Those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country were honored in a solemn Veterans Day service in Halifax yesterday by their former comrades, dignitaries and local residents.
Plans for a permanent war monument "to memorialize those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom and those principles we all enjoy and hold dear" was authorized by Circuit Court Judge Charles L. McCormick III on behalf of the court.
Halifax County War Memorial Commission chairman Brodnax Robertson called plans for the monument "long overdue" as well as "unique" in Virginia in that the monument will honor those killed in all wars from the Revolutionary War through Desert Storm.
Over 500 Halifax County men killed in war have already been established.
The Commission's goal is to raise $125,000 to erect a granite monument with the names of all county service personnel killed in war inscribed in its surface.
Surrounded by veterans, a senior high school contingent of 115 students selected by faculty as "the best citizens they teach," ROTC members and county residents, Major General Carroll Thackston, Adjutant General Virginia National Guard, said he looked forward to returning when the monument was erected on the square.
"Knowing the determination of these good folks," Gen. Thackston said he knew the monument project would be successful.
The general called Veterans Day "a day of reflection, a day to honor those men and women who accepted the call to serve their country."
As he travels the state, Gen. Thackston said he often sees civilians "who really don't understand or appreciate what the military has done, not only for our great country but for countries around the world. Sometimes I feel that patriotism is dead, but then I am reminded of an anonymous poem I once read which goes like this:
'God and the Soldier, we adore,
In time of danger, not before.
The danger gone, and all things righted;
God is forgotten, the soldier slighted.'
"So ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your efforts because you are doing your part in helping to rekindle patriotism in Southside Virginia.
"Our soldiers are the brave citizens who paid the ultimate sacrifice in times of danger," said Gen. Thackston. " They have been doing it here in Virginia for more than 390 years and they will continue to do so to preserve our liberties to the end of time."
War Memorial Commission fund-raising chairman Cleve Wilborn, a veteran of World War II who served 42 years active and reserve duty, recalled the country's and his personal march through the Pacific toward Japan.
Wilborn remembered his comrades who had fallen at Guadalcanal and all those lost during the march across the Pacific. He lauded former President Harry Truman for his decision to bomb Japan and bring the war to a close.
"We take so much for granted. We take peace for granted," Wilborn told the crowd.
The fund-raising chairman then appealed to residents to contribute to the Halifax County War Memorial Fund.
War Memorial Commission chairman Robertson closed with the following poem by Fanny Murdough Downing:
"He is taken and I am left;
And as long as the world and this life remain,
He will never come marching home again."
James G. Landrum III of the Halifax County High School Concert Band played "Taps" at the close of the ceremony followed by a benediction by Dr. Michael Cole of St. John's Episcopal Church.
Also participating in the Tuesday service were the American Legion Post 8 Color Guard, Sarah L. Spell, a member of the Memorial Commission, and the Rev. William B. Young, Major USAF, Ret.
School trustees have given Halifax County High School officials "a vote of confidence" in a move aimed at implementing block scheduling next year.
High school principal Larry Clark told the county school board Monday night that the school's Academic Affairs Advisory Committee has recommended dumping the current six period school day and implementing a 4x4 Block Schedule format.
And, taking matters a step further, Clark unveiled plans to begin student course registration for next year immediately after students return from Thanksgiving break. Registration will conclude prior to students leaving for the Christmas holiday break.
"Our recommendation is that guidance counselors go out and, in group sessions, register students for the 1998-99 school year with the understanding that none of the classes are etched in stone and that we will give them plenty of opportunities to make changes as needed," Clark explained.
While okaying Clark's move, the board unanimously voted to have Clark prepare a detailed report showing personnel, building, and instructional material needs in addition to other matters such as a proposed school day schedule and recommendations concerning student transportation.
That report will be aired at the school board's January meeting slated for Monday, January 12.
County school board chairman Alan Gravitt said after the meeting that having Clark proceed with his plans and work up the report for the school board may be considered as a vote of confidence in the recommendation of both Clark and the school's academic affairs committee to implement block scheduling.
"I think it has to be taken a little bit that way," Gravitt remarked.
"This is obviously taking a big step down that road."
