Wednesday, March 28, 2007

South Boston Proposes No Tax Increase

The forecast is for no tax or water/sewer rate increases for South Boston residents this year, Town Manager Ted Daniel said Monday night during Council’s work session.
At this point, Daniel said staff “will not recommend raising real estate, personal property taxes or any fees.”
However, Daniel cautioned Council that two state aid components, one for police and one from VDOT, are not yet in.
During its upcoming budget deliberations, Council is expected to review a recommendation to move town employees’ salaries who are below minimum scale up to scale. That recommendation comes following a evaluation of town salaries by Springsted & Associates, which performed a similar evaluation for the county. Also, a two and one-half percent cost of living increase for employees in grade is expected to come before Council
Daniel also reminded Council that with the closing of the landfill December 31, the town would only receive half the fees usually reflected in its budget.
However, he also noted the reduction in expenses for the town associated with the closure.
During the Monday night session Council also reviewed the draft Halifax County Service Authority Comprehensive Agreement.
That agreement sets the governing principles of the Authority as well as its membership: three directors from South Boston, two from the Town of Halifax, one from the county, and one at-large representative to be chosen and confirmed by the councils and supervisors.
Daniel said the authority is expected to continue its organizational development until January 1, 2008, when it is expected to take over operation of South Boston, the Town of Halifax and the county’s water/sewer systems, running them as a single entity.
Water/sewer rates are expected to increase for South Boston residents under a new rate structure, but not much, according to town officials. See the current and estimated rate charts on this page.
In other business, Council heard the following reports:
n Police Chief Mick Reed said that following a Transportation Safety Commission joint meeting with the county, the sentiment was against a crosswalk on North Main Street at Mt. Olive Church.
“I think its fair to say the consensus was not to put a crosswalk at that location,” said Reed. Contributing to the decision he said were the following: the walkway would be in the middle of a block;Sunday traffic with parked cars slows traffic; concern it would create more problems than it would solve.
Daniel said the town is continuing to seek a solution at that site, particularly with off-street parking. He said the town would like to have a small community park with off-street parking in the area.
Also, a problem with a tree on North Main obstructing the view was brought before the committee, Reed said. When investigated, the chief said it was found if a complete stop is made at the stop sign, there is no obstruction.
A problem at the north exit of Halifax Square Shopping Center (no left turn) was discussed and the representative from VDOT said it fell under the town’s jurisdiction. He suggested if action is taken, the crossover should be completely removed.
Also, Reed said the lines at the south entrance to Walmart will be repainted.
n A vehicle decal elimination proposal is expected to come before the next joint towns/supervisors meeting, according to Councilman Chris Elliott who serves on the decal committee. He said the committee decided to proceed with eliminating the decal. Elliott said the current $25 fee will be billed with personal property taxes. If an owner fails to pay, a DMV stop will be placed on any activity regarding the vehicle with the owner unable to sell or trade the vehicle. The owner will also be unable to get a driver’s license. The town manager noted the town would save the cost of decals following their elimination. “We looked at this as being best,” Elliott told councilmen.
n With a staff recommendation to delete the Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance from Town Code, Council placed the issue on its April agenda. Daniel explained there is an issue with the state. “If we have one, then we have to manage and control it or delete it and then operate with the county,” he explained.
During the work session, councilmen also received updates from YMCA Executive Director Marcus Hargrave and Halifax County Tourism Director Linda Shepperd.
n Hargrave said the Y has over 3,700 members and that about 2,000 of those are in South Boston. The director said over 1,200 children and teens were served in 2006.
“Our volunteer support continues to grow,” he added, noting 2,200 volunteer hours were performed last year.
South Boston supported the Y’s aquatic program for children with $3,000 last year.
n The Tourism director sought a $5,000 increase over her $30,000 allocation last year. She proposes using the new allocation to share operating expenses at The Prizery, where Tourism now has its office.
The director said the county is seeing tremendous growth. “A recent economic impact study conducted by the Travel Industry Assn. for the Virginia Tourism Corporation showed that during 2005, domestic travelers spent $32.7 million on transportation, lodging, food, entertainment and recreation in Halifax County,” In a recent analysis, she noted that “this direct spending by travelers marks a 9.1 percent increase over the traveler-spending estimate of $29.88 million for 2004.”
Direct spending by domestic travelers in Halifax County supported 520 full-time and seasonal jobs, which in turn generated more than $8.17 million in wages and salaries in 2005, according to the report.
In South Boston, there was a 54 percent increase in lodging tax revenues in FY 2005-2006 over the previous year and that in the first six months of the FY 2006-2007, lodging tax revenues are showing an increase of 19 percent growth, according to the analysis.
Meals tax revenues increased $47,000 in FY 2005-2006 and for the first six months of this year, meals tax revenues are showing an $18,000 increase, she reported.
Spending growth in lodging is also taking place in the county with a 54 percent increase in revenues in FY 2005-06 and in the first six month of FY 2006-07 is showing a 30 percent increase, according to the analysis.m included in the text,” they wrote. “The overall impact is strong.”

