Monday, April 26, 2004

Child’s Instincts Save Family
Sunday Morning Fire Destroys One House, Damages Second

When second-grader Samantha Wilson woke up late Saturday night she knew something was wrong.

"The house shook," she said. "And, there was fire around my door."

Samantha, 8, quickly woke her mother, Jean Wilson.

"I looked around and we were on fire," said the mother. "It was just everywhere. It was in every room of the house.

"I didn't know where the fire began, but I assumed it had started in the front of the house so we tried to get out through the bathroom.

"My fiancé went next door to alert the neighbors because their house was melting and he had them call 911," she added.

Wilson's home was destroyed in the early Sunday morning fire that also caused significant damage to a second residence and several vehicles, according to the South Boston Fire Department.

Wilson said she and her daughter had been living in the house for six years with her fiancé, Mike Newman.

A spokesman for the fire department said while there were no serious injuries, two people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

He said the home was fully involved when firefighters arrived at the 1327 Barbour Street scene at 2:04 a.m.

"Fire was coming out of all four sides of it," said South Boston Fire Department Chief William Murray.

The blaze quickly spread to the home of Vicky Guthrie at 1323 Barbour Street, according to the spokesman.

"There was a volume of fire that had ignited in the attic of the second house while we were fighting the first fire," said the spokesman.

At least two vehicles were also damaged in the blaze.

"One in the front of the house had some heat damage and one in the back was a total loss," said the spokesman.

He said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

"Because the fire was so hot, they don't know if they will ever be able to determine how it started," said Wilson.

The first house, owned by John Atkins, was declared a total loss with damages estimated at $80,000, according to the spokesman.

He said the second house was valued at $80,000, and suffered an estimated $40,000 in damages.

Wilson said they lost everything they owned in the fire.

"We had talked about getting renter's insurance and just never did," she said. "I don't think I have even begun to deal with yet. It is just so overwhelming."
Wilson said friends had helped them on Sunday, giving them clothes and toiletries and offering a place for the family to stay.

"Our friends have been wonderful," she said.

At least 22 firefighters were battling the blaze until 7:35 Sunday morning, according to the spokesman.

The South Boston Fire Department was assisted by Cluster Springs Vol. Fire Department, Halifax Vol. Fire Department, EMS and the South Boston Police Department.

"We need to thank the police department," he said. "They got to the scene first and advised us of what we had."

Chief Murray said the South Boston Fire Department would accept any items the community wanted to donate to the family.

Jean Wilson wears size 6 to 8 clothing and her daughter wears size 8 to 10.

Committee To Get First Look At SoBo Budget
Council Will Also Hold First Reading Of $4.5 Million Bond Anticipation Note

Members of South Boston's finance committee will get their first look at the town's proposed budget when the two standing committees gather for their monthly work session tonight.

The meeting will convene at 5:45 p.m. in Council Chambers on Yancey Street.

In addition to receiving the budget submittal from town staff, finance committee members will hear a request from the YMCA to waive the remaining $4,500 owed to the town on the purchase of the original site.

The loan was established in 1978 with the stipulation that it would be paid back in $500/year increments for 30 years.

The payoff date is 2011.

Finance committee members will also receive a monthly financial statement from Town Finance Director Vandie Saunders.

Members of the current issues committee are expected to consider a special use permit application from Halifax Regional Hospital that will allow the construction of an attached facility on hospital property.

If approved, the building will house a cardiac catheterization facility and also provide non-invasive cardiology procedures.

The town's planning commission held a public hearing on April 14 and recommended approval of the permit without conditions.

Mayor Glen Abernathy is expected to read a proclamation designating May 3-9 as public service week during tonight's meeting.

At the conclusion of business, the full council is expected to convene for the first reading of a $4.5 million bond anticipation note.

Funds from the note will be used to provide interim financing for improvements to the town's water and sewer system, operating expenditures for the town's general fund and $1.5 million in funding for the town and county's donation to The Prizery.

The funding for The Prizery is a joint effort between the town and Halifax County, Town Manager Ted Daniel has said.

South Boston is donating $600,000 to the project and Halifax County's donation, initially funded through the note, is $900,000.

Cannon Is Elected New IDA Chairman
Replaces Dr. Carlyle Ramsey As IDA Head

South Boston businessman John Cannon was elected chairman of the Halifax Industrial Development Authority on Thursday.

Cannon and Halifax businessman Jack Dunavant were vying for the post formerly held by Dr. Carlyle Ramsey, who formally resigned this month.
Cannon drew support from IDA board members Jack Slagle, Larry McPeters and Gene Faucette, while Dunavant drew support from Ramsey and Billy Royster.

The new chairman will serve the remainder of Ramsey's terms, which terminates in June when board officers are routinely elected.

In other business, the IDA formally approved resolutions for request for refunding revenue bonds. HRH's $17 million bond issue could produce an estimated $38,000 in fees for the IDA.

A public hearing will be held to consider the request to be followed by Board of Supervisors' action, County Administration Joe Morgan said Friday.

The IDA board also plans to review subcontractors for Building I at the Riverstone Technology Park.

"J.E. Burton Construction Company (the contractor for the job) is working on a listing of subcontractors," said Scott Morris, IDA director.

"We will be looking through those as a board and if a lower cost was not used, we will want to know why," added the IDA director.

Burton was chosen contractor for the Building I project "based on their fees and qualifications," Morris said. "It was the combination."

The IDA director said that the Board was working with fixed fees for the contractor and that Burton's was "in the middle of the final three based on what we estimated fees." The other two firms were not local, according to Morris.

Riverstone's Building I is 67,000 square feet and will be located in the park off of Highway 58 west of South Boston.

Building II will be 15,000 square feet and the Virginia Employment Commission will locate a call center in the building. A building plan and speculation-qualified low bid process is underway.

Construction is expected to begin on Building II in May, with completion scheduled for December, Morris said.

Three Board objectives remain on Building I, according to the IDA director.
"A financial package must be put together, and we can't do that until the final numbers on Burton's estimates are in," he explained. And that depends on subcontractors and Board review.

"The gross maximum price on the building, his fees and costs of subcontractors.

"Third, the formal approval of the legal contract. All depend on each other," added Morris.

In other business Thursday, Morris said that the IDA Board is working with Timmons regarding the lack of fill dirt, seeking consideration in resolution of the problem at the Riverstone Technology Park site.

NEVER-SAY-DIE
Comets Edge GW 3-2 Here Friday Night

By DOUG FORD | G-V Staff Writer

Don't give in and don't ever give up was the theme in the Comet varsity softball team's nail-biting 3-2 win here Friday over GW.

The crucial victory over their arch-rival gave the Comets a 2-1 record in the Western Valley District and a 8-5 record overall on the season.

Mallory Lawter, down to her last strike with two outs in the seventh inning, refused to give in, fouling off several Blair Gillespie offerings before singling home Jessica Lewis from second base for the game-winning run.

This, after GW scored the tying run after a dropped ball on a called third strike in the top of the inning.

How the Comets reacted to that miscue in their last at-bat was as important as anything else the Comets accomplished on Friday, according to coach Melanie Saunders.

"The girls fought back, and that's the biggest thing I'm proud of, because this season we've been struggling with that," said a happy but emotionally drained Saunders.

"We get down and it's hard for us to get that momentum back up.

"So, this was really huge, especially coming in the seventh inning, and with Mallory going into the hole 0-2 and coming through for us.

"That's what I preach to them, don't take what you've just done (the passed ball) out to the field with you."

Halifax pitcher Emily Pool didn't give in, even after Jordan Meadows and Gillespie hit back to back doubles with two outs in the top of the first inning to give GW a 1-0 lead.

An error put runners on first and third, before Pool got a popup to get out of the inning.

GW threatened again in the third inning, Meadows getting her second hit of the game with one out, and Gillespie drawing a walk.

Meadows stole third, but Pool struck out two consecutive batters to retire the side.

Halifax had only one baserunner the first three inning, Lori Reeves reaching base after a third strike and passed ball in the third inning, before rallying to take the lead an inning later.

Amanda Rogers started the rally with a triple to right center field, and Tracy Nelson followed with a sacrifice bunt that went for a hit, the GW catcher slipping while attempting to throw Nelson out at first.

Lindsey Hastings then singled Rogers home to tie the contest, Nelson advancing to third and Hastings to second on the throw.

The final run of the inning came when Jamie Anderson hit an RBI groundout to the right side, Nelson scoring for a 2-1 lead.

Both Halifax and GW had scoring chances the next two innings, but neither scored until the final frame.

In the top of the fifth inning, Comets center fielder Kim almost made a diving catch of a Texas leaguer, only to have it fall in front of her for a leadoff single.

A bunt foul on the third strike gave the Comets one out, before GW attempted a hit and run.

That too went awry, Hastings grabbing a popup and throwing to catch the runner off first base for an inning-ending double play.

In the top of the sixth, Gillespie led off with a single for GW, advancing to third on a groundout and sacrifice, but Pool again got a key strikeout to get out of the inning.

The Comets let a scoring opportunity get away in the sixth inning, after Rogers connected for her second hit of the game.

Rogers tried for third after a sacrifice bunt by Nelson, sliding under the tag to beat the throw from first, but was stranded there after two fly outs.

GW took advantage of a close call on a fly ball in the top of the seventh inning to tie the score.

With one out in the inning, a fly ball down the left field line glanced off the glove of Comets left fielder Reeves, the ball landing in foul territory and ruled a hit.

The GW runner advanced to second on the play, and to third on a groundout, before the dropped ball on a called third strike resulted in a late throw to first, tying the game for GW.

The batter was caught in a rundown between first and second base for the final out of the inning.

Halifax scratched for the winning run in the bottom of the seventh, Jessica Lewis reaching base on a throwing error with one out.

Lewis, who came in for Erica Elliott in the bottom of the third inning after Elliott was struck by a pitch, advanced to second on the play.

Reeves drew a two-out walk to set the stage for Lawter, who quickly fell behind in the count, before fouling several pitches off and connecting on a changeup for the game-winning hit.

The importance of Friday's win could not be underestimated, according to Saunders.

"She (Lawter) came through for us, and Jessica did a good job coming in for Erica when she got hit in the face," said Saunders.

"It's a huge confidence booster for Mal and that's what this whole team needed.

"We needed this win and it was against GW.

"This is a big rivalry. They're (GW) a tough team, and they hit throughout the game, almost every inning.

The key top the game was how the Comets responded in the last inning, according to Saunders.

"The passed ball didn't mean anything, this team showed what it was like to be a team and they backed each other up," emphasized Saunders.

"If you make mistakes, deal with them and work back through it."

Saunders pointed to the efforts of Pool and the Comets' hustle on defense.
"Pool had strikeouts to end innings with GW runners in scoring position," said Saunders. "That's just her leadership, she's a senior and she handled that pressure.

"We played well together as a team today, and that's what counts."
The Comets face another must-win game Friday at Franklin County, undefeated so far in the Western Valley District.

"Everyone is tight in this district, GW went 11 innings with them already," said Saunders.

"I hope we can carry this momentum with us."

Obituaries

Richard Presley Hancock

Richard Presley Hancock Jr., 70, of 103 Rosehill Drive, South Boston died April 22 at The Woodview.

Mr. Hancock was born in Halifax County, the son of Richard Presley Hancock Sr. and Mattie Clay Hancock.

Survivors include one brother, Marshall E. Hancock of Nathalie; five sisters, Irene Montgomery of Brookneal, Carolyn Ashby of Gladys, Barbara Ivey of Hampton, Linda Elmo of Louisville, Ky. and Willie Mae Pierce of Richmond.
A graveside service for Mr. Hancock was held April 24 at 2 p.m. at Clover Bottom Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Bob Watts officiating.

Ruth Betts

Mrs. Ruth Betts, of German Creek Road in South Boston, died Friday, April 23, at Parham Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Richmond.
She was 84.

Mrs. Betts was born April 9, 1920 in Halifax County, a daughter of the late Lizzie Neal.

She was married to Percy Sell Betts, who predeceased her.

Prior to her retirement, Mrs. Betts was a cook with Halifax Regional Hospital.
Survivors include three daughters, Yvonne Denise Owen of Hampton, Emma Jean Kent of Richmond and Maomi B. Crawley of Newport News, one foster brother, Elijah Carrington of Richmond, 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends at the home of her grandson, 1044 Cherry Hill Church Road in South Boston.

Funeral services for Mrs. Betts will be conducted Tuesday, April 27, at 2 p.m., with services at the Dan River Bethel Baptist Church.

The Rev. James Thomas will serve as pastor and eulogist and the Rev. Dennis White will officiate.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Betts may be viewed this evening from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Baptist Church in Turbeville.

Roy Gordon Lent

Roy Gordon Lent, 85, of 102 White Oak Drive, South Boston died April 22 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mr. Lent was born in Concord, Ma. on July 7, 1918, the son of the late John Bernard Lent and Laura Jamieson Lent, and was married to Joan Gregg Lent. He was a WWII Army Veteran having served in the China Burma, India Theater, was a graduate of Lowell Textile Institute and was a retired textile designer with Dan River Mills.

Survivors of Mr. Lent include his wife; two daughters, Joy L. Gupton and husband, Michael, of Clarksville, and Laura L. Essmaker and husband, Erik, of Westminster, Co.; two sons, David Lent and wife, Elizabeth Bezera, of Wellesley, Ma. and Gregg Lent and wife, Amanda Costales, of Columbia, Md.; one sister, Mildred L. Benioff of Santa Rosa, Calif.; and two step-grandchildren.

Mr. Lent was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Donald Lent; and two sisters, Doris L. Baker and Marion L. Mitrano.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax/South Boston Regional Library, or a charity of your choice.

Lelia Morton Lovelace Nance

Lelia Morton Lovelace Nance died Monday, April 19, at the Colonnades Health Care Center in Charlottesville.

She was 93.

Born in Halifax County on December 11, 1910, she was the daughter of the late Dr. William Sydnor Lovelace, DDS and Bessie Lewis Gates Lovelace.
After graduating from Farmville State Teacher's College, she lived in Kinston, N.C., and was a child welfare social worker in Roanoke and Washington, D.C.
After retirement, she returned to Halifax County in 1977 and was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Mrs. Lovelace was preceded in death by her husband, George William Nance of Bedford and three sisters, Virginia Frayser Lovelace Covington, Elizabeth Sydnor Lovelace and Alice Melvin Lovelace Bishop, all of Halifax.

Survivors include her daughter, Joanne Lovelace Nance of Charlottesville and two nephews, Dr. William Register Covington Jr, DDS of Halifax and william Lovelace Bishop of Winston-Salem, N.C.

A private interment will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to commemorate Mrs. Nance's life are encouraged to consider a contribution to Boys' Home, Inc., 306 Boys' Home Road, Covington, Va. 24426.

Sue Carr Shapard

Funeral services for Mrs.Sue Carr Shapard will be held at the First Baptist Church of Millstone at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 27.

The Rev. Bob Watts will officiate.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Shapard, of Nathalie, died Saturday, April 24 at the Woodview.
She was 85.

The daughter of the late Willard Franklin Carr and Annie Edmonds Carr, Mrs. Shapard was the wife of the late John Thomas "Jack" Shapard Jr.
Mrs. Shapard was a member of the First Baptist Church of Millstone.

She is survived by three sons, William Ferrell Shapard and wife Judy of Richmond, John Thomas Shapard III and wife Mary of Albany, Georgia and David Franklin Shapard and wife Jean of Nathalie; three sisters, Blanche Carr Conner of Brookneal, Elizabeth Carr Lindsey of Bon Air and Christine Carr Naumann of Yorktown, four grandchildren, Angela Shapard McCann and husband Mark, Lisa Shapard Terry and husband James, James F. Shapard and John C. Shapard, two step-grandsons, Daniel Ross Nix and wife Kellie and Jeffrey Ryan Nix and one great-grandson, Chandler Ross Nix.

The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home today from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.