Constitution Square lived its name last week, first bathed
in candlelight, prayer and the bagpipe's haunting strains of "Amazing
Grace," then rocked Saturday by a rousing patriotic rally.
Flags, bands, banners, warriors and legislators issued the patriotic
call to arms.
Over 35 names of area men and women serving in the Armed Forces
were read Thursday as part of the quiet "Service of Prayer
for God's Guidance and Help" in this time of conflict.
In contrast, the mood was flag waving patriotism Saturday, with
the high school band playing and the audience joining the event's
organizer, Gazette-Virginian reporter Keith Strange, in saluting
the nation and its military sons and daughters.
Trinity Episcopal's priest Andrew Bawtree opened the service with
prayer, which itself was an unspoken reminder of America's coalition
with his native England in the Iraqi conflict.
Vietnam War veteran Ted Daniel set the tone.
"On September 11, 2001, this nation was attacked," said
the former Air Force pilot.
"It was the first battle of a long and deadly war,"
one conducted by a vicious enemy who "hates and detests the
freedoms" Americans enjoy, he told the crowd.
The South Boston town manager, a veteran of 280 combat missions
in Vietnam, said that the nation's sons and daughters are willing
to serve, even lose their lives, because they love the nation
and its ideals ...and because they want to protect us.
"Recognize and honor their service to us and the nation,"
he urged. "Let them know they are serving a proud and caring
nation. Never forget them," he closed, calling for prayers
to bless and keep them in God's loving arms.
Delegate Clarke Hogan called on Americans to support the troops
because they are "engaged in a just war."
He said to support the troops but not the war suggested the troops
were fighting an unjust war.
"We know Hussein is undeniably brutal," said Hogan,
adding that the Iraqi dictator "has the oil wealth to project
that brutality to America's shores."
In facing the threat, Hogan said, "The President has resolved
to confront evil no matter how distasteful."
Congressman Virgil Goode and Delegate Hogan reminded the crowd
that those who deal with demagogues do so at a democracy's peril.
Citing British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's 1938 pact
with German Dictator Adolph Hitler for "peace in our time,"
the legislators drew today's parallel.
"We know how incorrect that (Chamberlain's) statement was,"
Goode told his audience.
In a show of hands, most in the crowd of approximately 150 were
either veterans or were families of Armed Services personnel serving
in homeland defense or in the Iraqi war theatre.
"If not for veterans' sacrifices in the past, we would not
be standing here in a county with the most rights in the world,"
said Goode.
During the rally, area writer/artist Jimmy Glass sang his original
composition, "There Is No Yellow in The Old Red White and
Blue."
He was accompanied by musician Robyn Robbins.
The chorus of the song follows:
There is no yellow in the old red, white and blue
Just three colors that are proud and true
And if you want to hurt her then I am telling you
There is no yellow in the old red, white and blue.
Public school budgets, a public hearing considering economic
development initiatives, the use of the former Clover School building
and introduction of proposed subdivision ordinance amendments
crowd the supervisors' packed agenda tonight.
Supervisors have four options regarding the subdivision ordinances,
including setting a May public hearing, additional study or rejection.
Supervisors will meet at Mary Bethune Complex in Halifax.
School Superintendent Dennis Witt is expected to present a school
board operation budget and capital improvement plan to supervisors
at 6:30 p.m. Monday prior to the Board's regular 7 p.m. session.
"We hope to present a compelling case to move forward with
school improvements," Witt said last week.
With Phase I of the capital improvements plan completed at a cost
of approximately $10 million, Witt said school officials hope
to move into the second phase, an estimated $21 million proposal
spread over several years.
In a separate item, the school system's operation budget, set
for advertisement at just under $48 million, may get a small boost.
Gov. Warner "guaranteeing teacher salary increases"
has had a favorable budget impact, Witt said Friday.
"Before it was a forecast, not a guarantee," he explained.
"And now, with the guarantee, that will have a small favorable
impact on the budget.
"We want to present the overall picture Monday night,"
Witt said of the school system's budget mosaic.
Also on tap, an 8 p.m. public hearing on economic development
initiatives recommended by the Halifax County Industrial Development
Authority.
IDA recommendations include creation of a local technology zone,
establishing a Technology Opportunity Fund, altering the assessment
ration for machinery and tools older than 19 years/or unused for
one year, and designating certain categories of tangible personal
property and machinery and tools as separate classes for taxation.
In other business, Bert Martin, a Clover Volunteer Fire Department
officer, is expected to discuss use of the former Clover School.
The Clover VFD has conducted several meetings with Clover community
organizations, citizens and fire department members, considering
us of the facility as a community center, one that would address
a variety of needs.
Dr. Sally Paulson, Virginia Tech, is expected to discuss surveillance
and control for mosquito borne disease and nuisance factors.
Loudoun County mosquitoes tested positive for malaria in September
of 2002, and dead birds have tested positive for West Nile Virus
in Virginia.
Among mosquito control options are the Virginia Department of
Health, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and mosquito control
districts.
Everyone was smiling when the Ladies Auxiliary gave the North
Halifax VFD treasurer a $23,000 check Saturday night.
Auxiliary Treasurer Tracey Tribble made the presentation, a generous
contribution accepted by NHVFD Treasurer James Burton during the
department's annual Appreciation Dinner.
Auxiliary President Joanne Conner praised the "team I work
with" for its commitment, noting the Auxiliary's three-decade
history.
Jettie Waller told the crowd that "the quilting ladies"
had given 367 quilts since they began their work, noting fund-raiser
Marathon quilts since 1984. Waller said the quilting ladies contribution
totalled $60,000.
The VFD's impact in its community is reflected in the 259 calls
it responded to in 2002.
Of the 259 calls, 220 were EMT and 39 were fire calls, Chief L.C.
Fisher told the crowd.
The NHVFD recorded 2,353 man-hours and 13,824 miles traveled in
2002.
Two years ago North Halifax added an ambulance to its emergency
fleet, a financial and volunteer commitment that provides quick
response as well as additional county coverage in transporting
patients to area hospitals.
On its rolls the department currently carries three cardiac techs
and 13 EMTs, with a total of 43 VFD members.
Noting the extensive training required by firemen and those training
for EMT and cardiac certification, Fisher praised the volunteers'
devotion.
"It is a job that takes dedication," said Chief Fisher.
"It is very time consuming.
"It's a good group of people in the neighborhood," he
added.
NHVFD president Wayne Tribble thanked the Auxiliary, the community
and the families of firefighters for their ongoing support of
the department.
When firefighters make plans with their families, a call to a
fire or a call seeking emergency assistance can change those plans
in a second, noted Tribble.
"We thank our families for their support."
Vowing to keep the doors of communication
open, veteran lawman Keith Burnette Tribble announced Sunday that
he will seek the Republican nomination for sheriff.
He will face incumbent Sheriff Jeff Oakes in the June 10th Republican
shoot-out.
Republicans must qualify to run in the June primary by Friday,
April 11, at 5 p.m.
Although only Tribble and Oakes have qualified for the GOP primary
as of Friday, at least four other candidates have announced their
intention to seek the sheriff's slot in the November general election.
Also seeking their party's nomination in the June primary are
incumbent Commonwealth's Attorney John Greenbacker, incumbent
Delegate Clarke Hogan, R-60, and state Sen. Frank Ruff, R-15.
In announcing his bid for the Republican nomination yesterday,
Tribble said, "I have always generally voted Republican.
"My family values, conservatism, not wasting taxpayers' money,
that's in line with the Republican Party, so that is the way I
should go."
A tobacco farmer and lawman who began his career with the Halifax
County Sheriff's Office in August of 1993, Tribble served as an
investigator his last two years with the department.
Since December of 2002, he has been working with the Halifax Police
Department.
"As sheriff, I will be out in the local communities on a
daily basis," Tribble said yesterday. "Just having the
door open at the office is not enough. There are numerous avenues
available to contact the public, such as churches, Ruritan Clubs,
local stores, restaurants and community fire departments that
can be visited on a regular basis."
Tribble also vowed he would "be available at all times to
hear the concerns and problems that anyone may have."
"Over the next two months, I will address numerous other
ideas and changes I have concerning the Sheriff's Office. Anyone
wishing to contact me can call 349-4113 or my cell phone at 470-4550,"
he added.
Tribble's law enforcement training has included several academies,
including the Jail Academy in January of 1994, the Basic Law Enforcement
Academy in June of 1996 and numerous training classes, including
evidence collection, DUI enforcement, general and homicide investigations.
The Nathalie resident has been a member of the North Halifax Volunteer
Fire Department since 1983, where he served as a lieutenant and
as a member of the VFD board of directors.
He is a member of Clover Bottom Baptist Church and the French
Masonic Lodge 270.
Tribble and his wife, Tracey, have two children, Bradley, 12,
and Paige, 9.
Joan Lawter, one of the state's mots successful track and cross
country coaches, former track and tennis standout Frank Lee and
Coleman Starnes, the most successful football in the history of
Halifax County High School, were inducted into the Halifax County-South
Boston Sports Hall of Fame Saturday night.
The induction of the trio of sports standouts brought the number
of inductees into Hall of Fame to 49.
Saturday night's event, the 15th annual affair, was held for the
fourth consecutive year at C.H. Friend Elementary School.
In addition to inducting Lawter, Lee and Starnes into the Hall
of Fame, three scholarships were presented to outstanding Halifax
County High School student-athletes.
The Buck Williams Scholarship was presented to Jonathan Barbour
a football and baseball standout at Halifax County High School
Hall of Fame president Carlyle Wimbish Jr. presented the scholarship
to Barbour on behalf of Williams who was unable to attend the
banquet.
A three-sport athlete at Halifax County High School, B.J. Pearce,
was named as the recipient of the Matze Family Scholarship which
was presented by Doug Matze Jr.
Halifax County High School track and cross country standout Andre
Barnes was named as the recipient of the Hall of Fame Scholarship
which was presented by former Hall of Fame inductee Bob Cage who
serves as chairman of the Hall of Fame Scholarship Committee.
Joan Lawter
Lawter served as head girls track coach at New Kent High school
for 27 years (1976-2002).
During that span her teams recorded a total of 251 team wins,
194 dual meet victories, and 18 wins in invitational meets.
Lawter's track teams won 18 district championships, 15 regional
titles, and six state championships.
In addition, her teams finished as the district runner-up six
times, finished as the regional runner-up twice and finished as
the state runner-up three times.
Lawter is also the head coach of the New Kent High School girls
cross country team, a position she has held since 1984.
Her cross country teams have recorded 99 team wins, 12 Region
A championships and two district championships.
The team she coached in 2000 finished as the state runner-up.
In addition, Lawter served as head coach of the boys cross country
team for 13 years from 1984-1997.
Her teams compiled a total of 36 wins and three Region A championships.
Lawter has received numerous awards and honors during her career
including Virginia High School Coach of the Year. She is also
the first woman to have received the prestigious Walt Cormack
Award in track and field
Lawter's husband, Rusty Curle, who served as her presenter, pointed
out her many accomplishments as a track and field and cross country
coach and hailed her as "a leader in track and field in Virginia."
Curle said Lawter is more than a coach to her student-athletes.
"She was their mentor and their friend."
He added that in addition to stressing hard work and discipline.
Lawter made sure that the students she coached knew that having
fun is also important.
Lawter, a Halifax County native, said she is proud to be from
Halifax County "and proud to be come part of this wonderful
organization.
"I will treasure the memories of this evening and will treasure
this honor always."
Frank Lee
Lee is a three-sport athlete, having competed in track and field,
tennis and football.
However, track and field and tennis are the sports in which Lee
enjoyed most of his success.
As a youth, Lee won the Lynchburg City Boys Singles Tennis Championship
in 1957.
While a student at Paul Lawrence Dumbar High School in Lynchburg,
Lee was a state high hurdles medalist in the VIA in 1959, was
a member of the mile relay team that won the Penn Relays Class
Mile Relay in 1959.
At Bluefield State College, Lee was a letterman and was a WVIAC
conference high hurdles champion from1960-1963.
He was also a medalist in the AAU Lynchburg and Richmond Hurdles
Events in 1969.
Lee has served as coach of the Halifax County Middle School boys
track team since 1998 and his teams have won the Southside Middle
School Conference champion ship each year.
Prior to that, Lee served as assistant football coach and track
coach at the former Mary M. Bethune High School in Halifax from
1963-1968.
Over the years, Lee has maintained a keen interest in the sport
of track and field and continues to compete when possible.
In 1983, Lee was an age-group winner in the South Boston "Spring
Tonic 5K Run."
Lee won the 100-meter high hurdles and 400-meter intermediate
hurdles in his age group in the Commonwealth Games in 1998.
In addition, Lee won the long jump and was a silver medalist in
the 800-meter run in hi age group in the Trigon Virginia Senior
Games in 2001 and was silver medalist in the 2002 Trigon Virginia
Senior Games.
Lee is a former coach and in the South Boston youth baseball and
football leagues.
He has received many community awards for his volunteerism and
leadership in community organizations including the Sertoma Club's
prestigious Service To Mankind Award.
Keith Lee, who served as presenter for his father and was an athlete
himself, called his father "my greatest coach."
"He had to deal with me 24-7, 24 hours a day, seven days
a week."
The younger Lee said while his father's accomplishments as an
athlete and coach have been well documented, "they pale in
comparison to his accomplishments in the arena of life.
"His accomplishments in life came from discipline and hard
work. He also learned from each experience and has been able to
share those experiences of life with each person that comes into
contact with him."
In addition, Lee said his father passes along valuable lessons
to each young person he coaches.
"Coach Lee taught sportsmanship, discipline and he has truly
been a mentor to many," the younger Lee said.
In accepting his induction into the Hall of Fame, Frank Lee pointed
out that being inducted into the hall of Fame is a big honor.
"I'd like to thank the Hall of Fame," Lee said.
"I'm deeply honored to be brought into the Hall with Joan
and Coleman.
Lee pointed out that he is thankful for the support he has received
from his family and others.
"I don't stand and haven't accomplished anything without
all of those who have been a part of my life," he pointed
out.
"I stand here accepting for myself personally and also for
so many I know who could be standing in our place. May those who
have gone before us find us worthy."
Lee said he was fortunate to have good coaches like Harry Waters,
Herb Watson and Willie Clark, coaches who taught not only sports
skills, but life skills.
"They taught life lessons," Lee said.
I deeply appreciate the fact that they took the time to do those
things."
Coleman Starnes
Starnes is, perhaps, best known locally for leading the Halifax
County High School varsity football team to the Northwest Region
Championship in 1969 And being the most successful football coach
in the history of Halifax County High School.
At that time, the regional championship was the highest plateau
a Comets football team could reach as the Virginia High School
League had not yet implemented the state football playoffs system.
Starnes' 1969 team compiled a 10-0-1 record, a record that was
not surpassed until the 1991 season when Halifax County High School
won the Group AAA state championship with a 14-0 slate.
The former South Boston resident never had a losing season during
the 10 years he served as head coach of the Comets varsity football
team.
Starnes coached the Comets from the 1967 season through the 1976
season, compiling a 69-31-1 record.
His tenure included three seasons of eight or more wins and, in
six of his 10 seasons, his teams produced a minimum of seven wins.
In all, Starnes served as a head coach for 13 years and never
had a losing season.
Starnes, however, was not just a coach.
Prior to becoming a coach, Starnes made his mark as a football,
baseball and basketball player.
During his high school years at Halifax County High School, Starnes
was a three-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball
and track.
The South Boston native played football and basketball at Ferrum
Junior College and played football and baseball at Western State
College.
Starnes was a Junior College All American in football in 1958
and was All Rocky Mountain Conference and Honorable Mention All-American
in football at Western State College.
In addition, Starnes was an All Conference selection in baseball
at Western State College.
Starnes, a South Boston native, enjoyed a 39-year career as a
coach, teacher and school administrator.
Alan Parham, who played quarterback under Starnes, served as the
presenter for Starnes at Saturday night's event.
"When Coleman came onto the scene and into our lives, we
were a ragtag bunch with really nothing more than a little talent,"
Parham said.
"What he did for our football team was the same thing he
did for us as people. He turned us around and headed us in a refreshing
positive direction. He taught us life lessons that have stayed
with us."
