A standing room only crowd packed the Board of Supervisors' meeting Monday night as hunters sought a change in the county's hunting ordinance.
Supervisors set a Monday, April 1, public hearing to decide whether to rescind their 2001 action that specified a 100-foot offset from the center lane of the road when hunting.
At the same hearing, the board will also address the elimination of the requirement for tree stands during the advance season for muzzle loading. County officials have expressed concern that the ordinance's current language may impose unacceptable liability on the county.
The overwhelming hunter sentiment backed Hudson Reese's request for a public hearing to rescind the board's earlier action.
"There are about 200 hunters here tonight who think this ordinance (with the 100-foot offset) is wrong," said hunter Buck Fisher.
Reese said hunters would prefer to be on the shoulder shooting into the woods rather than 100 feet from the highway shooting back toward the road.
The Halifax hunter also said that the ordinance imposed a hardship on handicapped hunters since there were places they could hunt from little used roads.
"I am not here to endorse hunting from the road," Reese said. "I am asking for the opportunity to come forward to present our case."
Joining Reese in supporting change of the hunting ordinance were Thomas Hines, Buck Fisher and Wayne Cole, who said that the problem came from those who would violate the law whatever the restrictions.
Hines said that the current ordinance meant that he could not hunt on some of his land because of road frontage.
Fisher, a hunter for 30 years, questioned how a hunter could finish a kill "if the animal goes to the road."
Brian Morris, president of the Eastern Virginia Hunt Club and a Charlotte County resident, noted safety issues associated with the ordinance, and Abraham Tillonson noted the positive economic impact of hunting.
Supervisor R.E. "Dickie" Abbott described hunting as a self-funding recreation since hunters buy stamps, etc., that support the sport.
"I'm not a hunter and I agree with the hunters," Abbott said. "They spend a lot. They foot their own bills. Most things we have to subsidize, that we don't."
Jack Dunavant, a hunter, opposed changing the ordinance, as did Polly Ratcliff.
"I think it is definitely a safety issue," said Dunavant, who described himself as an avid hunter and a concerned landowner.
He described out-of-state cars blocking gates and driveways to property as well as men hunting from both sides of the highway.
"It is hard to have a civil conversation with a man with a shotgun in his hand," noted Dunavant.
Dunavant said that the deer kill last year was up with the 100-ft. offset from the road and thought it would be bad policy to go back to the previous policy.
"I got so aggravated when someone would block my driveway," said Ratcliff.
Supervisor James Edmunds said that the ordinance was not meant to stop anything but shooting (from the road). "It was meant as a safety issue," he said.
He also read a letter from the Game Commission addressing the issue. The Commission noted a reduction in road hunting violations.
Letters from Biggy Hunt and Mac McDanald in support of the current ordinance were filed with the county.
Supervisor Abbott entered the motion that a public hearing be scheduled April 1 to delete the provision in the current ordinance restricting hunting to 100 feet from roads and return to hunting restricted off roads "ditch to ditch."
Roads
In other business, Joe Barkley II, VDOT resident engineer, reported completion of bridge repair on Route 601.
Barkley also said that VDOT could consider reevaluating speed reduction on Route 58 near the Industrial Park, noting new businesses were to locate in the area generating more traffic.
Supervisor William Fitzgerald asked for more and larger "no littering" signs along Route 57 (old Route 832), which VDOT officials said they will review.
Supervisor Abbott asked that Route 772 improvements be considered as a priority in the next Six-Year Plan update due to the opportunity offered through a new program. He said that improvements to the road had been in the plan but had not gone forward previously because of a right of way problems.
Supervisors also approved closing traffic at the bridge over Difficult Creek on Route 609, about 1.0 mile east of the intersection of Route 610, for bridge replacement. The roadway will be closed for about 10 weeks beginning March 18.
Barkley also reported the Commonwealth Transportation Board's approval of Riverstone Industrial access road funding at $450,000.
The board also approved filing an application to VDOT for revenue sharing funds of up to $500,000 for Riverstone Park roads. IDA staff and Barkley are to submit documentation to the Commonwealth Transportation Board, including additional match to the extent that funds have been applied for and funding is granted by the Tobacco Commission.
Committees
Supervisors approved a solid waste and recycling convenience center site lease at the Martin Farm between Clover and Mt. Laurel.
The board also approved a 15 percent increase for building inspection support, but deferred action on a recommendation for an increase for Halifax-Pittsylvania Court Services case workers' starting pay to grade 12 and $300 pay adjustment of non-supervisory employees.
Supervisors voted 7 to 1, with R.E. Abbott opposing, increasing part-time building inspector's pay to $20 per hour.
Supervisor William Fitzgerald said that the increase was a temporary fix to retain an experienced building inspector while a search is underway for a new employee.
Abbott said that with so many people out of jobs, he opposed paying $20 per hour for the part-time job.

The Project Hope school annex on Mountain Road may become an African-American museum.
Supervisors gave tentative consent for the transfer of the property to the newly formed Leon Coleman African-American Historical Museum Foundation following a public hearing Monday night.
The hearing was a prerequisite to disposal of the property.
Ms. Shirley Chandler asked for transfer of the building, which served as one of the county's early African-American schools, for the museum.
She said that the foundation wanted to preserve the site and that the museum would exhibit memorabilia and artifacts of the Halifax County African-American community.
The Rev. Roger Ford endorsed the museum request. He said that the museum could bring visitors to Halifax County, which would be an economic benefit.
The board gave its tentative consent pending approval of a detailed plan for the project. The foundation is also seeking charitable foundation status. The Building and Grounds Committee is to review the museum plan within 12 months.
Supervisors also approved Roger Slagle's application to vacate an unnamed, unopened street in the Charles Brookes Farm subdivision on the west side of Route 501 about 1.4 miles south of South Boston and north of Route 904.
Slagle was the only speaker and he said that the existing right of way easement served no useful purpose.
The Halifax Planning Commission recommended Slagle's request be granted.
The board also approved Blue Chip Racing Resorts' request to add a European Rally Course and Corporate Motorsport Experience facility at Virginia International Raceway.
The Halifax County Planning Commission supported the request.
Connie Nyholm, vice-president of Blue Chip, was the only speaker. She supported the request, noting VIR's potential economic impact in the region.
She also addressed the noise issue, which had been raised by letter and telephone call by three area residents. She noted VIR closes at 11 a.m. on Sunday for worship hour.
The board also approved a request from the Halifax County Electoral Board to relocate the Childrey Voting site to Childrey Baptist Church at 1224 Childrey Church Road. A hearing will be advertised.
Detra Carr reported that the Southside Outreach Group is working with South Boston and the Southside PDC on Shepherd's Gate community improvements.
Carr said that the group is also working with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development program for Housing Improvement statewide. The focus is on indoor plumbing.
Committee Assignments
Supervisors approved the following committee assignments: Courthouse Grounds chairman, Ronnie Vaughan; Transportation Safety, R.E. Abbott; Halifax Education Foundation, David Martin; Board of Social Services, William Fitzgerald; Southside Planning District Commission, David Martin, Tom West and William Fitzgerald.
Other appointments included Lake Country Marketing Council, Ronnie Vaughan; Old Dominion Resource Conservation and Development Council, James Edmunds; Lake Country Development Corporation, David Martin; Emergency Services Director, David Martin; Emergency Services coordinator, Joe Morgan; Deputy Emergency Services coordinator, Julia Moss.
All Airport Committee members were reappointed and Mattie Cowan was reappointed to Danville Community College Advisory Committee. All Human Relations current members were reappointed.
Improvement Council members are Sandra Rister, Joyce Howerton, Joan Hines, Russell Thurston, Barbara Perkins, Tammy Reaves, Mary Dixon, Lavonia Dixon, Carolyn Slayton and Shirley Whitlow.
Economic Development Council members are Donald Muse, Weldon Shelton, Aubrey Houghton, Hill Felton, Fulton Conner, Ed Talbot, D.E. Martin (interim) and Thomas Short.
Planning Commission member appointments were Mattie Cowan and Hunter Ford. On the Recreation Committee, R.E. Abbott, Frank Perkins Jr. and all other current members reappointed.
Appointed to the task force on Land Development were Carl Espy, Linda Faye Wallace, Supervisor James Edmunds, Matt Gray, Larry Layman and three representatives of the Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan Committee.
Rick Harrell will be asked to fill a vacancy on Southside Regional Partnership and Doug Powell is the board's representative to Virginia's Retreat. Biggy Hunt is on the Waterfowl Easement Committee.

During the last three years the Halifax Woman's Club has donated $212,049 to community projects, and Monday night the HWC gave Halifax officials $1,000 for the county's 250th Anniversary celebration.
Jane Edmunds, Halifax Woman's Club treasurer, made the presentation during the Halifax Board of Supervisors session.
"In the continuance of the heritage of the Woman's Club, the last three years have produced an unprecedented amount of monetary contributions, totaling $212,049.89, from our concerted efforts," she said.
"It is our fervent hope that we will be able to provide another 250 years of enhancement to our towns and our county," she added.
The Halifax Woman's Club is celebrating its 73rd anniversary this year.
"We began with the purpose of promoting the civic, educational and social welfare of the community," Edmunds said. "And we have faithfully continued that endeavor to this day."
Edmunds said that whenever there has been a need in the community, club members "have rolled up their sleeves and gone to work to fill that need."
She cited the Halifax Woman's Club Scholarship Fund as the first fund of its kind in the county to help with the education of the county's young people.
She noted that the club organized the Friends of the Library. Also, a prenatal health clinic organized by the late Mrs. Henry McLaughlin, was later taken over by the Health Department.
"We have sponsored the Girl Scouts, The Patrick Henry Boys Home, Operation Smile, the volunteer fire departments of the county and have brought many noted lecturers and musicians here," Edmunds continued.
The treasurer included a list of contributions the group has made from 1998 to present.
Among its contributions, the club donated $125,000 in 1999 to purchase land for War Memorial Park in Halifax. An additional $29,000 was donated to the war memorial project in 2000, according to club records.
Mrs. James S. Easley of Halifax founded the Halifax Woman's Club on May 7, 1929. Mrs. Philip Conner is the current president.

Leonard Nathan Miller, 19, of Alex Lane in Nathalie, and Jason Aaron Crews, 18, from Wild Turkey Road in the Friendly Corner community, were arrested by sheriff's deputies at approximately 1 p.m. yesterday afternoon on charges stemming from a traffic stop on Sinai Road.
Maj. R.S.B. Pulliam said that the pair were stopped by Corporal T.C. Spencer because the vehicle matched the description of one which had been reported stolen earlier.
The deputy was in the process of placing Miller under arrest when Crews fled the scene on foot.
Miller was arrested at the scene of the traffic stop and charged with possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm while in possession of crack cocaine.
Crews was arrested approximately half an hour later behind a residence on Crawford Road after a pursuit that included members of the Virginia State Police, Halifax County Sheriff's Department, the South Boston Police Department, Halifax Town Police and members of the Halifax/South Boston Regional Narcotic Enforcement Task Force.
Crews was charged with possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm while in possession of crack cocaine.
Pulliam said that the pair were considered armed and dangerous by deputies.
"At this time we don't know who owned the handgun in the vehicle," he added.
"These individuals had a substantial amount of crack cocaine in their possession, and it was packaged for re-sale," Pulliam said.
Investigators were at the scene late in the afternoon looking for more evidence in the area where Crews was located.
Pulliam said yesterday that more charges were expected to be placed on Miller and Crews in connection with the incident.
The two are currently being held in the Halifax County Jail.

Police are searching for the men who robbed the Vernon Hill Post Office yesterday afternoon, stealing the money order machine, and leaving the clerk bound with duct tape.
Police received a call that the post office was robbed at 1:36 p.m. yesterday afternoon by two black males wearing ski masks and armed with a handgun.
Deputies arrived on the scene minutes after the call was reported.
Police say that the clerk, Jonathan Chitwood of South Boston, had only been working at the location for two days.
"The thieves bound the clerk with duct tape and took a money order machine and blank money orders, as well as an undetermined amount of cash," said Maj. Richard Pulliam of the Halifax County Sheriff's Department.
The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a vehicle.
Chitwood was able to free himself and go to a nearby home to phone authorities.
Pulliam said that the incident was being investigated by the crime scene investigation unit, and that a United States Postal Inspector had been called in to investigate.
No other information was available at press time.
Police ask that anyone with information about this incident call Crimestoppers at 476-TIPS.

Halifax native Robin Bagwell Young, a successful Kitty Hawk jeweler, is bringing a sampling of her store's collection to the 29th annual C.H. Friend Antique, Craft & Art Show & Sale this weekend.
This will be Young's first exhibit at the show.
The two-day show opens at 10 a.m. Saturday at the elementary school in South Boston and closes at 5 p.m. On Sunday, the show begins at noon.
Robin carries an extensive line of sterling silver jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, designer jewelry and a selection of diamond, ruby and sapphire settings in lovely rings, bracelets and earrings.
At a recent Miami antique and estate jewelry show, which Robin described as exciting, she added a ruby and diamond platinum ring to her inventory.
Robin's inventory at her North Carolina store also features a stunning 5.76 carat emerald cut diamond with 80 points of tapered baguettes on each side. A beautiful sapphire and diamond bracelet are also in her jewelry treasury.
Her C.H. Friend exhibit is expected to feature a range of selections for the discriminating buyer.
Although Robin has participated in several shows in Virginia cities, she says it is difficult moving inventory to shows.
"I am doing this one because it is home," she said.
Young is one of life's fortunates, she loves her work.
"When I was little I would tug at mother to please let me go into Via's in South Boston or to the jewelry store in Danville," she recalled with a smile.
"All I ever wanted was a piece of jewelry. So it sort of satisfies my addiction. I adore jewelry. So I'm lucky that I can surround myself with what I love."

Mattie Betterton Childrey

Mattie Betterton Childrey, 87, of Stagecoach Road, Nathalie, died March 4 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was the wife of the late William 'Buck' Andrew Childrey.
Mrs. Childrey was born in Pittsylvania County January 1, 1915, the daughter of the late Beverly Betterton and Carrie Hollins Betterton. She was a member of Clover Bottom Baptist Church.
Survivors include four sons, Roy E. Childrey and his wife, Hazel of Lynchburg, John W. Childrey of Warrenton, William L. Childrey and his wife, Carolyn of Halifax, Mitchell R. Childrey and wife, Charlotte of Danville; one daughter, Carolyn C. Overby and her husband, Tom of Richmond; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Victor Childrey.
A funeral service for Mrs. Childrey will be held today, March 6 at Clover Bottom Baptist Church by the Revs. James Crocker and Lynn Marstin. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Page Alvin Seate Sr.

Page Alvin Seate Sr., 80, of Nelson died March 3 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was the widower of Mabel Elliott Seate.
Mr. Seate was a member of Nelson Baptist Church, a WWII Veteran, where he participated in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day.
Survivors include a daughter, Katherine S. Woltz of Buffalo Junctions; three sons, Page A. Seate Jr. of Nelson, Marshall Seate of Danville and Christopher Seate of Nelson; two sisters, Maxine Jackson of Chase City and Elois Clayton of Roxboro, NC; and two grandchildren, Tara and Brian.
Funeral services for Mr. Seate were held March 5 at 2 p.m. at Nelson Baptist Church with the Rev. Jim McAlister officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Dorothy Guthrie Montgomery

Dorothy Guthrie Montgomery, 58, of Tallahassee, FL., died March 2 at her home.
Born April 14, 1943, in Halifax County, she was the wife of Roger Montgomery and the daughter of the late Vernon L. 'Bunk' Guthrie and Eloise B. Guthrie of Republican Grove.
Mrs. Montgomery was a Certified Decorative Artist, and was an art teacher. She was an active member of Tallahassee Heights United Methodist Church.
In addition to her husband, Roger, she is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Traci and Scott Gerrell; two grandchildren, Cody and Brittany Young; step-granddaughter, Samantha Gerrell, all of Tallahassee; and Amy and Dean Crownover of Atlanta, GA; and one brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Pat Guthrie of South Boston.
Memorial services for Mrs. Montgomery will be held today, March 6, at 4 p.m. at Tallahassee Heights United Methodist Church, and on March 9, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Republican Grove, Nathalie.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Tallahassee Heights United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 3004 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee, FL. 32308, Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, 32308-5428, or to First Baptist Church of Republican Grove Building Fund, Republican Grove, 24577.

Johnny Buck Davis

Johnny Buck Davis, 85, of 5025 Ridgeway Road, Vernon Hill, died March 3 at his home.
Mr. Davis was born in Halifax County on August 4, 1916, the son of the late Johnny Buck Davis and the late Pattie Stephens Davis and was married to the late Helen Dixon Davis. He was a member of County Line Baptist Church.
Survivors include two sons, Gene Davis of Capitol Heights, MD and Willie Earl Davis of Forrestville, MD; one daughter, Gwendolyn Doggett of Suitland, MD; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lee Roy Davis of Halifax and Israel Davis of Vernon Hill; three sisters, Bessie Carlers of Baltimore, MD, Sadie Warren and Doris Dixon, both of NJ.
Funeral services for Mr. Davis will be held March 9 at 11 a.m. at County Line Baptist Church with the Rev. Otis R. Dillard officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home.

Rosalie Davis Stokes

Rosalie Davis Stokes, the daughter of the late Johnny Buck Davis and Pattie Mae Stephens, died February 21 at her home in South Philadelphia, PA.
Mrs. Stokes was born on January 25, 1926, in Halifax County. She was married to the late Caldwell Stokes Jr., and was a member of County Line Baptist Church in Vernon Hill.
Survivors include six children, Machelle Lopez, Caldwell III, Angelina Talton Stith, Janice Williams, Graham, Raymond and Donald; two sons-in-law, John Stith and Fred Graham; three brothers, Johnny B., Israel and Leroy Davis; three sisters, Bessie Carlers, Sadie Warren and Doris Dixon; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Mrs. Stokes was preceded in death by two sisters, Anna Dixon and Belle Terry; and five brothers, Herbert, Woodrow, Earl, Lawrence and Charles David.
A funeral service was held March 2, at 11 a.m. at Consolation Baptist Church in Philadelphia with Bishop Alden A. Gaines officiating.

Eddie Lee Allgood

Eddie Lee Allgood, 88, of 7074 Mountain Road, Halifax, died March 4 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Allgood was born in Mecklenburg County on September 13, 1913, the son of Benjamin C. Allgood and Patty Evans Allgood. He was married to the late Dora Ann King Allgood, and was a retired farmer.
Survivors include two daughters, Ruth Ferrell of Halifax and Delma Matthews of Bullock, NC; one son, Marshall Allgood of Madison Heights; two brothers, Archie Allgood of Baskerville and Wilson Allgood of Boydton; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside services for Mr. Allgood will be held March 7 at 1 p.m. at Halifax Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends this evening, March 6, from 7:00 until 8:30, at Brooks Funeral Home and other times at the home of his daughter, Ruth Ferrell, 7071 Mountain Road.

Ella Marea Owen

Ella Marea Owen, 46, of 1340 Shepherd Street, South Boston, died March 3 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Ms. Owen was born in Halifax County on August 14, 1955, the daughter of Jane Watkins Owen and the late Junior Owen. She was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church and was a former employee of Halifax Regional Hospital.
Survivors include one daughter, Patricia Of. Chambers of South Boston; her mother of South Boston; five grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Adams, Katie Owen and Catherine Owen, all of South Boston; two brothers, Thomas Owen and James Owen, both of South Boston. Ms. Owen was preceded in death by one son, George Owen.
Funeral services will be held March 9 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist with the Rev. Dr. James M. Crowder officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Garden Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home Friday evening from 7 until 8, and other times at the home of Jane Owen, 2005 Spring Avenue, South Boston.