Wednesday, February 25, 2004

House, Senate Roll Out Budget
Delegate Clarke Hogan: We Can Fund Core Services Without Tax Increases

Del. Clarke Hogan, R-60th, defended the House budget plan against allegations of cuts in services, saying that fundamental differences between the House and Senate proposals made a timely compromise extremely difficult.

"While we could reconcile the differences between the Governor's proposal and the House position, it seems highly unlikely we can with the Senate.

"There is a stark contrast between a House budget that provides for core

services in a fiscally conservative, responsible way and a Senate budget that increases the size of government by historical proportions," the delegate said. "What it boils down to is a choice between big government and lean government.

"Unless the Senate has a change of heart, I don't see any chance of us getting out on time," he added.

The Senate and House each presented their versions of the $58 billion biennial budget for consideration Sunday, with the two versions differing greatly on how to fund state programs over the next two years.

The Senate Finance Committee's version relies heavily on tax increases including the state sales tax, income tax, gasoline tax and motor vehicle titling tax, but would decrease the state's food and estate taxes.

Projected tax increases in the Senate plan total $1.8 billion annually.

The plan presented by the House Appropriations Committee does not increase taxes, but eliminates tax exemptions for business, and curtails spending increases.

The proposal ends at least a dozen corporate and industrial exemptions.
The affected businesses include telecommunications companies, shipping, taxicabs, textile machinery, equipment used to print newspapers, and meals furnished by restaurants for their employees.

"The (Senate) proposal would mean more than $3 billion in new spending and taxes (over the next two years)," Hogan said. "Contrary to the claims that we've made cuts in core services, when you look at the numbers you'll find that's not true."

The delegate said the House plan funds core services at the state level without burdening the citizens with tax increases.

"Although I'm not happy with every line in the budget, I'm generally pleased with the position the House has taken," he said.

"We have a budget that meets core needs of a state government without a general tax increase," Hogan added.

The delegate said that accusations that the House plan would mean cuts in government services were a political maneuver designed to build support for a budget that increases taxes.

"There are some critical issues facing state government right now," he said. "But it's very hard to address those issues in an honest way because of all the rhetoric that's being advanced at the moment and the ruse that's being proposed saying we've (House Republicans) made cuts in government.

"That confuses people and that's a shame," Hogan added.

"When the budget without the tax increases grew from $53 to $58 billion, where did the money go? It went for core services like health care and education," he continued.

Hogan cited education funding for Halifax County as an example.
"Right now, in 2004, we receive $30,770,624 in basic aid to public education in Halifax County.

"Under the governor's proposal, we'd get $31,586,739.

"In the House budget, we'd receive $31,766,150 the first year and the second year we would get an additional $400,000," he said. "That's comparable to the governor's budget proposal but without the tax increases."

Hogan said House Republicans want to ensure the government is as efficient as possible before they consider any tax increases.

"If we had to raise taxes to fund core services, we'd do it," he said. "But that's not the situation we find ourselves in at this point."

Public Hearing Draws Small Crowd, Many Comments

Only 30 people were on hand when the Halifax County School Board received public comment Monday night on the qualities and qualifications the county's citizens want in a school superintendent.

Yet, school trustees got an earful on a variety of topics ranging from discipline, to school bullies to better pay for teachers to a suggestion from a Virgilina resident that Halifax County should move to having two middle schools and two high schools.

In between, the School Board heard what it wanted to hear, suggestions regarding the qualities the county's new school superintendent should have.
Virgilina resident Ralph Tuck was the last person to speak but brought some of the more intriguing comments of the night.

"I challenge you to be innovative," Tuck told the School Board, "think out of the box, you might say.

"Remember as we work in the future, eventually the people get to speak. The people will eventually get to vote.

"Another basic principle I think we all can remember whether we're dealing with issues at home or with county issues - people will pay for what they want," he continued.

"Find you a superintendent who does not follow all of the guidelines that have been etched in stone, particularly in this county. What we've been doing is not really working."

Pointing to the message from county economic officials that educational change is needed, Tuck told the School Board to "hire a superintendent that will lead us in the way education relates to people coming into the community."

"I have found that in talking with people that many are looking for much more than just bricks and mortar," Tuck continued.

"We have areas in the country that are catering to charter schools, small elementary schools where the parents can help with the transition from this child being a four-year-old to going into the second and third grade."

Tuck, pointing out that Halifax County has struggled with the issue of one high school, asked the School Board "to find us someone who will lead us to go ahead and take the bold step to have two middle schools and two high schools.

"Yes, it's very expensive," Tuck noted.

"But, remember what I said, people will eventually understand if they are paying for something that they want or feel that is best for the community."

Halifax resident Jack Dunavant recommended that the School Board look for someone "who is a disciplinarian and who will teach respect."

"In our permissive society we have attached a tag to discipline that says 'don't go there,' that discipline is a no-no.

"I would put a different spin on discipline," added Dunavant.

"I would say discipline is a very positive thing. We cannot teach children if we don't have discipline."

Dunavant reminded the body that the new superintendent will also be in charge of what he termed "a company, a corporation, that is the largest employer in Halifax County."

In closing, Dunavant told the School Board, "I hope you will think of the children, think of the end-product that we want and then select the individual that can deliver the maximum out of our most precious product, which is children."

Sarah Epps, a member of Southside Concerned Citizens and a parent of children attending school in the county, also issued a call for a superintendent who will bring a strong focus on school discipline.

"In your search for a new superintendent, I hope you can find someone that has a vision of success for Halifax County, who will work to ensure we not only have nice buildings but who will remember the ultimate goal of helping our children succeed and who will fight to provide the tools we need to achieve that goal," Epps said.

"The superintendent," she continued, "should act at the direction of the School Board and not the other way around."

Epps told the School Board Halifax County is on the threshold of change.
"Education is one of the most important aspects of that change," she pointed out.

"We must meet this challenge right now, not only to bring Halifax County into the twenty-first century, but so we can tell our children we have not failed them again.

"The people of Halifax County spoke during the last election and we want something better for our children," added Epps.

Dorothy Peffer, who has worked within the school system, told the School Board "we need somebody who has recent classroom experience."

"I really would like to see us have someone who has been in the trenches."

Peffer added she would like to see the person selected as the new superintendent be "a dedicated individual who has integrity and will put the children's needs first."

In addition, Peffer asked the School Board to leave politics out of the mix in the selection process.

South Boston attorney Bill Greer said he, too wants a superintendent who will bring more discipline into the classrooms.

He also said he wants a superintendent "who doesn't believe in taking the sixth grade and putting them in a middle school.

"I want a superintendent that worries about the children in the ninth grade that don't graduate from high school three years later," added Greer.

"I would hope we would have a superintendent that will get back to the basics."

Greer said if the people of Halifax County decided that we could have the best school system in the state we could make it happen.

"It's going to take hard work and it's going to take people that are dedicated and are positive in doing what they have to do," he said.

Bob Cage said the new superintendent should be "a good man who cares about people and you can feel it when you talk to him."

Cage pointed out that the new superintendent must set the right example for everyone to follow and that he must care about people.

"That is the crucial thing," Cage said.

" You've got to care about people and you've got to care about what happens to them and they've got to feel it.

"I have nothing against this superintendent," Cage continued.

"I think he is a good man. Whatever is happening, I think it is probably happening for the best. It usually turns out that way."

Cage also urged the School Board to implement programs to help at-risk students succeed in school and in life and to secure good quality teachers and pay them well.

South Boston resident John Woody told the School Board he wanted to see it choose a new superintendent from outside of Halifax County.

He also pointed out that he wanted to see the School Board hire a superintendent that will support pay hikes for school system employees.

Suzy Robbins, a parent of two children attending school, told the School Board she wants better and more consistent discipline.

Robbins pointed out there are differences in philosophy regarding discipline at different schools.

"What I'm finding out as a parent is you either have children who aren't supported or a teacher who is not supported or a principal who is not supported," Robbins said.

"The Code of Conduct and the disciplinary action is undermining the big SOLs. You're going to be leaving a child behind."

Robbins pointed out there is a big bully movement in the schools "and that is creating big problems in the classroom."

She urged the School Board to examine the personal and social goals that have been established for students.

"None of these are being taught in the schools," she noted.

"We all need to be on the same page and the same wavelength as to what needs to be done."

School Board members said the public hearing was informative.

"I think the public hearing was quite productive," said School Board Chairman Arthur Reynolds.

"I was somewhat surprised we didn't get more people out, but I think the comments that were given were constructive and were comments we can use in our search for a new superintendent."

ED 8 School Board representative Kelly Hill agreed.

"I think a lot of people had a lot of good comments," she said.

"They want somebody who is dependable, they want somebody who is consistent, someone who cares about the children, supports the teachers, and applies more discipline where it is appropriate.

"These are all good leadership skills of a person that we would want as a superintendent," she added.

School Board member Joe Bailey, III agreed that the public hearing was productive.

"During my (election) campaign I always wanted the public's input," Bailey said.

"I think the people want a good, honest superintendent, one who will work hard with our students, which is the future of our county.

"I think the community wants somebody who will be a good ethical person," he added.

SoBo Mulls Re-Zoning, Gateway Issues

During the March 8 Town Council meeting, Council will hold a public hearing on a Planning Commission recommendation suggesting that the properties fronting the1600 to 2000 blocks of North Main Street be changed from residential zones to business and transitional zones.

"This is a comprehensive re-zoning of this portion of North Main Street," Town Planner Lee Pambid told the town's Current Issues Committee.

North Main Street resident Juanita Carr told Council during an earlier meeting that she had planned to open a florist shop in the area, but when she applied for a license she discovered the property wasn't zoned for business use.

At that time, Council recommended Carr work with the town's Planning Commission to come up with a plan for the property.

Following a neighborhood meeting on the issue, all affected residents except one were in favor of the re-zoning, Pambid said.

"The Planning Commission recommended approval of the re-zoning with the one exception," Pambid said.

"If this proposal passes, it would provide the opportunity for the residents of the area to have more conveniences nearby as opposed to having to walk or drive to Centerville or Hupps Mill Plaza," he added.

After hearing the staff's recommendations for a policy regarding the placement of signs on the town's gateway at Constitution Square, committee members suggested that more work needed to be done before the policy could be implemented.

During the committee's February 2 work session, 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 resulted in the policy review.

South Boston Town Manager Ted Daniel told the committee during the earlier meeting that there was no policy in place for adding signs to the gateway.

After addressing the issue with town staff, the town manager offered the following recommendations:

• Applications to install them would be made through the town's Department of Community Development.

• In order to participate in the program the organization must be non-profit, hold regular meetings within the corporate limits of the town, provide a sign approved by the Sign Review Committee and maintain the sign in good condition.

"The committee could be a permanent committee or one appointed on demand," Daniel said. "The committee would then present their opinion to Council for final action."

The town manager suggested that either the town's Main Street Committee or the design committee of Destination Downtown take over the sign review responsibilities.

Mayor Glen Abernathy said he wanted more information requested on the application regarding the meetings of the applicant.

"I'm concerned at that part of it," he said. "I think we need to know where they are meeting, when and how often."

Councilman Coleman Speece suggested the group be required to note the number of members.

"I think there should be some rationale as to why their signs should be on there," he said.

Daniel said town staff would continue to work on the policy and bring it back for consideration during the March 29 work session.

A proposed amendment to the South Boston Town Code will make it easier to receive state and federal line of duty benefits in the event a member of the town's volunteer fire department or rescue squad is killed in the line of duty, the town manager told the committee.

State law requires that it must be in writing that volunteer firefighters or rescue squad members are recognized as "an integral part of the (town's) official safety program," he said.

"This is something that we want to have on the books but hope we never need," Daniel added.

He said that Chief William Murray brought it to the staff's attention that the volunteer personnel weren't addressed in town code.

The state's Line of Duty Act stipulates that "the beneficiary of a deceased person whose death occurred while in the line of duty as the direct or proximate result of the performance of his duty shall be entitled to receive the sum of $75,000, which shall be payable out of the general fund of the state treasury..."

Once the amendment is included in town code, the beneficiary is also entitled to more than $250,000 in federal benefits, Daniel said.

The proposed amendment was put on the agenda for the March 8 Town Council meeting.

Bridge Construction On Schedule

VDOT Resident Engineer Joe Barkley II told the members of the Current Issues Committee that work on the nearly $25 million John Randolph Bridge project was progressing on schedule.

"Right now, we're very pleased with both the contractor's progress and the safety record we've had so far," Barkley said.

