Reed: Gang Issue Is Community Issue

Warning Signs For Parents

BY Keith Strange
strange@gazettevirginian.com

South Boston Police Chief Mick Reed said Monday that while gang activity in Halifax County hasn’t yet reached the “crisis point,” now is the time to act before the issue becomes a serious problem.
“It’s an awareness issue for us right now,” he said. “We don’t want to overemphasize the problem, but because we’re being proactive and want to make sure this doesn’t become a crisis, that’s why you’re seeing all the action here.”
Reed said law enforcement has identified “evidence that would indicate the problems that larger jurisdictions are facing are rearing their ugly head in Halifax County.”
But he cautioned the public not to overreact, rather be supportive of the efforts of the Halifax County Anti-Gang Task Force.
“This is not a racial issue,” he said. “If people listen to the information (and) look at some of the information we’re putting out, they can do one of two things.
“They can sit on the sidelines and assume it’s a racial issue and wait until there is evidence that law enforcement is seeing it as a racial issue and criticize us. Or they can join those of us who have come together and are looking at this as a community problem,” he said. “Those are the options everyone has in this community. I would hope they would see that we’re treating this as a community issue.”
Reed said now is the time to act.
“We have evidence that tells us that if we don’t act now, this will become a serious problem for our community,” he said. “But if we do act – now – as a community, we will let the criminal element understand that this isn’t a place for them to practice.”
Asked about the state of gang activity currently being seen by law enforcement, Investigator B.K. Lovelace said the signs are there, but the issue has yet to escalate into a serious problem.
“Right now, it’s minimal,” he said. “We’ve identified vandalism and tagging (marking territory with signs or symbols), but as far as serious criminal acts, we haven’t gotten that far yet.”
Investigator T.M. VanAernem said that for a group to be considered a gang, three things must happen, according to Virginia State Code:
• Their objective must be to commit criminal acts.
• They must have an identifiable name, sign or symbol.
• They must have engaged in the commission, or attempt to commit, crimes.
“Right now, we have identified groups in the area that show signs of a potential to meet the legal criteria of a gang,” VanAernem said.
What Can Parents Do?
“You have to reach them young,” Lovelace said. “(Parents) want to start looking at around 12 years old. By that time, there are elements (of gang activity) in their peer group.”
He said that by the time a child reaches age 16, “they’ve either been around it or heard about it.”
Reed said parents are the best defense.
“Parents need to understand that nothing takes the place of their being involved in their children’s lives,” he said. “If they don’t have open communication, they need to establish it.
“They need to make their children understand that there are only two results that come from gang affiliation,” Reed added. “Jail and death. Those are the only two long-term results.”
And there are resources available to help parents, the chief added.
“Any law enforcement officer is willing to speak with parents and offer specific guidelines and information,” he said. “But if they aren’t comfortable with law enforcement, they should speak with a minister or teacher or someone who can put them in touch with people who have specific information on how to deal with the issue on a one-on-one basis.”
“The goal here is prevention,” VanAernem added. “The goal of our department is the prevention of children or young people becoming affiliated with a gang. By whatever means necessary, we will make our department available to attempt to help the child and family.
“We’re not looking in terms of ‘because a child wears a certain style of clothing that means they’re affiliated with gangs,’ but we want the members of the community to be aware of the signs,” he said.
“The main thing we want to do is let people know that we have the beginnings of a serious issue,” Reed added. “And in an effort to ensure this doesn’t become a problem, we’re trying to educate our community.
“We don’t want this to become a problem here in Halifax County like you see in the major cities,” he said.
“We need the citizens’ input to help us do our job better,” Lovelace added. “It’s not a South Boston problem or a problem for just a specific area. It’s a community problem.”

A Sunny First Day For Halifax County Schools

The 2005-06 school year got off to smooth start Monday for the Halifax County School System and its nearly 6,000 students, according to Halifax County Superintendent Paul Stapleton.
“Two elementary school principals who’ve been with the school system for a while told me it was the smoothest first day they’ve seen,” he said.
Stapleton visited four schools Monday and was impressed with what he saw.
He said, he was actually amazed at how calm it was at the two elementary schools he visited.
“Everything was under control and the students were happy to be there,” he said. “I felt good about what I saw yesterday.”
The smooth opening day around the county was no accident, Stapleton said, it showed the teachers and administrators were well prepared.
“I’m proud of our teachers for what went on Monday,” he said “It was like we’d been back in school for a month.”
Stapleton also paid the middle school a visit Monday and the situation with the mobile units seemed to be working out nicely, he said.
“For two years it will be a good environment,” the superintendent said, noting several teachers joked that they didn’t want to move back into the main building.
While no major problems have surfaced, Stapleton said, the administration is on the lookout for any potential improvements.
“We’ll be looking at class sizes,” he said, “and we’ll make any necessary adjustments.
“Also we’ll address any parental concerns,” he added.
First day attendance records showed 5,603 students in the county’s school system, but the first day numbers are traditionally low. Also, there was a computer glitch at the high school while attendance was being calculated, Stapleton said. The high school only showed 1,543 students in attendance Monday. Officials expect that number to rise in coming days, as the glitch is ironed out.
For the roughly 5,600 students that attended the first day, getting to school went smoothly as well.
Some bus schedule changes have been made to make the system more efficient, Stapleton said. One of the changes is the pickup schedule between the middle and high school.
In past years, the buses would load first at the middle school, then go to the high school and then exit onto Route 501 by the middle school, according to Halifax Director of Transportation Dave Guill.
This year the high school students will load first and then the buses will go to the middle school, load students and exit, he said.
The new pattern is working well, but being the first day it was a little slow, Guill said. He expects it to be more efficient over the next couple of days.
Overall, the first day of school went smoothly from the transportation perspective, Guill said, especially considering all the route changes made.
In the classroom, Stapleton credits this school year’s strong start to momentum carried over from last year’s successes.
“This is the first year that the school system achieved AYP (adequate yearly progress) countywide,” Stapleton said. “The enthusiasm shows.”
Receiving AYP means that all of the county’s schools met their benchmarks for student achievement for the federal No Child Left Behind legislation. And while state accreditation has not yet been announced, the superintendent believes that all the schools will qualify.
Another area for excitement is the seven new academies now up and running, according to Stapleton.
“All seven academies are offering at least one class,” he said.
The academies are offering duel enrollment classes that will allow 9th-12th grade students to take college level courses and accumulate credits.
“By 2007 we’re hoping for substantial numbers of students graduating high school with associate of arts or science degrees,” Stapleton said.
Stapleton also said he plans to visit the academies tomorrow and every school in the county by the end of the week.
“When I can go out and visit schools and not be in my office dealing with problems,” he said, “that says something.”

Vaughan Named Virginia Aviation Person Of Year

Supervisor Ronnie Vaughan has been named Virginia’s Aviation Person of the Year.
Vaughan was presented the award by Randall Burdette, director of the Virginia Department of Aviation, during the 32nd Annual Aviation Conference in Virginia Beach last week.
Vaughan was recognized for “his efforts in support of Virginia’s airport system and especially the promotion, preservation and improvement of the William M. Tuck Airport.”
Vaughan, who serves as chairman of the Airport Commission, describes the airport as “a team effort.”
“I got the award but it is really a team effort with the FFA, the Virginia Aviation Board, the Department of Aviation, the Board of Supervisors, the Airport Commission and Campbell and Pharis Engineering firm,” Vaughan said.
As always, Vaughan’s focus yesterday was on the importance of the airport.
“A viable airport is essential to economic development for the region,” he said, linking Tuck Airport with other vital infrastructure needed for growth.
Next on the Airport Commission’s agenda, the relocation of the taxiway to meet FAA requirements.
“We’ve moved up into a new category and out taxiway is not quite far enough from the runway,” explained Vaughan.
Last winter, a new 6,400-square-foot corporate hangar was completed at the airport, one capable of housing one large jet or multiple smaller planes.
Yesterday, county officials lauded Vaughan for his work at the airport and his recognition as Aviation Person of the Year.
“I’m very excited about it,” said William Fitzgerald, chairman of the Board of Supervisors.
“All of the hard work Ronnie has done for aviation, especially his work in helping develop Tuck Airport to make it what it is today.
“I am very pleased and happy for him to be named Person of the Year for Aviation,” added the chairman. “I look forward to him continuing the great work.”
County Administrator Bryant Foster agreed.
“Ronnie has worked a lot of years to improve the airport and this award is a testament to his years of service in making that reality,” said Foster.
“It was a great honor to be selected,” said Vaughan.

 

Obituaries

Pattie Mae Williams McCraw

Pattie Mae Williams McCraw of 1168 Pineview Lane, Scottsburg died August 20 at her home.
Mrs. McCraw was born in Halifax County the daughter of the late Dennis Williams and Lucindy White Williams and was married to the late James Weldon McCraw. She was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church.
Survivors include one sister, Cora Dixon of Washington, D.C.; 12 grandchildren, including the devoted Margaret Hicks of Scottsburg; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; two devoted nieces, Rosa L. Carrington of Halifax and Nora Surratt of Springsdale, Md.; two sisters-in-law, Clarine Williams of South Boston and Anna Laura McCraw of Washington.
Funeral services for Mrs. McCraw will be August 26 at 2 p.m. at Piney Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Whitfield Scott officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family is receiving friends at the home.

David Aubrey Venable

David Aubrey Venable, 77, of South Boston died August 22, at The Woodview.
Mr. Venable was born in Halifax County on September 13, 1927, the son of the late Essaw Venable and Mary Sue Venable and was married to the late Lillie Mae Topps Venable. He was a member of New Vernon Baptist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Sharon Venable and Tracey Tucker, both of Halifax; three sons, David A. Venable Jr., Quincy Venable and Carl Venable, all of South Boston; two sisters, Catherine Ragsdale of Halifax and Elsie Venable of Philadelphia, Pa.; two brothers, Houston Venable and Frank Venable, both of Halifax; 12 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one son-in-law; and one daughter-in-law.
Funeral services for Mr. Venable will be held tomorrow, August 25, at 2 p.m. at Crawford House Chapel with the Rev. Ford officiating. Burial will follow in New Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery.
Viewing will be at the Crawford House Chapel this evening, August 24, from 4 to 8.
The family will be receiving friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Tucker, 1018 Billy’s Lane, Halifax.

Barbara Garnett Whitlow Wilkins

Barbara Garnett Whitlow Wilkins, 71, of Chase City died August 21. She was the daughter of the late Clarence Hatcher Garnett and Manie Rodgers Garnett, and also preceded in death by one sister and eight brothers.
Mrs. Wilkins was retired owner and operator of Wilkins Drive In, a member of Hermon Presbyterian Church and was the widow of Gurlum ‘Wilk’ Wilkins.
Survivors include a daughter, Jane Whitlow of Chase City; a son and daughter-in-law, Bobby ‘Bobcat’ and Cathy Whitlow of Clover; a brother, Hugh ‘Peter’ Garnett of Richmond; her grandchildren, Bobby Whitlow II, Jennifer Whitlow, and Caitlyn Whitlow of Clover.
Funeral services were held August 23, at 3 p.m. at Hermon Presbyterian Church with Joe Hardy officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be emailed to the family at woodfs@kerrlake.com

 

Hayden In On Rare Back-To-Back AMA Supersport Titles

Tommy Hayden And Brother Roger Lee Hayden Are 1-2 Entering This Weekend’s Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals At VIR

