Tobacco securitization bills backed by Southside legislators have been approved by the House and Senate, and Gov. Mark Warner said that he is "inclined" to sign a measure.
The securitization would authorize the state to sell 50 percent of the annual amount received by the Commonwealth from the Master Settlement Agreement with proceeds from the sale deposited into the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Endowment Fund.
An estimated $645 million could be received in that lump sum, according to Stephanie Wass, finance director of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission.
"Over 25 years we would receive about $906 million in residuals, plus $44.7 million in reserve fund earnings," Wass said yesterday.
The Tobacco Commission received $64.1 million last year and is expecting $72.6 million this year, according to the finance director.
Following the securitization bill's passage, Warner said, "I'm inclined to sign it, but these communities are not going to have a second chance at this funding source. Making sure those dollars are used on the right projects is terribly important.
"As a businessperson, I want to make sure we get the best possible deal from Wall Street.
"I also want to make sure we have appropriate safeguards in place, including technical experts, to help ensure these funds are invested in projects that promote the long-term interests of southside and southwest Virginia," the governor said.
Del. Clarke Hogan, who was a securitization bill sponsor, said that the secured funds could be used for a revenue stream to fund long-term building projects. "Those projects, like the completion of high-speed broadband service, are essential to the long-term development of our area," he emphasized.
The Master Settlement Agreement was reached between the Commonwealth and leading tobacco product manufacturers in November of 1998 and the final judgement was entered in the Circuit Court of Richmond on February 23, 1999.
Under that agreement, Virginia would receive annual payments from the settlement fund for the next 23 years.
Earlier this month, state Sen. Charles Hawkins, who sponsored the Senate bill, described securitization money as the only access to new capital that the region had.

After somewhat extensive measures by South Boston officials to keep the bus station in town, Greyhound Lines' officials announced yesterday that they were moving from John Randolph Boulevard (U.S.360 east) to a site on U.S. 58 west across from the Halifax County Industrial Park.
Effective today, all Greyhound Lines buses will pick up and discharge passengers at the Stop-In-Shell/Bojangles.
Officials discovered only recently that town zoning ordinances did not specifically provide for the operation of a bus station even though Greyhound was never denied the privilege of using the facility owned by Janis Jones Chenery.
Greyhound had operated a bus station from the location for seven years.
But Greyhound's search for what its agency sales manager Dave Shingleton described as a "compatible" location, resulted in a move outside the town limits.
Shingleton said that Greyhound had reached an agreement with Mason Day Jr., owner of the Stop-In-Shell truck center, and that the immediate relocation was effected. Unlike the former bus station, the new one is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers travelers a restaurant/convenience store.
Training personnel for ticket sales began yesterday.
Eight buses arrive and depart from here daily, a relatively frequent schedule for a town the size of South Boston, according to Shingleton. South Boston, it seems, is located on one of the major routes between Richmond and Charlotte, N.C.
Because of the area's growing Hispanic population, Greyhound has a lot of traffic between here and Texas, said Shingleton.
Bus traffic, as with all forms of public transportation, declined sharply following the September 11, 2001, terrorists' attacks.
Shingleton describes the typical bus travelers as those afraid to fly, the elderly, students and those desiring more affordable public transportation.
Round-trip fare for two from here to New York is just $78 for advance ticket purchase. By bus, the trip takes approximately 12 hours and includes one-hour stops in Richmond and Baltimore, Md.

Raymond K. Pin is leaving Halifax County once again, this time under drastically different circumstances, and presumably for the last time.
Judge William L. Wellons yesterday affirmed a jury's recommended sentences of life in prison for Pin's three capital murder convictions, which stemmed from the brutal stabbings of Frank Sydnor and Valencia Bouldin in October 1989.
In addition, Wellons affirmed jury-recommended sentences of 25 years in prison for the robbery of Frank Sydnor and 50 years for the robbery of Valencia Bouldin.
Wellons additionally sentenced Pin to five years in prison for the unauthorized use of an automobile.
Pin's life sentences for capital murder carry no possibility of parole.
Yesterday's formal sentencing of Raymond Pin seemed anticlimactic compared to his decade long flight from the law and his ultimate trial and conviction on three counts of capital murder.
The former area restaurant owner smiled as he entered and exited the mostly empty Halifax courtroom, probably for the last time, wearing the bright orange jumpsuit of the Halifax Regional Jail.
He answered simply "yes" or "no" to Judge Wellons throughout the proceedings to indicate he understood English and that he didn't need an interpreter as he was provided during his November trial.
When asked if he had anything to say to the court before his sentence was formally announced, Pin only said "the charge is not fair."
"The court finds the jury verdicts were fair, just and appropriate," said Judge Wellons in closing.
Neither Commonwealth's Attorney John Greenbacker or Pin's defense attorneys Robert Morrison or Robert Teefey offered any additional evidence at the sentencing, which took no more than 15 minutes.
Wellons ordered Pin to be held in custody until transfer to a state penitentiary to begin serving his sentence.
Other Court
· Robert Henry Green Jr., 24, of South Boston, was sentenced yesterday to a total of 26 years in prison for four felony convictions.
Judge Wellons sentenced Green to five years for escaping police custody on October 19, 2000 and to 15 years for the malicious wounding of police officer Stacy Warf who was escorting him.
Green was additionally sentenced to one year in jail for credit card theft and five years in jail for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.
· Joshua Nicholas Cole, a 20-year-old Halifax youth, was sentenced yesterday to a total of 31 years in prison for convictions relating to the burglary of two houses.
Judge Wellons also sentenced Cole to five years in prison for marijuana distribution.
The court suspended all but one year each of Cole's ten year sentences for breaking and entering the home of Gary and Rebecca Allen and the home of Earnest E. Chaffin, as well as the grand larceny of property belonging to the Allens.
The court suspended all of Cole's 12-month sentence for the petty larceny of property belonging to Chaffin and all but seven months of Cole's sentence for marijuana distribution, making an effective sentence of three years and seven months.
The suspended portions of Cole's sentence are conditioned on his good behavior for 30 years.
Judge Wellons ordered one year and seven months of Cole's effective sentence to be served together with a four-year sentence in another jurisdiction, resulting in a total of two additional years to serve.
The court ordered Cole to be placed on supervised probation for two years following his release and to pay restitution in the amount of $2,000.
· Stephen Virgil Driskill, 51, of Alexandria, was convicted yesterday of a probation violation.
Judge Wellons revoked, reimposed and resuspended all but two years of Driskill's previously suspended prison sentence and ordered one year to be served together with a sentence in another jurisdiction, for a total of one additional year to serve.
· Michelle Newman, 29, of Cluster Springs, was convicted yesterday of a probation violation.
The court revoked, reimposed and resuspended all but two years of Newman's previously suspended prison sentence, and ordered one year to be served together with another sentence, for a total of one additional year to serve.
Newman will be subject to a period of good behavior under a previous order.
· Robert Henry Perkins Jr., 21, of South Boston, was convicted yesterday of a probation violation.
The court revoked, reimposed and resuspended all but two years of Perkins' previously suspended prison sentence.
· Vibernadette Grant, 40, of Clover, was convicted yesterday of three separate probation violations.
Judge Wellons revoked, reimposed and resuspended Grant's previously suspended prison sentence to time served up to her entry into the Detention Center program.
The court ordered the resuspended portions of Grant's sentence be conditioned on her completion of the Detention and then the Diversion Center programs.
The court ordered Grant to be placed on supervised probation for three years upon her entry into the Detention Center program, to abstain from illegal drugs and to perform community service in lieu of court costs.
· James Ewell Farmer, 55, of Vernon Hill, was sentenced yesterday to a 30-day suspended jail term and a $600 fine for misdemeanor DUI, which occurred on October 5, 1993.
The court ordered the suspended time be conditioned on Farmer's continued good behavior and his performance of 50 hours of community service through Halifax-Pittsylvania Court Services.
The court additionally ordered Farmer's operator's license be restricted for 12 months to travel to and from work and community service.
· Nakeitha Michelle Edmonds, 24, of South Boston, was found not guilty yesterday of possessing a Schedule II controlled substance after a bench trial.