Gravitt pointed out that when the first thrust toward implementing block scheduling at the high school emerged three years ago times were different and the alternative to continue using the traditional six period school day was still available.
"We don't have that alternative now," Gravitt said.
"With the new SOLs (Standards of Learning) and SOAs (Standards of Accreditation) it's not a matter of whether we change or not, it's a question of what new thing do we do. We cannot stay with the six period day. I think everybody (on the school board) agrees with that."
Clark told school trustees that Halifax County High School will be holding an Open House on Wednesday night, December 3 to give parents a chance to meet their children's teachers and discuss the mid-nine week interim report cards that will be issued December 1.
During that Open House, Clark will stage a meeting with parents to discuss the school's move toward implementing block scheduling next year and what that will mean for the students.
In moving to a 4x4 Block Schedule format, students will take and complete 4 classes each semester, thus giving them an opportunity to earn as many as eight credits for the school year. Each class period will be approximately 90 minutes in length.
One of the major ramifications of moving toward a 4x4 Block Schedule format is that the length of the school day will have to be increased.
"We estimate 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the afternoon," Clark told the trustees, a move that would mean that school would begin at the high school at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.
Clark said that he has also discussed the impact that such a move would have on transportation with school system officials and that it was determined that the high school students could be picked up last in the afternoon, thus minimizing the impact on the instructional day at the elementary schools and middle school.
In a prepared report to the school board, Clark stated "it is our opinion that with the revised SOLs and SOAs, we have no choice but to implement a scheduling format which will permit secondary students to receive the instruction they will need to successfully complete their high school careers."
"Research also indicates that those schools which have adopted the 4x4 schedule are pleased with the results they have seen in greater academic progress, fewer disciplinary problems, and improved teacher morale."
"It is no longer a question of if or should we go to an innovative scheduling format," added Clark.
One major advantage Clark says that he sees in moving to the 4x4 block scheduling format is that students will have fewer classes to concern themselves with.
"One of the distinct advantages of the 4x4," Clark told the school board, "is that we will have students concentrating on four subjects at the time (instead of five or six) and teachers will be teaching three classes. I think that alone makes it worth your consideration."
Clark pointed out that some high schools have gone to a six period school day with an optional seventh period. He stated, however, that such a format would not work well for Halifax County because it would result in having to increase the length of the school day even more than would be necessary under the 4x4 block format and because of transportation problems that arise strictly due to the large geographic area that Halifax County covers.
One thing that Clark told the school board should be in place when a move is made is a structure where students can make up time for time. In other words, if a student has to be absent from school, he or she could attend one or more sessions and make up the missed time because the pace at which material will be taught will be quicker than it is currently.
Clark said that as is the case with any change, there are going to be people who will raise negative issues. But, with the new standards facing the school and school system, this is the way to go.
"Three years ago, it was a different time," the high school principal said.
"I don't see how we can now put it to a vote. This, in my opinion, is how to get the job done."
School trustees will use a portion of the proceeds of its sale of one third of its shares of Trigon stock to fund two capital improvement projects totaling more than $105,000.
The two projects include the $28,732.50 for the installation of a Wide Area Network (WAN) that will link all of the schools with each other and the school board's central office and $77,000 for the purchase and installation of a direct digital control unit to control the heating and cooling systems at Halifax County High School.
School system officials hail the Wide Area Network project, as a major step in technology for the school system. The cost of that project is estimated at $95,875. However, the school system is eligible to receive federal funds through the new E-Rate program of the Universal Services Fund to cover 70 percent of the costs involved in establishing the network.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bobby R. Hall explained that Halifax County is eligible to receive federal funding for 70 percent of the project cost. That rate is based upon the percentage of the county's students eligible to receive free and reduced price lunches and the fact that Halifax County is a rural county.
The school system will not have to pay back any of the federal money it receives through the program.
Hall stated that without the E-Rate funds, the hardware to set up the WAN would cost $49,963, the telephone system hardware will cost $7,520 and the yearly fees would total $38,292, making the total $95,875.
With the E-Rate funds, the school system's hardware costs would be reduced to $14,988.90, the telephone hardware costs will drop to $2,256, and the yearly fees would drop to $11,487.60, making a total of $28,732.50.
