Charlie Payne, owner of South Boston's sole auction center,
the New Brick Planter's Warehouse, said yesterday that Standard
Commercial's pullout from Person County illustrates the foibles
of contract leaf sales.
Contract growers who sold their leaf to Standard Commercial Corp.
were stunned by a Christmas Eve letter announcing the company
would no longer be buying their tobacco, according to the Roxboro
Courier-Times.
Standard Commercial Corp. is a company that purchases leaf for
re-sale on an international level to cigarette manufacturers.
Payne sees the move as proof of the validity of the auction system.
"I think (the pullout) is a great plus for the auction system,
and I think we'll see more of the closings," Payne said.
While he suggested that contract purchasing could be a plus for
the larger manufacturers, Payne said that he feels smaller companies
were beginning to feel the pinch of a bad growing year.
"The manufacturers are the only ones that can handle all
types of tobacco," he said.
"Contracting has been saturated with certain types of tobacco
and that's why we're seeing the pullout," he maintained.
The warehouse owner said he feels that Standard's pullout will
be beneficial to his warehouse.
"Not only my warehouse, but the entire auction system,"
he said. "I don't think that any (contract) companies have
any intentions of taking on any more tobacco.
"Last year's crop wasn't good, and (Standard) had to buy
it and hold it until they think they can sell it, that's my opinion,"
he added.
Payne said he feels the Standard pullout of Person County was
only the beginning, and he thinks the industry will be seeing
more of the closings in the future.
"In the auction system, you get to pick and choose the tobacco
you want, it's always been the best way."
Currently, there are two options for Person County growers, and
neither look promising at present, Person County Extension Director
Derek Day told The Courier-Times.
Day said growers could look for another contract company, or return
to the traditional auction, which he feels is cost-prohibitive.
The last tobacco auction in Person County was held in 2002, and
since that time all tobacco produced in the county has been sold
under contract.
Standard Commercial purchases, processes, stores, sales and ships
tobacco grown in 30 countries from 20 processing facilities located
throughout the world.
It sells the leaf to cigarette manufacturers in approximately
85 countries, according to the Courier-Times. It does not manufacture
cigarettes.
(AP)--Even with the outcome unknown, the threat of war and
demand for disarmament directed at Iraq's Saddam Hussein riveted
the world's attention in 2002.
The ultimatums from the U.S. government and the U.N. Security
Council were voted the top story of year in The Associated Press'
annual survey of its American members. The story also was voted
No. 1 in a separate survey of AP subscribers outside the United
States.
The showdown with Iraq received first-place votes from 132 of
the 262 AP newspaper and broadcast members who voted in this year's
survey.
In second place, with 83 first-place votes, was the deadly series
of sniper shootings that terrorized the Washington, D.C., area.
The sex abuse scandal that roiled the Roman Catholic Church was
No. 3.
Last year, the Sept. 11 terror attacks were the unanimous choice
of AP members as the top story. The first anniversary of those
attacks was voted the No. 10 story in this year's poll.
Here are the top 10 stories of 2002, as ranked by AP members:
1: ULTIMATUMS TO IRAQ: In January, President Bush denounced Iraq
as part of an "axis of evil," and pressure on Saddam
mounted steadily thereafter. U.S. forces expanded their presence
around Iraq; Congress authorized the use of force, if necessary,
to rid Iraq of weapons of mass destruction; and the Security Council
demanded that Saddam comply fully with arms inspections or face
dire consequences.
2: SNIPER KILLINGS: Residents of the nation's capital and its
Maryland and Virginia suburbs were terrorized for three weeks
in October by sniper attacks that struck victims randomly at malls,
gas stations, even a schoolyard. After an exhaustive manhunt,
two suspects were arrested and accused of killing 13 people.
3: CATHOLIC SEX ABUSE SCANDAL: The scandal surfaced early in the
year in Boston, with revelations that Roman Catholic leaders had
sheltered priests who were known to have abused children. By year's
end, Cardinal Bernard Law had resigned as Boston's archbishop,
and at least 325 priests nationwide either quit or were dismissed
from their duties because of the scandal.
