It was another full house Thursday night as supervisors attempted to wrestle the hog setback issue to a compromise.
A new set of proposed setbacks and provisions (see chart) was unanimously approved by supervisors for planning commission public hearing.
The proposal increases setbacks across the board from the county's current ordinance but fails to protect the public from odor and decreased property values, according to Southside Concerned Citizens.
The supervisors' action came at the close of their two-hour session, one initiated by a proposed increased setbacks and new provisions offered by Supervisor Robbie Smart.
It was from Smart's setback proposals that negotiations began, ultimately culminating in a unanimous vote - minus Supervisor Page Wilkerson who was absent - for the negotiated setbacks.
But the compromise did not come without wrangling.
Supervisor R.E. "Dickie" Abbott fought for, and won, a 4-mile separation between hog farms. "I do know they can get so close you can't get away from the smell," said Abbott.
And prior to the vote, Supervisor Garland Ricketts said, "We should not allow any more (large hog operations) to operate under existing laws."
But the confined animal feeding operation issue is not dead.
Even as planning commission officials contemplated a public hearing the week of June 28, the proposal was under fire.
"It is an insult to every property owner of this county that they would allow someone to put one of these things within 500 feet of their property," said Southside Concerned Citizens chairman Jack Dunavant the day after the meeting.
"They have just not addressed the problem odor-wise," said Dunavant, pointing to proposed setback amendments for lagoons and animal confinement buildings at 500 ft. from property line and for existing dwellings at 3,000 ft.
"They should just take the existing dwelling (designation) out and set it at a mile from the property line. Otherwise, it is reverse zoning. If someone comes in with a hog facility within 500 ft. of the property line, then an adjoining landowner has the value of his property diminished.
"He could build there, but he could not enjoy it. This is about fresh air, about people being able to breathe," said Dunavant the next day.
Immediately following the Thursday night session, agricultural interest had a different slant on the new setback proposals.
"It was a huge compromise on my part but I am glad this part is over," said Supervisor Tom West.
"I think the four miles (the proposed minimum separation between Confined Animal Operations) is excessive, but I'm certainly glad we decided to create this agricultural development office," added West.
The creation of the ag development office (ADO), which was endorsed by supervisors Thursday night, would carry a $75,000 annual budget for office and employee with an agent employed by December of this year.
"This person can be out front protecting our interest when tobacco money is distributed," said West.
The proposed ag agent's job description is to assure Halifax County will have an agricultural and forestry production and marketing system that is highly competitive, environmentally sound, and profitable.
Prior to negotiations Thursday night, Dunavant of SCC distributed a letter to supervisors which called for at least a two mile setback from property lines. Supervisors endorsed 500 ft. from the property line, dropping 500 from the 1000 ft in the proposed compromise.
"We have told you about research done by many Ph.D and M.D. researchers showing that hog odors from just one industrial swine facility are a health and nuisance problem for a distance of two miles," wrote Dunavant
Referring to the Iowa Supreme Court decision upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court "that farmers do not have the right to inundate neighboring properties with offensive odors, basic logic dictates that you must protect the people of Halifax County with at least a two-mile setback from property lines," continued the SCC chairman.
"If this Board fails in its responsibility then the issue will be thrust into the legal arena where SCC will be forced to take action on behalf of the people of Halifax County to remedy the situation," wrote Dunavant.

Agricultural Development Office
A letter from Del. W.W. "Ted" Bennett to supervisors earlier this month asked the Board to consider establishment and funding of the agricultural development position.
"It (agriculture) needs diversification, market development, restructuring vision, and a sense of direction, around which consensus can be built and resources can be intelligently and reliably allocated," said Bennett in his June 1 letter.
Citing the impact on tobacco farmers here, Bennett said the effect is felt throughout the local economy, by retailers, suppliers, banks and other businesses.
"The loss to our overall economy in the three to four county areas around us will exceed $48 million dollars between 1997 and the end of 1999," wrote Bennett. "This is a heavy hit for our entire region and will continue to be suffered over the next several years. The prospects are uncertain for the future."
The delegate called for full time efforts to "try to stabilize and fine-tune the tobacco quota and support system, and to press for tobacco exports to non-traditional markets. Such efforts alone could be a full-time job."
He suggested Tobacco Settlement Funds might provide capital to advance some of the initiatives coming out of the new ag office.
In addition to tobacco, Bennett said forestry and silvaculture in general needs attention.
Technology advances have made "our formerly marginal timber highly marketable," he noted.
With cutting proceeding at a fast pace, he said replenishment and conservation practices can and should be advanced.
"Hog farming has been and is being tried by a few farmers as a supplement," he continued. "To say that it is controversial is an understatement. There is not apt to be a consensus in the near future in the County, or even Southside Virginia for that matter, about the desirability, economically or environmentally, of the current day practices in hog production. In fact, it has proven to be highly divisive and probably will continue to be for years to come."
With the challenges ahead, Bennett said markets need to be identified and developed.
"Land use, taxation, conservation, and preservation awareness and incentives, regional alliances and approaches, and federal and state lobbying efforts, are all issues which need sophisticated study, analysis, pursuit, and resolution."
In recommending a full time agriculture agent, Bennett said he did not believe volunteers and current staff or outside agencies could meet those challenges.

Denny Coggin Melton, 45, the man who was convicted in March of murdering his ex-wife's sister last August, was sentenced to life plus three years in prison during Halifax County Circuit Court Friday.
It took a five woman, seven man jury less than an hour to find Melton, of Semora, N.C., guilty of killing Rhonda Lynn Bowes Stone, 30, while her three-year-old twin girls watched by shooting her through the window of her trailer on Mt. Carmel Road in Alton last August.
They spent even a shorter amount of time coming up with a recommended sentence of life in prison.
Testimony during the March trial indicated that Melton blamed Stone for coming between him and his ex-wife, Lora Bowes, and hampering any chances they might have at reconciling.
Additional testimony showed that Melton was in the area of the victim's home the day of the murder, and that he confessed to the crime while awaiting trial in both Person County and Halifax County jails.
Commonwealth Attorney John Greenbacker also linked Melton to the crime by showing that there were glass shards in the shirt worn by Melton the night of the murder that were consistent with the glass from the shattered window.
Circuit Court Judge William L. Wellons Friday affirmed the jury's suggested sentence of life in prison plus three years for use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Melton's family members say he plans to appeal his conviction.
Stone's family stood on the front steps outside the courthouse after learning of the sentence.
"Our lives have been shattered beyond belief. Not only did I lose my daughter, they (the victim's three children) lost their mother. It was a cruel and senseless death, and we are going to have to live with it for the rest of our lives," said Shelby Elliott in a written statement.
The victim's family was not present during the sentencing as they were not notified regarding a scheduling change.

