Supes Set Hearing On Leash Law

Board Also Expected To Pass Higher Dog Tag Fees

Responding to complaints from citizens, the Halifax County Board of Supervisors is expected to address proposed fee increases for dog tags, and consider a leash law in Fordland Estates when they meet Monday.
The meeting is expected to get under way at 6:30 p.m. in the public meeting room of the Mary Bethune Complex in Halifax.
During its May meeting, Chatham Road resident Wayne Conant told the Board he had exhausted all other avenues for relief from barking dogs kept near his home by neighbor Ray Foster.
“I don’t know where to turn," he said. “I purchased a home here because I thought the quality of life would be great. But in the past year, my neighbor has gotten into the pit bull business."
Conant, who has lived in Halifax County for about four years, said the dogs don’t appear to be vicious, “but they’re out there on four-foot chains."
As evidence, Conant pointed to six 180-minute audiotapes of the barking dogs.
“I don’t know what else to do," he said. “These people have 20 dogs and they’re never quiet. Last night, it started at 8:30 (p.m.) and went on all night.
“I’ve used the 911 system, but I don’t want to have to do that to get some sleep."
He told the Board that he has discussed the matter with his other neighbors and they are afraid to let their children out to play for fear of them being injured by the dogs.
“I’d even be willing to pay to relocate the dogs, but this person is running a commercial kennel in a residential area," Conant said. “If I can’t get something done here, it’s litigation or go insane, one of the two."
Halifax County Animal Control Officer Emmett Edmonds told the Board during the earlier meeting that he had been to the residence on “several occasions" and has done all he can under the current ordinance.
“There are 17 pit bulls in close proximity to (Conant’s) property and I’ve exhausted all legal remedies to the problem," he said. “The owner told me he’d be relocating in the near future. He doesn’t have a license but he’s breeding the dogs and he does sell them. Currently, there are no nuisance or kennel laws."
In an effort to alleviate the problem, county officials are proposing a stricter zoning ordinance on operators of kennels and a substantial increase in the costs of dog license tags.
The increases being proposed are as follows:
• For one to five dogs, $5 if the dog is spayed or neutered, $10 if not spayed or neutered. The current cost is $3.
“The intent is to encourage the spaying and neutering of dogs in an effort to control the unwanted dog population in the county," Assistant County Administrator Jerry Lovelace said.
• For a kennel housing between six and 10 dogs, $40. The current rate is $20.
• A kennel with between 11 and 20 dogs - $60, up from the current rate of $30.
• For a kennel with 21 or more dogs - $75, up from the current rate of $37.50.
Proposed changes to the zoning ordinance regarding kennels reflect changes in minimum setbacks from roadways, requirements in offsets from rear and adjacent property lines, waste disposal regulations, a noise ordinance and other requirements.
A public hearing is scheduled for Monday on a proposed leash law in the Fordland Estates community.
The hearing, which will get under way at 7:30 p.m., is in response to complaints from residents about the large number of dogs running loose in the neighborhood.
In an e-mail to county officials, Evergreen Trail residents John and Eloise Wilder said there have been several incidents where they have been surrounded by dogs.
“On several occasions, we have been accosted by dogs that have surrounded us, snarling and barking," she wrote. “These are not friendly sounds and on one occasion I was bitten on my hand.
“On Good Friday afternoon, he (husband John Wilder, 81) had stopped his truck at the end of our driveway as he was returning home to get the mail from the box," Wilder continued. “He had nothing in his hand and should not have needed anything as he was on our property. I came home from my office early to find him surrounded by six or more dogs. They left only when I blew my horn for several seconds."
Other residents reported similar problems with dogs in the neighborhood, with complaints also reported by UPS, FedEx, realtors and others who deliver to the neighborhood.
A petition requesting the ordinance has been submitted to the Board with 53 signatures out of 71 homes in favor of the leash law.
If passed Monday, the law will take effect immediately.
Any other subdivisions may be included in the ordinance by supplying a petition signed by a simple majority of households.
Other Agenda Items
In other business, supervisors are expected to take action on a noise ordinance in the county.
If passed, violations of the noise ordinance will be classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Supervisors will also hear a request from IDA Executive Director Mike Eades requesting the IDA be allowed to keep $170,000 that was previously allocated for incentives for Annin, Inc.
Eades has asked supervisors to keep the funds for future prospect opportunities.
“The IDA would seek the approval of the Board of Supervisors on a case by case basis prior to obligating these funds for any project," he said.
Following the open portion of the meeting, supervisors are expected to convene in closed session to discuss pending litigation and personnel issues.

