Wednesday, March 17, 2004

Pulliam: ‘Strong Leads’ In Murder
One Dead, One Clinging To Life Following Monday Morning Incident Off Of Dryburg Road In Clover

One man is dead and another is fighting for his life following what police are saying was an early-morning shooting in the Clover community Monday, according to Maj. R.S.B. Pulliam of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office.

The incident occurred in a trailer located on Country Lane off of Dryburg Road, according to officials.

Deputies with the department received a call at 7:45 a.m. reporting that two men had been shot, according to police reports.

Upon arrival at the scene, Deputies Quinton Clark and T.A. Mocarsky found one man dead on the couch of the mobile home and discovered 20-year-old Tremain Walker, of Love Shop Park Road in South Boston, clinging to life in the rear of the house.

Walker was transported by helicopter to an area hospital where his injuries are listed as critical/life-threatening, according to police.

The name of the man who was fatally wounded has not been released pending notification of his family.

According to reports, investigators believe the victim was originally from New York.

Pulliam said that according to reports, the men are believed to have received gunshot wounds to the head.

Investigators said yesterday that evidence at the scene suggests the victims knew their assailant(s).

"The house did not seem in disarray," Pulliam said. "There were no signs of forced entry or a struggle at the scene."

The seizure of a vehicle in connection with the crime has led to what Pulliam described as "some strong leads."

"We received information that a grey Oldsmobile was usually present at the residence and was driven by one of the victims," he said. "It was not present when we arrived at the scene."

Based on this information, investigators notified all area law enforcement to be on the lookout for the suspicious vehicle.

"We received a call from a concerned citizen that said they had seen the vehicle," Pulliam said.

Shortly after the call, police seized the Oldsmobile on Acorn Road in Nathalie.
"We were able to develop some strong additional leads after seizing the vehicle," the investigator said.

Shortly after the car was confiscated, a South Boston man and an Acorn Road woman were taken into custody by police on other charges, he added.
Calvin Eugene Watkins, 27, of Hamilton Boulevard and Linda Gail Martin, 42, were each charged with the possession of cocaine, according to Pulliam.

Although Watkins and Martin were not charged in connection with the murder, the investigator said that strong leads had been developed during the investigation.

"We're expected to press some charges (in connection with the murder) in the near future," he said. "There's a strong possibility that drugs or robbery could have been a motive, but we're not excluding any motives at this time.
"We're exploring all possible leads connected with the crime at this time," Pulliam added.

At the crime scene, investigators with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police collected evidence with assistance provided by the South Boston Police Department and the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Investigator Sheldon Hennings is the lead investigator and asks that anyone with information on this crime call 476-4273 or Crimestoppers at 476-TIPS.

Bomb Threat From Cell Phone Shuts Down HCHS
Police Work To Trace 911 Call Reporting A Bomb

A juvenile student at Halifax County High School was among those being questioned yesterday following a phoned-in bomb threat that caused the evacuation of the school, according to Virginia State Police First Sergeant Jeffrey Lane.

"Our division headquarters received a cellular telephone call at 10:40 a.m. reporting a bomb had been placed on the campus of Halifax County High School," Lane said.

The call was placed to 911 from a cellular telephone, according to the first sergeant.

The school was notified by state police at approximately 11 a.m., according to Halifax County Assistant Superintendent Larry Clark.

"Following School Board policy, we evacuated the students to the middle school and the career center," he said.

The evacuation began shortly after the call to the school was received, according to the assistant superintendent.

Around 1,200 students were moved into the gymnasium at the middle school, while approximately 300 were sent to the career center.

Officers from the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Halifax County Sheriff's Office and the South Boston Police Department assisted in sweeping the school for explosives.

The state police bomb dog was brought in to assist in the search, according to Lane.

At approximately 1:50 p.m., students and faculty were notified that they could return to the building.

Investigators were questioning students based on information gathered from the call to the 911 operations center.

"When a call is made to 911 from a cellular phone, it is automatically routed to the state police dispatch center," Lane said. "It is recorded through our computer-aided dispatch process and can be traced."

A bomb threat to a school is considered a felony, according to Lane.

"This is a serious matter that we're not taking lightly," the first sergeant said.

Supervisors Seek Utility Proposals On May 17
County Supervisors Meet With Town Councils

Town and county officials Monday night asked for proposals May 17 moving toward a regional water/sewer system.

Or as an alternative, some consolidation or mergers of administrations, operation and maintenance of the various systems, explained Jerry Lovelace, assistant county administrator.

"There are two routes, a true regional system or an intergovernmental agreements."

The Monday night request set a timetable to move toward a cooperative effort, one initially recommended in the 1998 Overman Report.

The update of the Halifax County Regional Utility Master Plan by county and town staff Monday reflected an emphasis on current systems' status.

The purpose of that plan is to provide a comprehensive guide for the development of regional water and sewer services over the next 30 years.

A Halifax County Service Authority was established during former County Administrator Dan Sleeper's tenure, Lovelace said yesterday.

"The VIR system is all that is under their umbrella at this time," said Lovelace. "And that is a joint project with Danville and Pittsylvania County to serve VIR."
Also served is the 58 corridor in the western part of Halifax County and the eastern part of Pittsylvania County.

Initially, Lovelace told officials Monday, supervisors would serve as the board of directors for the Authority.

A separate and legal authority, a regional authority could seek grants and funding opportunities others do not have, Lovelace explained.

The assistant administrator said that the plan called for a gradual transition to a citizen service authority to get it out of the political arena.

During the Monday night meeting county residents seeking solutions to high water/sewer bills from town systems packed the conference room, but many left disappointed.

"They've been talking about this since 1998," grumbled one citizen as the discussion closed.

"Our intent was to give officials information," Lovelace said. "What we've got, what we can do. And the options being explored by municipalities," added Lovelace.

"What you have seen tonight is not a done deal, it's a work in progress," added the assistant administrator.

"Is there a timetable or is it going to drag on for a number of years?" asked Halifax Town Councilman Jack Dunavant.

Concerned there was no group set up to accomplish the mission, Dunavant said, "I would hope we could go ahead and get this on the road."

Supervisor James Edmunds noted the issue was "time sensitive" since the Town of Halifax is exploring a $4.5 million water plant upgrade.

Halifax Town Manager Carl Espy agreed it was "an urgent matter," suggesting proposals could be fleshed out.

Staff from South Boston, the Town of Halifax, the county and elected representatives will meet to form proposals for the May meeting.

During the Monday session, town and county officials heard updates on current system capacities, projected needs and service areas.

Responding to a question, Lovelace, said that "only a few recommendations" from the Overman report had been followed: one, the Grubby Road sewer service area and, two, the emergency water connection between the Town of Halifax and South Boston.

During his presentation, Espy said, "Redundancy could actually be a very important part of this regional approach."

The town manager noted South Boston draws water from the Dan River while Halifax draws from the less encumbered Banister River watershed, offering the region dual sources.

Halifax Mayor Leon Plaster suggested the town move in a parallel fashion with South Boston and the county.

During the Monday night review of county-wide water and sewer utilities, officials received an update on Halifax town water treatment plant's status; the potential for transfer of small county systems to towns; and the impact of county General Fund subsidy on utility systems.

The impact of county general fund subsidy on utility systems, it was suggested, could:

• Promote economic development through infrastructure cost stabilization.

•Reduce loss of rural landscape due to lack of affordable housing in and near towns.

•Preserve quality of existing out of town neighborhoods with town utility services.

•Compliment town investment in infrastructure from non-town revenues - such as motor vehicle and utility licenses.

Cooperation

Officials were told Monday night that an annual savings to all county citizens due to the current joint landfill operation is estimated at $2 million per year.
It was suggested a $250,000 per year county investment in infrastructure or debt to reduction co uld make a major impact on long term affordability of utility service.

Lions Boys Eye Eighth Straight Title
The 2004 HCMS Baseball Team Is Talented, Deep

By DOUG FORD | G-V Staff Writer

A program missing 12 players from an undefeated Southside Middle School Conference Tournament championship team may face diminished prospects for the coming season.

Such is not the case for this year's Halifax County Middle School baseball team, which on paper is loaded with power, talent and depth.

Barry Powell, who enters his tenth season as the Lions head coach, is understandably optimistic.

"We lost 12 players from last year's undefeated team, and those shoes will be very hard to fill, but we're very optimistic," began Powell.

"This is one of my more talented teams, and from a player's perspective, it was a hard team to pick.

"We had to turn away some young men who would have made the team in an average year, and that's one of the most uncomfortable parts of being a coach."

Powell has coached a total of 14 years at the middle school, this season marking his tenth season as head coach.

His teams have won seven consecutive Southside Middle School Conference Tournament titles, and this one has the potential to make another run.

Powell's team this season includes 13 eighth-graders and five seventh-graders, the majority of whom can play more than one position.

Two of those are returnees Kaleb and Kyle Long.

"Kaleb gives us depth behind the plate and may see time on the mound, while Kyle is in the outfield," said Powell.

"He's a left-hander with a tremendous arm and he may see some time on the mound."

Powell looked at eight different pitchers before the season, but will trim the rotation to 5-6 pitchers, with some of the better arms going to other positions.
Other left-handers include Allen Stephens and returnee Daniel Wilborn, whom Powell says has improved since last season.

"He has improved, his velocity is up, and we're looking for big things from Daniel," commented Powell.

Right-handers include returnee Justin Jacobs, Kaleb Long and eighth-grader Stanley Thomas, a newcomer this year.

"He needs playing time and experience, but he has the tools to help us there," said Powell.

Pierre Brandon and Eric Brandon, a seventh-grader, also have potential, according to Powell.

"Pierre throws very well, and Eric is going to be a tremendous talent.

"It's awesome to have three left-handed pitchers and five right-handers at this level."

The roster lists five catchers, but Powell has worked primarily with three of them, Kaleb Long, Jacob Hodges and Chris Sizemore.

"All three are very intelligent, that's important at this level. I feel they'll be able to handle the signals and plays we run.

"Chris has a nice arm, and he's versatile. He can play left field or second base.

"Kaleb Long will handle the catching duties, but when he goes to the mound, we'll need to make a decision," added Powell.

"Hopefully, Jacob Hodges will step in once he learns the system. He has good tools and will be able to do the job.

Justin Bagbey, a switch hitter, and Pierre Brandon will see a lot of time at first base, according to Powell.

"Justin played there last year, and we hope he'll bring the long ball for us," said Powell. "We're working with him as a left-handed batter, and we see his future from the left side of the plate.

"Brandon is adjusting to the infield, and he'll be able to help us at first base.
Bryan Lambert, Michael Ferrell and Josh Williams are seeing time at second base, Powell said.

Lambert's athletic talent and speed are his main attributes, Ferrell knows the position, while Williams is a versatile player capable of playing second, catcher or left field, according to Powell.

Seventh-grader Eric Brandon and Shane Cole are listed at shortstop on the Lions roster.

"I think Eric will be an impact player here, it's just a matter of time," said Powell.

"We want to give him time to grow and develop. He's got a nice arm, can run, field and hit with power.

"Shane Cole may also see time at second or third base, he's a very knowledgeable player."

Jeremy Foster and Jacobs are seeing a lot of time at third base, according to Powell.

"Foster was on the team last year. He hits with power, is a good fielder, and handles himself well. He's a strong young man," said Powell.

"Jacobs is smooth and sure-handed. He's not the fastest player on the team, but he knows how to play the game, and we're looking at him on the mound."
Powell is looking at Michael Owen and Kyle Long in left field.

"Michael runs well, is very coachable, and he's a good contact hitter," noted Powell.

"Kyle is a very talented left-handed bat. He has tremendous tools and we may move him to right field.

"We have six left-handed bats, counting Bagbey, and that's a plus. Left handed sticks are hard to find."

Wilborn, Stanley Thomas, Chad Waltman and Stephens are seeing time in the outfield, according to Powell.

"Daniel Wilborn (center field) reads the ball off the bat real well, and knows the game. He has very good poise and doesn't rattle easily," said Powell.

"Stanley Thomas can play outfield or infield. He has a great work ethic and desire, and may go to third or second base.

"Chad Waltman brings size and speed to the table, and brings the long ball for us. He has a tremendous arm, the right field arm we're looking for here.

"Allen Stephens is a tremendous athlete, one of the strongest and fastest athletes we've ever had here," noted Powell.

"He can run, throw and hit with power, and is absolutely awesome from the left side of the plate."

Putting all this talent together will be the challenge for Powell and assistant coaches Will Hill and Justin Saunders this year.

"Coach Hill is a Hall of Famer, he's returning to work with the pitchers," said Powell.

"There's nobody better, and if he tells me something, I don't have to see it, only visualize it.

"Justin relates to our players, he's enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He's sort of a go-between with the coaching staff and players."

Powell said the team had all the ingredients necessary for a title run, if the coaches made "the right moves at the right times."

"I think we will not only hit, but hit with power, and hopefully we'll be consistent," said Powell.

"The biggest concern is defensively, how we're going to put the guys on the field."

He added his pitching staff will need to get better command of their pitches as the season goes along, particularly off-speed pitches.

"Chemistry is the key. We have an abundance of talent, but how will it fit together. We have enough leadership here to guide us, but the responsibility comes back to us.

"We need to be confident and sure of our search for certain people at certain positions.

"That will be a key for our team, establishing defense.

"We're going to be able to score some runs, but we don't want to give up too many."

Obituaries

Daniel Joseph Bishop

Daniel Joseph Bishop, 47, of 1191 Mount Laurel Road, Clover, formerly of North Berwick, Maine, died March 14 at his home.

Mr. Bishop was born in Westfield, Maine the son of Edwin Bishop and Ann Zawada Bishop. He was the husband of Ruth Ellen Bishop, and a member of Mt. Laurel United Methodist Church and was a Veteran of the US Coast Guard.

Survivors include his wife of Clover; his parents of Westfield; two sisters, Marianne Reed of Ashland, Ore. and Ellen Emmonds of Westfield; and one brother, Jim Bishop of Westfield.

Funeral services for Mr. Bishop will be held March 19 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Laurel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Don Pizzeck officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday evening at Powell Funeral Home from 7:00 until 8:30.
A memorial service will be held April 3 at Westfield Evangelical Free Church at 11:30 a.m. with calling hours from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Clover Volunteer Fire Department EMT's or a charity of choice.

Lawrence William Lovelace

Lawrence William Lovelace, 52, of 520 Berry Hill Road, South Boston died March 11 at Lynchburg General Hospital.

Mr. Lovelace was born in Halifax County on June 28, 1951, the son of James Hill and the late Mary Alice Lovelace. He was also the stepson of the late Lee Cook and was married to Georgia Paniel Lovelace. He was a member of Millstone Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Lakesha Lovelace of Halifax, Tamecia Medley of South Boston and Gwen Cunningham of Augusta, Ga.; his father of Philadelphia, Pa.; three sisters, Alender Wilson, Hazel Bynum and Alice Cook, all of South Boston; three brothers, Ronald Guy of Nathalie, Ricky Cook and Alex Cook, both of South Boston; and six grandchildren.

A funeral service for Mr. Lovelace will be held today, March 17 at 2 p.m. at Millstone Baptist Church with the Rev. Chester Spruill officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Earl Lee Ragsdale

Earl Lee Ragsdale, 55, of 1029 Pine Height Trail, Halifax died March 13 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mr. Ragsdale was born in Halifax County on January 23, 1948, the son of the late Frank Ragsdale and Margaret Stephens Ragsdale.

Survivors include one sister, Thelma Williams of Halifax; one brother, James Ragsdale of Halifax; one sister-in-law, Lillie Mae Ragsdale; and a devoted friend, Arthur Wade.

A funeral service for Mr. Ragsdale will be held Friday, March 19 at 1 p.m. at Crawford House Chapel with District Superintendent Leonia Palmer officiating.
Burial will follow in St. Paul CME Church Cemetery. After 10 a.m. on March 18, the remains will lie-in-state at the Crawford House Chapel in Halifax.
The family will receive friends at the home.

Mae Farmer Tune

Mae Farmer Tune, 76, of South Boston died March 14 at Boston Manor in South Boston. Mrs. Tune was retired from Electric Service.

She was born in Halifax County the daughter of the late Oscar Ewell Farmer and Emma Hughes Farmer and was married to George Edward Tune. Mrs. Tune was a lifetime member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, Lynn Blanks Tune of Danville; two sisters, Ruth F. Hall of Raleigh, N.C. and Lois F. Lee of Newport News; and one sister-in-law, Evelyn Farmer of South Boston. She was preceded in death by her husband; one sister, Laurine Carmichael; and one brother, Maynard Farmer.

Funeral services for Mrs. Tune were held March 16 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Wilkins officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, Vernon Hill.

Rev. Archie G. Warren Sr.

Rev. Archie G. Warren Sr., 78, of 2048 Deer Run Road, Halifax died March 11 at The Veterans Administration Hospital in Durham, N.C.

Rev. Warren was born on August 14, 1925, the son of the late Arthur Warren and Beatrice Hargrove Warren James and was married to Mary Marable Warren. He was a member of New Arbor Baptist Church in South Boston, and was a retired U.S. Army Veteran.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Allena Rawls and husband, Amos, of Virginia Beach; Shareon W. Smith and husband, Sam, of South Boston, and Cynthia Warren of Halifax; two sons, Archie Warren Jr. and wife, Gayle, of Phoenix, Ariz. and Rev. Alan Warren and wife, Sandra, of Englewood, N.J.; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Rev. Warren was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow, March 18 at 1 p.m. at New Arbor Baptist Church with the Revs. Nelson Stamps and Wesley Elam officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the home.

Phillip Bryant Whitt Sr.

Phillip Bryant Whitt Sr., 61, of 1055 Watts Trail, Virgilina died March 16 at his home.

Mr. Whitt was born in Halifax County on September 6, 1942, the son of Frances Gravitt Whitt and Phillip Austin Whitt. He was married to Julia Cooper Whitt.

He was a member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church, the Virgilina Masonic Lodge, a former member of the Southside Community Services Board, and was the president of Southfax Insurance Agency, Inc., Southern Gold & Diamonds, and Halifax Road Auto Sales.

A funeral service for Mr. Whitt will be held at Shady Grove United Methodist Church tomorrow, March 18 at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, Phillip Bryant Whitt Jr. and his wife, Nancy, of Ahoskie, N.C., Kevin Neal Whitt and wife, Tamara, of Virgilina, and Darrell Gene Whitt of Virgilina; two sisters, Brenda W. Milam and her husband, Joe of Greensboro, N.C., and Tammy W. Boyd and husband, Wayne, of Virgilina; one brother, Mike Whitt of Virgilina; five granddaughters, Jayme Whitt Pattarini, Sara Whitt, Jennifer Parker, Nicole Whitt and Grace Whitt; one grandson, Daniel Whitt; one great-granddaughter, Gwenyth M. Pattarini; and special friends, Sharon and Bobby Pollard.

The family will receive friends this evening, March 17, between 7:00 and 8:30 at Brooks Funeral Home, and other times at the home.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Patrick Henry Boys Home , PO Box 1398, Brookneal, 24528-9905, or Shady Grove United Methodist Church, 4129 E. Hyco Road, South Boston, 24592.