From AMA Pro Racing

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Tommy Hayden comes to Virginia International Raceway this weekend, closing in on a rare feat in AMA road racing.
The oldest of the three racing Hayden brothers could wrap up his second straight Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei title. Winning back-to-back Supersport championships would be a major accomplishment that only two riders – Doug Polen and Miguel Duhamel – have been able to accomplish in the history of the series.
Hayden’s path to the number one ranking in the series has been one of speed and gritty
determination. The Owensboro, Ky., native won three of the first six rounds and when he wasn’t winning he finished runner up. But then he suffered a crash in the Repsol Superstock race at Laguna Seca and broke his right hand. It looked doubtful that he would be able to race that weekend’s Supersport round, but Hayden’s crew fabricated a special throttle grip out of fiberglass and foam, with a palm rest so he wouldn’t have to bend his wrist as much and he was able to manage a sixth-place finish.
The day after Laguna Seca, Hayden had surgery on the hand. He returned to Mid-Ohio last month and despite still riding with a modified throttle and racing glove, Hayden battled for the lead and ultimately finished second to his brother and Kawasaki teammate Roger Lee Hayden.
On the winners’ rostrum after the race Hayden’s hand was shaking from the exertion. It was one of the gutsiest performances of the season and helped preserve his lead in the championship.
“I was fortunate to have a bike that was so good that I could run up front at Mid-Ohio even without being 100 percent,” Hayden said.
“Hopefully at VIR my hand will be healed enough that I can ride to my full potential. I’d still like to win another one of these things before the season is over.”
Even though the top five in the series - the Haydens, Yamaha’s Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki’s Ben Spies and Aaron Gobert, also of Yamaha - all still have a mathematical chance to win the title, realistically it’s down to the two Hayden brothers.
Roger Lee is 36-points behind his older brother in the series. He knows his outlook for the title is not very good, but he would like to close out the season on a roll.
“I had some bad luck early in the year that cost me any real shot at the championship,” Roger Lee said.
“I’m happy I’ve been able to charge all the way back to second behind Tommy in the standings. Kawasaki is one-two, so that shows you what kind of bike they have. Even though it looks like Tommy’s going to win the championship, if I could go out winning the last two rounds I’d still be pretty happy.”
Jason DiSalvo became the fourth rider to win a Supersport race this year with his victory at Laguna Seca. The young Yamaha rider from New York State has nothing to lose from his distant third in the standings. He promises to go all out to win at VIR.
“I won the race last year and it would be nice to win it again,” he said.
Damon Buckmaster is another former winner in the lineup for VIR. The likable Australian never seemed to fully recover from a hard pre-season crash and comes into this year’s race ranked 10th in the points. He’s looking for a ride for next season, so watch for Buckmaster to lay it all on the line this race.
Jamie Hacking, the 2003 AMA Supersport champ from Denver, N.C., is expected to make his return to racing at VIR. Hacking, who rides for Yamaha, has been unable to race since May after a bicycling accident resulted in two dislocated elbows.
It’s contract time and a lot of riders will be looking to impress at VIR. Attack Kawasaki’s Ben Attard is coming on strong of late. The Australian scored his first Supersport podium at Mid-Ohio. Chris Peris and Robert Jensen are two other privateers hoping to move to a factory, or factory support squad next year and could sneak up with a podium finish at VIR.
The AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport Champioship presented by Shoei will be televised nationally on SPEED Channel, Tuesday, August 30 at 12 p.m. Eastern. Fans may also follow the race via live timing and scoring on www.amasuperbike.com.
For additional information on the race call VIR (434) 822-7700 or visit www.virclub.com.

Anderson Declared Winner Of Limited Sportsman Race

Bruce Anderson Nets First Win In Wake Of Disqualification Of Jonathan Bailey And Justin Snow

By Joe Chandler And Doug Ford
G-V Staff Writer

South Boston’s Bruce Anderson has netted his first win of the season in the NASCAR Limited Sportsman division at South Boston Speedway.
NASCAR and South Boston Speedway officials have declared Anderson as the winner of last Saturday night’s 50-lap NASCAR Limited Sportsman division race in the wake of the disqualification of apparent race winner Jonathan Bailey of Keysville and the apparent runner-up, Justin Snow of Danville.
Bailey was disqualified because his car did meet the required tread width requirements. Snow was disqualified because the carburetor on his engine did not meet required specifications.
As a result, Anderson was awarded the win, making him the only driver other than Snow and Bailey to earn a win, a pole, and lead a lap in the Limited Sportsman division this season.
The South Boston driver said he doesn’t feel that Bailey and Snow are cheating to gain an edge on the competition. Those two teams, he noted, have the edge in terms of experience, equipment and financial backing.
“I know how hard I work and how hard all of the points leaders work to get there,” Anderson said.
“I hope my time is coming to run up front and I hope the fans don’t feel I’m cheating to get there. We have three races left (two points races and a 200-lap race at the end of the season) and I hope to come across the finish line first in one of them.”
The win is a high-water mark for Anderson who has turned the tables on a season filled with mishaps, engine problems and frustration.
Anderson has finished in the top three in each of the last four races with a win and second-place finish among them. He stands fifth in the division points standings with two points races remaining and is 46 points behind the fourth-place driver, Charles Barnes of Chase City.
“I kind of felt like we were due (for a win),” Anderson pointed out.
“Considering the edge Bailey and Snow have in equipment and experience, just to run up front with them the last half of the season makes me feel like I’m winning races.
“It’s not that me and my team have worked any less harder than they have,” continued Anderson, “ because we have worked hard. If the season had started better for us, who knows, we could have been in the chase for the points title.”
With Anderson moving to the top spot, Barnes will be credited with a second-place finish with Roxboro, N.C. driver Brian Cole, Timmy Langford and Brian Pembleton rounding out the top five finishers in the revised finishing order.
Snow will continue to hold a 12-point lead over Bailey in the chase for the division points title as the season winds down to its last two races.
The final two points races for the Limited Sportsman division will come on September 3 and September 17.

SBS Officials To Announce Penalties Later This Week

By Joe Chandler
G-V Staff Writer

South Boston Speedway General Manager Cathy Rice said yesterday it will be later this week before track and NASCAR officials can announce the penalties that will be levied in the wake of the on-track fight that prematurely ended last Saturday night’s 30-lap Grand Sportsman division race.
Rice did indicate, however, that some suspensions are in the works.
“Everything has not yet been finalized,” Rice said.
“When everything has been determined, we will announce the penalties. We hope to be able to do that later this week.”
The fracas erupted between drivers Brad Matthews of Oxford, N.C. and Jack Milam of Keeling following a last-lap incident in which the two cars made contact and Matthews’ car ended up spinning and crashing into the first turn wall.
Matthews retaliated by driving the reverse way around the track and ramming his car into Milam’s car on the frontstretch. Milam followed by crashing his car into the driver’s side door of Matthews’ car.
A fight broke out on the frontstretch between the two drivers , their crews and supporters and it took several minutes for NASCAR officials and track security personnel to separate the feuding individuals.
NASCAR officials ended the race at that point and track officials did not allow fans to enter the pit area after the race.
“We apologize to the fans who were with us for last Saturday’s race,” Rice said.
“We want our fans to know that we do not tolerate that kind of behavior at South Boston Speedway and that the individuals involved will be penalized.
“This is a family-oriented racetrack,” Rice continued.
“ We try our best to provide a family-type atmosphere, an atmosphere where fans can feel comfortable bringing their children and an atmosphere in which everybody can enjoy the excitement of NASCAR racing.”
Rice also apologized to fans for track and NASCAR officials having to close the pit area to fans after the racing ended for the night.
“One of the great things about our sport is that our fans have opportunities to visit the drivers, get autographs and see the cars,” she said.
“ However, under the circumstances we were faced with, we felt that due to safety concerns, it was in everyone’s best interest that we close the pits.”