Circuit Court Clerk Robert "Bobby" Conner will seek
re-election in the Nov. 2 general election.
He is running as an independent candidate.
Conner's announcement completes the list of constitutional officers
seeking re-election.
Commonwealth's Attorney John Greenbacker, Sheriff Jeff Oakes,
treasurer Linda Foster and Commissioner of Revenue Danny Jackson
have previously announced re-election bids.
Greenbacker faces opposition from public defender Robert Meeks
and Oakes faces a challenge from James Russell Dismuke.
In a prepared statement issued Friday, Conner said, "I most
humbly request your support in re-electing me to this position
of trust and responsibility.
"It has been almost 11 years since I became the clerk of
the Circuit Court and with the assistance of a great staff, it
has been a very rewarding experience.
"As we prepare for a new millennium, you should know that
the Halifax County Circuit Court is well prepared to deal with
advancing technology, and we have in place plans to make remote
access of land records a reality in the coming years.
"I have enjoyed working with the many fine people of Halifax
County and its towns. I promise that I will continue to assist
those who have business at the Circuit Court and attempt to explain
in layman's terms how to deal with their problems," said
Conner.
The Circuit Court Clerk said if re-elected, he and the staff at
the Clerk's Office "will continue to assist and serve to
the very best of their ability."
Also up for election in November, five Halifax County Board of
Supervisors seats. They include ED-1, Supervisor R.E. "Dickie"
Abbott is seeking re-election; ED-4, Supervisor Bill Abbott is
not seeking re-election but two candidates, David Martin and Walter
Potts, have announced election bids in ED-4; Ed-5, Supervisor
Earl Watts is seeking re-election and James E. Edmunds II is challenging
for that seat; ED-7, Supervisor Garland Ricketts is seeking re-election;
ED-8, Supervisor "Robbie" Smart is not seeking re-election
but Corky Rorrer is seeking the ED-8 seat.
School board seats are up in the same five districts. Jason Parker
has filed as a candidate in ED-1 being vacated by Raleigh Moorefield;
Norman Talley is seeking the ED-7 seat being vacated by Lottie
Nunn; Alan Gravitt is seeking re-election in ED-4; Carl Furches
is seeking re-election in ED-5. The ED-8 seat held by Patti Nelson
is also up in this election.
Delegate W.W. "Ted" Bennett has announced his bid for
re-election to the 60th District House seat.
State Sen. Louise Lucas is seek re-election in the Nov. balloting.
"Redistricting is going to be a hot button issue that weighs
heavily in the next General Assembly," said Lucas during
a Friday interview.
Supervisors are expected to approve the county's $59.3 million
budget at their June 7 board meeting following a finance committee
work session with the full board last week.
There was some discussion on budget projections which may indicate
the county will have a $570,177 increase in revenue. The increase
is primarily due to improved collections of delinquent real estate
and personal property taxes, utility taxes and business licenses,
according to county administrator Dan Sleeper.
The county administrator reported only one change in expenditures
from current budget figures, a $300 difference in the Improvement
Council's budget.
And the county continues its pursuit of lost tax revenue from
untaxed natural gas purchases, often purchased through brokers
from sites across the nation, explained the county administrator.
Supervisors are seeking a legal remedy through the legislature.
Library funding also drew the supervisors' attention.
The Library Board's request of $170,258 will reflect a 1.42 percent
increase overall this year.
Of concern to supervisors, the upcoming loss of regional library
status. The regional status, which carried special state funding,
will come to an end this year due to South Boston's reversion
to a town. Next year's county budget is expected to increase significantly
$200,000 plus overall, because of the change, explained Sleeper.
The county's current tab is $162,000 and the county will pick
up South Boston's share of about $47,000, explained the administrator.
Finance committee chairman Garland Ricketts asked that a letter
be sent to the Library Board "spelling out what we foresee"
next year. "I can see a real brick wall we are getting ready
to run into," said the chairman.