4: CORPORATE SCANDALS: Numerous companies were battered by financial
scandals during the year, including WorldCom, Tyco, ImClone and
Adelphia. Martha Stewart, homemaker-in-chief for many Americans,
became entangled in the ImClone insider-trading case.
5: U.S. ECONOMY: Markets seesawed wildly, the jobless rate climbed
to its highest level since 1994, and state governments across
the country confronted huge deficits that prompted talk of cutbacks
and tax hikes.
6: U.S. ELECTION: Defying predictions, Republicans rode Bush's
popularity to a strong election performance, recapturing the Senate
and gaining seats in the House
7: WAR ON TERROR: With arrests in several U.S. cities and military
strikes abroad, America and its allies pursued a vast, often frustrating
campaign against global terrorism.
8: MIDEAST CONFLICT: Palestinian militants escalated their campaign
of suicide bombings of Israeli targets, with often devastating
results, while Israel responded with tough crackdowns on Palestinian
areas. Prospects for peace seemed remote.
9: MINE RESCUE: After a 77-hour ordeal that transfixed the nation,
nine Pennsylvania coal miners were rescued from an underground
shaft.
10: SEPT. 11 ANNIVERSARY: With bell-ringings, recitations of names,
and moments of silence, America commemorated the first anniversary
of Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
In the poll of AP's international subscribers, the Middle East
conflict placed second, followed by the deadly hostage-taking
at a Moscow theater and the terrorist bombing of a nightclub in
Bali. The U.S. corporate scandals placed fifth and the expansion
of the European Union sixth.
Gov. Mark Warner is asking all farm households to fill out
the Census of Agriculture, stressing the importance of the census
in determining Virginia agricultural policy.
Warner underscored his message by declaring January Census of
Agriculture Month in Virginia.
Former Halifax County extension agent Larry McPeters echoed the
sentiment earlier, warning all agricultural producers that it's
imperative that the government receives an accurate picture of
Halifax County agriculture.
The results of the census are used to determine the level of federal
assistance Southside farmers receive, he observed.
In addition, businesses, farm organizations, government officials
and schools will use information obtained from the census to develop
production and market strategies, evaluate policies and programs
as well as to prepare for the future.
Because information gleaned from the census is used to make these
decisions, the information in the census must accurately reflect
Virginia Agriculture, state statistician Steve Manheimer said
yesterday in a statement from the Virginia Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services.
"It's critical that the farmers fill out that form,"
McPeters stressed.
"What is happening here is the government is trying to get
an accurate picture of agriculture in Halifax County," he
added.
"If they don't fill out the census, they'll be cutting their
own throat."
The United States Agriculture Census is conducted every five years,
and the deadline for completion of the form is February 3.
"The unfortunate thing is that most farmers don't complete
their income tax forms until March and the census asks for detailed
information," McPeters said.
He added that farmers shouldn't let this deter them.
"They should estimate as best as they can," he said.
McPeters said yesterday that the importance of filling out the
form can't be stressed enough.
"Congress looks at this census in determining how to appropriate
money through the farm bill," he said.
"Without conservation assistance, disaster programs and loan
programs, the farmers would be in trouble," McPeters pointed
out.
He said that farmers didn't have to be full-time producers to
fill out the form.
"Any farmer who receives $1,000 or more in agricultural revenue
per year needs to participate," he suggested.
Questions on the census inquire about ownership and land use,
crop acreage and harvests, the value of products sold, livestock
and poultry inventories, the number of hired farm workers and
payments for participation in farm programs.
Information provided by the farmers is guaranteed confidential
by federal law, Manheimer said.
Farmers who didn't receive a census form can call 1-800-727-9450
or can pick a form up at the Halifax County Extension Office.
For more information on the agriculture census, visit the website
at www.nass.usda.gov/census.
Lena Good was only 15 years old when the
unsigned birthday card first arrived at the family farm off Wolf
Trap Road.
That was in December of 1943.
The birthday greeting has been making the trip between Halifax
and Stuarts Draft ever since, still unsigned.
But the card's first author was never in doubt.
"I recognized her handwriting right away," recalled
Miss Good with a chuckle.
"It was from my sister Ina Stalter.
"It has never been signed, we just send the card back and
forth on birthdays. We know who it's from."
In August of 2002, when the greeting made its way back to Stuarts
Draft, Mrs. Stalter was celebrating her 90th birthday.
First, the unsigned greeting arrived, followed by a nice, new
card, explained Miss Good.
The sisters also write to each other once a week. "Not a
lot, but a short note," added Miss Good.
In 1943, Miss Good said that she sent the birthday greeting back
"because it was a comical card, and I knew that she had sent
it."
Although the card's sliding "Happy Birthday" greeting
has been "reinforced" to assure message delivery, Miss
Good said Monday that she thinks the card is good for another
50 years.
It was a very good year for sports in Halifax County, a year
of firsts for both a local stock car driver and a determined softball
team.
South Boston's own Ward Burton won the Daytona 500 in February,
becoming the first Virginia-born driver to win NASCAR's premier
race.
Burton inherited the lead late in the race and held off Emporia's
Elliott Sadler in a three-lap dash to the finish line.
Burton was honored for his accomplishment with everything from
road side banners and signs throughout Halifax County to a celebration
held in his honor in April at his hometown track.
Belles Win World Series
Halifax County continued its rich Dixie softball and baseball
traditions in 2002, sending a total of five teams to World Series
play, with the Halifax National Dixie Belles grabbing the ultimate
prize.
The number of teams tied the record set in 2001 for the number
of local teams advancing to World Series play in one season.
Three Dixie softball teams, the Halifax American Angels, the Halifax
National Belles, and the Halifax County Dixie Debs All-Star teams
went to Alabama seeking a World Series Crown.
The South Boston Dixie Majors and Pre-Majors traveled to Louisiana
and Alabama for World Series play.
Led by manager Gary Rogers and coaches Allen Lawter and Jerry
Pool, the Belles used a combination of pitching, solid defense
and clutch hitting to sweep through the World Series with a 5-0
record, winning the title with a 6-3 decision over Texas.
Halifax County native Carl Boelte, former Dixie Baseball World
Series participant and current National Dixie Belles director,
presented the trophy named for him to the team during a Dixie
Celebration held upon their return.
Comet Football Goes to Regionals
The Halifax County High School varsity team finished with a 6-5
record, securing its first post-season playoff berth since the
state championship year of 1991.
Senior halfback Alonzo Coleman set new single-season, single-game
and career rushing records for the Comets, after racking up more
than 1,500 yards.
Coleman was named co-offensive MVP of the Western Valley District,
and was one of 17 Comets named to the All-Western Valley District
Football Team.
Comets' tight end B.J. Pearce, also selected first-team All-Western
Valley District, added to his post-season accolades by being named
to the second-team All-State AAA Football squad.
Semi-Pro Football Comes to Halifax County
Halifax County's first semi-pro football team, the Southside Gators
went 2-8 in its inaugural season.
Jeff Davis, Wayne Sutphin and Derek Fountain organized the team,
while Johnnie Williams, former assistant football coach at Halifax
County High School, was named the Gator's first head coach.
Playing in the Southwest Division of the Mason-Dixon Football
League, the team had two of its players, Dawan Bacon and Kevin
Jones, receive an opportunity to play college football as a result
of their exposure with the Gators.
Redistricting Issues
Halifax County's pleas for placement in a "neighborhood district"
fell upon deaf ears, as the Virginia High School League Redistricting
and Reclassification Committee voted to retain the current three-group
classification structure.
In voting to recommend continuation of the current three-group
structure, the R&R Committee rejected a two-group classification
structure which could pave the way of creation of "neighborhood
districts" for regular season play.
As a result, Halifax County High School will continue to be in
the Group AAA Western Valley District with GW of Danville, E.C.
Glass of Lynchburg, Franklin County in Rocky Mount and Patrick
Henry of Roanoke for the next two-year cycle.
That cycle will commence at the start of the 2003-2004 school
year.
Tennis and Track Upgrades
In a long-hoped for move, the Halifax County School Board gave
school officials the green light to construct a new tennis courts
complex and a track on the high school campus.
That project will also include a rearranging of the middle school
girls softball field on the lower field at Halifax County Middle
School.
School officials expect the project, estimated to cost between
$800,000 and $840,000 to be completed by the beginning of the
2003-2004 school year.
The Halifax County High School Football Booster Club completed
an ambitious project of its own, overseeing the installation of
an underground irrigation system for the field at Tuck Dillard
Stadium.
But, the stadium itself remains in need of upgrades, including
seating capacity, and is unable to host a regional playoff game
for that reason alone.
Halifax County-South Boston Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
Three long-time sports standouts were inducted into the Halifax
County-South Boston Sports Hall of Fame in April.
Baseball standout Will Hill, three-sport player and former Mary
M. Bethune football coach H.A. Dillard and former HCHS basketball
player and coach Bill Morningstar became the latest additions
to the Hall.
Top Athletes Honored
Track and field standout Ashley Epperson and three-sport standout
Tripp Hunt were named as top senior athletes at Halifax County
High School.
Epperson, named the winner of the Tuesday Woman Club's Outstanding
Female Athlete Award, was a four-year member of the track team.
She holds the school record for the long jump at 18 feet, eight
and one-half inches.
Epperson placed in the state meet in both 2001 and 2002, placing
fourth in the long jump in the 2002 meet.
Hunt, named the winner of the T.C. Watkins III Outstanding Male
Athlete Award, was a member of the Comets swim team for four years,
and was a member of the tennis team and cross country teams for
three years.
He was MVP Award recipient for the tennis team, and won Coach's
Awards in tennis, swimming and cross country.
Deiny Wins 2002 Track Championship
Mechanicsville native Frank Deiny Jr. had a banner year at Big
Daddy's South Boston Speedway, winning the track championship
in the Late Model Stock Car Division after a season-long battle
with 2001 champion Brandon Butler.
Deiny trailed Butler in race wins by a 7-6 margin, but used consistency
and the points system to his advantage to edge Butler and several
other former track champions in one of the more competitive seasons
in memory.
Two late-season rainouts also doomed any hopes Butler had of catching
Deiny for the points championship.
Two of the county's native sons earned track promotions during
2002, including Robert "Bootie" Barker, a Halifax native
who was named crew chief for Jasper Motorsports Winston Cup Series
Team and driver Dave Blaney.
Cluster Springs resident Chris Rice was named crew chief for NASCAR
Busch Series Grand National Division driver Scott Wimmer and Bill
Davis Racing.
VIR Continues Expansion
Virginia International Raceway continued expansion of both its
facilities and its schedule of events in 2001.
Foremost among the facility additions was the VIR Euro Rally,
which incorporates a rally school with four stages and a paved
5/8 mile track with 30 feet of elevation.
The new program is designed to instruct rallying, karting, SUV
and ATV driving as well as an advanced safari course.
Construction of VIR Club member garages and the first of VIR's
villas was also undertaken last year.
VIR's event calendar was crammed from April to October, with races
such as two Sports Car Club of America events, a Trans-Am Series
race, and the Lightning Nationals, a double-header superbike event
featuring the world's top racers.
Greens Folly Sweeps County Cup
Greens Folly Golf Club won the County Cup Golf Championship for
the sixth consecutive time in the history of the 12-year-old tournament,
defeating Halifax Country Club.
Greens Folly also won the Seniors County Cup Championship to give
it a clean sweep of both events.
It was a very good year for two local golfers, Jimmy Clay and
James Lewis.
Clay won the Greens Folly Golf Club Championship in 2002, while
Lewis captured the Halifax Country Club championship for the third
time in his career.
The Halifax County Middle School Golf Team made some news of its
own in 2002, winning the Southside Middle School Conference Golf
Championship after finishing second in the regular season.
All this in the team's first season of competition, with Greens
Folly Golf Club Pro Jim Arnold as coach.
Other Sports Notables
Halifax County resident Tommy Holland broke four world weight
lifting records in October on his way to winning the AAU World
Weight Lifting Championships.
Holland won the AAU World Championship in the Masters Division
for the 40-44 age group, the Open Division in the 198-pound weight
category and the Overall Best Lifter Award in the 198-pound weight
class.=
Beatrice Buster Bailey, 87, of 4068 Ball Park Loop, Halifax, died
December 28 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Bailey was born in Halifax County on April 14, 1915, the
daughter of Squire Buster and Martha Sparrow Buster and was married
to the late James Bailey. She was a member of Five Fork Baptist
Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Bertha Watson of Halifax and
Bessie Bailey of the home; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren;
one brother-in-law, Annias Bailey of South Boston; two sisters-in-law,
Katherine Bailey and Ada Bailey, both of Clays Mill.
Funeral services for Mrs. Bailey will be held tomorrow, January
2 at 2 p.m. at Five Fork Baptist Church with the Rev. Moses Dixon
officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family is receiving friends at the home.
Robert Joseph 'Bob' Burnette, 64, of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, former
resident of South Boston, died December 28 at his home.
Mr. Burnette was born in South Boston on March 28, 1938, the son
of Virginia Talley and Joseph Harrison Burnette of Buffalo Junction.
Survivors include his wife, Cherry R. Burnette; two daughters
and sons-in-law, Ginger and Rusty Tindall of Clemmons, NC, and
Brooke and Joe Gasperini of South Boston; his grandchildren, Russell,
Ginna and Cherry Tindall, and Suzanne, Joey, Peter and Willoughby
Gasperini; his brothers, Alex of Roxboro, NC, and Mac of North
Myrtle Beach, SC. He was preceded in death by one sister, Betty
Jo Burnette.
Funeral services for Mr. Burnette will be held January 2 at St.
James the Fisherman Episcopal Church in Shallotte, NC at noon.
Memorials may be sent to St. James at PO Box 68, Shallotte, 28459.
Mary Irene Davis Goode, 76, of Sutherlin, died December 30 at
Rex Healthcare Center in Raleigh, NC.
Mrs. Goode was born in Halifax County on September 9, 1926, the
daughter of John Willie Davis Sr. and Mary Scott Davis and was
married to Ruben H. Goode Jr. She was a member of White Oak Grove
Baptist Church and was a retired Halifax County school teacher.
Survivors include two daughters, Velma Williams and Iris Best,
both of Raleigh; one son, Gerald Goode of Raleigh; nine grandchildren;
one sister, Lillie Sallen of Sutherlin; and one brother, John
Willie Davis Jr. of Stanford, CT.
Services for Mrs. Goode will be held January 3 at 1 p.m. at White
Oak Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Melvin Fuller officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family is receiving friends at the Chapel of Jeffress Funeral
Home Thursday evening from 7 until 8.
Margaret Wood Lawson, 88, of 611 Greenway Drive, South Boston,
died December 30 at Seasons of the Woodview.
Mrs. Lawson was born in South Boston on January 30, 1914, the
daughter of George W. Wood and Elizabeth C. Wood, and was married
to David C. Lawson Sr. She was a member of Main Street United
Methodist Church.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, David C. Lawson
Jr. and wife, Patricia W. Lawson, of Halifax; and one grandson,
David C. 'Trey' Lawson III, of Halifax.
Services for Mrs. Lawson will be held today, January 1 at 2 p.m.
at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Russell Lee and
Rev. Doug Martin officiating. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge
Cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Patrick
Henry Boys Home, PO Box Drawer 1398, Cluster Springs, 24535.
A memorial service for Edward Jean Spineto Jr. who died December
28, will be January 2 at the home, 606 Linden Place, south Boston,
at 7 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to www.minpinrescue.org.