VDOT's decision.

"It's crazy for VDOT to spend taxpayer dollars to destroy an historic and cherished local landmark... especially since it would cost more to destroy Clarkton Bridge than to renovate it," the Nelson County resident said. "Not only is this government bureaucracy at its worst, it's the only time I've ever seen VDOT try to do something on time.

"Here we have a perfect example of something that can help create jobs in Southside that can't be shipped off to China, and VDOT wants to tear it down. It's nuts. Governments are supposed to take orders from their citizens - not the other way around."

Built in 1901, Clarkton Bridge spans the Staunton River between Charlotte and Halifax counties.

It was closed in 1998 due to safety issues.

In 2003, the Clarkton Bridge Alliance was given the opportunity to find a suitable owner, delaying the awarding of a demolition contract for the bridge.

But in a letter to members of the Alliance in early June, Transportation Secretary Whitt Clement said the department had tried to cooperate with the Alliance but, citing safety and liability issues, time had run out.

Demolition began last week, but was put on hold as the one-week reprieve was offered.

Proponents of saving the bridge say the structure could be an economic engine by promoting tourism and could be a part of planned birding and heritage tourism efforts.

It has been designated a stop on Virginia's Birding and Wildlife Trail and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Boards of Supervisors of both Halifax and Charlotte counties have passed resolutions supporting the formation of an authority to oversee and take ownership of the bridge.

"We'll see what tomorrow brings," Shucet said. "In terms of the efforts that have been made, I think they're admirable. Obviously, it's a sincere effort and I appreciate that.

"I look forward to finding out where they stand on it," he added.

The VDOT commissioner said that he could be willing to work with the bridge advocates if they can come up with a viable plan to preserve the structure.

"In spite of what people think, I'm not unreasonable," he said. "I need to see what it is as there is a great concern about public safety. If they fall short (of the $1.5 million target), I need to see just where they are.

"I may be willing to consider something less, but there are some immediate things that need to be done to that bridge (to address the safety issues,)" he added.

"We'll be at the point of saying yes or no tomorrow," Shucet said yesterday.

County Unemployment Rate Increases To 8.4%
Rates Also Up In Henry, Mecklenburg, Pittsylvania And Charlotte Counties

Halifax County’s unemployment rate for May increased to 8.4 percent, up almost a full percentage point from the April rate of 7.6 percent, according to figures released by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC).

The VEC reported that 1,495 Halifax County residents were looking for work in May, out of a total labor force of 17,798.

The annual entry of graduates into the labor market and students looking for summer work is the probable cause for the rise in unemployment, according to the VEC, which reported rises in unemployment rates throughout Southside and the Commonwealth.

The City of Martinsville had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 16.5 percent, with the Danville region, at 9.1 percent, having the state’s highest unemployment rate among metropolitan areas.

The City of Danville recorded a 12.2 percent jobless rate, up from 10.2 percent in April.

Unemployment rates were also up in Henry, Mecklenburg, Pittsylvania and Charlotte counties in May.

The jobless rate rose to 13.5 percent in Henry County, compared to 12.2 percent in April, and rose from 7.0 to 7.2 percent in Mecklenburg County for the May reporting period.

Pittsylvania County recorded a 6.8 percent unemployment rate in May , up from 6.4 percent in April, while Charlotte County’s unemployment rate rose from 4.6 to 5.2 percent in May.

The Commonwealth of Virginia saw its unemployment rate rise slightly to 3.4 percent in May, compared to 3.1 percent in April.

Nationally, the unemployment rate remained almost unchanged, at 5.3 percent, compared to 5.4 percent in April.

Two County Teens Linked To N.C. Crime
17-Year-Old Alton Resident Faces Felony Larceny Charge

Two Halifax County teenagers are being investigated in connection with a Monday afternoon larceny at Aunt Millie's Pizza in Milton, N.C.

A 17-year-old Alton youth, was arrested Monday by the Halifax County Sheriff's Office and charged with felony larceny, while a 14-year-old juvenile is being questioned about the incident, according to Caswell County Sheriff's Office Captain Henry Fleetwood.

He said the juvenile had not been charged.

The juvenile is being held in the Caswell County Detention Center on a $9,000 secured bond, according to Fleetwood

The Caswell County Sheriff's Office responded to the call at 3:30 p.m.
Monday.

Upon arrival, officers were advised that a money bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash had been taken from the restaurant, according to Fleetwood.

He said two suspects were seen leaving the restaurant.

"They just picked up the money bag and left," Fleetwood said. "The state line is only several hundred yards from the business, so the search covered both states."

Fleetwood said the North Carolina Department of Corrections' K-9 unit and the Halifax County Sheriff's Office assisted his office in the search.

The juvenile was apprehended about two hours after the incident just inside of Halifax County while the 14-year-old juvenile was found at her residence, according to Fleetwood.

"It was a textbook case," he said. "It came together fairly quickly and was resolved fairly quickly."

In other police business, Patricia Tuck, 28, of South Boston, was charged with following too closely as a result of a June 24 accident on Route 58 approximately six-tenths of a mile east of Route 931, according to the Virginia State Police.

Trooper K.C. Phillips said a 1989 Toyota operated by Jimmy D. Haskins, 52, of Alton, was attempting to turn into a crossover when it was struck from behind by the 1991 Plymouth operated by Tuck.

Both Haskins and a 9-year-old passenger in the Plymouth were listed as injured in the 2 p.m. accident.

Phillips estimated the Plymouth sustained $3,000 in damages while the Toyota sustained $4,500.

Post 8 Snaps Losing Streak
Post 8 Fares Better Despite Loss To Big Island

BY JOE CHANDLER | GV Sports Writer

Sometimes you have to accept small victories.

The South Boston American Legion Post 8 baseball team failed to snap its losing streak here Tuesday night against Big Island Post 217.

But, it played Big Island tough in a 7-2 loss.

Tuesday night's contest was a much better showing for Post 8 than the 12-5 loss to Big Island that Post 8 had sustained earlier in the season.

In the earlier game, Post 8 managed only five hits. This time, Post 8 more than doubled that number and finished the night with 11 hits.

Unfortunately, Post 8 was not able to put the hits together in the right combination to produce runs.

Post 8 stranded nine runners on the bases on the contest.

Robert Carter and Blake Waller led the hit parade for Post 8 with three hits each.

Bobby Owens, Ryan Gieselman, Carlton Wazeka, Miles Thomas and Justin Armistead each had one hit.

After having given up a run in the second inning and two runs in the third inning, Post 8 got a solo homer from Gieselman in the bottom of the fourth inning to make it a 3-1 score.

Big Island pulled away by scoring a run in the top of the fifth inning and scored twice in the top of the seventh inning to run its cushion to five runs at 6-1.

Post 8 scratched up a run in the bottom of the seventh inning with a rally with two out in the inning.

Carter singled and scored on a double by Owens to make it a 6-2 score.

David Lacks walked to put runners on first base and second base but the inning ended when Gieselman grounded out to third base.

Big Island turned a leadoff double in the top of the eighth inning into an insurance run that allowed Post 217 to restore its five-run cushion.

Post 8 had opportunities to put more runs on the scoreboard but couldn't make it happen.

After Gieselman homered with two out in the fourth inning, Waller and Wazeka backed it up with back-to-back singles to put two runners on the sacks.

Unfortunately, the inning ended when Scott Gieselman went down on strikes to end the inning.

In the fifth inning, Post 8 got a leadoff single from Thomas. Carter came up with a double with one out and Owens walked to lead the bases.

The inning ended on a double play that came when Big Island hurler Mike Elliott made a quick stab of a ball hit up the middle by Lacks and fired a throw to the plate to catcher Ryan Lite to get the force out at the plate.

Lite quickly turned and fired a throw to first baseman Thomas Hayden to nab Lacks to complete the play and end the inning.

Post 8 stranded two runners in the seventh inning when it scored its second run of the game and left Carter stranded after he singled with two out in the ninth inning.

Justin Worsham went the distance for Post 8 on the mound.

While Big Island tagged him for 14 hits, Worsham gave up only one walk and fanned seven batters.

Post 8 Sweeps A Doubleheader From South Boston

BY JOE CHANDLER & DOUG FORD| GV Sports Writers

After having lost six straight games, the South Boston American Legion Post 8 baseball team needed a big pickup.

Post 8 got it here Wednesday afternoon.

South Boston snapped its six-game losing streak by edging South Hill Post 79 10-9 in an eight-inning thriller in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader and followed it by bumping off South Hill 5-2 in the nightcap.

The sweep of the doubleheader gave Post 8 its first wins since winning its season-opening doubleheader over Albemarle and lifted its record to 4-6 overall.

South Hill, which entered Wednesday's twinbill searching for its first win of the season, saw its record fall to 0-9 overall.

Post 8 had one of its best days at the plate in Wednesday's opening game, tagging South Hill hurlers for 16 hits.

Bobby Owens, Ryan Gieselman and Dion Ferrell each had three hits with Robert Carter and David Lacks adding two hits each.

Miles Thomas chipped in one hit for Post 8.

While Post 8 had 16 hits for the day, many of them came late as Post 8 scratched up four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning and three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to get back into contention after having fallen behind early.

Two Post 8 errors and a double from Chris Mosley allowed South Hill to grab a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

South Boston tied the game in the bottom of the inning, getting its first run when Carter led off with a double, moved to third on a sacrifice fly by Lacks and scored on a hit by Gieselman.

Waller followed with a triple to score Gieselman and tie the game.

South Hill forged ahead with three runs in the third inning and two more in the fourth inning to take a 7-2 lead.

Post 8 got back into the contest with a four-run rally in the bottom of the fifth inning that started with a double by Owens.

Lacks followed with a single that scored Owens to make it a 7-3 score.

A hit by Gieselman and a walk to Waller loaded the sacks for Post 8.

A hit by Ferrell scored Lacks tom make it a 7-4 score. Gieselman when Scott Gieselman hit into a fielder's choice and Waller scored when Thomas hit into a fielder's choice to bring Post 8 to within a run at 7-6.

Post 8 grabbed a 9-7 lead after scoring three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Lacks reached base with a double and Gieselman was hit by a pitch to put two runners on the sacks.

A hit by Waller scored Lacks to tie the game at 7-7. Ferrell followed with a two-RBI double to put Post 8 up 9-7.

Post 8 found itself sitting in its best position of the contest as it eyed the seventh and final inning.

But, back-to-back leadoff hits by Sandy Newsome and Zack Carter put two runners on the sacks for South Hill.

A two-RBI single by Steven Legg tied the game at 9-9.

Post 8 failed to come up with an answer in the bottom half of the inning,
forcing the game to go extra innings.

After holding South Hill at bay in the top of the eighth inning, Post 8 came up with the game-winning run in the bottom half of the frame.

Ryan Gieselman went to first base after being struck by a pitch and Waller walked to put two runners on base for Post 8.

Ferrell followed with the game-winning hit, a hit that plated Gieselman to give Post 8 the 10-9 win.

Game 2
So. Boston 5, So. Hill 2
Ferrell had a run-scoring triple in the second inning and added a sixth inning RBI single, and Bobby Owens and Robert Carter combined to pitch a five-hitter, as Post 8 completed the doubleheader sweep of South Hill Post 79 with a 5-2 win.

Ryan Gieselman and Thomas each added an RBI, Gieselman's coming on a double and Thomas' a single, both in the first inning, as Post 8 grabbed a 2-0 lead.

Ferrell hit his triple in the second inning and his single in the sixth inning for the final margin.

Post 8 had eight hits for the contest, Ryan Gieselman going 3-3, Ferrell going 2-4, and Waller, Thomas and Scott Gieselman each collecting one hit.

Post 8 used a two-out rally in the first inning to take a lead it would never relinquish.

Carter drew a leadoff walk, and with two outs, Ryan Gieselman doubled for the first run of the game.

David Lacks walked before Thomas singled home the second run of the inning.

Justin Armistead singled to lead off the home half of the second inning, and Ferrell hit a run-scoring triple to give Post 8 a 3-0 lead.

A two-out double, walk, and wild pitch gave Post 79 a run in the fourth inning to cut the margin to 3-1, before Post 8 added a single run an inning later.

Waller walked to lead off the inning, Gieselman singled for his third hit of the game, and Lacks hit into a fielder's choice to produce the run.

Three walks and a base hit produced a run for Post 79 in the top of the sixth inning, but Post 8 matched that at their at-bat.

Armistead was hit by a pitch to start the inning and stole second, before scoring on Ferrell's single for the final run of the game.

Owens went five and one-third innings to get the win for Post 8, with Carter getting the save with and inning and a half of relief.

Owens allowed two runs on three hits, with three strikeouts and nine walks, while Carter gave up two hits while collecting two strikeouts.

Obituaries

John Walter Coleman

John Walter Coleman, 82, of 3037 Logan Road, Java died June 30 at his home.

Mr. Coleman was born in Halifax County on October 9, 1921, the son of the late Charlie H. Coleman and the late Betty Alice Logan Coleman, and was married to Deanna Moore Coleman. He was a member of Elkhorn Baptist Church and VFW Post 99, and was a World War II Veteran.

