Trustees Seek $15.9 Million From Supes

After crunching the numbers, the Halifax County School Board agreed on a 6-2 vote to a compromise budget Wednesday night that calls for $2.6 million more in local funds and features a pay increase for employees ranging from 4 percent to 7 percent.
Board Chairman Steve Anderson and former chairman Mac McDowell cast the two dissenting votes.
The total proposed 2008-09 budget is $66,401,560 with the local contribution totaling $15,913,480, an increase of $2,671,050 over the current local appropriation. The portion of the proposed budget funded by the state is projected at $41,408,923.
The budget approved by the school board includes an increase of $338,088 in fuel costs over the current year and a total of $777,011 to purchase 10 new buses. Superintendent Paul Stapleton told the board these items are required items in the new budget. The budget also contains $123,485 for two positions mandated by the state department of education for special education services, a speech therapist and an occupational therapist.
The budget also calls for an increase of $254,388, or 5 percent, in the amount the board will pay toward employees’ health insurance next year.
Bill Covington, school system finance director, told the board he had projected a 5 percent increase in employees’ health insurance rates, and by including a 5 percent increase in the amount contributed by the board, there should be no increase in the amount paid monthly by the employees.
Stapleton told the board he had not received any figures from the state department of education as to the amount of state revenue the school system could expect.
“We know we’re going to lose some money, we don’t know how much on the state revenue side,” the superintendent said. “Best guess we’ve got is anywhere from $300,000 to $600,000, we’re not even sure of that.”
Stapleton said with an expected delay in approving a state budget, it could be the end of March before school officials receive exact revenue figures from the state department.
New board member Joe Gasperini had submitted his own version of the budget, totaling $67.8 million. Gasperini’s proposed budget called for a local appropriation of $17.3 million, and it contained a 7 percent pay increase for teachers and a 10 percent increase for support personnel, such as cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodial staff, etc.
Gasperini said the revenues of the county have gone up 51 percent over the last six years, but the amount given by the county to the schools has dropped 5 percent.
“The county is getting more money in, and they’re giving less money to the schools,” Gasperini said.
The ED-4 board member said over the last six years, county property values have increased over $800 million, the adjusted gross income of the county has increased over $80 million over the same period, and the sales tax base has increased over $40 million over the last six years.
Gasperini said with the beginning of semiannual real estate tax collections, the county is expected to realize a one-time revenue increase of approximately $6 million. He said the school system makes up the largest part of the county budget, but he hasn’t heard about any part of that $6 million coming to the school system.
Board member Walter Potts agreed that it’s only fair that a portion of that one-time increase should be given to the school system.
McDowell suggested the board delay asking the department of education to approve the required finance class until budget issues are settled and the board receives more input from the public.
McDowell also proposed a motion to approve the superintendent’s budget with an amendment to increase the appropriation from the county by $1.6 million that would include a 4 percent salary increase for teachers, rather than the 3 percent increase originally proposed.
Gasperini proposed an amendment to McDowell’s motion to ask the supervisors for an increase of $2.6 million to include a salary increase of 4-7 prcent. The board approved the amendment to McDowell’s motion on a 7-1 vote, with McDowell casting the negative vote.
The board then voted by roll call on the amended motion, asking the supervisors for a local appropriation of $15,913,480. The amended motion was approved on the 6-2 vote with Anderson and McDowell dissenting.
The board also voted unanimously to submit a request to meet with the board of supervisors to discuss budget items.
The school board must submit its budget to the board of supervisors by Friday, Feb. 29. The board will hold a public hearing on the budget at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in the public meeting room of the Mary Bethune Office Complex.

Trustees Delay Finance Class

A proposed required personal finance class at Halifax County High School has been put on hold.
The county school board voted 7-1 Wednesday night to delay submission of its request to the state department of education for permission to add a required personal finance class as part of the school’s curriculum.
Joe Gasperini cast the lone dissenting vote.
Mac McDowell said the board should show some restraint in rushing ahead with the implementation of the class until the matter of the 2008-09 budget is settled and the board receives more input from the public on the class.
The board decided on a unanimous vote to hold a public hearing during its March meeting, at which time citizens can comment on the proposed required finance class.

