"I urge the State Chamber of Commerce to exercise its
influence and its passion for the Commonwealth of Virginia in
support of this initiative with all of its might so that Southside
and Southwest Virginia may contribute to the overall wealth of
the Commonwealth and its citizens."
Former Del. W.W. "Ted" Bennett
Former delegate W.W. "Ted" Bennett issued a call
for the Commonwealth to put its "full faith and credit"
behind an effort to securitize the tobacco funds.
Speaking to members of the State Chamber of Commerce and civic
leaders during a closed session at Berry Hill Conference Center
Friday Bennett, in what could signal a prelude to a return to
public life, suggested that with Virginia fully behind the bond
sale the move would be more attractive to the nation's banking
and investment institutions.
Since Virginia is one of only six states in the country that has
a AAA bond rating, the state backing the bonds should cause investment
bankers who downgraded them to increase the rating.
"We have suffered a reduction in the value of those bonds
after the downgrade of $650 million down to $500 million,"
Bennett said. "Which would not have been enough to securitize
the funds.
"This upgrade should get us back up to $600+ million and
thus make it worthwhile to convert the future payments for use
in Southside and Southwest Virginia now," he added.
"I urge the State Chamber of Commerce to exercise its influence
and its passion for the Commonwealth of Virginia in support of
this initiative with all of its might so that Southside and Southwest
Virginia may contribute to the overall wealth of the Commonwealth
and its citizens," Bennett said.
"We must move now," he added. "There are serious
and immediate needs and responsive initiatives are near ready
to move into action and development for Southside and Southwest
Virginia."
The former delegate suggested the state's business leaders should
further investigate the proposal.
"This action should be taken only after careful scrutiny
and inquiry into the investment arena. If it proves to be as promising
as I believe it will, then legislation should be introduced in
the 2004 session, if not in a special session called by the Governor
beforehand, as soon as the bond climate and collective judgement
dictates that we should move," Bennett urged.
"As I asked in 2001 when I tried to get the General Assembly
to allow the Tobacco Commission to sell these bonds and put the
proceeds in a trust fund for Southside and Southwest Virginia
for economic development, we need a Marshall Plan - not an installment
plan," Bennett said. "We need a pool of money now, not
20 years of potential payments from the tobacco companies.
"We should have issued those bonds then, and we can still
do it now and must," he emphasized. "We can do it by
having the Commonwealth of Virginia put its full faith and credit
behind these funds."
Currently, more than 30 states are holding their breath as they
wait for an Illinois judge to decide whether to decrease a $12
billion bond imposed on Philip Morris.
The tobacco giant has said they can't pay the bond and that if
the ruling is allowed to stand, it could mean bankruptcy for the
company.
Philip Morris is scheduled to make a $2.6 billion payment to the
states on April 15 as part of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement
between cigarette manufacturers and 46 states.
Of that $2.6 billion, Virginia would receive around $53 million
from the tobacco giant.
The Tobacco Commission would receive half of that money to be
used to compensate tobacco growers and for the economic development
of tobacco-dependent regions.
Last week, the Tobacco Commission had scheduled a sale of $650
million (the expected amount Virginia would receive over 20 years
of payments from the cigarette manufacturers) worth of bonds on
the open market, but the Illinois ruling degraded the bonds' rating
among the investment community and the plan was put on hold.
Bennett told the chamber members that the influx of money is crucial
to the economic viability of Southside.
"These funds are of the greatest historical importance and
significance to... our region," he said. "A number of
us in the General Assembly worked hard to get 50 percent of this
settlement money coming to Virginia."
The former delegate told the business leaders that he couldn't
overstate the importance of the funds.
"Obtaining and securing those funds at par, or their true
and fair market value in current dollars NOW is an absolute must
for this region's future," he said.
High water is likely to enter some storage buildings and warehouses
in Riverdale this weekend, the result of consistent rainfall throughout
the week.
The Dan River at South Boston was expected to crest at 24.8 feet
around noon today, according to Mike Gillen of the National Weather
Service (NWS).
The latest prediction was 2.8 feet higher than was predicted Tuesday
by the NWS.
At 11 a.m. Thursday, the Dan River was at 23.1 feet and by 3 p.m.
had risen to 23.31 feet, Gillen said.
Flood stage for the Dan River at South Boston is 19 feet.
By comparison, U.S. 501 south of the bridge is under water at
26.5 feet, while at stage 29.3 feet, water is into the intersection
of U.S. 501 and 58.
"The Dan is supposed to stay above 19.0 feet through the
weekend. It'll be a slow recession," added Gillen.
A 3 p.m. Thursday bulletin from the NWS said that runoff from
Tuesday night's rainfall continues to produce rises along the
middle Roanoke and Dan Rivers.
Additional rainfall into Thursday will continue to cause main
rivers to rise.
Minor flooding is occurring already along the Dan River in South
Boston with more expected, according to the NWS.
At 6 a.m Thursday, the Dan River at South Boston was 22.8 feet
and falling slowly.
At 2 a.m. Thursday, the Dan River at Paces had risen to 18.7 feet
and was rising slowly. Flood stage is 20.0 feet at Paces.
Five secondary roads in Halifax County were still closed Thursday
at 3 p.m., according to Joe Barkley, VDOT resident engineer.
Among those were:
· Route 600 (Black Walnut Road), between Routes 92 (Clover
Rd.) and 746 (Mt. Laurel Rd.).
· Route 778 (Green Valley Road) between Route 600 (Black
Walnut Road) and Route 746 (Mt. Laurel Road).
· Route 730 (Ramble Road) from U.S. 58 to U.S. 58.
· Route 601 (Buckshoal Road) between Route 730 (Ramble
Road) and Route 737 (Hudson Road).
· Route 710 (Bethel Hill Road) from Route 711 (Harmony
Denniston Road) to North Carolina state line.
The NWS said a combination of weather systems has created the
latest round of raw, wet, windy weather, including everything
from snow in the mountains of the western Piedmont to gales along
the coast.
Flood advisories covered much of the Southeast, including parts
of western North Carolina, southwestern Virginia, southern West
Virginia, eastern Kentucky and western Tennessee.
Rainfall totals at the South Boston wastewater treatment plant
have exceeded four inches since Sunday, according to plant employee
Carroll Anderson, inclusing a total of .7 of an inch of rain recorded
since 7 a.m. Thursday.
Three public hearings, including a permit request for construction
of athletic facilities by the at the middle and high schools,
highlight South Boston Town Council's agenda tonight.
The meeting is set to begin at 7 p.m. in Council chambers on Yancey
Street.
School Board officials have asked Council for a special use permit
to realign a softball field at the middle school, construct a
new track and field facility on the existing football practice
field between the middle and high schools, and construct six new
tennis courts at the high school.
During Council's work session earlier this month, Town Planner
Lee Pambid said emergency vehicle access was the only concern
his office had with the proposal.
"Right now the access isn't as good as it could be,"
Pambid said. "We are looking at the easiest way to get the
vehicles in there and it will be incorporated in the plan."
Other public hearings include a recommendation from the town's
Planning Commission and a request from the South Boston Volunteer
Fire Company to close a portion of Grove Avenue.
Officials with the fire department have asked the town to close
and abandon the unopened portion of Grove Avenue lying adjacent
to their activity building on Seymore Drive.
"We would like to acquire this 30' by 75' strip in order
to access the rear of the building and possibly use it for much-needed
additional parking," said Dwight Spangler, president of the
company.
Members of the town's Planning Commission have asked Council to
amend the town code to prohibit the erection of any new billboards
within town limits.
It is a race in the Republican Party for
the GOP nomination for commonwealth's attorney and sheriff.
The GOP primary is set for June 10, with last Friday the deadline
for filing.
Vying for the commonwealth's attorney post in the GOP race are
incumbent John Greenbacker and challenger Kimberley Slayton White.
There will also be a battle for the GOP's blessing in the primary
race for sheriff, with incumbent Jeff Oakes facing challenger
Keith Tribble.
David Martin said Sunday that he plans to seek the Republican
nomination for his race in Election District 4.
Martin faces no competition in the primary bid, but is expected
to face opposition in the November General Election.
Delegate Clarke Hogan, R-60th District, is seeking his party's
nomination in the primary. State Sen. Frank Ruff, R-15, will also
seek re-election and his party's nod.
What can you do for an encore?
That question might have been asked many times Saturday, as 26
teams and 300 players gathered for the opening ceremonies of the
Halifax County Dixie Softball League.
That organization sent three teams to the World Series last year,
the American Angels, Halifax National Belles and the Halifax Dixie
Debs, with the Halifax National Belles bringing home the county's
and the state's first Belles World Series title.
A plaque honoring that accomplishment was unveiled at the field
during the ceremony.
Del. Clarke Hogan was on hand to both throw out the first pitch
and present a resolution from the Virginia General Assembly to
the Belles players in recognition of their accomplishments.
Saturday's ceremonies paid tribute to those three teams in particular,
but also the players, the parents and sponsors that made those
state titles possible.
The Halifax County Debs won their third consecutive state title
last year, while the Halifax American Angels played four days
in the World Series last season, longer than any previous Angels
all-star team from the county.
And, the Halifax National Belles, swept through the district,
state and World Series, winning 14 of 15 games on its way to the
title.
Dean Elliott, president of Halifax County Dixie Softball, noted
the accomplishments of last year's world series participants,
while challenging the league to meet even greater goals this year.
Elliott noted that the players in the league are part of "something
special," pointing to a sign at the field listing the 27
state titles Halifax Dixie Softball has won since 1977.
"Some of those young ladies who played for those teams are
coaching in the program right now," Elliott said.
"You may be just starting, but you are from a program that
has been successful, and you can be successful and become a world
champion.
"It takes a lot of hard work, but it can be done.
"That sign has room for more state champions," he emphasized.
Hogan cited portions of the resolution which mentioned the hard
work of the Belles in winning the World Series, through a "characteristic
combination of pitching, defense, smart baserunning and timely
hitting."
The resolution further stated that "The championship performance
of the Halifax National Dixie Belles was a tribute to the perserverance,
talent and teamwork of the players, the leadership of the coaching
staff, and the support of parents and the Halifax community.
"The General Assembly hereby commends the Halifax National
Dixie Belles softball team for so brilliantly representing Halifax
and the Commonwealth in the World Series."
Memorial services for Mr. George Allen Chappell
will be held Tuesday, April 15 at 11 a.m. with services at the
Jeffress Funeral Home.
The Rev. Sandy Palmer will officiate.
Mr. Chappell died Thursday, April 10 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
He was 78.
Mr. Chappell was born in Halifax County on September 9, 1924 to
the late Mary Beulah Chappell.
He is survived by one brother, Richard Chappell of South Boston,
three devoted cousins, Mrs. Margaret Clark, Ms. Ann M. Clark and
Mrs. Geraldine Walton, all of South Boston and a host of nieces,
nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mr. Chappell was preceded in death by one sister, Mrs. Bessie
Hunt.
The family is receiving friends at the home of Mrs. Margaret Clark,
1513 Stebbins Street in South Boston.
Vivian Garner Cole, 92, of 1207 Cole Lane,
Scottsburg, died Friday, April 11 at her home.
Mrs. Cole was born in Halifax County on April 1, 1911, the daughter
of Richard Moses Garner and Edna Kent Garner and was married to
John Talbott Cole. She was a member of Scottsburg United Methodist
Church.
Survivors include four daughters, Frances Wilson and husband Nelson
of Halifax, Nancy Adams and husband James of Magnolia, Texas,
Gaye Rice and husband Al of Halifax and Jackie Wilbourne and husband
Bryant of San Antonio, Texas; 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren,
three great-great-grandchildren and a devoted friend Nellie Snead
of Scottsburg. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Patsy
Conner, and her husband Billy.
Funeral services for Mrs. Cole will be held tomorrow, April 15,
at 2 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Marvin
Cook officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery in
Scottsburg.
The family will receive friends tonight from 7:00 until 8:30 at
Powell Funeral Home, and other times at the home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the Memorial Fund at Scottsburg
United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Martha Becky Crenshaw Conway, 85, died
Sunday, April 13 at the Danville Regional Medical Center.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced
at a later date.
Mabel Harris Edmondson, 86, of Danville,
formerly of Halifax County, died April 8 at Danville Regional
Hospital.
Mrs. Edmondson was born in Halifax County on March 10, 1917, the
daughter of Lottie Harris and was married to Chesley Edmondson.
She was a member of Mt. Pleasant CME Church and a former member
of New Mt. Olive Holiness Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Lillie Mae Brown of Albany, NY
and Gracie Jennings of Halifax; three sons, James Edmondson and
Richard Edmondson, both of Halifax, and Henry Edmondson of Dillwyn;
24 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren;
three sisters, Mattie Dogan of South Boston, Millie Ann Muse of
Philadelphia, PA and Florine Logan of Halifax.
Funeral services for Mrs. Edmondson were held April 12 at 4 p.m.
at the Chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home with District Superintendent
Leonia Palmer officiating. Burial was in Mt. Pleasant CME Church
Cemetery
Funeral services for Ms. Phyllis Maxine
Martin, of Stewart Trail in Virgilina, were held yesterday at
Calvary Baptist Church.
The Revs. Jimmy Pulliam and Jack Stewart officiated.
Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Ms. Martin died at the Halifax Regional Hospital Thursday, April
10.
She was 58.
Ms. Martin was born in Halifax County on November 9, 1944 to the
late James Howard Martin and Mary Stewart Martin.
She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Ms. Martin is survived by her mother, three sisters, Edith M.
Shepherd, Winnie M. Epps and Sarah M. Kennedy, all of Richmond,
three brothers, Ray A. Martin of Warner Robins, Ga., Sam Martin
and Kirt Martin, both of Roxboro, and a host of nieces, nephews
and devoted friends.
The family requests that anyone wishing to give memorials please
consider the Virgilina Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders,
P.O. Box 266, Virgilina, Va., 24598.
Mr. Charlie Howard Pruitt, of Old Cluster
Springs Road in South Boston, died Sunday, April 13 at the Duke
University Medical Center.
He was 77.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced
at a later date.
Funeral services for Mr. Floyd Washington Robertson will be held
on Monday, April 14 at 2 p.m.
The Rev. Rudolph Jacobs will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Halifax Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Robertson, of McCanless Street in South Boston, died in Halifax
County on Friday.
He was 81.
Mr. Robertson was born in Halifax County on July 7, 1921 to the
late Geneva Robertson and the late Henry Robertson.
He was a retired employee of Daystrom and was married to the late
Helen Barksdale Robertson.
Mr. Robertson is survived by three daughters, Carolyn Barksdale
of Nathalie, Irene Seamster of Halifax and Sheila Martin of South
Boston, two sons, Chris Robertson of South Boston and Ronnie Robertson
of Vernon Hill, 20 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, one daughter, Wanda Gail
Robertson Gonzales, two sisters, Odell Jones and Lillie Mae Allen,
and one brother, Raymond Robertson..