By Joe Chandler
Some fans arrived with solemn faces.
Some arrived with tears in their eyes.
Others came bearing smiles and trading racing stories as they remembered the many victories of NASCAR's fallen hero, Dale Earnhardt.
Many came dressed in their finest Earnhardt shirts, jackets and caps. Others came in casual dress.
But come they did, seeking the comfort of being with those within their own legion and in the words of The Rev. Dr. Jerry Falwell, a respected and nationally-known minister.
"A giant oak has fallen in God's forest," Dr. Falwell said.
That is how the minister characterized the death of Earnhardt to an extended congregation of an estimated 800 to 1,000 race fans who gathered Saturday afternoon at South Boston Speedway for a memorial service.
"It's so gratifying to see so many gathered here to pay respect to his memory," Dr. Falwell told the audience.
"I think of other American heroes who have departed the scene. But, here, these past six days we have all observed what a deep impact one man, in 49 brief years, made upon a society."
Dr. Falwell told the audience that after being asked by South Boston Speedway officials to speak at the service he contacted Max Helton, NASCAR's senior chaplain.
Dr. Falwell said that he did that to find out what kind of man Earnhardt was to his family, what kind of man he was spiritually.
"Max said that on Thursday before the memorial service in Charlotte, Teresa (Earnhardt's wife) told the pastor to tell everybody how to go to heaven, that Dale's already there," Dr. Falwell said.
"That was the kind of response that causes this to be a very easy task for me today."
As he neared the conclusion of the service, Dr. Falwell said Earnhardt's death was not in vain.
"I cannot think of anything that would be a more significant memorial to Dale Earnhardt than that through his death millions around this nation should make peace with his God through his saviour, Jesus Christ."
After the 40 minute service, Dr. Falwell talked about the impact the seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion had had on all facets of society.
"Dale Earnhardt is to motor racing what Babe Ruth is to baseball, or Michael Jordan is to basketball, or Tiger Woods is to golf," said the pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg.
"He was the icon. He was the king."
Dr. Falwell said the impact of Earnhardt's death was surprising to him.
"I had no idea how high and how low it went, how far across the board it went," the minister said.
Dr. Falwell said Helton related an incident that occurred between him and Earnhardt prior to last Sunday's fateful Daytona 500.
"Max said last Sunday when he prayed with him (Earnhardt) outside the car door, as he always did before heading out to run, he (Earnhardt) clenched his hand an unusually long time, something he had never done before.
"Now Chaplain Helton looks back on it wondering if he (Earnhardt) knew something or if the Lord had been speaking to him about something."
Dr. Falwell said that memorial services for Earnhardt, such as the one held Saturday at South Boston Speedway, have had a positive spiritual influence.
"Things like we have done here have been done by the hundreds and the result, in all that I've heard, has been profound spiritual impact that will change lives," he said.
"I think Dale Earnhardt may have accomplished more in his death than he did in his life."
South Boston Speedway General manager Cathy Rice said Saturday's memorial service for Earnhardt was a huge success.
"I've had so many fans tell me they were really pleased and honored that we did something," she said, "and especially having Dr. Falwell here.
"We're very, very appreciative to Dr. Falwell for taking time from his busy schedule to come here and do this for us. It means a lot to me and to all of the people that were here."
Lt. Gov. John Hager had been expected to attend the service but that changed when Saturday's General Assembly session continued into the late afternoon.
"His secretary called here about 2 p.m.," Rice said, "and told us the General Assembly had gone into recess and that Lt. Governor Hager sent his regrets about not being able to make it. I thought it was a nice gesture for them to call."
South Boston Speedway officials organized the memorial service after having received numerous inquiries early last week.
"This was the first time we have done anything like this at the track," Rice pointed out.
"I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know what kind of crowd to expect. It really made me feel good. I think it made a lot of people feel good."