Some residents in the vicinity of Virginia International Raceway may not like the noise created by race vehicles, but for members of the Halifax County Planning Commission a proposed expansion of the facility located in the Alton community sounds like good vibrations.
The planners have unanimously stamped their approval on plans by VIR to expand the 3.27 mile paved road course to include a new site, the European Rally Course and Motorsport Experience.
That site will include a motorcross track, kart track, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and sport utility vehicle (SUV) training ground in addition to an advance safari course.
VIR is proposing to create the following courses:
· four gravel and dirt rally stages that measure 1.6, 2, 3 and 4.5 miles.
· 3/4 mile beginners dirt ATV course plus a 3-mile advanced course.
· 2-mile dirt motocross course.
· 1-mile SUV elevation course.
· 3,000 foot asphalt kart track.
· workshop/office/classroom facility overlooking track activities.
· possible fuel station.
Some residents living in the vicinity of VIR complained to planners that their once quiet, country neighborhood is already noisy and will only worsen if the track is expanded.
Among those complaining were John Pointer Jr., who spoke at the public hearing, and Curtis Oliver of Semora, N.C., who objected via e-mail, and Jane Thomas of Milton, N.C., who wrote a letter objecting. Both Oliver and Thomas argued that the noise during racing events is so loud that conversations outdoors are hardly possible.
Larry Jeffress, the former mayor of Milton, N.C., supported the expansion.
Harvey Siegel, who owns Blue Chip Racing Resorts that is responsible for VIR development, said the expanded racing courses would not significantly increase the level of noise.
The new courses would be built at the north end of the existing 3.27 mile road course. The Halifax County Board of Supervisors will decide, ultimately, if the expansion project will be allowed and a vote on that matter is expected Monday night following a public hearing.
Originally built and opened in 1957, the roar of race engines was silenced in 1974 until it was refurbished and reopened as America's first motorsport country club and Raceplex industrial park three seasons ago.
Most recently, VIR is being considered as a research facility by the Department of Defense for military vehicles.
Talks are underway with as yet unnamed independent businesses and DOD representatives.
Assisting in the effort are Fifth District Congressman Virgil Goode and U.S. Senator John Warner. "If everything falls into place, this could be a very big deal," said Goode.
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The first major activity of the season at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway will come Saturday when the track holds its annual preseason Open Practice.
Saturday's Open Practice will be held from 9 a.m.
The Open Practice is designed to give drivers in the four NASCAR sanctioned racing divisions at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway an opportunity to shake down their cars prior to the Saturday, March 9 season opening NASCAR 400.
Race fans may watch the Open Practice from the frontstretch grandstand free of charge.
Late Model champions from across the region are lining up to take a shot at the Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway track championship this season.
Last year's Orange County Speedway champion, Frank Deiny Jr. of Mechanicsville, has committed to running the entire season at South Boston, as have regional favorites "Rapid" Ray Young, Todd Massey and defending NASCAR Atlantic Seaboard Region Champion and 2001 Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway track champion Brandon Butler.
Greg Wallace, oldest son of 1989 Winston Cup Champion Rusty Wallace, drove a Late Model Stock Car for the first time at South Boston in 2001 and will attempt to qualify for his first South Boston event when Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway kicks off its 45th season of racing March 9 with the NASCAR 400, featuring the Hills Brothers All Pro Series, NASCAR Textilease Late Model Stocks and Limited Sportsman Division.
Massey, a four-time Ace Speedway champion ('91,'93,'00 and '01) and 1997 Myrtle Beach Speedway champion, will be making his first all-out assault on the local track championship.
Climbing from his No. 3 Pontiac, Massey, a 39-year-old Haw River, N.C., native, was all smiles after the completion of a test session at South Boston Speedway.
"We unloaded from the truck and ran right where we qualified last fall," Massey said.
"With a few changes to the tire stagger, we were making consistent runs right around the pole speed from last year's Bailey's 300. We're pleased with what we've done here today, and I can't wait to put on a show for the great fans here at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway."
Massey said one of the big reasons he chose to compete at the local track this season is the opportunity to win the NASCAR Atlantic Seaboard Region title.
"We've had success at other tracks with five championships and nearly 100 wins on both asphalt and dirt," Massey said.
"But in order to get where we want to be, we need to run at a track where the car count and competition will get us into the hunt to claim the regional title. Brandon (Butler) took the track and regional titles last year and this is where we feel we have the best opportunity to race for the championship.
"When you have to face guys like Brandon, Ray Young and Frank Deiny every race, you know you are running with the best there is, and we want a shot at beating the best," added Massey.
Massey also likes the family atmosphere that is provided at "America's Hometown Track."
"From the garage area up to the front office, this place has some of the greatest people," said Massey.
"From the officials in the pits to Cathy Rice (General Manager) and her staff, we feel real welcome here. Their schedule of events works for my family life as well as my racing career. We always get a fair deal here, and the competition level will be better than anywhere else.
"This place has the greatest race fans anywhere, and I hope that I can bring a little extra excitement to keep them coming back," added Massey.
"I always run hard, and it doesn't matter if it's for eighth place or the win, I'm going to be out there rootin' and gouging to give the fans a show."
With success in different levels of racing, Massey has set his sights on South Boston's touring schedule, which makes for added opportunities throughout the year.
"I've ran some Hooter's and Super Truck races in the past, and I really wanted to work out a deal for the ARCA RE/MAX Series, but the money wasn't there," he said.
"Now with all that South Boston has to offer and the addition of the ARCA event to their schedule, I may be in a better position to make that a reality. Right now, we are going to concentrate on our weekly events, because you have 10 or 12 cars here that can win on any given night, and that makes for some very good racing. To put yourself in that class of competition is a real accomplishment."
The March 9 season opening NASCAR 400 will feature the Hills Brothers All Pro Series, the legendary Textilease Late Models and the Limited Sportsman Division.
Twenty-five events are scheduled for the 2002 season, including twelve NASCAR Weekly Racing Series presented by Dodge events, four Enduros and nine special events.
Tickets are available now online at www.tickets.com, or by calling the Speedway's toll-free ticket hotline at 1-877-440-1540.
More information including the complete 2002 schedule, is located at the track's website at www.southbostonspeedway.com.

William Sydnor Adkisson Jr.

William Sydnor Adkisson Jr., died February 26 at Boston Commons.
Born November 15, 1907, at Mount Laurel in Halifax County, he was the son of the late William Sydnor Adkisson Sr. and Minnie C. Brown Adkisson and was married to Doris Robertson Adkisson, who preceded him in death.
After completing his secondary school education at Halifax High School, Mr. Adkisson attended Hampden-Sydney College, joining the Kappa Sigma fraternity and graduating with a B.A. degree in 1929. Mr. Adkisson first became a teacher at Volens High School in Nathalie, and then an insurance agent and tree and tobacco farmer.
He was a member of the Hunting Creek Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and church treasurer for over 64 years. Mr. Adkisson served as the clerk of the Dan River Baptist Association for 22 years. He was a member of the State Committee of Agricultural Adjustment Administration, Board of Directors of Tobacco Associates and Board of Directors of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, as well as, the president of the Virginia Farm Bureau and chairman of the Virginia Bright Flue Cured Tobacco Board.
Formerly, he was a director of the Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, member of the Halifax Farm Security Committee, member of the Halifax County Planning Commission, member of the Southside Planning Commission, election official of Halifax County, member of the Halifax County Redistricting Committee and member of the committee to work toward the establishment of an Educational Center and Experiment Station, which is now located at Blackstone.
A past chairman of the Halifax United Fund Drive, Mr. Adkisson was also a past president of the Clover Lions Club, former member of the Halifax County School Electoral Board, past director of the Mount Laurel Swimming Pool Association and member of the Mount Laurel Ruritan Club.
In 1951, Mr. Adkisson was the recipient of the Halifax County Distinguished Citizen award, as well as, the Outstanding Tree Farmer of Virginia award in 1979. He was also honored with Mecklenburg Electric's Leadership award in 1993, for his accomplishments as a pioneer in the electrification of rural Southside Virginia.
Survivors of Mr. Adkisson include two daughters, Jane Adkisson Belt and husband, Carl of Cumberland, MD and Mary Adkisson Pritchard and husband, Doug of Chester; four grandchildren, Eleanor B. Madden and husband, Dave of Cumberland, Samuel D. Pritchard of Williamsburg, Meredith F. Belt of Cumberland and William E. Pritchard of Chester.
Funeral services will be held at Hunting Creek Baptist Church tomorrow, March 2 at 11 a.m. with the Revs. H.V. Conner and Tony Sisk officiating.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home today, March 1, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Hunting Creek Baptist Church, 4041 Hunting Creek Rd., Nathalie, 24577, or Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation, Route 2, Box 125, Brookneal, 24528.

Jerry Thomas Worley

Jerry Thomas Worley, 52, of 1111 Fordland Drive, Halifax, died February 28 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Worley was born in Pittsylvania County on March 5, 1949, the son of Harold Worley and Sallie Pearson Worley and was married to Linda Walker Worley. He was a member of County Line Christian Church, where he was a past deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was a Dixie Youth Baseball coach, and he was employed as a product engineer with ABB for 30 years.
Survivors include his wife; two sons, Brandon Thomas Worley and Jonathan Taylor Worley, both of Halifax; his mother of Chatham; two brothers, Wayne Worley of Chatham and David Worley of Gretna; three sisters, Patsy W. Pickral, Susan Worley and Sandy W. Simpson, all of Chatham.
Services for Mr. Worley will be held Saturday, March 2 at 2 p.m. at County Line Christian Church with Ministers Dean Ashby, Louis Hall and Rudy Hearn and Elder Troy Simpson conducting the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church this evening, March 1 from 7:00 until 8:30, and other times at the home. The church is located at 12711 Chatham Road, Axton, 24054.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Halifax County Cancer Association, PO Box 875, South Boston or the County Line Christian Church Building Fund.

James Moses Wimbush

James Moses Wimbush, 72, of Chester, PA, formerly of Pittsylvania County, died February 25 in the Crozen Chester Medical Center.
Mr. Wimbush was born in Chatham in 1929, the son of the late Thomas Wimbush and the late Elizabeth Wimbush. He was a member of the Senior Citizens Club of Chester, was a Korean Conflict Veteran of the US Army, and retired from GMC.
Survivors include three sons, James Martin of Middletown, PA, Robert Martin of Germany and Jamar Johnson of Chester; one brother, Wilbert Wimbush of Chester; two sisters, Catherine White of Harrisburg, PA and Rebecca Grayson of Omaha, NE; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a companion, Lauri Smart. He was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Thomas Wimbush Jr.
Funeral services for Mr. Wimbush will be held March 2 at noon at Law Funeral Home in Chester. Burial will be private.

Wallace Ira Newton

Wallace Ira Newton, 78, of 1708 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, died February 27 at Boston Commons.
Mr. Newton was born in Halifax County on September 19, 1923, the son of John Lorenzo Newton and Georgia Snead Newton and was married to the late Helen James Newton. He was a member of First Baptist Church, South Boston, and was a WWII Navy Veteran.
Survivors include one sister, Wilma Day of Halifax; one nephew, John Michael Day of Ewing; three great nephews; and two special cousins, Virginia H. Day of Roxboro, N.C. and Frances H. Vaughan of Scottsburg.
A graveside service for Mr. Newton and committal for both he and his late wife will be held March 3 at 3:30 p.m. in Oak Ridge Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Bob Fox officiating.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider First Baptist Church, 815 North Main Street, South Boston, 24592 or the Halifax County Humane Society, PO Box 969, South Boston.

Henry 'Grady' Sibley Jr.

Henry 'Grady' Sibley Jr., 74, of Clarksville, died February 27 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Sibley was born in Halifax County. He was a member of VFW Post 8163, American Legion Post 8 of South Boston, a member of the Electrical Workers Benefit Association, and he served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Sibley retired from Virginia Power Company.
Survivors include his wife, Alma Bray Sibley; one son, Craig Sibley of South Boston; one sister, Ann Elder of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren, Ford, Neal and Courtney Sibley; and one stepson, David Pulliam of Hitesburg.
Funeral services for Mr. Sibley will be held at 2 p.m. March 2 at Nelson Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends this evening, March 1, from 7 until 9 at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home in Clarksville.