Monday,
May 3, 2004
Single-Car
Accident Claims Life Of Scottsburg Woman
The Wreck Occurred Early Sunday
Morning On Wolf Trap Road
A
33-year-old Scottsburg woman was killed early yesterday
morning when her speeding car crashed into a tree on Wolf
Trap Road and split into three pieces.
Virginia State Trooper T.C. Comer identified the victim
as Rebecca Slagle MacDonald of 5033 Wolf Trap Road, Scottsburg.
The crash occurred at approximately 6:35 a.m. at a site
in the 2000 block of Wolf Trap Road, about a quarter of
a mile from the intersection of Good Trail.
Comer said the crash that killed MacDonald followed a hit
and run crash that occurred a short time earlier when the
1990 model Oldsmobile driven by MacDonald allegedly crashed
into a 1990 model Toyota driven by 29-year-old Gary Berton
Colwell of 1039 Good Trail at the intersection of U.S. Route
360 and Wolf Trap Road.
Colwell was not injured in the mishap that resulted in an
estimated $1,200 damage to his car.
Comer said excessive speed was involved in the fatal crash.
The trooper said the car driven by MacDonald was traveling
at a speed of between 85 and 90 miles per hour when the
crash occurred.
Comer said the car driven by MacDonald initially ran off
of the left side of the road.
She apparently lost control of the car, he said, and the
car veered across the road, ran off of the right side of
the road and careened into the yard of a residence where
it struck a large tree.
The impact cut the car into two pieces and launched the
engine and radiator several feet away from the front portion
of the car.
"This is the worst impact I've seen," Comer said.
"It would be impossible for anyone to walk away from
that type of impact."
The tragic chain of events, Comer said, began with the initial
mishap involving MacDonald and Colwell.
Comer said Colwell was sitting at the stop sign at the intersection
of U.S. Route 360 and Wolf Trap Road, waiting to turn onto
U.S. Route 360.
MacDonald, he continued, was traveling east on U.S. Route
360 and attempted to make a right turn to head east on Wolf
Trap Road.
"She locked up her brakes and skidded into his left
rear quarterpanel," Comer said.
The impact, Comer said, spun Colwell's car around twice.
Comer said Colwell told him the car that struck him continued
going down Wolf Trap Road at a high rate of speed.
The trooper said after he collected necessary information
from Colwell, he headed down Wolf Trap Road hoping to find
the car involved in the mishap.
Comer found the car a short time later, after the fatal
crash had occurred.
The car driven by MacDonald was a total loss with damage
estimated at $2,000.
School
Budget Hearing Tonight
Officials Are Advertising $52 Million School Budget
The Halifax County Board of Supervisors will hold a public
hearing on a proposed $13,710,007 in local funding for the
school budget tonight.
School officials are advertising a $52,558,986 total budget
this year.
Supervisors will meet at 7 p.m. in the Mary Bethune Complex
in Halifax.
In their original proposal, school officials had requested
$14,532,556 in local funding, but members of the finance
committee cut a proposed $822,549 in roof repair funds from
the budget.
During the earlier meeting, County Administrator Joe Morgan
told the supervisors that the initial cut didn't mean the
repairs wouldn't happen, it would simply give the Board
a smaller figure to work with in preparing the county's
budget.
"If there is anything you want to cull out, I would
submit it's the $800,000 for roof repairs," Morgan
said as the finance committee considered the school's proposal
last month.
The county administrator said the school system has $1.7
million in capital improvement funds already in the budget
that could be used to repair roofs if necessary.
Once the local disbursement from the state budget is determined,
the funds could be added back into the budget, Morgan said.
"It may come to the point that you want to put this
back in (the proposed budget) in June," he said. "But
this gives us some options."
Removing the funding for roof repairs means the public hearing
will be on a $52,558,986 total school budget.
In other business, supervisors are expected to receive an
update on the county's higher education offerings by the
presidents of the area's community colleges and the director
of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center.
Supervisors are also expected to receive a presentation
from Rosemary Ramsey on the Halifax County Humane Society.
The Halifax County Improvement Council is expected to recommend
that supervisors set a June 7 public hearing on a proposal
that will enforce the removal of the collapsed buildings
in the Town of Clover.
Good
News For Southside Workers
Region
Reported Across-The-Board Drop In Jobless Rates
Southside's unemployment rates dropped across the board
in March, according to figures released Wednesday by the
Virginia Employment Commission (VEC).
Halifax County's jobless rate fell seven-tenths of a percent
in March, to 8.4 percent from a February rate of 9.1 percent.
This compared to an 11.7 percent rate in March, 2003.
The county reported a labor force of 17,587, with 1,470
people looking for work. In February, 1,611 people were
out of work, according to the VEC.
Mecklenburg County reported 7.7 percent unemployment, down
seven-tenths of a percent from February's rate of 8.4 percent.
Mecklenburg County reported a labor force of 13,550, with
1,040 people looking for work.
Charlotte County's jobless rate fell four-tenths of a percent
in March, to 4.6 percent.
Charlotte County listed a civilian labor force of 6,308,
with 290 people unemployed.
Pittsylvania County's rate fell three-tenths of a percent,
to 6.8 percent from a February rate of 7.1 percent.
The county reported a labor force of 33,654, with 2,300
people out of work.
Henry County continues to struggle with double-digit unemployment
, falling one-half of a percent to 12.8 percent.
Out of a labor force of 26,193, 3,353 people were out of
work in March, the commission reported.
Another bright spot in Southside's economy was the City
of Danville, reporting a 8.9 percent unemployment rate down
from a February figure of 9.2 percent.
The city listed 2,098 people unemployed out of a labor force
of 23,568.
Although Martinsville reported a drop in its unemployment
rate of nine-tenths of a percent, the city still holds the
state's highest jobless rate at 15.2 percent, according
to the VEC.
Virginia's unemployment rate fell two-tenths of a percent
in March, to 3.4 percent.
FC
Win Keeps Comets In District Title Race
Comets Scored An 8-1 Win Here Friday
Night Over Franklin County
By
JOE CHANDLER | G-V Staff Writer
Halifax County needed a win over Franklin County here Friday
night to stay in contention in the chase for the regular-season
Western Valley District title.
It got it.
The Comets jumped on the Eagles early, scoring four runs
in the bottom of the first inning and using those runs as
a springboard to an 8-1 win.
Friday night’s win lifted the Comets to 11-2 overall
and 2-1 in Western Valley District play.
The loss dropped Franklin County to 8-8 overall and 0-5
in Western Valley District play, putting the Eagles out
of contention for one of the top two spots in the district
title chase.
Friday night’s win gave the Comets a sweep of their
two games last week, the first win coming in a 12-1 road
win over Bassett.
The wins, said Comets coach Kelvin Davis, are a big confidence
booster for his team.
“These guys have a lot of talent,” Davis said
of his team.
“It’s good for these guys to see they can win
after a loss. Every day you go out there is not going to
be the kind of day you want. You have to keep believing
in yourself.”
Halifax County pounded Franklin County’s hurlers for
11 hits with Chris Perkins leading the way with two hits
and four RBIs. Two other Comets players, Jason Lloyd and
Clyde Brooks, also had two hits each and one RBI each.
Robert Carter, Justin Armistead, Brent Long, Marcus Humphrey
and Jacob Owen each chipped in a hit each.
“We hit the ball really well,” said Davis.
“And, we did it against a good left-handed pitcher.
We rattled him early. When you can rattle a pitcher, things
are going to start happening.”
The Comets also got a solid performance from junior hurler
Tyler Clarke on the mound. Clarke fanned seven batters and
scattered four hits and three walks in the contest.
“Tyler went out there and took control of the ballgame,”
said Davis.
“He’s been doing that for us all year. It showed
a lot of class on his part the way he pitched for us tonight.
He kept guys off balance and did a terrific of a job of
coming from behind in the count and not walking that many
batters.”
Getting on top quickly and in a decisive manner was the
key for the Comets.
The Comets scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning
to gain a three-run cushion and added another run in the
second inning to stake Clarke to a four-run cushion.
“That’s what we talk about doing all of the time,”
Davis pointed out, “going out there and getting the
pitcher some runs so he can go out and do what he does best.
Tonight we got the runs and Tyler went out there and took
control of the ballgame.”
Franklin County grabbed the first lead, taking advantage
of leadoff back-to-back hits and a Comets error to jump
on top 1-0 in the top of the first inning.
Halifax County responded by pounding Franklin County for
four hits, which, coupled with three walks, resulted in
a 4-1 lead for the Comets when the first inning ended.
Carter led off with a single, moved to second base on a
wild pitch and scored when Armistead singled. Lloyd walked
and Armistead was later erased in a rundown that allowed
Lloyd to reach second base.
Long walked and a double by Perkins deep into the outfield
allowed two runs to score and gave the Comets a 3-1 lead.
Humphrey walked and a base hit by Brooks drove in Perkins
to give the Comets a 4-1 lead.
Clarke walked the Eagles’ leadoff batter in the top
of the second inning but the Comets’ defense came through
with a nifty double play with Carter fielding a grounder,
flipping it to Armistead at second base for the force out
and Armistead rifling a throw to Perkins to complete the
play. The next Eagles batter popped up to Lloyd at third
base for the final out of the inning.
The spark from the good defensive play carried over to the
offensive side in the bottom of the second inning.
Carter led off the second inning by reaching base on a wild
pitch on a third strike that would have otherwise resulted
in a strikeout. Armistead reached base on an error and Lloyd
walked to load the bases. Carter scored later in the inning
to put the Comets up 5-1.
Franklin County tagged Clarke for back-to-back base hits
with one out in the top of the third inning but another
double play between the tandem of Carter, Armistead and
Perkins ended the inning and the Eagles’ threat.
Clarke sailed through the next two innings with no problem
and the Comets sealed the contest with three runs in the
bottom of the sixth inning to make it an 8-1 score.
Carter opened the inning by reaching base on a Franklin
County error. He stole second base, moved to third base
when Armistead flied out to centerfield and scored on a
double by Lloyd.
Long followed with a single and Perkins cleared the sacks
with a two RBI double to put the Comets up by seven runs.
Clarke retired the first two Franklin County batters he
faced in the top of the seventh inning but ran into a little
difficulty trying to conclude the inning. He hit the third
Eagles batter he faced with a pitch and walked the next
batter. A wild pitch allowed both runners to advance, putting
Eagles runners on second base and third base with two out.
The Comets and Clarke got out of the inning and ended the
game when the next Eagles batter grounded out to Clarke
for the third out.
Halifax County has two big Western Valley District contests
facing it this week, the first coming Thursday with a road
game against E.C. Glass. The Comets will follow that with
a home game Friday against district foe Patrick Henry.
Obituaries
Charles Alfred Burton
Charles Alfred Burton, 75, of Wimauma, Fla., died Wednesday,
April 21.
He was born in Halifax County on November 26, 1928, the
son of the late Jesse T. Burton and Hattie Childress Burton
and was married to MaryAnn Milam Burton.
Mr. Burton was a disabled veteran of the North Korean War
and an avid member and supporter of the VWF. He was the
Northeast Director of the National Ex-POW Organization and
was the first person to receive the POW Medal by President
Ronald Regan in June 1988.
Mr. Burton is survived by his wife, four daughters, Wanda
L. Hirschy of Port Deposit, Md., Carol Del Frate of Aberdeen,
Md., Donna Cook of Rising Sun, Md., and Terri DeBoard of
High Springs, Fla., seven sisters, Emma B. Powell of South
Boston, Grace Talbott of Hampton, Ola Mae Heck of Harve
de Grace, Md., Annie Snead of Scottsburg, Hattie Leah Puckett
of Scottsburg, Jackie B. Conner of Kenbridge and Gilma Shand
of Midlothian, two brothers, Thomas M. Burton of Scottsburg
and Norman S. Burton of Abingdon, Md., one step-mother,
Annie S. Burton of Scottsburg, and ten grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sons, an infant son and
Charles A. Burton Jr., and one brother, Jesse Lewellyn Burton.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May
15, at Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Vance Midgett
and the Rev. Melvin Bradshaw officiating.
Internment will be held at Hartford Memorial Gardens in
Aberdeen, Md. at 11 a.m. on May 17.
Lorene
Waller Dyer
Lorene Waller Dyer, 61, of South Boston, died Saturday,
May 1, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
She was born in Halifax County on March 9, 1943, the daughter
of Lacy Edward Waller and Celestia Jewel Waller and was
married to Ralph Dyer.
Mrs. Dyer is survived by her husband, one daughter, Patricia
Ann Dyer of South Boston, one son, Vince Dyer of South Boston,
and three sisters, Helen Marie Waller of North Carolina,
Elizabeth Ann Richardson of Fayetteville, N.C., and Vertia
Mae Jamerson of Cumberland.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 4,
at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Robert Heim
officiating. Burial will follow at Halifax Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home,
Monday, May 3, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Those wishing to give a memorial are asked to consider a
charity of their choice.
Gerald
David Tuffin Jr.
Gerald David Tuffin Jr., 79, of South Boston died April
29 at his home.
Mr. tuffin was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II and a
teacher in the Detroit Public School System.
The Rev. George Goodman will deliver the eulogy at 11 a.m.
on May 4 at Mizpah Presbyterian Church in South Boston.
A committal service will follow at Thyne Memorial Presbyterian
Church cemetery in Chase City.
Survivors of Mr. Tuffin include his wife, Louyse Pickel
Tuffin; sons, Paul J. Tuffin, Gerald D. Tuffin III and rent
S. Tuffin; a daugher, Diana C. Tuffin; brother, Paul Tuffin;
sisters-in-law, Virginia Tuffin and Rosa Pickel; eight grandchildren;
and five great-grandchildren.
Kernal
Bryant West
Mr. Kernal Bryant West of Teaneck, New Jersey and formerly
of Halifax County, died Thursday, April 29, at the Veteran
Affairs Medical Center in Bronx, New York.
He was 67.
Mr. West was born in Halifax County on February 23, 1937
and was the son of the late Jack West and Mrs. Zemoria Jefferson
West.
He was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and was
a retired U.S. Army veteran.
Mr. West is survived by four sisters, the Rev. Lillian Gold
of Bagota, New Jersey, Olivia Hedgepeth of Teaneck, New
Jersey, Juanita Harris of Stone Mountain, Georgia and Barbara
Jean Brown of Riverdale, Georgia, one brother-in-law, Quincy
Gold, his aunt and uncle, Geraldine Barnett and Jimmy Barnet,
both of Cleveland, Ohio and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,
other relatives and friends.
Graveside services with military rites for Mr. West will
be held Wednesday, May 5, at 1 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant
Baptist Church cemetery.
After 5 p.m. Tuesday, the remains will lie-in-state at Crawford
House in Halifax, where the family will receive friends
on Wednesday morning from 11 a.m. until noon