His survivors include his wife; one step-grandson, Rodney Ross; two sisters, Alice Minor of Java and Leola Coleman of Philadelphia, Pa.

Funeral services for Mr. Coleman will be at 2 p.m. July 4 at Elkhorn Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. C. Lewis Motley officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman Family Cemetery with Military rites by VFW Post 99.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, and other times at the home.

Rosa Dunaway Haley

Rosa Dunaway Haley, 93, of 1319 Wilkerson Street, South Boston died June 30 at her home.

Mrs. Haley was born November 7, 1910, in Halifax County the daughter of the late James Peter Dunaway and the late Lillie Lacks Dunaway and was married to the late Jeffrey Jordan Haley.

Survivors include five daughters, Estelle Miller and her husband, Pete, of Hamilton, Ohio, Margaret Harris and Melba York and her husband, A.P., all of Virginia Beach, Shirley Lee of Norfolk and Nancy Crews of South Boston; three sons, Hugh Haley and his wife, Dot, and Danny Kaye Haley, all of Alton, and Bill Haley and his wife, Gayle, of South Boston; one sister, Mary Bentley of Phenix; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a special family friend, Carolyn Talley of Clarksville.

Mrs. Haley was also preceded in death by a daughter, Frances Dare Haley.
Graveside services will be held tomorrow, July 3 at 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The Revs. John Eure and Dennis Ball will officiate.

The family will receive friends this evening, July 2, from 7:00 until 8:30 at Brooks Funeral Home, and other times at the home.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax Regional Hospice, 2204 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, 24592.

Rubbie Williams Faulkner Hudson

Rubbie Williams Faulkner Hudson, 86, of Newark, N.J. died June 26.

Mrs. Hudson was born in Halifax County on September 26, 1927, the daughter of the late Robert Williams and Mary Stanfield Williams and was married to Willie M. Hudson. She was a member of Jeters Chapel Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband; three sisters, Marie W. Wilkins of South Boston, Lucy W. Norwood of Virgilina and Carolyn W. Buster of Alexandria; three brothers, Marlyn C. Williams of Virgilina, Landron C. Williams of South Boston and Durbert N. Williams of White Hall, Pa.; two sisters-in-law, Katie T. Williams and Mary O. Williams, both of Virgilina; two brothers-in-law, Melvin Hudson of New York and Malchi Buster of Alexandria; one grandson and one great-granddaughter.

Funeral services for Mrs. Hudson will be held tomorrow, July 3 at noon at Jeters Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. James L. Carrington officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family is receiving friends at the home of Lucy W. Norwood, 8113 Bill Tuck Highway, Virgilina.

Sarah Gladys Coles Jones

Sarah Gladys Coles Jones, 82, of Alexandria died June 28 in Alexandria.

Mrs. Jones was born in Halifax County on June 30, 1921, the daughter of the late James Callie Coles and Julia Bouldin Coles, and was married to the late Henry Lee Jones. She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Juanita Williams of Fairfax; her son-in-law, Rudolph Williams; one sister, Alberta Carden of Piscataway, N.J.; three grandchildren, Kimbly Williams of Lorton, Carl Sydnor and his wife, LaVett, of Woodbridge, and Regby Williams of Alexandria; one great-granddaughter; and one stepson, Michael Jones of Alexandria.

Funeral services for Mrs. Jones will be held tomorrow, July 3 at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church with burial in the family cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church tomorrow.

Paula Renea Newton

Paula Renea Newton, 41, of Disputanta, formerly of South Boston, died June 28 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Ms. Newton was born in Halifax County on February 13, 1963, the daughter of Murial King and the late Matthew Newton. She was a member of Greater Mayfield Apostolic Holiness Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Nacole Newton of Richmond and Donise Newton of South Boston; one son, Shamonta Newton of South Boston; her mother of Petersburg; four sisters, Janet Bagby of Richmond, Beverly King and Sharon Jordan, both of Petersburg, and Sandra Newton of South Boston; two brothers, Matthew Newton of Disputanta and Leon Jordan Jr. of Petersburg; other relatives and friends including JoAnn Traynham.

Funeral services for Ms. Newton will be held today, July 2 at 2 p.m. at Greater Mayfield Apostolic Holiness Church with Elder Bernard Wilkins officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Garden Cemetery.

The family is receiving friends at the home of Sandra Newton, 491 Traver Avenue, South Boston.