Friday, May 28, 2004


State Keeps Perfect Bond Rating
Virginia, One Of Only Seven States With Perfect Rating, Has Held Rating Longer Than Any Other State A major bond rating firm has upheld Virginia’s perfect credit rating, putting Wall Street’s blessing on legislative changes to the state’s fiscal structure and saving state government hundreds of millions of dollars in long-term borrowing costs.
Gov. Mark R. Warner received word Thursday from Moody’s Investors Service that the state government will retain its AAA bond rating, keeping it among the nation’s best credit risks — a distinction Virginia has enjoyed continuously since 1938, longer than any state.
Contacted yesterday, Del. Clarke Hogan, R-Halifax, said that legislators had been keeping the state's bond rating in mind throughout the protracted session this year.
"It's been one of the major points of discussion over the year," he said. "It's certainly fair to say that we're gratified that Moody's has upheld our bond rating. It's good to know that the rating services see that Virginia has a stable economy."
Moody’s based its affirmation of Virginia’s bond rating on three factors: improved revenues from a rebounding economy; the tax reform package; and a cap on the car tax rollback.
Moody’s also applauded the state for replenishing its depleted ‘‘rainy day’’ reserve fund.
"I think that plays a huge role in the bond rating," Hogan said.
‘‘The improved economy as well as the tax reform legislation adopted this past session make it likely that the commonwealth will restore structural budget balance and replenish its reserves ...,’’ Moody’s said.
Virginia is one of only seven states with perfect bond ratings from all three major New York firms that rate the creditworthiness of governments.
Moody’s put Virginia on notice last September that its AAA credit rating was under review.
The state had piled up more than $6 billion in budget shortfalls over the past three years, and without structural changes to the state’s finances to bring revenues in line with spiraling spending obligations, Virginia would likely be downgraded.
That would force state government to pay more to the money it needs for long-term financing of major projects.
After an unprecedented 115-day legislative battle over a new budget, lawmakers agreed on a $1.4 billion package of tax increases, including a cap on the stalled phaseout of the personal property tax on automobiles.
Warner traveled to New York on Friday to explain the new fiscal changes to Moody’s representatives.
Warner said yesterday that Virginia likely would not have kept its perfect bond rating had it not held it longer than any other state.
‘‘I think we tried their patience,’’ Warner said, smiling broadly. ‘‘If they didn’t think we were serious in this effort they wouldn’t have affirmed it.’’
If Virginia’s bond rating had been tarnished, the financial impact would have been negligible compared to the psychological and economic impacts, the governor said.
‘‘I’m not sure every state values its bond rating the way we do in Virginia,’’ Warner said. ‘‘It’s been a point of pride regardless of your party affiliation.
Nobody wants to be the party or the governor who lost the triple-A bond rating on their watch.’’
Warner said Wall Street’s stamp of sound fiscal management gives the state an edge in efforts to recruit new employers. He said the timing of Moody’s announcement is particularly fortunate because he travels to Asia next week on a trade mission.
 

High School Honors 78 Students With Awards
Seven HCHS Students Were Honored As Three-Time All-Stars Seventy-eight Halifax County High School students were recognized for excellence in academic, athletic and school-related endeavors Tuesday night during the school’s annual All-Star Banquet.
Seven students, Jamie Anderson, Kyle Gravitt, Jessica Nelson, Amanda Rogers, Courtney Schroeder, Charlotte Sibley and Alan Taylor, received special Three Times An All-Star awards.
The special recognition is designated for students who have received All-Star honors for three years.
The All-Star Banquet was initiated several years ago to recognize outstanding Halifax County High School students who have excelled in academics, athletics and other school-related activities such as school-sponsored clubs, the school newspaper and yearbook.
Halifax County High School Principal Albert T. Randolph presented the awards.
The school’s athletic director, Don Thompson, was the guest speaker.
Halifax County School Superintendent Dennis Witt and Larry Clark, the school system’s assistant superintendent for Human Resources and former high school principal, also participated in the program.
