Cold Weather A Real Pain For Produce Producers

Cold Nips Grapes, Strawberries

Staff and Wire Report
Vineyard owners Bill Confroy and Paul Greenwood estimate 70 percent of their grape crop was damaged during the recent five-night freeze here.
Strawberry producer Don Reese estimates Reese Farms lost some, but saved most of their six-acre strawberry crop.
Reese and his brother, Jay, spent five nights in a row in the fields, last Thursday through Monday of this week, protecting their strawberry crop.
“At 36 degrees, the alarm goes off in my house and I call Jay,” explained Don Reese yesterday. “We spent five nights in the fields starting irrigation pumps to protect the strawberries. When the water freezes on them, it protects them.
“We lost a few in the fields where we didn’t have good coverage, but we’ve save most of them,” added the farmer.
Reese said he hopes to have strawberries to market the last week of April or first week of May.
“I should get about 30 percent of what I usually get,” Confroy said yesterday of his four-acre grape crop. The Confroy vineyard is located about six miles west of Halifax on State Route 360.
Paul Greenwood’s vineyard, located in the Vernon Hill community, suffered about the same damage on the early buds during the five nights temperatures ranged from 27-29 degrees.
“The first night I had probably four out of 12 buds on a three-foot section of vine with maybe four buds that succumbed to the cold,” said Greenwood. “The second night really took a toll. Then with three more nights, the majority of my primary buds had succumbed to the cold.
“Whether or not the secondary buds will come out and we will actually have a crop, I can’t say,” added the vineyard owner, citing the resilience of vines.
Noting vines can grow between 10-15 feet in a season, Greenwood said “growth might be curtailed because of the cold and the grape production could suffer in the 70 percent that Bill (Confroy) estimated.”
But Greenwood was already busy adding to his vineyard yesterday.
“As a hedge I’m planting an additional 1,215 plants, increasing the vineyard size from about two to four acres,” he said. “I’m in the process of planting right now.”
Halifax Horticultural Technician William McCaleb predicted yesterday that the peach crop would be hit hard here.
“Peaches, pears and plums have really been hit this year,” said the technician.
“Fruits can handle 28 degrees, but once it gets below that irreparable damage is done to the flower and the fruit,” added McCaleb. “Once a blossom is damaged, it’s not going to produce fruit.”
One hope, according to McCaleb, is for the late blooming peach varieties, naming Red Haven and Hale peaches.
Farmers are still assessing the damage, but temperatures in the low 20s have taken a toll on the peach and apple crops in western Virginia, according to Associated Press reports.
Most producers in the area expect to have losses, Elaine Lidholm, communications director of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said earlier this week.
It appears that farms in the lower elevations - where blooms on fruit trees were farther along - took harder hits than in the mountains, Lidholm said. The subfreezing weather probably didn’t do as much damage in Virginia as in the Carolinas and Georgia where the growing season was farther along, she said.
Central and western Virginia had a hard freeze every night from Friday through Monday, said Phillip Manuel, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Blacksburg. Lynchburg, Danville and Bluefield had record lows on Easter Sunday.
“That is significant,” Manuel said. “You run a string of extreme cold, it’s going to have an impact.”
In addition, the cold followed warmer-than-usual temperatures that had brought out blooms.
The freeze affected fruit trees and early bearing berries such as strawberries, Lidholm said.
Manuel said he noticed daffodils and tulips flat on the ground and trees that were brown instead of lime-green with new growth as he returned home from a trip out of town.