 

 

Cops Use OnStar Nab Car Thieves

Investigators with the South Boston Police Department used some cutting-edge technology to catch a pair of car thieves this week.
Tuesday at approximately 4:08 p.m., Crowell Motor Company reported a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71, with an estimated value of $33,500, had been stolen from their lot, according to South Boston Investigator T.M. VanAernem.
Investigation revealed the Tahoe was equipped with GM’s OnStar global positioning system. Officer W.G. Yancey contacted the company and the vehicle was tracked through its onboard satellite navigation system.
It was discovered that the vehicle was traveling within the city limits of Durham, N.C. at the time of the call, according to VanAernem. Yancey then contacted the Durham police and advised them of the situation. A short time later, Durham officers located and stopped the vehicle, VanAernem said.
Two suspects were taken into custody without incident. Roderick L. Windsor, 32, and Shawnta J. Williams, 24, both of Spring Avenue in South Boston, were arrested by Durham authorities, according to VanAernem. The suspects are currently being held in the Durham County Jail under $150,000 bond, awaiting an extradition hearing to Virginia where they will face charges of grand larceny of a motor vehicle, VanAernem said.
Second Vehicle Stolen
A second vehicle was reported stolen from Crowell Motor Company Wednesday afternoon, VanAernem said.
Police are searching for a white 2000 Ford Explorer, valued at $15,384.32, according to VanAernem.
At this point in the investigation, it is unclear when the vehicle was stolen and whether or not the keys were in the vehicle, police said.
Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to call the South Boston Police Department at 575-4271 of Crime Stoppers at 575-TIPS.
In other police business, Maurice Davis, 22, of Goldenleaf Road in Nathalie, was charged with trespassing Wednesday.
The alleged offense occurred Monday.
Deputy J.M. Burton served the summons.
Pamela Couch, 22, of North Main Street in Halifax, was charged with defacing property Wednesday.
The alleged offense occurred July 23.
Deputy C.S. Yeatts served the summons.
Timothy Jermaine Clardy, 18, of Williams Trail in Halifax, was charged with two counts of trespassing and one count of the destruction of property Tuesday.
The alleged offense occurred May 9.
Deputy T.N. Bratton was the arresting deputy.
Nettie Conner Wilmouth, 37, of James D. Hagood Highway in Scottsburg, was charged with obstructing justice Wednesday.
The alleged offense occurred Wednesday.
Deputy S.A. Jennings served the summons.
Fernando Gonzalez, 24, and Mateo T. Sanchez, 35, both of Perth Road in Nathalie, were charged with public intoxication Sunday.
The alleged offense occurred Sunday.
Deputy T.C. Spencer issued the summonses.

 

Only Fifteen Show Up To See New School Design

Roughly 15 parents and citizens came to C.H. Friend Elementary School Tuesday evening to ask questions of Dewberry and Davis architects concerning the designs for the new South Boston elementary school.
Architects Allen Burchette and J. Paul Lewis gave the audience an overview of the plans for the new school’s design and fielded a wide range of questions from the audience.
The architects explained the building is broken up into six clusters of classrooms, which surround the core. The core consists of the cafeteria, gym, media center, administrative/guidance/clinic area, as well as the main lobby, music room, stage and an art display area. The core facilities are designed for a school of 1,000 students.
South Boston Elementary will initially be constructed to house 850 students with expansion possible if the student population grows, according to Burchette.
Members of the audience asked the designers many questions, covering topics from emergency evacuation of the building to how the grounds would be landscaped.
Halifax County Superintendent Paul Stapleton stressed that the plans were still in the design stage and that most of the details were yet to be decided.
However, the architects and Stapleton did answer questions and explain the process that will unfold as the project moves forward. They said the grounds would be professionally landscaped with outdoor learning in mind, the building could be quickly evacuated.
Some in attendance had questions about how the bathrooms would be laid out in the new building. Burchette explained that each kindergarten and first-grade classroom would have its own facility and two larger restrooms would serve the rest of the building.
Stapleton said that he wanted to make sure parents were comfortable with the size of the larger student body pointing out the students would be in separate clusters.
The school will be divided into six 120-150 student clusters, Stapleton said, and students will spend the majority of time within their cluster.
On the current timetable Burchette said he expects bids to go out in February and construction to begin in April. The school is to be completed in roughly 18 months and be ready for operation at the beginning of the 2007 school year.
Facts about the new South Boston school:
• Seven kindergarten classrooms.
• Seven first grade classrooms.
• Six classrooms each for second, third, fourth and fifth-grade students.
• Five resource classrooms.
• Four special education classrooms.
• With the commons areas, the school will be 94,440 square feet.

 

Ozelia Garner LaPrade

Ozelia Garner LaPrade, 85, of Philadelphia, Pa., formerly of Nathalie, died July 20.
Mrs. LaPrade was the daughter of the late Willie Garner and Lucy Jackson Garner and was married to the late William LaPrade.
Survivors include five daughters, Mary L. Johnson of Del., Betty Sampson of Baltimore, Md., Cora Bryant, Rebecca and Mildred LaPrade, all of Philadelphia; two sons, Jesse LaPrade of Brookneal and James LaPrade of Schweksville, Pa.; two sisters, Alease Williams and Mary G. Wanzer; and one sister-in-law, Lucille Garner, of Baltimore, Md.; 23 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. LaPrade will be held tomorrow, July 30, at 11 a.m. at New Shiloh Baptist Church in Nathalie with burial in the church cemetery.
Condolences may be emailed to Jeffressfh@aol.com.

Charlene Marie Venable Sanford

Charlene Marie Venable Sanford, 35, of South Carolina, formerly of South Boston, died July 26 at McLeod Hospital in S.C.
Mrs. Sanford was born in Halifax County on July 11, 1970, to John Venable and Alice Venable and was married to Donnell Sanford.
Survivors include her husband; three daughters, Sherrell, Brittany and Brianna Venable, all of S.C.; one son, Terrell of the home; her father and mother of South Boston; one sister, Tracie Byrd of Halifax; four brothers, Levi Venable of Riverdale, Md., Charlie Byrd III, Kelvin Davis and Eric Guy, all of Halifax.
Funeral services for Mrs. Sanford will be held July 31, at 4 p.m. at Greater Mayfield Apostolic Church with the Rev. Robert S. Wimbish officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Garden Cemetery.
The family is receiving friends at the home of Peggy Venable, 611 Easley Street, South Boston.

Deborah Anne Dickey Sharp

Deborah Anne Dickey Sharp, 56, of 500 Summit Drive, South Boston died July 25, at her home.
Ms. Sharp was born in Halifax County on March 1, 1949. She was of the Baptist faith, and was retired from Commonwealth Home Health.
Survivors include her father, William ‘Bill’ Dickey and her stepmother, Lucille P. Dickey, of South Boston; one son, Michael Sharp, of Clarksville; two half brothers, Michael D. Dickey of South Boston and William Terry Dickey of Greensboro, N.C.; and one grandson, Devin Sharp.
Graveside services were held July 28, at 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery with the Rev. Rudolph Jacobs officiating.

Mary Mitchell Darden White

Mary Mitchell Darden White, 70, of Philadelphia, Pa., formerly of Halifax County, died in Pa.
Mrs. White was born July 15, 1935, to the late Samuel Mitchell and Lucy Mitchell, and was first married to the late James Darden and later married the late George White. She was a member of Jeters Chapel Baptist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Patricia Ball; two grandchildren, Davita Hobson and Corey Ball; three sisters, Addie Cheeks, Theresa Poole and Othelo Lee; one brother, the Rev. Samuel Mitchell Jr.; and one son-in-law, Bennie Ball.
Funeral services for Mrs. White will be held tomorrow, July 30, at 2 p.m. at Jeters Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Samuel Mitchell Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will be receiving friends at the home of her brother, 5146 Bill Tuck Highway, South Boston.

Anna Collins Wilborn

Anna Collins Wilborn, 70, of Bronx, N.Y., formerly of Halifax County, died July 27 in New York.
Mrs. Wilborn was born on November 16, 1934, the daughter of the late Frank R. Collins and Mary Ann Lacks Collins, and was married to the late Howard E. Wilborn.
Survivors include one son, Roger Collins of Clover; three brothers, Evans Collins of N.Y., Hiawatha Collins of Clover and Samuel E. Collins of Ashburn; two sisters, Delores Carden and Ollie E. Collins, both of Clover; one daughter-in-law, Barbara Collins of Clover; and two grandchildren. Mrs. Wilborn was preceded in death by one brother, Frank B. Collins.
Funeral services will be held July 31, at 2 p.m. at Bethel Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. William Hicks officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at their home, Neals Corner Road, Clover.

 

 

Veteran Debs Team Focused On The World Series Crown

BY Doug Ford
G-V STAFF WRITER

The Halifax County Debs all-stars will make their seventh consecutive appearance in the Dixie Debs World Series starting tomorrow in Dothan, Alabama, with a 3:30 p.m. game against North Carolina.
But, the path Halifax took to get to the series this year is different than in past seasons.
Halifax County and other Debs teams throughout the Commonwealth advanced automatically to the state tournament without benefit of a district tourney.
HalifaxºCounty got off to a slow start, losing its second game before rallying to win the state title with two big wins over Appomattox the final night.
Stout defense and timely hitting have brought Halifax County to this point, but Halifax manager Gary Rogers thinks the key to this World Series is going to be how his team handles the bats in the pressure cooker atmosphere of the 30th Anniversary Dixie celebration in Dothan.
Halifax County is certainly up to the task when looking at the roster, which is loaded with Dixie all-star veterans and a veteran coaching staff, including Jerry Pool, Jimmie Wade and Allen Lawter.
Amanda Rogers, Tracy Nelson, Mallory Lawter, Cari Clark, Emily Pool, Lori Reeves, Jessica Lewis and Erica Elliott are returning players with at least four World Series appearances behind them, spread among three age groups.
Also returning is Jasmine Parker, who made the trip with the Debs to last year’s World Series, while newcomers Jessica (Moo) Morris, Heather Oakes and Amelia Saunders have a wealth of Dixie all-star experience, extending from the district tourney to the World Series.
That experience came in handy during the state tournament, when Halifax found itself with a 1-1 record after a 4-1 loss in the second game to Appomattox.
“You hate to get your first-game jitters out in the first round of the state, and that’s what happened," explained Rogers.
“Our hitting throughout the state tournament was slower than what we were used to seeing, but the solid defense and a few timely hits kept us in the ball games."
Halifax had only two hits in each of its first two games, a narrow 5-4 win over Charlotte County and the 4-1 loss to Appomattox. The offense sprang to life with ten hits each in an 8-0 win over Prince Edward/Farmville and a 4-0 win over Clarksville.
Needing two wins over Appomattox to keep its state title, Halifax came through with a 4-2 win in a marathon 12-inning battle, followed by a 4-3 win to clinch the championship.
“We came through with two big wins the last night," said Rogers. We got timely hits from Cari, Erica and Emily, but several girls had key hits in those ball games."
Rogers said he feels confident with this year’s team, a mixture of 18-year-olds, 17 year-olds and 16-year-olds, each of whom brings a variety of skills to the table.
“I feel confident with this group," began Rogers. “The strength of the team is our defense, and we’re average to deep in pitching. “We have a lot of girls who can pitch and get you an inning here and there.
“We used some of them in the state with more waiting on the bench if we needed them," he added. “If the bats come to life, we have a good chance in the World Series."
This year’s World Series marks the final time in a Debs uniform for Rogers, Elliott, Reeves, Clark, Lawter, Nelson, Lewis and Pool, who, along with Morris, were part of the Halifax National Belles all-star team which captured the World Series in 2002.
Rogers would like to see a repeat performance this time around, particularly in the hitting department.
“Looking back to the Belles World Series, it was never one of two players who carried us, it was two different ones each night who stepped up to hit those doubles and big shots you need to win those close ball games
Rogers said a lot of credit for that championship run goes to his coaches, and that hasn’t changed in the years following the National Belles’ title run.
“Allen, Jerry, and Jimmie do a great job, and I don’t know how long I could do something like this without them," said Rogers, noting the difficulty in planning and organizing a trip to the World Series, in addition to playing the games themselves.
“I also couldn’t do this without the support of the parents and the players’ families," he noted.
“That support will help us focus on playing solid ball, and minimizing the distractions that will be there with all four age groups (Debs, Belles, Ponytails, Angels) playing their respective World Series at the same location.
“And, most of the games will be played in the early afternoon or evening, and rain could be a factor. In the past we’ve played in the rain and the mud, and we’ve had to wait out rain delays before."
Rogers hopes that the motivating factor of a final World Series for eight of his players will give his team that extra dose of momentum to put it over the top.
“You typically see that and I saw it last year," recalled Rogers. “It starts to hit a lot of the older girls at the state tournament or World Series when they step up to the plate and realize it may be the last time they play Dixie ball.
“We have a whole lot of them, and I’m hoping it really sinks in. I look for them to step up to the plate and get it done one more time."

