The Halifax County War Memorial Commission approved a design "in concept" for the courthouse memorial yesterday and set its $125,000 kickoff ceremony for Veterans' Day in Halifax.
The War Memorial is to honor all Halifax County service personnel killed in war and is to be located on the lawn to the left of the main entrance.
Maj. Gen. Carroll Thackston, Virginia National Guard, Judge Charles L. McCormick III and War Memorial fund-raising chairman Cleve Wilborn will be guest speakers at the 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veterans' Day ceremony.
WAR MEMORIAL COMMITTEE - The Halifax County War Memorial Commission approved a preliminary design for a Halifax County Courthouse memorial yesterday to honor town and county citizens killed in wars from the Revolutionary to Desert Storm. Individual names will be listed on five tablets. Pictured (left to right) are War Memorial fund-raising chairman Cleve Wilborn, Monument Design Committee chairman Larry Clark and Halifax County War Memorial Commission Chairman Brodnax Robertson. |
The public is invited to attend the Veterans' Day ceremony.
American Legion members will serve as an Honor Guard at the ceremony and "Taps" will be played. Senior high school students will also participate as part of a Citizens Day program.
The proposed memorial is to be of granite and will include five flat tablets in a circle bearing the names of those Halifax County citizens killed in war, Monument Design Committee chairman Larry Clark reported.
Clark said the memorial is to be located to the left of the main sidewalk, "almost at the door" line of the Commissioner and Treasurer's offices. The granite monument is to be of the same texture as the Confederate Statue located to the right of the main courthouse entrance.
The memorial may or may not have a canopy. "This is the preliminary,
but not the final design," Clark 
told those gathered
for the Thursday meeting.
Those serving on the Design Committee include Clark, David and Patricia Myers, Jack Dunavant, May James and Mark Thackston.
To date, the War Memorial Commissions's Research Committee has discovered a total of 588 names for the proposed memorial.
Research Committee chairman Ronnie Guthrie said the search continues and invited those in the community to help in identifying those Halifax County citizens who should be recognized on the monument.
The Research Committee of Guthrie, Sara Spell, Hallie Slagle and Doug Powell reported the following number of names identified by war: Civil War, 425; World War I, 26; World War II, 112; Korea, 6; Vietnam, 11; Desert Storm, 1; Mexican War, 1; War of 1812, 2; Revolutionary War, 4.
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Boundary negotiations between South Boston and Halifax County officials which continued late into the night Wednesday are being called positive by both sides.
"I felt like when all was said and done, with all of the hard work that both groups put into the meeting, we're still moving in a positive direction," said South Boston Manager Ken McLawhon yesterday.
"I felt very, very positive," said county administrator William Sleeper early Thursday morning. "And although there were a few little disputes, we began to sharpen pencils and tried to arrive at some points of contention that need to be worked out."
Sleeper and McLawhon said Virginia Tech facilitator Dr. Don Lacy did a very good job in the joint session.
"Both jurisdictions realize that if we can't come up with some kind of agreement all four entities lose, the three governments and the people," said Sleeper. "Because even though they get more territory, the cost will be so much and would take so long to pay off, and you lose control to Richmond or the Commission on Local Government or the three-judge panel."
The most recent South Boston boundary adjustment proposal included the business district of Centerville as well as a number of subdivision which had been in the county, but excluded major industries and industrial parks.
No follow-up meeting was scheduled, but McLawhon and Sleeper noted the two governments would be holding their regular monthly meetings next week and both seemed to anticipate a joint boundary adjustment meeting would be scheduled in the near future.
The county is scheduled to meet in executive session with Town of Halifax officials at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Mary Bethune Complex to discuss boundary adjustment proposals by the town.
The three governments, county and towns of Halifax and South Boston officials, met Monday night to discuss boundary issues.
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A former office manager for a South Boston medical firm entered Alford Pleas Tuesday to six felony embezzlement charges.
Stephen Curtis Satterfield, 42, of South Boston was found guilty of embezzling a total of $109,559.76 from Hupps Mill Medical Associates Ltd. over an approximate six-year period, according to court records.
An Alford Plea effectively states that a defendant is pleading guilty to a charge, not because he believes that he is guilty, but that he is admitting that the state 's evidence is overwhelming and that he would be found guilty, explained Halifax County Commonwealth's Attorney John Greenbacker Jr.
Satterfield was originally charged with a total of 12 felony embezzlement counts, but Greenbacker agreed to consolidate those charges to six counts.
After accepting his Alford Pleas, Halifax County Circuit Court Judge William L. Wellons ordered a presentence report for the November term of court. Currently, the circuit court is still in its September term.
Depending if the presentence report is finished in time, Satterfield will be sentenced on Judge Wellons' sentencing date for the November term which is scheduled for December 9, court officials explained.
Beginning in the first six-month period (from January 1 to June 30, 1991), Satterfield overpaid himself $996.81. Over the next six-month pay period, he overpaid himself $1,014.44, according to court records.
"After the first year, the figures started to greatly escalate," Greenbacker pointed out.
In the first six-months of 1992, Satterfield overpaid himself $2,776.82, while in the second six-month period, the figure rose to $5,607.42, according to Greenbacker.
The overpayment figures for a six-month period reached a pinnacle of $19,020.75 from July 1 to December 31, 1995, he said.
Of the total of $109,559.76, Satterfield was convicted of embezzling $94,591.76 for the six-year period, according to the Virginia State Police investigation.
Satterfield also embezzled a total of $10,062.44 from the firm's petty cash over the six-year period, according to VSP Special Agent Carl Bond, an accounting specialist who conducted the investigation.
In addition, Satterfield embezzled $2,557.25 from the firm's grocery account and $412.13 which was described by Bond as "miscellaneous forged checks," according to court records.
Charges of forgery were not filed, since the prosecution decided that 12 felony counts of embezzlement were sufficient for the particular case, Greenbacker explained.
Rounding out the balance of embezzled funds was $1,936.18 in medical supplies which Greenbacker termed as unauthorized purchases of glucose test strips which Satterfield, as a diabetic, used to monitor his blood/sugar levels.
The embezzlements came to the attention of the medical firm when a supplier to the firm approached co-owner Dr. Maurice Bandy about overdue bills.
Dr. Bandy, who worked as a bookkeeper before going to medical school, looked into the firm's ledgers to determine the cause of the cash flow problem, Greenbacker said.
After determining the magnitude of the problem, Dr. Bandy and co-owner Dr. Roger Browne, called their firm's attorney, who advised them to alert the Virginia State Police.
Satterfield was placed on "indefinite suspension" pending the completion of the investigation.
"When Dr. Bandy first confronted Satterfield about the missing money, Satterfield put his head on his desk and asked, 'Am I going to jail?'" Greenbacker said.
Satterfield later conceded only to the overpayment of his salary through the bonus system and told the doctors that he would repay the money, Greenbacker added.
"In effect, he is saying that he did this, but that he had no criminal intent," reflected Greenbacker.
The maximum sentence for each felony embezzlement conviction in Virginia is 20 years, while the maximum fine for each conviction is $2,500, according to court records.
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In his re-election bid for the supervisor's seat in District 6, William Coleman is "campaigning as hard as I can with my responsibilities."
Coleman is running as an Independent in the only contested supervisor's post up in the Nov. 4 election.
Supervisors J.C. Satterfield Jr. in District 3 and Tom West in District 2 are uncontested in their bids for re-election to four-year terms.
On issues, Coleman named "local government relationships" first.
"I do think there is hope, but at the same time I am somewhat disappointed it has not moved more aggressively toward a solution," said Coleman of the county and towns of South Boston and Halifax boundary adjustment issues.
"The window of opportunity may be closing. The alternative of an in-house arrangement not happening is disastrous," said the supervisor.
The candidate said he opposes annexation by a three-judge panel when they make the judgement "on what is best for Halifax County."
Coleman said he also worries about "feelings and relationships that would be affected" among the governments and the effect that annexation could have on economic development.
Discussing the Centerville area's opposition to proposed boundary adjustments by South Boston, Coleman said he thinks the towns "should have gauged the sentiments of their residents before advancing change.
"There should be a mechanism in place for citizens' input. That is what a democracy is all about," said the supervisor.
Coleman also noted supervisors' efforts earlier this year to set up a meeting for consolidated government. "But no one responded," said the supervisor, calling the attempt a lost opportunity.
"Now we are hearing citizens say that is the way to go," said supervisor.
Coleman said he is calling for "an overall strategy to embrace the needs of the county, the towns, the urban corridor, the industrial base and farming community. With land use taxation being explored," he added.
The second issue named by Coleman: "How do we visualize our community 10 to 20 years down the road?"
"I don't think we have touched our potential," said Coleman. "We need long-range planning."
Coleman also named education as an issue, describing the people as the county's greatest asset.
"Education will need to play a significant role in growth if local youth is to be competitive in the global market," said Coleman, adding he would like to see a four-year college here.
"We still have a large segment of the community not as competitive as they should be," said the supervisor, noting the county's high unemployment rate.
Also named as a citizens' concern by Coleman, the environment.
"As we grow we need to be cognizant of our natural resources. We cannot grow by polluting our land. That is not in the best interest of farm families or those in towns and neighborhoods," said Coleman. "Government should have more control. In the rural areas the only drinking water is from springs and wells. If we pollute our water, what will we do?
"We are depleting resources which are finite. We must grow wisely," said Coleman. "Recruit clean industries, plan and preserve ecology as we go. This is not anti-anything, but a very practical stance we need to take."
Why should District 6 residents vote for him?
"I have a good track record. I have been responsive to my constituency and have made decisions in theirs and the county's best interests. And I am honest in dealings and deliberations," said the supervisor.
"I care passionately about Halifax County and its people and I have an investment here ...and that governs my decisions and actions," he added.
Questioned about the county's leadership role and the frustration among the public with boundary dispute issues, Coleman replied: "I understand citizens' frustration and a certain cynicism. There are no simplistic answers. If that were the case, we would not be in the predicament we are in.
"I have to live in the real world," he continued, "which requires skill, knowledge, give and take, compromise and the ability to bring about consensus. It is one thing to come to the table with noise that sounds good, but another to come with a rational plan," said the supervisor.
Coleman said he tries to make good, sound, credible decisions. "It is not for the novice. There is more to it than meets the eye. The knowledge and expertise brought to the table does make a difference in decisions reached."
Coleman is executive director of the Halifax County Community Action Agency, a position he has held since 1971 and with the Agency since 1967. Coleman also serves as president and CEO for Halifax County Community Development Credit Union.
Running as a Republican in the only contested supervisors' race, Page Wilkerson is taking his bid for the District 6 seat door-to-door.
Although "farming held him up a bit," Wilkerson said he is campaigning hard now and expects to until Election Day.
On the campaign trail, the candidate said he is hearing a variety of issues and concerns.
One issue: "They feel like the county is spending too much money in some areas," said Wilkerson. "They think supervisors should be able to make decisions from the information they gather rather than hiring consultants."
Green box collection sites were also named as a concern. "They (residents) think they need to be cleaned up. There is so much trash around them," added Wilkerson.
The candidate named the following as primary issues before the county:
"The biggest thing is boundary adjustments," began Wilkerson. "I think a lot of people are going to be taxed heavier and I hate to see that.
"I feel like we need to seek new industry and this boundary adjustment issue is going to hurt in trying to get new industry into the area," continued the candidate.
"We need to keep the tax rate as low as possible to attract new industry. Counties with a higher tax have a hard time getting industry, that's why we need to keep our taxes low.
"I support the sheriff's office," continued the candidate. "It seems that drugs and the crime associated with drugs are moving into small town and rural areas. I support tougher sentences on the statewide level."
Wilkerson also said "people in the western part of the district feel like they are left out and have to call long distance to reach county government." The candidate proposed an 800 number for main county offices for these residents.
On roads, the candidate said he would fight for his district's fair share of road maintenance funds.
Wilkerson also touched on a school issue, salaries. "I feel like more money should go to the teachers and have less administration. There is a big difference in the salaries. We need to keep the good teachers in the classroom, not have them seeking administrative jobs for higher pay," he added.
A swine producer, Wilkerson was asked to respond to environmental concerns raised in the campaign.
"I knew that was going to be an issue," said Wilkerson. "And I feel like if swine production is done in the right way, according to nutrient management plans, and the farms are built in the proper location, that they have very little impact on the environment," said the candidate.
The Alton farmer also pointed out that he has received the Conservationist of the Year Award from the Soil Water Conservation Board and that his farm has been toured by the Agri-Business group, state legislators and the local Halifax County Planning Commission.
Why did Wilkerson, 44, decide to seek the four-year term District 6 seat?
"To give people a choice in the election," he began. The candidate also said that he and others "feel like (William) Coleman has a conflict of interest because the Halifax County Community Action Agency receives public funds from the county. Particularly as chairman of the Board of Supervisors' finance committee," added Wilkerson.
The Alton farmer also said he felt he could "represent the average person better" than his opponent. "I have been in a business I have to produce a profit to stay in," he said.
Wilkerson and his wife Bobbie are the parents of three children. He has been a farmer for 20 years and serves on the board of directors of the Halifax County Farm Bureau.
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A 10 year veteran of the Halifax County School Board, D.H. "Mac" McDowell Jr. is campaigning hard in his District 6 re-election.
His Board agenda, however, was set before he hit the campaign trail.
"My goals are striving to raise the achievement of our students, ensuring technology is integrated throughout our programs and ensuring that all schools have a safe, clean environment free of drugs and violence," said the retired state police investigator.
On the campaign trail, the Board member said the public seems most concerned about "safety issues at school and the building program the Board has been looking at."
On the building program, McDowell said, "We need additional space in many of our schools now. The Board is studying a building program and I think we have to look at renovating or building some new schools regardless of the make-up of the School Board.
"My responsibility is to represent the people from my district, to come up with a plan that is responsible and one we can afford. We have to accommodate our children's needs and at the same time develop a long-range plan. It is a plan to address needs but it is not set in concrete. We are studying it," he added.
"Strictly opposed to drugs, disrespectful students and serious safety violations," McDowell supports a strong discipline code, which is reviewed annually.
"I think people need to visit the middle and high school," he advised. "We don't have near the problems some people perceive. And this is coming from a parent who shared the same concerns when he sent his children from elementary to middle and high school.
"We read about negative things that happen at school but they are small in number and the school administration monitors it. When students cause serious problems, we remove them from the school," said McDowell.
In that regard, McDowell said he has asked the new school superintendent, Dennis Witt, to review the alternative education program. "It has been successful but we always want to improve," said McDowell, who thinks the program "should be able to accommodate more children."
The school system currently offers Project Hope during the day and a night school program as alternative education options.
McDowell also addressed the following school issues:
---Literacy Passport and standardized test scores for Halifax County students. "What I saw. We are improving and we will continue to improve. Mr. Witt came from Patrick County which had some of the highest Literacy Passport Scores, and I certainly think he will bring some ideas with him that will help us improve."
On test scores: "Yes, we are below state average, but I saw that we scored better than all the jurisdictions around us except Charlotte County, and that tells me we all have some similar problems and have to work together and raise those scores. And we will. It is going to take some remediation and that is coming about with the new standards of learning."
McDowell's first interest in schools came as a parent. "I certainly had a valid interest in the system and wanted to know more about it," he recalled. "Neighbors and friends encouraged me to run. And here we are.
"I have always tried to represent the people of my district. I look at both sides of the issue and try to make the decision that is best for our children," he added.
Why should his constituents vote for him?
"I think I know my neighbors well and I feel like I know what they want and what they expect of me as well as the school system," said McDowell. "And I will continue to work hard to take care of these discipline problems and to make sure our budget is one we can afford but at the same time one that affords adequate funding for our educational needs.
"I have been a Board member the past 10 years, was involved in the selection of the new superintendent and offer leadership qualities," he added.
McDowell has been endorsed by the Halifax Education Association. " I think they recognized I have been fair in dealing with issues that come before the board. And I have," said the Board member.
McDowell is a resident of the Turbeville community. He and his wife Judy have one son, a senior at Hampden-Sydney College, and a daughter at the senior high school.
Barbara Bass is campaigning door-to-door in her bid for a Halifax County School Board seat in District 6.
Weeks before the November 4 general election the former Richmond educator said she had personally seen 1,600 of the 2,000 registered voters in her district and planned to see the remaining voters before Election Day in her bid for the four-year term.
A Halifax County native, Bass and her husband Walter retired and returned to the county in 1995 from Richmond. In the city she had taught 12 years in public education and 24 years in an independent school, St. Catherine's.
"I think it is important I have been in both places because I can see what can be done," said Bass. I think that is an advantage, not a disadvantage. It allows me to bring a diverse background.
"I also worked with public education while at St. Catherine's and taught high school teachers to implement computer technology in the classroom," she added.
Why is she running for the District 6 seat?
"People in the community came to me several days before candidates had to file," recalled Bass. "They knew I was involved in education and asked if I would run. I thought about it two days.... I care too much to say no," said Bass.
The candidate also said she thought it was important to have a choice in the election.
"I believe I am qualified and I wish to help make a difference in the quality of education here," Bass said.
"We want to be better, set goals, and we as educators need to be held responsible," added Bass
"The technology is here for the 21st Century," said the educator, "and technology offers advantages. It allows small community schools to compete," said Bass of the growing global computer network.
"Read my credentials, give me the opportunity to make a difference," she added.
On the campaign trail, Bass said she has encountered the following citizens' concerns:
---Parents who live near the Turbeville school but their children are bused to Cluster Springs were asking about the transfer.
---The candidate said residents have asked her position on community schools. Would she tear down schools? (A new Facilities Plan is being studied by the School Board.)
"If they are unsafe, I would tear them down tomorrow," Bass replied. "But I would have to look at the economics at the same time." However, Bass said she favors protecting community schools when possible.
---The candidate said she also heard complaints about behavior on school buses.
---Bass said citizens also asked how to improve test scores.
On school safety, Bass said: "We have to be strong and firm. Make it well-known school is a place for learning and bad behavior will not be tolerated."
