Wednesday,
August 20, 2003
Supes
Defer Action On $21.9M School Funding
Issue Is Tabled Until December
Meeting
In a unanimous decision, supervisors deferred action Monday
night on the $21.9 million School Board request for capital
improvements until their December 1 meeting.
Saying he was concerned about "a dramatic increase
in locally generated revenues, equal to as much as a 20
percent increase in the real estate tax levy," Supervisor
Tom West introduced the resolution to delay.
Supervisor Ronnie Vaughan offered a second to the motion.
The School Board proposal included renovations at South
of Dan, Cluster Springs, Sinai, Meadville and construction
of a new Washington-Coleman Elementary School in South Boston.
A parade of speakers, either in support of the School Board's
request, opposed to it, or those proposing a delay in funding,
made their points prior to supervisors' vote Monday night.
A proposal by several citizens to delay action until new
options could be explored surprised many in the audience.
Former Del. W.W. "Ted" Bennett and Jack Dunavant
were among those speaking in favor of the delay.
Jack Dunavant initially requested the deferral of a decision
on the school's capital improvements plan.
He said that efforts were under way for long-range planning
for the system.
Seeking "a piece of chemistry" and wanting leaders
to act as "a catalyst" to bring people together,
Bennett joined in seeking the delay.
"Having nothing to do with personalities or elections,
but to make sure what comes forward has community support,"
Bennett said.
"We do need these facilities," he said, but also
"a little broader vision to do what is right and bring
people together and help you make a decision."
The former delegate said that the hope is to put forward
ideas, to determine the financial impact and affordability
and to present information to help the governing bodies
in decision making. He also urged an end to name-calling.
"We have chosen to live here and that which happens
in the larger community affects us all."
Del. Clarke Hogan said that he would work to advance quality
education through community and state efforts.
"I support the Board of Supervisors and the School
Board driving any local policies," he said. "And
to the extent Ted and I, through experience or connections
with state government or other ideas, can in any way help
these governing bodies move this education system forward,
we are certainly willing to do it."
Vaughan said citizens at a meeting in his district last
week were not opposed to funding education, but did have
concerns.
He named spending priorities and lack of information to
make an informed decision among their concerns.
Vaughan said that 30 percent of the students in the ninth
grade class of 1998 did not graduate in 2002, and were probably
doomed to temporary employment in low-skill jobs.
"In my opinion, a 30 percent dropout rate suggests
a failed educational system," he added.
Seeking more information, he said that the county "can
no longer afford for its Board of Supervisors to operate
like a special-interest, rubber-stamp organization."
David Martin, Board chairman, said it was important to note
VES and capital improvements are separate issues.
He said that his desire was "to make sure schools and
children get money."
He said that he thought the county had been under-investing
in the school system "his entire life," and added
that he found "encouraging" some ideas being advanced,
with a win-win plan for citizens of Virgilina, School Board
goals, young people and economic development.
Supervisor James Edmunds supported deferring action but
added, "This can't be a political issue.
"We need it. We've got to do it," he said. "If
we don't invest in ourselves, no one else is going to do
it. We are in trouble now."
Board member William Fitzgerald expressed concern about
interest rates going up while waiting, seeking "a bump
up" from the Dec. 1 date proposed.
"Dec. 1 at the latest with information," replied
Bennett.
Supervisor R.E. "Dickie" Abbott closed the discussion
following the vote with one concern, "that the deck
not be stacked."
Speakers at the Monday night meeting included Mayor John
Youngk, Eugene Moorefield, Sandra Rister and Bill Greer.
Chris Lumsden endorsed the school improvements program to
insure a "world class" school system.
He said that the school system is one of the first things
looked at when the hospital is recruiting.
Lumsden also warned that others were moving ahead and said
that time was not a friend regarding the capital improvements
issue.
Others supporting improved school facilities included William
Coleman, David Nichols Bill Carder, manager of Berry Hill,
J.R. Griffin of Climate Control, Realtor Scotty Felton,
businessmen R.O. Harrell III, Wayne Stanfield, Jack Caldwell,
Stanley Jeffress and Joe Gasperini. Lisa Rosche also supported
school improvements.
Several warned that the community was losing residents due
to the school system, noting some professional people work
in South Boston but live in Durham.
Other speakers included John Cannon, who suggested an ad
hoc committee of three each from the School Board and Supervisors
to start a new dialogue.
"Take hold of this and move forward," urged Cannon.
"Divided, we are going to fall," he said. "If
not proactive, we are going to die."
