Wednesday, May 10, 2006

 

Nathalie Man Indicted For January Murder

A Halifax County Grand Jury has indicted a Nathalie man for murder and the use of a firearm to commit a felony.
Fred Allen Jennings, a 62-year-old resident of Lula’s Trail, was indicted Monday for the murder of 52-year-old Lee R. “Ricky” Waller of Brookneal on January 20, according to court records.
Jennings was also indicted for the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Halifax County Sheriff D.J. Oakes said at the time of Jennings’ arrest that the murder charges stem from an argument between the two men which turned violent.
According to Oakes, deputies were dispatched to the scene at approximately 4:30 p.m. the day of the alleged incident.
Oakes said that the call was initially reported as a possible DOA (dead on arrival), but that emergency services personnel responding to the call determined that the victim had been shot.
Jennings was reportedly taken into custody without incident at the scene, according to Oakes, who said that a .22 caliber rifle, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered and would be sent to the state laboratory in Richmond for forensic examination and ballistic comparisons.
• Two local men have been re-indicted on charges related to an alleged July 2005 shooting incident in South Boston.
Michael R. Waddle, 25, of Halifax, and Richard Jackson Reed, 23, of South Boston, were indicted Monday by a Grand Jury sitting in Halifax County Circuit Court.
Waddle was indicted for two felonies, shooting at an occupied vehicle and discharging a firearm from an automobile. He was also indicted for two misdemeanors, brandishing a firearm and for the reckless handling of a firearm.
Reed was indicted for felony hit and run involving property damage, the misdemeanor assault and battery of Waddle, and misdemeanor reckless driving.
Amherst County Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Maddox nol prossed charges against Waddle and Reed in relation to the incident last month, but at the time said she intended to re-indict the two defendants.
Following the July 23, 2005, incident, Waddle was initially charged with brandishing a firearm and Reed with the destruction of property.
Because Reed is the son of South Boston Police Chief Mick Reed, South Boston authorities turned the investigation of the incident over to the state police immediately after it occurred.
Other Court Cases
• Andrew David Jackson, 26, of Sunset Beach, N.C., was convicted Monday of four charges, including the misdemeanor assault and battery of a police officer.
Judge Leslie M. Osborn also convicted Jackson of felony eluding police and two additional misdemeanors, one for destruction of personal property and one for reckless driving at speeds in excess of 80 mph.
Judge Osborn sentenced Jackson to 12-month suspended sentences for all three misdemeanor convictions, and to five years in prison for the felony, with all but one year suspended.
The court ordered the suspended portions of Jackson’s sentence be conditioned on his good behavior for five years, and ordered Jackson be placed on probation for one year upon his release.
The court additionally ordered Jackson to pay $2,257.17 restitution as a result of his convictions.
• Clyde Lee Faulkner, 36, of South Boston, entered an Alford plea Friday to the grand larceny of property from Nellie Barley and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Under terms of an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but realizes prosecution evidence would make a guilty finding at trial almost a certainty.
In exchange for Faulkner’s Alford plea, the Commonwealth agreed to the court sentencing Faulkner to ten years in prison for the grand larceny conviction, with all suspended to time served, and to five years in prison, with all but three suspended, for the firearm conviction.
The court ordered the suspended portions of Faulkner’s sentence be conditioned on his good behavior for ten years and ordered him to be placed on probation for one year upon his release.
The court additionally ordered Faulkner to pay $250 restitution to Nellie Barley.
• Daniel Thomas Carr, 22, of South Boston, pleaded guilty Friday to two separate charges of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute.
In exchange for his guilty pleas, the Commonwealth agreed to the court sentencing Carr to five years in prison for each offense, with all but one year and two months suspended, authorizing work release for Carr.
The court ordered the suspended portions of Carr’s sentence be conditioned on his good behavior for five years and ordered Carr be placed on probation for one year following his release.
The court additionally suspended Carr’s operator’s license six months for each offense.
• Ralph Edward Davis, 42, of South Boston, was convicted Friday of two counts of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute and one count of a second/subsequent offense of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute.
The court remanded Davis to custody to await sentencing in the July court term.
• Traci Moore Collier, 35, of Amelia, pleaded no contest Friday to the petty larceny of property from Henry Wells.
The court sentenced Collier to one year in jail, with all time suspended, conditioned on Collier’s good behavior for one year, and ordered Collier to pay $190 restitution and court costs within 90 days.
• Charles Danny Elliott, 53, of South Boston, had a charge against him for the malicious wounding of Rebecca Elliott dismissed Friday in Halifax County Circuit Court.
• Marvin Louis Lawson, 38, of Nathalie, pleaded no contest Friday to the felony assault and battery of Shavee Renee Carrington.
Lawson is free on bond until sentencing in the July court term.
• Antone Lamont Hamlett, 23, of Scottsburg, was convicted Friday of a probation violation.
The court revoked six months of Hamlett’s previously suspended prison sentence, giving him credit for time served.
Timothy Earl Lloyd, 34, of Clover, had an indictment charging him with two counts of brandishing a firearm and one count of discharging a firearm nol prossed Friday by the Commonwealth.
• James Wallace Palmer, 49, of South Boston, was convicted Friday of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Sentencing for Palmer was set for the July court term.
• Barbara Rae Tuck, 25, of Halifax, had a charge against her for failing to register as a sex offender dismissed Friday in Halifax County Circuit Court.
• Carlo Latell Younger, 25, of Nathalie, pleaded guilty Friday to the grand larceny of property from Joe Allred III.
The court found evidence sufficient to convict Younger of the charge, but under terms of a plea agreement, the court withheld its finding of guilt, granting Younger first offender status and continuing the case for one year.
The court placed Younger under supervision of Halifax-Pittsylvania Court Services for one year, ordering Younger to perform 100 hours of community service and undergo random drug tests.
• Addie Michelle Branscome, 21, of Wilmington, N.C., was convicted Monday of misdemeanor perjury.
The court sentenced Branscome to one year in jail, with all time suspended, conditioned on Branscome’s good behavior for one year.
• Maria Joanne Lucado, 22, of South Boston, was sentenced last week to one year each in jail for felony DUI and a felony subsequent offense of DUI, suspending all but 20 days for the two offenses.
Judge Osborn also sentenced Lucado to five years in prison for a third or subsequent offense of DUI, suspending all but six months for that offense, the suspended portions of Lucado’s sentence conditioned on her good behavior for five years.
The court ordered Lucado serve the two sentences together, for a total of six months in jail, and further ordered Lucado pay a total of $1,000 in fines.
The court additionally placed Lucado on probation for one year, suspended her operator’s license indefinitely, ordered her to abstain from illegal drugs and alcohol, and placed her on home electronic monitoring for six months.