However, the candidate said "expelling students" will not solve the problem. "We need to educate all young people," she said, citing alternative education as a vehicle. "We must make the effort to save and educate all young people. If not for college as responsible workers," she added.
Overall, the candidate said maintaining the status quo is not what we should do. "Change is difficult but can be positive," she said.
"At least 25 percent of the jobs that will be available for today's high school students are not even known today. But we all know technology will be involved," she said. "So we have to prepare our students."
Bass said "in general we provide excellent programs for the gifted." But, she noted, the bright don't drop out of school.
Why vote for her?
"I think my background in education in the state and in computer technology is definitely to my advantage. Those are two things I have expertise in that I can offer. I think change is sometimes important, to get a new perspective and new ideas. And I do promise to be in the schools if I am elected.
"I promise to be available and listen to people in the district to see how they feel about education for their young people. I bring a teacher's perspective and I think that it is important teachers have a representative on the Board."
Bass is a mathematics instructor part time at Danville Community College. She was honored with a National Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching in 1984 and as Distinguished Mathematics Educator for 1988, Greater Richmond Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
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Gilbert William Miles of Tampa, FL, formerly of Halifax, died October 27, 1997 at Tampa General Hospital at the age of 78.
Mr. Miles was born in Halifax County on October 28, 1918 the son of Dean P. Miles and Luvenda Cunningham Miles and was married to Irene Collins Miles. He was a World War II Army Veteran and also a member of Grand United Order of Masons.
Survivors include one daughter, Robin Wooden of Tampa, FL; one sister, Lucille Wade of South Boston; two brothers, Harry P. Miles of Washington, DC and Earl Miles of Dayton, OH; two grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Miles will be held Saturday, November 1 at 1 p.m. at St. Matthew Baptist Church with Rev. Whitfield Scott officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of Edith Willie of Clover.
Carolyn Jennings Owen of 1084 Lennig Road, Nathalie died October 29, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 81 years of age.
Mrs. Owen was born in Halifax County on March 15, 1916 the daughter of Marshall E. Jennings and Lona C. Jennings and was married to Cabell Emerson Owen. She was a member of Catawba Baptist Church, was educated at Averett and Longwood Colleges. She was a retired school teacher and a member of the National Retired Teachers Association, the Berryman Green Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames of the 17th Century.
Surviving Mrs. Owen are one daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Owen and Cecil Wilkins of South Boston; and two grandchildren, Marshall and Carolyn Wilkins, both of South Boston.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 1 at 2 p.m. at Catawba Baptist Church with Rev. Ed Griffin conducting the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight, October 31 from 7:00 until 8:00, and other times at her home.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Catawba Baptist Church.
Jack West of Teaneck, NJ, died September 30, 1997. The funeral service was held on Oct. 4, 1997, at Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY, with interment in George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery, Paramus, NJ.
He was born February 12, 1914, the son of the late Bessie Younger and Buck Wright. He was married to the late Zemoria Jefferson.
He was a member of Convent Baptist Church, where he served on the Usher Board for many years.
Mr. West worked as a room service waiter in New York's finest hotels. In August, 1980, he retired from the Regency Hotel in New York City.
He is survived by one son, Kernal Bryant West of New York; four daughters, Rev. Lillian Gold and son-in-law Quincy Gold of New York; Olivia Hedgepeth of New Jersey; Juanita Thrower and son-in-law, Al Thrower of New Jersey; Barbara McFarland Brown of Georgia; 10 grandchildren, David Lindsay, Jr., Cheryl Massiah, Renee Lindsay, Christina Lindsay, D'andrea Bidgood, Sandee Harris, Michael Harris, Deborah Harris, James McFarland, Jr., and Eric McFarland; one sister, Geraldine Barnett and brother-in-law, James Barnett of OH.
Mary Frances Carter Morris of 19 Love Shop Park Road, South Boston died October 28, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 77 years of age.
Mrs. Morris was born in Halifax County on May 6, 1920 the daughter of Harvey Angel Carter and Ethel Green Carter and was married to Howard Franklin Morris. She was a member of Dan River Baptist Church.
Survivors include four daughters, Evelyn Frances Morris Dupont of South Boston, Shirley Morris Davis of Halifax, Dorothy Morris Hilty of Arizona and Linda Morris Cobb of Reidsville, NC; 15 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and one son, Jesse Franklin Morris.
Funeral services for Mrs. Morris will be held Saturday, November 1 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Morris Edward Newcomb conducting the service. Burial will take place in Olive Branch United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight, October 31 from 7:00 until 9:00 and other times at her home.
