By Beth Robertson
U.S. cigarette manufacturers' announced plan this week to purchase 454.6 million pounds of 1998 crop flue-cured tobacco - coupled with stabilization holdings - immediately triggered 20 percent quota drop projections based on raw figures, a heavy hit for farmers but one with its own story.
In 1997, manufacturers' intended purchases totaled 535.5 million pounds.
Tobacco price stability, national politics and producers' expectations that a quota drop in the 15-20 percent range was coming - some are still concerned about an even higher quota cut than 20 percent - are integral parts of the big picture.
"That doesn't mean we like it, but we were expecting it," said Stan Duffer, regional market development manager at the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services here, of the quota cut.
"That said, the cut is greater than we would have liked," said Duffer of the largest recalled cut. "It will be felt, but I think we will survive it. It gets us back, if 20 percent, to a basic quota level comparable to 1994, slightly lower. So that puts some perspective on it."
Also, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture can still exercise his discretion, either increasing or decreasing the final number by three percent when he announces the 1998 quota on December 15.
"That figure is the total of buying intentions of domestic manufacturers, the three-year average of exports and an adjustment of reserve supply level," explained Duffer. "So he can go plus or minus three percent from that derived total."
Halifax County Extension Agent Larry McPeters is hearing two tobacco tales in local fields.
"Farmers at this time are more concerned about what is going to happen at the federal level, about the tobacco settlement more than the quota level," said McPeters.
"Farmers are good businessmen," said the extension agent. "The ones that aren't are gone. They look at the big picture, and the big picture is in Washington. They are used to cuts and increases on quota level. They've been there and done that."
The overriding issue to farmers is the future of their livelihood, said McPeters, and it is one some see tied to politics.
"Many growers are concerned from a political standpoint that the USDA secretary might actually impose an additional three percent. That would reduce basic quota on everyone's holdings in the U.S.," said McPeters.
However, Duffer said current proposals have a 1994-96 base price or '95-'97 base price for buy-out and do not go beyond 1997.
"But we do not know what may ultimately come out of Washington," added Duffer.
"The federal government will pay, but ultimately the tobacco companies, the consumer and the producer will pay," said the extension agent. "Because if you are the tobacco company director and know you have to pay so much as a result of a proposed settlement, you charge more for the product and pay less for raw materials, such as tobacco. And the consumer will pay higher prices for cigarettes. The federal government will administer, but actually these three will pay for it in the long run."
The extension agent also thinks it is important to remember that in the last four years there has been a net increase of 11.5 percent on quota.
McPeters said he has encountered two views among producers on a buy-out.
The older producer who has no family interested in continuing farming is "looking at a possible buy out in a positive way" since often his savings are tied up in farming, explained the agent.
The younger producers who are committed to raising tobacco, and producers who have family following in their footsteps, take a different view.
"Those people want the federal government to leave us alone and stay out of our business," said McPeters.
Of the annual allotment process of deciding how much tobacco will be grown, McPeters said, "That is something needed to keep supply and demand in line.
"If a 23 percent cut or 20 percent, it is strictly based on a supply and demand formula created by tobacco suppliers and the USDA a number of years ago," said McPeters. "It is a way to protect the grower against reduced family income. That is what we have to accept as American producers. We do have some stability in the tobacco program at this point. This is what we live by. The formula is good and Clinton has nothing to do with it."
McPeters emphasized that the formula is in place to protect the farmer from putting too much tobacco in stabilization and on the tobacco floor. Plus it protects against the large assessments farmers used to have on the floor.
"The formula is good. If in fact we need to take a 20 percent cut, then we need to do it. It is good for business," said McPeters.
The extension agent's recommendation to producers would be to carry on.
"When you've got a cloud hanging over your head, it can cause stress, family problems and management problems. I have seen it during my 27 years here.
"My recommendation, what goes on in Washington we can't do anything about, about the buy out. We need to focus on growing tobacco in 1998 like we did in '97,'96 and '95. That's your living. You can't let this Washington decision cloud hang over your head. Yes, this 20 percent is a positive thing because we can sell our tobacco for a profitable price ...and that's the bottom line."
The South Boston market ended this year with gross receipts at $28,831,429.94, which was 16,865,462 pounds for an average price of $1.71 per pound, according to South Boston Tobacco Market Supervisor of Sales Teresa Smith Pool.
However, Pool noted last year was not a normal year. Toward the end of the year she said buyers bought everything on the floor for $1.92.
"It ended that way because of hurricanes and crops destroyed down south which created a market on the Old Belt. By the end of the season everything on the floor brought $1.92, so you really cannot compare to last year, which was an extreme situation," said Pool.
The gross receipts turn over three times in the community, according to some market reports, said the supervisor of sales. Other reports suggest a dollar made off a farm in a rural area turns over four to six times, according to McPeters. "I have read that time and time again," he added.
Whether the dollar turns over three or six times, the impact of a possible 20 percent quota cut in the $28 million South Boston Tobacco Market is far-reaching.
It wasn't exactly Santa Claus making an early toy run through Halifax County, but a Tuesday night traffic stop may very well prevent some local citizens from satisfying their Christmas wish list.
Nearly 150 gallons of high-grade Franklin County moonshine was confiscated, while a would-be "Santa Claus" from Ferrum was charged with a misdemeanor count of possession of untaxed liquor, police said.
Charles Ray Peters Jr., 52, was released on bond after his 1979 Ford van was stopped by undercover agents of the Tri-County Regional Drug Task Force and the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
He is scheduled for trial in the Halifax County General District Court on February 18, 1998.
Peters allegedly was hauling in the moonshine apparently from a Franklin County moonshine operation when he was arrested at about 9 p.m., task force agents said.
The van was equipped with heavy-duty suspension elements, not giving away to the casual observer how much weight was onboard.
The front section of the van's cargo area contained a total of 120 one-gallon plastic containers of traditional "white lightning," while the rear section contained 59 half-gallon glass jars of moonshine mixed with various fruits, including cheeries, apricots, and peaches.
The one-gallon containers of moonshine sells for about $20, while the half-gallon jars of "fruit liquor" are sold for about $30 each. That would put the value of the Tuesday night load at approximately $4,200, the agents pointed out.
Deliberately vague about the particular undercover operation because of its ongoing nature, the undercover agents declined to state how the particular traffic stop came about.
Forfeiture proceedings will be initiated on the van by the task force in order to either sell the vehicle or use it in further undercover operations, officials said. The vehicle is equipped with a cellular telephone and a Citizens Band radio.
As for the moonshine itself, the agents kept two gallons each of the white lighting and the fruit liquor, which will be sent to a state crime lab for analysis prior to trial.
The remaining moonshine was dumped unceremoniously into a gully just off Edmunds Boulevard behind the Halifax County Sheriff's Department.
"Yes, all of it," a task force undercover agent pointed out.
Sunday's unveiling of the new South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts & History at 1540 Wilborn Avenue is as much a celebration as a grand opening. The public will see for the first time the museum's new home-its third since being formed in 1982-that truly fulfills its mission of preserving, housing and displaying the vast treasures that reflect the lore and history of the region.
A special ribbon-cutting ceremony involving many of the museum's past and present officers and directors along with a host of local and state dignitaries, will take place at 2 p.m.
Visitors will enter through the main entrance and into the lobby where a stone wall with ornamental iron fencing and double gates lead into the open court area where, among other exhibits, a fully restored Barbour horse-drawn buggy stands. The courtyard reflects the Christmas season with its Tree of Lights, antique toys and train collection.
And not just the sights but the sounds of the season will be heard throughout the afternoon from pianists Becky Boone, Emily Farley, Mary Helen Gravitt and Lottie Nunn.
Along the west wall of the museum, the Fine Arts Gallery presently holds a special Hummel Collection display in a cabinet from Berry Hill Mansion along with a rare pattern silver service from Halifax County (c1862).
The fine arts gallery houses a special tribute to the late Elizabeth McLean Seymour, a former museum director and historian whose substantial gifts to the museum are recognized.
The adjoining history gallery has exhibits from World War II and a tribute to Halifax County native sons, many of whom gave their lives in the conflict. On loan for this weekend's showing is a collection of World War II weaponry belonging to John Tate.
A replicated country store, complete with fixtures and stock representing the 1920s, Civil War memorabilia and collections of the Halifax County-South Boston Sports Hall of Fame are part of the current offerings.
The main gallery of the museum contains art donated by ABB and a collection of early store fixtures from Leggetts. The main gallery will double as an auditorium for large assemblies and plans are being made for the construction of a stage that will incorporate the columns from the old Lord Halifax Hotel.
While some of the displays are permanent, the museum will be forever changing to accommodate special collections that are being solicited from throughout the region. "The museum belongs to everyone," said Helen Miller who is one of two treasurers on the board of directors. Objects of art, artifacts, collections are being sought.
Officers for the 1997-98 fiscal year are: Leslie Powell-president, Elizabeth Owen-vice president, Avery Smith-secretary and Paris Gravitt and Helen Miller-treasurers.
Directors are Howard P. Anderson, Barbara Bass, Walter Bass, Frank C. Chaffin, Jr., Gene Faucette, Louise Gilliam, Charles Hedderly, Martha Hodges, Jennie P. Lawson, Robert McCullough, Estelle McKinney, William L. Satterfield-ex officio, Sam Seeley, Dick Smith, Ronnie Vaughan, Charles Ware and Woodrow Williams.
Curator of the museum is Caroline Matze.
TThe school day for Halifax County students will be increased by 20 to 30 minutes next year if the county school board implements block scheduling at Halifax County High School.
School superintendent Dennis Witt said yesterday that he was unable to give a proposed starting or ending time for the school day for the county's elementary schools and middle school at this point.
He did say, though, that he anticipates that the school day would be increased by 20 to 30 minutes with the minimum increase being 20 minutes.
The amount of time that the school day would be lengthened will be determined primarily by circumstances surrounding transportation.
"It depends on transportation and how much we can have a dual transportation system," Witt stated.
According to a proposed school day schedule that was distributed to the 150 or so parents that attended Wednesday night's informational meeting on block scheduling at Halifax County High School, classes at Halifax County High School will begin at 8:35 a.m. with the school day ending at 3:30 p.m.
The atmosphere of Wednesday night's meeting was much calmer than the atmosphere that surrounded a similar meeting two years ago when Halifax County High School made its initial attempt to move toward implementing a block schedule format.
One parent, referring back to that time three years ago, asked school principal Larry Clark if the teachers at the school had voted on whether or not to implement the proposed 4x4 Block Schedule.
Clark stated that back then he felt that he needed the support of 75 percent of the faculty in a vote to make the move. But, pointing to the pending implementation of the state's new Standards of Learning, increased graduation requirements, and new state accreditation standards, Clark said "the circumstances have now changed."
"I do not see that we can put it to a vote," Clark stated.
"I think we have no choice but to do something to the school day. I have met with the faculty and they have expressed their concerns. I think the majority of them are going to view this positively as a challenge that we can meet."
Clark, Witt, and other school system personnel have previously indicated support to changing the high school's school day schedule to a 4x4 Block Schedule format.
And, while the Halifax County School Board has not formally acted to implement the 4x4 Block Schedule format at the high school next year, it has given Clark the nod to conduct student registration for the 1998-99 school year based upon a 4x4 Block Schedule format.
After the registration process is completed, Clark will appear before school trustees at the county school board's January 12 meeting to air a report on registration data as well as what impact block scheduling will have on a variety of areas.
Whether or not the school board will take action on implementing block scheduling at that meeting is unknown.
During Wednesday night's meeting, Clark, school administrators, and Witt fielded a variety of questions concerning the proposed 4x4 Block Schedule.
Some of the high points that were emphasized were:
- There will not be an exaggerated "down time" for students taking sequential courses such as Foreign Language with plans calling for no longer than a one semester separation;
- There will be a good deal of staff development training with teachers attending training sessions on how to diversify teaching techniques;
- There will be a structured makeup system put in place so that students that are absent from school will have an opportunity to make up their school work;
-That odd numbered courses such as Spanish I and Spanish III as an example, will be taught second semester with even numbered courses such as Spanish II and Spanish IV being taught during first semester; and
-A student who is unsuccessful in a course will not have to wait a full year to retake that course.