L.T. Ferguson urged supervisors "to use some sense"
and to remember those senior citizens on fixed incomes and
those out of work.
"Most speakers tonight own a business or are millionaires,"
he said.
Although Ferguson said he supports good education, he charged
the public had not gotten their money's worth from the school
system in decades.
"We want to educate our children, but we have to live,"
he said.
Joyce Howerton said the schools were in bad shape, but thought
the money should be held back until after the November election.
Cleve Wilborn charged the school administration office was
top heavy with staff.
"Money needs to go to teachers," said Wilborn.
SoBo
Man Sentenced 30 Years
Moore Will Serve Four Years
For Five Felonies
A 30-year-old South Boston man was sentenced yesterday in
Halifax County Circuit Court to a total of 30 years in prison,
with all but four years suspended, for five felonies.
Quincy Eugene Moore was sentenced to 10 years in prison
for cocaine possession, and to five-year prison terms each
for obstructing justice, attempting to escape custody, and
the assault and battery of two South Boston police officers,
M.T. Moreno and D.A. McGregor.
Moore was also sentenced to a 10- day suspended jail sentence
for failing to appear in court October 30, 2002.
Judge William L. Wellons suspended all but two years for
the cocaine conviction, and all but six months each in jail
for the escape attempt, obstructing justice and the two
assault and battery convictions.
The court ordered the suspended portions of Moore's sentence
be conditioned on his good behavior for 30 years, and ordered
Moore to be placed on probation for two years upon his release.
Judge Wellons ordered Moore to abstain from illegal drugs
and to submit to random drug tests.
Moore was additionally convicted yesterday of a probation
violation and of an additional capias for failing to appear
in court November 13, 2002.
Judge Wellons revoked two years of Moore's previously suspended
prison sentence for the probation violation, and to a 20-day
jail term, with all suspended, for failing to appear in
court.
The court ordered Moore to serve his two-year sentence for
the probation violation concurrently with the four-year
sentence already received.
Other Court
• Felix Cobbs III, 32, of Danville, was sentenced yesterday
to five years each in prison for forging a public record
(duplicate driver's license) and uttering a forged public
record (duplicate driver's license).
Cobbs was also sentenced to five years in prison for fraudulently
using a Virginia birth certificate.
Judge Wellons suspended all but one year in jail for each
of the three convictions, conditioned on Cobbs' good behavior
for 15 years.
The court additionally ordered Cobbs to be placed on probation
for two years following his release.
• Gary Ed Barley, 26, of Alton, was sentenced yesterday
to five years in prison for the unlawful wounding of John
Medley.
The court suspended Barley's entire sentence, conditioned
on his good behavior for five years, effective immediately,
and ordered him to be placed on probation for one year,
effective immediately.
The court additionally ordered Barley to pay $1,250 restitution
to his victim.
• Corey Maurice Chandler, 32, of Halifax, was
sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for the theft
of a car from Phillip Clayton and to three years in prison
for felony eluding police.
The court suspended Chandler's entire sentence, conditioned
on his good behavior for eight years, and ordered him to
be placed on probation for one year.
• Isiah Matthew Fuller, 18, of South Boston, was sentenced
yesterday to 10 years in prison for cocaine possession and
30 days in jail for marijuana possession.
The court suspended all but two years and 30 days in prison,
conditioned on Fuller's good behavior for 10 years, and
ordered him to be placed on probation for two years following
his release.
The court additionally ordered Fuller to abstain from illegal
drugs, to submit to random drug tests, and to surrender
his operator's license for one year.
• Nathan Demond Berkley, 20, of South Boston,
was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison for the theft
from Lamont B. Miller of property (shoes) valued at $5 or
more.
The court suspended Berkley's entire sentence, conditioned
on his good behavior for 10 years, effective immediately,
and ordered him to be placed on probation for one year,
effective immediately.
The court additionally ordered Berkley to pay $75 restitution
to his victim.
• Draper Lamont Davis, 23, of Nathalie, was sentenced
yesterday to 10 years in prison for grand larceny.
Judge Wellons suspended all but six months in jail, conditioned
on Davis' good behavior for 10 years, and ordered Davis
to be placed on probation for one year following his release.
The court additionally ordered Davis to pay $300 restitution
to his victim through the probation department.
• Ryan Joseph Marshall, 22, of Halifax, was denied
first offender status yesterday and sentenced to five years
in prison for cocaine possession.
The court also sentenced Marshall to a 30-day suspended
jail term and suspended his operator's license for six months
for possessing marijuana.