Halifax County Circuit Court Judge Charles L. McCormick handed down a 50 year prison sentence in a rape case Thursday.
Charlie William Byrd Jr., 26, of Halifax, was convicted of stabbing a neighbor in the hand with a screw driver and raping her May, 1998.
McCormick sentenced Byrd to 50 years in prison with all but 30 years suspended on the condition of his good behavior for a 50 year period upon his release.
McCormick set Byrd's appeal bond at $100,000.
Donna Blanks, 34, was facing a lengthy stay in prison for multiple drug charges Thursday, but she walked away with probation.
McCormick sentenced Blanks, a resident of Terry's Bridge Road, Scottsburg, to five years on each of 12 charges, six for distribution of cocaine and six for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
She was convicted in Halifax County Circuit Court November 8.
Six of the five-year sentences were to run consecutively, while the remaining six were to run concurrently for a 30 year prison sentence.
McCormick suspended all time and placed Blanks on three years active supervised probation on the condition of her good behavior for a 30-year period.
Blanks was also ordered to submit to unannounced drug screens during her probation.
In other cases heard Thursday and Friday:
· Stephen Michael Bomar, 40, of Cody Road, Nathalie, who was convicted of distributing cocaine and conspiracy to distribute cocaine March 8, will be evaluated for the detention center evaluation diversion program. His sentence will be announced July 30.
· Isaiah A. Boyd, 43, of Route 1, South Boston, was released after McCormick dismissed his case upon payment of costs.
Boyd had been charged with possession of cocaine, a first offense.
· James Osborne Edmonds, 28, of Blue Rock Road, Vernon Hill, who was convicted in January of breaking into Charlie Wylie's Scottsburg home and stealing over $1,000 in checks and four counts of forgery and uttering, was sentenced to 10 years for breaking and entering, 10 years for grand larceny, and two years on each count of forgery and uttering.
McCormick suspended all but three and a half years on condition of Edmonds' good behavior for a 25 year period.
· Macie G. Faulkner, 44, of North Main Street, South Boston, who was convicted last January of stealing a bottle of wine from Jiffy Food on Wilborn Avenue, was sentenced to five years in prison.
McCormick suspended all but 30 days in jail on condition of Faulkner's good behavior for a five year period and completion of alcohol abuse counseling.
· Faye S. Keane, 55, of Millstone Church Trail, Nathalie, who was convicted of extortion by threat March 22, was sentenced to five years with all time suspended on condition of her good behavior for a five year period.
McCormick also ordered Keane to complete 100 hours of community service.
· Sterling Lynn Lacks, 30, of Dusty Rail Road, Timberlake, N.C., was sentenced to 12 months suspended for a subsequent offense DWI; five years for possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony with all but six months suspended; and three years on each of two convictions of driving after being declared an habitual offender, with all time suspended but one year on each to run concurrently.
· Robert Gene Long, 36, of Dan River Church Road, South Boston, who was convicted in March to possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony, was sentenced to five years in the penitentiary.
McCormick suspended all but one year and two months of the sentence on condition of Long's good behavior for a five year period.
Long was remanded to the Blue Ridge Regional Jail in Halifax.
· Timothy Majors, 19, of Westover Drive, Danville, who was convicted of breaking and entering and grand larceny last January will be evaluated for boot camp and sentenced next month.
· Carroll Dexter Owen, 25, of Birch Elmo Road, South Boston, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine last March, was sentenced to five years in prison.
McCormick suspended all but 10 months of this sentence on condition of Owen's good behavior for a five year period.
Owen was remanded to jail.
· Joe Nathan Terry, 29, of Grace Street, Clarksville, who was convicted of driving after being declared an habitual offender, DUI subsequent offense, and speeding last January, was sentenced to 12 months in jail.
McCormick also suspended Terry's operator's license for three years and 30 days and ordered Terry to pay a total of $319.50 in fines.
· Deborah Kay Touart, 39, of Philpott Road, South Boston, was sentenced to 12 months for obtaining or attempting to obtain electrical service valued at less than $200.
McCormick suspended all time on condition of Touart's good behavior for a 12 month period and also put her on probation for one year.
· Bradford D. Woody, 19, of Porter Lane, South Boston, who was convicted of being an accessory after the fact, was given a 12 month sentence.
Woody was picked up by Johnnie Dunn in a new red Ford Mustang that had been stolen earlier from Crowell Motor Company Inc.
McCormick suspended all but eight months of the jail sentence on condition of Woody's good behavior for a 12 month period.
Dunn was sentenced the following day to 20 years with 18 suspended for grand larceny auto on condition of his good behavior for 20 years and two years probation.
· Eddie Clark, 34, of Handy Bottom Terrace, Nathalie, was sentenced to five years in prison for credit card fraud.
Circuit Court Judge William L. Wellons suspended all time on condition of Clark's good behavior for the next five years and one year probation.
· Ryan Joseph Ehrmann, 20, of Johnson Street, Greenville, N.C., was sentenced to three years for forging a prescription.
Wellons suspended all time on condition of Ehrmann's good behavior for a three year period and one year probation.

A South Boston driver for Sunshine Mills out of Halifax was killed early Friday morning when his tractor-trailer overturned and plunged from an Interstate 81 overpass in Smyth County.
Steve Russell Garber, 41, Propst Trail, South Boston, was heading south on I81 on his way to Tennessee for Sunshine Mills when he ran off the right shoulder, struck a guardrail, and overturned from the bridge overpass onto an exit ramp to U.S. 11 around 5 a.m., according to reports from the Virginia State Police.
Garber died in Bristol Regional Medical Center in Tennessee at 6:30 a.m.