Operating with a $200 transport fee for the past three years, the Halifax County Rescue Squad (HCRS) significantly increased its fee Jan. 1.
If a patient has insurance, squad officials estimate the increase could range from $25 to $60, depending on the level of care.
The increase in cost for emergency medical services is due to the implementation by The Health Care Finance Administration (HFCA) of a new Medicare Fee Schedule that the rescue squad's billing company must follow, explained HCRS officials in a news release.
HFCA has established the following levels for emergency medical transportation. They are Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support Level 1, Advanced Life Support Level 1-Emergency and Advanced Life Support Level 2.
"The community must understand that the Rescue Squad has certain regulations that must be adhered to when it is billing for emergency medical services," said Larry Smith, president of the HCRS.
Billing for the HCRS, effective January 2001, is being handled by Diversified Ambulance Billing of Virginia Beach at 1-800-355-1753.
Billing for emergency medical services became necessary when donations decreased and operational costs increased, explained squad officials. For many years, HCRS survived on the donations and other monies that were received from the community.
The Halifax County Rescue Squad provides emergency medical services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. At present there are nine rescue squad employees, with the rest of the membership all-volunteer, providing 24-hour emergency coverage.
"We continue to appreciate the support of the community and pledge our continued efforts to bring the latest in emergency medical services to you should the need ever arise," said HCRS's president.

By BOB LEWIS
Associated Press Writer
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - In a parting slap at Gov. Jim Gilmore, the Senate Finance Committee on Friday spiked a bid to take half of the money the state is due from the multistate tobacco settlement in a lump sum to help struggling tobacco farming areas.
The panel voted 13-3 in a hastily called meeting to leave the bill in committee, effectively killing for the year a bill that would have generated $600 million for economic development in tobacco regions hurt by anti-smoking efforts. Some growers are selling tobacco farms that have been in their families for generations or switching to other crops.
Opponents said they did not trust Gilmore to keep his hands off the trust fund if he needed extra cash to keep his signature car tax phaseout on track.
''Is there any reason we should believe the governor on this?'' Sen. Warren E. Barry of Fairfax County asked fellow Republican Sen. Charles R. Hawkins of Pittsylvania.
Relations between Senate Republicans and their party's governor have been frosty since the legislative session began last month because of sharp differences in the level of tax relief car owners should receive.
In his proposed budget, Gilmore advanced the car tax phaseout to 70 percent despite weak revenues and included a lump sum from the tobacco settlement in his spending plans.
The Senate Finance Committee promptly rejected Gilmore's tobacco money proposal and drafted its own spending plan that increased car tax relief from the present 47.5 percent to 50 percent. Gilmore has said he will veto any car tax measure short of 70 percent.
''Has the governor had a moment of epiphany in that he is now prepared to have the overriding concern of good policy as opposed to good politics on this other related issue?'' said Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr. R-James City.
Sen. William Wampler, R-Bristol, said that two years ago, when the state received its share of the multibillion-dollar judgment against cigarette makers, lawmakers agreed not to count the windfall as general fund revenue.
''But this (Gilmore's) executive budget had language in it that overrode that particular provision and I would respectfully suggest that an appropriations act can override any and all bills that can be placed down here,'' Wampler said. ''That, unfortunately, is where we find ourselves today.''
The bill was introduced Tuesday at Gilmore's behest by Del. Kathy Byron, R-Lynchburg, after Gilmore promised in a news conference not to take Virginia's entire share of the national settlement up front.
The House passed it on a 58-40 vote Thursday.
Gilmore issued a two-paragraph statement denouncing the Senate committee vote.
''With this vote, members of the Senate Finance Committee not only oppose a fiscally sound policy but also show blatant disregard for the men and women of Virginia's tobacco farming communities,'' the statement said.
Byron asked senate committee members to support taking the tobacco money now rather than risk the tobacco industry's collapse before the state receives its 20 annual payments.
''This is a risk and a gamble that I don't think we can take,'' she said.
She also urged the committee not to reject the measure as a rebuke to Gilmore or the House of Delegates, which has sided with Gilmore in the car tax dispute.
''The only people this will hurt is the Southside, and I think that we all look after the whole commonwealth,'' Byron said.
Her bill's Senate patron, Charles R. Hawkins, R-Pittsylvania, said market conditions are ripe now to cash in on the tobacco settlement. ''This gives us access to over a half a billion dollars of investment capital. We will never have access to it again.''
''The bill for our future is in your hands and if you do not want to help us and let this money languish, then look forward for your taxes to go up to support us,'' he said.

The 2001 Halifax County vehicle decals go on sale Thursday.
The deadline for purchasing and displaying the decal is Saturday, March 31.
Before the decal can be issued, all personal property taxes must be paid at the Halifax County Treasurer's Office in the Mary Bethune Complex in Halifax. Owners must provide all state vehicle registration cards with a valid date.
Decals may also be purchased at the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) located on Hamilton Blvd. in South Boston. However, those owners who have not paid personal property taxes must buy decals at the Halifax County Treasurer's Office.
Town of Halifax Decals
In an effort to assist new town residents, beginning Thursday, Town of Halifax officials will sell a town decal for $1 that will not expire until June 30, 2001, the day town decals go on sale.
The Town of Halifax has not ticketed those people who live in the Town of Halifax but who purchased county decals last year, explained Town Manager Robert Greene.
"We are publishing this notice to avoid any further misunderstanding that county decals on town citizens' cars are a violation of our Town Ordinance and that violators are subject to be fined," added the town manager.
For additional information, call the town office at 476-2343.

By Doug Ford
Imagine a military-style boot camp with hard-nosed drill sergeants constantly barking orders guaranteed to get a recruit's attention.
Then imagine the results - a more disciplined, respectful teenager who gains more self-assurance and the ability to work with others.
That is what is happening at Culpeper Dentention Center, according to local judges.
Although the per diem rate is somewhat higher, the center seems to shut down the revovling door of repeat offenders.
"Juveniles do not want to go back," said Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judge Frank Slayton.
Judge Michael M. Rand, also of the J&D Court, agrees.
The judges have seen the results of the military-styled detention system at Culpeper, one that drastically reduces the financial and emotional burden unleashed by repeat offenders to the the teenager, to his family and to society.
Issues involving secure detention within the Juvenile Justice System in Virginia are not easy. Dealing with them involves the intensely personal and private nature of child-rearing and discipline.
However, when a juvenile does commit an offense, he or she must be dealt with in such a manner that both society and the youth are protected. The youth must learn from his or her mistakes.
"The vast majority of juveniles we deal with don't need the level of detention you see at Culpeper," said Rand, adding that about 75 percent of juvenile offenders are released to their parents.
In a few cases, more stringent measures are needed, and that means detention in facilities such as the Culpeper Detention Center, which opened in March 1999.
"We're talking about a very small percentage of juveniles who go to detention," said Slayton.
"The first option is to release them to their parents, a second is to place the juvenile under outreach detention (where a detention officer checks in on them at their home), and a third option is house arrest with electronic monitoring," explained Rand.
A fourth option, for males only, is a regional group home (such as the one found in Riverdale), according to Rand.
All of those options fall short of the more secure environment found at Culpeper, which has adopted a military-style regimen for juveniles sent there.
"Only those who need to be brought under control for awhile, and are a danger to themselves or others are committed to secure detention," said Rand.
According to Lieutenant Arthur Daniels, security manager at Culpeper, the military environment produces results.
"We've been told by several judges and probation officers that kids are more respectful after coming here," said Daniels.
During the interview, Daniels spoke in "real time" from the detention facility in Culpeper over a combined audio/video hookup recently installed in the juvenile courtroom in Halifax.
A typical day at Culpeper begins at 5:30 a.m., with 45 minutes of physical training.
After breakfast, the "cadets" clean their "pods" or living quarters, after which there is a lock down and room inspection.
Cadets are not permitted to speak at any time unless permission is given by staff. "Request permission to speak sir/ma'am," is the appropriate language for cadets to use when asking permission to talk.
A morning "briefing," in which special orders are given for the day, is followed by school, beginning at 8 a.m., with regular subjects like math, English and computer science.
Cadets are allowed a period of recreation, followed by a modified military program at the end of the school day. The evening is devoted to educational programs and an opportunity to write letters.
Saturdays are devoted to community service and drill competition, while Sunday is visitation day.
According to Daniels, the average stay at Culpeper is two weeks, with 60 percent of the youth coming through the facility just once.
"The difference is in the way they act - there's not been one assault on staff by any kid in detention services here," said Daniels.
"They learn a great deal here in respecting themselves and other people, learning to take pride in themselves, and to make their life easier."
Judge Slayton and Judge Rand have seen the results, and are firm advocates of the strict military format found in Culpeper to deal with juvenile offenders.
"I've had parents say to me in the courtroom, 'I wish you'd sent my daughter there three years ago,'" said Slayton.
Culpeper currently houses 33 offenders, with eight of them female.
The success that Culpeper has experienced has caused other detention facilities in the state to take notice, among those the W.W. Moore Detention Home in Danville.
Halifax and Mecklenburg counties signed a contract with the City of Danville in 1999 for W.W. Moore to house up to six juvenile offenders, with the counties being charged on a per diem basis for each bed whether any of the beds are used or not.
Although the per diem rate for housing a juvenile at W.W. Moore is less than Culpeper's, Slayton feels that a more disciplined approach is needed to keep juvenile offenders from multiple appearances in court.
"I appeared before the Halifax County Board of Supervisors to get out of the contract with Danville, because they weren't as stringent [as Culpeper]," said Slayton.
"I met with the director of W.W. Moore two weeks ago. He has three pods under construction and is spending about $8 million to upgrade the facility."
According to Slayton, W.W. Moore is considering adoption of the military-style detention used at Culpeper.
Although the per diem rate for housing juveniles is greater in Culpeper, the local juvenile system has taken at least one step to mitigate those costs.
The audio/video system, installed three months ago in the juvenile courtroom, allows a youth detained in Culpeper to speak in "real time" to an attorney, parents and the judge during a court proceeding.
This mitigates the cost of transporting a juvenile from Culpeper to appear in person in a Halifax court.
Being housed in Culpeper also takes away any negative influence that an offender may experience if he is housed in a less secure environment near the neighborhood where his offense took place.
One time through the justice system with positive results is certainly enough, particularly when dealing with a priceless resource - our children.

By MICHAEL A. PAIGE
They made all the right moves in a performance that ranks as the best ever.
The Halifax County High School varsity cheerleaders placed second Saturday in the Western District Competition held at the Halifax County school gym.
"I was very proud of the girls," said coach Brandy Arnold after the Blue Comet cheerleaders fell three-and-a-half points short of E. C. Glass, which won the fourth annual competition.
Halifax County and the other three Western District teams will advance to the Northwest Regional Cheerleaders Competition, which will be held March 9, at E. C. Glass High School in Lynchburg.
"They worked so hard and they pulled off their routine.
"I couldn't have asked for them to do any better. It's the best I've ever seen them perform," Arnold added.
Halifax harkened its colors with quick synchronic rhythms and dazzling aerobatics in what was their closest challenge to winning the WD competition.
Kelly Carter, the head cheerleading coach at the University of Virginia, helped the Halifax cheerleaders in their preps and routines during the summer.
"They were sharp, their motions were sharp and they were together in their dances and in all their stunts and the tumbling was good too," Arnold said.
"I don't know what happened because we wanted to beat Glass - their routine was good too - but we really wanted to win the Western District.
"But, we came in second and that's the best that Halifax County has ever done in the Western District cheerleading competition. So there's nothing to be disappointed about," Arnold said.
While Glass was the favorite going into the competition, the Blue Comets gave a performance that placed them higher than Albemarle, and GW, which finished fourth and third respectively.
"There's always been this rivalry between Halifax and Glass and we really wanted to beat them, but we still have the regionals," Arnold said.
"I told my girls that they (Glass) got us on our home turf and we can still get them on their home turf in the regionals."

Bryant Woody Lowery of 3079 Philpott Rd., South Boston died Saturday, February 24, 2001 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 76 years old.
Born January 11, 1925, he was the son of the late Walter Green Lowery and Maggie Ford Lowery and was married to the late Arlene Clark Lowery.
Mr. Lowery was a member of Black Walnut Baptist Church.
Survivors include a devoted friend, Hilda C. Tuck of South Boston; two sisters, Hattie L. Long of Lynchburg and Beckly L. Cliborne of South Boston; and one brother, George Lowery of Hopewell.
Funeral services will be held at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel today at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Melvin Bradshaw officiating. Burial will take place in Halifax Memorial Gardens.

Mrs. Elaine Elizabeth Guthrie Fisher of 1078 Thornton-Jim Trail, Nathalie, died Friday, February 23, 2001 at Lynchburg General Hospital. She was born in Halifax County November 20, 1917 and was 83 years old.
She was the daughter of the late Archer James Guthrie and Lena Roark Guthrie and was married to the late Cordie Watson Fisher. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Millstone where she was active in the WMS, church choir, taught Sunday School and was VBS secretary.
Survivors include four daughters, Betty Jane F. Buchanan of Rustburg, Carolyn F. and husband, Walt Castles, of Lynchburg, Brenda F Metts of Lynchburg and Debbie F. Hughes of Nathalie; one son, James W. "Jimmy" Fisher of Nathalie; one brother, Neil T. Guthrie and wife, Nell, of Nathalie; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held yesterday at First Baptist Church of Millstone with the Rev. Bob Watts and the Rev. Shelton Miles officiating. Burial took place in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of the deceased.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to please consider First Baptist Church of Millstone.

Mrs. June Rose Morgan Glover of 1308 Friend Ave., South Boston died Sunday, February 25, 2001 at her home. She was born in La Crosse November 15, 1931 and was 69 years old.
She was the daughter of Charles Henry Morgan and Mattie Lou Sizemore Morgan and was married to Armstead Boyd (Joe) Glover, Jr.
Mrs. Glover was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she was an active member of the choir.
She is survived by her husband; one daughter, Susan Lynn Glover of Williamsburg; one son and his wife, Armstead Boyd Glover III and Teresa of Amelia; two grandsons, Bradley Shelton Glover and Brian Boyd Glover, both of Amelia; and one sister, Margaret Morgan Johnson of Greensboro, N.C.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Russell Lee and the Rev. Melvin Bradshaw conducting. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight from 7:00 until 8:00 and at other times at her home.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to please consider the Halfiax Regional Hospice or the Patrick Henry Boys Home.

Mrs. Mary Margaret Carter Hiner of Richmond, widow of Kenneth Robert Hiner, died Friday, February 23, 2001. She was born in Halifax County February 1, 1914, the daughter of the late Florence Cosby Carter and James F. Carter.
Mrs. Hiner graduated from State Teachers College and taught school in Fauquier County. She was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church and a member of the Altar Guild, a member of the Ginter Park Womans Club, Chancellor Wythe Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was a retired employee of Westminster-Canterbury.
She is survived by two sons, Kenneth Robert Hiner, Jr. of Sarasota, Fla. and James William Hiner of Richmond; one grandson, James William Hiner, Jr. and two great grandsons, Brandon Russell Hiner and William Logan Hiner, all of Richmond; and one brother, James F. Carter, Jr. of Hampton.
Funeral services will be held today at 2:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church with interment to follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 3602 Hawthorne Ave., Richmond, Va. 23227.

Hallie "Sis" Jane Wade Lacks, 79, of 1066 Collins Lane, Clover died Sunday, February 25, 2001 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
She was born in Halifax County April 30, 1921 and was the daughter of the late Ernest Wade and Nannie Lacks Wade. She was married to the late Edward S. Lacks.
Mrs. Lacks was a member of Church of God of Prophecy.
Surviving are a daughter, Mollie Powell of Clover; a son, Steve Lacks of Clover; two sisters, Jerry Bailey and Louise Jackson of Keysville; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Carl Lacks; a great-grandson, Troy Hughes; three brothers, Pete, E.W. and Abner Lee Wade; and three sisters, Ola McKinney, Pauline Tate and Mamie Duffey.
The funeral will be held at Church of God of Prophecy tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. with the Revs. Courtney W. Coffer, Samuel Jones and Tom Warren. Burial will take place in Red Level Church of God cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home tonight from 7:00 until 8:30 and at other times at the home.

Mrs. Fleetwood Adams Cocke of Chester, formerly of South Boston, died Thursday, February 22, 2001 at Chippenham Medical Center. She was born in Pittsylvania County April 11, 1908 and was 92 years old.
She was the daughter of the late Jesse Carter Adams and Ella Maude Adams and was married to the late Anderson Thomas Cocke.
Mrs. Cocke was a member of First Baptist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Nancy C. Campbell of Chesterfield; one son, Tommy Cocke and wife, Jane, of Chapel Hill, N.C.; one grandson, Adam Thomas Cocke; and two sisters, Dorris A. Marilla and Ruby A. Scruggs, both of Richmond.
The funeral was held yesterday at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Bob Fox and the Rev. Martha Jenkins conducting. Burial took place in Highland Burial Park, Danville.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to please consider the Halifax County Rescue Squad or the Halifax County-South Boston YMCA.

Mrs. Mary Frances Richardson Edmondson of 2037 German Creek Rd., South Boston died Thursday, February 22, 2001 at Danville Regional Medical Center at the age of 78.
She was born November 9, 1922 and was the daughter of the late Harvey Richardson and Emma Clay Richardson and was married to the late Eddie Edmondson. She was a member of Dan River Bethel Baptist Church.
Mrs. Edmondson is survived by one daughter, Nanne S. Gross of Baltimore, Md.; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Harvey Richardson of Linden, N.J.; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Richardson of South Boston and Elizabeth Richardson of Linden, N.J.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 1 at 1:00 p.m. at Dan River Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. James L. Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the residence.George Lowery of Hopewell.
Funeral services will be held at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel today at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Melvin Bradshaw officiating. Burial will take place in Halifax Memorial Gardens.

George 'E.D.' Edward Puryear of 1034 Chappell Trail, Vernon Hill died Saturday, February 24, 2001 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was born in Halifax County November 6, 1934 and was 66 years old.
He was the son of the late Roy Walter Puryear and Mary Morris Puryear and was married to Cecil Chappell Puryear.
He was a member of Berry Hill Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Puryear is survived by his wife; one son and daughter-in-law, Michael D. and Joan Puryear of Clover; his mother; one step-son, Bobby Francis, Jr. of Halifax; four sisters and their husbands, Maryland and Luther Matthews of South Boston, Janie and Neil Perkins of Nathalie, Jo Ann and Bernard Smith of Red Oak and Roberta and Edward Coleman of Red Oak; two grandchildren, Michael Edward and Stephan Dean Puryear, both of Buffalo Junction; three step-grandchildren, Harvey Womack, Chris and Kelly Canada, all of South Boston; two step-great grandchildren, Justin Womack and Christopher Canada Jr., both of South Boston.
He was preceded in death by his father, and brother, James Puryear.
The funeral for Mr. Puryear will be held today at 2:00 p.m. at Mount Vernon Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Wilkins and the Rev. Robert Lewis conducting. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of the deceased.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to please consider the Halifax County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 875, South Boston, Va. 24592.

Charlie Easley of Nathalie passed away Thursday, February 22, 2001 at The Woodview in South Boston at the age of 99.
He was born in Halifax County January 10, 1902.
Mr. Easley is survived by five grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held today at 1:00 p.m. at Crawford, Garrett & Burton Funeral Home in Halifax with the Rev. Willie Yancey officiating.