South Boston’s Olympian Tisha Waller Here Friday To Dedicate HCHS Track

Halifax County Public Schools will dedicate its track and field facilities to Olympian and Halifax County High School graduate Tisha Waller during a ceremony Friday.
The event will take place at 4:30 p.m. around the monument.
Superintendent of Schools Paul Stapleton said Waller presents a wonderful role-model for today’s youth.
“Tisha Waller sets an amazing example for young people to follow, especially our own young people right here in Halifax County,” said Stapleton. “We are so thrilled to dedicate our track and field facilities to such a talented and extraordinary individual. Her accomplishments in sports, in education, and in life make her an inspiration and example for all of us.”
Special guests are expected to address the crowd during the presentation, including Halifax County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chair James Edmunds, South Boston Mayor Carroll Thackston, and Halifax County School Board Vice-Chair Steve H. Anderson.
Stapleton and Deputy Superintendent Larry Clark will open and close the event.
The track and field facilities will be dedicated to Waller in honor of her many track and field accomplishments, her continued emphasis on the importance of education, and her overall contributions to Halifax County and throughout the United States.
Waller’s main track and field event is the high jump. Since graduating from Halifax County High School in 1988, Waller’s track and field career has been peppered with accomplishments, most notably her participation in the 1996 and 2004 Olympics.
In addition, she was an Olympic Trials champion during those same years. Waller is a five-time U.S. outdoor track and field champion (’96, ’98, ’99, ’02, ’04) and a five-time U.S. indoor track and field champion (’96, ’98, ’99, ’00, ’02).
The Halifax County native is a recipient of the USA Track and Field’s 2003 Visa Humanitarian Award, which recognizes contributions U.S. track and field athletes have made off the field of competition.
Waller also was named 1996 Teacher of the Year for DeKalb County, Ga. during her time as a teacher at Livsey Elementary School. She has served as a speaker for the anti-drug campaign in high school sports, a division of the Georgia Drug Enforcement Agency; a student mentor for Atlanta children with academic and social concerns; a monthly contributor to the United Negro College Fund and Breast Cancer Awareness; a motivational speaker for schools, Girl Scout troops and track banquets; and a volunteer with Hosea Williams’ Feed the Homeless.
Waller received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina and her master’s degree in education leadership from Clark Atlanta University.
The track and field facilities include a quarter-mile rubberized track, long jump pits, a discus cage, a high jump area, and a shot put area. The facilities are used by both the Halifax County High School and Halifax County Middle School track and field teams.
Spectators attending the March 30 event should enter from the Halifax County Middle School entrance adjacent to the Faith Community Church and park, as directed, behind the stadium.

SoBo Police Investigate Reports Of Gunfire

South Boston police officers were called to Marshall Avenue to investigate a possible gun shot being fired yesterday, according to South Boston Police Investigator T.M. VanAernem.
Because the alleged shot was heard in the neighborhood of C.H. Friend Elementary School immediate contact was made with the school’s administrators, VanAernem said.
“School officials immediately secured the building with the faculty and students inside as a precautionary measure,” VanAernem said, noting officers were on the scene in less than a minute and a thorough search of the area was conducted including the wooded area behind the school.
“The search revealed no evidence of criminal activity,” VanAernem said.
South Boston Deputy Chief Jim Binner commended the faculty and staff of C.H. Friend for their quick response and assistance.
“The coordination between the police department and school officials resulted in a very efficient and safe process in this incident,” Binner said. “We remain confident that our children were completely safe at all times.”

Obituaries

Denise Hardie Monette

Denise Hardie Monette of Chesterfield died March 25, 2007.
Survivors include her husband, Dan C. Monette; son, J. Collins Monette; daughter, Leigh C. Monette; parents, John William and Merlene Hardie; and two sisters, Dale Sparks and Donna Henderson.
Funeral services for Mrs. Monette will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 28, at Brandermill Church, 4500 Millridge Parkway. Burial will follow in Dale Memorial Park.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American Cancer Society.