Students who received All-Star awards were as follows:
Natalie C. Acosta, grade 11, First Block Food Occupations President; Jamie L. Anderson, grade 12, Interact President; Christopher J. Beale, grade 10, Perfect SOL Scores, World History B and Biology, JV Ace of Aces; Margaret E. Beale, grade 11, Perfect SOL Score, English 11-Writing; Shannon N. Bird, grade 9, Perfect SOL Score, Earth Science; Anna L. Bowen, grade 11, Perfect SOL Score, World History II; Emily G. Bowen, grade 9, Perfect SOL Score, World Geography; Michael J. Brandon, grade 11, Perfect SOL Score, Geometry; Shemelia Brandon, grade 11, MVP-Girls’ Indoor/Outdoor Track; Glenn T. Brown, grade 10, Perfect SOL Score, World History A.
Marilyn F. Burkholder, grade 12, MVP-Varsity Cheerleading; Amy M. Carrington, grade 12, FCCLA Fashion Design President; Dexter A. Chambers, grade 12, Homecoming King 2003-2004; Whitney B. Claiborne, grade 11, SADD President; Caroline M. Clements, grade 10, Co-MVP-Girls Swimming; Anne Ashley Compton, grade 12, Co-MVP-Girls Swimming; Rickie L. Compton, grade 10, Perfect SOL Score, Algebra II; Melinda D. Dance, grade 12, Third Block Food Occupations President; Leila C. Elliott, grade 12, Perfect SOL Score, English 11 - Reading/Literature; Jonathan P.D. Faulkner, grade 11, Latin Club Co-Consul
Michael Dane Ferguson, grade 10, Co-MVP, Boys Swimming; Samantha C. Garner, grade 12, Second Block Food Occupations President; Andrew M. Green, grade 12, MVP-Boys Tennis; Robertson W. Greenbacker, grade 12, Perfect SOL Score, Algebra I; Stephen J. Harmon, grade 12, Robotics President; Lindsey D. Hastings, grade 12, Co-MVP Varsity Softball; Veronica D. Haymes, grade 11, Outstanding Pom Pom Leader; Krystal M. Hooker, grade 9, Perfect SOL Score, Earth Science; Christopher T. Irby, grade 12, MVP-Boys Cross Country, Sports Hall of Fame; Devonas K. Johnson, grade 12, Drum Major
John N. Landrum, grade 12, Drum Major; William Bret Lewis, grade 10, Perfect SOL Score, Algebra II; Jason A. Lloyd, grade 12, Co-MVP Baseball; Brent T. Long, grade 12, Sports Hall of Fame, Co-MVP Baseball; Nicholas A. Lumsden, grade 11, MVP-Golf; Sarah P. Mandel, grade 12, Latain Club Co-Consul, Young Republican President; Joshua R. Martin, grade 11, Perfect SOL Score, Algebra II; Kathryn L. McAbee, grade 12, The Star-Editor; Craig A. McCargo, grade 11, Outstanding Offensive Player Boys Basketball; Tearrney L. Miller, grade 12, Dynasty Step-Team Captain
Lonnie C. ‘Trad’ Moore, grade 12, Virginia Boys State; Jenny N. Morris, grade 12, Helping Hands for Humanity President; Frank W. Morton-Park, grade 10, Perfect SOL Score, World History B; Eric R. Nelson, grade 10, Co-MVP Boys Swimming; Jessica L. Nelson, grade 12, MVP-Girls Cross Country, Perfect SOL Score, Writing; Ashley N. Owen, grade 12, Homecoming Queen 2003-2004; Caitlin J . Owens, grade 12, Peer Mediation President; Michelle B. Palmore, grade 12, Virginia Girls State; William F. Pearce, grade 12, Perfect SOL Score, Writing; Kate A. Poirier, grade 12, Virginia Girls State, Perfect SOL Score, Writing
Sherrika R. Polk, grade 12, FCCLA Child Care President; Emily W. Pool, grade 12, Co-MVP, Varsity Softball; Melanie S. Puckett, grade 12, SCA President; Amanda H. Rogers, grade 11, Co-MVP Varsity Softball; Flave H. Rogers, grade 9, Perfect SOL Score, Earth Science; Julia D. Rogers, grade 11, MVP-Girls Tennis; Lott T. Rogers, grade 12, MVP-Boys State; Courtney M. Schroeder, grade 11, Perfect SOL Scores, English 11-RLR, Chemistry and Geometry; Charlotte M. Sibley, grade 12, Virginia Girls State, Residential Virginia Governor School, Mu Alpha Theta President, Ace of Aces, Outstanding Theatre Student, Perfect SOL Score, U.S. History; Stephen P. Sibley, grade 10, Perfect SOL Scores, U.S. History and Algebra II
Marynn H. Skelton, grade 10, Perfect SOL Score, World History B; Jason M. Slabach, grade 9, Perfect SOL Scores, Earth Science and World Geography; Katie M. Smith, grade 12, Outstanding School Newspaper Student; Andrew L. Strickland, grade 11, Perfect SOL Score, World Geography; Marcus A. Swift, grade 12, Perfect SOL Score, Geometry; Alan F. Taylor, grade 12, Outstanding Art Student; Ameisha S. Traynham, grade 12, HOSA President; Cassie L. Vaughan, grade 12, FFA President; Blake E. Waller, grade 11, Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education, Student Advisory Committee 2003-2004; Marcus A. Ward, grade 12, Virginia Boys State
Steven D. Weadon, grade 12, Perfect SOL Scores, English 11-Reading/Literature and U.S. History; Holly A. Wilborn, grade 12, Yearbook; Ryan P. Wilborne, grade 9, Voices of Tomorrow President; Jeffrey A. Wilkerson, grade 10, MVP-Wrestling; Edward F. Will, grade 11, Perfect SOL Score, Geometry; Stephanie E. Witko, grade 12, National Honor Society President; MVP-Girls Basketball, Sports Hall of Fame; Corlis L. Word, grade 12, FBLA President, Young Democrats President; Morgan E. Young, grade 12, MVP-Girls Soccer
 
 
 

E-911 Tower Raises Concerns
Old Burlington Property Rezoning Also Considered By Halifax Town Planners
Town of Halifax Planning Commissioners expressed concern Wednesday over the visual impact a planned E-911 communications tower would have on the town.
"I think we are obligated to provide a forum for the neighbors and the people who live around there," said planner Dr. Charles Parker. "They need to know how it looks so people can get a feel of what it will be like in their back yard."
The proposed 180-foot tower would be constructed by ALLTEL on a site adjoining the new Emergency Communications Center at the Mary Bethune Office Complex.
ALLTEL would retain a right to lease space on the tower in exchange for its construction, according to Assistant County Administrator Gerald Lovelace.
"When this was first discussed and brought before the previous town administrator, it should have gone before the planning commission," said Halifax Town Manager Carl Espy. "An emergency tower is a basic necessity for insuring the health and safety of the community."
But Espy said that did not mean the Town should not consider what impact the tower would have on residents, property values and revitalization issues.
"Going through the Planning Commission gives you a chance to ask these questions and also gives the public an opportunity for input," said Espy.
Planning Commission Chairman Richard Dunavant suggested holding a public hearing on the tower during a joint meeting of the Planning Commission and Halifax Town Council.
The motion passed unanimously.
The public hearing will be held at either the next Planning Commission meeting on June 23 or the Town Council's July 13 meeting depending on when more information on the tower can be made available by the county administration and ALLTEL.
The planners also suggested a public hearing to consider rezoning a 79.9 acre property east of former Burlington Industries from M-1 Industrial to R-1 residential.
The recommendation is the result of a May 4 request by Chaparral Investments's President Wayne Stevens.
"In my opinion, the property is not financially feasible for industrial development without an enterprise zone," Stevens said in the request. "Since this may take several years or may never materialize, in my opinion the highest and best use of the property is residential."
Planning Commissioner Dick Moore raised concerns over how the property would be divided if it is rezoned as R-1.
"You could sell it to one person and he could build a mansion or he could sell it as 80 lots," said Moore.
But Espy said the town would still have a say on how the property developed.
"If he is going to develop he has to go through the zoning review regardless," said Espy. "And, he has to get building permits to proceed."
Planners Tim Moore and Charles Parker questioned the impact rezoning would have on surrounding properties.
"Is it going to create any hardship on the Hall property?" asked Moore.
Espy said the rezoning would change the direction the area is moving in.
"I don't think it would create economic hardship," he said. "But, it would change the best use of the property. You basically let the market determine what happens when this occurs."
Part of the rezoning request would require the town to upgrade a waste water treatment plant access road.