South Boston Town Council
CIP Budget, Town Code Amendment Given Approval
Council To Meet On Real Estate Tax Increase/Budget Issues Monday

Public hearings on the proposed two-cent real estate tax increase – from 19 cents per assessed $100 to 21 cents - as well as an amendment to Town Code allowing changes in an adaptive resuse district drew no speakers during Council’s Monday night hearing.
However, later in the meeting businessman Mac Ragans addressed the tax increase. “My main concern is the tax rate,” he told Council. “We have a problem paying town and county taxes. This is hitting us hard.”
Ragans suggested cutting some town expenses to curb costs rather than increase taxes.
Council also unanimously approved – with Councilman Morris Bryant absent – the Town Code amendment to allow reconstruction, repair, expansion and alteration of non-conforming single family dwellings in adaptive reuse districts. The amendment was sought for the town’s Church Hill project to allow the rebuilding of two homes and was recommended by the Planning Commission.
Town Manager Ted Daniel, responding to a citizen’s question, said that six contracts have been let with work expected to get under way on those houses in a couple of weeks.
Council also set a budget meeting following the scheduled joint town/county session Monday night at Mary Bethune Complex in Halifax.
Several councilmen said they wanted additional time to study budget figures prior to the next budget decision.
During the Monday night meeting, Council also adopted the 2006-2011 Capital Improvements Program for the town. The recommended CIP provided $2,661,326 (General Fund) and $107,375 (Water/Sewer) for capital improvements for the first year of the five-year Capital Improvements Program. For FY 2006-2007, the program reflects $955,248 provided through grants and other state funding programs and $1,706,078 in General Fund revenues.
In other business, Council approved a Cotton Mill Park Project Resolution to seek matching funds – up to $100,000 – from the Department of Conservation and Recreation for the 16-acre park project. The site, located at the former Halifax Damask Mill, will feature walking trails, playing fields and butterfly gardens.
Council also approved Monday night, the appointment of incoming councilman Don Thompson to the Halifax County Recreation Advisory Committee.
Following the Council meeting, councilmen held a budget work session to review proposed fees and Tourism’s request for $40,000.
If the total proposed fees are approved, Daniel said there would be an increase of $170,000 in revenue.
During the budget workshop, councilmen sought additional information from Tourism Director Linda Shepperd, who had sought a $40,000 allocation from the town. The request is an increase from last year’s $30,000.
Council asked for a copy of Tourism’s budget, a record of programs, grants, etc.
Shepperd told councilmen that she is seeking additional funding for part-time position for the office. She also acknowledged the meals/lodging tax was a factor in the request.
The Tourism director is also seeking an increase in funding from the Board of Supervisors. The Town of Halifax is advertising $2,000 for Tourism in its budget.
“In Southern Virginia, we are the destination,” she told South Boston councilmen, noting the town gets more of her attention because of the location of tourist attractions within its boundaries.
She also said the Tourism effort, while focusing on marketing and promotion, needs to expand its Internet presence. No action was taken by Council.
During the budget workshop, the following changes in fee and tax listings were presented by staff:
Taxes
• Real Estate Tax – From 19 cents per assessed $100 to 21 cents
• Mobile Homes Tax – From 19 cents per assessed $100 to 21 cents
• Personal Property Tax - From $1.42 per assessed $100 to $2
Water/Sewer
Emergency – non-working House from $25 to $40
• Water and Sewer rates reflect a 2 percent across the board increase
Fees & Permits
Cemetery Lots
• Oak Ridge – From $800 per lot to $1,000 in the new section. From $800 to $1,500 in the old section
• Memorial Gardens – From $800 per lot to $1,000
• Rose Garden – From $500 per lot to $750
Lot Transfer Fee – From $75 to $100
Prices for cemetery lots have not been adjusted for over seven years, according to staff reports, who note the cost of perpetual care has steadily risen. The adjustments are proposed to offset the increased costs.
The higher rates for plots in the old section of Oak Ridge reflect the market for the fully-grown and developed landscape and general historical stateliness of the section, staff reported.
Solid Waste Fees
• Green Box Service – From $300 to $450 per year
• Extra Box Pickup$15
Increase of $150 peryear/ $5 per pickup is needed to bring service into a break-even cash position. All current free pickup services will be suspended with immediate fee-for-service incorporated. This will mainly affect apartment houses and mobile home parks, according to the report.
Commercial Waste Pickup
There has been no charge for commercial waste that is picked up by residential trucks. Town staff proposes that a three-tiered system be established that would be based on the frequency of pickup as follows:
• One pickup per week, $80 per year
• Two pickups per week, $160 per year
• Three pickups per week, $240 per year
A Landfill Closing Fee of $3 per month in water bills
Additional funds are to be directed to partially mitigate unmet funding for landfill closure, according to town staff.
The Landfill Tipping Fee – In town is $30/ton
The $2 per ton increase would not be shared with the county but would be set aside to partially mitigate unmet funding for landfill closure, according to staff.
Tire Disposal Fee:
Passenger – From $1/each to $1.50
Road Tractor/Trailer – From $5/each to $5.50
Equipment – From $25/each to $30
That request for increase reflects the actual cost of off site disposal, staff reported.
Other Charges
Rental Housing Inspection Fee - $50
Encroachment Permit Fee Schedule
• Inspection fees: Sidewalk/driveway/curb/gutter – From 10 cents/lf to 15 cents
• Minimum fee – From $5 to $10
• Sewer Lateral/water service $15/each to $50
Right of Way Restoration Fee
• Concrete sidewalk – From $5/sf to $5.50
• Commercial driveway – From $5.50/sf to $11.50
• Curb and gutter – From $27/lf to $27.75
• Pavement markings – From $1.60/lf to $1.75

 

School System Cuts Buses To Pay Fuel Cost Overruns

Instead of purchasing 10 new buses this year, the Halifax County School System is considering purchasing only eight to cover the $130,000 cost overrun in the school system’s fuel budget, according to School Superintendent Paul Stapleton.
The final purchase order for the new buses will not be made until the end of June, according to School System Chief Financial Officer Bill Covington. But as of right now, it looks like eight instead of 10 buses will be purchased, he said.
Since each bus costs roughly $58,000, cutting two buses would save the school system $116,000, Covington said.
At the Halifax County School Board’s monthly meeting Monday night Trustee Arthur Reynolds asked if there was any way to curb fuel usage on field trips.
Reynolds said he noticed two county elementary schools going to the same place in Lynchburg on the same day and asked if they could share transportation.
Stapleton said the issue would be brought to Director of Transportation David Guill’s attention to see if anything could be done.
Reynolds also asked about the use of vans instead of buses to save fuel when only small numbers of students are being transported.
Putting students in vans is illegal, Stapleton said. Following federal regulations, students must be transported in buses, he said.
Also at the meeting trustees recognized several groups of students for their achievements.
Division art winners in the VSBA Southern Regional Forum competition were presented certificates by Board Chairman Mac McDowell.
The winners from the high school were Michael Dane Ferguson, first and third place, and exchange student Sandra Benn won second.
Middle school winners were Chelsae Dumbauld, first, Jamie Graves, took second, and Mia Spangler, won third.
In the elementary school category, Arica Matthews of Cluster Springs Elementary won first, Tiffany L. Smith of Turbeville Elementary took second and Melanie M. Carter of Sydnor-Jennings finished third.
Trustees also recognized Carolyn Reynolds, who will be the Halifax County representative to the summer residential Governor’s School at Lynchburg College.
The HCHS Envirothon Team and the HCMS Environmental Competition Team, Forensics Team and Debate Team were recognized at the meeting.
At a recent competition at Central Middle School, the Halifax Middle School Drama Team won the overall competition and the Debate Team won the affirmative, negative and overall competitions.
Student Graham Bryant took second place in extemporaneous speaking competition.
School nurses and health professionals were also recognized by the Board for their service Monday in conjunction with School Nurse Appreciation Day observed statewide today.
Stapleton updated the Board on progress being made on the school system’s three capital projects, the middle school renovation, and the new Cluster Springs and South Boston elementary school sites.
“We’re in good shape at all three sites,” Stapleton said. “We’re very pleased with all three projects.”

 

Obituaries

Rawn Alfredo Boulden
Rawn Alfredo Boulden, 39, of Petersburg, formerly of South Boston, died May 6, 2006, at Southside Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Boulden was born in Halifax County on August 13, 1966, the son of Willie Mason Boulden Sr. and Lottie Dogan Boulden. He was a member of First Baptist Church and was a graduate of Virginia State University.
His survivors include one son, Rawn A. Boulden Jr. of Petersburg; his parents of South Boston; two sisters, Wanda Boulden of Hampton and Michele Boulden of Virginia Beach; one brother, Leonardo Boulden of Zurich, Switzerland; his maternal grandmother, Mattie Dogan of South Boston; a devoted aunt, Edna Griggs of Virginia Beach; and a devoted friend, Linda Dixon of Petersburg.
Funeral services for Mr. Boulden will be held today, May 10, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church on Ferry Street, South Boston, with the Rev. Wallace Pierce officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Lessie B. Thaxton Evans
Lessie B. Thaxton Evans of Greensboro, N.C. died May 7, 2006, at Wesley-Long Nursing Center.
A graveside funeral service was held at 11 a.m. May 9, at Lakeview Memorial Park.
Mrs. Evans was retired from J. C. Penney Four Seasons Mall and was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by husbands, Haywood Evans and John Thaxton, Jr.; parents, Samuel and Nannie Burgess; brothers, Dennis Burgess, Bill Burgess, Wilton Burgess; and sisters, Gertrude King, Pauline Richardson, Wilda Ivey, Grace Hussey, Minnie Bishop and Mildred Purgason.
She is survived by her son, John W. Thaxton, III and wife, Sandra; granddaughter, Sunnie, all of Greensboro; daughter, Brenda T. Platt and husband, Richard; grandson, Billy Platt and wife, Darlene; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Brianna Platt, all of Madison; grandson, Stephen E. Platt of Greensboro; and brothers, John Burgess and Wilson Burgess.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 202 Centreport Drive, Suite 100, Greensboro, N.C. 27409.
Hustler Hobson Gravitt
Hustler Hobson Gravitt, 75, of 2052 East Hyco Road, South Boston, died May 8, 2006, at his home.
Mr. Gravitt was born in Halifax County on April 19, 1931, the son of the late Hustler Addison Gravitt and Bertha L. Gravitt who survives, and was married to Bessie Talley Gravitt. He was a member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir and taught Sunday school for a number of years. He was a founding member of the Hyco Road Ruritan Club, former coach of Babe Ruth baseball teams. He was retired owner/operator of Clean-All Custodian Service.
Survivors of Mr. Gravitt include his wife; his mother; two sons, Paul Gravitt and wife, Eugenia, and Joel Gravitt and wife, Lindsay; one daughter, Mitzi Gravitt Hawkins, all of Richmond; two brothers, Arthur Gravitt and wife, Mary Ann, of South Boston and William D. Gravitt and wife, Mary Frances, of Richmond; one sister, Betty Ann Drury of Ga.; two granddaughters, Charity Gravitt Chung and husband, Andrew, of Md. and Carrie Hawkins; three grandsons, Nichols Hunt Gravitt and Matthew and Shawn Gravitt; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Talley Lawter and husband, George; and other family and friends.
Mr. Gravitt was preceded in death also by one son, Dennis R. Gravitt; one brother-in-law, Reid Drury; and one half-brother, Lloyd Gravitt.
Funeral services will be held at Shady Grove United Methodist Church today, May 10, at 11 a.m. with the Revs. Don Davidson and Ray McGarr officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Shady Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 4129 East Hyco Road, South Boston, 24592.
Online condolences may be sent to brooksfh@earthlink.net
Pency Agnes Vassar
Pency Agnes Vassar, 84, of 2192 Mill Road, Clover, died May 8, 2006, at her home.
Ms. Vassar was born in Halifax County on September 4, 1921, to the late Pency Eunice Vassar and Rhonald Earl Vassar. She was a member of Clover Baptist Church and was retired from Jon-Bil.
Survivors include her nieces and nephews, Gaynell V. Wade and husband, Wayne, Ron Vassar Jr. and wife, Linda, Jimmy Vassar and wife, Peggy, Sue V. Lacks and husband, Cecil, Hugh Vassar, Floyd Vassar and wife, Peggy, Gerald Vassar and wife, Patsy, and Donna V. Chandler and husband, Jonathan.
Ms. Vassar was also preceded in death by a brother, Rhonald Edward Vassar; and one nephew, Jan Bryant Vassar Sr.
Graveside services will be held tomorrow, May 11, at 3 p.m. at Clover Cemetery with the Revs. Jack Stewart and Greg Robinson officiating.
The family will receive friends at the home of Peggy and Floyd Vassar, 6232 Bethel Road, Scottsburg this evening, May 10, from 7:00 until 8:30.
Mary Margaret Wimbish
Mary Margaret Wimbish died May 8, 2006. She was born November 12, 2005, in Knoxville, Tenn., the daughter of Robert E. Wimbish and Angela Rose Wimbish.
Other than her parents, survivors include one brother, Michael Russell; one sister, Lillie Rose Wimbish, both of Knoxville; and her paternal grandparents, Carlyle R. Wimbish Jr. and Jo W. Wimbish of South Boston. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Dale C. Rose and Ruby Stewart Rose.
The family will receive friends tomorrow, May 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Hickory Hill Farm, 4216 Bill Tuck Highway, South Boston, home of grandparents Carlyle and Jo Wimbish.
A graveside service will be held Friday, May 12, at 11 a.m. at Oakland Cemetery in Scottsburg with the Rev. Dr. Tim Cannon officiating.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Mary Margaret Wimbish Fund and will be divided among several organizations including the Ronald McDonald House and the Lymphatic Research Foundation. Donations may be sent to: Mary Margaret Wimbish Fund, Att: Debra Clouser, 1702 Rovene Drive,Lebanon, Ind. 46052.
Robert L. ‘Bobby’ Thomason
Robert L. ‘Bobby’ Thomason, 73, of 5059 Old Cluster Springs Road, South Boston, died May 9, 2006, at Lynchburg General Hospital.
Mr. Thomason was born in Halifax County on May 22, 1932, and was married to Isabel Crews Thomason. He was a member of Black Walnut Baptist Church, was an Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict, and was a retired mechanic with Riverdale BP Station.
Survivors include his wife; one son, Carroll Thomason and wife, Wendy, of South Boston; two daughters, Gayle T. Brown and husband, Charlie, and Linda T. Shelton, all of South Boston; five sisters, Helen T. Simmons of Chesterfield, Eleanor Fox and Jean T. Martin, both of Colonial Heights, Edith Porter of Chesterfield, and Carolyn Waltman of South Boston; two brothers, M.L. ‘Bo’ Thomason of South Boston, and Lowell Thomason of Chesterfield; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mr. Thomason will be held tomorrow, May 11, at 2 p.m. at Black Walnut Baptist Church with the Rev. Raymond Wooten officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Black Walnut Baptist Church this evening, May 10, from 7:00 until 8:30, and other times at the home of Linda Shelton, 1143 Link-Puryear Road, South Boston.
Online condolences may be sent to brooksfh@earthlink.net

 

One Lap Of America Visits VIR Today

Spectators Will Be Admitted Free When One Lap Of America Makes Its Stop Today At VIR
One of this country’s most unique motorsports events will be taking place at VIRginia International Raceway today, as the Tire Rack One Lap of America presented by Car and Driver visits the historic Southside Virginia facility.
One Lap of America is the brainchild of renowned automotive author Brock Yates, and is an evolution of his legendary Cannonball Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, a highly-illegal, flat-out, coast-to-coast race staged in the early 1970s that was immortalized in the 1981 movie “Cannonball Run.” Since 1984, the event has been run as a long-distance rally/tour with time trials at various racetracks.
Teams from all over America, and some from beyond our shores, enter this event. Most employ two-man teams that allow one to sleep while the other is driving the transfer stages between track events. The cars travel at legal highway speeds between racetracks, and run timed laps on each. Winners are declared for each track event and for the overall One Lap.
This year’s One Lap is an eight-day event that will cover 4,000 miles and visit nine different racetracks. The event started out at the headquarters of event sponsor Tire Rack in South Bend, Indiana, on May 6 and kicked the competition off with a wet skidpad test.
From there the route led to Autobahn Country Club (road racing course) in Joliet, Illinois, later that same day; Mid America Motorplex (road racing course) in Pacific Junction, Iowa, on May 7.
The next stop was at No Problem Raceway Park (road racing course/dragstrip) in Belle Rose, Louisiana, on May 8; Roebling Road Raceway (road racing course) near Savannah, Georgia, on May 9; Florence Speedway (oval track) in Florence, South Carolina, later that same day before the teams’ arrival at VIR today.
While at VIR, the 94 competing teams will run three events, one on the 2.25-mile North Course, one on the 1.65-mile South Course; and one utilizing the classic 3.27-mile Full Course. All cars will run one at a time, and will be timed.
Spectators are welcome to come out and watch as the teams try to tame VIR’s technical and challenging layout, in all three of its guises, and admission will be free.
On-track action will begin at 8:30 a.m. on the South Course, with North Course action starting at 9 a.m. The full-course runs will begin after lunch at 1 p.m.
From VIR the teams will travel to Putnam Park Road Course (road racing course) in Mount Meridian, Indiana, on May 11; U.S. 41 International Dragway (dragstrip) in Morocco, Indiana, later that same day; to Road America (road racing course) in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, on May 12; and back to Tire Rack HQ to wrap things up with a dry skidpad event on May 13.
“We are thrilled to have the Tire Rack One Lap of America presented by Car and Driver back at VIR again this year,” said VIR co-owner Connie Nyholm.
“The One Lap is a part of American motorsport lore, and it is a very tough challenge for the teams. We love being a part of it, and the teams tell us they love coming here. This year will be the first time that we have been able to allow spectators for the One Lap, so we hope everyone will come out and see this unique event.”

 

Comets Girls Tennis Team Completes Good Season

Barnes Falls In WVD Semifinals

The Comets girls tennis team saw its 2006 season come to an end Monday after senior Colleen Barnes dropped a close match in the Western Valley District semifinals.
Barnes, the number two singles player for the Comets during the regular season, extended Leigh Sheldon of E.C. Glass to three sets before falling 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Barnes advanced to the semifinals with a win over Mary Watts of Patrick Henry in the first day of tournament play.
The Comets played well in the tournament, with two doubles teams advancing to the quarterfinals and another playing in the singles draw at the number one spot, according to coach Greg Donner.
Barnes teamed with Lauren Tetterton at number one doubles, the duo falling to the number two seed from E.C. Glass in the quarterfinals, while Sarah Bradford McCollum and Lee Lewis, playing number two doubles, fell to the number one seeded doubles team from Patrick Henry in the quarterfinals.
McCollum and Lewis defeated Franklin County’s top doubles team to reach the quarterfinals.
McCollum also played in the singles draw at the number one spot, facing the number one seed from Patrick Henry, playing well before falling to a more experienced opponent.
Donner said the Comets girls tennis team’s performance in the tourney was a good finish to a successful season.
“Our record put us in fourth place, but we lost three matches by a 5-4 score against the best teams in the district,” he noted.
“We played especially strong in the second half of the season and won our first tournament two weeks ago at the Heritage Invitational.”
That strong play continued into the district tournament, according to Donner.
“We faced some tough matches in the tournament and all of our players were able to show that we belong with the best teams in the district,” said Donner.
“At number two matches, Lee and Sarah had to play back-to-back matches indoors and they looked very strong until fatigue set in. It’s very hard to play a long match and come back a half hour later and do it all over again.
“We got some excellent performances from individuals who had to play up from their regular positions, including Lauren Tetterton.
“She did a fine job after moving to the number one doubles spot the final week of the season, teaming with Colleen to challenge a strong Patrick Henry duo in our last team match.
“Colleen played her best tennis ever in the last two weeks of the season, leading our team at the Heritage Invitational with wins at singles and doubles, and playing her strongest matches against the best players in the district during the tournament.”
Donner said he was optimistic about his team’s chances next year considering the Comets’ success this season.
“We have advanced farther and won more matches than in recent years, and we have more returning starters next year than ever,” said Donner.
“We lose only one player (Barnes) to graduation, and if we can continue to improve we should be a force in the district.”

 

Huge Field Expected For SCCA Event At VIR

More Than 400 Entries Are Expected As VIR Hosts The Al Fairer SARRC/MARRS Challenge This Weekend

One of the biggest amateur sports car races east of the Mississippi will take place this weekend, May 12-14, at VIRginia International Raceway as the North Carolina Region of the Sports Car Club of America hosts the Al Fairer SARRC/MARRS Challenge.
VIRginia International Raceway serves as home track for the NC Region, and the welcome mat will be out for more than 400 expected entries from all over the eastern United States, representing 45 classes divided into seven racing groups, for three days of practice, qualifying and racing.
The field will include something for almost every automotive taste, ranging from small sedans and roadsters through Trans-Am-type muscle cars, sports racers and open-wheeled formula cars.
Entrants from the Washington, D.C. area and northward compete in the Mid-Atlantic Road Racing Series (MARRS), while their southern counterparts race in the South Atlantic Road Racing Championship (SARRC).
The Al Fairer SARRC/MARRS Challenge, named for a beloved longtime NC Region member and official who died on May 5, 2004, has been an established fixture on east coast SCCA racers’ schedules since VIR reopened in 2000. It draws a huge field every year, as racers are attracted to the challenging and technical 3.27-mile circuit, the beautiful scenery and the perfect weather.
The VIR staff has been busy getting the track ready for the big weekend and coordinating with the SCCA to ensure there will be sufficient safety and track workers, and everyone is anxious to get the weekend underway.
“We always look forward to the Al Fairer SARRC/MARRS Challenge,” said VIR general manager Josh Lief.
“This is one of our favorite events, because it illustrates some of the very best of amateur American motorsport. We’ll have an amazing variety of racing machines, driven by racers ranging in age from 17 to 70. Some of these drivers will eventually move up the ladder and become household names, while others are satisfied fighting for their share of the limelight in grass-roots competition. It makes for awesome competition, and it will be a perfect time for families to come out and enjoy our beautiful facility here at VIR.”
The NC Region is also anticipating their biggest event of the year, and to renewing the friendly “North vs. South” rivalry that always adds spice to an already fiercely competitive weekend.
“This race weekend is always the region’s biggest event and probably the biggest race of its kind on the east coast,” said Mark Senior, regional executive for the NC Region.
“We have participants from Texas all the way to New York and Ohio coming together to see who’s the best in a good-natured battle of North vs. South. You can always expect to see good racing, as the fields are large and the competition close. Add to that the beautiful scenery of this part of Virginia along with the ideal weather we can expect this time of year and you have the perfect backdrop for great weekend.”
The on-track action will get underway at 8 a.m. Friday morning with two qualifying sessions for each of the seven racing groups to set the grids for Saturday’s and Sunday’s feature races.
On Saturday and Sunday, the action will again resume at 8 a.m. with warm-ups followed by races for all seven racing groups that will last 10 laps or 30 minutes.
Three-day Super Tickets for the Al Fairer SARRC/MARRS Challenge priced at $30, and one-day tickets for Friday ($10), Saturday ($20) or Sunday ($20) will be available at the gate.
VIR is a family-friendly facility, where children 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Spectator camping is available.
Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Angels Among Us Brain Tumor Center at Duke University.
Spectators will be allowed to take their personal cars on touring laps of the track during lunch hour both Saturday and Sunday, for which donations will be accepted.
The paddock will be open to spectators all weekend, allowing up-close-and-personal access to the cars, their drivers and teams.
For more information on VIR, visit the track’s website at www.virclub.com or telephone 434-822-7700.