For 391 seniors at Halifax County High School, Friday night was the end of one period in their lives and the beginning of another.
HCHS graduated the 391, losing only 11 of the 402 candidates for graduation to grades.
As in year's past, HCHS continued its tradition of a student-led commencement with Jennifer Lynn Crews, this year's salutatorian, and National Honor Society president, giving the Commencement Address.
Valedictorian for this year's class was Kari Anderson.
The rest of this year's Top Ten included: Randolph Graham Morris Jr., Chad Evan Jackson, Catherine Slayton Satterfield, Timothy Dean Marshall, Crystal Michele Reynolds, Chrystal Holcombe, Dorothy Ruth McDowell and Jeremy R. Jacobs.
Other seniors participating in the commencement included: Kimberly Elizabeth Martin, senior class president; Bobbie Lee Bourne, Student Council Association president and the senior members of the Camerata who performed the National Anthem.
School Superintendent Dennis Witt, assisted by assistant superintendent Dr. Bobby Hall, presented the students with their diplomas.
The full text of this year's commencement address is:
Dr. Seuss wrote in his book entitled, Oh, The Places You'll Go!, "Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to great places! You're off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the guy who'll decide where to go. You'll look up and down streets. Look'em over with care. About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there." With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street. And you might not find any you'll want to go down. In that case, of course, you'll head straight out of town. It's opener there in the wide open air. Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you. And when things start to happen, don't worry. Don't stew. Just go right along. You'll start happening too. OH! THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!" Good evening faculty members, parents, honored guests, and especially the graduates of the class of 1999. Here tonight, we have all ended up on the same road, but our travels on that road have been different. Some walk on the side where there is no traffic and nothing gets in the way. Others walk in the middle of the road where it is a little more challenging but most likely will not get hit. Then, very few people walk from one side of the road to the other because there is a constant risk of being hit by traffic.
From our travels on this road, we all have many memories. Memories of gaining new friends, losing old friends, that first day as freshmen, summer vacations, and our last days spent here at Halifax County High School. But, it all has to come to an end; we have to leave this school behind but keep all of the memories we have made. It is time for us to start again; however, this start is different from the first day of kindergarten. We all have goals, and we now have the knowledge to fulfill them.
As we leave Halifax County High School, our personal goals will take us all on different roads. Many will leave for college, some will go straight into the working field, while others will take some time off to find out what they want to do with their lives. Different paths will be good; we will learn to be more independent and not rely on our parents as much. Also, we will learn what the real world away from home is like. We may not like the real world, but that will be the only way we can truly accomplish our goals in life. We will all work hard to make all of our dreams come true, and one day we will be able to say, "I succeeded in life." Larry Chengges wrote, "Whatever the goal we're pursuing, no matter how rugged the climb, we're certain to get there by trying our best, and taking one day at a time. Forever is hard to imagine, the future may seem far away-but every new dawn brings a wonderful chance to do what we can on that day. As you reach for the goals you would like to achieve, may you find the strength you win need- to meet every challenge, one step at a time till the day when you proudly succeed.
When we get to that successful place, we need to sit down and think who helped us get to that place. When doing this, each person should come up with at least two groups of people we could give a special thank you to: teachers and parents. The teachers are the ones who helped us through all of our problems at school. They taught us not to procrastinate, to do things in advance, and how to better manage our time. All of this hard work was in preparation for our future. They helped us out any way they could, and all we had to do was ask. Thank you teachers for teaching us what we know and getting us through these years of school; we do appreciate all that you have done for us.
Now, to all of the parents, you are the backbone of each one of us. You are there when we need you at all times of the day. We come home from school and the first thing you ask is, "Honey, how was your day?" You are always concerned about how we are doing and stand by us when we need your- support. You were there to cry with us when a test did not go so well. You were there to laugh with us when we had a funny story. You were there to celebrate with us when we had a great accomplishment. And, at times you got frustrated because you thought we were not paying any attention to you, but we absorbed everything that was said. We do take your advice seriously. Thank you parents; many of us would not be here tonight if it was not for your help.
So, graduates, before leaving for college or moving away from home, tell your teachers you appreciate all they have done. Then, go home and tell your families and relatives that you appreciate their continual support and that you love them. It will mean so much to them to hear you say that. Just remember that after tonight we are starting a new chapter in life. We have to live each day to its fullest but do not forget the road to that place. We must set our goals high and continue to fulfill them the rest of our fives. Mother Teresa reflected on life with these words,
"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it
Life is a dream, realize it
Life is a challenge, meet it
Life is costly, care for it
Life is a promise, fulfill it
Life is a struggle, accept it
Life is an adventure, dare it
Life is Life, fight for it!"
Congratulations Class of 1999 and good luck in this new chapter of your life.
Speech given by Jennifer L. Crews at Graduation 6-11-99

