Friday, February 20, 2004

IDA Considering $1M Grant Applications
Could Be Used For Motorsports Research Equipment, Buy GP Option And Education Incubator In Riverstone

The Halifax County Industrial Development Authority is considering applying to the Tobacco Commission for three grants totalling $1 million, including one for a state-of-the-art piece of motorsports research equipment for Virginia International Raceway.

The deadline for grant submissions to the commission is March 1.

Halifax County has been allocated $2.5 million annually in economic development grants from the Commission.

Eric Koster, a consultant for the Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering and Research (VIPER) who is working with the IDA under a grant from Secretary of Commerce Mike Schewell, told the group that VIR is poised to be a leader in motorsports research.

"We feel that VIR is poised for growth," he said. "We have a significant technical presence established there.

"Many Nextel Cup and other teams test their cars at VIR. In fact, the facility is booked nearly every business day of the year," Koster added.

He recommended the IDA apply for a $750,000 grant from the tobacco commission for a "Seven Post Rig."

"There is a huge demand for this within 120 miles of here," he said. It's a natural fit for the area and I'm confident we could get all of the racing teams within that range coming here to test their cars."

The equipment is used to simulate on-track wheel and chassis movements under controlled conditions through the use of hydraulic actuators and computer controls.

"I feel very strongly that this (VIR) is a viable entity that is ready to move forward right now," Koster said. "There is a lot of interest there right now and I'd like to move forward and get the motorsports people here and show them this area."

He added that the equipment could be an economic development engine for the community.

"Funding it will create high-tech jobs in the area, establish VIR as a research facility as well as a test track, expose more people from other areas to the region and increase local business patronage.

"In short, this would help get us on the map," Koster said. "People are currently paying between $6,000 and $8,000 per day to use this equipment, traveling three to four hours to get there and the companies are running them 4-5 days a week."

IDA Executive Director Scott Morris said he recommended the Board pursue the grant.

"We submitted a grant for it last year but the commission wanted more data and asked (Koster) to get us more research," Morris said. "This is the best opportunity to capture what's happening in Danville with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research."

Morris also told the group that via discussion in the motorsports community, the interest in VIR as a motorsports research entity is building.

"This project is absolutely drawing attention," he said. "People have indicated to me that if we had this rig they would be interested in locating their business here.

"This is a job creation tool for the county," Morris added. "This is a lot of the reason the motorsports industry wants to be at VIR."

If approved, VIR will construct a 20,000 square foot building with 5,000 square feet dedicated to the equipment and the rest to future research and development equipment.

Other Grants
Being Considered
Morris told the group that there was interest in locating an incubator for teaching technology research in Building One of Riverstone.

The board is considering a request from the Longwood Small Business Development Center for a $75,000 grant to construct the incubator.

If approved, Morris said he hoped the facility would be operational in the first quarter of 2005.

"This could be the initial activity in Building One," he said. "We already have four potential identified businesses who have expressed interest in locating in the incubator."

The businesses would be used to develop new technology for use by educators.

"This grant would cover a person to run the center, help with technical assistance and business planning as well as some equipment," he said.

"They will be pursuing federal funding in addition to the tobacco money, possibly through a USDA Rural Business Grant," Morris said.

When questioned about whether there was more information available, Morris told Board Chairman Carlyle Ramsey that "they were working on it."

"I'd like to have more information about the proposal in hand before we apply for the funds," Ramsey said.

The group is also considering using tobacco funds to buy the option the IDA currently holds on the 104 acre Georgia Pacific property.

The IDA took out the $175,000 option on the property and is currently conducting engineering and environmental studies on the site.

Reassessment Appeals: Some Win, Some Lose
Board Does Not Change Berry Hill Assessment

Over 240 landowners - including the owners of Berry Hill - have sought a reduction in their 2004 real estate tax reassessment since the Board of Equalization began work three weeks ago.

Some landowners have been successful in their efforts, some have not.

The 2004 tax reassessment of Berry Hill held at $11,979,873, which includes the mansion and the adjoining land, according to a county official.

Yesterday, Board members Douglas Powell, Rosemary Ramsey and Cleve Wilborn said that they found "no compelling reasons to change" the Berry Hill assessment.

While approximately 240 landowners have appealed during the Board of Equalization's hearings, Board members say the number of parcels involved is much greater.

In some cases a single landowner has had 15 to 20 parcels before the Board.

The task of individually reviewing each parcel's reassessment is described as "very concentrated," by Board members.

"We are charged with being 'fair and equal' by the court," said Ramsey.

In their pursuit of "fair and equal," Board members have faced a variety of challenges from landowners, ranging from a lack of uniformity in assessment, errors in acreage, and charges real estate is assessed at more than fair market value.

Landowners whose property values are changed by the Board will be notified as soon as possible, advised Powell.

Powell, Ramsey and Wilborn were nominated by the Board of Supervisors and appointed by Halifax Circuit Court to hear January 2004 real estate tax assessment challenges from county taxpayers.

Dimon International Ends Contracts With Growers
Closing Receiving Stations In Danville, roxboro And Fuquay-Varina, N.C.

Dimon International has announced that it is closing its tobacco receiving stations in Danville and in Roxboro and Fuquay-Varina, N.C., a move that will send more tobacco producers in search of buyers for their 2004 crop.

Just how many Halifax County growers were under contract with Dimon is unknown but their exit from contract-purchasing leaves, essentially, just one player, Philip Morris.

Dimon’s notification to contracted tobacco growers went out last week just three weeks after an announcement by Star Scientific that it would not be contracting for the purchase of leaf this year.

Nearly 200 Southside Virginia tobacco producers were said to have been under contract with Star, the first tobacco company in the nation to directly contract.

Star purchased approximately 20 million pounds of tobacco specially cured in barns that it provided to its contract growers.

Star officials have said that they hope to reinstate their contract program in 2005 but Dimon has given no indication that it will.

Dimon spokesman, Richard Harris, said that his company was “very sorry” that the decision to end purchases was made but that “our customer base is changing and there is a decline in the requirement for U.S. leaf.”

“”We aren’t the only industry having to adapt to a new economy and changing customer requirements,” said Harris.

Farm Service Agency specialist Traci Talley in Halifax said yesterday that Dimon’s announcement only adds to the “uncertainties” facing tobacco growers and allotment holders.

“It’s hard to spend all that money to put a crop in the ground and have no concrete answer as to where it will be sold,” said Talley.

The biggest player remains Philip Morris and they are apparently proceeding with plans to acquire what most estimates show to be between 85 and 90 percent of this year’s flue-cured tobacco crop.

“Philip Morris is the only one still holding contracts in Halifax County,” said Talley, who recently attended a grower conference where she heard PM officials renew their commitment to direct contracting for the 2004 crop.

Comets Girls Win Play-In Game
The HCHS Varsity Girls Basketball Team Faced Franklin Co. Last Night In The Western Valley District Tourney Semifinals

By DOUG FORD| G-V Staff Writer

The Comets varsity girls basketball team benefited from a 20-point first quarter and stout defense the entire game to defeat Patrick Henry 53-40 here Wednesday night to advance to the semifinals of the Western Valley District Tournament.

Halifax traveled to Rocky Mount last night to play Franklin County, which defeated G.W. 61-50 here last night to win the regular season district title.

Stephanie Witko and Kiki Sydnor once again were the Comets offensive ringleaders, Witko finishing with 20 points, and Sydnor with 14 points, but Halifax got scoring from five other players Wednesday.

Ashley Crowder and Rachelle Newman scored 6 and 5 points respectively, and Kelly Royster finished with 4 points.

Jessica Nelson and Delisha Scott each chipped in with a field goal, both players getting their points in the first-quarter surge that proved to be the key to the game.

Another key was the Comets defense, which limited the Patriots to one shot on most of its possessions, and held them to only one 3-pointer, that from Chelsea Settles in the fourth quarter after the issue had been decided.

Rosa Kuilan was the only Patriots player to reach double figures, scoring 15 points, 10 coming after intermission.

Patrick Henry had used the 3-point shot to burn the Comets in both earlier meetings, hitting five treys in a 66-62 overtime loss to Halifax, and three in a 50-46 win in Roanoke.

Comets coach Stephanie Tucker said defense, particularly against the "three", was something her team had worked on.

"We've tried the past couple of games to stay in peoples faces on defense, and that's the thing that has hurt us the last two games against Patrick Henry," said Tucker.

"A lot of teams haven't shot the "three" against us the way they have...you have to stay in their face."

Patrick Henry, unlike a lot of teams on the Comets' schedule, has several players, including some on the front line, who can step outside to shoot the trey.

That option was eliminated early in Wednesday's game, and Halifax bolted to a 20-12 lead after one quarter.

It was back and forth early on, Royster and Witko matching Patriot baskets until Sydnor was fouled while driving inside.

The basket was good and so was the free throw, Halifax grabbing a 9-8 lead it would never relinquish.

Royster added another basket, Sydnor scored on another drive, Crowder hit from the outside, and Sydnor stole a Patriots inbounds pass for a bucket, to complete an 8-0 run for a 17-8 Halifax lead.

After a Patriot bucket, Sydnor hit a foul shot and Nelson matched a basket by Kuilan to give Halifax an 8-point advantage heading into the second quarter.

The scoring pace slowed significantly in the second quarter, Crowder hitting two consecutive shots for a 24-15 Halifax lead.

Chelsea Settles hit two free throws to pull the Patriots to within 24-17, but that was as close as they would come, despite the absence of Witko, the Comets' dominant inside force for the last part of the quarter.

Witko, who finished with 19 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocked shots, sat out the last two minutes and 39 seconds of the first half after being called for her third foul, but the Comets rallied around the play of Sydnor, Scott and Newman.

First, Sydnor took advantage of a slip by the Patriots' Ashley Simmons for a steal and easy layup, one of Sydnor's 3 steals for the game.

Scott then threw a great pass inside to Newman, who converted a three-point play for a 29-17 lead.

Patrick Henry could only respond with a foul shot, the Comets entering halftime with the 11-point lead.

Witko caught fire in the third period, scoring 10 of the Comets' 12 points in a 12-4 run that essentially put the game out of reach.

After Sydnor scored to open the period, Witko scored 10 straight points for Halifax for a 41-22 lead.

Kuilan had two straight baskets to close out the quarter, but Halifax still led 41-28 entering the last period.

Witko scored 6 points, Sydnor added 4 points, and Newman scored on a breakaway layup in the final quarter,the Comets building their largest lead of the game at 53-31 with under two minutes left, before Patrick Henry scored the final 9 points of the contest.

The Comets have usually played well this season when getting off to a strong start, and Wednesday's game was no exception, with six different players scoring in the first quarter surge.

"We were strong from the beginning," said Tucker, adding her team might have become a little overanxious while playing with the lead.

"That allowed them to come back a little bit.

But, not nearly enough on this night, she emphasized.

"One thing that made a difference was not only our shooting, but our rebounding," said Tucker.

"We've lacked that the past couple of games, particularly on the offensive boards."

The Comets collected 39 rebounds, including 13 on the offensive end, and six players collected rebounds overall.

In addition to Witko, Nelson collected 6 boards, while getting a steal and blocked shot.

Royster had 5 rebounds, Scott 4 rebounds, Sydnor 3 and Crowder 2 boards for the contest.

Tucker was also pleased with the scoring distribution.

"Our goal was to have more than two or three people scoring, and that's our focus, not only for the rest of the season, but for the future," she said.

"In order to be successful, you have to have that."

Another important element for success is desire, and this particular team has not lacked for that, according to Tucker.

"This is the best team we've had in a long time. Our goal was to be competitive in the district, and I can say we've met that goal.

"The girls have given me everything they've got, and, no matter what happens from here on out, they've given me their hearts this season."

Obituaries

Emma Dorothy Jones Dunkley

Emma Dorothy Jones Dunkley, 85, of 2216 Crystal Hill Road, Crystal Hill died February 16 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mrs. Dunkley was born in Halifax County on August 2, 1918, the daughter of the late Johnny Jones and Mary Wright Jones, and was married to the late Stafford Jones. She was a member of Sunflower Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Thelma Dunkley; two sons, Harry Jones of New York, N.Y. and Junior Jones of Alexandria; one sister, Rhodie Granger of Crystal Hill; and one brother, John Will Jones of Crystal Hill.

Funeral services for Mrs. Dunkley will be held today, February 20 at 2:30 p.m. at Sunflower Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the home.

Hannah May Royster-Fountain

Hannah May Royster-Fountain, 90, of Buffalo Junction, died February 12 at Community Memorial Healthcenter in South Hill.

Mrs. Royster-Fountain was born in Mecklenburg County on April 5, 1913, the daughter of the late Patrick and Georgia Humphrey Royster.

Survivors include her nieces, Dolly J. Royster Hardy, Bertha Ann Royster Small, Mary Magdalene Royster-McCoy, Gladys Irene Royster-Walker, all of Washington, D.C. and Frances Ann Royster-Johnson of Spring Lake, N.C.; nephews, Willie O. Howerton of Boynton Beach, Fla., William Royster Howerton, James Samuel Howerton, and Clyde Daniels, all of Buffalo Junction, Marvin C. Royster of Richmond, Preston M. Royster of Burke, Louis Boulden of Fairfax, James Kinton Royster of New York City, N.Y., and Robert Royster of Durham, N.C.

Mrs. Royster-Fountain was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, Flournoy Royster, Emmanuel Royster, Bessie Royster-Howerton, Carlton H. Royster, James Kinton Royster, Estelle Royster-Boulden and Fannie Bell Royster.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. February 29 at St. Mark Baptist Church, Buffalo Junction, with the Rev. Kenneth Stokes officiating.

John Henry Harris

John Henry Harris, 49, of 6105 Philpott Road, South Boston died February 17 at Lynchburg General Hospital.

Mr. Harris was born in Halifax County on November 7, 1954, the son of the late George Harris and Thelma Richardson Harris, and was married to Sharon Daye Harris. He was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church, a former employee of O'Sullivan Furniture Co., and was a Navy and Army Veteran.

Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Sonya, of Durham, N.C.; two sons, John, of Washington, D.C. and Kelly, of South Boston; one stepdaughter, Bellgena of Orange Park, Fla.; five sisters and four brothers.

Funeral services for Mr. Harris will be held today, February 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home with the Revs. Harvey Bigelow and Elton Medley officiating. Burial will take place on Saturday at Cross Roads Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family is receiving friends at the home.

John Forest Lewis

John Forest Lewis, 65, of Hartford, Conn., formerly of South Boston, died February 15 at Hartford Hospital.

Mr. Lewis was born in South Boston on August 17, 1938, the son of Channie Grace Royal Lewis and John Junius Lewis and was married to Lucretia Hargrove Lewis. He was a member of First Baptist Church and was a Navy Veteran.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, M. Kimberly Lewis of Ft. Washington Md. and Shari Lewis of Bloomfield, Conn.; two sons, Elvon Coleman and Donnell Coleman, both of East Hartford, Conn.; his mother of South Boston; four grandchildren; and a devoted cousin, Victoria Cooper of Brooklyn, N.Y.

A funeral service for Mr. Lewis will be held February 21 at 2 p.m. at the chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home in South Boston. Burial will follow in the Owens Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Cluster Springs.

The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday.

Tanner Pannell

Deacon Tanner Pannell, 93, of 1173 East Elkhorn Road, Java died February 18 at his home.

Born in Pittsylvania County, July 22, 1910, he was the son of the late Lemon Pannell and Lelia Dickerson Pannell.

Deacon Pannell was twice married, first to the late Ethel Tucker Pannell and secondly to Susie Plummer Pannell who survives. He was a self-employed merchant and was a member of Mt. Airy Baptist Church where he served as a trustee, deacon and a member of the finance committee.

In addition to his wife of the home, he is survived by one son, Ray C. Pannell of Richmond; one brother, Thomas Pannell and his wife, Virginia, of Philadelphia, Pa.; two sisters, Mildred Gill of Winston-Salem, N.C. and Viola Rue of Charlotte, N.C.; one grandson, Ian Pannell and wife, Veronica; a great-grandson, Ethan Pannell, all of Jessup, Md; two godsons, Elder Stafford Moore of Fredericksburg and Frank Coleman of Yadon, Pa.

A funeral service for Deacon Pannell will be held February 22 at 1 p.m. at Mt. Airy Baptist Church, Gretna. The Rev. R.P. King will officiate. Burial will follow in Elkhorn Baptist Church Cemetery, Java.

Arthur Melvin Poole

Arthur Melvin Poole, 56, of Virgilina, husband of Janet Comer Poole, died February 18 at Lynchburg General Hospital.

Mr. Poole was a member of North Fork Baptist Church, and worked for ABB of South Boston for 30 years with his last assignment as a Field Service Technician.

A funeral service will be held tomorrow, February 21 at 1 p.m. at North Fork Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Poole is survived by his mother, Eva Talley Poole; four sons, Michael Arthur Poole and his wife, Tonia, of Nathalie, Thomas Wayne Poole of South Boston, Kenny Ray Poole of Appomattox and Brian Keith Conner and his wife, Karen, of Danville; three brothers, Arnold R. Poole of South Boston, Stevie W. Poole and Timmie L. Poole, both of Buffalo Junction; and four grandchildren, Brianne, Kolby, Kylie and Cheyenne. He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Green Poole, and a son, Jeff Scott Poole.

The family will receive friends this evening, February 20, from 7:00 until 9:00, at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home in Clarksville.

Flowers are acceptable or memorial contributions may be made to North Fork Baptist Church or Virgilina Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Ralph Murray, Virgilina, 24598.

Bailey Cornelius 'B.C.' Owen, Jr.

Bailey Cornelius 'B.C.' Owen Jr., 67, of Clarksville died February 18 at his home.

Mr. Owen was born in Mecklenburg County. He worked at Burlington Industries from 1956 until 1971; then worked as a butcher at Vaughan's Grocery in Clarksville and Farmer's Foods in South Boston.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. today, February 20 at Buffalo Baptist Tabernacle, where Mr. Owen served on the Deacon Board. Burial will follow in Oakhurst Cemetery in Clarksville.

Survivors include his wife, Annie Lee Mulchi Owen; one daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Chris Dalton of Buffalo Junction; and two sisters, Kathleen Canada of Richmond and Merle Newton of Buffalo Junction.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Buffalo Baptist Tabernacle, 2326 Hwy. 58, Buffalo Junction, 24529, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Suite 105, 5511 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, 23228.

Allen Bennett Snead

Allen Bennett Snead, 40, of Halifax died February 18 at his home.

Mr. Snead was born in Halifax County on August 22, 1963, the son of the late Charlie and Mabel Snead. He was employed by Southside Community Services Board, and attended Southside Developmental Training Center.

Survivors include one sister, Brenda Snead of Clover; one brother, Barry Snead of Dryburg; foster parents, Steven Seamster of Halifax and Irene and Maurice Storck of South Boston; two foster sisters, Teresa Strazzabosco of Moorsville, N.C. and Charlotte Bennett of Maidens.

A funeral service for Mr. Snead will be held at Powell Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. tomorrow, February 21, with burial in Clover Cemetery.

Visitation will be held this evening, February 20, at the funeral home from 7:00 until 8:30.