The Halifax County School Board has set January 12 as the date for receiving public comment on the 1998-99 school budget.
School trustees will stage the forum at 7 p.m. that night to hear comments and suggestions from the public concerning issues relating to next year's budget.
The school board recently held one budget work session to discuss a variety of issues that will impact the next school year's budget.
During the work session, several trustees said the public should be given an opportunity to express opinion on programs and items that should be included or excluded from the budget before the proposed budget is drafted.
School board members will take note of the comments received during the public forum and will consider them in the process of developing the budget.
No proposed total budget figures were aired during the recent work session. The current school year's budget is just over $38 million.
School board officials noted Monday night that the public forum is not to be considered a public hearing. The school board will stage the required public hearing on the budget after a proposed budget package has been drafted and prior to the school board's vote on adopting the proposed budget.
Also Monday night, the school board granted the county a 15 foot easement for the installation and ongoing maintenance of a sewer line that will be part of a new sewer system being constructed on Grubby Road.
The county is working toward installation of a sewer system which will serve parts of Route 678 (Grubby Road), Route 654 (Sinai Road), and Route 938 (Legion Lane) in the vicinity of Sinai Elementary School with the intention that Sinai Elementary School be connected to the system.
The easement starts at a point on Route 654 and runs parallel to Route 678 in a southerly direction to a point on the school system's property line.
In other matters:
School trustees voiced no objection Monday to Halifax County High School students participating in a drug use survey as part of a study of adolescent drug use and related problems being conducted by Colorado State University.
County school superintendent Dennis Witt told the school board that the survey "is very well done" and "very well organized by the university."
Witt said that having the high school students participate in the survey is a good thing and that it "will give you back some data we feel will be valuable."
Halifax County High School principal Larry Clark added that he felt that participating in the survey is good for the school.
"It has been a number of years since we have participated in this type of activity," Clark told the school board.
"I think this is an opportune time to do it."
School system officials emphasized that students will remain totally anonymous, that students are not identified in any way, and that students do not write their names or any other identifying information on the survey.
After the surveys have been completed, they will be immediately sealed in envelopes and shipped to Colorado State University where they will be compiled. The survey forms will be destroyed after the data has been entered.
A letter explaining the survey will be sent home to parents. Students are not required to participate in the survey. If a parent objects to their child taking the survey, the parent will be provided with a form to sign and return to the school.
School system officials will make another technological move by implementing a voice mail system.
"It will allow us to be more responsive," Witt pointed out.
"With the arrangement of this office it is easy to step from one place to another and miss a phone call," the school superintendent added.
He added that going to a voice mail system will make it possible for school system administrators to make a quicker response to calls and better receive messages.
Halifax County High School principal Larry Clark told the school board Monday night that the school will pick up the tab for a new net for the school's indoor baseball batting cage that has been requested by the Baseball Booster Club.
Booster Club representative Grayson Powell told the school board that the 17-year-old batting cage net was worn, had holes, and was in need of being replaced for the safety of the players that use the batting cage.
He added that Comet coach Allen Lawter had included the net on a needs list submitted to the Booster Club.
Powell noted that circumstances including the Booster Club's current indebtedness, concern over potential budget constraints in the school's athletic budget, and a belief that such equipment that would be used by players over a large period of time should be taken covered by the school led to the need for requesting an additional appropriation of approximately $500 from the school board to cover the cost of the net.
But, before the school board could comment or take action, school principal Larry Clark quickly spoke up and stated that the school would cover that item.
Also Monday night, Clark took a moment to thank outgoing school board member Watt Moorefield for his service on the school board and support of the high school as well as the rest of the county's schools.
Noting that he holds a special affection for Moorefield because Moorefield's appointment to the school board was one of the last appointments that he made while serving on the Halifax County Board of Supervisors, Clark held up a Halifax County High School baseball cap that will be sent to Moorefield.
"He's certainly been a member of our team," Clark noted.
Moorefield was absent from Monday night's meeting but school system officials said they would make sure that the cap would be delivered to Moorefield.
Failing to set a parking brake on a flatbed truck caused extensive damages during a crash Monday morning in downtown South Boston, according to the South Boston Police Department.
Gregory Hazelwood, 25, of Clover was charged with failure to set a parking brake after an unoccupied truck rolled backwards across Broad Street, snapped a utility pole, and ran into a business, police said.
Hazelwood parked the 1990 Nissan flatbed truck on the east side of Broad Street near the library, leaving the vehicle in second gear, but without the brake on, according to the investigation.
At 10:23 a.m., the vehicle rolled backwards and snapped a Virginia Power utility pole near Powell's Cleaners. The vehicle then continued into the exterior stairwell of the cleaners causing $300 in damages, police said.
Damages to the utility pole were estimated at $2,000, while damages to the truck, which is owned by the Piedmont Precision Machine Co. of Danville, were estimated at $25 in damages, according to the investigation.
Power lines which fell from the downed pole caused damage to a parked 1989 Chevrolet owned by Ann Davis of Halifax. The vehicle sustained an estimated $500 in damages, mainly scratches on its roof and left front fender, police said.
The incident was investigated by South Boston Police Department Officer M.B. Lawhorn.
A single-vehicle wreck Friday night in the Alton community injured a Milton, N.C. man, according to the Virginia State Police.
Coy Junior Swanson, 31, lost control of his 1974 Ford pickup truck and ran through the intersection Rt. 693 and Rt. 764 into a private yard, according to the investigation.
Swanson's truck struck a wooden post and a concrete deer during the 10:57 p.m. incident. Damages to the truck were estimated at $200 and damages to the post and deer were estimated at $400, according to the investigation.
Swanson was charged by Virginia State Trooper S.M. Krantz with driving under the influence.
It is a good news Christmas story that's equally at home in winter's swirling snow or summer's sweltering call to the ol' swimming hole.
The players make a difference in all seasons, their efforts weaving their way through the fabric of the community.
Gatha Richardson, local chairperson for The Salvation Army, is a major player, one whose volunteer work helps The Salvation Army send 40 Role Model youngsters to camp each year as well as help local children without toys, residents who have been burned out and those seeking other emergency needs.
"We buy clothes and food for hardship cases," said local Salvation Army Treasurer Grayson Gosney. "Basically, we help with any sudden emergency. Like a flood or fire."
From Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, Richardson, a retired elementary school principal, can be found in front of Wal-Mart leading The Salvation Army collection drive.
He's been there for three holiday seasons and is there again this year. He welcomes volunteers to join in the Monday through Saturday collection at the shopping center. Volunteers may reach him at 476-2493.
"I really would like to thank people in the community for supporting us," said Richardson as he relaxed at his Wal-Mart post earlier this week.
The Salvation Army, its volunteers and its sponsorship will continue to touch Halifax County families' lives throughout the year.
Harvey Dillard and Gatha Richardson, co-founders of the Mentor/Role Model Program, have been awarded the Governor's Community Service and Volunteerism Award in Richmond.
Gov. George Allen and First Lady Susan Allen presented the awards.
One hundred forty-two boys and girls between the ages of 5 -12 years currently participate in the local program.
There are 119 mentors working with the program. Mentors help youngsters with homework, problem-solving skills and goal setting as well as self-esteem development. Activities range from baseball to cultural activities to Camp Happyland, which is sponsored by The Salvation Army for 40 youngsters each summer.
"We are constantly recruiting mentors, especially men," emphasized Laurietta Faulkner, the Mentor/Role Model executive director. Volunteers may reach Faulkner at 575-3011.
"One of the Commonwealth's proudest traditions is our enduring legacy of self-reliance, and of helping our fellow citizens reach their fullest potential," said Gov. Allen in making the award. "Whether a business, media outlet, foundation, religious institution, youth or senior group or an outstanding volunteer or family of volunteers, you are strengthening Virginia today and moving our Commonwealth forward to a better tomorrow.
"As we honor those whose extraordinary efforts bring honor to Virginia, let us remember that long before there were government programs, people came together through strong private institutions such as families, civic groups, non-profits, churches, synagogues and the workplace," continued the governor. "Susan and I know Virginians are motivated by a friendly concern and genuine desire to get involved, not because government says to, but because it is the right thing to do."
The two retired Halifax County educators were nominated by Faulkner because "the award is long over-due. These two men have made and continue to make positive contributions to enhance the lives of our youth," added Faulkner.
The theme of this year's awards was "Community Building," and eight group awards and four individual awards were given statewide during the Richmond ceremony.
An Elkhorn Community man was treated for head injuries Monday night after his nephew allegedly attacked him with a hatchet, according to the Halifax County Sheriff's Department.
Aundra Antonio Barksdale, 33, of Chatham Road was charged with a count of felonious assault after allegedly injuring Warren Bernard Barksdale, 57, of the same address, Major Ray Link said.
The uncle was transported to the Halifax Regional Hospital after the 8:30 p.m. attack and treated for several cuts to his head. He was later released, Link said.
Barksdale is currently being held in the Halifax County Jail under a $5,000 bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in the Halifax County General District Court on February 6.
Barksdale was arrested by Deputy K.B. Tribble.
In other cases investigated by the sheriff's department:
· Marshal Junior Lawson, 30, of Nathalie was arrested Monday on a misdemeanor count of assault and battery of Dawn Carr, a household or family member, police said.
The alleged incident occurred Sunday. Lawson was released on bond pending his trial in the Halifax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on December 17. He was arrested by Deputy Q.W. Clark.
· Jerry Lorenzo Faulkner Sr., 41, of South Boston was arrested Saturday on a misdemeanor count of assault and battery of Dinita M. Faulkner, a household or family member, police said.
The alleged incident occurred on the same day of his arrest. He was released on bond pending his trial in the Halifax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on December 16. Faulkner was arrested by Sgt. J.K. Henderson.
· Harry Lewis Canada, 40, of Halifax was arrested Monday for violating a protective order by the court of Wanda A. Canada, police said.
Canada allegedly violated the protective order on Sunday, according to the investigation. He is currently in the Halifax County Jail pending his trial in the Halifax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on December 16.
He was arrested by Sgt. Henderson.
· Marsha Leigh Clay, 35, of Roxboro, N.C. is being held in the Halifax County Jail on a felony fugitive warrant from Person County, N.C., police said.
Clay was charged with felony counts of uttering and forgery and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the investigation.
She was arrested Tuesday by Deputy J.L. Lucia and is being held pending an extradition hearing.
· Danny James Marshall, 35, of Danville was arrested Friday on a misdemeanor count of escape from custody. He is currently being held in the Halifax County Jail pending his trial in the Halifax County General District Court.
He was arrested by Sgt. T.E. Logan.
· Linwood Wylie Jeter, 73, of Halifax was arrested Monday on a misdemeanor count of reckless use of a firearm, police said.
He was released on bond pending his trial in the Halifax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on December 17. Jeter was arrested by Sgt. Henderson.
Police are investigating the weekend breaking and entering of the Sydnor-Jennings Elementary School in Volens, according to the Halifax County Sheriff's Department.
"Currently, we have no suspects, but we are actively seeking any information that any citizen may have on this incident," said Major Ray Link.
Entry to the school was gained by a thief or thieves who broke through a glass window at the rear section of the school, according to the investigation.
the break-in occurred sometime between 8 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Monday when school officials discovered the broken window, police said.
Reportedly stolen during the break-in were two television sets, two VCRs and one portable radio, Link pointed out. No dollar damage amount has been determined, he added.
The investigation is being headed by Investigator C.A. Bates.
Anyone who may know of the break-in or anybody trying to fence the stolen items are asked to call the sheriff's department at 476-3339 or the Halifax County Crime Stoppers at 476-8477.
Rewards are offered for such tips upon the arrest and conviction of suspects, pointed out Sgt. L.A. Cobb, the sheriff's department's liaison officer with Crime Stoppers.
"On Monday, a person who phoned in a tip on a marijuana grower earlier this year received a substantial cash reward," Cobb said. "In fact, two breaking and entering and grand theft cases currently underway may result in such cash rewards."
Citizens can even call Crime Stoppers to give a tip without even giving their names, Cobb continued.
"We are set up where we identify a caller in a case only by a number and a 'dead drop' of a cash reward at a mutually agreed site is made, if an arrest and conviction occurs," he explained.
"Passing on the identity of a suspect in the breaking and entering of an school would especially be appreciated by us," Sgt. Cobb said.
Those who may choose to call from the South Boston area can call Crime Stoppers at 575-8477.
By LARRY O'DELL
Associated Press Writer
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - There are ways to reduce the stench and environmental hazards of industrial hog farms, but the newest technology does not come cheap, a legislative subcommittee was told.
The panel is studying how to regulate huge farms that store hog waste in lagoons. The waste is later spread on fields as fertilizer.
There are 25 large hog farms in Virginia, and more could be on the way since North Carolina has imposed a moratorium on new industrial hog farms.
Opponents of the farms say they are environmental threats that destroy the value of surrounding property. Supporters claim the farms already are sufficiently regulated.
The House Agriculture Committee panel heard Monday from several companies that say they can safely dispose of the hog waste and eliminate the foul smell that prompts complaints from neighbors.
Robert Hoffland, director of Hoffland Environmental Inc. in Conroe, Tex., said the solution is aeration - infusing the waste with oxygen. He said his company installed a treatment system at a North Carolina hog farm, dramatically reducing the smell and harmful nutrients in the waste.
Hoffland's company also can transport waste solids to a plant and convert it to animal feed.
John Johnson of Broadway, a representative of Illinois-based Sheaffer International Inc., said the company is known for building odor-free industrial-waste treatment plants in upscale areas.
''These plants are in locations where odor would not be tolerated,'' he said.
He said the company's system, which also employs aeration, was used successfully at an egg-breaking plant in Iowa. He said neighbors were up in arms about the odor from the plant, where eggs are pasteurized and stored in half-gallon containers for the food service industry.
He said the same can be done at hog farms, but the cost can be high because of the electricity required to aerate the waste. Another potential cost is hiring a trained treatment-plant operator.
Eldridge Collins, a professor of biological systems engineering at Virginia Tech, said state officials need to develop a process for evaluating potential technological solutions to the hog farm problem.
''A lot of the systems being brought to the market are too expensive,'' he said.
Janie Glass Daniel of 321 Chalmers Street, South Boston, died December 8, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 76.
Mrs. Daniel was born in Halifax County on June 30, 1921 the daughter of Richard Thomas Glass and Recie Ann King Glass and was married to Robert A. Daniel. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Betty Jane Conner of South Boston; one son, Jimmy Glass of South Boston; three brothers, Thomas Glass and Noel Glass, both of Halifax and Woody Glass of South Boston; three sisters, Carrie Midkiff, Louise Lester and Shirley Saunders, all of Halifax; and three grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Daniel will be held today, December 10 at 11
a.m. at Powell Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Don Bryant conducting the service.
Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Barksdale 'Crook' Hubbard, 74, of 1034 Pumping Hill Road, Nathalie died Sunday, December 7, 1997 in Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Hubbard was born in Halifax County on June 11, 1923 the son of Harold Hubbard and Bessie Hubbard. He was a retired farmer, and an Army Veteran of World War II
Survivors include one daughter, Lelia Hubbard of Gretna; one sister-in-law, Artensia Hubbard of Hurt; a devoted niece, Maxine Boyd of Nathalie and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by one sister, Elma Pannell and five brothers, Eddie, Elie, Floyd, Garther and William Hubbard.
Funeral services for Mr. Hubbard will be conducted Thursday, December 11 at 1 p.m. from Hickory Grove Baptist Church by Rev. A.L. Dean with burial in Hermosia Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of Maxine and Lorrence Boyd,
1084 Alex Lane, Nathalie.
Daisy Lee Jones Mitchell of 1186 White Oak Fork Road, Virgilina died Sunday, December 7, 1997 at Duke Medical Center, at the age of 72.
Mrs. Mitchell was born in Granville County, NC on January 22, 1925 the daughter of Joe Jones and Mollie Chrisp Jones Brooks and was married to Octavis Mitchell. She was a member of White Oak Fork Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Dorothy Mitchell of Virgilina; two sons, Charles Mitchell of Halifax and Harold Mitchell of Virgilina; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one sister, Geneva Redding of Durham, NC; two daughters-in-law, and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Mitchell will be held today, December 10 at 1 p.m. at White Oak Fork Baptist Church with Rev. Glenn Faulkner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home.
Dr. David W. Shepherd, 92, of Wake Forest, NC died Sunday, December 7, 1997 at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, NC.
Dr. Shepherd was born in Alamance County, NC the son of Joel R. and Nannie Brown Shepherd and was married to Jean F. Shepherd. He served United Church of Christ Churches throughout the Southeast for over 50 years, including Virgilina. He actively attended the Wake Forest United Methodist Church upon moving to Wake Forest.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today, December 10 in Wake Forest United Methodist Church with burial in Pine Forest Memorial Gardens.
Dr. Shepherd is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Joan and Casey Simmons of Grimesland, Sharon and Herb Youngkin of Huntsville, AL; one son and daughter-in-law, John and Sylvia Shepherd of Wake Forest; grandchildren, Matt Youngkin, Heather Youngkin, Ben Youngkin, Sam Simmons, John Shepherd Jr., and David Shepherd.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Wake Forest United Methodist Church Building Fund, 903 S. Main St., Wake Forest, NC 27587, or to Huntsville United Methodist Church General Memorial Fund, 7906 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville, AL 35802.
Nannie May Talley of Danville died Monday, December 8, 1997 at Roman Eagle Memorial Home. She was 83 years of age.
Miss Talley was born May 31, 1914 in Virgilina the daughter of John William Talley and Daisy Forlines Talley. She was a member of First Baptist Church, a retired Registered Nurse after many years with Danville Memorial Hospital and Roman Eagle Memorial Home.
Survivors include two nephews, Graham Talley of Fuquay-Varina, NC and Ray W. Talley of Virgilina. She was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother.
Graveside services will be held today, December 10 at 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery in South Boston with Rev. David Gray officiating.