The Continuing Education Center took a giant educational step into the future yesterday with a symbolic deed transfer to its new five-acre, 70,000 square foot brick building site in historic downtown South Boston and the project unveiling ceremony.
It is expected the facility will be ready for occupancy in the Summer of 2000, according to Halifax Educational Foundation, Inc. chairman Chris Lumsden.
The capital costs for the project is estimated at $3 million.
The transfer came during the project's unveiling ceremony.
The building was donated by R&J Investors, South Boston businessman John Cannon and the late Bob Harris estate, to the Halifax Educational Foundation, Inc. and is located on the corner of Factory Street and Seymour Drive, adjacent to Constitution Square.
"This effort to expand the Continuing Education Center," said Lumsden, "is vitally important to the future of our region as it ultimately will provide better educational opportunities for area citizens.
"The project will produce the adequate space and support necessary to allow the CEC to continue to offer post secondary, higher education, and workforce training programs to citizens. Our efforts will benefit students, businesses, employers and the economy alike," continued the HEF chairman.
"Today's ceremony represents a historical moment for this community and our joint dedication to equipping our citizens with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully face the next century," said Lumsden.
Project costs include the renovation of 20,000 square feet for the CEC, site work, architectural and engineering services, and furnishings and equipment.
Part of the building may be demolished with other utilized for CEC expansion for incubator business space for small, light industry.
The venture is headed by HEF and the South Central Virginia Higher Education Consortium and has been endorsed and signed by the presidents of Longwood College, Danville Community College, Southside Virginia Community College and Averett College.
Dr. Patricia Cormier serves as the Consortium president.
The consortium's primary mission is to develop, coordinate and promote affordable degree and non-degree programs, as well as workforce training opportunities for the residents of this region.
The non-profit HEF was founded in 1997 to work directly with the Consortium and will be used as a vehicle to receive contributions for the CEC expansion project, govern policy related to expansion efforts, and oversee the operation of the new CEC complex.
The Foundation Board is comprised of about 30 members, representing a cross section of people who live and work in South Central Virginia.
Plans are to raise necessary capital during 1998 and to commence construction on the expanded CEC during 1999, according to Lumsden.
To date, $250,000 from the county via Old Dominion Electric, $250,000 from the Town of South Boston early this January and a $250,000 allocation from the Virginia General Assembly have been donated to the project's treasury, and Lumsden said this week HEF was in the process of planning a capital campaign project.
"Industrial recruitment, both those here thinking of expansion as well as those looking for new locations, put a great deal of credence in educational programs offered within the community," said Lumsden.
"It is important we have a focus on education and doing something about continuing education in our community."
The existing 7,000 square foot CEC was established in 1986 off Highway 129 and links local and regional colleges and universities together to plan and offer post secondary higher education and workforce training programs to the citizens of South Central Virginia.
Longwood College Danville Community College and Southside Virginia Community College, Old Dominion University and Virginia Tech are major supporters of the CEC.
Demand for CEC courses and programs has been overwhelming.
In the past four years, community college enrollment or head count has grown by approximately 30 percent, with the potential to grow by over 50 percent per year with adequate space and support, according to a Halifax Educational foundation spokesman.
Also, over 50 percent of the adult population over age 25 in Southside Virginia do not have a high school diploma and unemployment in the region is over 10 percent, according to a HEF press release.
Community college enrollment through the CEC is projectd at 2,500 students for 1997-98. Longwood College's graduate enrollment has grown over 100 percent in the past 12 months, with demand projected to increase 80 percent per year for the next three years.
"The Foundation needs the support of all communities and citizens affected by this effort," summarized Lumsden. "We anxiously await your involvement in this effort to improve the lives of the citizens of the region."
Two arrests were made by law enforcement officers late yesterday afternoon shortly after launching the second strike of a three pronged attack aimed at alleged drug dealers and known area drug dealing sites.
Sgt. R.S. Pulliam said that 26-year-old Michael Shane Pillow of Nathalie was picked up in the Nathalie area and charged with a felony marijuana distribution charge.
Also arrested was 33-year-old Frankie William Cash of the Five Forks Community who was charged with a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge.
Pillow and Cash were the first individuals to be taken into custody yesterday.
Officers also raided a residence at a home near Vernon Hill late yesterday afternoon and confiscated an undisclosed amount of moonshine and a crack pipe. No arrest was made at that site.
Officials said that warrants had been issued for the arrest of 13 individuals on a total of 26 charges. Charges that have been filed against the individuals being sought by police included felony cocaine distribution charges, marijuana distribution and possession charges, weapons charges, and charges pertaining to the possession and or sale of untaxed liquor.
Areas targeted in the series of raids and arrests being carried out by officers of the Tri-County Drug Taskforce, the Halifax County Sheriff's Department, the Halifax County Sheriff's Department SWAT Team, and Virginia ABC agents yesterday included sites in South Boston, Sinai, Five Forks, Vernon Hill, and Virgilina.
The first phase of the operation was carried out on May 15 at known drug dealing sites near Clover and Lower Liberty. Five persons were arrested at that time.
Law enforcement officers said yesterday that the third phase of the operation will be carried out at a later date.
BY JOE CHANDLER
Native Americans were living in hamlets on Halifax and Charlotte county soil as early as 900 AD.
Brian Bates, the Acting Director of the Longwood College Archaeology Field School, said that projectile points, pottery, and other artifacts recovered at the school's 15 meter by 10 meter archaeological dig site on the Charlotte County side of the Staunton River Battlefield State Park indicate that Native Americans lived along the banks of the Staunton River as early as between 900 AD and 1200 AD.
That's a broad range of dates. But, Bates says further tests to be conducted later including radio carbon analysis of charcoal items and other artifacts can more clearly pinpoint dates.
"The radio carbon analysis will give us a more focused date range," Bates said.
"Some of the charcoal (items) may give us a date to as close as 20 years."
While there may be a gap in the date projection one thing is clear - the dig site was occupied for a lengthy period.
"I suspect this site was occupied by a number of generations," Bates said as he watched his group of students continue their work of uncovering and mapping soil features and artifacts.
"This would not have been a large village but more of a hamlet with an extended family occupying the site for a number of generations. One large village we know of was called Sopony Town. It was located in this region about six to eight miles from this area along the river. But, we don't have that here."
The Longwood College Archaeological Field School found evidence of a prehistoric Native American site on the north side of the river at the west side of the noted battlefield where a small band of Confederates held off a Union troops at the Staunton River Bridge in 1864.
This site, which runs parallel to the river and is located about 100 yards from the river, was discovered last summer following an excavation of the fortification area south of the river.
The findings of the artifacts and features at the site make the site an important one. Several key state figures including Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources John Paul Woodley, John Sprinkle who is the President of the Archaeological Society of Virginia, Kathleen Kirkpatrick, the Assistant Director of the Virginia Department of Historical Resources, and Col. Howard MacCord, a retired archaeologist now associated with the Archaeological Society of Virginia, visited the site Wednesday.
Bates said that both state officials and state archaeological society officials are interested in the site because of its importance, because of the fact that it is located in a protected state park, because the site is intact and has been undisturbed for centuries, and because the site is being used as a research project which will include a highly detailed published report.
"This site is valuable because it is undisturbed," Bates said.
"This site hasn't been relic hunted. And, it's on state property which means that it can be protected."
"There is no doubt that the data we're gaining far outweighs any effort we have put into this," he added.
"This is very valuable information that we're getting from the site."
The school director pointed to a number of features that have been uncovered at the site including a trash pit where a humerus from a dog, vertebrae from a bear, rodent bones, and fish vertebrae were recovered.
Post features indicating where a structure was located have also been uncovered.
"This would have been a dome shaped or rectangle shaped structure," Bates said.
The typical structure, he said, would have sticks woven into the wooden framework and packed with mud. Bark would be attached to it as well and tied to the outside of the structure.
"They would have lasted a fair amount of time, maybe eight to 10 years before they would have to be replaced," Bates noted.
Another significant find were pieces of pottery that Bates called "Dan River Pottery."
"They used it for cooking, for food storage, basically for anything that we would typically use a vessel for today," Bates explained.
Also found was a bone awl, a tool that was typically used to punch holes in hides or other items.
The shape of the awl can be used to determine what hand its maker used.
"You can tell what hand the person who made it or used it was," Bates said.
"The person that made this one was right handed," he noted as he grasped the object.
A variety of other items including bone fish projectile points (arrowheads and the like) a turtle shell were also displayed by Bates.
"They probably used the turtle for food and used the shell for a bowl," Bates pointed out.
A prehistoric clay pipe stem has also been unearthed as has a portion of clay pipe bowl."
The finds of the various items has led Bates to conclude that the site was "the living floor" or "ground surface" of the hamlet.
Bates' group of Longwood students are close to concluding their work at the site.
"We will conclude excavating by June 5," explained Bates.
"We will still be out here until June 9 but on June 8 and 9 we will be finishing preserving the artifacts and closing the site down. After that, we will back fill it and sew grass over it. We want to be finished well ahead of the battle (Battle of Staunton River Bridge) recreation scheduled in late June."
