By Doug Loftis
A razzle, dazzle cascade of glitterery red, green and silver crackling and bursting with sonic screamery! That's what you're supposed to expect when you light the fuse of a Raging Ghoul, pictured in the form of a maddened skeleton and appearing on the label of a tightly wrapped-in-red package of fireworks found inside a 30' x 50' tent in the Wal Mart parking lot.
That pyrotechnic specimen is packaged inside the A-R-S-E-N-A-L, a four foot tall collection of fireworks which has sticker price of $149.95. It's the priciest product under the big top where deals include a freebee for a like purchase, half-off some selections and for limited budget bombers, there are Snap 'n Pops for 99 cents; buy one and get one free!
"Fireworks" by definition, are actually illegal in Virginia but what's being sold by Landis and Joan Riley, a Nelson community couple, passes the litmus test. "These don't explode," she said.
The Rileys were introduced to the fireworks business by some Roxboro, N.C friends. Landis is employed by Carolina Power and Light and works at the Mayo Plant just off US 501 and south of the Virginia border.
A similar fireworks display can be found in Roxboro while the only other such location in Virginia is in Martinsville.
The products, including the tent and displays belong to the Florence, Alabama firm of American Promotional Events. The Rileys are simply agents for the company and are paid a percentage of what is sold.
The tent in South Boston was erected a week ago and come Saturday, the Fourth of July, will come down. What has not sold will be returned to the manufacturer.
All of the fireworks are made in China but unlike the products of yesteryear which labeling was almost entirely in Chinese, these fireworks are very American. Well-known cartoon and movie characters and creatures brand the many varieties of fireworks. Commonly referred to "Roman Candles" are now "California Candles".
While these fireworks are legal to be sold and possessed in Virginia, the Rileys will not sell to persons under the age of 18 and with every sale, urge customers to exercise caution while using.
Sales have been brisk at the South Boston site especially as the much-celebrated holiday is now just a day away.
"Fireworks are perfect fun for families but you've just got to be careful," Joan added.
As for the illegal varieties, the definition, offense, and punishment for the misdemeanor are found in the Virginia Code, Section 59.142 through 59.1-148. Basically, it is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to transport, manufacture, store, sell, offer for sale, expose for sale, or to buy, use ignite or explode any firecracker, torpedo, skyrocket or other substance that contains any explosive or inflammable compound. and which explodes, rises into the air or travels laterally, or fires projectiles into the air. Fine and punishment can not exceed $1,000 or 12 months in jail or both.
The law does not apply to sparklers, fountains, Pharoah's serpents, caps for pistols, or to pinwheels commonly known as whirligigs or spinning jennies.
The Town of Scottsburg is gearing up Halifax County's biggest Fourth of July fete - the 17th Annual Scottsburg Fourth of July Parade and Celebration.
Key among the major highlights of Saturday's gala event sponsored by the Scottsburg Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary is the annual Scottsburg Fourth of July Parade which will get underway at 10 a.m. and proceed through the heart of the Town of Scottsburg.
Saturday's Independence Day gala will also feature the annual Street Dance which will be held at 7 p.m. and feature music by Gold Star.
Visitors to Scottsburg will also be treated to a colorful Fourth of July fireworks display will be held at 9:45 p.m. to conclude the event.
Rain date for the event is Sunday, July 5.
Event officials stated that $1,000 in trophies and prizes will be given away during the event, making it a major event in terms of prizes and trophies.
Participants in the parade are asked to be at the Scottsburg Elementary School parking lot by 9 a.m. The Grand Marshal for the parade will be members of the Scottsburg Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
Activities will start Saturday at 9 a.m. with arts and crafts displays. The parade will begin at 10 a.m.
Opening ceremonies will be held at 12 noon at the Scottsburg Volunteer Fire Department with Ricky Gordon serving as the Master of Ceremonies. Rev. Michael Phillips will deliver the Invocation and Carolyn Strohm will sing the National Anthem. After that, the band Gold Star will perform until 12:50 p.m. at which time awards and trophies from the morning's parade will be handed out.
The afternoon will be full of activities that will delight young and old alike. Children will be able to enjoy a variety of games and rides. And, youngsters and adults will be treated to an afternoon of live country, bluegrass, and gospel music along with performances by line dancers.
Drawings for various prizes to be given away will be held at 6 p.m. with tickets for those drawings being made available throughout the day by members of the Scottsburg Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary.
As is always the case, there will be plenty of delicious food available throughout the day and evening. The menu will consist of Brunswick Stew, fried chicken, barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, and homemade desserts.
Plenty of fresh squeezed homemade lemonade and ice cold soft drinks will be available all day as well.
Officials in charge of the Scottsburg Fourth of July Parade and Celebration are reminding everyone that the event is a family oriented event and that no alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the grounds at any time.
Sponsors for the event include Lasco Bathware, Dean Newton Excavating, K.R. Snead Trucking, Bruce Elliott Excavating, Bennett Well Drilling, Staunton River Auto and Marine Sales, NationsBank, New Image Hair Design, Halifax Regional Hospital, ASAL Tire and Lumber Co., Ridgeway Landscaping, Parkway Service Center, CarQuest Automotive Warehouse, Burton & Puckett Fertilizers, Town of Scottsburg, Centerville Dodge, and Reese Farms.
Also helping sponsor the event are Wayne's Body Shop, Smith's Painting, Old Dominion Machine & Fabrication, Falkland Farms, Clover Yarns, Kent's Auto, Fisher Auto Service, Scottsburg Auto Service, Barker Roofing, Lloyd's Heating & Air Conditioning, King-Yancey Supply, and Sterling A. Carden Trucking Company.
Sponsors also include Bridgeview Exxon, Reaves Lawn & Garden, Abbott's Farm Suppliers, Inc., Blue Ridge Livestock, Nancy D. Throckmorton Tax & Accounting Services, Charles Anderson Lawn Care, Rose Lane and Tommy Compton, Marvin Barker, Freddie Conner, Clyde Owen, Kenneth Elliott, and Helen Wilmouth.
Old Belt Flue-Cured Tobacco Market auctions begin just a month from today, August 4, on yet another year of uncertainty for tobacco producers whose growing quota was cut 17 percent for the '98 season. Last year's tobacco crop in Halifax County sold for $29,625,370.
Halifax County growers were late planting tobacco because conditions were too wet and too cool for so long. But that extreme was followed by just the opposite -real hot and mostly dry. By next week, several producers will begin harvesting according to Extension Agent Larry McPeters who categorized the current crop as "good looking".
"It really took off," said McPeters "and made up for the time we lost." Soil moisture for much of the county has remain good and scattered showers during the past week have helped maintain that condition.
Growing conditions have made this year's tobacco crop relatively easy to manage and most growers are topping their crops now.
Problems so far have been with blue mold which has been positively diagnosed on six farms. In each case, said McPeters, Acrobat MZ has been applied and it appears that the disease is under control.
A disease that looks like blue mold but may be target spot is completely different and is best treated by removing primings which promotes air movement.
Irrigating too late in the afternoon is usually the cause of the problem, said McPeters, while urging farmers to make sure the entire plant is dry before nighttime.
And when pulling primings which may have target spot, be sure that the leaves are dry before being placed in the barn for curing. Infected primings, once cured, will bring on barn rot.
More pressing is a disease called blackshank which McPeters says can often be traced to greenhouse grown plants. Ridomil Gold is an effective treatment for blackshank when applied directly to the bed at the rate of .5 to 1 pint per acre. "Be sure to have diseases professionally diagnosed since several diseases look very much like blackshank during early state of infection," McPeters urged.
Two other diseases associated with greenhouse grown plants and effectively treated with Ridomil before the tobacco is laid by.
With the disease problems are pests and are appearing in the forms of horn worms and bud worms. Available for the first time this year is a spray control Tracer for both pests. While other products will control both types of worms, only Tracer can be sprayed.
Barn Certification
Growers must complete and mail forms certifying that their tobacco does not contain or is not cured with, exposed insulation. Failure to certify means no price support.
Baling Tobacco
Producers who intent to bale tobacco or have warehouses perform the baling, must order bale tags and can do so by contacting the Virginia Cooperative Extension office or the Farm Service Agency, both in Halifax.
Imagine earning a bachelor's or master's degree by watching TV and electronically communicating with your professor who is 150 miles away. Imagine receiving and sending homework assignments via the Internet so that paper never changes hands. Imagine communicating with your professor via e-mail and with fellow students via electronic chat rooms and bulletin boards.
Furthermore, imagine if you had to occasionally miss a class due to employment or family responsibilities, you actually wouldn't miss anything because that class is videotaped for later viewing.
Imagine no more. Welcome to the world of education in the 21st century today.
ODU's TELETECHNET (TELEcommunications TECHnology NETwork) program, the largest distance learning program of its kind in the world, is being utilized by local students to earn their bachelor of science degree.
TELETECHNET offers a flexible program to earn one's degree, with minimum sacrifice to family or employment responsibilities.
Many local students have discovered that Old Dominion University is their closest publicly supported university. To date, the program has graduated eight students from the Halifax County/South Boston area, with another seven expected to graduate within the next three semesters. All totaled, there are nearly three dozen Halifax County/South Boston residents pursuing their degrees.
"It's just so convenient!" exclaimed Carla Bostick, who is in the Human Services Counseling program. "I'm able to continue my employment AND go to school. I never thought I'd be able to do both." Like many of TELETECHNET's students, Carla began her academic career as an on-campus student at one of Virginia's four year institution, but quickly discovered that living in a dorm just wasn't for her.
Also in the Human Services Counseling program is Civonna Cole. Civonna was recently married and missed classes because she was on her honeymoon at Disney World. "My professors were terrific. They worked with me. I was able to go on my honeymoon and complete my classes," explained Civonna.
Kathy Ball is a House Supervisor at Halifax Regional Hospital. During her program, she developed a serious illness. "Thank goodness for the videotapes. I really didn't miss class - I could even watch the tapes from my hospital room. Also, the instructors were very flexible and worked with me so I wasn't penalized. They were terrific."
"Kathy was truly an inspiration to all of us," said Kerby Moore, the Old Dominion University site director. "Not only did she not let her illness hinder her, but she graduated with a 3.92 GPA. I'll never forget the times she came to class with her IV pole. Regardless of life's hurdles, such as undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she prevailed. She graduated on time and we're very proud of her," said Moore. For her academic excellence, she earned the distinguished Chair Award given only to TELETECHNET students with a GPA of 3.86 or higher.
Maria Calloway, the first manager of the newly established Sub-Acute Care unit at Halifax Regional Hospital, graduated with a bachelor of science in nursing. Maria reports that having her bachelor's degree was a factor in her getting this promotion.
"Thank goodness for the structure of the program," said Maria. The nursing program is structured in that all of Maria's Old Dominion classes met the same day of the week for the entire two years. "This enabled me to have something I could count on - I did not have to rearrange my schedule each semester. I could plan around my classes."
Ever heard the expression that if it wasn't for bad luck, there would be no luck at all? This could apply to Martha Bohannon who is an ICU staff nurse. While pursuing her bachelor's degree through Old Dominion, she experienced many hardships, including her kitchen burning down, moving four times, and the loss of a loved one. "My professors were very understanding and empathic each time I went to them explaining my dilemma," said Martha. "The ODU professors realize they are not dealing with 18 year old kids. They are dealing with adults who are professionals, have jobs, families, and a ton of other responsibilities. This understanding makes all the difference. It's been a struggle at times, but I feel it's been worth it."
Professors who teach on TELETECHNET must go through special training. In addition to learning how best to maximize instruction using the most modern of technologies, the instructors are also given workshops on how best to work with adult learners. "Understanding our students has been a key to our success," said Moore.
Success can be measured in several ways. One way is the number of sites. In Virginia alone, TELETECHNET is at nearly four dozen sites, including all community colleges, as well as many hospitals, military sites, corporate sites, and others. TELETECHNET has grown outside the Commonwealth's borders. North Carolina, Maryland, Indiana, and Washington, DC, all host Old Dominion University courses. In the near future, Arizona, Kentucky, Washington, and others will be joining. Everywhere except Virginia the program is known as TELETECHNET - USA.
Success can also be measured by the number of students. The projected registration total for TELETECHNET for academic year 1997-1998 is 14,000. To put this in perspective, this is larger than seven of Virginia's colleges, including Emory & Henry, Sweet Briar, and Virginia Intermont. As TELETECHNET's growth continues, it will surpass seven more colleges, including Bridgewater, Hollins, and VMI.
Bobbie Keates, medical laboratory technician; Regina Arthur, radiographic technologist; and Carol Cox, Coordinator of Diabetes Education, all employees of Halifax Regional Hospital, are pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences - Health Care Management degree. This degree, open to professionals certified, licensed, or registered in a health care field, builds upon the student's medical skills by providing complementary management and health science coursework. It prepares them for management and supervisory positions.
Mike Cole, electrician, and John Epperson, electronic technician, are pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology degree. Old Dominion's electrical engineering technology program is ABET accredited and enjoys an excellent national and international reputation. Both students are building upon electrical-electronics diplomas earned at Danville Community College.
Earning a degree via satellite from Old Dominion University has proven to be a great opportunity for Halifax County residents. Eighteen bachelors degrees and four masters degrees are offered via Old Dominion University in Danville. All courses are held in the lower level of the Whittington W. Clement Learning Resources Center on the campus of Danville Community College.
For more information, contact Kerby Moore, Site Director, at (804) 791-5334 (phone) or kmoore@odu.edu (e-mail).
Clovis L. Logan, 28, of South Boston was arrested Wednesday on a misdemeanor count of assaulting Lisa Logan, a household or family member, according to the Halifax County Sheriff's Department.
The alleged offense occurred Tuesday and he was arrested the next day by Deputy H.L. Farmer, according to the investigation.
Logan was released on bond pending his trial in the Halifax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on July 15.
In other cases:
· Shanita Taneen Younger, 27, of South Boston was arrested Wednesday on a misdemeanor count of assault and battery of Samuel Younger, a household or family member.
The alleged incident occurred Tuesday and she was arrested by Deputy C.S. Yeatts.
Younger was released on bond pending her trial in the Halifax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on July 15.
· Cheryl Lee Vicks, 28, of South Boston was arrested Wednesday on a misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The alleged incident occurred on Wednesday, police said.
Vicks was released on bond pending her trial in the Halifax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on July 14. She was arrested by Deputy S.A. Jennings.
· William M. Burpo Jr., 19, of Nathalie was arrested Wednesday on a misdemeanor count of using obscene language in a harassing manner towards Mandy Seamster.
The alleged incident occurred on June 7. Burpo was released on bond pending his trial in the Halifax County General District Court on July 17.
She was arrested by Deputy Farmer.
Alma Collins Royster of 1313A Berry Hill Road, South Boston died Tuesday, June 30, 1998 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 85 years of age at the time of her death.
Mrs. Royster was born in Pittsylvania County on February 5, 1913 the daughter of Edward Coleman Collins and Minnie Herndon Collins and was married to Berkley Dodd Royster. She was a member of Berry Hill Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Janice R. and Thomas M. Burton of Scottsburg; one son and daughter-in-law, Alvin D. and Mary Ann Royster of South Boston; one grandchild, Donna Anne Royster of Roanoke.
Funeral services for Mrs. Royster will be held today, July 3 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. Steven W. Pollard conducting the service. Burial will take place in Berry Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Berry Hill Presbyterian Church.
Emily Sue Deitrick, 42, of Midlothian, formerly of Montoursville, PA died Monday, June 29, 1998.
She is survived by one son, Christopher Reese Deitrick, and her long term friend, Janet F. Reese, formerly of South Boston. Other survivors include her mother, Emily M. Deitrick of Williamsport, PA and four sisters, Sally Etkin of Smithfield, Donna Carr of Springfield, Marilyn Gorman of Roselle, NJ and Diane Sheep of Chambersburg, PA; very special friends, J.P. 'Buddy' Reese of Nathalie, Beth and Blake Powell of South Boston, and Susan and Ken Rinehart of Williamsburg.
Ms. Deitrick, a graduate of Penn State University, was employed as a registered nurse by Chippenham Hospital in the emergency department.
Funeral services were held at Bliley Funeral Home Chippenham Chapel at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 2. Burial was in Dale Memorial Park in Chesterfield.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider The Christopher Reese Deitrick Trust Fund or the American Cancer Society.
William Thomas Walker of 1033 Cluster Springs Road, South Boston died Tuesday, June 30, 1998 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 80 years of age at the time of his death.
Mr. Walker was born July 4, 1917 in Halifax County the son of William Burton Walker and Bessie Thomas Walker and was married to Rosemond Whitt Walker. He was a member of Harmony United Methodist Church, past member of Cluster Springs Volunteer Fire Department and Cluster Springs Ruritan Club. He was retired owner/operator of W.T. Walker Auto Repair and was a veteran of WWII.
The funeral will be held at Harmony United Methodist today, July 3 at 2 p.m. with Revs. Harvey Warnick and Michael Sullivan officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
Mr. Walker is survived by his wife; four sons, Wendell, Allen, Clifford and William Walker, all of South Boston; one sister, Virginia Conner of South Boston; two brothers, Owen and Glenn Walker, both of Alton; five grandchildren, Wendy Cole, Gail Epps, Cathy Hart, Karen Walker and Lisa Whitlow; six great-grandchildren, Hannah Whitlow, Wade Whitlow, Thomas Cole, Morgan Cole, Brandy Epps and Leslie Epps. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lee Walker.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Harmony United Methodist Church cemetery fund or Halifax County Cancer Association.
Robert Booker Epps of 1043 Dixon Lane, Halifax died Thursday, July 2, 1998 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 81 years of age at the time of his death.
Mr. Epps was born in Halifax County on September 28, 1917 the son of Julian Thomas Epps and Connie Dunn Epps and was married to Josie Landrum Epps.
Survivors include his wife; five daughters, Dorothy E. Kinder of Richlands, Charlotte E. Lloyd of Scottsburg, Connie E. Womack of Halifax, Jackie E. Ingram of South Boston and Linda E. Hart of Java; one son, Robert Dunn Epps of South Boston; 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Graveside services for Mr. Epps will be held Saturday, July 4 at 11 a.m. at Winns Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Richard Welch conducting the service.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight, July 3 from 7 until 8:30 and other times at the home of his daughter, Charlotte E. Lloyd, 1130 Wagstaff Lane, Scottsburg.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Winns Creek Baptist Church parking lot fund.
Agnes Latham Carter of 5125 Halifax Road, Halifax died Wednesday, July 1, 1998 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 83 years of age at the time of her death.
Mrs. Carter was born in Duerrant, KY on August 12, 1914 the daughter of Rev. William Luther Latham and Agnes Adams Latham and was married to Alfred Henry Carter. She was a member of Halifax Presbyterian Church where she was an elder and organist. She was a former math and Latin teacher with the Halifax County School System having taught at Scottsburg High School, Volens High School, Halifax County High School and Halifax County Junior High.
Survivors include two daughters, Meredith C. Patterson of Burlington, NC, Elinor C. Kierstead of Titusville, FL; two sons, Alfred William Carter of Manassas and Giles Meriwether Carter of Greensboro, NC; eight grandchildren, David and Allen Kierstead of Titusville, Jill Patterson of San Marcos, TX, Mark Patterson of Boca Raton, FL, Michael Patterson of Margate, FL, Erica Carter of Falls Church, Andrew and Alex Carter of Greensboro; two great-grandchildren, Isaac and Kaley Kierstead of Titusville; three sisters, Sarah L. Campbell of Richmond, Rev. Carolyn L. Reilly of Lower Brule, SD, and Louise Burke of Louisburg, NC; one brother, William R. Latham of Annandale.
Funeral services for Mrs. Carter will be held Tuesday, July 7 at 1 p.m. at Halifax Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bill Young and Rev. Dr. Russell Lee conducting the service. Burial will take place in Halifax Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home Monday, July 6 from 7 until 8:30 p.m. and other times at the home.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax Presbyterian
Church.