The court suspended all of Marshall's sentence to time already
served on the cocaine conviction, conditioned on his good
behavior for five years, and ordered him to be placed on
probation for two years, effective immediately.
The court additionally suspended Marshall's operator's license
for six months, ordered him to abstain from illegal drugs,
and ordered him to undergo drug counseling and treatment.
• Roy Orlando Hill, 25, of Halifax, was sentenced yesterday
to five years in prison, with all but two years suspended,
for driving after declared an habitual offender.
The court ordered the suspended portions of Hill's sentence
be conditioned on his good behavior for five years, and
ordered him to be placed on probation for one year upon
his release.
• Uthel Scott Martin, 42, of Martinsville, was convicted
last week of driving after being declared an habitual offender.
A Halifax County Circuit Court jury handed down the verdict
at the end of a day-long trial on Thursday.
Judge William L. Wellons struck an additional indictment
against Martin during the trial, charging the defendant
with child neglect and abuse.
Judge Wellons affirmed the jury's verdict, and sentenced
Martin to one year in jail.
• Douglas A. Faulkner, 3 2, of Nathalie, was convicted
last week of abduction for pecuniary benefit and the robbery
of a male juvenile.
An additional indictment, charging Faulkner with the misdemeanor
assault and battery of the juvenile, was dismissed by Judge
Leslie M. Osborn during the bench trial.
Judge Osborn revoked Faulkner's prior bond and remanded
him to custody to await sentencing in the September court
term.
• Jason Anthony Jackson, 26, of Halifax, was sentenced
yesterday to five years in prison for enhanced larceny,
and to one year in jail for escaping custody, a misdemeanor.
Judge Wellons suspended all but two years and six months
in prison, conditioned on Jackson's good behavior for two
years, and ordered Jackson to be placed on probation for
two years upon his release.
The court ordered Jackson to pay $19.97 restitution.
• Jeremy Deon Medley, 20, of South Boston, was
sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for cocaine
possession, with all suspended to time already served.
The court ordered Medley's suspended sentence be conditioned
on his good behavior for five years, and ordered him to
be placed on probation for one year.
The court additionally ordered Medley to abstain from illegal
drugs and to submit to random drug tests.
• Harry Phillip Womack, 20, of Victoria, Va., was convicted
yesterday of a probation violation.
Judge Wellons revoked one year of Womack's previously suspended
prison sentence.
• James Elvis Hill, 43, of Clover , was sentenced yesterday
to three years in prison for a third offense of DUI and
six months in jail for driving on a revoked/suspended operator's
license.
The court suspended all but nine months in jail for the
DUI conviction and all of Hill's sentence for the misdemeanor,
conditioned on Hill's good behavior for three years, and
authorized work release for Hill.
The court additionally ordered Hill to be placed on probation
for two years.
• Shawn Lemont Coleman, 23, of Halifax, was sentenced
yesterday to three years in prison for felony eluding police.
The court suspended all but 10 days in jail, conditioned
on Coleman's good behavior for three years, and suspended
his operator's license for six months.
Police
Probe Tuesday Break-In
Officers
Respond To Alarm At 12:25 a.m.
Morning customers of the Amoco Food Shop in Centerville
had to make other plans for their morning pick-me-up Tuesday.
Officers from the South Boston Police Department are searching
for the thief or thieves who broke into the Halifax Road
business overnight, forcing the business to delay opening.
Because of damage sustained in the break-in, sales of all
merchandise were forced to cease until computer systems
and cash registers could be repaired or replaced.
Store employee Macie Miller said the store began normal
operations at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Lt. B.K. Lovelace said yesterday that officers from the
department responded to reports of an activated alarm at
12:25 a.m. Tuesday morning.
"When officers arrived, they discovered the front door
glass had been broken out to gain entry to the store,"
Lovelace said.
He said one cash register was missing.
While police wouldn't confirm the amount of money stolen,
Miller said the store lost $277 in cash.
Lovelace responded to the call to process the store for
evidence and Officer W. Ozmec is the reporting officer in
the crime.
Anyone with information about this, or any other crime is
asked to call Lovelace or Inv. T.M. VanAernem at 575-4271
or Crimestoppers at 575-TIPS.
In other police business, two unrelated traffic stops by
the South Boston Police Department over the weekend resulted
in the arrests of three individuals, according to Lovelace.
Following a traffic stop late Saturday evening, Officer
K. Collins arrested Andre P. Ferrell, 18, of College Street
and Shamoni D. Faulkner, 18, of Parker Avenue.
Each was charged with possession of marijuana and cocaine.
Lovelace said that as the officer was questioning the occupants
of the vehicle, the passenger, Ferrell, told Collins he
had marijuana on his person.
"After a search of the vehicle, cocaine was found and
the two occupants were charged," the lieutenant said.
Collins was assisted in the apprehension by Cpl. T. Moser.
Earlier Saturday, Eric L. Tucker, 22, of Carr Lane in Halifax,
received multiple charges after trying to elude officers.
"Officer S.L. Warf was running stationary radar on
Watkins Avenue when subjects came through driving at above
the speed limit," Lovelace said.
He added that when Warf attempted to stop the driver later
identified as Tucker, he tried to run from the officer.
Tucker was pursued in the Johnson Street and Noblin Street
area, and when Warf turned on his lights and siren, the
suspect stopped on Leigh Street, according to Lovelace.
The 22-year-old was arrested at the scene and charged with
reckless driving, felony eluding police, possession of marijuana,
third offense driving on a suspended license and DUI, the
lieutenant said.
The
Work Continues
Comets Preparing For Friday
Night Scrimmage Here Against Bluestone
By
JOE CHANDLER| G-V Staff Writer
With one preseason scrimmage behind it and a scrimmage here
Friday night against Bluestone looming ahead, it was back
to work Monday for the Halifax County High School varsity
football team.
The Comets worked out twice Monday, looking to correct miscues
from last Friday's scrimmage game against Gretna High School.
"I thought we had a pretty good practices," Hodges
said when asked to evaluate Monday's two practice sessions.
"We've now had a chance to look at the film from the
scrimmage and see what the kids were doing wrong and show
them what they need to correct mistakes.
"At this point, it simply takes repetitions,"
Hodges added.
"For the kids it's a matter of going over and over
what needs to be done, how to position themselves where
they should be at the right time and that sort of thing."
Hodges noted that more of the team's offensive schemes had
been put into place prior to last Friday's scrimmage Gretna
than defense.
"We had pretty much of the offense already in,"
Hodges said.
"Now we're adding more on defense."
The Comets added a new assistant coach to the staff Friday.
Ralph Robinson, who spent several seasons as an assistant
coach at Bridgewater College and played football under Frank
Beamer at Murray State, has come on board.
Robinson was working with the defensive backs and receivers
during Monday's practices.
"We had been trying to work something out and then
I didn't think we were going to be able to get him,"
Hodges said.
"But, everything worked out in the end and we were
able to get him on board.
"I feel he will be a great asset to our staff,"
added Hodges.
"When it comes to his football experience and credentials,
there is no question he can do the job and can help us.
Most importantly, he seems to be a top-notch person. We're
glad to have him working with us."
In Bluestone, the Comets will face a team that is something
of an unknown quantity.
Bluestone has a new coach and a new offense, giving the
team a different look from the Bluestone team that the Comets
have seen in the recent past.
A big issue remaining at hand for the Comets is who will
emerge as the team's quarterback.
Neither returnee David Baskervill, nor Bobby Owens, who
is moving up from last year's jayvee team, has put himself
into a position that would make himself a clear frontrunner
in the battle for the position.
Hodges said the team continued to work with both players
as well as Charles Barnes, a returning player who saw some
spot action under center last year, during Monday's practices.
"Right now, I'm looking at rotating quarterbacks,"
Hodges said.
"Some people disagree with that philosophy. I could
play either David or Bobby. I feel comfortable interchanging
them. I think it will be good for us in the long run."
Hodges said he is also looking at Baskervill on defense.
"We're looking at David some at outside linebacker
on defense," he said.
"Some people may think that is kind of strange but
there have been quarterbacks that have also played defense."
Barnes, Hodges said, will play several positions.
"He will be a jack-of-all-trades," the Comets
coach pointed out.
"He can do a lot of different things and I feel like
he'll take some snaps during the course of the season."
On defense, the Comets are still trying to fill a linebacker
position.
Ryan Gieselman, Trad Moore and Greg Ragsdale are pretty
well entrenched.
Clyde Brooks, David Rose, Bo Palmore, Josh Martin and Demarr
Ferrell are also trying to land a spot at outside linebacker.
Several interior players on the defensive line are also
being evaluated and there is a likelihood that the Comets'
defensive front line could see multiple changes throughout
Friday's scrimmage.
"Coach Palmore wants to play several kids and get a
good look at them," Hodges said.
