Wind, Hail Strike Halifax Saturday
Felling Trees, Knocking Out Utilities

Around 260 customers in the Town of Halifax lost power and telephone service when a tree fell at the Chastain Home, breaking a utility line and cutting power in the town.
Dan Genest of Dominion Virginia Power said that power was out 12 hours while the pole was replaced.
“Other than that, we have only scattered outages with one and two homes affected,” Genest said.
Sunday morning some Halifax residents were still without telephone service.
“It’s a miracle,” said Mrs. Patricia Brasher Byrd.
Standing on a side embankment overlooking Mountain Road Saturday afternoon, Byrd watched as police and clean-up crews surveyed the blocked street.
Below, the Byrds’ Burgandy Pontiac, which Wallace McKinsey Byrd had been driving, was dusted with debris from an ancient Oak that had fallen during the sudden hail and windstorm that swept through the town.
Patricia Byrd said that her husband’s mother, Gertrude Byrd, and a sister-in-law, Bay Byrd, were with him in the car.
At the scene, Patricia Byrd said that she was awakened at 5 a.m. Saturday by the Lord. “He said start praying,” she recalled. “I did.”
And Saturday she credited the Lord and the power of prayer for the safety of her family.
The giant oak blocked traffic on Mountain Road well into the night.
In the Town of Halifax, several other trees were broken in the sudden, summer storm.

Burton Speaks At NASA Langley

Using Technology Soon Available At Riverstone, Former NASCAR Driver Addresses National Audience

From the environment to the aerodynamics of NASCAR racing, Halifax County’s Ward Burton took the stage three times at NASA Langley last week to address his passion and commitment to K-12 education.
In a public appearance in Hampton, Burton spoke to several national K-12 student and teacher groups from around the country via distance learning technology that will soon be available at Riverstone Technology Park.
Last week’s appearance took place at the Virginia-based NASA Langley Research Center.
“The focus of the discussion was on the increasing shortage of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians,” said Dr. Carole Inge, principle investigator for NASA Riverstone. “He told the children to get outdoors and enjoy what the natural sciences have to offer.”
With all eyes on Burton at the research center, a group of over 100 scientists and engineers with a shared passion for speed and steel gathered to hear the 2002 Daytona 500 winner discuss the aerodynamics of the racecar and the changing nature of technology and its impact on the NASCAR industry.
During his address, Burton urged the school children to consider science and technology-based fields.
“We need more children focused on technology, engineering, mathematics and science to be sure we are competitive in this global economy,” he said.
Inge said Burton’s desire and commitment to education captivated the audience as he took questions on aerodynamics.
Recently, Burton has spent much of his time developing content and material for the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation.
During his address, Burton talked about the importance of natural resources, conservation and the environment.
“NASA is not just about a space program but the employees here are committed to developing technology that makes a difference in our everyday lives," he said. “This is important work – in space and here on Earth."