The project includes the construction of a new bridge parallel to the existing bridge, rerouting traffic to the new bridge and the demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a second new bridge.

Included in the project is the four-laning of U.S. 360 to the point where it is currently four-lane and the construction of a new Vaughan Street overpass.
In the planning of the project, great care was taken to not affect nearby businesses, the engineer said, adding that Bridgeview Exxon, the hotel and the Catholic Church would not be affected by the project.

Barkley said VDOT has a contract with Key Construction, a Clarksville firm, with an estimated completion date of August, 2007, for the project.

"It's going to be a lengthy project," he said. "These plans are the largest set of plans I've ever dealt with."

Barkley said the project will be completed in phases in order to maintain two lanes of traffic flow throughout the construction.

"(Key Construction) is on schedule and has been paid $4.7 million out of the nearly $25 million to date," he said.

While no timeline for completion of construction on the first bridge was available, Barkley estimated the bridge would be completed in 2005.

Spring Has Sprung
Good Turnouts Greeted Coaches At Hchs And Hcms As Tryouts, Practice Opened Monday For Spring Sports Teams

By JOE CHANDLER & DOUG FORD | G-V Staff Writers

Spring has sprung - at least for the Halifax County High School and Halifax County Middle School spring sports teams.

Candidates for spring sports teams at both schools were out in full force Monday as tryouts and practice got underway under cloudy skies and temperatures around 50 degrees.

Coaches at both school reported that everything got off to a good start.

Baseball coaches at Halifax County High School reported a solid turnout for opening day with 24 candidates coming out to try to earn a spot on the varsity team and 25 players coming out to try to land a spot on the junior varsity baseball team.

"It was a very good turnout," said Comets head baseball coach Kelvin Davis.
"We were very pleased with the talent of the players that we had to come out.

A lot of the varsity players (from last year's team) have been going to Coach (Fred) Palmore for weight training. We could tell that a lot of the guys had improved their game during the off-season."

Davis said many of his same comments also apply to the candidates trying out for spots on the junior varsity team.

The Comets junior varsity baseball team is practicing at the C.H. Friend Elementary School field each afternoon.

Davis said the coaching staff for both the varsity and jayvee teams are going to have some tough decisions to make.

"If the weather cooperates and we can get enough time outdoors, we can probably make our final cuts by Friday," Davis said.

"The coaches are going to have some tough decisions to make as far as making the final cuts are concerned."

Halifax County High School varsity girls softball coach Melanie Saunders was also greeted by a good turnout of candidates on opening day.

Sixteen young ladies hoping to land a slot on the team were on the practice field Monday.

The Comets team has 12 players returning from the team that advanced to the Northwest Region Tournament semifinals last season.

"We're very eager to get going," Saunders said.

"We seem to already have leadership from those returning, and most of them have been working hard in the weight room in preseason," she added.

The Halifax County High School girls soccer teams had good turnouts also with approximately 18 varsity candidates and 22 jayvee candidates trying out for the teams.

Sid Young will continue to be at the helm of the Comets varsity girls soccer team with Stephanie Tucker as his assistant.

Sarah Kyte will coach the Comets junior varsity team.

"Yesterday (Monday) was a productive day to allow us to see what skill levels the girls have," said Tucker.

"We had a great show of eighth-graders who will help benefit Coach Kyte's team."

Tucker said she is looking forward to this season with the varsity team.
"This group is extremely athletic all around," she said.

" There will be some girls pulled up from last year's jayvee team who will help fill some spots that varsity lost last year to graduation.

"The varsity group has great chemistry and will hard to compliment each other on the field," added Tucker.

Halifax County Middle School baseball coach Barry Powell welcomed about 45 hopefuls to the first official day of practice on Monday.

I'm pleased with the turnout," said Powell, adding he cut that number down to 33 after Monday's workouts.

That number will have to be pared further for a final roster of 18 players, according to Powell.

Powell has six players returning from last year's undefeated Southside Middle School Championship team.

A majority of the hopefuls have played other sports, such as football or basketball, something Powell encourages.

"The majority of them played other sports and we're beginning to see the benefits from that," he said.

"I feel like we began preparing for this season since the moment we finished playing last year.

"We've been hitting inside since January, and we got a chance to get on the field the first time Monday," he added.

Powell said he wants to put the prospects at different positions to see what each of them can do.

"We want to give each kid an opportunity to make the team," said Powell, who added he hopes to have his final roster by Friday, if weather permits.

Halifax County Middle School softball coach James Smith welcomed 39 hopefuls Monday to the first day of practice.

Smith, who has only five returnees from his undefeated Southside Middle School Conference championship team, was pleased with the turnout, and the first day of tryouts.

"We did a little fielding and hitting, and got to look at some of the pitchers," said Smith.

"Practice went really well."

Selecting a team from this group of prospects will be a difficult task, according to Smith.

"There are only 12 eighth-graders among the prospects, with the rest seventh-graders, but there is a lot of talent among the group," said Smith.

"I've got a tough job, because a lot of these girls played on the Halifax American and Halifax National Dixie Ponytails all-star teams last season," he added.

Smith hopes to have a final roster by Friday, with the number of players not yet firm.

"I'll keep between 16 and 18 girls," said Smith.

Tryouts and practice for all of the teams at both schools will continue throughout the week.

Obituaries

‘Buck’ Wilkins Dies At Age 90

Edward Byerley 'Buck' Wilkins, a vital force in the business community for 70 years, died yesterday at his home in South Boston.

Mr. Wilkins was 90.

A University of Virginia Architectural School graduate, the architect was a contractor with Halifax Contractors and Builders and was also the developer and co-owner of the South Boston Speedway for 24 years.

Mr. Wilkins was associated with the Halifax County Fair for 78 years where he served as president and manager. He received the Virginia Association of Fairs "Fair Person of the Year" in 2002.

He was a World War II Army Air Force Veteran having served at Hickam Field, Honolulu, Hawaii. After Hawaii, he obtained the rank of Master Sgt. and was awarded the Bronze Star for his services in the Air Force Engineers.

He was born April 16, 1913, to the late William Wyche Wilkins and Eva Byerley Wilkins and was married to Jenny Osborne Wilkins.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he was a former deacon and elder, Survivors of Mr. Wilkins include his wife of 54 years; two daughters, Paige Wilkins Powell and husband Les of South Boston, and Sue Wilkins Bales and husband CJ of Cluster Springs; one son, Edward Bruce Wilkins of South Boston; one sister, Louise Wilkins Shelton of South Boston; two brothers, William Wyche 'Dub' Wilkins Jr. and wife Margaret of Turbeville, and Bailey G. Wilkins and wife Betty Pierce of Amherst; six grandchildren, Kelly Wilkins Gravitt of Richmond, Leslie W. Powell IV, Raleigh Wilkins Powell and John Oliver 'Jack' Watkins III, all of South Boston, Edward Banks 'Buck' Watkins and Abbey Lee Bales, both of Cluster Springs; one great-grandchild, Madison Brooke Watkins of Halifax; a sister-in-law, Margaret E. Wilkins of Virginia Beach; and six nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Lewis Banks Wilkins.

A funeral service for Mr. Wilkins will be held Friday, February 27, at Powell Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Russell Lee conducting the service. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home Thursday night from 7 until 9, and other times at his home, 102 Merritt Street in South Boston.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider a charity of your choice.

Dr. Jesse Bates Dead At 83

South Boston lost a beloved physician and community leader with the death of Dr. Jesse James Bates Monday.

Dr. Bates, of College Street in South Boston, died at his residence at the age of 83.

He was born in Halifax county on June 6, 1920 to the late Harry Lee Bates and Sarah Poindexter Bates.

Dr. Bates was married to the late Juanita Harden Bates and was a dedicated physician for more than 50 years.

An Air force veteran, Dr. Bates was formerly a member of the South Boston School Board, the Board of Directors of Halifax Regional Hospital, American Legion Post 99 and the Business and Professional Council.

He was a deacon of the Sunflower Baptist Church.

Dr. Bates is survived by one daughter, Dr. Sandra Bates Grant of Nashville, Tenn., one brother, Richard Bates of Nathalie, two grandchildren, Robert and Angela Grant, both of Nashville, one son-in-law, Robert Grant Sr. of Nashville, one sister-in-law, one brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Dr. Bates will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. with services at the Sunflower Baptist Church.

The Rev. Robert Tucker will officiate.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of the Dr. Jesse James Bates Scholarship Fund at Halifax Regional Hospital, 2204 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, Va. 24592.

The family will receive friends at the chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home on Friday from 6 until 8 p.m.

Helen Walker Burton

Helen Walker Burton, 89, of South Boston died February 22 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mrs. Burton was born in Portsmouth on January 29, 1915, the daughter of the late Sue Stanfield Walker and Thomas Walker and was married to the late Wilmer Scott Burton. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she was a former Deaconess and a member of the WMU.

A funeral service will be held today, February 25 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Tim Cannon officiating. Burial will follow at Halifax Memorial Gardens.

Surviving Mrs. Burton are one son, Gerald Burton Sr. and his wife, Estelle, of Louisburg, N.C.; one brother, Franklin Walker of Princeton, Ky.; a grandson, Gerald Burton Jr. of Raleigh, N.C.; a granddaughter, Sheri Scott Burton of Charlotte, N.C.; and two great-grandchildren, Kelsey Burton and Lindsey Burton.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 875, South Boston, 24592.

Herbert Leroy Crews

Herbert Leroy Crews, 73, of Long Island died February 21 in Lynchburg General Hospital.

Born April 18, 1930, in Halifax County, he was a son of the late Joseph S. Crews and Ethel Robey Crews.

Mr. Crews was a member of Straightstone Baptist Church and was a retired tobacco farmer.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Davis Crews of the home; two sons, Michael L. Crews Sr. and wife, Ruby, of Brookneal and Jeffrey L. Crews and wife, Faith, of Long Island; a brother, J.T. Crews and wife, Bernice, of Long Island; three sisters, Virginia Compton of Chesapeake, Mary Pat Owen of Brookneal and Barbara Jean Roakes and husband, Ed, of Gladys; a sister-in-law, Janie Crews of Nathalie; four grandchildren, Michael L. Crews Jr., Stuart T. Crews, Eric Scott Crews and George 'Mac' Abbitt; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Lucille George; and four brothers, Billy, Raymond, Edwin and Robert Crews.

A funeral service was held February 23 at 2 p.m. at Straightstone Baptist Church with the Rev. James Manuel officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider North Halifax Volunteer Fire Department or the Renan Volunteer Fire Department.

Nellie Hicks Mabe

Nellie Hicks Mabe, 96, formerly of Ringgold, died February 21 at Danville Regional Medical center.

Mrs. Mabe was born April 11, 1907, in Stokes County to the late Luther Hicks and the late Nannie Stephens Hicks, and was married to the late Bill Mabe. She was a member of Shermont Baptist Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Shirley Bell and husband, Jerry, of Lenoir, N.C., Jane Trent of Anderson, S.C. and Lilla Mae Greenwood of Reidsville, N.C.; three sons, Watson Mabe and wife, Pat, of Ringgold, Ted Mabe and wife, Janice, of Reidsville, and Paul Mabe and wife, Barbara, of Alton; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services for Mrs. Mabe were held February 23 at Danville Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Jimmy Cain officiating.

James Watkins Owen

James Watkins Owen, 64, of South Boston died February 22.

Mr. Owen was born April 18, 1939, in Halifax County, a son of Howard Watkins Owen and the late Lydia Nichols Owen. He was retired from the Westinghouse Corporation where he worked as a Coil Winder.

In addition to his father, Mr. Owen is survived by his son, Kevin T. Owen and his wife, Mary, of Nathalie; sister, Hazel Womack and her husband, Henry, of Richmond; a niece, Tammy Clark; and a nephew, Randy Womack, both also of Richmond.

A memorial service for Mr. Owen will be held at 2 p.m. February 28 at Crystal Hill Southern Baptist Church with the Revs. Ed Griffith and Vance Midgett officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Halifax County Humane Society or the charity of your choice.

Glen Austin Poindexter

Funeral services for Mr. Glen Austin Poindexter Jr., will be held Friday, February 27 at 12 noon with services at the Millstone Baptist Church.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Mr. Poindexter, of Alchie Lane in Nathalie, died Sunday, February 22 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

He was 60.

Mr. Poindexter was born in Halifax County on July 16, 1943 to the late Glen Austin Poindexter Sr., and the late Viola Hendricks Poindexter.

He was a member of Sunflower Baptist Church.

Mr. Poindexter is survived by two sisters, Barbara P. Robinson of Temple Hills, Md., and Ruth Sweeney of Washington, D.C., three aunts, two uncles, one brother-in-law, William Robinson of Temple Hills, Md, four nieces, two nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Doris St. John Shields

Doris St. John Shields, 100, of 3977 Old Well Road, Phenix died February 23 in Lynchburg General Hospital. She was wife for 71 years to the late B.C. Shields Jr.

Mrs. Shields was born in Charlotte County on April 18, 1903, a daughter of the late Walter Henry St. John and Etta Ramsey St. John. She was a lifetime member of Midway Baptist Church, received her teaching certificate from Longwood College and taught elementary education in Charlotte County.

Survivors include two sons and their wives, Beverly Craddock Shields III and Jackie, of Halifax and M. Reid Shields and Margaret, of Appomattox; two grandchildren; one step-grandchild; two great-grandchildren; and four step great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Hubert Lee St. John and Harry Jones St. John.

Graveside services for Mrs. Shields will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow, February 26, in Midway Baptist Church Cemetery by the Rev. Joey Anthony.
The family will receive friends at the home.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Midway Baptist Church, 2595 Midway Road, Phenix, 23959.

Jerry Lee Thomas

Jerry Lee Thomas, 58, of Clermont, Fla. died February 23 at his home.
Mr. Thomas was born in Halifax County on March 3, 1945, the son of Ulysses Cameron Thomas and Gertrude Chaney Thomas.

He was a graduate of Shenandoah Valley Academy and attended Southern Missionary College in Collegdale, Tenn. and later attended William and Mary College in Williamsburg. He was retired from U.S. Airways as a reservationist.
Survivors include one brother, Shannon B. Thomas and wife, Sissy, of Halifax; and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.

A graveside service for Mr. Thomas will be held February 27 at 2 p.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery with the Rev. Garland Day officiating.

The family will receive friends at the home of Lib Chandler, 2800 Halifax Road, South Boston.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Jerry Lee Thomas Memorial Fund.

Mary Helen Dunn Walton

Mary Helen Dunn Walton, 96, of 380 Mt. Tabor Road, Vernon Hill died February 23 at Roman Eagle Nursing Home in Danville.

Mrs. Walton was born on March 30, 1907, in Pittsylvania County the daughter of Earnest Pierce Dunn and Carrie Young Thompson Dunn, and was married to Wade Norman Walton.

Survivors include three daughters, Dorothy W. Motley and Carolyn W.
Simpson, both of Vernon Hill and Frances W. Hastings of Blairs; two sons, W.T. Walton and Norman B. Walton, both of Vernon Hill; one brother, Newman Dunn of South Boston; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, Herman Dunn; and two sisters, Hazel Anderson and Lessie Fowler.

Funeral services for Mrs. Walton will be held today, February 25 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Herman Absher conducting the service. Burial w ill follow in Halifax Memorial Gardens.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the 640 Life Saving Crew or the Java Fire Department.

Virginia Anderson Whitlow

A funeral service for Virginia Anderson Whitlow will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday at Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel in Danville, with burial in Highland Burial Park.

The Rev. Carl Burger will officiate.

Mrs. Whitlow, 86, died Tuesday at Roman Eagle Memorial Home where she had been a resident two years.

She was born December 3, 1917, in Halifax County, a daughter of the late Willard Kent Anderson and Rebecca Perkins Anderson.

She had lived for 40 years in the Ringgold community and had previously lived in Halifax County.

Mrs. Whitlow was a member of the Ringgold Baptist Church, where she had been active with the Joy Club and had served as secretary of the Fidelis Sunday school class.

She was predeceased by her husband, Howard F. Whitlow Sr.

Mrs. Whitlow is survived by three sons, Earl T. Whitlow and H.F. Whitlow Sr., both of Ringgold, and James W. "Jim" Whitlow of Burlington, N.C., and four sisters, Christine Myers of South Hill, Odelia Beck of Richmond and Julia Beck and Bernice Wilkinson, both of Kenbridge, six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family will be at the residence of her son, 3449 Ringgold Church Road (Route 726).