The road would be absorbed into the publicly maintained state system over a two-year period, according to Espy.
He said there is a quarter mile VDOT allocation per year that has not been used by the town for several years.
"Upgrading the road will not cost the town," he said. "In terms of development, there is already a water main there.
"It would actually be preferred to have it as residential."
Committees Appointed
The Planning Commission also appointed chairmen and alternates to standing committees.
Richard Dunavant will serve as chairman of the Comprehensive Planning Committee with Dick Moore as an alternate.
On the Land Use Committee, Charles Parker will serve as chair with Sharon Graves as alternate
Dick Moore will head the Subdivision Committee with Tim Moore as an alternate.
Beth Ann Giles will serve as chairman of the Zoning Committee with Charles Parker as the alternate.
The Capitol Improvements Committee will be led by Dick Moore with Frank Carr as alternate.
Other Business
The commission recommended approval of two special use permits, one for Knapp Day Care Service and one for H&H Home Repair.
Espy said the town had received several phone calls and letters from neighbors in support of Knapp Day Care Service.
The recommendation passed with a unanimous vote with the condition that no more than five children would be cared for as required by social services.
Brett Huffer asked the commission to recommend approval of his home-based repair service.
"My intentions are not to hurt the integrity of the community," he said. "I don't intend to go into it on a major scale. If that happened I would look for a different location."
Dunavant voiced concern over the effect employees may have on the community.
"That can be disruptive to the neighbors," he said.
The recommendation passed unanimously with the condition that employees or hired help would meet at job sites and not at Huffer's home.

Comets Bidding To Upend Glass
The HCHS-E.C. Glass Western Valley District Baseball Tournament Semifinal Game Was Slated To Resume Last Night With The Comets Leading 2-0
By JOE CHANDLER | G-V Staff Writer
Everything was going right for the Halifax County High School baseball team in Wednesday night's Western Valley District Tournament semifinal game against E.C. Glass.
That is, until a severe thunderstorm moved into the area and squelched the Comets' good night.
The Comets were leading the Hilltoppers 2-0 with Chris Perkins at the plate with one strike against him and one out in the bottom of the fourth inning when the action was halted.
That was where the Comets and Hilltoppers were set to resume the action when they reconvened at Comets Field at 6 p.m. last night.
The winner of that contest will advance into today's Western Valley District Tournament title game where it will meet the winner of the Patrick Henry-GW game, a game that was also stopped by thunderstorms Wednesday night and slated to be resumed last night.
A win by the Comets coupled with a win by GW in last night's games will guarantee the Comets a berth in the Northwest Region Tournament.
While the Comets had a two-run cushion at the end of play Wednesday night, Comets coach Kelvin Davis said his team would need more runs last night.
"We have to continue to score runs," Davis said.
"Two runs is not enough with the scrappy team that Glass has. We've just got to come back out and continue to play good defense like we're doing.
Hopefully, we can get a win from this."
The Comets got off to a good start with senior outfielder Brent Long tagging E.C. Glass' ace hurler, Jared Bolden, for a two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning.
Long's homer came with two out in the inning and followed a walk by teammate Jason Lloyd.
"We jumped on them early with two outs and that's what we had talked about," said Davis.
"Brent has been seeing the ball really well lately. He hit the ball well at Franklin County and we are pleased he got off to a good start in this game."
The home run by Long was the first of three hits the Comets had gotten off of Bolden in the game.
Ryan Roller produced a two-out double in the bottom of the second inning and Long, the leadoff batter in the bottom of the fourth inning doubled but was tagged out at second base after looking to stretch the double into a three-bagger.
The Comets had enjoyed a successful stint in the field in the first four innings and Comets hurler Tyler Clarke had hummed along like a well-grooved machine on the mound throwing four hitless innings.
Clarke got off to shaky start in the top of the first inning, hitting E.C. Glass' leadoff batter, Alex Kozera, with a pitch.
Bolden popped up to centerfield for the first out of the inning. With Bergin, the third Hilltoppers batter of the inning at the plate, the Comets erased Kozera from the basepaths when Roller fired a bullet to Comets second baseman Steven Smith to nail Kozera as he attempted to steal second base.
Clarke gave up a walk to Bergin but the Comets got out of the inning when Jeff Pharis, the Hilltoppers' first baseman, grounded out to second base for the third and final out of the inning.
The Comets junior regrouped and was letter perfect over the course of the next three innings.
After striking out the side in the top of the second inning, Clarke picked up a strikeout in the third inning and another in the fourth inning to give him five strikeouts through the first four innings.
Davis praised Clarke's four-inning effort.
"I can't say enough about Tyler," Davis said.
"He has taken the ball and done what I've asked him to do. If he can keep it up, we'll be fine."

Obituaries
Henry Archie Chandler
Henry Archie Chandler (Nuttley), 64, of 1149 Crystal Hill Road, Crystal Hill died May 25 in Halifax Regional Hospital.
Born July 22, 1939, in Halifax County, he was the son of the late Archie and Annie Barksdale Chandler and was married to Hattie Brim Chandler, who preceded him in death.
Mr. Chandler was of the Baptist Faith and attended Mt. Grove Baptist Church.
Survivors include three daughters, Sarah and Tara Gaston, both of Ga. and Ashley Carter of Alexandria; one brother, Tom Chandler and his wife, Janice, of Crystal Hill; and one sister, Lola C. Howerton and husband, Frank, of Danville.
Funeral services for Mr. Chandler will be held tomorrow, May 29 at 1 p.m. from Crawford House in Halifax with the Rev. Arthur E. Crews officiating. Burial will be in the Chandler Family Cemetery, Ball Park Loop Road, Halifax.
The family is receiving friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Chandler and the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Howerton, Danville.
Viewing will be this evening, May 28, from 4-7 at Crawford House.
Lennie Watts Clements
Lennie Watts Clements, 65, of Richmond, died at Johnston-Willis Hospital May 26.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Theresa Wilborn; her father, John S. Watts and two brothers, Edward and Harvey Watts.
Surviving Mrs. Clements are her mother, Vena Powell Watts; two sisters, Frances W. Lazenby of Lynchburg and Evelyn W. Moore of Richmond; one brother and sister-in-law, Bernard S. Watts and Peggy B. Watts of Colonial Heights; and another sister-in-law, Billie B. Watts of Newport News.
Mrs. Clements was a retiree of E.I. DuPont of Richmond and a member of Revelation Baptist Church in South Boston.
A memorial service will be held today, May 28 at 7 p.m. at Hyle's Baptist Church on Courthouse Road.
The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home in South Boston Saturday, May 29 from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m.
Funeral services for Mrs. Clements will be held May 30 at 2 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home with the Rev. Rudolph Jacobs of Revelation Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Halifax Memorial Gardens in South Boston.
Ida Della Brooks Lassiter
Ida Della Brooks Lassiter, 94, of 1055 Gills Mountain Road, Virgilina died May 24 at Meadowview Terrace in Clarksville.
Mrs. Lassiter was born in Halifax County on February 12, 1910, and was married to the late Jarrious Cornelious Lassiter Sr. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Virgilina.
Survivors include two sons, Jarrious C. Lassiter Jr. of South Hill and Marshall Lassiter of Virgilina; two foster sons, James T. Lassiter of Winston-Salem, N.C. and Joe Lassiter of Virgilina; three daughters-in-law, Sarah Frances Lassiter, Priscilla B. Lassiter and Ann Lassiter; one brother-in-law, Robert Lassiter of Philadelphia, Pa.; two sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Tuck of Oxford, N.C. and Ruth Crawley of Emporia; 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Lassiter will be held May 30 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Virgilina with the Rev. Lorenzo Love officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family is receiving friends at the home.
Channie Royal Lewis
Channie Royal Lewis, 88, of South Boston died May 26 at Inova-Alexandria Hospital.
Mrs. Lewis was born in Halifax County on September 9, 1915, the daughter of the late James Edward Royal and Pauline Squire Royal and was married to the late John F. Lewis. She was a member of First Baptist Church on Ferry Street.
Survivors include four grandchildren, Kimberly Lewis of Ft. Washington, Md., Shari Y. Lewis of Bloomfield, Conn., Donnell Coleman and Elvon Coleman, both of East Hartford, Conn.; four great-grandchildren; and one daughter-in-law, Lucretia Lewis.
Funeral services for Mrs. Lewis will be held tomorrow, May 29 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Alan G. Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Owens Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday.