Friday, May 21, 2004

Commission Deal Is Done
Tobacco Commission Approves
$1.9 Million For Halifax County

The Tobacco Commission approved funding for three projects totalling $1,925,000 to Halifax County yesterday.

During their meeting in Danville yesterday, the Commission funded $750,000 to the Halifax Educational Foundation.

The money will be used to begin work to expand the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center.

The overall project includes 10,000 square feet of existing space and add 160 new parking spaces.

Once complete, the expansion will also provide space for a nursing lab for the Certified Nursing Assistant program, an auditorium-style classroom and additional multi-purpose classrooms.

During the day, the additional space is expected to be used for a Governor's School in Halifax County that will increase the number of students attending Governor's School to 100 from the current 25.

The Commission also awarded $1 million to the Industrial Development Authority for the continuation of the development of Riverstone Technology Park.

The 2004 funding would be used toward the construction of Building I, a 60,000 sq. ft. building, and related financing.

The total cost of the project is $12,828,000, according to the Commission.

Last year, the IDA received $2 million from the Commission for the project.

In addition to the education money, the Commission also agreed to fund $175,000 requested by the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority for the purchase of the Georgia Pacific property.

The IDA entered into a six-month lease-purchase option on the property in January.

Currently, the IDA is seeking $400,000 in federal funds to demolish the building.

Del. Clarke Hogan, who sits on the Commission with South Boston Town Councilman Ed Owens, said he pleased with the funding.

"As a member of the Tobacco Commission, I am extremely pleased that the full Commission has chosen to approve those projects recommended by the Southside Economic Development Committee," he said. "These projects will be critical to the future economic development of Halifax County."

Owens said yesterday that the funding represented a step in the right direction for the county.

"I'm pleased to be a part of this positive step for the future of the county," he said.

Halifax County was allocated $2,515,542 by the Commission for FY 2004. The total amount requested was $3,427,565.

Halifax County will be eligible to submit grant proposals for the $590,542 balance prior to the September grant cycle, according to the Commission.

A $752,565 request by the IDA to install a piece of equipment known as a 7-Post-Rig at Virginia International Raceway was referred to the Commission's Special Projects committee.

Vaughan Is Named To Interim IDA Director Job
Will Take Over For Scott Morris On July 1 At Current Salary Plus $2,500 A Month

The Halifax County Industrial Development Authority agreed to offer an interim executive director's position to long-time employee and current development director Patsy Vaughan.

Vaughan will take over the position July 1 when current executive director Scott Morris vacates the job.

She will be paid her current salary of $44,244 plus $2,500 a month, according to IDA Chair John Cannon.

Morris resigned from the position May 9.

The search for his replacement has not begun, according to board members.
Vaughan said yesterday that she hopes to maintain the momentum created by Morris.

"I'm honored that the board has the faith in me to carry on as executive director after Scott leaves," she said. "I plan to keep up the momentum to ensure we don't fall behind or miss any opportunities."

Following a closed session yesterday, the IDA board voted to accept the proposal from Community National Bank to finance the Riverstone Building I and II construction projects.

The board plans to submit a letter of intent in the near future, according to Cannon.

Out of seven competing bidders, Community National was the lowest bidder on the approximate $8 million loan for Building I with an interest rate of 5.5 percent.

It is expected to stipulate a 10-year payback.

The contract for Building II, at around $752,455, will have a 15-year payback at 3.45 percent.

With board member Larry McPeters opposing, the board voted to pay engineering firm Timmons $32,800 for work they have or are currently performing.

The payment is contingent on the job completion.

On a motion by Carlyle Ramsey, and with a second by Jack Dunavant, the board passed a motion authorizing Morris or Vaughan to conduct a final reconciliation on the Governors Opportunity Fund account.

Board members also voted to proceed with a phase I environmental study on the Georgia Pacific property.

The IDA is purchasing the property with a $175,000 grant from the Tobacco Commission that was also approved yesterday.

The group also voted to re-advertize the Site Manager/Inspector position for Riverstone Industrial Park.

McPeters said the original advertisement for the job, around six weeks ago, didn't take into account the expanded duties of the position.

Feeling The Pinch

Like the rest of us, skyrocketing gas prices are putting the squeeze on the pocketbooks of the Halifax County School system.

Unlike the rest of us, transporting students across the county daily costs around $1,196 a day, according to school officials.

"That's average," said Jim Wagner, the director of transportation for the school system. "Some days, we use more fuel for athletic and field trips."

Finance Director Bill Covington said the school system had taken possible price increases into account in their budget, but the price increase is hitting them hard.

"Obviously the increase has affected the school system," he said. "We try to budget some cushion to allow for increases and spikes."

Covington said the school system would "be OK" this year, ending in June.
"But we don't think we could sustain thet current price levels for an entire year," he added.

Halifax County schools spent $267,964 on fuel last year, according to the finance director.

"Gas is a big item for us," Covington said. "We have a lot of miles to travel."

At a Wilborn Avenue gas station, prices have risen from $1.85 to $1.98 per gallon in the week from May 13 to May 20.


Comets Land Second Place
The HCHS Varsity Baseball Team Earned Second Place And A Home Game In The District Tournament Semifinals With A 10-0 Win Over Franklin Co.

By JOE CHANDLER | G-V Staff Writer

It has been a long time coming.

For the past two weeks, the Halifax County High School varsity baseball team has tried to nail down the runner-up spot in the Western Valley District standings.

The path took them down the road to Rocky Mount to their final opportunity and the Comets made the most of it.

Halifax County landed second place and a home game against E.C. Glass in next week's district tournament semifinals with a 10-0 road win over Franklin County Tuesday night in a game stopped after five innings under a slaughter rule.

"We really wanted that," said Comets coach Kelvin Davis of his team's second-place finish and landing the home game for one of the district tournament semifinal contests.

"We're fortunate to be able to get the home field advantage. It's going to make a difference being able to play here."

Davis pointed out that his team played very well in Tuesday's 10-run win over the Eagles.

"My hat goes off to our team," said Comets coach Kelvin Davis whose team finished 15-4 overall and 5-3 in district play.

"The guys went up there to Franklin County knowing what was on the line and stepped up to the task. They went out and did exactly what we've been talking about - getting runs early in the ballgame.

"The key," Davis continued, "was we went out and jumped on Franklin County early and Jeremy (Comets hurler Jeremy Jeffress) went out there and relaxed.
Jeffress had a sterling night on the mound, holding Franklin County to three scattered hits while giving up only two walks.

The Comets' sophomore hurler fanned five batters in his five innings of work.

"He just went out there and took control of the ballgame," said Davis.

"When Franklin County did hit Jeremy we made the plays behind him. We played good defense behind him. When we do that, we're hard to beat."

The Comets literally pounded Franklin County with the bats, scratching up 13 hits against the Eagles.

Robert Carter, Brent Long, Jacob Owen, Chris Lowery and Ryan Roller each had two hits in the game.

Nathan Thomas, Jason Lloyd and Chris Perkins all had a hit as eight of the nine Comets players in the starting lineup had at least one hit on the night.

"Brent Long had a tremendous night," said Davis.

"He really needed it because he was in a little slump. Chris Lowery came in and did a good job for us. Robert (Carter) got two hits for us. Things like that are what it's going to take and, hopefully, we can keep that going into the tournament."

The Comets opened the scoring in the top of the second inning with a single by Long who stretched it into a two-bagger with the aid of a Franklin County error.

Perkins walked to put two runners on the basepaths and bunt single by Owen loaded the bases.

A sacrifice fly to centerfield by Lowery scored Long to give the Comets a 1-0 lead and Perkins scored when Roller hit into a fielder's choice.

The Comets added four runs in the top of the third inning to push their lead to 6-0.

Carter started the inning with a triple and scored on a Franklin County error on the play to give the Comets a 3-0 lead.

Lloyd doubled and Long walked to put two runners on the bases. Lloyd stole third base and scored on a wild pitch to put the Comets up 4-0.

A double by Owen scored Long to make it a 5-0 Comets lead and a hit by Lowery scored Owen to give the Comets a six-run edge.

The Comets blew the game open with four runs in the top of the fifth inning to extend their lead tom 10-0.

Long started the inning with a solo homer to make the score 7-0. Perkins singled, moved to second base when Owen grounded out and scored on a double by Lowery to make the score 8-0.

Roller singled and stole second base, giving the Comets two runners on board.

Carter polished things off with a two-RBI single that gave the Comets a 10-0 lead.

With the Comets having garnered a 10-run cushion, the rest of the work was left to the Comets' defense in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Jeffress fanned the first batter he faced. Franklin County came through with a bunt single but Jeffress took things in his hands.

The next Eagles batter grounded out to Jeffress and Jeffress fanned the next batter he faced to end the contest.

Obituaries

Aldina Paulette 'Cookie' McGriff Burns

Aldina Paulette ‘Cookie’ McGriff Burns, 46, of Durham, N.C. died May 17 at Durham County Medical Center.

Ms. Burns was born in Newark, N.J. on June 20, 1957, the daughter of Virginia Burns Tabourn and Lester Burns. She was a graduate of Piedmont Community College and was employed by Chapel Hill Rehabilitation Center.

Survivors include three children, Bianca F. McGriff, Francesca Culbreath and Marlo J. McGriff II; five grandchildren; her parents; two sisters, Mildred C. Perry and Giah S. Tabourn; and one son-in-law, Taquent Culbreath; one brother-in-law, A.J. Perry.

Funeral services for Ms. Burns will be held today, May 21 at 1 p.m. at the Crawford House Chapel in Halifax. Burial will follow in the Burns Family Cemetery.

Gladys Marie Carrington

Gladys Marie Carrington, 59, of Manhattan, N.Y., formerly of Halifax County, died May 16 in Manhattan.

Ms. Carrington was born in Halifax County on June 23, 1944, the daughter of the late John Ellis Carrington and Martha Beard Carrington. She was a member of Owens Grove Baptist Church.

Survivors include eight aunts, Maxine B. Satterfield, Sarah B. Meadows and Lucy Beard, all of South Boston, Stella B. Galberth, Mary B. Meadows and Goldie Beard, all of Brooklyn, N.Y., Bertha Carrington of Philadelphia, Pa. and Lucille Beard of Baltimore, Md.; two uncles, Danny Satterfield of South Boston and William Carrington of Philadelphia; and special friends, Dorothy B. Trisvan, Theodore Boney, Deliah Newman and Navator Person.

Funeral services for Ms. Carrington will be held tomorrow, May 22 at 11 a.m. at Owens Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. John Leigh officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family is receiving friends at the home of Sarah B. Meadows, 1153 Cherry Hill Church Road, South Boston.

James F. Carter, Jr.

James F. Carter Jr., 86, of Hampton, formerly of Halifax County, died May 14.
He was married to Jean Carter, and was a veteran of WWII and the Korean War.

A memorial service for Mr. Carter will be held at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow, Mary 22, at Bethany United Methodist Church, Hampton.

Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Margaret Altman and her husband, Wayne, of Smithfield; two sons, Edward Carter and his wife, Valerie, of Chesapeake, and James Carter III and wife, Mary Jo of Hampton; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Townes; two sisters; and one brother.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider St. John's Episcopal Church at P.O. Box 905, Halifax, 24558, or the Alzheimer's Association, 29 Interstate Corp. Center, Suite 233, Norfolk, 23502.

Laura M. Ferguson Johnson

Laura M. Ferguson Johnson of Altavista died May 7 at Gretna Health Care Center. She was the wife of the late William I. Johnson.

Born in Halifax County, Mrs. Johnson was a daughter of the late Shrout Ferguson and Nannie Green Ferguson. She was a member of Altavista First Pentecostal Holiness Church and a retired employee of Lynchburg General Hospital.

Survivors include one daughter, Rosalie West and her husband, Rudy, of Altavista; one sister, Edith Lybland of Greenville, S.C.; two grandsons, John B. West of Atlanta, Gal and Courtney S. West of Philadelphia, Pa.; two great-grandchildren, Bradley West of Powder Springs, Ga. and Stacey M. West of Springfield, Mo.

Funeral services for Mrs. Johnson were held at 2 p.m. May 9 at Finch and Finch Chapel by the Rev. Bob Phillips II. Burial followed at Green Hill Cemetery.

Doris Odine Crews Short

Doris Odine Crews Short, 75, of 16163 L.P. Bailey Memorial Highway, Nathalie died May 20 at The Woodview. She was the wife of Calvin Lindbergh Short.

Mrs. Short was born in Halifax County on October 6, 1928, the daughter of William Dillard Crews and Susie Seamster Crews. She was a member of Childrey Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Calvin Ric Short and wife, Virginia, of Nathalie; one daughter, Susan Short Dalton and husband, David, of Alberta; four grandchildren, F. Scott Bing of Boydton, S. Carol Bing of South Hill, Brian R. Short of Boone, N.C. and Jennifer Short Elder of Phenix; four great-grandchildren, Ashley Bing, Brandy Bing, Kaysi Bing, and Matthew Bing; and two sisters, Arlene C. Davis and Josie C. Finch, both of Nathalie.

Mrs. Short was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard W. Crews and William E. Crews; and four sisters, Nannie Sue Layne, Gracie Jones, Ineda Tuck Jennings and Rosa Mae Crews.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. tomorrow, May 22 at Childrey Baptist Church with the Revs. David Taylor and Andrew Ferguson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 this evening, May 21, at Henderson Funeral Home in Brookneal, and will be at the home of Ric and Virginia Short, 20142 L.P. Bailey Memorial Highway, other times.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Childrey Baptist Church Building Fund.

James Howard Wimbush

James Howard Wimbush, 78, of Alexandria, formerly of Halifax County, died May 15 at Alexandria Hospital.

Mr. Wimbush was born in Halifax County on September 10, 1925, the son of Joe Wimbush and Betty Ann Jackson Wimbush, and was married to Edna Mae Bauldwin Wimbush. He was a member of Crystal Hill Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Phyllis M. Thompkins and Mary E. Allder, both of Alexandria; three sons, James Larry Wimbush of Germany, Geoffrey Wimbush of Alexandria and David Wimbush of Md.; one son-in-law, Kenneth Thompkins; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four sisters, Geneva Jones and Myrtle Bailey, both of Halifax, Gladys Traynham and Viola Wood, both of Alexandria; three brothers, Frank Wimbush of N.Y., Otis Wimbush of Alexandria and John Henry Wimbush of Baltimore, Md.

Funeral services for Mr. Wimbush will be held tomorrow, May 22 at 2 p.m. at Crystal Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Louis S. Leigh officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Morrell Bailey, 1082 Winns Creek Road, Halifax.

Thomas Lee Younger, Sr.

Mr. Thomas Lee Younger Sr., of Nathalie, died May 18 in Lynchburg.

Mr. Younger is survived by his wife, Rosa Younger, two daughters, Dianne Younger, of the home, and Doris (James) Davis, all of Nathalie; three sons, Thomas Younger Jr., Macy (Tessie) Younger and Whitt (Augusta) Spraggins, all of Nathalie; one sister, Mrs. Lucy Carr of Nathalie; eight grandchildren, six sisters-in-law, five brothers-in-law, and a host of other relatives and friends.

One son, Robert Lee Younger, and one granddaughter, LaToya Younger, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow, Saturday, May 22, at 2 p.m., at the New Shiloh Baptist Church in Nathalie, with interment in the church cemetery.
Condolences may be e-mailed to Jeffressfh@aol.com.