Councils from the county's five towns will meet with the board of supervisors tonight in a further attempt to consolidate services and theoretically cut costs.
But don't expect any meaningful progress.
South Boston Town Manager Ken McLawhon said his council will attend, but only to agree on a mechanism to study the effects of combining agencies.
McLawhon said the acceptance is with "the understanding that our sole agenda item for the evening will be that of establishing an acceptable framework or mechanism in order to adequately explore the first study issue outlined" in a December resolution.
That resolution listed six areas from E-911 to water and sewer services, but not law enforcement, an area that many believe will yield the most savings.
The operation of the South Boston police department came under fire from Centerville businessman Biggy Hunt who charged that the department was understaffed and perhaps ineffective.
He has said that consolidation of law enforcement agencies alone would yield savings of more than $500,000. His projections are based on South Boston "leasing" officers from the sheriff's department.
In a letter to McLawhon, Hunt said that Police Chief Jim Hall had no investigator, two officers resigned on January, one left in February and another this month and the chief said he was in process of interviewing applicants for five new positions needed to patrol the annexed areas.
"....this means that Chief Hall has just 12 officers and is 10 short of his 22.," Hunt stated.
"Chief Hall reported an increase of 4,233 police related calls," a 58 percent increase since he was hired in 1994, Hunt stated.
"Does this mean South Boston is seeing more crime because of an ineffective police department or are the increased complaints of harassment of motorists correct?" Hunt asked.
Hunt was instrumental is organizing a group known as the Association for Better Government, a group that is urging that more local government programs be combined.
But he said he was writing local governments as an individual and not as a member of the ABG.
Hunt asked for financial data on the operation of the South Boston PD, and in separate letters, asked for almost the same information from the sheriff's department and other towns that have police officers.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. inn the Bethune Office Complex. Hunt has asked for a slot on the agenda.
Hunt's letters to local government units follow.
Letter to Bob Greene
Halifax Town Manager
Dear Mr. Greene:
As you know, I have requested multiple times that those in Halifax County responsible for spending our county and municipal tax dollars honestly study consolidation and non-duplication of services.
This does not mean cutting or diluting service, but in some cases improving service (possibly 911) or consolidating management with equivalent service to save money with the same individual governmental controls.
I request the following information from your office under the Freedom of Information Act:
1. A copy of the Town of Halifax 1997-98 budget as accepted and a copy of the 1996-97 audit.
2. Job descriptions, salaries (for each including benefits) and years of service for all employees whose budgets are under the Halifax Police Chief. '(This includes secretaries, dispatchers and all support staff). Exact numbers of employees on the job and their titles as of March 13, 1998 are needed.
3. The 1997-98 Halifax Police Department and all related departments budgets are requested. Included in the figures should be specific purchases and related expenses for vehicles, equipment, materiel, etc.
4. With this being the middle of March 1998 and the next fiscal year beginning July 1, 1998, every competent manager will have a recommended budget from department heads on the 1998-99 budget. I need a copy of all HPD related budget categories.
5. How many patrolmen does the HPD have budgeted to patrol within the town boundaries the first, second and third shifts? How many are on the street patrolling on court days?
6. Total number of certified instructors in the HPD including their specific field of instruction (i.e., firearms, defensive tactics, general instruction).
7. Total number of criminal and drug investigators currently designated as such and having no patrol responsibilities.
8. Budget information reflecting the amount of your HPD budget is funded locally, as well as the amount of state, federal and grant funding your office receives.
9. What specific amounts of HPD and related department dollar granting or outside funding that you received or are receiving in 1997-98 will not be funded in 1998-99 and in 1999-2000?
I would appreciate this information by March 31, 1998.
Thank you,
F.W. "Biggy" Hunt
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Letter to Dan Sleeper
Halifax County Administrator
Dear Mr. Sleeper:
As you know, I have requested multiple times that those in Halifax County responsible for spending our county and municipal tax dollars honestly study consolidation and non-duplication of services.
This does not mean cutting or diluting service, but in some cases improving service (possibly 911) or consolidating management with equivalent service to save money with the same individual governmental controls.
After hearing that Mr. Starke stated that the boundary adjustment is a fact and is over, this makes me realize that the participating government may think the consolidation request will go away.
I understand that the county is losing a 911 dispatcher. Also, persons, such as my wife with a cellular phone in her car strictly for emergencies, have had a false sense of security. What other deficiencies do we have in our 911 systems? This is a life or death matter. Let's positively save lives with one good system before we have a death.
Halifax County was advised by their equipment supplier and/or their consultants on how to set up a system. I would like a copy of this technical and logical needs recommendations for your 911 system.
I would appreciate this information by March 31, 1998.
A concerned Halifax County Taxpayer,
F.W. "Biggy" Hunt
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Letter to Sheriff Jeff Oakes
Dear Sheriff Oakes,
Many services provided by Halifax County and its towns could possibly be consolidated to provide equal or better service at a savings in town and/or county tax monies spent.
In the case of the Sheriff's Department, your personnel work in the town and the county. Some responsible town councils in Virginia have contracted with their Sheriff's Departments for a police force dedicated to their town limits. In these cases, the Sheriff reports to the mayor and town council about the dedicated town police force.
Would you, as Halifax County Sheriff, upon receiving adequate and specific information about a Halifax County town's personnel and circumstantial law enforcement needs give the town a contract cost for their needs over and above the services you are presently required by state law to provide the towns?
I would also like to have the following information from your office under the Freedom of Information Act:
1. Salaries and years of service for all Halifax County Sheriff's Department employees, including dispatchers and support staff and jailers, and when they will no longer be on your staff. Which positions are required by state law?
2. How many more deputies is the state funding and when will it begin?
3. Total number of certified instructors in the Halifax County Sheriff's Department including their specific field of instruction (i.e., firearms, defensive tactics, general instruction).
4. Total number of criminal and drug investigators currently designated as such and having no patrol responsibilities.
5. Budget information reflecting the amount of Halifax County Sheriff's Department budget that is funded locally, as well as the amount of state, federal and grant funding your office receives.
I would appreciate this information by March 31, 1998.
A concerned Halifax County Taxpayer,
F.W. "Biggy" Hunt
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Letter to Ken McLawhon
South Boston Town Manager
Dear Mr. McLawhon:
As you know, I have requested multiple times that those in Halifax County responsible for spending our county and municipal tax dollars honestly study consolidation and non-duplication of services.
This does not mean cutting or diluting service, but in some cases improving service (possibly 911) or consolidating management with equivalent service to save money with the same individual governmental controls.
After hearing that Mr. Starke stated that the boundary adjustment is a fact and is over, this makes me realize that the participating governments may think the consolidation requests will go away.
I understand that the county is losing a 911 dispatcher. Also, persons, such as my wife with a cellular phone in her car strictly for emergencies, have had a false sense of security. What other deficiencies do we have in our 911 systems? This is a life or death matter. Let's positively save lives with one good system before we have a death.
South Boston was advised by their equipment supplier and/or their consultants on how to set up a system. I would like a copy of this technical and logical needs and recommendations for your 911 system.
As I understand it, South Boston Police Department has no investigator, two officers left the force in January 1998, one in February 1998 and Jack White is leaving in March 1998. Chief Hall is trying to hire five more officers because of the annexed area. If the above is correct, SBPD Chief Hall stated in his news release February 24, 1998 that South Boston would have 22 officers, this means that Chief Hall has just twelve officers and is ten short of his twenty-two. Chief Hall reported an increase of 4,233 police related calls per year or a 58% increase since 1994. Does this mean South Boston is seeing more crime because of an ineffective police department or are the increased complaints of harassment of motorists correct?
Now is the time to immediately study the benefits to South Boston residents and business owners (which includes me) to be gained by the South Boston Town Council contracting for a police force from the Sheriff's Department. This is being done efficiently and saving tax money elsewhere in the state. The officers contracted by South Boston would work in South Boston only and the Sheriff would be directly responsible to the mayor and Town Council for the South Boston Police Force.
Because of this, I request the following information from your office under the Freedom of Information Act:
1. A copy of the Town of South Boston 1997-98 budget as accepted reflecting the post annexation changes from January 1, 1998 through June 30, 1998.
2. Job descriptions, salaries (for each including benefits) and years of service for all employees whose budgets are under the South Boston Police Chief. (This includes secretaries, dispatchers and all support staff). For the sake of future specific budgetary savings, exact numbers of employees on the job and their titles under Chief Hall's budget categories as of March 13, 1998 are needed.
3. The 1997-98 South Boston Police Department and all related departments pre-annexation and post annexation budgets are requested. Included in the post-annexation figures should be specific purchases and related expenses for vehicles, equipment, materiel, etc.
4. With this being the middle of March 1998 and the next fiscal year beginning July 1, 1998, every competent manager will have a recommended budget from department heads on the 1998-99 budget. I need a copy of all SBPD related budget categories.
5. How many patrolmen does the SBPD have budgeted to patrol within the town boundaries the first, second and third shifts? How many are on the street patrolling on court days? How many officers are dedicated to the bicycle patrol? How many hours to date has there been an officer patrolling by bicycle?
6. Total number of certified instructors in the SBPD including their specific field of instruction (i.e., firearms, defensive tactics, general instruction).
7. Total number of criminal and drug investigators currently designated as such and having no patrol responsibilities.
8. Budget information reflecting the amount of your SBPD budget is funded locally, as well as the amount of state, federal and grant funding your office receives.
9. What specific amounts of SBPD and related department dollar granting or outside funding that you received or are receiving in 1997-98 will not be funded in 1998-99 and in 1999-2000?
I would appreciate this information by March 31, 1998.
A concerned South Boston
Taxpayer,
F. W. "Biggy" Hunt
cc: Mayor Glen Abernathy
Chief Hall
Bob Greene
Mayor Dennis Osborne
Chairman Joe Satterfield
Dan Sleeper
Sheriff Oakes
Ted Bennett
John Greenbacker
Halifax attorney Joel Cunningham has been named as judge of the General District Court, it was announced yesterday by Delegate Ted Bennett.
He will succeed Judge I. Douglas Sugg who is retiring this spring, Bennett stated.
Cunningham will be sworn in at ceremonies set for April 15 in Halifax.
Cunningham was one of two new district judges elected by the General Assembly over the weekend, Bennett said.
Charles Warren, a South Hill attorney, will succeed Judge William Hay of Farmville, the delegate said. Hay, like Sugg, has passed the mandatory rfetirement age of 70, he added.
Bennett, who guided the election of Cunningham through the House of Delegates, said he was more than pleased at the outcome. Cunningham was Bennett's assistant when the legislator served as commonwealth's attorney in the 1970's.
Cunningham, a Halifax native, has been active in community affairs since he opened his practice in Halifax.
He has most recently served as the president of the board of directors of Halifax Regional Hospital and currently continues as a board member.
He is a member of the board of the Virginia Poverty Law Center and a former member of the Board of Visitors of Virginia State University a college he graduated from in 1970. He received his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1975.
He is a member of the board of the Mentor/Role Model Program, chairman of the General Practice Subcommittee of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and a former senior attorney and director of litigation for the Virginia Legal Aid Society.
Soon after receiving his law degree, Cunningham served as Assistant Attorney General in 1975-1976.
Cunningham, 49, is a former member of the board of governors of the Young Lawyers Section of the Virginia state Bar Association. A former president of the Halifax County Bar Association, Cunningham serves as a member of the executive committee and judicial subdivision committee of the Old Dominion Bar Association.
The new judge and his wife Evelyn have three children, Joel Jr. 28, Cindi 27 and Joy 21.
South Boston Town Council has sought to assure residents of Sutphin Road, Jewell Street and a portion of Porter Lane that improvements in their neighborhood are on their way.
Several residents of this community were on hand at a public hearing held by Council Thursday to enter their plea that the project be undertaken.
The project will consist of street, curb and gutter and water and sewer service improvements, as well as the rehabilitation of dwellings.
The town is hopeful of obtaining a $1,206,005 CDBG federal block grant to fund the rehabilitations of at least 16 units, five of which are without running water and bathrooms.
Council would expect to spend $302,105 to upgrade the streets and other services.
Nobody spoke at the public hearing against funding the project, which has been a focus of that community for a number of years.
Council unanimously approved an arrangement whereby the towns of South Boston and Halifax will connect their municipal water systems to provide emergency backup service for both towns.
The connection will take place at Webb Park, the purpose for which will be to supply each other water in the event of an emergency.
Council heeded a plea for financial assistance--in cash or in kind--from the Prizery Community Arts Center, and granted some of both.
The governing body will provide $3,265 cash for such items as a complete floor reparation ($1,175), two egress doors ($780) a handicap bathroom ($980) and lighted exit signs ($330).
In addition, Council agreed to act as the Prizery's fiscal agent and to be the grant administrator if the Prizery is successful in obtaining a $900,000 ISTEA grant.
Application for the grant was made in January, and the local group expects to have an answer sometime in May.
Council extended a helping hand to The Good Samaritan by way of waiving the installation fee for a new water tap estimated at $2,113.
The tap would serve a sprinkler system to bring The Good Samaritan into compliance with the state code. The Good Samaritan is located on the lower floor of First Baptist Church, pays no rent and is operated entirely by volunteers.
In perhaps the speediest business of the day, Council zipped through four public hearings, approved the request made in each, and thus cleared the way for several important new businesses in the newly annexed areas of Riverdale and Centerville.
In Riverdale, projects were approved that will bring Shoney's Restaurant, a second Dollar General store and perhaps three other smaller businesses to Riverdale Plaza.
In Centerville, special use permits were granted for a veterinary clinic in the Centerville Shopping Center and for a Sonic Drive-In Restaurant on Old Halifax Road near its intersection with Route 501.
It's almost spring cleanup time in South Boston once again.
It is the time when all residents are invited to clean out attics, closets, basements and yards and have town trucks haul the stuff away with no special cost to the residents.
A town official explained that the refuse will be picked up in two sections:
Everyone on the east side of Highway 501 must have their trash out before Monday, April 6, and all residents on the west side of 501 must have their trash out before Monday, April 13, the town official said.
"We will pick up almost anything that two men can lift that is nonhazardous and disposable in our landfill.
"This includes yard and tree trimmings, brush, leaves, appliances, furniture and other non hazardous items," he said.
It also was pointed out that brush and tree trimmings must be cut in sections not more than four feet in length for their collection.
The town asks that the material to be picked up be placed just behind the curb line so that it can be easily seen and reached by the collection crews.
There will be only one collection trip--in other words, there will be no return trips to a street.
Those persons with questions may call the Town Street Department at 575--4260.
Carol Ray is the creator of charming watercolors ...including delightful garden scenes guaranteed to unleash a host of sentimental memories.
"There are no deep meanings in my paintings," said Ray. "I paint what I like, things that are visually pleasing to me."
A wheelbarrow bearing potted plants, perennials in bloom and an inviting patio are part and parcel of the artist's work and world, the pleasing personal environment she chooses as her own.
Although local landscapes and tobacco barns have drawn her artist's eye, she seldom paints people. "If I do, it is children. A few elderly people," she added.
So Ray admits she was surprised when her "people" watercolors sold so quickly at a recent show.
A winsome little girl - snapped up at the C.H. Friend Antique Show & Sale last week - made a fast exit. She was a delightful work of gentle color and light at play.
The child stands as a private tribute to the artist's victory over what she considers "the hardest part of watercolor," preserving the transparent look by not overworking and getting muddy.
Carol Ray, however, is anything but transparent. ...and quickly dispels some artist myths.
She is a very organized and orderly person, "a very left brained and conservative" soul, she admits, certainly at the opposite pole from the accepted perception of the artistic personality.
At C.H. Friend Elementary, Ray serves as the Integrated learning Systems lab manager.
Her background also includes teaching 15 years in Chesterfield County public schools. "I always enjoyed teaching," said Ray, although she notes a teaching schedule does not leave much time for painting.
Still, in 1992, she took time for classes in watercolor at Christopher Newport, displayed some of her work and still sounds surprised when she recalls, "It sold."
Today, watercolor continues as her favorite medium.
"I just like the light, transparent, fresh quality of it," said the artist. She also describes her work as tight because of her background. "I am such a detail person. I can't get away from it," she added with a smile.
And the mechanics of getting underway are not always easy for Ray, who tags three artistic housekeeping demons in her work: finding the idea, pricing the work and then coming up with a title for the work.
The last one is a business necessity in order "to keep track of what I've done," particularly at the Focal Point Gallery in Gloucester Courthouse. It is a gallery Ray and several other artists opened about six years ago and one that today represents approximately 50 artists and craftsmen in the Tidewater area.
Locally, a selection of Ray's watercolors are available at Via's in South Boston.
The artist also intends to renew an old pre-watercolor interest, the creation of pen and ink historical maps, a project destined to favor Southside's heritage.
Mr. Cephus Henry Trickey of 101 Sycamore Rd., South Boston died March 14 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was born in Halifax County on May 18, 1924 and was 73 years of age. He was the son of Joe Cephus Trickey and Lizzie Gordon Trickey and was married to Ida Wilborn Trickey.
He attended the South Boston Church of God and was a member of the Woodmen of the World Lodge #106.
Mr. Trickey is survived by his wife, Ida Wilborn Trickey of South Boston; one daughter, Wanda T. Crenshaw of South Boston; one son, Todd Trickey of South Boston; and three grandchildren, Kevin L. Crenshaw, Jason T. Crenshaw, and Robert H. Carter III.
He was preceded in death by one son, Cephus H. Trickey Jr. and two brothers, John Trickey and Frank Trickey.
Funeral services will be held today at 3 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Horace Murray and the Rev. Don Fox conducting. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of the deceased, 101 Sycamore Rd., Forest Hills Subdivision, South Boston.
Charlotte Nina Shaener, born November 23, 1926 in Baltimore, MD, died March 7, 1998.
Mrs. Shaener was educated in the Baltimore School System and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on June 16, 1956. She was the daughter of Nina Elizabeth Warner and Charles Henry Warner of Baltimore.
Her survivors include her daughter: Jane S. Hubbard and husband, Marc of Boston, MA; son: Richard C. Schaener and wife, Audrey and grandsons: Richard C. II and Robert C. of Newark, DE and a brother: James Warner and wife, Theresa of Baltimore.
A memorial service will be held Monday, March 16 at 3 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, South Boston.
Mr. Keister Elwood Stovall of Baltimore, Md. and formerly of Halifax County died March 12 in Baltimore at the age of 61.
He was born in Halifax County and was the son of the late Mr. Floyd Stovall and Mrs. Roberta Holeman Stovall.
Mr. Stovall is survived by one son, Mr. Kelvin Stovall of Baltimore.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. at the Chapel of March Funeral Home, Wabash Avenue, Baltimore. Burial will also take place in Baltimore.
Mr. Cabble Willie Nunn, Sr. of Virgilina died Friday, March 13 at his home. He was 87 years old.
He was born in Mecklenburg County February 16, 1911 and was the son of Willie Thomas Nunn and Martha Marilla Yancey Nunn. He was married to Ola Mae Holder Nunn.
Mr. Nunn was a member of Aarons Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Ola Mae Holder Nunn of Virgilina; one son, Cabble Willie "C.W." Nunn, Jr. of Rustburg; one daughter, Joanne Nunn Satterfield of Richmond; a daughter-in-law, Janet Elliott Nunn of Rustburg; two sisters, Estelle Nunn Vaughan of Virgilina and Hallie Nunn Hite of Buffalo Junction; and three grandchildren, Craig William Nunn of Raleigh, N.C., Daniel Elliott Nunn of Chapel Hill, N.C. and Amanda Beth Nunn of Rustburg.
Mr. Nunn was preceded in death by one brother, Herbert Arthur Nunn.
The funeral will be held at Aarons Creek Baptist Church today at 11 a.m., with the Revs. Richard P. Cooke, Ronald T. Davidson and Waldo Dodson officiating. Burial will take place in the Aarons Creek Baptist Church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of the deceased, 1099 Aarons Creek Rd., Virgilina.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Support Care of Southside Virginia, P.O. Box 1355, South Boston, Va. 24592; Gideons International, P.O. Box 345, South Boston, Va. 24592; or Midway Vol. Fire Department, Bill Tuck Hwy., Virgilina, Va. 24598.