1,200 More Virginia Army National Guard Call-Ups Expected

Staff And Wire Reports
Following the recent call-up of South Boston’s Company A, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, officials say they expect about 1,200 more Virginia Army National Guard soldiers to be called up soon, possibly for duty in Iraq.
South Boston had 64 reservists called up at the beginning of April along with 108 soldiers from the Roanoke area for federal service that is scheduled to begin on May 11, the Guard announced.
The new call-ups will likely include an infantry battalion, a cavalry squadron and an engineer company, which would be in addition to the already announced 320 soldiers mobilizing next month.
Anticipated call-ups will place more than a fourth of the Virginia National Guard’s total strength, which includes the Army and Air Guard, on duty overseas.
‘‘We know it’s coming this spring,’’ Maj. Gen. Robert B. Newman Jr., Virginia’s adjutant general, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch. ‘‘We’re moving out as if we’ve got a (mobilization) order.’’
Newman emphasized that officials can’t disclose where the soldiers will end up when they deploy, but that Iraq is the most likely destination.
The state Army National Guard includes 7,600 soldiers.
Counting the Virginia Guard troops already deployed in Iraq and Kosovo, nearly 30 percent of the state force will soon be overseas on active duty — at the same time about 16 percent of the Virginia Air National Guard’s 1,200 airmen are also deployed on federal missions abroad and in the U.S.
It’s raising concerns among Virginia Guard leaders since calling out the Guard is one of a governor’s first actions in the event of a state emergency.
‘‘It’s a significant impact,’’ said Lt. Col. Chester C. Carter III, the Guard’s spokesman.
Expected to be activated are 683 soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry, based in the Shenandoah Valley; 448 soldiers of the 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry, out of Hampton Roads; and 100 soldiers from the 237th Engineer Company, from West Point.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, almost 5,500 soldiers of the state’s Army National Guard and 2,130 airmen from the state Air National Guard have been activated for service in the war on terrorism.

Halifax Adopts ‘Stoop And Scoop’

Following a public hearing with no citizen comments Halifax Town Council voted to adopt the proposed “Stoop and Scoop” ordinance that addresses problems created by animals in the town.
The law amends town code to address, “animals causing unsanitary conditions or odor,” as well as destruction of property, trespassing and noise complaints.
Councilman Jack Dunavant asked if this new ordinance was a “leash law” by another name.
Town staff said the scoop law is not a leash law rather it holds pet owners accountable for messes and damage.
“Now town residents have a way to address complaints,” Councilman Phil Hollis said, noting unlike a leash law, which is proactive, this ordinance is reactive, only being employed when there is a complaint filed.
Council passed the ordinance unanimously after Town Manager Carl Espy and Planning Commissioner Beth Ann Gillis said they received citizen comments largely in favor of the ordinance.
Also at the Tuesday meeting Council voted to appropriate up to $2,200 to purchase new banners to decorate the light poles downtown.
There are 24 light poles and the town is purchasing 26 banners, Councilman Dick Moore said.
The banners will welcome visitors and play up the town’s historic ambience.
Council also voted to allow Espy and the Finance Committee to consider a donation to the South Boston/Halifax County YMCA up to $1,000.
YMCA Executive Director Marcus Hargrave addressed Council at their recent work session and asked for the town’s support.
Council then voted to set the first reading of the town’s $1.6 million 2007-08 budget for their next meeting on May 8.
Council will receive public comments during the meeting following the first reading of the budget.
Lastly, Council again went into closed session to discuss the town’s two appointments to the joint water/sewer authority’s board of directors.
The joint water/sewer working group representing Halifax, South Boston and the county has requested that each locality have its nominees selected before the next joint meeting of the county and towns.

Obituaries

Amanda Susan Croll
Amanda Susan Croll of Chester, age 29, died Thursday, March 22, after a brief illness. She was a member of Living Hope Lutheran Church.
Her survivors include her husband: Melvin R. Croll; three children: Brendan, Melvin Jr. and Mason; her parents: Don and Susan Brooks of Chester; sister: Caitlin Brooks of Chester; brother: Steven Woody of Forest; maternal grandmother: Hallie Creasy of Danville; and paternal grandmother: Doris Brooks of South Boston.
A funeral service was held March 27 at Living Hope Lutheran Church, Midlothian, with Pastor Michael Seifert officiating. Interment followed in the Dale Memorial Park, Chester.
Frank Bailey Jones
Frank Bailey Jones, 68, of 1025 Davis Road, Nathalie, died April 10 at Lynchburg General Hospital.
Mr. Jones was born in Halifax County on June 5, 1938, the son of the late Henry Otey Jones and Annie Susan Arendall Jones. He was married to Kathy Covington Jones.
His survivors include his wife; two daughters: Rhonda J. (Ronnie) Waller and Sheila J. Young of Nathalie; four grandchildren: Joshua Waller, Carrie Young, Courtney Young, and James Casey “J.C.” Young of Nathalie; a brother: James “Billy” Eugene (Beatrice) Jones of Nathalie; two sisters: Della (Jack) Beadles of Mebane, N.C. and Myrtle “Gertie” Warren of South Boston.
A funeral service will be held today, April 13, at 2 p.m., at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David Dickerson officiating. Burial will follow in the Liberty United Church of Christ Cemetery.
Leroy Crawley
Leroy Crawley, 62, of Halifax died April 9, 2007, at MCV-VCU Medical Center, Richmond.
Mr. Crawley was born in Charlotte County June 9, 1944, to Joseph and Frances Redd Crawley. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Wylliesburg. He was an employee of J.R. Tharpe Trucking Company.
Survivors include his wife, Corina Crawley of Saxe; two sons, Corey Crawley of Clover, and Jonathan Daniel of Phenix; six grandchildren; one sister, Bernice Foster of Clover; five brothers, Clarence Redd of Kingston, NY, Edward Crawley and John Henry Crawley, both of Clover, Joseph Junior Crawley of South Boston, and Johnnie Watson of Chase City; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Crawley and Obie Watson; and one brother-in-law, Ira Foster.
Funeral services for Mr. Crawley will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow, April 14, at Rocky Branch Baptist Church, Saxe with the Rev. Dr. James E. Scott officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family is receiving friends at the home of Bernice Foster, 1099 Lacks Town Road, Clover.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.harrisfhc.com
Edith Edwards Woody
Edith Edwards Woody, 86, of 12089 Huel Matthews Highway, Alton died April 12, 2007, at her home. She was born in Georgia to the late Andrew Edwards and Ella Fair Edwards.
Mrs. Woody was the wife of the late Clyde Woody Jr. She was a member of Bethel Hill Baptist Church. She was a retired employee of Roxboro Manufacturing with over 30 years of employment.
Surviving are one daughter, Debbie Hearin of Alton; three grandchildren, Brent Slaughter, Laurie Reaves and Tanya Hearin; six great-grandchildren Jessica Reaves, Lauren Reaves, Roxanne Reaves, Joshua Slaughter, Miranda Slaughter and Gabrielle Hearin.
The funeral services are incomplete at this time; the family will receive friends 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. tomorrow, April 14, at Brooks & White Funeral Home in Roxboro, N.C.

Sports Hall Of Fame Inductees Have Dedication In Common

The 19th Annual Halifax County-South Boston Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony is tomorrow (April 14) at 6:30 p.m. at C.H. Friend School.
Tickets are $20 in advance from any member of the Hall of Fame Board of Directors or $25 at the door.
If there is a common thread running among 2007 Halifax County-South Boston Sports Hall of Fame inductees Sanford Ray “Dock” Ballou, Donald Testerman, William E. “Scooter” Dunn and Mason Day Jr., it is dedication to sport and the highest ideals it represents.
Ballou was a standout in football, basketball and baseball at C.H. Friend High School from 1942-1945, winning the T.C. Watkins III Cup in 1945 as the school’s best all-around athlete.
He played halfback and served as punter at Randolph-Macon College in 1946 and 1947, earning a letter in both seasons, while also playing basketball and football.
After being drafted into the U.S. Army, Ballou played football for the 22nd Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany, playing halfback and punting for the team.
Testerman began playing football at the Schoolfield YMCA in Danville at age 11, before moving to Halifax County.
He played Midget football and later played high school football, where he became one of the best running backs in Comets football history, establishing the single-season rushing record as a senior.
Testerman was an All-Western District, All-State and All American performer his senior year, being named MVP in the annual high school all-star game played that year.
Testerman played college football at Virginia Tech, Ferrum Junior College and Clemson.
He was drafted by Miami of the National Football League, traded to Philadelphia and then to Seattle, where he played running back for the Seahawks for three years.
Testerman then played for the Washington Redskins before finishing his professional career with the Miami Dolphins.
He has pursued several business interests, in addition to coaching on the high school level since leaving professional football.
Scooter Dunn has achieved success in baseball both as a player and coach.
Dunn was one of the top players to ever come through the Halifax Dixie Youth Baseball ranks and later excelled at Halifax County High School.
He also starred in baseball at Elon College, but injuries kept Dunn from making it to the big leagues, so he turned to coaching.
During an 11-year stint as head coach at Halifax County Junior High School, Dunn compiled a record of 142-28, with nine conference championships and a 59-game winning streak.
From 1985-1995, Dunn was head baseball coach at Halifax County High School, where he compiled a record of 138-57, advancing to the state finals in 1995.
During that season, Dunn’s Comets beat archrival GW five times, a feat not since repeated, and Dunn was named Virginia Group AAA Coach of the Year for the 1995 season.
In 1999, Dunn accepted a teaching position at GW and became the head baseball coach for the Eagles. He has a record of 117-31 in seven years as GW head coach, with four district championships.
Day, who played baseball, basketball and football as a youth, may be best-known as the primary force behind the construction of the four-field Dixie Baseball complex in South Boston that bears his name.
He spent over 30 years coaching in Dixie Youth Baseball, coaching three Dixie Youth Baseball teams to World Series, in 1980, 1983 and 1987, and also helped coach in the AAA World Series in 1998.
He has also excelled in the sport of auto racing, as both a track owner and promoter at both South Boston and Orange County speedways.
Day was honored as Promoter of the Year by one racing publication, and was also honored as NASCAR/Winston Racing Series Team Player of the Year for the Mid-Atlantic Region.
He brought Busch Grand National auto racing back to South Boston Speedway in 1994, the event televised on the Nashville Network.

Comets 1-1 At Heritage Invitational

The Comets varsity baseball team couldn’t hold on to a late inning lead and dropped a 8-6 decision to Amherst County in the Heritage Invitational Baseball Tournament Tuesday in Lynchburg.
Halifax County played host Heritage last night for third-place in the tournament, but the Comets came close to making it to the title game, leading 6-5 after a two-run homer by Tony Barbour in the top of the fifth inning.
But the Lancers rallied with two runs in the bottom of the fifth and another in the sixth for the win.
The Comets pitched well enough and hit well enough against Amherst, but a number of defensive miscues cost Halifax a chance at the win, according to Comets coach Kelvin Davis.
Daniel Wilborn started the game on the mound and Justin Jacobs finished the contest, and the Comets had eight hits for the game.
“My hat goes off to Daniel Wilborn, I thought he threw a great ball game,” said Davis.
“Amherst is traditionally a fast ball hitting team and he did a good job keeping them off balance.
“We just did not make the plays, I think we committed six errors, and you don’t expect to win when you do that.
“Offensively, I thought we did great, they had a heck of a pitcher in the lefty that they threw and we got eight hits,” noted Davis.
One inning, the bottom of the third, was a key turning point in the game, according to Davis, when Amherst took advantage of Comets’ errors to score three runs and tie the game.
”We had two outs, Amherst hit a double and the bottom dropped out. I think we committed two errors in that inning,” said Davis.
Amherst had taken a 1-0 lead after one inning, but the Comets responded with a four-run third inning to make it 4-1.
After tying the score, Amherst added a run in the bottom of the fourth to give them a 5-4 advantage.
Barbour’s two-run homer gave the Comets their final lead of the game in the top of the fifth inning, but the Comets couldn’t hold on.
Halifax finished with eight hits for the game, Barbour going two-for-four with three RBI’s and scoring three times, and Patrick Currie going two-for-two with two runs scored.
Billy Joe Garrett added two hits and Justin Bagbey a double for the Comets, who fell to 8-3 with the loss.
Amherst played E.C. Glass last night for the tournament title.
“We knew Amherst had a good ball club, and it was a good game to watch if you take away the defensive miscues that we had,” said Davis.
“Offensively, we were right there, but we couldn’t put the [defensive] part of the game together.”