"The alignment of the stars is the best it can be," said county school superintendent Dennis Witt.
"The learning potential is unlimited. There is a commitment to telecommunication learning on the federal and state levels. It appears for us to be the very best of times to accomplish this if we want to do this for our school system."
School board vice chairman Carl Furches said that he approved of such a project if all of the county schools go onto the system at the same time.
"I want them all on at the same time," Furches stated.
"If you're going to do it, I want to do it Cadillac style and not piecemeal. We've got wiring sitting at some of the schools now that has not been installed."
Board member Patricia Nelson agreed, saying that "when we start wiring of all the schools we want to get it done."
The only fluctuation that will occur in the estimated cost for the project will result if the bids on the project come in over or under the estimated costs. But, in any event, 70 percent of the costs will be covered if the school system's project is accepted and funded under the E-Rate program.
Hall said that the school system has a narrow window of approximately 75 days to apply for the funding and advertise for bids. If the school system's project is endorsed by the federal funding officials it is likely that the money will not become available until after April 1, he added.
The deputy superintendent said yesterday that once the project is approved "we will move with all due speed to get it done."
Currently, with the exception of five schools, the school system has wiring in place for Local Network systems, systems that have the school library as the center and all classrooms are wired to the library.
With the WAN, all of the schools will be linked to the central office as well as each other. And, that will mean that a basic structure will be in place that will allow all of the schools to have access to the Internet.
Hall said that school system officials will ask the school board to approve the project for Internet access at a later date. Under the E-Rate program, the school system would be looking at $6,000 in Internet hardware costs, $16,820 in blocking software, and $660 per month in user fees.
Also gaining approval was the $77,000 project for the purchase and installation of a direct digital control unit to control the heating and cooling systems at Halifax County High School.
But, because the pair of projects were considered together in one motion and Furches was not in favor of the expenditure for the high school project, he cast a dissenting vote for the package that passed by a 6-1 count.
"My only concern is that we've got a lot of things at the elementary schools that need attention and it seems that every time you turn around it's something for the high school," Furches said.
"I think the elementary schools should get their fair share. I think we need to keep the elementary schools up. Let's divy out a little to everybody."
School board chairman Alan Gravitt replied that "this isn't like the teachers or students are going to notice anything. We're doing it because it is a way to save money. What you will see is big savings in the amount of money we're going to spend on the electric bill."
"What you're saying is that it (the money) should be spread around to all the schools," added Nelson.
"If we save energy, we're going to get a reduction in the budget."
Dr. J.O. Crews, the energy manager for the school system, pointed out that while the digital control unit will cost $77,000, the unit will provide energy savings estimated at $61,274.44 per year.
That, Crews said, means that the unit would save enough money in energy cost savings to pay for itself in a projected 16 month period.
Witt called the move "a good project for the school system" and noted that the payback period could be even quicker than 16 months. From then on, we will accrue the savings to the school system. And, it will be better for the equipment because it won't have to run all the time."
A couple of months ago, the school board voted to sell a third of its 38,818 shares of Trigon stock. At the time the revenue from the sale was projected at $22 per share or $284,000.
But, by the time the sale was actually accomplished, the stock's value had risen to $24.74 per share, thus producing a yield of $319,551.09, an additional $36,000 in income for the school system.
School board members voted to use half of the money from the stock sale to increase its contribution to employee group health insurance benefits by $20 per month, taking it from $143 per month to $163 per month.
School system finance director Bill Covington explained yesterday that because there will be additional monies in the pool for that benefit, school system officials will determine in June how much money remains in that account and divide that money among the participants in the school system's health insurance program.
Covington's estimates for the one time additional contribution in June could be in the neighborhood of $40.
School trustee Wanda McDowell asked Monday night if the additional revenues could be used to provide a contribution to school system retirees who have health insurance through the school system.
County school superintendent Dennis Witt replied that while there is a sentiment to assist retirees "it would be just about impossible in terms of whether or not you get to everybody or not and how you handle just the pure doing it."
"This benefit is an active employee benefit and that's who we are going to give it (the money) back to."
In addition to the other previously mentioned projects, $45,000 of the proceeds from the Trigon stock sale are being used for the construction of a new computer lab that will be housed in the old agriculture building at the Mary M. Bethune Complex.
Work on that project is expected to be completed sometime in early December.
It's the holiday season and the stage is being set for "A Holiday Tradition in Downtown South Boston", a theme that will be reflected in the thousands of twinkling lights in trees above the streets and sidewalks, new Christmas banners and a magical appearance of Santa and his sleigh on Sunday, November 23.
Downtown South Boston will stage its 11th Annual Christmas Open House from 1:00-5:00 p.m. but the magical hour truly arrives at 1:30 p.m. when the "Magic Man" himself will cause Santa and his sleigh to suddenly appear before the eyes of young and old alike at the Pavilion in Constitution Square.
Santa's illusion will take to the form of real life when he leads a children's procession over to the red caboose for a photographic session sponsored by the Junior Woman's Club and the DBA.
Pictures will be $5 each but feel free to bring your own camera and click away, click away, click away all!
Children's Chorus
Prior to the magic show, the Children's Community Chorus is sure to raise the spirits of holiday shoppers while they browse the streets and visit the downtown stores where a number of participating merchants will be offering prizes, refreshments and special values. Throughout the afternoon and early evening hours, traditional Christmas music will fill the streets and equally filling will be sweet baked goods by Cornerstone.
Inside each store, shoppers can register for a $200 gift certificate which drawing will take place at Electric Service Company at 5:00 p.m.
Cookie Workshop.
The South Boston-Halifax Junior Woman's Club will sponsor a Cookie Cottage Workshop from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday for children ages three through twelve who will be shown how to construct a cookie cottage using graham crackers, bright-colored candy and sticky icing. All materials are provided for a $3 donation or the gift of a teddy bear which will be given to needy or sick children at Christmas.
Parents may leave their children at the workshop while they shop or stay and watch their creative genius at work!
Christmas Parade
As many as five marching bands will fill the streets of downtown South Boston on Saturday, November 22 for the earliest ever Christmas Parade starting at 2:00 p.m. If it rains, the event will take place on Sunday.
There's still time and plenty of room for entries of all kinds including floats, marching groups, antique cars or other entries. Cash prizes will be awarded and for more information, contact the South Boston RNA at 804/572-7933.
The South Boston Flue-Cured Tobacco Market will bring its 1997 selling season to a close at the conclusion of Thursday's final sale.
Sales Supervisor Teresa Pool said there will be no cleanup sale in South Boston next week.
"We've only got around 300,000 to 400,000 pounds (of tobacco) out that we know of right now," Pool said Monday.
"We can get that sold over the next two days."
There were no sales on the South Boston market yesterday due to the Veterans Day holiday.
Sales were to resume this morning and a full slate of sales tomorrow will conclude the seeling season.
One drug distribution suspect was caught, while another managed to flee during an undercover drug operation held Saturday night at the Cody Car Wash, according to Halifax County Sheriff Jeff Oakes.
Agents of the Tri-County Drug Task Force and the Tactical Weapons Team of the Halifax County Sheriff's Department arrested Nichole Stone, 24, of Long Island, Va., according to the investigation.
She was charged with one felony count of distribution of cocaine and one felony count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine after her 10 p.m. arrest, police said.
Narcotics Investigators of the task force made an undercover purchase of cocaine from the two subjects who were in a 1989 Honda Accord, police said.
When the arresting officer converged on the scene, the vehicle's driver, a male, fled into a wooded area nearby, according to the investigation. The Honda was seized by the task force.
Stone is currently being held in the Halifax County Jail pending her preliminary hearing in the Halifax County General District Court.
Three investigators have been assigned to a rash of breaking and entering cases which have occurred in the southwest section of Halifax County, according to Halifax County Sheriff's Department Jeff Oakes.
"We don't know yet for sure if the cases are connected, but we're doing everything we can to determine who is behind each case," commented Sheriff Oakes.
There have been six similar breaking and enterings in the area since October 30, with three of those cases reported Monday, police said.
A breaking and entering of the home of Linda Shelton of the Link-Puryear Road was reported Monday evening, police said.
A thief or thieves broke into the dwelling and stole a total of $8,260 in diamond jewelry, according to the investigation. That break-in was reported at 7:32 p.m.
Earlier Monday evening, investigators responded to a breaking and entering report which occurred at the Mill Pond Road residence of Wayne Whitt near Alton, police said.
A total of $2,100 in items, including a Colt .45-caliber handgun was reported stolen, according to the investigation. The incident was reported at 5:30 p.m.
The residence of Thomas Walton, located on Link-Puryear Road about a mile from Shelton's home, was also discovered broken into Monday afternoon. Police are still accessing what was stolen in that break-in which was reported at 2:24 p.m., police said.
Conducting the investigations are Investigators J.R. Hicks, M.A. Womack, and C.A. Bates. Assisting in the investigation is Cpl. T.S. Moser.
"All of these incidents seem to be at homes that are isolated along rural roads, or built far off the roadway from view of passing traffic," commented Investigator Hicks.
Entry was gained by a someone who usually goes to a rear window or door of the dwelling, he explained.
"There is also evidence in one case of tire marks where a vehicle had apparently been driven behind the residence," Hicks added.
While deputies are concentrating patrol efforts in the area, Hicks advises citizens to also be on the lookout for any suspicious person or vehicles seen in the areas, especially during daylight hours when most of the break-ins have occurred.
"Neighbors should be aware that the break-ins usually occur when the targeted resident is away at work or elsewhere," Hicks pointed out. "Any tips or other information they have could be very important to this ongoing investigation."
Citizens may also call the Halifax County Crime Stoppers at 476-8477.
Cora Simmons Sehen of Oxford, NC, 60, died Monday, November 10, 1997 at Duke Medical Center.
Mrs. Sehen was born in Finchley and was a member of Amis Chapel Baptist Church in Oxford. She was employed by Burlington Industries for 29 years.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 13 at Amis Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. James Pollard officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Surviving are her husband, Raymond 'Jimmie' Sehen; one daughter, Karen Jones Dickerson; one son, Walter Keith Jones, both of Oxford; one step-daughter, Brenda Sehen Snead of Clover; one step-son, Timothy James Sehen of Roxboro, NC; one sister, Anne S. Kyle of Chase City; two brothers, James Clifford Simmons of Buffalo Junction and Henry Leander Simmons of Murfreesboro, NC; four step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends tonight, November 12 from 7 until 9:00 at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home in Clarksville.
Mrs. Susie Clark Bradley of Route 1, Vernon Hill died November 11 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 86.
Mrs. Bradley was born in Halifax County on November 28, 1910 and was the daughter of Mr. James Joel Clark and Mrs. Mary Elizabeth James Clark and was married to Lewis Edgar Bradley. She was a member of the Mount Vernon Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 13 at 2 p.m. at Mount
Vernon Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. William Trimyer conducting the service.
Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
Mabel Williams Richardson of South Boston died Saturday, November 8, 1997 at Wesley Long Community Hospital in Greensboro, NC at the age of 81.
Mrs. Richardson was born in Halifax County.
Survivors include one daughter, Gloria Adams of Danville; two sons, William E. Richardson of Danville and Harrison Richardson of South Carolina; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rachel Taylor of Hartford, CT and Elizabeth Womack of Chatham; one brother, Wilson Williams of Danville, and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Richardson will be held today, November 12 at 2 p.m. at Mountain Grove Baptist Church in South Boston with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Arthur Crews will officiate.
Hiawatha Newman Wilkerson of Route 1, Virgilina died Friday, November 7, 1997 at The Woodview Nursing Home, at the age of 99.
Mrs. Wilkerson was born in Halifax County on September 4, 1898 the daughter of Will Newman and Betty Newman. She was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Ester Bailey of Roxboro, NC; five grandchildren, Fannie Usher of Long Island, NY, Connie Holder of Freeport, NY, Betty Jean Lipscomb of Alton, Queen Winstead of Roxboro and Thomas Newman of Virgilina; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 13 at 2 p.m. at Zion Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Preston Medley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of Betty Jean Lipscomb, 8022 Huell Matthews Highway, Alton.