Not Enough

Ground water levels in the state have ebbed and flowed with precipitation, but drought conditions likely will continue.
According to Dave Wert of the National Weather Service, it took over a year to get into the drought and will take a while to get out of it.
Thursday night’s two-inch plus rainfall “significantly changed the situation,” according to Wert.
However, he said it will take the Weather Service a few days to perform a deeper soil moisture profile to determine where this area is as far as a rain deficit is concerned.
“The rains significantly benefited our area, but it did not remove the deficit,” Wert said. “A large area of very heavy rain fell in a short period of time, but it would have been more beneficial if more penetrated the soil and did not run off.”
Well water levels in the Valley area remain low, even though ground water in many areas of the state is above normal, according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Virginia Water Science Center.
Unexpected amounts of rainfall on April 20 and 21 managed to temporarily improve drought conditions across the state by reducing accumulated precipitation deficits.
Unfortunately, the rainfall was too little, too late.
“The last big rain that came in is about the only thing that’s saved us,” said David Nelms, ground water specialist for the USGS water center. “But once the leaves are back on the trees, there’s competition for the water.”
Water levels are seasonally influenced, and Virginia is now past the critical period for reducing the moisture deficit in ground water that resulted from drought conditions last fall and winter, Nelms explained. Because there was below-average rainfall and little snow, the moisture deficit from last summer’s drought continued.
“Up until recently, every locality was pretty low,” Nelms said. Spring is the time to make up for that deficit, but the April rain wasn’t enough to make that difference.
“We’re entering a period where ground water levels will start to decline,” Nelms said. “The plants and crops are using the ground water that’s there now.”
In order to keep the ground water level up, Nelms said, “we need normal to above-normal rainfall the rest of this spring and into summer.”
Farmers and rural landowners who use wells are urged to keep an eye on the amount of precipitation this spring and summer.
“Be water wise,” Nelms warned. “If you’re watering your yard or irrigating crops, be mindful that levels will start to decline.”

SoBo Budget Hearing Tonight

A public hearing on South Boston’s proposed $8.9 million 2008-09 budget is scheduled tonight at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at 502 Yancey Street.
The proposed budget carries the same 19 cents per assessed $100 real estate tax reflected in last year’s budget. However, with the recent reassessment, the reduced tax rate would fall to 17.3 cents. A May 19 public hearing is scheduled addressing the 19-cent per $100 real estate tax rate.
South Boston’s personal property tax rate remains $2 per assessed $100, and the budget reflects no capital projects, according to town officials.
No other tax rate or fee increase is proposed in the new budget, according to Town Manager Ted Daniel.
In other business, a public hearing is scheduled on the revocation of a 2006 conditional special use permit allowing The Shop to operate a vehicle repair establishment in the Riverdale community.
The Shop, located on U.S. 501, previously received a special use permit to allow a truck and auto general repair establishment. However, one of the conditions was that off-street parking spaces should be paved within one year, a condition town officials say has not been met. The permit was issued to Robert Pulliam.
Health insurance coverage for council members is also on tonight’s agenda. Currently, councilmen are not covered by town insurance.
Council is also expected to honor the late Allen Lee Moorefield Sr., a member of Company F, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, South Boston, that stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
Moorefield, a Halifax County native, served in the U.S. Army in the battles of Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He died this spring.

Budget, Zoning, Festival Dominate Halifax Agenda

Halifax councilmen reviewed the proposed $798,917 general revenue budget scheduled for public hearing Tuesday during their Thursday evening work session last week.
Council’s Tuesday public hearing will get under way at 7:30 p.m. in Halifax Town Hall.
During the Thursday evening work session, Finance Committee Chairman Phil Hollis repeated the committee’s earlier assessment that the town would “wind up the year comfortably in the black”.
“We continue to have a balanced budget,” Hollis said. However, he noted “major glitches” found in escalating fuel costs. “We’ve made some adjustments. Some capital expenses are in, but not as much as before,” he added. “I don’t think gas is going to stop,” said Hollis of soaring fuel prices.
The police department’s budget, fuel and LP gas were also discussed, with Councilman W.E. “Allen” Stevens charging the police department was over budget. He also objected to proposed pay increases for some personnel.
However, finance committee member Dick Moore said he had checked with other towns and the Halifax department was “in line” with Chase City and Clarksville. Moore compared starting salaries and the number of police officers based on population, noting Halifax has five officers.
Town Manager Carl Espy said the police department is within budget, but noted the fire department is over budget.
Stevens advocated county sheriff’s department coverage for the town, but Halifax Village Business Association President Marsha Hite said that as a business owner she “totally supports” the police department. “I see them on a regular basis,” she said, noting officers are called on by business owners. “Prospective businesses will ask about this,” she added.
In other business, councilmen discussed an amendment to C-1 Commercial Zoning District for a manufactured home/modular home sales (dealership) sought by businessman Wayne Stevens.
Stevens proposes opening a dealership on U.S. 501 on property adjoining his real estate office.
Mayor Leon Plaster sought details on Stevens’ proposal from planning commission members. “We don’t want it to become an eyesore,” said Plaster.
Councilman Dick Moore said it was his understanding that six to 10 homes would be displayed at the site.
Espy noted that with a special use permit requirements can be made.
The Halifax Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing on Stevens’ request May 21. Council is expected to conduct a public hearing on the request at its June 5 meeting.
Council is asking to meet with Halifax County Registrar Judy Meeler at its June work session to discuss possible consolidation of polling places. In last week’s election, four polling stations were open at four different sites throughout the day for four Wards’ voters. Maintaining the four stations, the number of workers required to do so, and the cost were questioned. Council seeks information regarding possible 2010 municipal election polling place centralization.
Council also presented a $750 donation to the Halifax Village Business Association (HVBA) to help purchase a free standing street clock for the town. HVBA member Carol Throckmorton estimated the clock could cost $25,000 with overall costs estimated at $35,000. “We are hoping the majority of the funds will come from the June 21 wine festival, a fund-raiser for the Village Business Association to purchase the clock,” Throckmorton explained. “We are seeking sponsors,” she added, noting $750, $500 or $250 categories.
Seven wineries, numerous vendors, children’s entertainment, two bands, and a variety of food will be available at the June festival to be held at the Mary Bethune sports complex (the old football field) from 1 -7 p.m.
Updates on the following projects were given by the town manager:
n Banister Bridge Replacement Project Update, with a VDOT public hearing scheduled June 10 from 4-6 p.m. at the Mary Bethune conference center.
n Downtown water tank improvements-telecommunications lease. Town officials are preparing to sign a lease with AT&T to co-locate their antennaes on the downtown water tank. The company will pay the town $1,500 per month with the first 30 months paid up front. Lease funds will be used by the town to paint the tower.
n Halifax downtown revitalization project and Halifax telecommunications project. From Craddock Terry Building to downtown, the conduit is in, according to Espy, with plans to utilize a planning grant to complete work on the operational model.

Obituaries

Leonore Vogel Anderson
Leonore Vogel Anderson, 59, of 1025 Harris Drive, South Boston died May 8, 2008, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Anderson was born June 17, 1948, in Marktwertz, Germany the daughter of the late Albert G. Vogel and Erika Adams Vogel, and was married to Wayne Anderson. She was employed as a seamstress at Crown Craft.
In addition to her husband, survivors include two sons, Peter Anderson and wife, Karen, of South Boston, and Thomas Vogel of Germany; two daughters, Karen Anderson Walker and husband, Dick, of Halifax, and Andrea Lay of Germany; three brothers, Robert T. Vogel of Albuquerque, NM, Albert G. Vogel Jr. and Donald Vogel, both of Washington; and eight grandchildren.
Two grandchildren also preceded Mrs. Anderson in death.
The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home this evening, May 12, from 7:00 to 8:30, and other times at the home of Pete and Karen Anderson, 1081 Cluster Ridge Trail, South Boston.
A memorial service for Mrs. Anderson will be held at the funeral home on May 14, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Jack Stewart officiating.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, Ohio 44720.
Online condolences may be sent to brooksfh@embarqmail.com

Donald Ray Powell
Donald Ray ‘Donnie’ Powell, 54, of 3057 North Terry’s Bridge Road, Halifax died May 7, 2008, at his home.
Mr. Powell was born in Halifax County on October 10, 1953, the son of the late Luther J. Powell and Martha Hackney Powell, who survives. He was a member of Dan River Baptist Church.
In addition to his mother, survivors include two sisters, Peggy Powell of Halifax and Patsy P. Weaver of Bethesda, Md.; two brothers, Glenn Powell of Halifax, and James E. Powell of South Boston; and two nieces and three nephews.
One brother, Mack Powell, also preceded Mr. Powell in death.
Funeral services were held May 10 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bob Watts officiating. Burial followed in Dan River Baptist Church Cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Scottsburg Volunteer Fire Department.

Linda R. Hicks
Linda R. Hicks, 53, of Charleston, WVa. died May 7, 2008, at her home.
She was born August 11, 1954, in Norfolk the daughter of John W. and Clara G. Austin.
Mrs. Hicks was a homemaker and assisted her husband in running Hicks Cleaning Service. She was a member of Dry Branch Community Church in Campbells Creek and she also sang and recorded gospel music with her husband. She and her family previously had lived for 25 years in Halifax.
Survivors include her husband, Terry; her sons, Johnathan W. Hicks of Casselbury, Fla., and Christopher S. Hicks of Bedford; and her daughter, Lindsay T. Hicks of Charleston; her grandchildren, Taylor S. Jones of Charleston, Christopher A. and Abigail A. Hicks of Columbia, Mo.; three sisters, Wanda and husband, William T. Moneymaker, of South Boston, Peggy and husband, Ron Reagle, of Gates, N.C.; and Johanna and husband, Tony Gurganus, of Asheville, N.C.; mother-in-law, Lessie ‘Gertie’ Hicks; sisters- and brothers-in law, Carolyn Douglas of Belle, Connie and husband, Lee Roberts, and Randy Hicks and wife, Pam, all of Alum Creek, and Edwin Hicks and wife, Beth, of Memphis, Tenn.
Funeral services for Mrs. Hicks will be at 2 p.m., today, May 12, at Stevens & Grass Funeral Home in Malden, W.Va. with the Revs. Elwood Seamster, Roger Williams and Ralph Neal officiating. A grave service will be held at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
You may send online condolences to www.stevensandgrass.com.

Comets Face GW Tuesday With District Title At Stake

By Joe Chandler
Sports Editor
It’s always a huge battle when Halifax County High School and arch-rival GW of Danville square off on the baseball diamond.
The Comets-GW rivalry will renew itself when the two teams clash Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Comets Field. This game, however, is far more than just a rivalry game.
The Western Valley District regular-season championship and the district’s top seed for the Northwest Region Tournament will be on the line for Halifax County Tuesday night. For GW (9-10 overall, 6-3 district), a chance to stay in the hunt for the district championship is at stake.
With a win by GW over district leader E.C. Glass Friday night and a 6-2 win by the Comets over Patrick Henry Saturday afternoon, the Comets now hold a one-game lead in the district standings entering Tuesday night’s Senior Night game, the final game of the regular season. E.C. Glass, Franklin County and GW are deadlocked in a three-way tie for second place behind the Comets.
If the Comets (13-5 overall, 7-2 district) defeat GW Tuesday night, the Comets will win the regular-season district championship. On the other hand, a loss by the Comets will create a three-way tie for the regular-season championship between the Comets, GW and the winner of Tuesday night’s game between E.C. Glass and Franklin County.
In the three-way tie scenario, there will be a playoff to determine the district championship. However, Comets head coach Kelvin Davis and his players are hoping that a playoff will not be needed.
“We’ve come a long way with this team, and I hope we can end it Tuesday night,” Davis said.
“GW is the defending (district) champion. I know it will be a tough task. I hope our guys will be up for the task.”
Halifax County had been eyed as one of the favorites for winning the Western Valley District championship this season. But, the Comets struggled early and lost two of their first three Western Valley District games, dropping a home game to Franklin County and a road game to E.C. Glass with a win over winless William Fleming High School sandwiched between the two losses.
“We have come a long way to get back even,” Davis pointed out.
“We were in a hole and we’ve dug ourselves out of that hole. But, we cannot take GW lightly. You’ve got to be real careful with GW. We’re just trying to stay focused and take this thing one game at a time.”
The Comets coach says maintaining the players’ focus and them doing the things they need to do will go a long way toward success Tuesday night.
“I keep trying to emphasize to the guys that we’ve just got to keep doing the little things, keep our focus on every pitch, and do those little things that win ballgames,” Davis said.
“Hopefully, the guys will go up there and swing the bats like we’ve been swinging them the last couple of games. I think if we do that, we’ll be fine. It’s just that we’ve got to play it between the lines come Tuesday night.”
Comets senior pitcher Daniel Wilborn and junior shortstop Eric Brandon, two of the key players in Saturday’s win over Patrick Henry agreed with Davis.
“It’s a big game and we need to win that game,” Wilborn remarked.
“We’ve got to take it one game at a time,” added Brandon.
“We’re not taking anybody lightly. All we’ve got to do is keep our heads focused, keep our sticks hot and just keep on playing.”

Comets Take District Lead With Win Over PH

By Joe Chandler
Sports Editor
For the first time this season, the Halifax County High School varsity baseball team is the Western Valley District leader.
The Comets took over the lead in the district standings with a business-like 6-2 win over Patrick Henry here Saturday afternoon.
Senior Daniel Wilborn went the distance for the Comets on the mound, using a mix of his curve ball and off-speed pitches to hold the Patriots to four hits and fan six batters.
“I was just trying to have fun out there and throw strikes,” Wilborn said.
“I felt pretty good about it (his effort). Sometimes I tended to fall off of the mound and throw it (the ball) outside a lot, but I tried to make adjustments.”
Also key to the Comets’ win was a big six-run explosion in the bottom of the second inning, a rally that answered and overwhelmed the one run the Patriots scored in the top of the frame to take the early lead.
A solo homer by shortstop Eric Brandon launched the inning and was the first of seven hits the Comets produced in the contest.
“I saw it (the ball) real good,” Brandon remarked.
“I just did what I had to do. I’m hitting a whole lot better now. I really didn’t like how I was doing the first part of the season, so I’ve worked hard to improve.”
The inning continued with Jeremy Foster getting a walk. Kyle Long followed with a hit that scored Foster. Josh Williams reached base on a hit. Kyle Long scored on a double steal. Kaleb Long reached base on a fielder’s choice with two out and Michael Ferrell walked. Leading 4-1, the Comets scored another run when Wilborn reached base on an error. A double by Justin Bagbey added the Comets’ final run and produced a 6-1 lead.
The Comets held PH at bay until the visitors scratched up a run in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Patriots’ Zach Whitaker reached base with a hit and advanced on an error. A hit by Mark Robertson scored Whitaker to make the score 6-2 with one out.
Halifax County retired the next two batters in succession to end the contest with Wilborn putting a punctuation mark on things by fanning the last batter he faced.
Comets head coach Kelvin Davis said he was pleased with Wilborn’s outing on the mound.
“He was outstanding,” Davis said.
“You don’t see it a lot, but his pitches move up there. The guys on opposing teams have a hard time with it. The kid is throwing strikes. He’s going to continue to pitch for me as long as I’m here and he’s throwing like that.”
Davis also praised his team’s offensive effort, noting the importance of Brandon’s home run in the second inning that tied the game and kicked off the big six-run rally.
“It’s good to see that,” Davis said of Brandon’s homer.
“EB works so hard. He comes out here and he tries his best. I’m just glad he’s finally coming around with his stick. He’s got the ability.”
Davis said he warned his players as they came off of the field after the top of the second inning that they needed to put runs on the scoreboard.
“I told the guys when they came in that we’ve got to jump on this kid (PH pitcher Clayton Metz) and make them (PH) make plays,” Davis noted.
“That kid threw well in the first inning. You keep a kid like that in the ballgame and he could go the whole game and have us fighting to get base hits. We were fortunate to come out in the second inning and get some runs.”
The Comets had seven hits in the game with Williams leading the team with two hits. Wilborn, Bagbey, Brandon, Kyle Long and Kaleb Long had one hit each.
Robertson led Patrick Henry with two hits. Yates Sayers and Whitaker had one hit each.

Lady Comets Rebound For Win Over Patrick Henry

By Doug Ford
G-V Staff Writer
Whitney Womack hit a two-run single in the second inning and Betty Rose singled and scored on an error in the fifth to back a two-hit shutout by hurler Stephanie Clark in the Comets varsity softball team’s 3-0 win over Patrick Henry Friday night at Comets Softball Field.
The key Western Valley District win by the Comets (8-1 WVD, 17-2 overall) kept them tied with Franklin County atop the standings with one district game remaining, tonight at GW-Danville.
A tie between Halifax County and Franklin County would necessitate a playoff game at a neutral site to determine the regular season champion and a home game in the first round of the Northwest Region Tournament.
Halifax County finished with seven hits on Senior Night, including doubles from Paige Rickman and Lauren Daniel, and singles from Daniel, Womack, Rose, Ally Thompson and Amber Bowman.
Comets coach Melanie Saunders said that the Comets’ bats were a little flat against the Patriots, but recognized the importance of the win coming after the disappointing loss against Franklin County.
“We played well, but we all recognized that we were flat tonight at the plate, and I don’t know whether we weren’t used to playing under the lights,” said Saunders, who admitted to a possible coaching error on her part in the fourth inning.
“The score could have been 4-0, because I held Lauren at second after her hit (fourth inning) and I think she could have made it to third.”
Bowman followed with a single that would have otherwise plated Daniel, and Womack drew a walk to load the bases, before a force at home and strikeout ended a Comets’ scoring threat.
“We like to tell the kids what they need to improve on, and we want to show them that we’re not perfect either,” said Saunders, adding that the Comets did what they needed to do in order to secure the win.
“Steph did a great job on the mound and it was key that we got those two runs early to give her some cushion and take the pressure off her,” explained Saunders.
“Defensively, we played well also, but offensively I wish we could have kept going after scoring those early runs.”
Comets’ first baseman Womack, who also had a run-scoring single against Franklin County Tuesday, is stepping it up at the plate at just the right time, explained Saunders.
“Whitney’s been struggling at the plate a little this year, but she’s been solid defensively.
“She’s hit the ball well the past couple of games, and the key is that this is the time of year we’ll need it the most.”
The Comets bunched three of their hits in the second inning to plate their first two runs, with Rickman hitting a double and Daniel a single with one out.
A groundout advanced both runners and Womack followed with her two-run hit to make it 2-0.
Thompson was stranded after a one-out walk in the third and the Comets failed to score after loading the bases with one out in the fourth, but they added an insurance run in the fifth.
Rose singled with one out and advanced to second on a groundout, and to third on a passed ball before scoring on an error to make it 3-0.
That was enough for Clark, the sophomore right-hander shutting down the Patriots on two hits, a second inning double and a fifth inning single.
Clark struck out 12 batters and walked none in seven innings of work.
Friday’s win didn’t come easy against an improved Patrick Henry team that is capable of making noise in the district tournament, according to Saunders, who also knows the Comets can’t look past GW to a rematch with Franklin County.
“PH has improved. “It was 2-2 in the fifth inning at their field this year before we scored seven late runs, and they’re a team to reckon with.
“It was a good win and a needed win for us, and we’ll try and do the same thing at GW on Monday, keep our focus and score early,” she noted.
“We’ve got to get through GW first before we can play Franklin County again.”
The Senior Night win over PH marked the final regular season home game for Comets seniors Thompson, Bowman and Lashunda Davis.