Healthy Living EXPO 2008 At HCHS Sunday

For those who have been promising to make the commitment to healthier habits, the Halifax Regional Health System’s 2008 Healthy Living Expo is the place to be Sunday.
This health fair extravaganza will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Halifax County High School and is free of charge.
Expo attendees can participate in free screenings to help them know their numbers - the numbers that tell the health tale.
For example, participants can learn their blood pressure, and what to do if it is too high or too low.
They also will be able to learn their body mass index and what to do to get it on track.
Participants will have an opportunity to learn their cholesterol and blood glucose levels with one quick stick of the finger.
This year participants are encouraged to call 434-517-3946 to make an appointment for this test. Walk-ins are always welcome as space is available, but appointments are encouraged.
In addition, persons will be able to learn what kind of lifestyle changes they might want to make to prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke.
For those who are concerned about medications, an opportunity will be provided to meet with one of Halifax Regional’s pharmacists.
For others who think they might be depressed, a depression/anxiety screening will be available, and if their worries are justified, they will be able to learn what to do about it.
While at the Expo, participants can learn more about stress management.
Persons worried about osteoporosis can complete a risk factor questionnaire and learn what to do next.
For those having trouble sleeping, a sleep disorder screening will be available so they can learn more about sleep studies and how these studies might help.
In addition, the Lions Club will offer vision screenings.
Experts will be on hand to discuss diabetes and what can be done about this debilitating disease.
Persons interested in learning how to better control their diet will have a chance to sample some healthy foods and get the recipes to prepare these healthy dishes.
The Expo also will offer something for youngsters Sunday afternoon.
Halifax County 4-H will offer several healthy and active games in “A Taste of 4-H Camp.”
Youth can exercise their brains by scoping out the latest and greatest books from the Halifax County/South Boston Public Library.
Screenings also will be available for amblyopia (lazy eye).
Details about the YMCA’s after school program for parents, and youngsters can enjoy reading time with Healthy Families.
People of all ages will be able to learn a variety of other helpful and healthy things at the Expo.
For example, participants can test their hand washing skills, their oxygen levels, relax with a one-minute massage, ease aching hands with a paraffin bath, learn the importance of advanced directives and take the first step to completing a living will.
At the Expo participants also can learn about community resources and how they can help.
Information about the Alzheimer’s Association, the Halifax County Cancer Association and DOVES also will be available.
Participants can pick up some pandemic influenza preparedness tips from the Halifax County Health Department, learn how to sign up for Social Security benefits online, and talk with representatives from the Halifax County Sheriffs Office and the South Boston Police Department.
While at the Expo, attendees can learn more about the American Red Cross, about R.I.S.E. Resource Information Sessions of Encouragement, Halifax Regional’s bereavement services and learn about Halifax Home Health and Hospice services.
Those worried about future long-term care needs can visit with representatives from the Woodview, Seasons at The Woodview and MeadowView terrace to see what those facilities offer.
Expo participants also can learn about what a 64-slice CT scan can reveal and how cardiopulmonary rehabilitation can make and keep a person fit.
Those who are still smokers will want to check out the “Jar of Tar” and learn more about how to take the first step to quitting.
All of this and more, including drawings for door prizes, awaits those attending Halifax Regional’s 2008 Healthy Living Expo.
It’s never too late to begin the journey to a healthier lifestyle.

Obituaries

Gerald Newman Stevens
Gerald ‘Jerry’ Newman Stevens, 63, of 3092 Jeremy Creek Road, Sutherlin died February 20, 2008, at his home.
Mr. Stevens was born in Halifax County on May 22, 1944, the son of the late Augustus Melvin Stevens and Lucille Edwards Stevens Lacks, and was married to Betty Whitlow Stevens. He was retired from Goodyear where he was a member of the Goodyear URW Union 831, and was a Veteran of the U.S. Army.
Survivors include his wife; three sons, William Hall and wife, Wendy, of Keeling, Ricky Stevens and wife, Robin, of Sutherlin, and Gerald Stevens II and wife, Leslie, of Ringgold; his mother of South Boston; six grandchildren, Jessica, Brittany, Trey, Brandon, Blake and Collin; one brother, Roger Stevens of Keeling; and one sister, Patsy Alderson and husband, Nat, of Clover.
One brother, Lawrence Stevens and a sister, Lois Shields, also preceded Mr. Stevens in death.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow, February 23, at 2 p.m. at Ingram Christian church with the Rev. Eddie Walker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Rites.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 this evening, February 22, at Powell Funeral Home and other times at the home.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Ingram Christian Church Building Fund, 3092 Jeremy Creek Road, Sutherlin, 24594.