Parham said Starnes taught them five basic lessons. The first
being that you can accomplish much more as a team than you can
alone.
The second was there is no substitute for hard work. Third was
win with humility and lose with grace. The fourth was if you can't
have fun, don't do it. And lastly, every day is the most important
day of your life.
Starnes, who never had a losing season in his 10 years of coaching
football at Halifax County High School and guided HCHS to the
Northwest Region championship in 1969, said his induction is a
culmination of his 39 year-career in coaching a teaching.
"I'd like to congratulate my fellow inductees tonight,"
Starnes said.
"It's an honor to be here with you."
He also applauded the efforts of the Hall of Fame.
"To the pioneer members of the Hall of Fame I give my undying
gratitude," Starnes said.
"I applaud your efforts and the dedication of what you've
done here,"
Starnes thanked many people, including former local newspaper
sports editors Addison Marable and Hugh Moore , who, he said,
"had never-ending support for our athletic program and my
football teams in particular. They were always positive and I
will be eternally grateful for all that they did for us."
Starnes thanked his former players and assistant coaches for their
contributions as well.
"Without their support it would have been very difficult
for us to have had success," noted Starnes.
Starnes also thanked the individuals who worked in the Halifax
County High School Football Booster Club, especially the late
Keith Overstreet and the late Jim Ellis.
Starnes concluded his remarks relating a conversation he had with
one of his former students, Paul Torian.
"I was congratulating him on his son being an excellent baseball
player," Starnes explained.
"Paul's response to me that night was 'coach, I taught him
and coached him the same way you did me.' What greater tribute
can a man have about his life?"
Mike Armstrong
Armstrong, a former pitcher for the New York Yankees and Kansas
City Royals, spent much of his time at the podium relating stories
of his major league experiences.
At the end of his remarks, Armstrong, a New York native, noted
that he and his family have lived his for 17 years and that he
feels like he was born here.
"I'm honored to be here with this lady and gentlemen who
are being honored tonight," Armstrong said.
"I think it's wonderful that you hold them up in the community,
show the community who they are.
"They didn't get to be where they are just by being good
athletes," Armstrong added.
"They got where they are by being good people."
Phyllis Conner Cole, 62, of 3167 Swain Road, Halifax, died April
3 at her home.
Mrs. Cole was born in Halifax County on July 16, 1940, the daughter
of Charlie Wiley Conner and Mina Fallen Conner, and was married
to John Oldham Cole. She was a member of First Baptist Church
of South Boston, and Halifax Garden Club.
Survivors include one daughter, Sheri Cole Smith of Garland, NC;
one grandchild, Chandler O. Smith of Garland; and one brother,
Willy N. Conner of Halifax.
Services for Mrs. Cole were held April 6 at 3 p.m. at First Baptist
Church of South Boston with the Rev. Ralph Harrell officiating.
Burial followed in Halifax Memorial Gardens.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax
County Hospice and First Baptist Overseas Volunteer Missions.
A graveside service will be held for James "Jim" Russell
Dillon at Roselawn Burial Park at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Martinsville.
The Rev. Marvin Wade will conduct the service.
Mr. Dillon, 65, died Saturday at his home on Farm Road in South
Boston.
A Henry County native, Mr. Dillon was born July 22, 1937, a son
of the late John Russell Dillon and late Maggie Mae Young Dillon.
Mr. Dillon retired with 22 years service in supervision from the
Department of Corrections in Virginia.
He was a member of Pocahontas Baptist Church in Bassett. Mr. Dillon
was a member of the American Watchmakers Institute, and a past
scoutmaster for Troop 417 in Halifax.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Katie Yale Dillon, of
the home, and two sons, Mark Edwin Dillon and Oran Bernard Dillon,
both of Richmond.
Also surviving are one brother, Andrew Jackson Dillon of Bassett,
and two sisters, Carol Dillon Doyer of Eden, N.C., and Ruby Dillon
Brooks of Fort Washington, Maryland.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Delilah Ellen Dillon.
Visitation will be at Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home on Monday,
April 7, from 7-8:30 p.m.
Those wishing to give memorials may consider the American Cancer
Society, P.O. Box 1547, Glen Allen, Va. 23060.