The South Boston Town Council is expected to pass the 1999-2000 budget of $6.2 million general fund and $6.4 million water sewer fund tonight that will lower real estate taxes but dramatically increase water and sewer fees.
Only three residents attended a public hearing last week to complain about the proposed budget that will effectively double water and sewer rates for consumers.
Studies show that town's sewer expenses for FY1999 will be more than double sewer revenues. Present rates have not risen since 1994, but if approved by council, the bimonthly combined water and sewer bill for customers who use approximately 6,000 gallons would increase $28.04 per billing period.
Out-of-town customers would pay twice that amount.
South Boston Mayor Glen Abernathy explained that the increase was also necessary to pay for state-mandated improvements to the sewer system.
"We've got to pay the bills," Abernathy said. "For the past four or five years the town has been subsidizing water and sewer out of the general fund. We've had a cumulative $1.5 million in excess expenses over revenue that has come out of the general fund."
"Plus, in February this year, a consent order for $9 million was signed for state mandated improvements to the sewer system," said Abernathy.
New connection fees of $1,250 for water and a like amount for sewer are proposed new revenue sources and would place the total cost including tap-on fees to approximately $3,200.
The finance committee is also recommending that the consumer utility tax rate be lowered from 20% of the first $15 for residential to 10% of the first $20.
South Boston's proposed general fund expenditure of $6,207,100 will actually be 3.69 percent less than the current operating budget of $6.4 million, and that real estate taxes will be cut from 21¢/$100 to 19¢/$100 of assessed value.
Dixie Inc. is expected to come before Council again regarding their request that the Department of Corrections Camp #23 provide manpower to cut grass, bushes, weeds, paint and pick up litter at the Dixie Inc. Complex on Houghton Blvd.
Council passed a similar resolution in March 1998 requesting DOT manpower be used for similar tasks along Farm Road.
Discussion regarding the lights at C.H. Friend Elementary School is also expected to continue.
Dixie Inc. wants to move them to their complex, but in as much as the field is currently used for football, soccer and baseball practice, the Recreation Director and Principal Linda Owen request that the lights remain on the field.
This lighting was purchased and installed by the City in 1989 at a cost of $27, 649.
Council is also expected to discuss ordinances deleting certain sections of the Town Code to eliminate cost sharing/reimbursement policies.
At the April work session, the Current Issues Committee discussed this issue and asked for information on how other localities handled this issue regarding curb and gutter work, street improvements, and water line extensions.
Other items that will probably be discussed include the following:
·Town Manager Ted Daniel is expected to give the Smoke Test on sewer lines results and also publish the proposed project list (paving, sidewalks, and curbs) for this coming fiscal year.
· It is also rumored that the Town and the parties involved with the Wadell Woods property are close to reaching an agreement.
· Unreduced early retirement benefits - resolution to decline.
The 1999 General Assembly approved unreduced retirment benefits for all employees and public school teachers at age 50 with 30 years service effective July 1. Political subdivisions participating in the Virginia Retirement System have the option of not participating in this benefit by adopting a resolution to that effect.
· Request to sell parcel near old Fordland sewer lagoon by Mr. Jack Thomasson.
No objections are expected.
· Appointments due June 30, 1999 include Industrial Development Authority, Halifax County-South boston Regional Library Board, and Southside Virginia Alcohol Safety Program (VASAP).
Robert Hollister, currently IDA Chairman, and Earl Scott, board member, are both eligible for reappointment.
Mrs. Ellen Kent, who has served one full four-year term on the Library Board, has declined reappointment due to family, work and church commitments.
Library Director Sarah Hudson has submitted a list of suggested appointees for Council's consideration.
VASAP Vice-Chairman Julian Harrison has served two three-year terms and is ineligible for reappointment. He is slated to be chairman next year.
The names of Grace Seat, Linda Felton, and Jim Hall have been suggested for consideration to fill Harrison's vacant vice-chairman position.

The Halifax Police Department had a lot of good things to say about five local teens this past weekend.
According to Halifax Police Officer David Martin, who was on duty during the early morning hours of June 12, these five young men's actions helped avert a potential disaster.
It was around 3:15 a.m. Saturday morning, and Marcus Richardson, Patrick Younger, William Jennings, Nicholas Breedlove and Jamaine Brown were on their way home when they spotted something out of place near the entrance to the Halifax Waste Water Treatment Plant on Cowford Road.
Martin said the young men saw smoke from a fire that was apparently sparked by someone who had been drinking and smoking and had flicked a cigarette into the dry grass and brush there.
The tinder-dry conditions were perfect, and the blaze grew quickly, Martin said.
But the boys were also quick, and they headed straight to the Halifax Sheriff's Department to report the fire.
Halifax Fire Units were dispatched and the fire was out in minutes, Martin said.
"If it hadn't been for these five boys this brush fire could have quickly become a serious forest fire, and I want to commend them for what they did," he said.

Lucy Hall Hardy of 2001 John B. Scott Trail, Scottsburg died Tuesday, June 8, 1999 at The Heritage Nursing Home in Blackstone at the age of 88.
Mrs. Hardy was born in Halifax County on April 11, 1911, the daughter of Jesse Hall and Millie Johnson Hall and was married to John Hardy. She was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church.
Survivors include her sister, Millie Gomes of Scottsburg; cousin, Thomas Johnson of The Bronx, NY.

Funeral services were held Saturday, June 12 at 11 a.m. at Piney Grove Baptist with Rev. Whitfield Scott officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Robert Page Williams of 7145 Dryburg Road, Scottsburg died Thursday, June 10, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 51.
Mr. Williams was born December 29, 1947 in Halifax County, the son of Robert Lee Williams and Frances Buchanan Williams. He was a member of Fork Baptist Church, and was a Warper for JPS Converter and Industrial Corp.
The funeral was held at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel Sunday, June 13 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Tom Walker officiating. Burial followed in Clover Cemetery.

His survivors include his father; brother and wife, Tommy and Linda Williams of Scottsburg; sister and husband, Carolyn and Kenneth Wilmoth of Clover; nieces, Darlene Williams and Jeanie Williams of Scottsburg, and Teresa Wilmoth of Clover; nephew, Ken Wilmoth of Clover.

Steve Russell Garber of 1068 Propst Trail, South Boston died Friday, June 11, 1999 in Bristol at the age of 41.
Mr. Garber was born in Halifax County on October 29, 1957, the son of Bobby Ray Garber and Vivian C. Garber. He was married to Jacqueline Talbott Garber and was a member of Beth Car Baptist Church.
His survivors include his wife and parents; sons: Dax Talbott Garber and Dylan Russell Garber of South Boston; daughters: Loren Brooke Garber, Leyla Brooke Garber and Stacy Rena Garber of South Boston; brother: Jeffrey Dale Garber of Nathalie; sister: Phyllis G. Epps of Halifax and his mother and father-in-law: John and Shirley Talbott of South Boston.

A funeral service will be held today, June 14 at 11 a.m. at Powell Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Jim Smith officiating. Burial will take place in Halifax Memorial Gardens.