Wednesday, February 4, 2004

Plan Could Raise Water Rates
South Boston Council Will Hold Hearing Monday On Six-Year Plan

The South Boston Town Council will hold a public hearing next Monday on a capital improvement plan (CIP) that could, if approved, increase water and sewer rates annually over the next six years.

On a motion by Councilman Ed Owens, with a second by Councilman Carroll Thackston, members of the Town Council - with Councilman Chris Elliott abstaining - approved the plan on first reading during Monday night's work session.

Next week's public hearing is open to anyone who would like to attend. Town Manager Ted Daniel said out-of-town water/sewer customers are welcome.
"Our meetings have always been open to the public," he said. "If they (out-of-town customers) want to come, they are more than welcome."

Addressing projected revenue shortfalls over the next six years, Daniel told the members of the committee that there was no choice but to find more income for the town's beleaguered water/sewer fund.

"All we can say is that with the revenue coming in now, and with no increase in customer base, our expenses are going to go up," Daniel said. "We will have to have a 3.7 percent increase in the revenue stream to cover those expenses.

"How you go about getting that is a different issue," he added. "The town staff isn't advocating any particular rate increases. We're just saying the amount the revenues will have to increase to meet expenses."

A projection put forth by town staff calls for an increase in both in-town and out-of-town rates of 3.7 percent each year through fiscal year 2006-2007, a 5 percent increase in FY 2007-2008 and a 2.5 percent increase in 2008-2009.

Daniel said higher expenses in the form of un-funded mandates to repair the aging sewer collection system, combined with a decline in industrial customers, made the increased revenue necessary.

"We aren't being extreme on the increases in the operating costs," Daniel said. "We're following the historical consumer price index. That's what we can expect our operating expenses to go up."

"At this point, there is no way for the water/sewer fund to pay back (the money taken out of the general fund to cover operating losses)," Town Finance Director Vandie Saunders added.

The town manager told the committee that the town was carrying an extremely high debt on its water system - 38.1 percent of operating expenses in FY 2002-2003.

"We try to manage the debt so that the ratio of debt service to operating expenses is maintained at around 10 percent," he said.

But even with the increased rates, Daniel said the town will continue to see debt service over 30 percent through 2009. More than half of the town's debt service, around $470,000 per year, will not expire until 2021.

"Our system is going to remain heavily debt-laden," Daniel said. "The bottom line is even with a 3.7 percent increase, our general fund will have to be used on the water/sewer fund."

Committee member Coleman Speece said he advocated increasing the town's customer base.

"If something gets worked out to tie in with (the Town of) Halifax it could help us out," he said.

Mayor Glen Abernathy said any future plans for funding the town's water system should benefit the citizens of South Boston.

"I'm not sure where to begin," he said. "But I think it would be advantageous as we begin to think about the future of water and sewer, we need to know now that the taxpayer in South Boston has paid - not into the water/sewer fund - but through the general fund.

"Any agreement will have to be a reimbursement to the taxpayer of South Boston.

"I don't want the citizens of the town to be sold short in looking at an agreement for the future," Abernathy added. "I don't have any idea how to structure this now or in the future, but there may be a way to structure it in a way to benefit those who footed the bills."

Current Situation, Planned Expenditures

As of December 31, 2003, the town's water/sewer fund was in the red at $2,125,339, according to Saunders.

South Boston reported paying 38.1 percent, or $724,180, in debt service compared to net operating expenditures of $1,899,357 last year.

"The general fund actually paid $1,554,000 last year in debt service to cover water and sewer borrowing," Saunders said.

The town is planning to spend $138,000 in the upcoming fiscal year on water and sewer, with $43,000 in vehicle costs, $80,000 in equipment and $15,000 in meters and lines.

Burton Touts Virginia Parks
Ward Burton Shed His NASCAR Trappings While Filming A State Parks Commercial

Trading in his racing suit for a pair of blue jeans and flannel shirt, NASCAR driver Ward Burton spent much of yesterday at Staunton River State Park filming a television spot promoting Virginia State Parks.

Burton's commercial is scheduled to appear on television stations throughout the state in about three weeks, according to Jim Meisner Jr., spokesman for Virginia State Parks and the producer of the promotional piece.

A lover of the outdoors and proponent of conservation, Burton's radio spots have already began airing across the state.

Kneeling in front of a roaring fireplace in a cabin at Staunton River State Park, Burton, the official spokesman for the Virginia State Park System, said he felt comfortable in the role.

"It's right up my alley," Burton said, "it's just a great honor to be asked to do this."

Known throughout the state as a proponent of land conservation, Burton suggested his contacts in state agencies could prove useful.

"I have a great relationship with Gov. Warner, Tayloe Murphy (Secretary of Natural Resources), and Jim Garner with the Forestry Department," he said.
The NASCAR driver congratulated local state park officials for a job well done on Halifax County's two state parks.

"Tim Vest, manager at Staunton River State Park, and his staff do a great job running the park."

Vest said yesterday that it was an honor to have a Halifax County native named spokesman for the state's park system.

"It's great for Ward to come down and help promote the state parks of Virginia," said Vest. "I think it's fitting that a former Daytona 500 champion is doing this for Virginia's State Parks.

"As you know, they were voted the best state park system in the country," he added.

Taping the promo would take about three hours, Meisner said. Editing would begin Thursday for a later release date.

A full crew, including a producer, videographer, sound person, make-up person and a "grip," or stagehand, were at Staunton River to film the commercial.

In the ad, Burton is seen in front of a fireplace in one of the cabins at Staunton River State Park extolling the benefits of the park system.

Meisner said the park system was expecting a wide audience for the promo.
"We're working in conjunction with an agreement with the Virginia Association of Broadcasters, and it will air on all member stations," he said.

"TV spots will run in February and March, and stations also have the opportunity to run them as a public service announcement, the same as radio."

Burton thought it was appropriate to film the promotion at Staunton River State Park.

"It's a great asset, and a unique one," said Burton.

"How many state parks have two major river sources joining right at the tip, and then forming another great asset to Southside Virginia, Buggs Island Lake?" he asked.

Future plans for Staunton River State Park include the construction of an equestrian campground, Vest said.

"That's probably our next big project," he added. "It will really help tourism (in the county)."

Vest estimated as many as 15 horseback riders currently ride the trails in on any given weekend.

"This will only encourage them (to ride more)," he said.

Burton said his other local commitments to conservation, the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, and development of the Cove, are also moving forward.
"The Wildlife Foundation is doing really well," said Burton.

"We have that grant that will help us a lot, and we're still raising money for land acquisition (at the Cove).

Burton added that he hoped the fund-raising phase of his project (the Cove) would be completed in the next eight to 14 months.

"Then we can start bringing the children and landowners, showing them the natural resources and assistance available to them," he said.

Burton said he is thinking about shooting another promo for the state park system.

"I feel like it's a great cause, and it's something all Virginians and others should take advantage of."

South Boston Reviewing Gateway Sign Policies
Sons Of Confederate Veterans Considering Placing Sign On Constitution Square Marquee

An application by the John M. Jordan Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans to place a sign at the South Boston gateway in Constitution Square has Town Council considering a policy committee.

The action occurred as the two standing committees of South Boston Town Council convened for their regular monthly work session Monday night at Council Chambers on Yancey Street.

"This is the first time this issue has come up in the five years that I've been here," Town Manager Ted Daniel said Monday during the town's monthly work session. "As far as I'm aware, there aren't any set policies and procedures in place for the placement of the signs."

Daniel told the members of the town's current issues committee that in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a committee of citizens and business leaders was in place with a "side committee to approve the signs."

"None of the committees exist anymore," Daniel said. "We see a need to set policies for the placement of signs on the structure."

Daniel said the town currently has an application from the Sons of Confederate Veterans to place their sign on the gateway, but there currently is no criteria in place as to which groups qualify to be on the sign.

"Do we want it to be for non-profit (groups) only? What other criteria do we want to have? Who has the approving authority?" the town manager asked.
Councilman Ed Owens said he would like to see a committee formed to regulate the placement of the signs.

"They can address any policies and procedures," he said.

The committee members said they felt it would be appropriate that Council have the final approval authority on the placement of the signs, but that a review committee should be impaneled to give preliminary approval to the requests.

"The (town) staff will go back and come up with policies and procedures as to what organization and qualifications should be placed on signs on the marquee," Daniel said. "The signs will be approved with a review of Council and citizens."

Adjutant Doug Powell of the Sons of Confederate Veterans said yesterday that he was looking into the policies not just to benefit his group, but for any organization that would like to place the signs on the marquee.

"We're just asking the town what the procedures are to add our sign to the ones already there," Powell said. "We would like to do it and just want to know what it will take to get it on there. This applies to any organization, not just us.

"Camps all over the country, and especially in Virginia, are encouraging the local groups to have these signs up when they are available," he added.
The matter will be placed on the agenda for the committee's February 23 work session.

In other business, the committee heard an update from South Boston Police Chief Jim Hall on a citizen complaint regarding parking at the corner of Wilborn Avenue and Carrington Street.

Daniel said the complaint involved customers at a nearby business blocking the driveway of an adjacent residence.

After reviewing the number of ticketed vehicles and complaints made, Hall said he recommended continued monitoring of the location.

"My recommendation is to continue to monitor it and continue giving the tickets," he said, "but not change the ordinance, we encourage businesses to come to town.

"People decide to park illegally sometimes," Hall added.

Councilman Tom Raab suggested the town paint the intersection with the driveway to designate a no-parking zone and placing a sign at the location.

"It boils down to being a good neighbor," Daniel said. "The people running the business should keep an eye out for the problem. If it continues to be a problem like this, we'll need to make the whole front of the business no parking."

The committee also voted to recommend Councilman Eric Roberts' wife Sterling to replace Kim White on the town's Board of Zoning Appeals.

White resigned her position on the Board after being elected Commonwealth's Attorney.

The position is appointed by the Halifax County Circuit Court judge.
At the conclusion of business for the current issues committee, the members of the town's finance committee convened for a monthly financial statement for December 2003 from Town Finance Director Vandie Saunders.

Saunders told the group Monday night that the town's general fund balance was $2,612,971.

The landfill fund was $333,440, and has been set aside to be used to work toward the closing of the current landfill site in 2007.

The cemetery fund balance, which is used for the maintenance of the town's cemeteries, is $460,978.

The water and sewer fund balance is in the red at $2,125,339, Saunders reported.

"This fund continues to be our albatross," he said.

It’s Not ‘Championship Week’
HCHS Blue Comets Still Face Critical Games Against PH, Franklin County

By JOE CHANDLER | G-V Staff Writer

Mother Nature has once again put a damper on things - so much so that the Western Valley District boys basketball championship will not be decided this week.

While this week has lost its Championship Week status, it will still be an important week for the Halifax County High School varsity boys basketball team with key games that will impact the title race.

Instead of a three-game week for the Comets in which they were scheduled to face Franklin County twice with a game against Patrick Henry sandwiched in the middle, the Comets will now play two district games.

Freezing rain and resulting harzardous road conditions forced postponement of Monday night's Halifax County - Franklin County game in Rocky Mount - a game that would have broken the deadlock between the two teams for the lead in the Western Valley District standings.

That game has been rescheduled for Wednesday night, February 11.

Last night, the Comets hit the road and traveled to Roanoke to face Patrick Henry in the first of two district games they face this week.

The Comets are scheduled to conclude the week with a home game Friday night against Franklin County.

Comets coach Garrett Dillard said his players were disappointed they didn't get the opportunity to square off against Franklin County Monday night as scheduled.

While the team didn't get to play Monday night, it did get in some practice time.

Dillard said Monday's practice went well.

"The kids were disappointed that we didn't get to play but we came in and practiced and had a really good practice," Dillard said yesterday.

"We just have to play it (the road game against Franklin County) when we have to play it. We try to prepare the kids to be ready to play whenever game time comes."

With the Franklin County game having gone by the board, last night's game against Patrick Henry was the Comets' next task.

Halifax County defeated Patrick Henry by six points when the two teams squared off here on January 20.

Last night's game marked the first time the Comets had returned to Patrick Henry since winning the Western Valley District Tournament championship game there last year.

"We're going to be prepared for Patrick Henry," Dillard said.

"We're going to focus on that game and not worry about Franklin County and GW."

After last night's contest, Halifax County has three district games left, a Friday night game here against Franklin County, a road game against Franklin County next Wednesday and a road game against GW in Danville next Friday.

If the Comets managed to defeat Patrick Henry last night, they could lock up the district title by winning both of the Franklin County games or by winning one of the two games and getting some help in the form of a GW win over Franklin County.

As it stands, the regular-season district title and its accompanying berth in the Northwest Region Tournament, will likely be determined between the Comets and Franklin County.

The two teams have a two-game cushion over their nearest challenger.
Unless both teams stumble with an unexpected loss against another district opponent, the district title will go to either the Comets or Franklin County.

Obituaries

William Elmo Fowler

William Elmo Fowler, 87, of 1140 Hummingbird Lane, Vernon Hill died February 2 at Meadowview Terrace.

Mr. Fowler was born in Campbell County on May 11, 1916, the son of John L. Fowler and Della Brewer Fowler and was married to the late Lessie Leona Dunn Fowler. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church and was an Army Air Force Veteran of World War II.

Survivors include three sisters, Ruth Fowler Morris of Swan Quarter, N.C., Margaret Fowler Steffan of Calif., Della Fowler Hazelwood of Gladys; and one brother, John L. Fowler of Orangevale, Calif.

A funeral service for Mr. Fowler will be held today, February 4 at 11 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church with the Rev. David Booher officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Robert Arthur Lloyd Jr.

Robert Arthur Lloyd Jr., 67, of 1054 First Street, South Boston died February 2 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mr. Lloyd was born in Halifax County on December 16, 1936, the son of the ate Annie Bell Elliott Lloyd and Robert Arthur Lloyd and was married to Deborah Green Lloyd. He attended Trinity Holiness Church, was a lineman with Reliable Communications, and served in the Air Force.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Holiness Church tomorrow, February 5 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Grant Dyer officiating.

Survivors of Mr. Lloyd include his wife; one son, Jason Scott Lloyd and wife, Kelly, of South Boston; two daughters, Sundy Conner of Napa Valley, Calif. and Tara Lloyd of Vali Jo, Calif; two sisters, Doris L. High and husband, Rick, of Ringgold and Dorothy L. Vicent of Jacksonville, Fla; one brother, Billy N. Lloyd and wife, Erlene, of Concord, N.C.; and one grandson, Collin Scott Lloyd.

The family will receive friends at the church this evening, February 4, between 7:00 and 8:30, and other times at the home of Jason and Kelly Lloyd.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Trinity Holiness Church, Huell Matthews Highway, South Boston.

Patricia Boxley McIvor

Patricia Boxley McIvor, 54, 1156 Coles Ferry Road, Nathalie died January 31 at her home.

Mrs. McIvor was born in Halifax County on September 6, 1949, the daughter of the late Willie Boxley and Daisy Smith Boxley and was married to Clinton McIvor. She was a member of The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, and was a former employee of Halifax County Public Schools.

Survivors of Mrs. McIvor include her husband; one daughter, Renetta Brown of Halifax; one son, Quincy McIvor of South Boston; six grandchildren; and two sisters, Shirley Jones and Yvonne Boxley, both of South Boston.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 6 at 1 p.m. at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses with Bro. Norman Williams officiating.

The family is receiving friends at the home.

Alvin Theron Meeks

Alvin Theron Meeks, age 93, of Covington died February 2 at the Brian Center Nursing Care. He was the husband of the late 'Johnnie' Johnson Meeks.

Mr. Meeks was born August 2, 1910, a son of the late Thomas Edwin and Lelia Cassie Londeree Meeks. He was a member of Covington Baptist Church, was a member of Covington Lodge #618 L.O.O.M., and was a retiree of Westvaco.

Survivors include two sons, A.T. Meeks Jr. and wife, Jackie, of South Boston and Charles B. Meeks of Covington; one daughter, Shellie Manspeaker and husband, George, of Williamsburg; one brother, Francis Meeks and wife, Edna, of Falls Church; two sisters, Winifred Hicks and Nancy Hubbard, both of Covington; seven grandchildren, Greg Meeks, David Meeks, both of South Boston, Kevin Meeks of Buena Vista, Andy Meeks of Covington, Lt. Col. Stephen Manspeaker and wife, Trish, of Germany, Robyn Manspeaker of Franklin, Tenn., and Scott Manspeaker of Atlanta, Ga.; and five great-grandchildren.

Mr. Meeks was also preceded in death by three brothers, Mason, Willard and Thomas Meeks.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow, February 5 from the Chapel of Loving Funeral Home in Covington with the Rev. Michael Wright officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Covington Baptist Church in memory of Mr. Meeks, at 280 W. Riverside Avenue, Covington, 24426.

John Francis Nesline Jr.

John Francis Nesline Jr., 86, of 12209 River Road, South Boston died February 3 at his home.

Mr. Nesline was born April 20, 1917, in Dorcester, Mass. the son of the late John Francis Nesline Sr. and Adeline Chevalier Nesline and was married to the late Eloise Hayes Wagoner Nesline. He was a member of St. Paschal Catholic Church and was a WWII Veteran.

Survivors include three daughters, Cynthia Ann Nesline McFarline of Little Rock, Ark., Deborah Rose Nesline Christian of Norman, Okla. and Judie Wagoner Creath of South Boston; two sons, George Franklin Wagoner of Wake Forest, N.C. and William John Wagoner of New York City, N.Y.; one brother, Richard Maximillian Nesline of Silver Springs, Md.; and 12 grandchildren.

Mr. Nesline was also preceded in death by one son, John Francis Nesline III; and one sister, Ellen Rose Nesline.

A graveside service will be held tomorrow, February 5 at 2 p.m. at Fairfax Memorial Park, Fairfax.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Jimmy V. Foundation for Cancer Research, 605 Third Avenue, 8th Floor, New York City, N.Y. 10158.

William Lee Perkins

William Lee 'Bill' Perkins of Cary, N.C. died January 25. He was the son of the late John William Perkins and Garnette Perkins Clark of Halifax County.

Survivors include his wife, Catherine, of Cary; one son, W. Cary Perkins of Shelbyville, Ky.; one daughter, Mary Strautin and her husband, Craig, of Cary; one sister, Kathleen P. Clark of Nathalie; one granddaughter, Amanda Rucker and her husband, Brandon, of Shelbyville; and one great-grandson, Gaven Rucker of Shelbyville.

A funeral service for Mr. Perkins was held January 29 at First Baptist Church of Cary by the Rev. Jerry Parker. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery in Roanoke with the Rev. Robert D. Smith presiding.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider First Baptist Church, Cary, N.C., 2165 Academy Street, 275111 or the Parkinson Disease Foundation, 1501 N.W. 9th Avenue, Miami, Fla.

Irene Claiborne Peters

Irene Claiborne Peters, 73, of 2126 Sugg Avenue, South Boston died January 31 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mrs. Peters was born in Halifax County on September 11, 1930, the daughter of the late Carter Claiborne Sr. and Elizabeth Faulkner Claiborne and was married to the late Charles Wesley Peters. She was a member of First Baptist Church, and was a retired educator with Halifax County Public Schools.

Survivors include two daughters, Alice Peters and Linda P. Wood, both of South Boston; one son, Wesley Lamont Peters of South Boston; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy C. Braithwaite of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Lula C. Olds of Danville; three brothers, Carter Claiborne Jr. of Rego, N.Y., Willie Joe Claiborne of Atlantic City, N.J. and William B. Claiborne of South Boston.

A funeral service for Mrs. Peters will be held tomorrow, February 5 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church on Ferry Street with the Rev. Frederick Kelly officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Garden Cemetery.

The family is receiving friends at the home.

Irene Claiborne Peters

Irene Claiborne Peters, 73, of 2126 Sugg Avenue, South Boston died January 31 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mrs. Peters was born in Halifax County on September 11, 1930, the daughter of the late Carter Claiborne Sr. and Elizabeth Faulkner Claiborne and was married to the late Charles Wesley Peters. She was a member of First Baptist Church, and was a retired educator with Halifax County Public Schools.

Survivors include two daughters, Alice Peters and Linda P. Wood, both of South Boston; one son, Wesley Lamont Peters of South Boston; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy C. Braithwaite of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Lula C. Olds of Danville; three brothers, Carter Claiborne Jr. of Rego, N.Y., Willie Joe Claiborne of Atlantic City, N.J. and William B. Claiborne of South Boston.

A funeral service for Mrs. Peters will be held tomorrow, February 5 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church on Ferry Street with the Rev. Frederick Kelly officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Garden Cemetery.

The family is receiving friends at the home.

Daniel Edward Reeves

Daniel Edward 'Ned' Reeves, age 74, of Halifax died January 31 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mr. Reeves was born in Norfolk on April 17, 1929, the son of the late Daniel Edward Reeves Sr. and Piercie Jones Reeves, and was married to the late June Weatherford Reeves. He was a member of the Halifax County, and North Carolina Beekeepers Associations and a member of Dan River Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Dianne Holt Reeves of Halifax; one brother and sister-in-law, Robert Russell 'Bob' Reeves and wife, Ramona, of Montgomery, Ala.; one sister-in-law, Evelyn W. Hastings of Richmond.

Funeral services for Mr. Reeves will be held at Powell Funeral Home Chapel today, February 4, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Melvin Bradshaw officiating. Burial will follow at Asbury United Methodist Church Cemetery in Vernon Hill.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American Heart Association, the Halifax County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, or the American Diabetes Association.

Martha Nash Starnes

Martha Nash Starnes, 69, of Odessa, Del. died at her home January 25.
Mrs. Starnes was born in Spout Springs the daughter of the late Raymond Daniel Nash and Maude Carwile Nash, and was married to the late Dr. Ronald W. Starnes. She graduated from Lynchburg College and was an elementary school teacher in the New Castle County school system.

Her survivors include three sons, Lincoln and his wife, Mary, of Canton, Ga., Daniel and wife, Connie, of Huachuca City, Ariz. and Lt. Col. Benjamin Starnes USAMC and wife, Margie, of Tacoma, Wash.; five granddaughters, Shaelyn Cheyenne, Nancy Elizabeth, Cara Elise, Jessica Nicole and Ronni Sue Reagan; one brother, Jerry Nash and wife, Geraldine, of Lynchburg; and her mother-in-law, Isabel Starnes, of South Boston.

A memorial service was held January 31 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Odessa.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, New Castle, Del. 19720.

Ashley Smith Williamson

Ashley Smith Williamson, 79, of 1223 Mt. Carmel Road, Alton, died February 1 at South Boston Manor.

Mr. Williamson was born in Halifax County on June 6, 1924, the son of the late Ona Lee Earp Williamson and William James Williamson. He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church and was a retired farmer.

A graveside service was held February 3 at 3 p.m. at Calvary UM Church Cemetery with the Revs. David LeFon and Bob Huffman officiating.

Survivors of Mr. Williamson include two sisters, Myrtle W. Vernon of Alton and Theodora W. King of Raleigh, N.C. He was preceded in death by four sisters, Florence Elizabeth Williamson, Lucy S. Williamson, Cora Lee Williamson and Louise Williams; and one brother, James Monroe Williamson.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Calvary United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, Calvary Road, Alton, 24520.