Jeremy Kashif Mosley

Jeremy Kashif Mosley, ‘Scoot,’ 23, of Red Oak died March 23, 2007, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Mosley was born in Halifax County December 1, 1983, to Audrey D. Mosley and Ronnie K. Pettus. He was employed by Virginia Homes Manufacturing in Boydton, and was a member of Salem Baptist Church of Red Oak.
Survivors include his mother and her companion, Dennis Burwell; his father and his friend, Arnette; two sons, Jahmay and Jontay and their mother, Shatesha Moore; one sister, LaKeisha Mosley; half sister, Demetris Roberts; half brother, Maurice Roberts; and his grandfather, Charlie Pettus Sr.
Funeral services for Mr. Mosley will be held at noon today, March 28, at Salem Baptist Church with Prophet Harry L. Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.harrisfhc.com

Everette Marshall Royster Sr.

Everette Marshall Royster Sr., 54 of Skipwith died March 23, 2007, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Royster was born in Mecklenburg County May 14, 1952, to the late William Royster and Ella Watkins Sydnor Royster. He was a member of Saint Mark Baptist Church, Buffalo Junction.
Mr. Royster was a US Army Veteran, and worked for over 20 years in the Federal Government. He received many awards and commendations for his service as a Telecommunications Specialist including a Career Commendation Award.
Survivors include his wife, Sarah Royster of Fredericksburg; two sons, Everette Marshall Royster Jr. of Fredericksburg and William Melessa Royster of Skipwith; one daughter, Marsha Lynette White of Reston; seven grandchildren, D’Avyon Marshell Royster, Cha’Mya Evette Royster, Ja’Naia Lee Royster, Dome’Nic Everette Royster, Donovan Chermark White, Dylan Knowha White and Jaida Karilyn White; two step-granddaughters, Chermara Laineen White and Asia-Aylana Simone White; one brother James Richard Sydnor of Buffalo Junction; one sister, Wilmer Gross of College Park, Md.; and one sister-in-law, Carol Sydnor.
Funeral services for Mr. Royster will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow, March 29, at Saint Mark Baptist Church with the Rev. Harold Watkins officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends this evening, March 28, from 6 until 7, at C.H. Harris Funeral Home, Clarksville.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.harrisfhc.com

HCHS Track Splits With GW

By Joe Chandler
Sports Editor
Halifax County High School’s track teams opened their season here Monday, earning a split with GW.
The Comets girls track team picked up a win, downing GW 64-35. In the boys meet, GW, which won eight events and swept the top three spots in three events, topped the Comets.
Halifax County’s girls team posted seven wins on the day and swept the top three spots in the shot put, the triple jump and then 100-meter hurdles.
Marteia Ferrell and Amey Totherow were double winners for the Comets, with Ferrell taking the top spot in both the long jump and triple jump and Totherow winning both the 800-meter race and the 1,600 meter (mile) race.
Ferrell’s winning mark in the long jump was 16 feet and seven and a half inches. Her jump in the triple jump was 35-1.
Totherow won the 800-meter race with a time of two minutes and 52 seconds. Her winning time in the mile run was 6:29.09.
Ferrell led a sweep in the triple jump that saw the Comets’ Jasmine Pointer (33-9) and Brittany Foster (32-10) place second and third respectively.
Brittany Gayles won the shot put with a throw of 31-10 and led a Comets sweep of that event with teammates LaDonna Canada (31-0) and Markeshia Coleman (29-2) taking second place and third place respectively.
Stacey Hamlett won the girls’ 100-meter dash with a time of 12.88 seconds with Felicia Bowman taking third place with a time of 13.44 seconds.
The Comets’ 4x100-meter relay team also picked up a win, turning in a time of 52.21 seconds.
In other events, Shauna Harris placed second in the high jump with Foster taking third place. Both topped out at 4-8. Dalishia Singleton placed second in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 20.18 seconds and Cherena Canada placed third with a time of 20.47 seconds. Pointer placed second in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 56.6 seconds with teammate Aurora Wright placing third with a time of 57.4 seconds.
In the boys meet, the Comets came up with six wins. Corey Jackson won the shot put with a throw of 45-10. Travis Word took the top spot in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.37 seconds and Erik Mosley won the 400-meter race with a time of 51.83 seconds.
Clyde Scott won the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 45.65v seconds and Amanual Coleman took the win in the 800-meter race with a time of 2:15. The Comets’ 4x100-meter relay team also picked up a win with a time of 44.40 seconds.
Bryan Clarke placed second in the high jump with a mark of 5-4, Coleman placed second in the 400-meter race with a time of 54.49 seconds and Word placed second in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 47.57 seconds.