Jayvee Baseball Team Off To Good Start

By Doug Ford
G-V Staff Writer
The Comets jayvee baseball team has used defense and pitching to help it to a 4-2 start thus far this season.
Returning for the Comets are sophomores Josh Hudson, Michael Puryear, Bill Wooding, Courtney Ervin, Tyler Lewis, Chris Sizemore, Mike Owens and Tyler Hunt.
Newcomers include sophomore John Nichols and freshman Dale (Patches) Trent, Markee Brooks, Josh Rogers, Shawn Conner, Luke Griles, Chris Hunt, Zane Long, Aaron Mitchell, Deion Lipscomb and Scott Rickman.
Comets coaches, including head coach Dennis Seamster and assistant Billy Lucas, are looking for the jayvees to become more offensive-minded as the district season approaches.
“Tunstall will probably be one of the better hitting teams we will play this year,” said Seamster noting the two losses - 13-2 and 12-11 - the Comets have suffered at the hands of the Trojans this season.
Despite those scores, defense and pitching have been positives thus far, Seamster pointed out.
“I hope that by playing them we will learn from our mistakes and start to come together as a team. We still need to work on certain game situations because sometimes we make the wrong decisions, but all in all our defense is pretty solid.
“The guys don’t make any spectacular plays but they make the routine plays,” said Seamster, adding the team has depth at every position, including pitching.
“I feel that I can put anyone of my 18 players on the field at anytime who will make the plays.
“Pitching has been one of the assets for this team,” contined Seamster. “Coach Lucas has done an exceptional job with the pitchers and they are getting stronger with each game.
“Tyler Hunt and Tyler Lewis have looked good all year, Lewis having an exceptionally strong outing against a good Dan River team. Josh Rogers and Michael Puryear have also done a great job in relief.
“Those two guys throw strikes and that is what we’re looking for. Deion Lipscomb has had a little tenderness in his arm but with the long break we hope he’ll come on strong against the district teams.”
Returnee Hudson has done a good job of controlling the pitchers from his catcher’s position and keeps everyone calm, doing the little things that sometimes go unnoticed by the casual fan, according to Seamster.
A weakness thus far has been hitting. Some of the players are hitting the ball exceptionally well, but as a team the Comets are struggling at the plate, said Seamster.
“We seem to take too many strikes and swing at too many balls, and we don’t score enough runs,” he explained.
“We have a pretty good 1-4 lineup but the other guys will have to step up if we are going to be successful in district play.”
There is leadership among the other returning players that will benefit the Comets down the road, said Seamster.
“Chris Sizemore is one returnee who has the biggest impact on the team. He hits, runs and fields exceptionally well, and he also keeps people loose on the field.”
Wooding is not flashy but a hard-nosed player who does the little things well, while Owens and Ervin are returning outfielders who have done a great job defensively, covering a lot of ground, noted Seamster.
Facing good teams such as Tunstall and Dan River has helped prepare the jayvees for the tough district schedule, with the Comets already having three one- or two-run ball games under their belts.
“In the first game against Tunstall, we fought back and were one hit away from winning the game,” noted Seamster.
“Playing games like that help prepare the kids for the next level, and we have some guys who I believe will help at the varsity level in the coming years. A couple of tenth-graders have the opportunity to start next year if they continue to work hard, and we have some pretty good freshman that will step into the empty spots.”
Seamster coached jayvee softball last year and admitted he didn’t know what to expect coming into the season as jayvee baseball coach, but quickly noted the Comets have the makings of a solid team.
“I scouted softball last summer since I was in that sport, so I didn’t know what or who I had for the coming year,” he said.
“But, I think the guys have done an exceptional job. They are improving every game and I think they will be ready come district time.”