Homicide Victim Identified

Investigators have positively identified the victim in Saturday’s homicide in the Paces community as 47-year-old Althea Ann Royal of McCain Drive in Ringgold, according to Halifax County Sheriff Jeff Oakes.
On Tuesday, the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office received a missing person’s report for an individual matching the description of the victim, Oakes said, noting that the person filing the reports said Royal had not been seen since late Friday.
Deputies and investigators with both sheriff’s offices investigated the report and met with Royal’s family, Oakes explained, noting that the investigators with the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Richmond positively indentified Royal using fingerprint comparisions.
Pittsylvania county authorities notified Royal’s family, Oakes said.
On Monday a suspect, 20-year-old Danville resident Stephen L. Nelson, was charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of murder, in connection with the Saturday shooting, investigators said.
Since being taken into custody, Nelson has made no statement to investigators and has requested a lawyer, Oakes said, noting investigators do not know the motive for the crime.
“We have no idea whatsoever on motive,” Oakes said.
Investigators did find some physical evidence, including a 9-mm pistol seized from Nelson’s residence and his vehicle, which will be processed within the next couple of days, Oakes said.
The police also have a witness, whose information allowed investigators to obtain a search warrant for Nelson’s residence in Danville, the sheriff said.
Investigators have learned that the suspect worked as a chef in a Danville restaurant.
Oakes added that he spoke with Nelson’s father and stepmother who live on Melon Road in the Sutherlin area.
“They’re an older couple and they’re just devastated,” Oakes said. “His dad is taking it exceptionally hard.”
Oakes said investigators believe that Royal was shot and killed in Paces, that she was not murdered somewhere else and the body left there.
He added that the investigation is continuing.

 

Abusive Driver Fees Legality Questioned

From Associated Press & Staff Reports
A civil liberties organization has written to leaders of the General Assembly, telling them to amend a new law that imposes steep so-called “abusive driver” fees or face a legal challenge on the validity of the law.
In the letter, Rutherford Institute President John W. Whitehead said the fees for such infractions as drunken driving and speeding are discriminatory and “a misguided way of pursuing a policy of road improvement, as well as being legally questionable.”
The “abusive driver” measures impose “civil remedial fees” paid in three annual installments that could top $1,000 for some infractions. The fees are in addition to steep existing fines and, in some cases, jail time and drivers license suspensions.
Del. Clarke Hogan, R-60th, who supported the bill, defended the legislation yesterday.
“Many of the reports and comments in the last two weeks I think are factually inaccurate,” Hogan said. “The bill is targeted at truly abusive drivers, not minor offenses.
“The bigger issue is do you or don’t you believe people that have multiple convictions of reckless driving and DUI (driving under the influence) should pay higher fines?” he asked. “Or do you want those transportation costs spread out over the taxpayers?”
Hogan said that a couple of laws are sparking the controversy and that the General Assembly can certainly go back and clear up those minor problems.
The General Assembly passed the bill as part of the first transportation funding reforms in 21 years and it is intended to make the worst drivers pay a greater share of the costs of new highways needed statewide.
They were enacted as fees, not fines, so that the revenue could be applied exclusively to road construction. The state Constitution directs all fines into the state Literary Fund, which helps build new schools and supplement teacher retirement.
The fees also are imposed on people who, through too many speeding tickets or lesser traffic violations, accumulate eight or more demerit points on their driving records beginning July 1. Those fees are $100 a year for as long as there are eight or more demerit points, plus $75 for each demerit beyond eight.
The law states that the fees were established because abusive driver infractions that also include reckless driving and driving on a suspended or revoked license impose “significant financial burdens upon the Commonwealth.”
In Whitehead’s mind, the assessment of “exorbitant” fees violates Constitutional protections against “undue, extreme and discriminatory punishments” on Virginians.
In a news release, Whitehead said the law could be challenged because there is no logical connection between the fees and the cost to the state of the infractions.
He also noted that it’s “legally indefensible” to impose the steep fees only on Virginia drivers, a point Gov. Timothy M. Kaine also has said may need addressing.
Late last month, Kaine said he has received a lot of negative feedback about inequities in the law and the legislature may have to revisit the terms of the law.
Hogan countered yesterday that the language (in the bill) has been in the public domain for a couple of years with law questions raised previously. “If he (Gov. Kaine) thinks it is indefensible, why did he sign it?” questioned Hogan.
“We were trying to put together a transportation comprise and this was something we all agreed on,” said the delegate. “ But that being said, we can certainly go back and clear up minor problems.”

 

Halifax Adopts Comprehensive Plan Tuesday

Halifax Town Council adopted the town’s new comprehensive plan during its monthly meeting Tuesday.
Council took action following a presentation by Hill Studio Director of Planning Evie Slone and a public hearing.
Slone, who has worked with the town’s Planning Commission to draft the plan, said she is excited about the final product and the town’s future.
“I’m sorry to see the project end,” she said to Council.
Slone then presented some highlights of the plan which will serve as a blueprint for the town’s development over the coming decades.
The comprehensive plan addresses neighborhoods, parks, economic development, the environment, transportation and land use, Slone said.
It also lays out a vision and goals for the town to achieve in coming years, Slone added.
The plan was compared to a football playbook and Council and the Planning Commission had to decide how to call the plays, Slone said.
During the public hearing on the plan, town residents asked a few questions about some of its specifics.
Town Manager Carl Espy addressed a question about what the plan called for in the north side of town.
“There are initiatives to revitalize structures, enhance recreational opportunities on the lake and improve the gateway to town,” Espy said, noting that the plan calls for a modern roundabout at the intersection of routes 501 and 360.
Following the hearing, Council adopted the plan and Mayor Leon Plaster thanked everyone involved.
“Everyone who had a hand in this, we want to thank you,” Plaster said. “Especially the public for the strong turnout and feedback at the workshops.”
Council then held a second public hearing on a special use permit request from Mountain Road resident Caroline Thompson Schleifer to allow a home occupation for Halifax Counseling Center, PLC.
After receiving no comments, Council approved the permit request.
During the public comment portion of the agenda, North Main Street resident Neville Kidd expressed concern to Council over a broken-down residence behind his property.
Kidd said that the property was having trash dumped on it and that the property raised health and safety concerns.
Espy told Council that the property is owned by an absentee owner and that the town has made an effort to contact him, but has been unsuccessful.
“We know it’s a priority safety and sanitary issue,” Espy said. “We are moving as fast as the law will allow.”
Espy added that the property owner is also delinquent on his real estate taxes and that a lean could potentially be place on the property to clean it up.
Halifax Police Chief David Martin said he was aware that the house was in disrepair, but was unaware that trash was being dumped at the site.
He said his department would look into the situation and attempt to stop future dumping on the property.

 

State Dixie Pre-Majors, Majors Tournaments Open Today

By Joe Chandler
Sports Editor
The Virginia Dixie Pre-Majors and Dixie Majors state baseball tournaments open today in South Boston with host South Boston set to play a doubleheader in both tournaments.
Action begins at 9 a.m. with the Dixie Pre-Majors tournament for boys ages 15, 16 being played at the Day Complex and the Dixie Majors tournament for boys ages 15-19 being played at C.H. Friend Field.
Both tournaments will feature Round Robin play with each team playing doubleheaders.
Each game is set for five innings or two hours, whichever comes first.
In action in the Dixie Pre-Majors at the Day Complex, South Boston will face Carroll County at 6 p.m. and then will face Mecklenburg County at 8:15 p.m.
At C.H. Friend Field in the Dixie Majors, South Boston will face Smyth County at 6 p.m. and then will face Charlotte County at 8:15 p.m.
The double elimination tournament will start on Saturday with the pairings being determined by the outcome of today’s games.
There will be three games played on Saturday at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Two games will be played each day Sunday through Tuesday at 4 and 7 p.m. The time for Wednesday’s single game will be announced later.
The field for both tournaments is a talented one with localities from across the state being represented. In the Dixie Pre-Majors tournament, the teams will be Franklin County (District 1), Appomattox (District 2), Goochland (District 3), Mecklenburg County (District 4), Carroll County (District 5) and host South Boston.
In the Dixie Majors, Bedford Central will represent District 1 and Timberlake will represent District 2. Goochland (District 3), Charlotte County (District 4), Smyth County (District 5) and host South Boston will comprise the six-team field.
Last year Charlotte County won the Dixie Majors state tournament, downing South Boston in the championship game.
Appomattox won last year’s Dixie Pre-Majors state tournament with South Boston finishing as the runner-up.
South Boston hosted the two tournaments last year.

 

Belles, Debs State Tournament Bound

By Doug Ford
G-V Staff Writer
The Halifax American Belles all-stars look to defend their state title, while the Halifax County Debs will try to regain their state championship at the Dixie Softball Belles and Debs State Tournaments in Botetourt.
Halifax American plays Clarksville at 6 p.m. today in the first round of the tourney, while Bedford Eastern takes on Blacksburg, also at 6 p.m.
Goochland plays host Botetourt at 8 p.m. in the final game of opening day.
Appomattox, the final team in the seven-team field, plays the winner of the Goochland-Botetourt game at 9 a.m. Saturday.
The Halifax County Debs all-stars also begin play today with a game against Prince Edward/Farmville at 6 p.m., while Motley plays South Hill at the same time.
Three games are scheduled to start at 8 p.m., including Powhatan versus Clarksville, Amherst versus Goochland and Dinwiddie versus Bedford Lakes.
Last year’s Dixie Softball Belles and Debs state tournaments, both held at the Bethune Complex in Halifax, had different outcomes for the Halifax American Belles and Halifax County Debs all-star teams.
Halifax American won its first-ever Dixie Belles State Tournament title, while the Halifax County Debs fell short in their quest for an eighth consecutive state title.
American finished with a 5-1 record in the Belles State Tournament, losing only to arch rival Halifax National before turning the tables the next day and taking the state title.
The Halifax County Debs found success in its first four games, all wins, but lost the best two-ot-three series to Appomattox in two straight games the final day of the Debs State Tournament.

 

Farm Bureau To Sponsor Motorsports Academy Team

By Joe Chandler
Sports Editor
The Halifax County Public Schools’ Motorsports Academy program has received a big boost with Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Services signing as a sponsor for the Motorsports Academy racing team which competes in the NASCAR Limited Sportsman Division at South Boston Speedway with driver Terri Marks.
Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance officials and Halifax County School Superintendent Paul Stapleton said yesterday the Farm Bureau Insurance Services sponsorship begins immediately and will run through the 2008 season.
In return for its financial support, Farm Bureau Insurance will receive logo placement on the hood and both quarter panels of the race car. Also included in each year of sponsorship is a $1,000 scholarship for the Motorsports Academy student meeting the required criteria.
In order to become eligible for the $1,000 scholarship,, students must meet specified criteria. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5; receive at least one letter in Motorsports; complete Motorsports I, II, and III; and, participate in a Motorsports extra-curricular activity such as the race team or the karting program. Participation in other school activities is suggested but not required.
Applications for the scholarship are available through Motorsports Academy instructors, Buddy Wilborn and Doug Newcomb.
“We appreciate the opportunity to be partners with the Halifax County School Board , South Boston Speedway and, more importantly, the students at Halifax County High School who are going to be taking care of this car, managing it for the races and making sure that we’re proud to have our logo on it,” remarked Farm Bureau Insurance Sales Manager Donnie Knowlson.
“I think I speak on behalf of all of Farm Bureau when I say the public relations and advertising opportunities gained out of this is secondary to what the students learn. It’s our hope the program will grow, not just in South Boston, but at other racetracks throughout the state. as you help educate other localities and help them learn about the program and the opportunities that it presents the students.”
“We are honored to be a part of the Motorsports Academy Race Team, and truly appreciate the commitment of these amazing instructors and students,” said Executive VP and General Manager Richard Rivers in a prepared statement.
“By providing financial support for the team and scholarship dollars for the students, we hope to help ensure the future success of this unique program.”
Halifax County School Superintendent Paul Stapleton said he is excited about having Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance on board as a partner with the school system and sponsor for the Motorsports Academy’s race team.
“I don’t think we could have asked for a better sponsor,” Stapleton said.
“We were very selective. We could have gone lots of directions with whose name we could put on this car. But, since we’re dealing with high school students and since this program is being looked at from all over the country we wanted to make sure that what name went on there was something that was very reputable and something that everyone would recognized and respect.
“The wonderful thing for us in Halifax County right now is the fact that we have for our car and our kids a state-wide sponsor in Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance,” added Stapleton.
“We couldn’t ask for anything better than that. We appreciate the help of Farm Bureau in keeping this car on the track and keeping our students rolling.”
Marks has had eight top-ten finishes and five top-five finishes competing in the Limited Sportsman Division at South Boston Speedway. She stands in sixth place in the division points standings, 14 points out of fifth place, entering Saturday night’s action at South Boston Speedway. She finished third in her last outing on July 3, her third third-place finish of the season.
“Terri has had a good year - a solid year as a driver,” Stapleton said.
“We couldn’t ask for a better driver for this car. She works so well with our students.”
Marks said she is very excited that Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance has come on board to sponsor the team and partner with the Halifax County Public Schools. She also noted South Boston Speedway has also played a big part of the success of the Motorsports Academy.
“This has been a great partnership between the school and the sponsorship and also for what South Boston Speedway has done for us this year with the Mattioli Foundation allowing the students to come in and participate and be a part of it and work with them with the karting program and admission into the pit area,” Marks said.
“We wouldn’t be able to make it quite as successful if it weren’t for the effort they have put into it also. “
Fifteen NASCAR-licensed students from Halifax County High School are serving as Marks’ pit crew this season. In addition to the students participating on the race team, an additional 50 students are signed up to observe in the infield and pit area and view race procedures and pit work.
“I am extremely proud of how far our students and our program have come in two years as a Motorsports Academy,” Stapleton said.
“We’re getting recognition from all over the country right now and people asking what are we doing. The good thing about Farm Bureau being involved is we’re helping students that really want a career somewhere in motorsports or automotive fields. They’re all looking at something beyond high school. They’re learning so much right now that these kids could go on a job . They could go to work right now for any type of pit crew almost anywhere.”

 

Obituaries

Lee Roy Coates
A funeral service for Lee Roy Coates will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Brooks Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bob Rudman officiating.
Interment will follow in Halifax Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be a Brooks Funeral Home on Thursday from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. and at other times at the home, 2212 Love Shop Road in Halifax.
Mr. Coates, 71, died Tuesday, July 10, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
He was born on April 17, 1936, in Halifax County, the son of the late Clem Edward Coates and Elsie Shelton Coates and was married to Margaret Beverley Coates.
Mr. Coates was retired from RTP where he worked in industrial maintenance and was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Coates is survived by two sons, Michael Leroy Coates and Edward Dewey Coates and wife Kim, all of Halifax; two sisters, Frances C. Conner of Halifax and Peggy C. Clark of Nathalie, and a grandson, Brandon Lee Coates.
He was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters.
Anyone wishing to give memorials is asked to consider the Halifax County Rescue Squad, PO Box 183, South Boston, Va. 24592.
Online condolences may be sent to brooksfh@earthlink.net.

Ian David Creath
Ian David Creath, 18, of Chapel Hill, N.C. died July 9, 2007.
Mr. Creath was a native of Guilford County,, N.C., was a graduate of Cedar Ridge Hill School and a rising sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill. He also attended Living Hope Community Church.
Survivors include his mother, Shawn N. Bailey and her husband, Robert; his father, David S. Creath; brother, Lance Osborne Creath; step-brother, Aaron Bailey; step-sisters, Kristen and Rachel Bailey; and his step-grandmother, Virginia Bailey.
A memorial service for Mr. Creath will be held at 4 p.m. today, July 13 at Chapel Hill Bible Church by the Revs. Dane Skelton and David Ward. Private graveside services will be held Saturday.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the UNC Children’s Hospital, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27516.

Jimmie Lee Hammon
Jimmie Lee Hammon, 67, of 6121 Melon Road, South Boston died July 8, 2007, at Duke University Medical Center.
Mr. Hammon was born in Florence, S.C. September 13, 1939, to the late Aldern Hammon and Edan Cross Hammon and was married to Jacqueline Fuller Hammon.
Survivors include his wife of the home; one daughter, Angela E. Hammon of Woodbridge; one son, Jimmie L. Hammon Jr. of Washington, D.C.; one stepson, Robert Wooten of Washington, D.C.; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his mother and father-in-law, James Samuel and Sallie Samuel of Sutherlin; five sisters-in-law, Loretha Brooks, Charlotte Fuller, Hazel Samuel, Gay Fuller and Rosa Fuller; five brothers-in-law, the Rev. Melvin Fuller, Lawrence Fuller, James Fuller, Steven Samuel, and Reginold Brooks.
Funeral services for Mr. Hammon will be held tomorrow, July 14, at 11 a.m. at Crawford House Chapel in Halifax with the Rev. Melvin Fuller officiating.
Public viewing will be today, July 13, at Jeffress Funeral Home Chapel in South Boston, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The family is receiving friends at the home.

David Bailey Hudson
David Bailey Hudson, 62, of Corbin, Ky. died July 9, 2007, at his home.
Mr. Hudson was born in Pittsylvania County on August 26, 1944, the son of the late Louis Bernard Hudson and Irma Keesee Hudson. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Corbin where he served on the Budget & Finance Committee. He was a longtime Mason having been a member of the Wayne Masonic Lodge #112 AF & AM, Goldsboro, N.C., and was a longtime Shriner. He was a lifetime member of the American Numismatic Association of Orlando, Fla. and the International Bank Note Society. Mr. Hudson was retired Town Manager of Corbin, and was named Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of the State of Kentucky.
Survivors include one sister, Emily Ragsdale and husband, James, of Chatham; two brothers, Louis D. Hudson and wife, Cora, of Greensboro, N.C. and Aubrey R. Hudson and wife, Donna, of Java; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Hudson will be held tomorrow, July 14, at 11 a.m. at County Line Baptist Church with the Rev. Latta Terry officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Following the service, the family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church.
At other times the family will receive friends at the home of Shawn Hudson, 1720 Dodson Road, Blairs.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, 23060, or the Shriner’s Hospital, 1900 Richmond Road, Lexington, Ky. 40502.

Christine Howerton
Christine Howerton, 85, of The Woodview, died July 10, 2007.
She is survived by a sister, Virginia Howerton of The Woodview.
A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. today, July 13, at Maury Cemetery, Richmond.

Jeanetta Wilborne Johnson
Jeanetta Wilborne Johnson, 84, of New York, formerly of Halifax County, died July 8, 2007, in New York.
Mrs. Johnson was born in Halifax County on February 19, 1923, to the late Willie Hodge Wilborne and Lucinda Garrett Wilborne and was married to the late William Wiley Johnson.
Survivors include one daughter, Janet Ramon of New York; three sisters, Roberta Stewart of Clover, Minnie Stewart of Halifax and Grace Gilliam of New York City; one son-in-law, Adolphus Brown Jr. of Clover; two granddaughters; two grandsons; two great-grandsons; three great-granddaughters; and one brother-in-law.
Three daughters and one brother also preceded Mrs. Johnson in death.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow, July 14, at 2 p.m. at Bethel Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. William Hicks officiating.
The family will receive friends at the church Saturday.

Curtis Martin
Curtis Martin, 72, of New York, formerly of Halifax County, died July 5, 2007, in Albany, N.Y.
Mr. Martin was born in Halifax County on April 11, 1935, to the late Paul Martin Jr. and Peachie Hockett Martin.
Survivors include two sons, Curtis Martin Jr. of Atlanta, Ga. and David Martin of Charlotte, N.C.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles E. Martin of Halifax; one sister, Arlyce Edmondson of South Boston; three sisters-in-law, Bessie Martin of Baltimore, Md., Barbara Martin of South Boston and Grindle Martin of Halifax.
One daughter, Jacquelyn Lipscomb; four brothers, Beverly Martin, Paul Martin, Ernest Martin and James Martin; and two sisters, Dorothy Lovelace and Florence Wood, also preceded Mr. Martin in death.
A memorial service will be held tomorrow, July 14, at 11 a.m. at Banister Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. William F. Carr officiating.

Jimmy Franklin Smith Sr.
Jimmy Franklin Smith Sr., 71, of Brookneal died July 10, 2007, at Lynchburg General Hospital.
Mr. Smith was born in Campbell County on July 20, 1936, the son of the late George Smith and Gracie Shipp Smith.
Survivors include three daughters, Lennis Marie Waller, Rhonda Lynn Smith, both of Nathalie, and April Ann McDaniel of Brookneal; two sons, Jimmy Franklin Smith Jr. and Jessie Phillip Smith, both of Brookneal; one sister, Linda Snyder of Hurt; two brothers, Warren Smith of Nathalie and Welford D. Smith of Brookneal; eight grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
One grandchild, Catherine Hancock; and four brothers, Walter, John, Malcolm and Chancey Smith, also preceded Mr. Smith in death.
Graveside services will be held tomorrow, July 14, at 2 p.m. at Childrey Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Jerry Stanfield officiating.
The family will receive friends at the home of Jody and Lennis Waller, 3171 Beaver Pond Road, Nathalie.

Lester N. Garrett
A funeral for Lester N. Garrett will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with the Rev. James Traynham officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Jeffress Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday from 7 – 8 p.m. and all other times at the residence, 739 Dodd Street in Chase City.
Mr. Garrett, 53, died Wednesday, July 11, at the Chase City Rehabilitation Nursing Facility in Chase City.
He was born in Halifax County on October 4, 1953, to the late Milton Garrett and Phoebe Smith Garrett and was married to Linda Woolridge Garrett.
Mr. Garrett was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Garrett is survived by two daughters, Lucretia Garrett of Baltimore and Yarnell Bates of Chase City; two sons, Lester C. Garrett of the home and Lester N. Garrett Jr. of Baltimore; six sisters, Betty G. Bradley of Lecanto, Fla., Nannie G. Canada of Edgewood, Md., Pearl G. Miller of Nathalie, Phoebe G. Jennings of South Boston, Eliza G. Ragland and Connie Carrington, both of Clover; four brothers, William Garrett of Clover, Saint Clair Garrett of South Boston, Milton Garrett Jr. and Alexander Garrett, both of the Bronx, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren, six sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers.