A public forum on the 1988-99 school budget and a report and possible action on the implementation of block scheduling at Halifax County High School will highlight tonight's county school board meeting.
Tonight's school board meeting will have a special 7 p.m. starting time. The meeting will be held in the second floor public meeting room of the Mary M. Bethune Office Complex in Halifax and is open to the public.
Halifax County School Superintendent Dennis Witt said that the public forum on the next year's county school budget is designed to give parents and other interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning funding of various school system programs.
"This gives anyone who wishes to come an opportunity to support a particular initiative or certain program," Witt said.
"Also, if there are certain areas or programs that they feel that the school board should consider, it will be appropriate to comment on that as well," added Witt.
Tonight's public forum is the first time in recent memory that school system officials have provided the public an opportunity to comment on the budget and consider public comment on school programs prior to the finalizing a budget package proposal.
The school board has always held a public hearing on the school budget but that has come after a proposed budget package has been compiled.
Witt says that tonight's public forum shows that the school board is interested in hearing the concerns of the community.
"It shows good faith on the part of the board to take input from our citizens," Witt remarked.
The other major item on tonight's school board agenda concerns the proposal to move to block scheduling at Halifax County High School.
While school trustees have not officially voted to make the move, at the November school board meeting they gave Halifax County High School principal Larry Clark the nod to begin the process of student registration and making initial preparations to implement a proposed 4x4 Block Schedule format for the 1998-99 school year.
High school officials have since conducted student class registration for the coming school year based on a block schedule format. And, acting on the instructions given by school trustees in November, Clark and school officials will present a detailed report on the student class registration, projected staffing implications, the impact on school facilities, a projected school day schedule, and other related matters at tonight's meeting.
Also tonight, the school board will hear from Witt on the Governor's budget for public education and will hear reports on Scottsburg Elementary School's Literacy Passport Test Writing program, and consider routine matters such as attendance and financial reports.
Building activity in 1996 that was valued at $41 million was a hard act to follow for Halifax County and while falling short overall, 1997 managed to post some rather significant categorical gains.
The real downers were industrial and new conventional home construction which fell 69.7% and 20.9% respectively. But figures fail to tell the true story of industrial construction in Halifax County since 1996 was boosted by Dollar General's distribution center which alone, had building permits exceeding $15 million.
Take away Dollar General and 1996 would have looked more like $3.7 million and when compared to the $5,486,000 in 1997, a more positive spin appears.
Industrial building permits totaled 19 for a value of $5.4 million in 1997, 7 more than were issued in 1996 which value totaled $18,104,500.
Commercial construction in the county for 1997 was valued at $3.7 million, up almost 75 percent from the previous year.
Showing no signs of slowing down are manufactured homes. During 1997, 407 permits having a value of $11.2 million were issued for single and doublewide housing reflecting a 28.7 percent annual increase.
"They're taking over the world!" County Building Inspector Roy Bradley said this week while discussing the number of manufactured homes that are being set up all over Halifax County. While affordable up front, Bradley said he was concerned that most manufactured homes tended to depreciate over time and thus, have a negative impact on the county's tax base in the future.
On a more positive note however, Bradley said most of the manufactured housing being sold in Halifax County comes from the four dealerships located here. Some homes are brought into Halifax County from as far away as Christiansburg making it often difficult to communicate with the dealer especially when problems arise.
Up in quantity but down in value from last year were permits for remodeling and repair. A total of 486 permits calling for $3.5 million in work were issued.
Town of South Boston
South Boston construction activity during 1997 closely paralleled that of 1996 but the cost of getting the job done may be an indication of the rising cost of building. A total of 259 permits were issued for all types of work including residential, commercial and alterations. A year ago 276 permits were issued.
The value for all permits in 1997 was $5,220,335 compared to $4,623,463 in 1996. Since 1990, permit values have only exceeded $5 million on two occasions when in 1991 the figure soared to $10.5 million and again in 1994 when it reached $5.2 million.
A total of 13 new housing starts in 1997 compares to 14 the year before. New commercial project starts in 1997 numbered four for a total value of $1.8 million compared to three in 1996 for a total cost of $1.6 million.
New construction however wanes in comparison to alterations and improvements to existing structures. In 1997, permits in these categories totaled $2.4 million compared to $2 million in the previous year.
Having the largest impact on new construction in South Boston last year was multiple housing unit called "The Hamlett at Greenstone"-$1,362,095, the "Brandon Group Home"-$156,820 and an addition to the rescue squad facility-$225,000.
Major additions to existing facilities included Powell Funeral Home-$222,549, Jeffress Funeral Home-$69,500 and the Star Warehouse-$45,000.
The areas of responsibility of the South Boston building inspector's office took a quantum leap this month when the courts approved the annexation of areas including much of Centerville and Riverdale where commercial expansion is soaring. Under construction now is an almost doubling of WalMart, a project that is valued at $1.3 million and one which inspection responsibilities will now be shared by Halifax County and South Boston building inspection officials.
Mark Estes is South Boston's new building inspector having replaced retiring Ned Ingram just this year. Estes told The Gazette that new commercial inquiries already in 1998 indicates to him that the new year will be one of significant growth for South Boston.
Much of that promised new growth will likely come in the form of new restaurants and among those seeking information recently are Ryan's, Shoney's and Sonic Drive-In. Ryan's and Sonic are expected to share a parcel on Old Halifax Road south of its intersection of US 501 while Shoney's has obtained data on a site near the new Holiday Inn Express on US 58 and 360 in Riverdale.
Town of Halifax
Preliminary figures released by the Town of Halifax indicate 22 permits having a total estimated value of $180,000 were issued during 1997 altogether for improvements, additions and alterations to existing commercial and residential structures.
Start-up construction in 1998 will include a new 110-bed jail that will cost an estimated $10 million and officially begin today following a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. on the site directly behind the courthouse complex.
Words passed and gunshots rang out during a traffic incident Friday night at the intersection of Jeffress Boulevard and Cole Street, according to South Boston Police Lt. H.B. Rice.
A 1992 Honda driven by Shawn D. Faulkner, 19, of South Boston was listed as a total loss after it was backed unto by an unknown red sports utility vehicle, Lt. Rice said.
An occupant of the unknown vehicle fired shots after words were exchanged between people from each vehicle. It then backed onto the front section of the Honda, according to the investigation.
The unknown vehicle and its occupant or occupants left the scene, while Faulkner and occupants of his vehicle fled on foot, Lt. Rice said.
The 11:15 p.m. incident is still under investigation by SBPD Officer D.W. Barker.
A two-vehicle wreck Thursday morning injured a Nathalie man, according to the Virginia State police.
William Elder, 80, was injured when his 1982 Ford pickup truck was struck by a 1981 Chevrolet driven by Cindy Hubbard, 28, of Brookneal, police said.
Hubbard ran off the right side of Rt. 636, lost control, then ran back onto the roadway and collided with Elder's truck, according to the investigation.
Damages to Hubbard's vehicle were estimated at $500 and damages to Elder's vehicle were estimated at $1,500, according to the investigation.
Hubbard was charged with reckless driving. The 8:30 a.m. incident was investigated by Virginia State Trooper D.J. Cline.
In other wrecks investigated by the state police:
· A two-vehicle collision occurred Thursday evening at the intersection of U.S. 58 and Rt. 730, but no injuries were reported, police said.
Scott Anthony Matthews, 17, of Virgilina was driving a 1994 Chevrolet when he pulled into the path of a 1987 Honda driven by Max Edwin Shepherd, 59, of South Boston, according to the investigation.
The 5:45 p.m. incident occurred at the intersection of U.S. 58 and Rt. 730, police said.
Damages to the Honda were estimated at $2,000 and damages to the Chevrolet truck were estimated at $1,000, according to the investigation.
Charges are pending and the wreck was investigated by Virginia State Trooper C.M. Fleming.
· Kevin P. Bradley, 45, of South Boston was driving a 1993 Chevrolet on Rt. 96 Friday morning when his vehicle collided with a tree that had fallen across the roadway, police said.
Bradley was not injured, but the Chevrolet sustained an estimated $1,500 in damages. No charges were filed. The 6:45 a.m. incident was investigated by Trooper Cline.
An investigation is continuing into a Saturday night argument that involved the firing of a .12-gauge shotgun, according to the Halifax County Sheriff's Department.
Todd Curtis Clark, 24, of Nathalie was charged with felony counts of attempted malicious wounding and use of a firearm while in the commission of a felony, police said.
Clark allegedly shot at Earl Davis, but Davis was not struck during the altercation, police said. The incident is connected to another investigation which is currently being conducted by Investigator C.A. Bates.
Clark is currently being held in the Halifax County Jail pending his preliminary hearing in the Halifax County General District Court. He was arrested by Cpl. S.T. Moser.
In other cases:
· Joey Betterton, 20, of Cody was charged Friday with a felony count of breaking and entering Robert's Quick Shop of Cody, police said.
His arrest stems from an incident that occurred on May 24, 1997, according to the investigation.
Betterton was released on bond pending his preliminary hearing in the Halifax County General District Court. He was arrested by Cpl. Moser.
John Lee Whitt Jr., 39, of Alton was charged Saturday with a Class I misdemeanor count of assault by threats to do bodily harm to a law enforcement officer. Whitt was also charged with a misdemeanor count of obstruction of justice, police said.
He allegedly threatened Deputy T.K. Redd during an incident which occurred Saturday, according to the investigation.
Whitt is currently being held without bail in the Halifax County Jail pending his trial in the Halifax County General District Court on January 30. He was arrested by Deputy Redd.
· Clinton Wallace Miller, 38, of South Boston was charged Thursday with a felony count of aiding and abetting of statutory burglary, police said.
Miller was allegedly involved in a November 1, 1997 burglary case with Decarlos Windfall Miller of the Danville apartment of Gwendalyne Canada, according to the investigation.
He was released on bond pending preliminary hearing in the City of Danville. Miller was arrested by Cpl. Moser.
· Thomas James Carden, 48, of Scottsburg was charged Wednesday with three misdemeanor counts which stem from a hunting incident on December 29, police said.
Carden was charged with destruction of property, operating an All Terrain Vehicle while hunting, and trespassing. The case involves land owned by David Medley.
The destruction of property charge pertains to damage done to trees, shrubs, and grass owned by Medley, according to the investigation.
He was released on bond pending his trial in the Halifax County General District Court on January 21. Carden was arrested by Deputy David Gibson.
Ronald Lee Harris of 2000 Ridge Street, South Boston died Wednesday, January 7, 1998 in Petersburg at the age of 38.
Mr. Harris was born in Halifax County on June 7, 1959 the son of Felix Scott and Isabella Harris.
Survivors include his mother of South Boston; three sisters, Dora, Gyvonia and Golden, all of South Boston; nine brothers, Donald, Amos, Tyrone, Lawrence, Arthur, Cornell, Felix, Chris and Terry Lee, all of South Boston; one sister-in-law, Barbara Harris; one devoted friend, Antoinette Faulkner; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Harris will be held Tuesday, January 13 at 11 a.m. at Jeffress Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Sandy Palmer officiating.
The family will receive friends at the home.
Lowell Hopkins Fallen, Sr. of 10032 J. D. Hagood Highway, Clover, died December 12, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was born in Halifax County, on March 21, 1929 and was 68 years old.
He was the son of George Thomas Fallen and Annie Mae Newbill. He was a member of the American Legion Post #8, of South Boston and served in the Army 196 Infantry 200 Engr. CCO 147FA.
Mr. Fallen is survived by two daughters, Barbara Fallen Mabe, of Alton; Patricia Fallen Cullop, of Cluster Springs; three sons, James Edward Fallen, of Clover; Lowell H. Fallen Sr., of Crystal Hill; Phillip Ray Fallen Jr., of Cluster Springs; one sister, Ilva F. Lee, of Clover; fifteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and also the mother of his children, Lorene East.
Funeral services for Mr. Fallen were held Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 p.m. with services at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Lee Roy Davis conducting the service. Burial took place in Hunting Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Pearl Owen Compton of 1629 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, died Sunday, December 14, 1997 at The Woodview. She was born in Halifax County, on July 1, 1919 was 78 years old.
She was the daughter of Mr. Joseph Henry Owen and Mrs. Emma Jane Compton Owen and was married to Alexander (Alex) W. Compton, Sr. She was a member of the Main Street United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Compton is survived by one son, Alex W. Compton, Jr. of Chester; one daughter, Peggy Anne Ratliff, of South Boston; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Graveside services for Mrs. Compton will be held Tuesday, December 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Clyde DeLoach conducting the service.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home Monday from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. and other times at her daughter, Peggy Ratliff's home, 1025 Hunter's Lane.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Patrick Henry Boys Home at Cluster Springs.
Mrs. Marguerite Johnson Brame of Lee-Syd-Moore Road, Scottsburg, died December 13 at The Woodview Nursing Home at the age of 83.
Mrs. Brame was born in Halifax County on august 24, 1994 and was the daughter of he late Clem Johnson and Mrs. Addie Howerton Johnson. She was married to the late John Brame and was a member of the St. James Baptist Church.
Mrs. Brame is survived by six daughters: Mrs. Mary France, of New York; Mrs. Kiziah Carden and Ms. Clementine Brame, both of New Jersey; Mrs. Yvonne Crawley, of Hopewell; Mrs. Gracie Meadows, of South Boston; and Ms. Viola Brame, of Scottsburg; two sons: John T. Brame of Leesburg; and Bernard C. Brame, or Richmond; two foster children: Herman Sydnor, of Scottsburg; and Mrs. Virginia Staten, of Clover; one brother: Thomas Johnson, of New York; 28 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Brame will be held Wednesday, December 17 at 1:00 P. M. with services at the St. James Baptist Church with the rev. Byrd B. Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of Ms. Viola Brame, 221 Sydnor Trail, Scottsburg and at the home of Mrs. Gracie Meadows, 1030 Comer Lane, South Boston.
Mary Edmonds Simpson died Sunday, January 11, 1998 in a Philadelphia Nursing Home in Philadelphia, PA. at the age of 80 years old.
Mrs. Simpson is survived by her son, Alvin L. Jones, and his wife, Signora, of Halifax; two grandsons and two great grandchildren
Funeral services for Mrs. Simpson will be held Thursday, January 15 at 11:00 a.m. at the New Birth Progressive Primitive Baptist Church, 2118 W. Clearfield Street, Philadelphia, PA. Interment will be in Pennsylvania.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Kimble Funeral Home, 5300 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA.