Wednesday, March 30, 2005

The Wireless Connection To The World Wide Web

On the courthouse steps or sitting on benches at the Halifax War Memorial, visitors and residents can jump aboard the Internet to check important facts, their email or local history webs.
It’s called a hot spot and the connection is free, courtesy of Pure Internet, within 300 to 500 feet of the two town towers.
“It’s a tremendous benefit to market the town for people who are using technology,” said Halifax Town Manager Carl Espy. “If you have wireless available down to the STEM Academy at the Craddock-Terry Building, then you have a way of linking in with NASA. NASA will probably acknowledge there’s wireless Internet hot spots available in the Town of Halifax where we have this program.”
Providing wireless Internet service not only opens doors for tourists, serious history buffs can gain access to information about other points of interest throughout the county. The service also provides instant links to a variety of sources for attorneys and businessmen.
“From the Halifax War Memorial to the library, you are in the hot spot,” said Kelly Shaw, president of Pure Internet.
“Several attorneys use it and some local businesses,” he added.
At one time there was a hot spot at the old Courthouse Café, a particular favorite of one local minister, recalled Shaw.
To access the wireless service, some users need a wireless card for their computer. Cards may be purchased at any computer store. Shaw said some of the newer computers have internal cards that come with purchase.
Halifax County has been on the leading edge of wireless technology, according to Shaw. “We beat Danville, we just didn’t have the fanfare,” he added.
In addition to Halifax, Shaw said there are hot spots in Clover –“Absolutely on the leading edge for a town that size.” – and at a site in Riverdale. Hot spots in Vernon Hill and Alton are next on Pure Internet’s “to do list.
“It’s the way things are going. Planes, airports, restaurants, you can expect to be connected to the Internet,” he added.
Wi-Fi phones with voice-over IP will also connect in hot spots.
But Shaw also warns there can be a security risk for those not using web email accounts. Specifically, someone could steal your password. However, with web accounts – like Yahoo, Hotmail or one provided by your local ISP – Kelly said that you are safe.

 

Lock Your Doors

Police Investigating Rash Of Town And County Break-Ins

South Boston Police and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a series of recent break-ins, including the John Randolph Blvd. Jiffy Store and several county residences.
South Boston Police are investigating a weekend break-in at the Jiffy Store on John Randolph Blvd.
Investigator T.M. VanAernem said Cpl. S.L. Warf responded to the Jiffy Store at 910 John Randolph Blvd. about 6:30 a.m. Sunday after receiving a report of breaking and entering.
Further investigation revealed that entry was gained to the business after a portion of a front window was broken with a cinder block, according to VanAernem, who added an undisclosed amount of merchandise was taken from the business during the incident.
Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to call the South Boston Police Department at (434) 575-4271 or Crime Stoppers at (434) 575-TIPS. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved.
The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office is investigating three recent break-ins at residences throughout the county.
Captain Larry Fears said a DVD-VCR, jewelry and Remington .243 rifle were reported stolen after a March 22 break-in at the home of Coy Holt on Huell Matthews Highway. There was no sign of forced entry, according to Fears.
The Sheriff’s Department is investigating another break-in, this one March 25 at a shed on the property of Russell Lane, located on Cherry Creek Road in Nathalie.
Fears said a Stihl power saw, McCulloch weed eater and Craftsman hand tools were taken from the shed.
Fears said that a third break-in occurred March 27 at the Bethel Road residence of Benji Burton, with a Maverick 12-gauge shotgun reported stolen. Entrance was gained by kicking open the back entrance, according to Fears.
Additional Drug Charges Placed On Francis
Five additional drug distribution charges have been lodged against Bobby Samuel Francis, aka “Little Bob,Ó age 38 of Meadville Rd., Halifax.
The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Department arrested Francis yesterday and charged him with five counts of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, according to Major R.S.B. Pulliam, Chief Deputy and Narcotics Department Coordinator.
The latest charges against Francis are the result of an investigation conducted by Sheriff’s Department drug investigators that produced a search warrant December 22, 2004 at a residence on Meadville Rd.
The search warrant led to a large seizure of cash, drugs and firearms, with drug investigators arresting Francis and Brenda Gail Clay, 31, of McKeever Trail, Nathalie.
Francis was charged with a 17-count indictment, including charges for cocaine distribution and firearms violations. Clay was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Drug and criminal investigators, along with patrol deputies began an around-the-clock investigation that continued for five days, including searches at multiple homes and properties in Halifax County.
The investigators seized approximately 11 firearms, along with a substantial amount of cash, cocaine and marijuana.
Also seized were power tools, televisions, stereos, VCR’s, DVD players, various other electronics, collectibles and four vehicles.
Pulliam said the Meadville Road residence was responsible for the distribution of cocaine and marijuana on a daily basis, with stolen merchandise and firearms routinely being traded for cocaine.
Francis is currently incarcerated in the Halifax Adult Detention Center under no bond, while Clay was released on a $5,000 secured bond.
The investigation is continuing and additional suspects will be arrested, said Pulliam.
Other Police Arrests
• Christopher Neil Wilmouth, 31, of Turbeville Rd., Alton, was arrested March 23 by Sheriff’s Deputy P.C. Clayton, and charged with failing to appear in court on a misdemeanor charge.
The alleged offense occurred January 28.
• Christopher James Hubbard, 30, of Samuel Lane in Red Oak, was arrested Friday by Deputy T.N. Bratton and charged with misdemeanor contempt of court.
The alleged offense occurred February 20.
• Gloria Jean Hutcherson, 48, of Williams St., South Boston, was arrested Thursday by Deputy S.W. Gilliam and charged with possession/transport of firearms by a convicted felon and marijuana possession.
The alleged offenses occurred July 16, 2004.
• Michael Lesane, 40, of Utah Place, Greensboro, N.C., was arrested Friday by Deputy P.C. Clayton and charged with grand larceny of Wendy’s and two counts of petty larceny of Wendy’s.
The alleged offenses occurred September 17, September 15 and September 21, 2004, respectively.
• David Nelson Mosley, 39, of Holland Drive, South Boston, was arrested Friday by Deputy S.W. Gilliam and charged with the misdemeanor hit and run of an unattended vehicle and the misdemeanor obstruction of justice.
The alleged offenses occurred November 19, 2004.
• Cornelius Levet Faulkner, 29, of Stovall Trail, Halifax, was arrested Friday by Deputy D.H. Barksdale and charged with the misdemeanor assault and battery of Terri Muse Faulkner.
The alleged offense occurred March 25.
• Roderick L. Windsor, 31, of College St., South Boston, was arrested March 22 by Deputy T.A. Mocarsky and charged with misdemeanor contempt of court and a probation violation.
The alleged offenses occurred February 4 and January 27, respectively.

Obituaries

Estelle Brandon Brewer Coleman

Estelle Brandon Brewer Coleman, 90, of 1141 Mason Chapel Road, Alton died March 25 at South Boston Manor.
Mrs. Coleman was born in Halifax County on March 10, 1915, to the late William Brandon and Sallie Oliver Brandon. She was first married to the late John Brewer and later married the late John Edward Coleman. She was a member of Mason Chapel Baptist Church and the Grand Temple I.B.P.O.E. of W.-Temple 669.
Survivors of Mrs. Coleman include four daughters, Juanita Graham, Dollena Jones and Faye Spann, all of Washington, D.C. and Ruby Terry of Blairs; three sons, John Brewer of Lakehurst, N.J., Elvin Brewer of College Park, Md., and Lowell Brewer of Alton; 24 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; four sisters, Alma Brandon and Anne Cunningham, both of Alton, Doris Lawson of Lakehurst, and Mary Barnett of Plainfield, N.J., two daughters-in-law, Mary Brewer and Carolyn Brewer; four sons-in-law, Kenneth Graham, Richard Jones, Joe Spann, and Sammy Terry; one sister-in-law, Mary Brandon; and one brother-in-law, George Woody.
She was preceded in death by four sisters, Eunice Brandon, Matilda Sumuda, Sarah Galbreath, and Myrtle Woody; four brothers, William, Joseph, Howard and Lucien Brandon; and one daughter-in-law, Alberta Lawson Brewer.
Funeral services for Mrs. Coleman will be held April 1 at 1 p.m. at Mason Chapel Baptist Church with the Revs. Ronald Claiborne and Rufus Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home in South Boston tomorrow evening, March 31, from 6 until 7, and other times at the home.

Buford Nelson Peters Jr.

Buford Nelson Peters Jr., 58, of Ringgold died March 28 at his home.
Mr. Peters was born in Danville on October 16, 1946, the son of the late Buford Nelson Peters Sr. and the late Gaynell Meggison Peters. He was of the Baptist Faith and owned and operated Peters Well Drilling Company.
Survivors include one son, Buford Nelson Peters III of Danville; two daughters, Terea P. Seamon of South Boston and Sandra P. Jefferson of Dry Fork; one sister, Susan Beltram of Dry Fork; and six grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Tony Wayne Peters.
Funeral services for Mr. Peters will be held tomorrow, March 31 at 2 p.m. at Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel in Danville with the Rev. Daryl Joyce officiating. Burial will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends this evening, March 30, from 7:00 until 8:30, at the funeral home, and other times at the home of his daughter, Sandra P. Jefferson, 2600 Whitmell Church Road, Dry Fork.

Emma Jo Meschine West

Emma Jo Meschine West, 76, of Steinhatchee, Fla. died March 27 at her home.
Mrs. West was born in Habersham County, Ga. on October 13, 1928, the daughter of the late Reynold Meschine and the late Josephine Roper Meschine, and was married to William Albert ‘Bill’ West. She was a retired cafeteria manager.
Survivors include her husband of the home; one son, William ‘Tom’ West and his wife, Sue, of Clarksville; one daughter, Shirley Jean Mays and husband, Carl of Amherst; one sister, Jean M. Russell of Clarksville, Ga.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Mrs. West was preceded in death by one son, Robert Reynold ‘Bob’ West.
Graveside services will be held April 2 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant UMC Cemetery with the Rev. Sal Sallinger officiating.
The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home in South Boston on April 1, from 7 until 8 p.m.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider your local Hospice.

John Henry Womack

John Henry Womack, 75, died March 27 at St. Joseph Hospital in Tampa, Fla.
Mr. Womack was born in Halifax County on October 31,1929, the son of the late Letcher and Jessie Ferrell Womack. He was preceded in death by one brother, Roger H. Womack.
His survivors include one brother, Marlow W. Womack and his wife, Margaret, of Newport News; two sisters, Clara G. Dixon of South Boston and Catherine W. Woosley and her husband, Lawrence, of Alton.
Funeral services were incomplete at press time.

 

