Amid calls for "getting the issue behind us," the Agricultural Development Committee adopted six recommended changes Tuesday night to the county planning commission's proposed confined animal/livestock feeding operations ordinance.
The ag committee changes will be submitted to the board of supervisors during their regular May session along with the planning commission's proposed document.
Industrial Development Authority executive director and ag committee member Bill Confroy told the committee the ongoing hog issue was having a negative impact on the community's image and economic development.
"The IDA Board has asked me as executive director to write to all members of the board of supervisors and planning commission stating that this issue needs closure, as far as the ordinance is concerned, and that it should be fair and equitable to the family farm and assuring the safety, welfare and quality of life to the citizens of Halifax County.
"The sooner we can resolve this issue the better," said Confroy.
Committee chairman Tom West and committee member Bobby Conner echoed their desire to see the issue resolved.
Among proposed ag committee changes adopted Tuesday night, all applications submitted for operations are to be approved or denied by the zoning administrator within 45 days.
The ag committee also eased the planning commission's requirements on the site plan/development plan application requirements.
The committee also increased, from 1500 ft. to 2500 ft. the distance from public or community drinking water sources of setbacks/offsets for all buildings and accessory/support facilities of the livestock operations.
Following study and prior to the adoption of a revised Confined Animal Feeding Ordinance by supervisors, two public hearings will be held, one by the planning commission and one by supervisors.
Detailed changes approved by the ag committee in the Tuesday night session - with two abstentions - were:
---Under Existing dwelling, an addition. For the purpose of this article of the Zoning Ordinance, either of the following shall constitute an existing dwelling, except that the term shall not apply to a dwelling located on the same parcel as the confined animal feeding operation (with the following addition) "or any dwelling maintained by the operator."
---Also under Existing dwelling, a change in time requirements. A structure, designed for residential use, which is not occupied on the date a completed application is received, but which has been issued a Certificate of Occupancy or a Building Permit prior to the date on which a completed application for a livestock, dairy, or poultry facility building permit or other zoning approval is received by the County Planning and Zoning Office or which has been "continuously" occupied for any period of "one year" within the five years immediately preceding the date on which a completed application for a livestock, dairy, or poultry facility building permit or other zoning approval is received by the County Planning and Zoning Office. (Words in quotes adopted by ag committee.)
---Under Setbacks/Offsets for all buildings and accessory/support facilities from public "or community" water sources (impoundments and wells), an increase from 1,500 feet to 2,500 feet was proposed by the ag development committee.
---Under Variances. Use of new or alternate technologies that are "proven" (proven substituted rather than demonstrated) to achieve a greater degree of environmental protection, such as reduced potential for surface or ground water pollution or contamination; reduced odor levels; or other environmental impact.
---Under Nutrient Management Plan; waste disposal system, the following word change. A Nutrient Management Plan shall be required for all livestock, dairy, poultry operations subject to "this article" (rather than the previous "these requirements").
---Under Site Plan/Development Plan, the following change. A Site Plan/Development Plan, drawn to scale, shall be submitted detailing operation buildings and accessory/support facilities, including waste collection and disposal areas. The plan shall include "either" a plat "or" scale drawing. (Or consolidated Farm Service Agency aerial photograph was removed from the end of the above sentence in the planning commission's ordinance proposal.)
---An addition titled "Auction on Applications" was added by the ag development committee, which reads: "All applications submitted pursuant to this article should be approved or denied by the administrator within 45 days of the day of submittal."

Tobacco, a county comprehensive plan update, forestry issues and confined hog operation issues spanned a three-hour Agricultural Development Committee meeting Tuesday night.
Incentive plans for reforestation of cut over land was a major interest.
"I think the community is ready to be aggressive about a reforesting plan," said ag committee member Bobby Conner. "The community has a vested interest in seeing (land) replanted."
J.T. Davis described "a sense of urgency as far as doing something" as timber harvesting continues throughout the county.
One thing for sure, advised Davis, "There is less (timber standing) tonight than this morning." He also urged a pro-active stance in pursuing incentive funds and programs to promote reforestation though the legislature
Larry Layman, area forester, said cost sharing is available to reforest harvested land. The program pays about 40 percent of the cost, he explained, and funds are available here.
Layman said the forestry sub-committee of the ag development committee is looking for methods to promote reforestation; for ways to stop fragmentation of farm land; to promote public education as to the economic and environmental benefits.
Addressing reforestation, Layman said a Department of Forestry study is currently underway here.
"We are waiting to see from this study how large or if there is a problem" in reforestation, said the forester.
Layman hopes to complete the study by late April or early May.
There are two sources of funding for landowners who do reforestation work. Together, Layman estimated about $130,000 in total reimbursement payments were made to landowners in 1998 for forestry work done in Halifax County.
Last year about 3,000 acres were reforested in Halifax County on private land holdings, according to the forester. The 3,000 acres did not include government or forest industry land.
There are roughly 350,000 acres of forest land in Halifax County, according to Layman, with two-thirds of the county's land in forest.
Some people are concerned that timber is being cut more rapidly than it is growing and that a forest resource may or may not be able to withstand this increased rate of harvesting, acknowledged Layman.
When the forestry study is complete, ag development committee chairman Tom West said the committee would revisit the issue. "We are working on the problem," said West.
Tobacco
Do you think there will be tobacco money?
"We have done the best we could do," said tobacco advocate J.T. Davis in response to the question.
Davis added that he felt comfortable "there is going to be some money that will flow" but said he did not have a timetable.
Davis told the committee that he does not expect Phase I in the tobacco settlement agreement to come until next year.
Phase I in the Master Settlement Agreement proposes $206 billion to 46 states (25 years) with no money designated to growers. In Virginia it is $4.1 billion (25 years); proposed legislation for farmers and tobacco dependent communities to get 50 percent of funds. The Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission (31 members) established by Gov. Jim Gilmore is a fund distribution vehicle.
"Through the appropriations process, the deal isn't over," said Don Anderson. "It is important to maintain the coalition."
The tobacco advocate also noted the importance of having Southside representation on the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission.

A 76-year-old former resident of Berry Hill Nursing Home has been charged with murder in connection with the death of another resident.
South Boston Police Investigator Rick Loftis said that Tuesday Lillie Stanley Redd was arrested at her residence on Evergreen Road in Charlotte Court House and charged with murdering Mary P. Perkins, 90, while they were both residents at the Berry Hill Nursing Home in South Boston last Friday, April 9.
According to Loftis, the two women were standing in a room near a nursing station inside the nursing home that evening when Mrs. Redd allegedly pushed Mrs. Perkins to the floor, causing her to strike her head on the tile floor.
Nurses in the area reportedly heard a commotion and rushed in to find Mrs. Perkins lying on the floor. A doctor was called shortly after the 7 p.m. incident, and the victim, who suffered a severe head injury, was rushed to Halifax Regional Hospital where she died almost nine hours later at 3:45 a.m. April 10.
Following an investigation by Lt. Loftis and Investigator Brian K. Lovelace with the South Boston Police Department, Mrs. Redd was arrested at her home by Charlotte County Deputy R. Lawson, Lt. Loftis, and South Boston Police Officer Wanda Garner.
Redd was later released after posting a $5,000 bond.
The administration at Berry Hill Nursing Home declined to answer specific questions concerning the incident and the individuals involved, but did release the following statement:
"The staff and management of Berry Hill Nursing Home deeply regret the unfortunate incident involving two residents at our facility. We are fully cooperation with all appropriate law enforcement and regulatory agencies reviewing this matter. In order to comply with guidelines involving residents' rights, we cannot make any additional comment at this time."

Halifax County Sheriff's Deputies have been called in to investigate a rash of recent theft at the Halifax County Senior High School.
According to high school Principal Larry Clark, over the past ten days he has had three students and five faculty members report stolen purses and wallets, which prompted him to issue the following announcement in school Wednesday.
"It seems to me that over the past two weeks we've had a rash of thefts especially involving purses and wallets," he said. "My message to the thief is this: When we find out who you are, I will not hesitate to recommend expulsion. This sort of conduct can not be tolerated in school."
Fortunately, authorities have been able to locate a number of the missing items, minus any cash they may have contained, Clark said.
Deputy Moore said two wallets were located in a trash can in the men's bathroom on the third floor, and another item was found concealed above the ceiling tiles in that same room.
"Because of what we've discovered, we are closing all the bathrooms at the beginning of the custodians' day and requested that they go through the ceilings, toilets and trashcans to see if they can locate other items," Clark said.

A Centerville Amoco Service Station employee faces embezzlement charges following his arrest Wednesday by Halifax County Sheriff's Deputies.
The Sheriff's Office received a call that a large sum of money was missing from the manager of the Amoco Service Station April 14, and following an investigation by Deputy M.R. Thompson, Andy Ray Ford, 37, of Roberts Trail, Halifax, was arrested and charged with taking the money, which was in excess of $200 making it a felony offense.
During the course of the investigation Thompson spoke with service station manager Glenn cash and ascertained that Ford was employed by the service station and was allegedly in charge of the money at the time it was found to be missing.
Ford, who was also charged with a misdemeanor of giving false information to a police officer, was allowed to remain free on bond.

A preliminary budget projected of $804,000 and "not anticipating a tax increase" was presented to Halifax Town Council this week by town manager Bob Greene.
The budget is up approximately $78,000 over the fiscal 1998-99 budget.
The town manager said the $804,000 figure does not include any money for capital improvements.
Greene expects the first reading of the budget at council's May session with approval by June 30.
The town manager said he and the engineering committee recently met with Department of Environmental Quality officials concerning water/sewer matters. Greene said the town is investigating applying for funds from Virginia's Revolving Loan Fund to carry out mechanical improvements at the wastewater plant.
In other business, council awarded the bid on the North Main Street project to low bidder Harmon Saunders. The Community Development Block Grant project is for street and storm water improvements.

Town of Halifax Police Chief Shawn Sweeney reported that the owners of 15 abandoned cars in the town had been notified that they must move their vehicles or the town would have them moved at the owners' expense.

Vandals left a troubling spray paint trail of graffiti in the Town of Halifax during the night Wednesday or early Thursday morning, according to Halifax police officials.
Blood Killer, the Star of David, an anarchy symbol and gang/drug references were sprayed on Maple Avenue's roadway, one section of the courthouse wall and the nearby Court Services Building.
Most of the graffiti had been removed by late Thursday afternoon.
Halifax Police Chief Shawn Sweeney said the investigation is ongoing.

Matilda Brandon Samuda of Charlotte, NC and formerly of Halifax County, died Monday, April 12, 1999 at the Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, NC
She was born in Halifax County and was the daughter of the late William C. Brandon and Mrs. Sallie Oliver Brandon. She was married to A. James Samuda and was a member of the Mason Chapel Baptist Church.
Mrs. Samuda is survived by her husband: A. James Samuda, of the home; two grandsons: George Benjamin Hairston, III and Rawn Derico Hairston; three great granddaughters: Carreba Hairston, Maya Danielle Hairston and Angelica Vawn; five sisters: Estelle Coleman, Anne Cunningham, Alma Brandon, all of Halifax County; Mary Barnett and Doris Lawson, both of New Jersey. She also leaves to members of the Spears family.
Funeral services for Mrs. Samuda will be held Saturday, April 17 at 12:00 noon with services at the Mason Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Ronald L. Claiborne officiating. Burial will follow in the Mason Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends tonight from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Mason Chapel Baptist Church in Alton.

Helen Goodwin Cherry, age 79 of Valley Street, Clarksville, died April 14, 1999 in the Halifax Regional Hospital, South Boston. She was a native of Chatham County and was a retired secretary and bookkeeper. She was an avid bridge player. Funeral services will be held today (Friday, April 16) at 2:00 p.m. in the Olive Chapel Baptist Church in Apex, N. C. Officiating will be Dr. Mark Crumpler. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Survivors are: her husband, Hugh P. Cherry, of the home; three daughters: Jo Cherry Brooks and husband, Robert, of Raleigh, NC; Betsy Cherry Mohr, and husband, Frederick, of Raleigh, NC; June Cherry, of Cary, NC; a brother: Earl G. Goodwin, and wife, Karen, of Apex, NC; a sister, Doris G. Overman, of Apex, NC; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

William Morris Franklin, 62, of Lynchburg died Tuesday, April 13, 1999 at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was the husband of Courtney "Billie" Bates Franklin.
Mr. Franklin was born April 7, 1937 in Monroe, the son of the late Henry Clinton Franklin, Sr. and the late Irene Burch Franklin. He was a retired operations manager with Strother Drug and a member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Monroe.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three sisters, Shirley Grubbs, of Lynchburg; Evelyn Franklin Liggan, and her husband, Marshall, of Ridgeway; and Marguerite Grekos, and her husband, George, of Danville; two brothers, Russell M. Franklin, and Henry "H.C." Franklin, Jr. and his wife, Shirley, all of Monroe; a brother-in-law, Mansfield Dendy, of Fayetteville, NC and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur Livingston Franklin and Jesse Willard Franklin and three sisters, Ardelle Massie Franklin, Ruby Franklin Dendy and Mary Franklin McCarron.
A funeral service will be conducted 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17 in the Woodall-Tharp Chapel with the Reverend John D. Ragland officiating. Interment will follow in Virginia Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials contributions may be made to Smyrna Methodist Church, 626 Gypsy Ave., Staunton, VA 24401, Bethany Methodist Church, Rt. 2 Box 76, Arrington, VA 22922 or to Central Virginia Training Center, P. O. Box 1098, Lynchburg, VA 24505.

Elizabeth Faulkner Barnett died Sunday, April 11, 1999.
Mrs. Barnett was born May 18, 1922 in Halifax County the daughter of Daniel Faulkner and Kate Barksdale Faulkner and was married to Thomas Barnett. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.
Survivors include one sister, Annie M. Boxley of South Boston; one brother, George Faulkner of Baltimore, MD; five sisters-in-law, Neva Faulkner, Cathrine Williams, Daisy Barnett, Josephine Barnett and Jeneva Drumwright; two brothers-in-law, Willie Barnett and Herbert Barnett; one nephew, Eric Faulkner; four nieces, Lillian Ames, Helen Martin, Louise Cheatham, and Rose M. Lee.

Funeral services for Mrs. Barnett will be held today, April 16 at Trinity Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Rose Garden Cemetery.

Inez Vestal Smith of South Boston died Tuesday, April 6, 1999 in Twin Oaks Nursing Home.
Ms. Smith was born in Danville the daughter of William G. Smith and Edna Hundley Smith. She was a member of Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church.
Survivors include one sister, Nell R. Smith of South Boston; and one brother, E.T. Smith Sr. of Halifax.

A private graveside service for Ms. Smith was held at 11 a.m. April 9 in Green Hill Cemetery with Rev. Jay Ashby officiating.

Charles Edward Carter of 2062 Charles Lane, Halifax died Tuesday, April 13, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 80 years of age.
Mr. Carter was born in Halifax County on July 13, 1918 the son of William Stevens Carter and Effie Oakes Carter.
Survivors include a number of nieces and nephews; three devoted friends, Elmer Vaughan, Helen Vaughan and Estelle Childress.
Graveside services for Mr. Carter will be held Saturday, April 17 at 2 p.m. in the Carter Family Cemetery with Rev. Bob Watts officiating.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight, April 16 from 7 until 8:30.

George Washington Sr. of New York City, NY died Friday, April 9, 1999 at the age of 71.
Mr. Washington was born in Orangeburg, SC on February 7, 1928 the son of Lawrence Washington and Mamie Washington and was married to Crystal Barbour Washington. He was a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife; one son, George Jr.; one daughter, Gwendolyn; one granddaughter, Tiaesha Washington; one daughter-in-law, Barbara Ann; one sister, Corine Brewington; one brother, Joseph Washington; four sisters-in-law, Ruth Hendricks, Rose Dunklin, Dorothy Washington and Irene Washington; two brothers-in-law; Obie Brewington and Alfred Dunklin; four step-grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Memorial services for Mr. Washington were held Thursday, April 15 at 2 p.m. at Daniel Funeral Home Chapel in Halifax with Rev. A.L. Dean officiating. Burial was in the Barbour Family Cemetery in Nathalie.

Nancy Leeann Brown Fisher, 61, of Buffalo Junction, widow of Eugene Victor Fisher, died Monday, April 12, 1999.
Mrs. Fisher was born in New York moving to Virginia in 1970. She was employed with Lake Country Area Agency on Aging.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 15 at Rogers Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Douglas Spurlock officiating.
Surviving Mrs. Fisher is one daughter, Julia Brown of Buffalo Junction; three sons, Steven Fisher of Clarksville, Robert Fisher of Scottsburg and Brian Fisher of Buffalo Junction; two brothers, Jesse Brown of Carrolton, TX and Charles Brown of Boone, NC; and two grandchildren.

Howard Louis Younger of Ossining, NY died March 27, 1999 in New York.
Mr. Younger was born October 26, 1913 in Halifax County the son of Rev. Beverly Younger and Annie Chandler Younger. He was a US Army WWII veteran.
Survivors include one brother, Jesse Younger of Geneva, NY; three sisters, Mary W. Holt of Crystal Hill, Annie D. Jones of CA and Marion E. Jordan of South Boston. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Moses and Walter Younger and two sisters, Pearl Dixon and Grace Royal.
A funeral service was held Friday, April 2 at 10 a.m. in Ossining with Rev. Arthur L. Lewter officiating.

William 'Bill' Edward Rowland of 230 Mountain Road, Halifax died Wednesday, April 14, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 75 years of age at the time of his death.
Mr. Rowland was born in New York City, NY on November 22, 1923 the son of James Edward Rowland and Emily Palme Rowland and was married to Barbara Gibbon Rowland. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, a member of South Boston Rotary Club and was past Fire Marshall of Halifax County. He was past Chief of Halifax Fire Department and was one of the founders of the Virginia State Fire School and was very active with the Boy Scouts in Halifax County.
Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Bonnie Rowland Crowder of Colonial Heights; four sons, Charles Edward Rowland and Thomas Vaughan Rowland, both of Halifax, James Earle Rowland of Myrtle Beach, SC and William Ward Rowland of Danville; one sister, Grace Rowland Dugdale of Bridgewater, NJ; and five grandchildren.

A private burial for Mr. Rowland will be held at a later date.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight, April 16 from 7 until 9:00.
The family requests no flowers, but contributions may be made to Halifax Volunteer Fire Department.