Comets Fall To Tunstall

By Joe Chandler
Sports Editor
It was not the way that Halifax County High School baseball coach Kelvin Davis would have liked to have seen his team start a busy three-game week.
However, the Comets 8-4 road loss to Tunstall High School Monday night did have a bright spot in that it was a much better showing than the earlier 10-0 defeat the Comets had suffered against Tunstall on their home field.
The Comets (2-2 overall) hit the ball well, coming up with nine hits against the Trojans who improved their record to 5-1 with the win. Those hits were distributed well throughout the lineup with Billy Joe Garrett leading the way with two hits and teammates Tony Barbour, Justin Bagbey, Justin Jacobs, Allen Stephens, Joey Rogers, Kaleb Long and Michael Ferrell each getting one hit.
Jacobs started the game on the mound and he and Daniel Wilborn fared pretty well with the exception of one bad inning, the bottom of the second inning, when Tunstall tagged the Comets for four runs and pulled out to a 5-1 lead.
Halifax County jumped on top first with Barbour opening the game with a hit. Barbour moved to second base on a sacrifice from Garrett and moved to third base on a single from Bagbey. Jacobs helped his own cause with a two-out single that scored Barbour and gave the Comets a 1-0 lead.
Tunstall scratched up a run to tie the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the first inning and then added four more runs in the bottom of the second inning to jump out to a 5-1 lead.
Halifax County rallied for two runs in the top of the third inning which started with a hit from Ferrell. Ferrell scored later in the inning on a passed ball. Garrett had a base hit later in the inning and scored on a Tunstall error to cut the Comets’ deficit to two runs at 5-3.
A run in the bottom of the fourth inning pushed Tunstall’s lead back to three runs at 6-3. Two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning gave Tunstall an 8-3 lead.
Halifax County added its final run in then top of the sixth inning on a solo homer by Stephens.
The Comets were looking to get their record above the .500 mark last night when they faced Martinsville High School here in what was to be the second game of a three-game week.
The Comets will close out the week with a game here Friday at 5 p.m. against Dan River High School.

Ballou Was True All-Around Athlete

By Joe Chandler
Sports Editor
When you speak of a true all-around athlete, one of the names that pops into the mind of many C.H. Friend High School alumni is the late Sanford Ray “Dock” Ballou.
Ballou, who was a standout in football, basketball and baseball at C.H. Friend High School from 1942 through 1945, is one of four individuals that will be inducted into the Halifax County-South Boston Sports Hall Of Fame.
Others to be inducted into the Hall of Fame include Donald Testerman, William E. “Scooter” Dunn and Mason C. Day Jr.
This year’s induction banquet and ceremony will be held Saturday night, April 14, at 6:30 p.m. at C.H. Friend Elementary School in South Boston.
Advance tickets are priced at $20 each and tickets purchased at the door will be $25 each.
Tickets may be purchased at True Value Hardware, Electric Service Co., Halifax Pharmacy, Velro Christian Book Store in Halifax and at the Gazette-Virginian.
Tickets may also be purchased from Carlyle Wimbish, Addison Marable and members of the Board of Directors.
A skilled athlete, Ballou is considered by many to be one of the best athletes to play sports at C.H. Friend High School.
“He was a natural athlete,” Jim Burgess said of his late uncle.
“He had the ability and he had a fierce determination to win.”
Ballou played for four years for the C.H. Friend High School football team, playing halfback and handling all of the team’s punting. In 1945, he scored 121 points, the most ever scored at C.H. Friend High School in one year.
Along with playing football, Ballou played forward for the school’s basketball team and played shortstop for the baseball team and excelled in those sports as well.
Ballou played basketball for four years and was the team’s top scorer in 1946. He played baseball for C.H. Friend in 1945 and 1946 as the team’s shortstop. In his senior year, he served as captain of the baseball team and batted .550 that season.
As a result of his accomplishments as a standout athlete in three different sports, Ballou was awarded the T.C. Watkins III Cup in 1945 as being the school’s best all-around athlete.
Following his graduation from high school, Ballou was offered a scholarship at VMI but chose to attend Randolph-Macon College instead.
At Randolph-Macon, Ballou played halfback and served as the team punter in both 1946 and 1947, earning a letter in both seasons. With his long booming kicks, Ballou earned a place in the school’s record books as being one of the best punters in the school’s history.
Following a trend he set in high school, Ballou also played basketball and baseball for Randolph-Macon. He played on the junior varsity basketball team in 1946.
Ballou played shortstop in 1947 and 1948 and lettered both seasons.
After three years at Randolph-Macon, Ballou was drafted into the military service and went into the U.S. Army.
Ballou played football in Germany for the 22nd Infantry Regiment 4th Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany, playing halfback and punting for the team. His first punt for the team was 71 yards and, he ran for 50 yards in that game.
The team Ballou played for won most of its games and came close to making it to England for the Bowl Game Of Europe.
In addition to his accomplishments playing sports for C.H. Friend High School, Randolph-Macon College and the military football team, Ballou was also a member of the Rectangle fast-pitch softball team that was popular in this area in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s.
Ballou’s long-standing and notable accomplishments have made him one of South Boston and Halifax County’s more noted athletes.