The 23 people working at the site will continue to work throughout the day through next week and will work their normal Saturday and Sunday hours of 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. this weekend and next weekend.
Visitors are welcome to come to the site and see what has been uncovered Bates said.
"We welcome the public to come out," Bates remarked in noting that the group's job is not only to uncover information about the area but also to get that information out to the public.
Approximately 30 to 35 visitors came out to visit the site during Memorial Day weekend.
When the site closes down in a couple of weeks, it will mark the end of the second year of the three year project.
"More tests will be done here in the fall," Bates said in noting the process that will be involved in determining a new dig site in the general area.
"After the tests are concluded we will make a decision on where to excavate."
And, a new "dig" will begin early in the spring.
South Boston Police have arrested 24-year-old Stacey Antonio Edmonds of 1106 Wilson Memorial Trail, Vernon Hill on armed robbery and firearm charges in connection with the May 21 robbery of The Movie Gallery in Centerville.
Lt. R.D. Loftis said yesterday that Edmonds has been charged with armed robbery and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection with the crime.
Police said yesterday that Edmonds has been freed on a $5,000 bond.
Loftis said that police picked up Edmonds Wednesday at a residence on Thompson Store Road.
Edmonds faces a preliminary hearing June 22 in Halifax County General District Court on the two charges.
South Boston Police Chief Jim Hall told reporters following the crime that the suspect entered the store shortly before its 10 p.m. closing time and asked the manager for assistance with a movie.
When the manager went to the rear of the store, the suspect allegedly forced her into a back room, took an undisclosed amount of money, and placed her in the store's restroom.
The manager called 911 a short time later to report the crime and a trio of South Boston Police officers responded to the call.
Tracking dogs were brought to the scene in an attempt to track the suspect but were unsuccessful.
South Boston Town Council is expected to authorize the expenditure of nearly half a million dollars Monday night for water and sewer projects in annexed areas and a storm culvert installation in the Orleans-Westmoreland area.
The Finance Committee will be recommending the following:
*That a contract be awarded to Tharpe's Excavating Incorporated for water and sewer line extension to Highway 659 in the amount of $95,558.
*That a plan for the Riverdale Sewer Line Extension, Route 501 south in front of Victory Warehouse, be put out for bid, the cost estimated at $121,484.
*That a contract be awarded to J. Harmon Saunders for the installation of the Orleans-Westmoreland culverts, on the low bid of $218,526.
The total outlay for the three projects is approximately $435,568, allowing for the fact that one of the three still has to be bid.
Council also will hear a report from town engineer Cabell Carrington on the cost of proposed improvements on Williams Street.
The town's Current Issues Committee is in the process of trying to work out a suitable deal with AXA University/Berry Hill Mansion to provide water service, but may pass over a discussion of this matter until there is a response to a message to AXA by Town Manager Ken McLawhorn.
AXA has asked to be allowed to run its own small water line to the site, a practice that apparently would be against any previous town policy.
The Current Issues Committee directed McLawhorn to contact AXA again and see if something different could be worked out.
The town is presently advertising for volunteers to serve on several committees. Current openings are on the South Boston Industrial Development Authority, the Halifax County Improvement Council and the Southside Regional Partnership.
Those interested are asked to submit name, address and short resume to the office of Town Clerk, P. O. Box 417, South Boston, VA 24592.
Anyone interested in being considered for appointments to other boards in the future should also write also write to the above listed address.
R.O. Harrell, Inc., a trucking company with deep roots in the business history of Halifax County, won a first round of approval for moving their Riverdale terminal to a site near the Halifax County Industrial Park.
The Halifax County Planning Commission recommended approval of a rezoning of a 54.14-acre site on the north side of U.S. 58 from A-1 (agricultural) to M-2 (general industrial). The commission also recommended that a conditional use permit for the project also be approved.
The motion to recommend approval was made by commission member Clark Graves and seconded by commission member Hudson Reese. It passed unanimously.
The recommendations were made after a public hearing was held by the commission on Tuesday night. That recommendation will be passed on to the Halifax County Board of Supervisors who will vote on the matter after a second public hearing scheduled for Monday, June 1 at 8 p.m.
That public hearing will be held during the regular monthly meeting of the supervisors, which will take place in the second floor public meeting room of the Mary Bethune Office Complex in Halifax.
During Tuesday night's meeting, Rick Harrell, President and owner of R.O. Harrell, Inc., outlined the proposed trucking terminal which will be virtually out of sight of traffic along U.S. 58.
His trucking firm currently has 46 employees with a total annual payroll of $1.5 million, Harrell told the commission.
Only two nearby residents spoke at the hearing. Charles Burton, a truck driver who lives adjacent to the property, asked if the access road to the terminal was not paved, would dust control efforts be taken. Burton also expressed concern about lighting at the facility and the possible impact of noise.
Reason Fariss, a resident who lives to the east of Burton's property expressed similar concerns. He stated that the existing tree line between the Pittard and Burton properties has gaps which causes visibility of the proposed sight.
A solid tree line would eliminate that view and help to cut down on any noise level from the proposed facility, Fariss added.
In response, Harrell stated that it is currently undecided if the access roads or other areas of the terminal would be paved. He did state that he would utilize dust control efforts.
Harrell also stated that the lighting would be turned inwards at the terminal and kept as low as possible. Site topography creates a natural hillside barrier to assist in noise prevention efforts, Harrell pointed out.
R.O. Harrell, Inc. has been in its Riverdale location for the past 36 years. Before that, the trucking company was located in the lower end of South Boston for 16 years.
David Carlton Pleasants of Sanford, NC died Monday, May 25, 1998 at his home. He was 47 years of age.
Mr. Pleasants was born on July 22, 1950 in Oxford, NC the son of James W. Pleasants and Winifred Hughes Pleasants. He was married to Janet Hughes Pleasants, a Air Force Veteran and was employed as a Stock Breeder.
Funeral services will be held at Florence Avenue Baptist Church today, May 29 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Bill Keen officiating. Burial will take place in Virgilina Cemetery.
Survivors of Mr. Pleasants include his wife of the home; two daughters, Casey and Stephanie Pleasants, both of Sanford; his mother of Sanford; one brother, Jimmie Hughes Pleasants of Sharpsburg, GA and one sister, Sylvia Lane Pleasants of Sanford.
John Elmer 'Jack' Clark of Blairs died Wednesday, May 27, 1998 at Danville Regional Medical Center at the age of 71.
Mr. Clark was born September 6, 1926 in Halifax County the son of Roland Clark and Minnie Whitlow Clark and was married to Lillie O. Clark. He was a member of Blairs Baptist Church and was a disabled World War II Veteran.
Graveside services will be held today, May 29 at 11 a.m. at Glenwood United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Survivors of Mr. Clark include two sisters, Alma G. Howerton of Alton and Edna Green of South Boston; three step-daughters, Margaret Hatchett of Blairs, Ruby Foster and Shirley Wallace, both of Danville; two step-sons, Alvin R. Brooks and William W. Brooks, both of Blairs; 22 step-grandchildren; 53 step-great-grandchildren; four step-great-great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider your favorite charity.
Gertie Newton Rice of Nelson died Thursday, May 28, 1998 in Durham Regional Hospital, Durham, NC. She was 60 years of age at the time of her death.
Mrs. Rice was born in Mecklenburg County. She was an employee of Burlington Industries for 42 years and a member of Nelson Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at Nelson Baptist Church with Rev. James McAlister officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Rice is survived by her husband, Douglas 'Dee' Rice; two daughters and sons-in-law, Theresa and Dale Nelson of Nelson, and Sheri and William McGuire of Wylliesburg; one son and daughter-in-law, Raymond and Kathy Long of Nelson; two sisters, Reda Newton Lowery of Newport News and Shirley Newton Tarbert of Nelson; three brothers, Rommie Newton of Buffalo Junction, Garnett Newton of Nelson and Bobby Newton of South Boston; and seven grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home in Clarksville tonight, May 29 from 7 until 9:00.
Madeline Huggins Braddy of South Boston died Saturday, May 23, 1998 at the age of 57.
Ms. Braddy was the owner of Rose Hill Manor Nursing Home and was a member and minister at Trinity Congregational Holiness Church, both in South Boston.
A memorial service for Ms. Braddy will be held Sunday, May 31 at 3 p.m. at Trinity Congregational Holiness Church.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Trinity Congregational Holiness Church.
Deacon Clem Nathaniel Reid of Nathalie died Saturday, May 23, 1998 in Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 78.
He was born in Halifax County on October 22, 1919.
Survivors include his wife, Dorethea Reid of Nathalie; one daughter, Cynthia Winbush of Havelock, NC; three sons, Kenneth Reid of Pickerington, OH, Marvin Reid of Moreno Valley, CA, and William Reid of Springfield; five grandchildren; and one sister, Beatrice Reid of Nathalie.
Funeral services for Deacon Reid will be held Saturday, May 30 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Nathalie with Rev. James Traynham officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home, 8140 Coles, Ferry Road, Nathalie.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Mary Cousins, 3024 Neals Corner Road, Clover, VA 24534.