Storage Units, Garage On Tap

Tonight, South Boston Council will hold two public hearings, one addressing a request to construct 60 storage units at Halifax Square Shopping Center and the second seeking a special use permit to allow the expansion of Buster D’Amato’s auto repair shop at 512 Chalmers Street.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at 502 Yancey Street.
The town’s Planning Commission is recommending approval for D’Amato’s expansion with no conditions.
The Commission recommended approval for the Halifax Square Shopping Center project with four conditions, which included landscaping and curb and gutter, exterior lighting requirements and lighting fixtures. The fourth condition Council is considering allows review by Council “upon complaint by any adjacent property owner, public health or law enforcement agency identifying a nuisance created by warehouse operations that is harmful, annoying, inconvenient or disturbing to adjacent properties.”
Upon review by Council, the permit may be either amended or revoked after notice and public hearing, as required by state and town codes.
Also on tonight’s agenda, proposed amendments to Town Code which include establishing a building maintenance code as well as the occupancy tax section, changing the 4 1/2 percent tax rate to “shall be in such amount as shall be prescribed and approved by council”
Council voted earlier this year to increase the occupancy tax rate from 4 1/2 percent to 5 1/2 percent.
The proposed maintenance Code amendment would get tough on property owners with substandard rental property. The proposed amendment addresses only rental property.
During Council’s July 25 work session, Public Works Director Alan Auld asked Council to review the amended Code for 30 days, revisiting the issue at their August work session. He also asked that Council form an ad hoc committee to work with him on the issue.
Council is also expected to take action on a recommendation for removal of a traffic signal at the intersection of Wilborn Avenue and Johnston Street.
Traffic volume and accident reports were factors considered in the study conducted by Chris Elliott, an IMSA Certified Traffic Signal II (field tech). According to the study, there’s been only one reportable and two non-reportable accident s in the past two years at the site.
Delinquent taxes and utility bills are also on tonight’s agenda.
Vandie Saunders, town finance director, met with Council during its July work session. The director told Council he is seeking approval to publish 2004 delinquent real estate taxes in the newspaper. Before publication, Saunders told Council that property owners would be contacted by letter and given 30 to 45 days to pay bills.
Saunders is also seeking permission to charge off $4,403.53 in 2004-2005 utility bills considered not collectable. Saunders said in July that he would continue trying to collect the money owed.
“Even with the $4,403.53, our collection rate was right at 99.8 percent,” the treasurer said following the July work session.
In other business, Council is expected to appoint one of its members to the Lake Country Development Corporation to fill the vacancy created when former Council member Tom Raab resigned from Council following his move into the county.
There is also a vacancy on the Halifax County Improvement Council.

Obituaries

Jeffrey Iran Belkov

A celebration of his life for Mr. Jeffrey Iran Belkov will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at Brook Funeral Home with Ira Leibowitz officiating. Visitation will start at 5 p.m. and be held at other times at the home of Gabby and Marc Bridgers, 102 Little John Court, South Boston.
Interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.
Mr. Belkov, 59, of Lady Astor Place in Danville, died yesterday at Halifax Regional Hospital.
He was born February 7, 1946, in Norfolk, the son of the late Leonard Eli Belkov and Alma Furman Belkov.
Mr. Belkov is survived by a daughter, Gabby B. Bridgers and husband Marc of South Boston; a sister, Rita B. Mendel and husband Jack of Birmingham; former wife, Connie Pate of South Boston; two grandsons and a number of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Halifax County Cancer Association, PO Box 875, South Boston, Va. 24592 or the Halifax Regional Home Health & Hospice, 2204 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, Va. 24592.

Ruth DeJarnette Fisher

Ruth DeJarnette Fisher, 89, of 3237 Chestnut Rd., Nathalie, died August 5 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Fisher was born in Halifax County on January 14, 1916, to the late Jesse Cleveland DeJarnette and Sophia Marshall DeJarnette. She was married to the late Garland West Fisher and was a member of the Republican Grove United Methodist Church.
Her survivors include a son: Richard Marshall (Dana) Fisher of Hurt; daughter: Ruth F. (David) Medley of Richmond; two sisters: Amanda Crews of Gretna and Doris Catron of Altavista; brother: James DeJarnette of Florida; two grandchildren: Michelle Medley of Richmond and Alicia (Brian) Hedges of Raleigh, N.C.; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son: Garland West Fisher Jr.
A funeral service was held August 7 at Republican Grove United Methodist Church with Revs. Bob Newcomb, Shelton Miles and Coy Terry officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
For memorials, please consider the North Halifax Fire and Rescue, Leda-Grove Rd., Nathalie, VA 24577.

David Wayne Wilborn

A celebration of his life for David Wayne Wilborn will be held today from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Brooks Funeral Home chapel.
Mr. Wilborn, of Piney Grove Road in Alton, died July 26, at his residence.
He was born June 4, 1968 in Halifax County.
Mr. Wilborn is survived by his parents, Thomas Roger Wilborn Sr. and Shirley Marie Williams Wilborn of South Boston; a son, Joey Wilborn; a daughter, Abby Wilborn; a brother Thomas Roger Wilborn Jr. and wife Brenda of Danville; a sister, Angela Renee Wilborn and a number of nieces and nephews.
The family requests those wishing to give memorials consider the charity of their choice.

Sterling Clay Ingram

Funeral services for Sterling Clay Ingram will be tomorrow, August 9, at 1 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel, with the Revs. Richard Saunders, Michael O’Shea and Jason Murray officiating.
Ms. Ingram, of Rosehill Dr. in South Boston, died Saturday, August 7, at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 70.
Sterling Clay Ingram was born May 14, 1935, in Halifax County, and was the daughter of the late William Herman “W.H.” Clay and Ada Lovelace Clay.
She was a retired dispatcher with Service Cabs and was a member of Centerville Baptist Church.
Sterling Clay Ingram is survived by five sisters, Lily Crews and Patty Clay of South Boston, Corine Myers and her husband Bobby of Alton, Estelle Hodges of Nathalie, and Bonnie McKinney and her husband Willie Lee of Oak Level; four brothers, Bobby Clay of Nathalie, Stuart Clay of Altavista, Ernest Clay of Halifax, and Floyd Clay of Clover; three special family members, Carolyn Parrish of Nathalie, Jean Clay of Clover and Janis Clay of Alton; 12 nephews; and 16 nieces.
Anyone wishing to give memorials please consider Centerville Baptist Church.

Andrea Denise Davis

Andrea Denise Davis, age 39, of Newark , DE died August 5, 2005 in Spartanburg, SC.
She was the daughter of the late Richard McKinley and Lola Mae Davis of Gladys, Va.
She is survived by eight brothers and sisters, Cornell (Frances) Davis of Spartanburg, SC,
Calvin (Deloris) Davis of Gladys, Willie Mae (Gerald) Farraday of Newark, DE, Linda (Walter) Hancock of Newark, DE, Cynthia (Ricardo) Marshall of Lynchburg, Va., William (Lanettra) Davis of Akron, OH, Arthur Wayne (Shirley) Davis of Lynchburg, Va. , and Janice (Voshell) Joyner of Newark, DE.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at Ellis Creek Baptist Church in Nathalie with interment in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be emailed to Jeffressfh@aol.com

Eddie O. Smith

Mr. Eddie O. Smith died yesterday at Halifax Regional Hospital. Funeral arrangements were unavailable at press time.

 

Comets Pitcher Jeremy Jeffress Nominated For National Award

HCHS Pitcher Jeremy Jeffress One Of Six Nominees For Aflac National High School Player Of The Year Award

BY Doug Ford
G-V STAFF WRITER

It’s been a busy spring and summer for Halifax County High School pitcher Jeremy Jeffress, all capped off by his nomination last week for the Aflac National High School Player of the Year Award.
Jeffress, a 6-1 right-handed senior pitcher for the Comets, is one of six nominees for the second annual award, presented last year to Aflac All-American Justin Upton, a shortstop from Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake.
“I’m speechless. Honestly, I didn’t know about the award or my nomination until the last day or so, but I’m excited," said Jeffress.
The trophy given for the Aflac National Player of the Year is the Jackie Robinson Award, named in honor of the late Hall of Fame Baseball Player Jackie Robinson.
Jeffress is aware of Robinson’s contribution to the game of baseball and his legacy.
“He has always been my hero, the first black player to get to the Major Leagues, and it’s an honor just to be nominated."
This latest honor follows Jeffress’ selection last week to play in the 2005 Aflac All-American Baseball Classic, taking place August 13 at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, Md. That game will be televised nationally live at 2 p.m. on Fox Sports Network on all 18 of their regional sports networks.
Other nominees for the Aflac National High School Player of the Year Award include: Dellin Betances, a right-handed pitcher from Grand Street Campus High School in New York City; Cody Johnson, an outfielder from Mosley High School in Panama City, Fl.; Aaron Miller, a left-handed pitcher/first baseman from Channelview High School in Channelview, Tx.; Max Sapp, a catcher from Bishop Moore High School in Widermere, Fl.; and Jordan Walden, a right-handed pitcher from Mansfield High School in Mansfield, Tx.
Jeffress has kept busy the last year honing his talents for a shot at Major League Baseball, starting last fall in the 2004 Perfect Game/Baseball America World Wood Bat Association Fall Championship at Ft. Myers, Florida.
His team, the Tidewater White Sox, made it to the fifth round of the tournament, according to Jeffress.
Following an outstanding junior season with the Comets varsity baseball team, Jeffress played this summer with the Georgia Stars, a team out of Atlanta.
Both the Tidewater White Sox and the Georgia Stars travel to different colleges to play potential major-league caliber competition, and the experience has taught Jeffress that there is always something to learn about baseball.
“It’s taught me responsibility and how to better take care of myself," noted Jeffress. “It’s also taught me a greater respect for the game. There’s a whole lot to baseball and you have to learn as you go. I’m constantly picking up new things."
Before Jeffress travels to Aberdeen, Md., to play in the Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic, he will play in the 2005 East Coast Professional Baseball Showcase.
The event is being held this week at Brooks Field on the University of North Carolina at Wilmington campus.
Jeffress was recommended by various Major League scouts to play in the four-day, round-robin tournament, featuring some of the best young players in the United States, and attracting scouts from all Major League Organizations and many of the nation’s top college programs.
Jeffress is hoping the exposure he gets from the all-star experience will help him in achieving his goal of playing professional baseball, and he’s also benefited from the support of both his family, as well as school coaches Kelvin Davis, Kenneth Day and Barry Powell.
Jeffress is the son of Freddie and Yolanda Jeffress of South Boston, and has two older siblings, Freddie and Racquel, both of whom also excelled in high school sports.
“My family has supported me and my coaches have kept me focused and on the right track," noted Jeffress.