 

National Ponytails Hope Third Time A Charm

BY Doug Ford
G-V STAFF WRITER

The Halifax National Ponytails all-stars, three-time defending state champions, will look to defense, pitching and team speed to run home with a Dixie Ponytails World Series title.
Halifax begins play in the World Series tomorrow evening with a 6 p.m. game against host Dothan, Alabama.
Manager Tony Conner, who went to the World Series as a coach last season with Halifax National, said the keys to his team’s chances this year revolve around team speed, defense and depth.
“We have a good mix of veterans and youth," said Conner. Another thing that sets us apart is the quality of our pitchers."
Halifax National has primarily gone with pitchers Melissa Blanks, Jill Trickey and Jessie Bagbey during district and state play, with contributions from Allison Thaxton. Jennifer Vaughan and Jamilia Smith can also be called upon if needed.
Another plus, according to Conner, is speed throughout the lineup.
“In the past, we’ve had two or three players with speed, but this year the majority of the team is fast," said Conner. “We’ve averaged five stolen bases a game, a lot for this age group, even with good catchers.
“Those extra bases make a big difference at this level."
Another strength is defense, Conner was quick to add.
“Defense is a big plus. When the other teams made contact, we made the plays," said Conner. “We only made two errors in the state tournament, both in the first game, and we settled down after that."
Halifax National returns seven players from last year’s World Series team, including Bagbey, Thaxton, Emily Conner, Jameshia Smith, Jamilia Smith, Robin Jennings and Trickey.
Newcomers include Jaynee Campbell, Casey Howerton, Brittany Long, Melissa Blanks and Vaughan. Coaches Mark Campbell and Rhonda Campbell round out the team.
Just about all of the Ponytails have extensive all-star experience, and that experience has proven to be a factor in the team’s run thus far.
Halifax National completed an unbeaten run through district and state competition, using its strengths to overcome a tough Halifax American team in District VII play, and an experienced Powhatan team in the state tourney.
Halifax National recorded 3-2 and 6-3 wins over Halifax American in the district tournament, and had to defeat Powhatan twice to win the state title.
Both games came down to the wire, Halifax scoring a run in its last at-bat to edge Powhatan 4-3 in the first game. It’s defense turned a triple play to get out of a two-on, no-out jam in the fourth inning during the second game to preserve a 4-2 win that netted Halifax National the state title.
“The first game was tied going into the last inning, but the girls had confidence the entire way that they’d pull it out," recalled Conner. Jessie got a hit (double), Jill sacrificed her over and Emily got a hit to score Bagbey.
“We had our veterans at the plate in the last inning, and they did what they needed to do, because they’d been in that situation before."
Halifax National turned a triple play in its second game with Powhatan to snuff out a rally and preserve the win. Powhatan had runners at third and second with no outs, when center fielder Jamilia Smith snared a line drive and threw to Bagbey at second, catching the base runner off the bag for the first two outs.
Bagbey then turned and fired a strike to catcher Jameshia Smith to nail the runner trying to score, completing the triple play, which came in the fourth inning.
The team’s newcomers have played their part in helping the team advance to the World Series, according to Conner.
“Our younger players are a plus, for instance Casey Howerton," noted Conner. She’s not one of our faster players, but she put the bat on the ball during district and state play and didn’t strike out.
“She gave herself chances to get on base and move the base runners. Another one of our younger players, Jaynee Campbell, has done an excellent job on defense in center field."
Most every one of the Halifax National Ponytails has World Series experience in one or more age groups, and that will be an advantage in Alabama.
“It helps a lot that they have that experience," said Conner. “Basically, what we have here is the (National) Angels all-stars from two years ago. Most of these girls have played together before."
Halifax National will have to take advantage of its strengths while playing fundamentally sound softball if it hopes to advance in this year’s World Series, emphasized Conner.
“In the World Series, you’ll face quality teams with good pitching and good fundamentals," said Conner. “Success comes down to knowing what to do at certain times on the field, which base to throw to, for instance.
“Last year, we lost a game 1-0 on a play we easily should have made. One error cost us the game, and in the World Series a mistake will cost you a run, and those runs will cost you a ball game.
“The biggest thing in this age group is not to beat yourself. The team that wins the World Series won’t necessarily have the best talent, but they will play fundamental ball and take advantage of the breaks when they get them."

 

Star-Studded Late Model Field Will Be On Hand Saturday Night At SBS

BY Tim Chandler
SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE-VIRGINIAN

SOUTH BOSTON, VA. — The starting grid for the Barkhouser Late Model Stock Car Division race Saturday night at South Boston Speedway will be impressive to say the least.
The Late Model Stock Car event will highlight the Miss Utility Night race program. The first event of the evening will get the green flag at 7 p.m.
The list of prospective contenders Saturday night will include 2004 Late Model Stock Car champion Timothy Peters, who will take a break from his current status as a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitor to return to his former stomping ground at the four-tenths mile asphalt oval.
Keven Wood of the Legendary Wood Brothers Racing family will also be on hand for the second straight week. Wood, aided by crew chief Stacy Puryear, qualified third last week at America’s Hometown Track and was running strong before problems sent him to the pits prior to the end of the race.
Those two will join the likes of seven-time winner Peyton Sellers, the current points leader in the Late Model ranks, and five-time victor Drew Herring, who owns the second-place spot in the standings.
Other drivers that have found their way to Victory Lane this season who are expected to be on hand Saturday night include two-time winner Deac McCaskill, Scott Worley, Wayne Ramsey and Justin Johnson.
Also scheduled as part of the four-race program Saturday night will be action for the Limited Sportsman Division, the Virginia Army National Guard Pure Stock Division and the touring Southern Vintage Modified Series.
Justin Snow and Jonathan Bailey are currently deadlocked atop the Limited Sportsman Division standings. Snow has eight victories for the season, including one last weekend, while Bailey has been to the Winner’s Circle seven times.
Lee Anderson is the current leader in the Pure Stock title chase, but is just six points ahead of second-place Nick Igdalsky. Joey Throckmorton and Chuck Watkins are tied for third place, 12 points behind Igdalsky.
Pit gates will open July 30 at 1 p.m. and practice for all divisions will be held from 2:15 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. Grandstand gates will open at 5 p.m. and qualifying time trials will get the green flag at 5 p.m. as well.
Adult admission for the race will be $8 up to 6:30 p.m. and $10 after that. Youth, ages 10-15, will be admitted for $5 and children under the age of 10 will be admitted free with a paid adult.
For more information, visit the speedway’s Web site at www.southbostonspeedway.com or phone the track at (434) 572-4947 or toll free at 1-877-440-1540.