On the injury front, it appears for now that three players
will be held out of Friday's scrimmage against Bluestone.
Tailback Brandon Richardson, who suffered a mild ankle sprain
early in last Friday's scrimmage, likely will not play.
Jordan Ridgeway, the team's long-snapper at center, is also
likely to be held out of the action.
The third player is Rose, who, like Ridgeway, is nursing
a hand injury.
Obituaries
William Horace Guill
William Horace "Sam" Guill, 53, of 6009 Green
Level Road, Scottsburg, died August 19 at his home.
Mr. Guill was born in Halifax County on September 4, 1949,
son of Orpha S. and Joseph Guill. He was employed with Lewis
Tree Service.
His survivors include his wife: Susan W. Guill of Scottsburg;
his mother; three daughters: Brittany and Brandy Guill of
Scottsburg and Elizabeth Guill of South Boston; brother:
Jack Guill of Scottsburg; sister: Mary "Sweetpea"
Goodwin of Scottsburg and friend: Carroll Carter. He was
predeceased by his father and a brother: C.L. Guill.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, August 21 at
11 a.m. at Clover Cemetery with the Revs. Jason Murray and
Aubrey Heath officiating.
Those wishing to give memorials please consider the Halifax
County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 875, South Boston, VA
24592 or Halifax Regional Hospice, 2204 Wilborn Ave., South
Boston, VA 24592.
Florene
Overby Moorefield
Florene Overby Moorefield, 76, of South Boston died at her
home on August 18.
Mrs. Moorefield was born in Mecklenburg County on July 6,
1927. She was a retired LPN from Halifax Regional Hospital
and was a member of Revelation Baptist Church and the American
Legion Auxiliary.
Her survivors include two daughters: Mickey Laws and Mike
of Hurdle Mills, N.C. and Teresa Bowes and Donald of Roxboro,
N.C.; son: Danny Cole and Diana of Virgilina; three brothers:
Decatur Overby of Virgilina, Robert Overby of Nelson and
Charlie Overby of Leasburg, N.C.; three sisters: Holly Crenshaw
of Victoria, Margie Nelson of Nelson and Faye McGaughey
of Spartanburg, S.C.; grandchildren: Ashley Laws, Robin
Oakley, Wendy, Jennifer and Megan Cole and Autumn and Carsen
Bowes; great-grandchildren: Lauren Oakley and Tyler Dean
Spivey, and former husband: Daniel D. Cole. She was predeceased
by a daughter and son, Linda and Wayne Cole and three brothers:
Walter, Lacy and Marion Overby.
A funeral service will be held today, August 20, at 11 a.m.
at Revelation Baptist Church with the Rev. Rudolph Jacobs
officiating. Burial will be held at the Shady Grove U.M.C.
Cemetery.
Jeffrey
Tyrone Puryear Sr.
Funeral service for Mr. Jeffrey Tyrone Puryear Sr. will
be held Thursday, August 21, at 11 a.m. at the North Fork
Baptist Church.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The Rev. Bill LaWall will officiate.
Mr. Puryear died Tuesday, August 19 at Halifax Regional
Hospital.
He was 63.
Mr. Puryear was born in Halifax County on February 11, 1940
to the late Wilson Peyton Puryear and the late Mary Wilborn
Puryear.
He was a driver for A.E. Morris
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Smith Puryear, one son,
Jeffrey T. Puryear Jr, both of Virgilina, one daughter,
Sarah Puryear Vaughan and husband Richard of Virgilina,
two sisters, Nell Hudson of Virgilina and Betty Caldwell
of South Boston, three brothers, Phil Puryear of South Boston
and Lindy and Jerry Puryear, both of Roxboro, N.C., and
two grandchildren, Brooke Vaughan and Clint Vaughan, both
of Virgilina.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Doris Puryear Marks.
The family requests that anyone wishing to give memorials
please consider the North Fork Baptist Church.
Brad
Antonio Walker Jr.
Infant Brad Antonio Walker Jr. of 1706 North Main St., South
Boston died August 15 at the Medical College of Virginia
in Richmond. He was born in Richmond on August 15 to Brad
Antonio Walker Sr. and Latasha Waller.
His survivors include his parents; maternal grandmother,
Caroline Waller of Nathalie and paternal grandmother, Shirley
Jennings of South Boston.
A graveside service will be held today, August 20 at 11
a.m. at the New Mt. Olive Holiness Church cemetery with
Pastor Leonia Palmer officiating.