Joseph Lovelace Tucker
Joseph Lovelace Tucker, 56, of 1056 Fox Lane, Nathalie died February 18, 2008, in Halifax County.
Mr. Tucker was born in Halifax County on October 24, 1951, the son of Emma Lovelace Tucker and the late Joseph Tucker. He was a United States Army Veteran.
Survivors include one son, Kevin Davis of Amherst; his mother of Del.; one sister, Thelma Stovall of Dover, Del.; two brothers, Willie Tucker of Wilmington, Del., and Arthur Tucker of Dover; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; one daughter-in-law, Deana Davis; three sisters-in-law, Rosa Lee Tucker, Ann Tucker and Sarah Tucker; one brother-in-law, Augusta Stovall; a devoted friend, Ann Womack of Halifax; and other relatives and friends.
Two brothers, Roy and Clarence Tucker, also preceded Mr. Tucker in death.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow, February 23, at 2 p.m. at Crawford House Chapel in Halifax with the Rev. Chester Spruill officiating. Burial will follow in Millstone Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Rites by the American Legion Post 99.
Public viewing for family and friends will be held today, February 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Crawford House Chapel, and the family will be receiving friends at the home of Bettie Guy, 1009 Tucker Road, Halifax.

Jerry Andre Boyd
Jerry Andre Boyd, 47, of 2040 Lacks Town Road, Clover died February 16, 2008, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Boyd was born in Baltimore, Md. On May 19, 1960, to Sandy Boyd and Mary Wooden Boyd. He was a member of St. Matthew Baptist Church.
Survivors include one son, Darius Jones; his father and mother of Baltimore, Md.; four brothers, Gabriel Wooden of Danville, Eric, Carl and Paul Boyd, all of Baltimore; one sister, Marcia Boyd Cox; one brother-in-law, Anthony Cox; one sister-in-law, Debra Wooden; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Boyd were held February 21, at noon at St. Matthew Baptist Church with the Rev. Alfred L. Chandler officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Doris Rickman Francisco
Doris Rickman Francisco, 89, of 1008 Rickman Lane, Nathalie died February 19,2 008, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Francisco was born in Halifax County on June 5, 1918, the daughter of the late George Vaughan Rickman and Minnie Fallen Rickman, and was married to the late Roger Elmer Francisco. She was a member of Hunting Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include three daughters, Joyce Ratliff of South Boston, Faye Glover of Powhatan, and Phyllis Brooks and husband, Charles, of Richmond; two sons, Wayne Francisco and wife, Becky, and Grady Francisco and wife, Dale, both of Nathalie; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Cleo Anderson of Nathalie and Ruby Glass of South Boston.
Two brothers, Archer and Loraine Rickman, also preceded Mrs. Francisco in death.
Funeral services will be held today, February 22, at 2 p.m. at Hunting Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Tony Sisk and Jim Kopco officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Triangle Volunteer Fire Department, 3060 Morton’s Ferry Road, Nathalie, 24577, or Hunting Creek Baptist Church, c/o Steve Anderson, Treasurer, 3230 Abbott Hill Road, Halifax, 24558.

Lillian Wilborn Power
Lillian Wilborn Power, 87, of 708 Cedar Avenue, South Boston died February 21, 2008, at her home.
Mrs. Power was born in Halifax County September 4, 1920, the daughter of the late Kendall Wilborn and Sally Ligon, and was married to the late John William Power. She was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church in South Boston.
Survivors include one daughter, Marjorie Power Throckmorton of Mebane, N.C.; one brother, James Wilborn and wife, Jeanette, of South Boston; and one sister, June Moorefield and husband, Watt, of Scottsburg.
Two brothers, Ernest and Ray Wilborn, also preceded Mrs. Power in death.
Funeral services will be held February 24, at 2 p.m. at Main Street United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ed Rigg officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery at Scottsburg.
The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service.

Goldie Ray Whitlow Wilmouth
Goldie Ray Whitlow Wilmouth, 91, of Green Level Road, Scottsburg, died Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Born April 22, 1916, in Halifax County, she was a daughter of the late Victoria Allen Whitlow and Sam Claiborn Whitlow and was married to the late Joseph Wesley (Peter) Wilmouth.
Her survivors include a great nephew, Bobby Whitlow and wife Cathy, of Clover as well as a number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters.
A graveside service will be held today, February 22 at 2 p.m. at the Oakland Cemetery with the Rev. Lloyd Moore officiating.
Online condolences may be sent to brooksfh@embarqmail.com

Pamela Williams Farrar
Funeral services for Mrs. Pamela Charlene Williams Farrar of Nathalie will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Ellis Creek Baptist Church in Nathalie, with interment in the New Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Farrar, 43, died Tuesday, February 19, in South Boston.
She was the daughter of Louis Williams and the late Deloris Adams Williams and was married to James Wesley Farrar.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Farrar is survived by one daughter, Sikerra Farrar of Nathalie; her father, Louis Williams of Nathalie; three sisters, Sandra Hilliard of Temple Hills, Md., Benita Williams and Carol Williams of Nathalie; two brothers, Robert Williams of Nathalie and Terry Williams and Donna of Laurel, Md; her grandmother, Clarine Williams of Sinai; her step-grandfather, Robert Lee Barksdale of Washington, DC; her mother-in-law, Jannie Farrar of Clover; sisters-in-law Shirley Williams and Ray of Nathalie, Rosa Farrar Barksdale and Edna Wimbush and Silas of Lynchburg; brothers-in-law, Amos Farrar and Deloris of Halifax, Wayne Farrar and Catherine of Clover, Willie Farrar of Raleigh, and Ronnie Farrar of Upper Marlboro, Md.; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.
Condolences may be emailed to Jeffressfh@aol.com

Comets’ Season A Success Despite Early Tourney Loss

By Joe Chandler
Sports Editor
While the Halifax County High School varsity boys basketball team did not reach a level where it could play for the Western Valley District Tournament championship, the 2007-2008 season was still a success.
“I’m very pleased with the first year,” Comets head coach Lynn Ramage said after his team’s defeat at the hands of Patrick Henry Wednesday night in the district tournament quarterfinals.
“A lot of kids are buying in (into the system) more every day. I think we can do some things better.”
Ramage’s young and largely inexperienced team, 10 members of which will return next season, produced 12 wins. That is the most wins a Comets varsity boys team has produced since the 2003-2004 campaign when the Comets won 14 games.
In addition, this season marked only the third time in the past eight seasons that a Comets team has produced as many as 12 wins. Among those wins were three wins in Western Valley District games, one of which came over Franklin County, the team that finished third in district’s regular-season standings.
“I sat in this locker room tonight and saw a different team,” Ramage pointed out after Wednesday night’s loss.
“Our seniors have brought winning back to the program. The seniors left with a winning record. They left over .500 and that is a plus for this program. “
Ramage pointed out at the start of the season that the Comets basketball program was going to have to take small steps before it could take bigger ones. The team, he said, took those first steps.
“You’ve got to crawl before you can walk,” Ramage said.
“We’re looking for better days. We’ve turned the corner. We’re going to be okay.”
There was a long list of items on Ramage’s punch list when he took over the Comets basketball program. Some items on the list concerned basketball. Others concerned off-court items such as behavior, personal appearance and personal responsibility.
On the court, having the players “buy in” to his system was a big item on Ramage’s punch list for this, his first year at the helm of the Comets’ basketball program.
From the outset, Ramage pointed out that it would take a year to get his offensive and defensive system in place and that it would likely be next season before a major impact would be realized and the Comets could compete on a level at or near the level of the district’s top two teams, GW and William Fleming.
“They’ve got to learn our system,” Ramage said of the players.
“The system will take care of itself. Our system will let us compete against those teams (GW and William Fleming) if we run our system and understand the system and the counters, learn how to over play and go back door. Once you learn those things, learn how to screen and read, you’re in a lot better position to succeed.”
Ramage pointed out that in terms of physical size and athleticism, it is tough for Halifax County to compete on a consistent basis against the GW and William Fleming powerhouses that seemingly produce an endless line of taller, bigger, athletic players.
“We’re not going to beat them talent for talent,” Ramage noted.
“We’re not going to go out there and get the talent they have. We have to out think them. We need guys to understand how to screen on our motion game. Everything we do we try to set up a counter. With everything I teach, I teach a second part. We didn’t learn our counters well this year. That’s something we’ve got to work on.”
Just as the team saw success on the court, it also saw success off the court.
“You see how they left this locker room?” Ramage queried as pointed to the clean state of the locker room before departing from Patrick Henry High School.
“It’s really nice. They left it the way they found it. We come in with class and leave with class.”
Ramage also pointed out that on several occasions this season managers of the restaurants at which the team stopped to eat following their games were complimentary of the players’ behavior.
“When we go on the road like we have to do and managers at eating establishments compliment our kids on how they behave, it’s a start,” said the Comets coach.
“It’s even that way with (game) officials. They (the Comets players) have changed their image to the officials. That makes the officials change the way they think about us.”
Those types of things, Ramage said, are all part and parcel of what he trying to establish with the Comets basketball program.
“That’s just part of what we work on,” Ramage noted, “our appearance, our behavior, and how we do things.”

NW Region To Expand Football Play-Offs In 2009

By Joe Chandler
Sports Editor
Northwest Region high school principals and officials voted Wednesday to expand the field of teams participating in the region’s football playoffs from four to six teams, starting with the 2009 season.
Halifax County High School Athletic Director Allen Lawter said yesterday that the proposal passed with an overwhelming number of principals from the region’s high schools voting in favor of the measure.
“The Virginia High School League has given us the option to do that,” Lawter explained.
“I don’t know what the other (Group AAA) regions are doing, but some are already doing that.”
Lawter said he feels that expanding the field for the Northwest Region football playoffs from four teams to six will be a good move.
“I think it will open the door for more 7-3 teams to qualify for the playoffs than has been the case in the past.” Lawter said.
“But, I don’t see teams that finish 6-4 or 5-5 getting in.”
Lawter pointed out that expanding the playoffs will mean regular-season play will begin a week earlier in 2009. As a point of reference, Lawter explained that the last week of the regular season, the week in November when Halifax County and GW have traditionally squared off in the season finale, will become the first week of the Northwest Region playoffs.
In the expanded playoff format, the field of six teams will be determined by the Virginia High School League’s ratings points system. District champions will automatically qualify.
However, in a change from the current format, district champions will not be guaranteed a home game in the first round of the playoffs. The six teams will be seeded according to their Virginia High School League ratings points with the number one and number two teams receiving a bye in the first round and a home game in the second round.
In the opening round, the sixth seed will travel to play at the home of the third seed and the fifth seed will travel to play at the home of the fourth seed.
The following week, the winner of the 3-6 game will travel to face the number one seed and the winner of the 4-5 game will travel to face the number two seed.
Lawter noted that in all other sports, the Western Valley District’s regular-season champion will receive the district’s top seed for the Northwest Region playoffs with the district tournament champion receiving the district’s number two seed.

Season Ends For Comets Grapplers

By Joe Chandler
Sports Editor
The Halifax County High School wrestling team’s season ended last weekend with the annual Northwest Region Wrestling Tournament at Woodbridge High School.
None of the six Comets grapplers competing in the tournament finished high enough to advance to the Group AAA state tournament.
“Even though we didn’t qualify anybody, I still think we gained a little bit from competing in the regionals,” said Comets head coach Brady Taylor. “We should enter next season with a little better motivation knowing there were some matches we could have won at regionals.”
Richie Wright, the Comets’ 285-pounder and Sam Lantor, the Comets’ 152-pounder, were the only Comets wrestlers to pick up a win.
Wright advanced to the tournament quarterfinals but lost a close match in the closing seconds. Lantor was defeated in his first match of the tournament but picked up a win in the first consolation round to join Wright in advancing to the tournament’s second day of action.
Both Wright and Lantor were defeated in their first contest on Saturday.
The four other Comets wrestlers that competed in the Northwest Region Tournament, 130-pounder Ralph Tuck, 160-pounder Jeremy Roman, 189-pounder Justin Perkins and 215-pounder Michael Puryear, all were eliminated after losing their first two matches.
Taylor said he is optimistic for a better season next winter.
“We are planning on joining up with coach Jerry Messick’s Halifax County Youth Wrestling Association club to get some work in during the off season,” Taylor said.
“I that I think will help us out tremendously next season. Coach Riddle (assistant coach David Riddle) and I are looking forward to next year since we aren’t losing any seniors. Hopefully we can find some guys to fill vacancies we had this year in the lighter weight classes and field a competitive team.”