Varsity Boys Soccer Putting The Pieces Together

The HCHS Varsity Boys Soccer Team Is Trying To Get On Track Early

BY Joe Chandler
G-V STAFF WRITER

It wasn’t the start to the season Halifax County High School varsity boys soccer team coach Frank Shealy had expected.
After showing some initial signs of progress during the preseason jamboree at GW, the Comets lost to Amherst County in a contest in which they did not play particularly well.
“It was a step backward because our ball movement was not good,” said Shealy.
“What I really thought was our strength - ballhandling and being a cohesive team - was not what I saw. In the jamboree we scored six goals against Dan River in 30 minutes and I didn’t think we played really well. Against these stronger teams that move the ball a little better and have a little speed, we’ve got to control the ball.”
Shealy said he was initially optimistic about the team’s chances pick up some early wins, especially in the team’s slate of non-district games. However, the game against Amherst County dampened some of his optimism.
“I thought we would be in a better position to win several games early non-district games this year,” he pointed out.
“I think part of it is the weather and the routine of having missed some practices and having missed some games. We need to play somebody other than ourselves. I thought there were about eight games we could possibly win, but the game against Amherst County didn’t boost my confidence any.”
While Shealy was not happy about his team’s most recent outing, he feels his Comets team has the ingredients to have a successful season.
There are four returning starters from last year’s team in the lineup, giving the Comets some measure of experience.
Shealy has sophomore Les Powell starting as the goalkeeper and Powell, who was brought up from last year’s jayvee team, has been impressive so far.
“My main concern this year was my keeper,” said Shealy.
“We didn’t have one. Les Powell did an excellent job on jayvee last year. My concern was how he would perform if I brought him up. We had four goals scored against us (by Amherst) but our defense didn’t play well. He made 10 saves and made some good plays and was real physical. I definitely have faith in him. He has proven himself.”
Junior Brandon Worley is starting at the sweeper position with returning starter Chris Beale and senior Brett Kluge playing at the defender positions.
Team captains Brennan Maning and Patrick Slayton, both of whom are returning starters, will get the call at the two stopper positions.
Sophomore Chris Rorrer and junior Charles Crawley will get the starting call at two of the midfield positions with sophomore Robert Poirier starting at center midfield.
Senior returning starter Josh Fallen and sophomore Josh Shealy will start at the forward positions.
“We have a good mix of sophomores, juniors and seniors,” said the Comets coach.
“Shealy Poirier, Powell and Rorrer are very good sophomores. We have a couple of real solid juniors in Chris Beale, Patrick Slayton and Brandon Worley. Trevor Griffin and Travis Smith come in and do a good job. Manning and Fallen do a good job with ballhandling and leading the team. Fallen is our goal scorer and Manning is more of a ball control guy.
“I think we have a good mix of talent,” continued Shealy/
“We just have to put it all together.”
Shealy says that if the team comes together as it should the Comets have the ability to make progress in closing the gap between themselves and their Western Valley District opponents.
“It’s a step by step process to close the gap,” Shealy explained.
“I came in two years ago and we were losing a lot of games 6-0, 8-0 or worse Our first year we closed it a little bit but still lost a couple of games 8-0, 6-0. Last year was a little better. We had a couple of games that were closer. We played GW and Franklin County very close last year.
“The first step is closing the score,” continued Shealy.
“Yes, we’re still taking it on the chin and having a lot of losses but we’re trying to close the gap against some of the more experienced, well-coached, well-disciplined teams. I’m hoping we can play GW and Franklin County closer than we have in the past. We tied GW last year and hope we can do better this year.
“I don’t want this year to be a step backward,” he added.
“We want to continue moving forward.”
Halifax County High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team Roster
NO. NAME HT. WTPOS. GRD
2 Brennan Manning 5-1 0 154 M 12
3 Zack Owen 5-10 140 M 11
4 Les Powell 6-1 150 K 10
5 Josh Shealy 5-4 135 F 10
6 Bret Kluge 6-0 185 D 12
7 Travis Smith 5-7 150 F 11
8 Trevor Griffin 5-8 140 M 11
9 Chris Beale 5-10 155 D 11
10 Patrick Slayton 5-9 195 D 11
12 Farley Will 5-l0 140 D 12
14 Robert Poirier 6-1 155 M 10
17 Chris Rorrer 6-2 175 M 10
18 Charles Crawley 6-0 170 M 11
19 Frank Morton-Park 6’0 185 D 11
20 Jonathon Faulkner 6-2 170 D 12
21 Josh Fallen 5-10 170 M 12
23 Brandon Worley 5-l0 190 D 11

Comets JV Boys Soccer Team Looks To Improve

The HCHS JV Boys Soccer Team Has A Good Mix Of Experience And Talent

BY Joe Chandler
G-V STAFF WRITER

The way Halifax County High School jayvee boys soccer coach W.J. Long sees it, this could be the best season ever for the Comets jayvee boys soccer team.
“My goal this year is to improve upon last year’s record,” said Long, whose team has split its first two games.
“Last year we won four games and tied four, two of which were district games. This year we’ve got a chance to win probably half of our games. The other half I feel we can be competitive. I feel like we can definitely pick up six to eight wins this year, which will be a marked improvement from years past.
“We tied GW and Franklin County and lost two or three more by a goal,” continued Long.
“We were right in the thick of things but just didn’t pick up the win. If we could pick up a district win, we’ll move a step closer to where we want the soccer program to be.”
The Comets jayvees have six returning players from last year to give the team a good mix of experience and talent.
In looking at the Comets’ starting lineup, Long has sophomore Tyler Bamberg as the team’s new goalkeeper. At the defender spots, Long has freshman Matt Pigg, sophomore Kevin Weingarten, freshman Ben Wilborn and sophomore Jeremy Cherry.
Long has freshman Andy Anchetta, sophomore Franco Palumbo, sophomore Daniel McDonald and freshman David Beale playing the midfield positions and freshman Josh Lacy and eighth grader Cameron Starke at the two forward positions.
On the defensive side of things, Long says he sees Weingarten as one of the key figures.
“He’s really stepped up,” noted Long.
“He’s really improved and has taken over the spot that Brandon Worley left last year. He’s the main man on defense I look to. He’s got size and speed and is a real smart player.”
Long says he also has confidence in his midfielders to play well.
“I have Daniel, Lacy and Beale returning and Palumbo, a tenth-grader,” he said.
“This is his (Palumbo’s) first year playing for us. He’s played soccer all his life. He’s probably the best player on the team as far as natural soccer ability is concerned. He’s fast. He seems to have a motor that doesn’t stop. He’s just got to learn he can’t do it all by himself.
“Lacy is in the middle,” added Long.
“He’s a tough kid and doesn’t back down.”
Varsity head coach Frank Shealy, who doubles as Long’s assistant coach on the jayvee team, added that Anchetta is progressing well.
“Andy Anchetta has stepped up and is playing pretty solid,” Shealy said.
“He’s not the fastest guy or most talented guy, but he’s a smart kid.”
One of the strong points of the team, said Long, is that the team has intelligent players.
“We have smart kids,” Long pointed out.
“They’re intelligent. They know how to play and where to go.”
If there is anything the Comets lack it is speed and depth.
“We lack speed,” Long said.
“Palumbo is the only real fast one out there. We just don’t have any explosive speed that will beat people.
“We won the first game against Martinsville against an evenly-matched team,” continued Long.
“Amherst had all ninth and tenth-graders and had an edge in speed and size. They beat us 2-0 but we had our moments. I’ve got some holes here and there on defense. I don’t have much depth. All the players on the bench are small eighth-graders.”
The key to success, Long said, will be the team’s ability to capitalize on the mistakes made by their opponents.
“It’s a matter of taking advantage of the opportunities we get and capitalizing on them,” Long said.
“The more experienced district teams are always tough. But we were competitive with them last year and I don’t see why we can’t be competitive with them this year.”
Halifax County High School
JV Boys Soccer Roster
NO. NAME POS. GRADE
19 Andy Ancheta M 9
15 David Beale M/D/G 9
7 Patrick Bell M 8
22 Tyler Bamberg M/G 10
10 Jeremy Cherry M/D 10
15 Shane Cole M 9
4 Luigi DiThomasso M 8
16 Jeremy Duffer M 10
13 Brooks Gentry M/D 9
2 Macawlay Hammond M 8
12 Spencer Kavanaugh M 8
6 Zack King M 8
14 Josh Lacy M/F 9
11 Cody Lewis M/D 8
21 Danie McDonald M 10
18 Franco Polumbo F 10
20 Matt Pigg D 9
5 Raliegh Powell M 8
3 Cameron Starke F 8
8 Joseph Webb G 8 17 Weingarten D 10
G Rusty White G 8
23 Ben Wilborn F 9
9 Andrew Wilkins M 8