Cold Snap Cuts Power To 1,200

Single-digit temperatures Tuesday morning were the contributing factor to a power outage in the Turbeville community that affected 1,200 customers and cut off power at Turbeville Elementary School.
Virginia Dominion Power spokesperson Dan Genest said the outage occurred at approximately 8:15 a.m. at a location about 2.2 miles west of the Presto plant on U.S. 58.
“The outage was related to the cold weather. I suspect that when everybody got up, they were all getting ready for work and turned up the heat,” said Genest.
That surge in power usage overloaded the system and activated protective devices that caused power to be shut off, he continued.
Genest said late Tuesday afternoon that the problem had been located and essentially repaired.
“We’ve been picking up customers slowly since noon and hope to have everyone back on by about 7 p.m., said Genest, who estimated about 965 customers were still without power at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday.
With no way to contact parents by traditional means, keeping the students at Turbeville Elementary School was the best option available to school officials, according to Larry Clark, deputy superintendent for Halifax County Public Schools.
“There are a number of options, it depends of the nature of the incident,” explained Clark.
“In this case, there was a widespread power outage throughout one particular attendance zone, and the better option was to relocate the students.”
Clark said that option was not pursued because parents could not be notified through normal channels such as radio due to the power outage.
“We felt the best option in this case was to keep them at school. There was heat in the building and the Turbeville Volunteer Fire Department also assisted us.
“They have a generator at their station house and they allowed the students to use the restroom there. We want to thank them for their help.
“We would rather have kept the children at school than not have been able to notify their parents and send the kids home to a dark and cold house,” he noted.
“In this situation, we felt they were better off at the school.”
Clark added that some parents had learned through other means that the school was without power and came to pick up their children.
Turbeville Elementary School lost power about the time its principal arrived for the day and before students arrived to start the day’s classes, according to Clark.
“The bus drivers were told to stay on site and maintenance personnel were called to the school to determine if the outage was internal or not.
“They determined it was not internal and we called Dominion Virginia Power.”

Emswiler Permit Vote Is Delayed

After hearing from more than 20 speakers during Monday’s public hearing, the Halifax County Board of Supervisors decided to delay voting on Emswiler Diesel’s conditional use permit request to operate a recycling center at its Bill Tuck Highway location until its March meeting.
The Board requested that business owner Verlyn Emswiler work with county staff to draft an operating agreement for the recycling center that would spell out its hours of operation, shielding from neighbors and compliance with Department of Environmental Quality mandates.
Supervisor Doug Bowman said, after hearing from citizens, said that the problem appears that the business grew to quickly and experienced growing pains.
“We would expect the footprint to be reduced,” Bowman said, noting there have recently been too many vehicles at the site.
Emswiler countered that once the fence around the site was completed the cars would not be visible from the road and the processing procedure is being fine-tuned to quicken turnaround.
During the hearing, attorney Don Bagwell, who spoke on the Emswiler’s behalf, said they understand neighbors’ concerns and urged the Board to grant the business a conditional use permit.
“If this doesn’t pass we’re going to lose a strong business,” Bagwell said. “And devastate them financially.”
Bagwell argued that the Emswiler’s, who are currently operating the center without a conditional use permit have a vested right and should be compensated if the permit is not granted.
Attorney John Greenbacker, representing neighbor Mary Elizabeth Clark, said many of the area’s residents are elderly and were told prior to the business locating there that it would be a diesel repair shop and some storage facilities.
“Recycling center is a pretty name,” Greenbacker said. “What this is, it’s a junkyard.”
Greenbacker also disputed the notion that the Emswilers have a vested right.
“A vested right requires an affirmative governmental action,” he said, noting no such action has been taken. “I want to disabuse you of that notion in the strongest possible terms.”
During the hearing, several Emswiler Diesel employees and county residents spoke in favor of the business.
Carl Hodnett, who manages the center, said that the business has complied with all DEQ regulations, that he monitors the water in test wells everyday and that the gas tanks are removed from the vehicles before they’re crushed.
Speaking in opposition, several residents cited loud noise, traffic hazards, pollution and decreased property values as major concerns.
“It’s totally disrupted the neighborhood,” property owner Amy Lammerts said. “This certainly can be placed in a better location.”
Randy Guill told the Board that he opposed the request for the diesel repair shop to be put at that location originally.
“It’s an environmental hazard,” Guill said of the recycling center. “The county is promoting tourism, who wants to see a facility such as this.”
Charlie Clark said the noise is also a major problem.
“Six days a week, seven or eight hours a day,” he said. “You can’t get over the noise.”
Several other speakers in support of the business said that Emswiler is providing much-needed jobs and helping to clean up junk cars around the county.
Jason Howerton said he lost his job and his new job at the recycling center “has been paying the bills.”
Following the hearing, Supervisor Tom West asked Emswiler what was done with the fluids, like gas, oil and anti-freeze to ensure that pollution was negated.
Hodnett, who handles the fluids, said that oil and gas are burned in a waste heater at the facility and the other fluids are stored in tanks and picked up by a North Carolina company for disposal.

 

Obituaries

Josephine Marshall

Civic leader and educator Josephine Marshall, 75, died Monday in a Norfolk hospital.
The former Mayor of South Boston served on council here from 1984-1998 and was mayor from 1995-1996.
Mrs. Marshall also served as president of the Virginia Municipal League and as chairman of the Halifax County Democratic Party. Her teaching career began in Clarksville. From 1967-1972 she taught Spanish, French and English at Halifax County High School. She also taught at Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg and later at Danville Community College until she retired in 1992.
Mrs. Marshall also served as president of Tri-River Chapter Habitat for Humanity, as a board member of Halifax Regional Hospital, as vice-chair of the Va. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, and was a member of the Southside Regional Planning District Commission.
Mrs. Marshall was a member of the Tri-Rivers Charter Chapter of American Business Women’s Association, and was a member of Ebenezer Methodist Church, C.M.E.
Funeral services for Mrs. Marshall will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Ebenezer C.M.E. Church on North Main Street in South Boston.
“Her passing came as a shock to me,” said South Boston Manager Ted Daniel yesterday. “I was not aware of any health problems.
“I think the South Boston community has lost a very loyal and dedicated friend in Mrs. Marshall. It was clear to be she had the best interest of our citizens at heart,” said the town manager, who recalled working on several civic projects with Marshall. “I know she enjoyed serving in a leadership role.
“Our hearts go out to the family,” said the manager.
Marshall, a West Virginia native, is survived by her husband Lewis R. Marshall, of the South Boston home, two sons, Tim and Tony, and one daughter, Teresa Marshall Chapman.

Janie Daniel Berkley

Janie Daniel Berkley, 81, of 1403 Hodges Street, South Boston died February 4, 2007, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Berkley was born in Halifax County August 14, 1925, to the late Wesley Lafayette Daniel and Lottie Terry Daniel, and was married to the late Leonard Ray Berkley. She was a member of New Covenant Worship Center, and retired from Burlington Industries.
Survivors of Mrs. Berkley include two daughters, Sherry B. Booker of Richmond and Sandra B. Wilson of South Boston; one son, Rickey Berkley of Danville; one sister, Thelma Davis of Vernon Hill; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Services were held February 6 at 7 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Grant Dyer officiating. A private burial followed at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider New Covenant Worship Center, 2173 Cherry Hill Church Road, South Boston 24592.

Dorothy Stigall Glascock

Dorothy Stigall Glascock, 83, of Virgilina died February 5, 2007, in Clarksville. She was the widow of Woodson Randall Glascock.
Mrs. Glascock was a native of Person County, N.C., the daughter of the late Willis Johnston and Lena Seate Stigall. She was a member of Union Christian Church, was active in various programs at church, and was a Burlington Industries retiree.
Funeral services will be held today, February 7, at 3 p.m. at Union Christian Church with the Revs. Bobby Whitfield and Norman Talley officiating. Burial will be in Virgilina Cemetery.
Survivors of Mrs. Glascock include two daughters, Teresa Elliott of Clarksville and Suellen Horton of Wake Forest, N.C.; one son, Woodson Randall ‘Randy’ Glascock of Ocracoke, N.C.; her sisters, Texie Humphries, Margaret Tuck and Cordelia Morris, all of Roxboro, N.C., and Martha ‘Tuny’ Rice of Virgilina; seven grandchildren; and three great-granddaughters. One grandson also preceded her in death.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wclfh.com

Samuel Howitt

Samuel Howitt, 90 of Prospect Street, Northville, N.Y. died January 28, 2007. He was born August 29, 1916, in Amsterdam, N.Y., the son of Samuel and Jane Howitt of Cranesville, N.Y.
Mr. Howitt was employed and retired from the General Electric Company in Schenectady, N.Y. He was married to the late Marguerite Stowitts Howitt.
Survivors include his sons; David and wife, Flora Howitt, of Northville, and Robert and wife Rebecca Howitt, of South Boston; his daughter, Margaret Taylor of Northville; his grandchildren; Melissa and husband, Mickey Sweet of Broadalbin, N.Y., Samuel Howitt of Northville, Robert Howitt of Winston Salem, N.C., and James Taylor of Broadalbin; and his great-grandchildren, Dylan, Madison, and Macy Sweet of Broadalbin,
Mr. Howitt was predeceased by his eight brothers and sisters.
Visitation and a funeral was held January 31, at Northville Funeral Home. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Northville, in the spring.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Northampton Ambulance Squad, P.O. Box 155, Northville, N.Y. 12134 or Duke University Eye Center, Office of Development, DUMC 3802 Attn: Director, Duke University, Durham, N.C. 27710 or online at http://dukeeye. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.northvillefuneralservice.com

William Claude Womack

William Claude Womack, 82, of 1097 Sinai Road, Halifax died February 4, 2007 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Womack was born in Halifax County on October 30, 1924, to the late Willie Womack and Annie Mae Vaden Womack and was married to Bernice Davis Womack. He was a World War II Army Veteran and was a member of St. Paul CME Church in Halifax.
Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Doris Thomas of Washington, D.C., Carolyn Fleming of Suitland, Md., Claudette Womack of Herndon, and Annette Womack-Bonner of Virginia Beach; two sons, Warren L. Davis Sr. of Ft. Washington, Md. and Claude G. Womack of South Boston; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Oscar Womack of Nathalie; three sons-in-law, Albert Thomas, Journice Fleming and Robert C. Bonner; and two daughters-in-law, Lauri Davis and Faye Womack. Two daughters, Dianna Womack and Vivian Lanier; one granddaughter, Lea Nicole Davis; one sister, Hattie M. Terry; and four brothers, George, Lawrence, Ivory and Austin Womack preceded Mr. Womack in death.
Funeral services will be held today, February 7, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul CME Church in Halifax with the Rev. Billy Cherry officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Rites by American Legion Post #99.
The family is receiving friends at the home.

Jesse Allen Meeler Sr.

Jesse Allen Meeler Sr., 84, of 6012 Melon Road, South Boston died February 5, 2007, at Danville Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Meeler was born in Halifax County on October 12, 1922, the son of the late Willie Floyd Meeler and Mary Murray Meeler, and was married to Ann Barksdale Meeler.
He was a graduate of Ferrum Junior College and attended William and Mary until he joined the Navy. Mr. Meeler worked for Dan River Mills, York Corporation in York, Pa. and Otis Elevator Company in NJ, NY and Ohio. He was a World War II Navy Veteran.
Survivors of Mr. Meeler include his wife of the home; two daughters, Mary ‘Bonnie’ Briant of Seattle, Wash. and Nancy Testerman of Montgomery Village, Md.; one son, Jesse Allen Meeler Jr. of Newton, N.J.; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Louise Hawley of Durham, N.C.; and four brothers, W.F. Meeler of Norfolk, Wright Meeler of Jackson, Miss., Jack Meeler of Alton and Mac Meeler of Sutherlin.
Two brothers, Charlie Murray Meeler and Francis Meeler, preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Mr. Meeler will be held today, February 7, at 2 p.m. at Mercy Seat Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. J. Edmond Melvin Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Howard Eugene ‘Gene’ Mills

Howard Eugene ‘Gene’ Mills, 77, of 201 Chalmers Street, South Boston died February 5, 2007, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Mills was born in Halifax County on December 17, 1929, to the late Clyde Durant Mills and Violet Neal Mills and was married to Virla H. Mills. He was a member of South Boston Church of God, a member of American Legion Post 8, and was a Halifax Cotton Mill retiree.
Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, Billy L. Mills of Florence, S.C., Kenneth E. Mills of South Boston, and Curtis D. Mills of Kissimmee, Fla.; one daughter, Charlotte M. Compton of Scottsburg; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service for Mr. Mills will be held today, February 7 at 2 p.m. at South Boston Church of God with the Rev. Dr. Bruce Hagy officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service, and other times at the home.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider South Boston Church of God Renovation Fund, 3000 Halifax Road, South Boston 24592.
Online condolences may be sent to brooksfh@earthlink.net.

Bessie Green Outlaw Lewis

Bessie Green Outlaw Lewis, 89, of Pomona Valley, Calif., formerly of South Boston, died at Pomona Valley Hospital.
Mrs. Lewis was born in Halifax County May 19, 1917, to the late William Glenn and Ida Green Threet. She was first married to the late Willie Outlaw and later married John C. Lewis.
Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Crichlow of Pomona and Clarine Hill of Red Oak; two brothers, Henry Green of Washington, D.C. and Johnny Green of South Boston; and six grandchildren. Three sisters, Mary Green, Mildred Green and Ida Frances Green; and two brothers, Thomas Green and Joseph Green also preceded Mrs. Lewis in death.
Funeral services will be held February 10, at 2 p.m. at Jeffress Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Thurman Betts officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family is receiving friends at the home of Clarine Hill, 194 Barrett Lane, Red Oak.