More than just fresh oysters, crabs and scallops apparently were being peddled by two Newport News men who were arrested this week by narcotics officers with the Tri-County Drug Task Force. George William Forrest Jr., 32, and Robert Lee Murphy, 34, face multiple illegal drug charges as a result of an investigation that began in September.
Regular deliveries of seafood to Halifax, Mecklenburg and other areas between here and the east coast are known to have been ongoing for a number of years.
Murphy, who remains in Halifax County Jail, is charged with one count of marijuana possession on Dec. 3 along with a separate sealed circuit indictment of distribution of the same substance on September 25.
Forrest, now free on bond, faces three separate circuit indictments of distributing cocaine during the months of September, October and November.
No court date for either has been set.
In a separate case, 37-year old Reginald B. Arrington of Buffalo Junction will answer to four charges of attempting to wreck or run three narcotics officers off the road with his vehicle. The alleged incident took place on Highway 58 near the Mecklenburg County line and involved narcotics officers assigned to the Tri-County Task Force.
Two of the officers are deputy sheriffs and one a South Boston police officer, none of whom were injured.
Three felony warrants charge Arrington with attempting to maim, disfigure or kill three police officers plus a third misdemeanor of reckless driving.
The case is set for general district court on January 16.
No charges have yet to be filed against Gloria Cole Bauer, the 32-year old Vernon Hill woman who is suspected of shooting to death her estranged husband a week ago today, According to sheriff's deputies, she was released from Halifax Regional Hospital on Tuesday after being admitted on the night of the shooting.
At the time of the incident, authorities said the wife of Andy Voyle Bauer, 39, had been severely beaten and her injuries included a broken nose, cuts, bruises and scrapes all over her body.
Police believe the beating and shooting all took place at the 6170 Mountain Road residence the couple formerly shared. Just who was living at the home at the time of the incident is still unclear.
Andy Bauer was found inside his truck at the intersection of Rts. 671 and 360, a short distance from the house. Virginia State Trooper M.S. Roark Jr. was responding to a bulletin when he drove up to the vehicle and was told by Bauer that he had been shot.
Bauer then slumped over unconscious and died shortly thereafter as a result of five separate gunshot wounds according to reports. A private funeral for the deceased was held this week but no details were released.
Two children belonging to the couple were not at the home when the incident took place police say.
Vehicles belonging to the couple were impounded as the investigation began and as of last night, neither had been released.
According to Chief Deputy Ray Link, Gloria Bauer is under no court-ordered restrictions. A meeting with the Commonwealth's Attorney and investigators concerning the matter is expected to take place next week.
Edward Paige Lowery, 67, of New Castle, DE, died Thursday, November 27, 1997 of an aneurysm in Christiana Hospital.
Mr. Lowery was the son of the late Evie Lowery and Annie Cole Lowery of Virgilina. He served in the Aviation Unit of the Delaware National Guard for 32 years, retiring in 1981 as a first sergeant supervisor in helicopter maintenance. After that, he trained thoroughbreds at Delaware Park. He served in the Army and was a member of Armstrong Lodge 26 AF&AM.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Martha Lee Lowery; one son, Mark E. Lowery of West Chester, PA; two daughters, Alison P. Lowery of Steelville, PA and Charlene M. Healy of Ocean View, NJ; five brothers, Chester, Aubrey and Weldon, all of South Boston, and Emmett and Lindy, both of Chester; three sisters, Nell Bowen of Lakeside, Virginia Martin of South Boston and Thelma Best of Pensacola, FL; five grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
Private services were held.
Cleo Stevens Wilmoth of 1207 Berry Hill Road, South Boston died December 2, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 75 years of age.
Mrs. Wilmoth was born in Halifax County on April 17, 1922 the daughter of Charlie W. Womack and Nellie Hudson Womack and was married first to Henry G. Stevens and then to James E. Wilmoth. She was a member of South Boston Church of God.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Marvin H. and Eleanor Stevens of Danville; three grandchildren, Michelle Adkins of Roanoke, Cheryl Pugh of Durham, NC and Carol Stevens of Richmond. She was preceded in death by three brothers, James E., Robert H., and Lindsey H. Womack Sr.; and one half sister, Gladys Ashby Wilmoth.
Funeral services for Mrs. Wilmoth will be held today, December 5 at 2
p.m. at South Boston Church of God with Rev. Bill Leonard conducting the
service. Burial will take place in Halifax Memorial Gardens.
Jane Ellen Barger Bennett, 63, died Tuesday, December 2, 1997 at the Hospice
Unit of Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC.
Mrs. Bennett was born in Alamance County, NC the daughter of James Barger and Ethel Parker Barger and was married to Carson Lee Bennett. She was employed by Surgical Center of Greensboro as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Mrs. Bennett graduated from John Nichols High School in Oxford, NC, from Watts Hospital School of Nursing and from Watts Hospital School of Anesthesia. She had been employed by Moses H. Cone Hospital and at hospitals in South Boston. She was a member of the N.C. Association of Nurse Anesthetists and a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
Funeral services will be held at Lowe Funeral Home chapel today, December 5 at 2 p.m. with burial at Alamance Memorial Park.
Mrs. Bennett is survived by her husband; one son, Dr. Carson Lee Bennett II of Los Angeles, CA; one sister, Patsy Ruth Barger of Raleigh, NC; two brothers, Cecil R. Barger of Burlington, NC and Franklin L. Barger of Jacksonville, NC; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret B. Wilson and Barbara B. Cooke; four brothers, Jimmy A. Barger, Billy R. Barger, Jack K. Barger and Donald S. Barger.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Hospice of Greensboro,
2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405.
Herbert L. Williams, formerly of Appomattox, died Monday, December 1, 1997 in Washington, DC at the age of 57.
He was the son of Deacon Charles H. and Ellie Hurt Williams.
Mr. Williams was a graduate of Carver Price High School and Hampton University and was employed as a Research Chemist for the past 32 years by Herner and Company in Arlington. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and advanced to the Rank of Captain.
Survivors include his father; one sister, Bessie Williams Session of Philadelphia; one brother, Algie L. Williams of Lynchburg and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 6, 1997 at noon at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Lewis Watson conducting the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
James M. Irby III of Halifax died Thursday, December 4, 1997 at Halifax
Regional Hospital. He was 75 years of age at the time of his death.
Mr. Irby was born in Halifax County on November 22, 1922 the son of the late Acree Dunn Irby and Wirt Jordan Hagood Irby and was married to Alice Wynn Irby.
He was a star athlete at Clover High School, longtime councilman for the city of South Boston, was instrumental in helping build the Community Hospital and the Tuck Dillard Stadium, was president of Halifax County Booster Club, owner and operator of Service Oil Company, a member of Trinity Episcopal Church where he served as senior warden and was an active outdoorsman.
Mr. Irby is survived by his wife; one daughter, Hope I. Bagwell of Halifax; one son, James M. Irby IV of Halifax; one sister, Harriett Irby Chambers of Athens, GA; four grandchildren, George M. Bagwell, Elizabeth H. Bagwell, Patrick R. Irby and Morgan B. Irby.
A memorial service for Mr. Irby will be held Saturday, December 6, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Russell Lee conducting the service.
The family will receive friends tonight, December 5 from 7 until 9:00 at the home of his daughter, Hope I. Bagwell of Halifax.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax County Rescue Squad or Halifax Volunteer Fire Department.
Deacon James Edward Boyd of Halifax died December 1, 1997 at the Vencor Hospital in Arlington.
Deacon Boyd was born April 1, 1933 to the late Hulet Boyd and Helen LaPrade Boyd was married to Alice Venable Boyd. He was a member of New Shiloh Baptist Church in Nathalie and served on the deacon board.
Survivors include his wife; seven daughters, Anne Boyd Reid of Springfield, Rachel Boyd Hill of Virgilina, Mary Helen Boyd and Deborah Boyd Forest, both of Nathalie, Barbara Boyd Majors of Stafford, Eileen Threasa Boyd of Alexandria and Gayle Boyd Sydnor of Woodbridge; two brothers, St. John Boyd of Petersburg and Allen Boyd of Nathalie; 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Deacon Boyd will be held Saturday, December 6 at 1 p.m. at New Shiloh Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Williams, eulogist and Rev. Nevell Kidd, officiating. Bur will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home, 4031 Clays Mill Road, Halifax.