GREENSBORO (AP) - R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. has filed a federal lawsuit against Philip Morris Inc., accusing the world's largest cigarette-maker of attempting to monopolize the retail arena by shutting out competitors.
The lawsuit filed Friday claims a new Philip Morris program  scheduled to begin April 1 effectively prevents other cigarette brands from competing at participating retail outlets.
Filed in U.S. District Court in Greensboro, the lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction barring Philip Morris from signing up any more retailers for its ''Retail Leaders'' program. The program violates federal and state antitrust laws, the lawsuit claims. It also seeks unspecified damages.
''What we're seeking out of this ultimately is just to get a level playing field where all can compete on a fair basis,'' said Seth Moskowitz, a Reynolds spokesman at company headquarters in Winston-Salem.
Philip Morris officials denied to comment until Monday. ''We just got the lawsuit and haven't had time to look it over,'' said Philip Morris spokeswoman Mary Carnovale in a telephone interview Friday night from New York. She said the company may comment on Monday.
''The real issue is they are using their market power effort to prevent adult smokers from being able to see and buy competitive cigarette brands,'' said Moskowitz.
Philip Morris, with its dominant Marlboro brands, reportedly has a 53 percent share of the retail cigarette market, while Reynolds, whose brands include Salem and Winston, claims 25 percent.
Reynolds says the Retail Leaders program promises lucrative payments to retailers that give Philip Morris 100 percent of the store's visible retail space. It also offers less lucrative display and promotion payments to retailers that make a commitment of 75 percent of their visible space, according to Reynolds.
Participating retailers then pass along the discounts to customers during promotion periods that last three months out of the year, but cannot discount any other cigarette brands during that time, the lawsuit claims.
''If they don't want to sign up for one of those two most lucrative display allowance plans, then they receive virtually no promotional allowances from Philip Morris,'' Moskowitz said.

It's been said that if Mike Barnett had any more horse blood flowing through his veins he'd probably grow a tail. As it is, he's happy to live his dream working with horses and sharing his love for the equine species with as many people as possible.
After working for years to make his dream of operating a livery barn (also known as a hack line) a reality, Barnett has opened Black Walnut Stables Inc., located in Alton on Traynham Grove Road, to the public.
"I've thought about doing something like this all my life," said 'Cowboy Mike' as he gazed fondly at several horses dozing peacefully in the early morning sunshine on his 120-acre farm.
Barnett grew up on a farm outside of Durham, N.C., and his father put him up on mules before the young cowboy graduated up to horses.
In his teen years Barnett can remember working as a young ranch hand, tending to some 50 head of horses and huge herds of cattle.
"I was just a kid, really, so I didn't go out on the town with the rest of the ranch hands after work was finished. I always stayed behind and cleaned saddles and such," Barnett said, his prominent laugh lines deepening as he smiled at the memories. "Back then we did all the cattle work from the back of a horse. I remember watching all the other more experienced ranch hands and thinking that I wanted to be like them and do what everyone else could do."
And now after moving to Alton five years ago, Barnett, with the help of his daughter Lavonne Wren and numerous horse-loving friends, is making his dream come true and inviting others to share it.
"I can't think of anything much better than being on or around a horse. There are so many people out there that love horses, but don't have the space or time to keep one," he said.
"But now they can come and ride here. As far as I know, this is the only place that does this sort of thing in the county."
Over the past several months, Barnett has been busy building a reliable string of horses and cutting trails through the woodland surrounding his farm.
"I can't imagine living in a city surrounded by all those buildings and cement. People want to get away and take a break from that, and this is a great way to do it," he said. "We've got about 15 good, quiet riding horses and enough trails that you can ride all the way to North Carolina."
Black Walnut Stables Inc. offers one-hour, two hour, half-day and full-day guided trail rides to anyone who wants to saddle up and "escape from the daily grind" for a while.
"We've got horses for any level rider, and enough trails for you to ride as long as you like," Barnett said. "However, if you're a beginner, I'd suggest starting with the hour ride and working your way up to the longer rides."
An experienced guide will accompany each group of riders, Barnett added.
Visiting Black Walnut stables is similar to stepping into a scene from the frontier classic "Lonesome Dove," complete with a pet pig, Susie, a burro named Pete, a big shaggy dog known as Shoney, and a collection of talented young cowboys.
Nikki Jarrett hails from Maryland and lives and works at Black Walnut Stables. She shares Barnett's dream and love for horses.
"I started riding from the time I was still in my momma's belly. And when I was growing up, my daddy ran a hack line," she recalled while country classics played softly in the background.
"Opening other people up to the same pleasures that dictate my life brings warmth to my heart and is my dream," she said smiling.
Together Barnett, Jarrett, and brothers Raymond and Greg Hudson plan to offer riding lessons for people and training sessions for both horses and their riders.
Barnett said the hour-long lessons will include instruction on basic horse care as well as how to ride.
The younger of the Hudson duo, Raymond, looks forward to working with the public.
"I'm 18 now and have been around horses all my life. This is what I've always wanted to do - work with horses," Raymond said. "I want people to know that if I work with their horse it will get the best of care. I take pride in my work, and I take the time to do it right."
That is the philosophy around Black Walnut Stables. They love their horses and look forward to sharing that love with others.
For more information or to schedule a ride, call 753-3163.

South Boston Police are asking the public's help in an attempt to locate a woman suspected of stealing purses at two South Boston businesses Friday afternoon.
A woman described as a white female, in her early 30's, approximately 5-6 in height, weighing approximately 175 pounds, and wearing her hair up in a bun, went into Riverside Antiques located at 1900 Seymour Drive Friday afternoon and stole a purse belonging to the store's operator, Nan Loftis.
South Boston Police Lt. R.D. Loftis said yesterday that while Mrs. Loftis was waiting on other customers, the woman went into the office and stole the purse and its contents.
However, it was about 30 minutes later before Mrs. Loftis missed her purse and contacted the police to report the theft.
The South Boston Police official said that a short time later a woman that closely matched the description given by Mrs. Loftis entered Miss West & Sisters at 206 Main Street, went into the office, and stole the purse belonging to the store's operator, Carol Mjaanes.
Lt. Loftis did not disclose the amount of cash or what the estimated loss was from either of the two thefts.
The South Boston Police Department spokesman is asking that anyone having any information at all regarding either or both thefts or the individual who allegedly committed the crime to call either the local Crime Stoppers number or contact the South Boston Police Department.
A 34-year-old South Boston man was arrested Friday night by South Boston Police and charged with the rape and forcible sodomy of a South Boston woman.
South Boston Police Department Lt. R.D. Loftis said that Inv. B.K. Lovelace arrested Thomas Edward Barley of 1006 College Street Friday night on the charges that stemmed from an alleged incident that occurred Thursday night.
Barley was released on a $5,000 bond.
A hearing for Barley will be set for sometime in April in Halifax County General District Court.
Lt. Loftis said that Barley is accused of the rape and forcible sodomy of a 37-year-old woman that occurred sometime Thursday night at the victim's residence on Jeffress Boulevard.
The victim and Barley knew each other, Lt. Loftis said.
In other matters:
South Boston Police are continuing to investigate an early Tuesday morning break-in at the Dairy Dell Restaurant in Riverdale.
Lt. Loftis said that Officer D.W. Barker's report stated that the break-in was discovered at about 2:25 a.m. Tuesday.
The rear door to the restaurant had been kicked in but nothing was found to be missing.
"We think the alarm may have scared them off," said Loftis.
Damage to the door was estimated at $200.

Mitchell W. Puryear, 20, of Cherry Hill Church Road, pleaded guilty to one count of carnal knowledge and was found guilty by Circuit Court Judge William L. Wellons.
Puryear agreed to plead guilty to the charge of having carnal knowledge with the 13-year-old on March 13, 1998, if the other two charges of having carnal knowledge of the child on March 16 and 23, 1998, were nol prossed.
Wellons allowed Puryear to remain free on bond until he is sentenced in May on the condition that he have no contact with the victim.
In other cases heard in Halifax County Circuit Court Thursday and Friday:
· Brian O'Neal Lacks, 20, of Loveshop Mobile Home Park, South Boston, pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting malicious wounding and escaping custody that stemmed from an incident involving State Trooper R.C. Compton. According to court records and reports from the Virginia State Police, Compton had stopped Lacks for a suspected DUI October 20, 1998. Lacks reportedly drove off while Compton had his arm in the vehicle attempting to shut off the ignition. Wellons found Lacks guilty as charged and remanded him to the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority in Halifax County. A presentence report was ordered for May.
· Ralph E. Davis, 34, of Wilmouth Avenue, South Boston, pleaded not guilty to one count of possession of cocaine. He was found guilty and will be sentenced in May. Davis entered guilty pleas and was found guilty of breaking and entering and grand larceny from Kevin Ray Smith, and will also be sentenced for these offenses in May. Wellons ordered Davis to be remanded to the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority in Halifax County.
· Christopher A. Duffer, 20, of Wren Street, South Boston, pleaded not guilty to contributing to the delinquency of a minor, breaking and entering and grand larceny from Eastside Video, but was found guilty and will be sentenced in May. Wellons allowed Duffer to remain free on bond until that time on the condition that he comply to the structures of supervision and remain drug free. Wellons dismissed the charge of attempting to obstruct a law enforcement officer engaged in his duties.
· Gerald Edward Miller, 43, of River Road, South Boston, pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful wounding as part of a plea agreement that reduced the original charge of malicious wounding. He was found guilty and remanded to jail and will be sentenced in May.
· Donald Kelly Ferrell, 22, of College Street, South Boston, entered an Alford Plea to the charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of driving with a suspended operator's license and possession of marijuana. Wellons found him guilty on all three counts. Ferrell will remain free on bond and will be sentenced in May.
· Brian C. Jones, 18, of Winn's Creek Road, pleaded guilty and was found guilty of possession of cocaine. The misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana was nol prossed. Jones was allowed to remain free on bond and will be sentenced in May.
· Vanessa M. Monger, 36, of Highway 58 west, South Boston, pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor habitual offender charge. Wellons dismissed the case.

Census enumerators will begin today knocking on doors of Halifax County residents as preparations are under way for the 1999 Triennial School Census.
The census will be taken during the period of March 15 - June 30, 1999, for all individuals who have reached their fifth but not their twentieth birthday by December 31,1999.
The Halifax County School Board gave its approval at the March meeting for school officials to begin working on the school census, required by state law to be taken once every three years.
According to Dr. Bobby R. Hall, deputy superintendent of Halifax County Public Schools, "The census will begin as soon as we have everything organized. The census must be completed by the end of June."
Dr. Hall emphasizes that the census is important because the state uses census figures in determining the distribution of state sales tax revenues to the state's school systems.
"Because of the impact that the school census has on the amount of state funds the school system receives, it is to our benefit to do a good job of counting the school population in our area," Hall said. "The census is also important because it provides school system officials with vital information about our school-age population."
Dr. J.O. Crews, supervisor of facilities planning/community relations, will serve as the census coordinator. Crews will be working with a staff of approximately 20 enumerators who will visit each home in the county seeking information for the census. Enumerators will carry identification badges.

LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) - Flathead catfish and smallmouth bass caught in the Staunton River have exceeded the level of PCBs considered safe by the state, according to fish sampling results released by the Department of Environmental Quality.
Of 73 fish samples released, eight tested above the state's health advisory level of 600 PCB parts per billion. One catfish even rated above the federal level that suggests no one eat the species.
''I'm stunned. We've got two new species to add to the advisory,'' said Shelton Miles, of the Citizens for the Preservation of the Staunton River.
Last summer, the Virginia Department of Health advised against eating more than two servings of carp, striped bass and white bass in a month. The advisory stretches for 50 miles from Long Island in Campbell County to Clover in Halifax County and is based on a 1993 study of the river.
DEQ and health department officials say they will wait until more results are in before making any changes to their advisory.
PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are man-made compounds used as coolants until to the 1970s. The government banned the compounds after learning they may cause skin and liver damage as well as cancer.

Mrs. Carrie Estelle Clay Stanley of 1005 Hall Trl., Lot 4, Halifax died March 14 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was born in Caswell County, N.C. May 15, 1930 and was 68 years old.
Mrs. Stanley was the daughter of Noell Duncan Clay and Virginia Bass Clay and was married to Thomas Dewitt Stanley, Jr.
Survivors include five sons: Frank Clay and Warren Conner, both of Halifax, Wayne Conner of Henderson, N.C., Ricky Conner of Danville and Micky Conner of Ringgold; five brothers, Overton Clay of South Boston, Noell Clay of Killean, Tex., Shirley Clay, Carl Clay and Larry Clay, all of South Boston; five sisters, Barbara Ann Whitt of Roxboro, N.C., Christine Comer and Frances Clay of Halifax, Joan C. Duque of South Boston, and Rose N. Curry of Halifax; and three grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, March 17 at 2 p.m. at Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, conducted by the Rev. Ricky Whitlow.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tomorrow from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. and other times at the home of Steve Campbell, 1100 Liberty Road, Nathalie.

James Sanford Church of 300 Powell Road, South Boston died March 12 at his home. He was 69 years old at the time of his death. He was born in Halifax County on February 19, 1930. He was the son of Fletcher James Sanford Church and Bessie Mae Coates Church.
He is survived by brothers, Frank Benjamin Church and Douglas Church both of Halifax; one special friend, Frieda Kipps of South Boston.
Funeral services for Mr. Church were held yesterday at 3 p.m. with services at Powell Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Richard Saunders conducted the service. Burial took place in Halifax Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at 1077 East Oak Hill Drive, Halifax and 1009 Patterson Lane, Halifax.

Allie Hamlett of Baltimore Maryland and formerly of Person County, NC died Wednesday, March 10 in Baltimore, MD at the age of 85.
He was born in Semora, NC on March 9, 1914 and was the son of the late Ember Hamlett and Caroline Hamlett. He was married to the late Jewell Crowder Hamlett and was a member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church.
He is survived by daughters, Virginia Smith of Pikesville, MD and Aileen Taylor of Owings Mills, MD; grandson, Jason Taylor of Atlanta, GA; sisters Estella Brandon of Capitol Heights, MD, Serena Garland of Alton and Mildred Parker of Long Beach, CA.
Funeral services for Mr. Hamlett were held Sunday, March 14 at 3 p.m. with services at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church Rev. Harold Wentsley officiated. Burial followed in the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pearline Obey Doomes, of Oxford, NC and formerly of Alton died Wednesday, March 10 in Oxford at the age of 76.
She was born in Halifax County on January 2, 1923 and was the daughter of the late Willie Faulkner and Pearlie Obey. She was married to the late Howard Doomes and was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church.
She is survived by sister, Alberta White of Oxford, NC; brothers Arthur Obey of Roxboro, NC and Lee Norman Johnson of New York, NY.
Funeral services for Mrs. Doomes were held Sunday, March 14 at 3 p.m. with services at New Bethel Baptist church Rev. Wallace Allen, officiated. Burial followed in the New Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of the deceased, 108 Brookside Lane, Oxford, NC.

Hilda White of Brooklyn, NY died on Saturday, March 6 at Brooklyn Hospital in Brooklyn, NY at the age of 81. She was born in Halifax County on March 27, 1917.
She is survived by her husband, James White of Brooklyn, NY; daughter Earl Hodges of Brooklyn, NY; sisters, Liz Sweeney of Oxen Hill, MD, Kate Lewllyn of Halifax and Annie Sweeney of Brooklyn, NY; brother, James Lord of Brooklyn, NY,
Funeral services for Mrs. White were held Saturday, March 13 at 1 p.m. at County Line Baptist Church in Vernon Hill. Rev. Otis Dillard, officiated. With interment in the White Family Cemetery Nathalie. Remains will lie in state one hour prior to service.
Family will receive friends at the residence of Nettie Dunn 8065 Chatham Road Nathalie.

Lois Lacks Hatcher of 2174 Easley Crossing Trail, Scottsburg died yesterday at her home at the age of 69. She was born in Halifax County, on August 7, 1929. She was the daughter of Charlie Henry Lacks and Nannie May Seamons Lacks. She was married to Henry C. Hatcher and was a member of Mt. Laurel United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her husband; brothers, Roy H. Lacks of South Boston and Ralph B. Lacks of Scottsburg; nephews Timothy Lacks of Farmville and David W. Lacks of Scottsburg; niece Lisa L. Blanks of South Boston.
Funeral services for Mrs. Lacks will be held Tuesday, March 16 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Rudolph Jacobs conducting the service. Burial will take place in Oakland Cemetery, Scottsburg.

The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home today from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and other times at her home.

Edith Dodson Cunningham of Lynchburg, died Saturday March 13 at the age of 87. She was a daughter of the late Noel Osman Dodson and Lillie Blanche Hardy Dodson and was the widow of Herbert M. Cunningham.
She was a former member of Catawba Baptist Church, Nathalie, and a member of Calvary Baptist Church where she was a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class, the Joy Group and the Evening Circle. She was also a member of The Extension Homemakers Club, The Loyal Club and the Fort Hill Womans Club.
She is survived by her niece, Annie Bob Read and her husband Lee A. of Lynchburg; great nephews, Rick Read and David Read; a beloved friend, Harry Miller. She was preceded in death by her brother, Noel Osman Dodson, Jr. who died in action during WW II.
A funeral service will be conducted at 12 p.m. today in Diuguid Waterlick Chapel with the Rev. John Thompson officiating. Interment will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the Catawba Baptist Church Cemetery, Nathalie with Rev. Ed Griffin officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family suggest that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund 9111 Timberlake Rd. Lynchburg,VA 24502 or the Catawba Baptist Church Nathalie, VA 24577.

Edna Maude Wilkerson Allen of 1213 Owens Avenue, South Boston died yesterday at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 87. She was born in Halifax County on June 4, 1911 to the late Will Wilkerson and Vergie Addis Wilkerson and was the widow of Lewis Eartt Allen. She was a member of South Boston Church of God.
She is survived by daughter-in-law, Carolyn L. Allen of South Boston; grandson, Dr. E. Briggs Allen Jr. and wife Elyse of Bristol; granddaughter, Elizabeth A. Smith and Husband Gene of Clarksville. She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Earl B. Allen, Sr.
The funeral will be held at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel, Tuesday, March 16 at 11 a.m. Rev. Don Fox and Rev. John Fariss will be officiating. Burial will take place March 16 in the Oak Ridge Cemetery in South Boston.

Family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home tonight from 7 until 8:30 p.m. and at other times at her home.

Tom Howard Childress of South Boston died Tuesday, March 9 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 72. He was born in Halifax County on November 10, 1926.
He is survived by his wife Sarah Childress of South Boston; daughters Cherry Childress of Decator, GA and Shelly Childress of Baltimore, MD; sons Howard Childress and Harry Childress of South Boston and Tom Childress III of Seattle, Washington; step-mother, Emily Childress; sisters Louise Bailey of Jersey City, NJ, Marha Ferrell of Englewood, NJ, Ruby Wesson of Lawrenceville, Ruth Crite of Greensboro, NC and Catherine Wade of Englewood, NJ brothers, Earl childress, Sr. of Franklin, TN, Leonard Childress and Clarence Childress of Jersey City, NJ and Earnest Childress of Grave City, PA.
Funeral services for Mr. Childress were held on Saturday, March 13 at 3 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant CME Church in Vernon Hill. Rev. R.L. Dean and Ronnie McLaughin, officiated. With interment in the church cemetery. Remain will lie in state one hour prior to service.
Family will receive friends at the residence of 1610 North Main ST South Boston.