Old Timer’s Baseball League Opens Sunday

The Halifax County Old Timer’s Baseball League Will Open Its Sixth Season On Sunday, August 7, At 1:15 P.M. At Halifax County High School

BY Joe Chandler
G-V STAFF WRITER

The Halifax County Old Timer’s Baseball League will kick off its sixth season Sunday, playing its games at a new venue, the Halifax County High School baseball field.
Continuing its tradition of dedicating its season to an individual who has had a major impact on baseball and youth sports in Halifax County, the league is dedicating this season to Addison Marable.
Marable will be honored during the league’s opening ceremony, which will begin at 1:15 p.m., and will throw the ceremonial first pitch to officially open the season.
“Each of our previous seasons have been dedicated to someone very special to us,” said League Commissioner Spencer Ferguson.
“Addison has been involved in youth sports in Halifax County for as long as I can remember. He spent many hours of his life teaching young athletes about baseball, basketball, and football.
“I remember very well his passion for youth sports,” Ferguson continued.
“Addison always had the ability to coach kids with enthusiasm and he was able to teach important life lessons at the same time.”
Ferguson said the HCOT Board of Directors decided at the end of last year’s season to dedicate this season to Marable.
“Most of the players in this league have either been coached by Addison or played against the team he was coaching,” Ferguson pointed out.
“It will be a great honor to have Addison at the opening game this year.”
This season’s games will be played at a new venue for the league - the Halifax County High School Field. Previously, the league has played its games at South Boston’s C.H. Friend Field.
“We are excited about playing at Comet Field,” said Ferguson.
“Friend Field has a long history of great baseball but Comet Field has a great history as well and that history will now include our league. Halifax County Old Timer’s League officials plan to support Comets Baseball in the coming years and this is where it starts.”
Ferguson said fans attending the Halifax County Old Timer’s League games this season will have plenty of good food and cold soft drinks available to them at the concession stand.
“There is no admission charge to our games,” Ferguson pointed out.
“Money collected through concessions that is left over at the end of the season will be donated to the Halifax County High School Baseball program.”
With the league’s opening ceremony set for 1:15 p.m., the first game of the day will begin at 2 p.m.
The first game will have Fensterer Chiropractic/Electric Service and Chucky Cook Painting/Back In Time Auction playing each other and the second game will have McGhee Insurance/Meadows Body Shop playing South Boston Tees/Arcadia Fields.
“This year’s teams look really good,” said Ferguson.
“We hope the baseball fans in Halifax County will come out and support us. We play exciting baseball and the competitions will be tough this year. The Old Timer’s League is a very competitive league that promotes good fellowship among the participants and the play is exciting.”
Ferguson and league officials invite area baseball fans to bring their lawn chairs and come out and support the league and its players.
“Local youth baseball and softball programs have once again come to a close," Ferguson noted.
“But, don’t put that lawn chair up yet because it is time for the Halifax County Old Timer’s Baseball League to begin play. We invite everyone to come out and join us, relax, grab a hot dog and watch the great game of baseball."

Sellers Takes Eighth LMSC Win Of Season At SBS

Defending Champion Peters Second In Return To South Boston

BY Doug Ford
G-V STAFF WRITER

Neither rain or the return of last year’s track champion prevented Danville’s Peyton Sellers from winning his eighth Late Model Stock Car race of the season Saturday night at South Boston Speedway.
Sellers, who sat on the pole for the seventh time this season, overcame a first lap challenge from David Triplett, a 30-minute red flag rain delay on lap 25, and a challenge from defending track champion Timothy Peters to take the 150-lap feature event.
Peters, now a regular on the Craftsman Truck Series circuit, came from a sixth-place qualifying effort to finish second, followed by Drew Herring, who moved through the field after qualifying tenth.
Owen Miller and Jonathan Cash charged through the field to finish fourth and fifth, respectively. Miller rallied from a 14th place qualifying effort, while Cash came from the 17th spot at the start of the race for his top five finish.
Justin Johnson, Scott Worley, Eddie Johnson, Deac McCaskill and David Quackenbush rounded out the top ten in a race delayed by two other cautions in addition to the rain delay.
Sellers was the only driver to break the 90 MPH barrier in qualifying, and lost the advantage briefly on the first lap to Triplett, before returning the favor and leading the rest of the race.
The lap 25 rain delay saw Sellers, Triplett, Peters, Justin Johnson and McCaskill in the top five, followed by Herring, Quackenbush, Worley, Eddie Johnson and Jason Dickerson.
At the halfway point of the race, Peters had moved to second behind Sellers, while Herring stood third, McCaskill fourth and Justin Johnson fifth, but McCaskill and Johnson fell victim to the late-race charges by Miller and Cash.
With 40 laps to go, Miller had moved to fifth and Cash to sixth, both drivers emerging from the restart on lap 136 following the race’s final caution in their final finishing positions.
For Peters, the runner-up finish was a good dose of momentum heading into his next Craftsman Truck race, while for Herring, the race was a matter of keeping within striking distance of Sellers.
Both drivers said they accomplished those goals.
Peters recalled last year’s championship run and the hard work it took to get the track title.
“This is hard work," noted Peters after the race. “Peyton and Drew are having a great season, and we’ve been a part of that. and I know what it’s like, and I wish them the best of luck."
With very little time to test and make adjustments the week prior to the race, Peters still moved through the field after qualifying sixth, moving to third by lap 22 and second on lap 48.
“I wasn’t able to get back to town and put the car together like we should," added the Providence, N.C., native who now calls Nashville home.
“Maybe we can take this momentum with me to Nashville in the Bailey’s Dodge August 13 and get a top ten in the truck series."
Herring was pleased with his rally from a 10-place qualifying effort to finish third, considering the competition.
“We’re trying to gain as many points as we can," began Herring. “We messed up a little bit in qualifying and we pick that up. “To come home third is a pretty good run, and we lost only four points to Peyton.
“We had a real good car, but got a little loose at the end."
Sellers said Saturday’s win was special, coming against Peters and a lot of the drivers he competed with on a regular basis at Orange County Speedway.
“I tell you, Timothy has taught me a lot racing there over the years." Said Sellers. “These guys are tough competitors and they have a good car wherever they go.
“But, this was just an unbelievable night for us, the Clarence’s Steakhouse Chevrolet was flying tonight."
Saturday’s win may prove pivotal for Sellers in both the South Boston points race and the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series National Championship.
“I’m focused now on working on this car every single minute I can spare," noted Sellers, who knows he is one slip away from losing his chances at either title.
“We’re having a hard time putting Drew away, and he keeps coming back. “I’m only one bad run away from losing the championship here. Drew and the other guys are doing their homework."
Sellers expanded his points lead over Herring in the race for the Late Model Championship at South Boston after Saturday’s race, with 752 points, compared to 724 points for Herring.
Cash (630), Miller (594) and Ryan Rhodes (572) round out the top five, and Brandon Butler, Worley, Wayne Ramsey, Quackenbush and Triplett round out the top ten.