Supervisors - with Bill Abbott and Robbie Smart absent - unanimously
passed a motion asking the Library Board for their plan for next
year, particularly how to make up the revenue and also possible
consideration of a regional plan with surrounding jurisdictions.
Supervisors also passed a motion asking the Library Board to pay
$500 to the county as the cost of the county funding the library
audit, which officials say saved the library about $1,800.
Supervisors also discussed previously advertised water/sewer rate
increases in Clover and Riverdale.
Virginia Power donated $5,000 to the Halifax County War Memorial
Fund on Memorial Day eve for the construction of a monument dedicated
to local men and women who gave their lives during war.
The memorial will list more than 700 Halifax County and South
Boston natives who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts ranging
from the Revolutionary War through Desert Storm.
Representatives from Virginia Power presented a check to the Halifax
County War Memorial Commission in a brief ceremony Friday at the
Halifax County Courthouse. The company's contribution will help
the Commission reach their goal of $125,000 needed to erect the
monument.
"This donation reflects our company's appreciation and deep
respect for all those from the towns and communities throughout
Halifax County who have given their lives in service to their
country," said Rusty Steele, resident manager of external
affairs for Virginia Power in the Southside Virginia area.
"Our county has a proud history of ultimate support of the
military service needs of this country and such a monument is
very fitting gesture of remembrance of the sacrifices made by
the citizens of Halifax County."
"With all the daily new reports of the current conflict and
horrors going on in Kosovo, we want to join this effort to recognize
those who have stood up for our country in the past and paid the
ultimate price for the freedom we still enjoy," added Andy
Yaros, station manager-Clover Power Station.
Virginia Power's contribution also matches a recent $5,000 donation
from Old Dominion Electric Cooperative to assist construction
of the memorial. ODEC and Virginia Power equally share ownership
of the Clover Power Station, an 880-megawatt, twin-unit coal-fired
power station located about 20 miles east of South Boston.
Virginia Power is the principal subsidiary of Dominion Resources
Inc. (NYSE:D), an international energy company based in Richmond.
A disturbance at a northern Halifax County carwash led to the
arrest of a Nathalie man on drug charges.
Reports at the Halifax County Sheriff's Department indicated that
a large crowd had gathered outside the Cody Carwash next to Roberts
Quick Stop by the time deputies Sheldon Jennings and Jim Lucia
arrived to investigate a reported disturbance Thursday at 7:30
p.m.
A man reportedly split from the crowd and ran when the authorities
arrived but was later apprehended.
Harry Lamont Tucker, 21, of Stage Coach Road, Nathalie, was arrested
and charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine
after previously convicted of the same violation, possession of
a firearm while in control of cocaine or a Schedule II controlled
substance, and possession of a firearm after having been convicted
of a felony.
Captain Larry Fears with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office said
Tucker is being held in the Blue Ridge Regional Adult Detention
Center under $25,000 and is scheduled to appear in Halifax County
General District Court June 2.
In other reports, Damon Guthrie, 25, of the Loveshop Mobile Home
Park, was arrested Saturday and charged with assault and battery
on Willy Guthrie, a family or household member.
Guthrie is scheduled to appear in Halifax County Juvenile and
Domestic Relations Court June 8.
Ellis Lee Poole, 56, of Highway 96, Virgilina, was arrested on
public intoxication charges Saturday and is scheduled to appear
in Halifax County General District Court June 18.
South Boston Police arrested a Roxboro man who allegedly defrauded
several local businesses out of hundreds of dollars.
Wednesday, James A. Day, 30, of 203 Stephens Drive, Roxboro, was
charged with defrauding Ed's Honda, Lloyd's Heating and Air, Giles
Florist, Electric Service Company and Franklin's Garage.
South Boston Police investigator Lt. Rick Loftis said Day apparently
traded under the name of JAD Enterprises and had agreed to deliver
specific items, such as T-shirts, to the businesses, but never
came through with the merchandise.
Perfect weather drew record crowds to Virgilina for the 17th
Annual Virgilina Volunteer Fire Department "Summerfest"
celebration Saturday.
"We Couldn't have asked for better weather, and the crowds
were just as good as they've ever been, if not bigger," said
Waverly Morris, Virgilina VFD President.
The usually quiet Virgilina Main Street was packed to capacity
with a crowd of approximately 2,500 men , women and children eager
to watch one of the longest Summerfest parades ever.
Vintage and hotrod cars and trucks too many to count were shined
to a mirror-like finish for all to admire, and children scampered
after them in delight collecting armloads of candy.
The Beverly Hillbillies "Whee-ee Doggie", complete with
banjo-pickin' and Granny a-rockin' in her chair won first place
in the float competition, while the May Queen and King School
took second place.
Blazing color and inspirational inscriptions marked the numerous
banners carried by the first place band, 1st House of Prayer from
Clarksville.
For the second year in a row, "Gomer Pyle" impersonator
Bruce Wayne Newnam was there to help direct fire truck traffic
and delight the crowds with his big goofy grin and trademark exclamations
of "go-o-o-olly" and "Shazam!"
"We really want to thank all the local fire departments for
bringing out their apparatus and participating in the parade,"
said Morris. "We had departments from four different counties
- Halifax, Mecklenbrug, Person and Granville - bring their truck
for the parade."
Not only was the day full of fun for everyone who came to enjoy
the parade, there was also a wide variety of arts and crafts and
other items on display, and many favorite games and ride for the
children.
"And the food, don't forget that," Morris said. "There
was everything from snowcones to corn dogs if you got hungry."
As usual, the famous Virgilina VFD Brunswick stew went quickly
as did the dinner plates of barbecue and fried chicken, which
were set off perfectly with a home-made dessert prepared by numerous
ladies from the local community churches.
"We sold everything, and the proceeds were just as good as
ever," Morris remarked.
Morris said the department sold numerous raffle tickets, and Susan
Denny of Virgilina was delighted when she won the handmade Hagerstown
fether quilt.
Rachel Throckmorton of South Boston was the big money winner and
took home the $350 raffle purse, while Truett Brown of Virgilina
won $150, and Jason Williamson of Danville found himself $100
richer as one of the raffle winners.
Kathleen Davis of Oxford, Doris Averett of Virgilina, and Barbara
Holt of Cluster Springs each won two dinners at Sonic, while Jerry
Carter of Virgilina was the big door prize winner and took home
a 13-inch color T.V.
Wayne Morris of Virgilina won a flashlight, and Mary Helen Gravitt
will be cheering from the stands after winning two tickets to
a race at the South Boston Speedway.
But of course, nothing this scale is successful without lots of
hard work, Morris added.
"I sure want to thank all the sponsors, volunteers and large
number of individuals who made this Summerfest possible and successful,
and I want to thank all the fire members and honorary fire members
for their dedication. Truly, without these people, this would
not be possible," Morris said.
People began filling the streets as early as 9 a.m. to take in
the entertainment, and while the crowds slacked off slightly when
the mercury rose to the 85-degree mark, they returned in force
for the late-afternoon entertainment and street dance.
"The crowds seems to thin during the hottest part of the
day, but after they went inside and took a break, they returned,"
Morris said. "The entertainment was just great, and we want
to thank all the local bands and groups that performed throughout
the day," Morris said. "Tony and the Midnight Movers
were great, I think everybody really enjoyed them."
Driver error has been blamed in the Friday afternoon collision
that killed an High Point, N.C. woman and her infant son.
Sandy Bowen Harris, 29, and her two-year-old son, Austin Bowen
Harris, died at the scene of the 4:30 p.m. collision involving
a Halifax County School bus on U.S. 58.
According to reports, Harris had apparently reached back to tend
to her son when she rammed into the back of the school bus which
had stopped to let off students near Route 703.
The impact peeled back the roof of the Harris' Honda Accord, which
ran up under the left rear bumper of the school bus, a 1992 International.
Both the mother and the child were wearing seatbelts, investigating
Virginia State Trooper D.T. Conner said.
Jim Wagner, the Director of Transportation for the Halifax County
Public Schools, said the bus driver had just let one student off
at the Jordan Trail stop and that the child was well away from
the bus and into the driveway when the impact occurred.
None of the five children remaining on the school bus were injured,
Wagner said, however the driver of the bus, Rita F. Long, was
shaken by the incident and was taken to the Halifax Regional Emergency
Room.
Family members came to the scene to take the five children home,
according to Wagner.
This is the third fatality this school year involving directly
or indirectly a Halifax County School bus. However, none of the
accidents have been blamed on any of the bus drivers.
Teresa Hess Peregoy, age 26, of Red Oak died Wednesday, May
26, 1999.
Survivors include her husband, Beverly Peregoy Sr.; one son, Beverly
Peregoy Jr.; one sister and brother-in-law, Kristina and David
Covington; mother, Carol Arrington, all of South Boston; father,
Eddie Hess of Vernon Hill; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel
Hess of Crystal Hill and Cleo Heath of South Boston; mother and
father-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Peregoy of Red Oak; brother-in-law,
Thomas Peregoy and wife Carol of Red Oak; nephews, D.J. Covington
and Bradley Peregoy.
Funeral services for Mrs. Peregoy were held at 2 p.m. Friday,
May 28 at Wood Funeral Chapel in Chase City with Rev. Bill McEntire
and Dr. John Fariss officiating. Burial was in Public Fork Christian
Church Cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American
Diabetes Foundation.
Janice Boyd Moderelli of 1186 Salishan Drive, Halifax died
Friday, May 28, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 59
years of age at the time of her death.
Mrs. Moderelli was born September 24, 1939 in Halifax County the
daughter of Harvey Bruce Boyd and Lottie Hite Boyd and was married
to James A. 'Jim' Moderelli. She was a member of Grace Baptist
Church, and past chairman of Halifax County Salvation Army, and
was retired Fraud Investigator with the Department of Social Services
of Halifax County.
Funeral services will be held today, May 31 at 11 a.m. with Rev.
Randolph Hite officiating. Burial will follow in Grace Baptist
Church Cemetery.
Survivors of Mrs. Moderelli include her husband; her mother of
South Boston; one daughter, Sherry P. Martin of South Boston;
one son, John L. Puryear Jr. of New Bern, NC; three brothers;
Marshall Bruce Boyd of Kingsland, GA, Ray Carson Boyd of Halifax
and Horace S. Boyd of New Rochelle, NY; and four grandchildren,
Amanda L. Martin, Erin L. Martin, John L. Puryear III, and Christopher
W. Martin. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Jason Martin.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax County Cancer Association or Halifax County Salvation Army.
Harold Hagood Adams of 510 Cheverly Drive, South Boston died
Saturday, May 29, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 60
years of age at the time of his death.
Mr. Adams was born in Charlotte County on June 9, 1938 the son
of Chesley Albert Adams and Pearl Newcomb Adams and was married
to Betty C. Adams.
Survivors include his wife; one son, Roger H. Adams of Emporia;
three step-children, Leon Stanley and Christopher Powell, both
of Nathalie and Annette Watts of Roxboro, NC; four sisters, Charlotte
Thompson of Fort Mitchell, Hazel Fitz of Wylliesburg, Shirley
Scott of Drakes Branch and Mildred Mangum of South Boston; He
was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Chesley Adams
Jr.
Funeral services for Mr. Adams will be held Tuesday, June 1 at
2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Rodney Barwick
conducting the service. Burial will follow in Childrey Baptist
Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends this evening, May 31 from 7
until 8:30 at Powell Funeral Home and other times at the home.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax
County Cancer Association.
Joe Lee Meadows of 4148 East Hyco Road, South Boston died Sunday,
May 30, 1999 at Danville Regional Medical Center. He was 83 years
of age.
Mr. Meadows was born December 31, 1915 in Halifax County the son
of Watkins Meadows and Eliza T. Conner Meadows and was married
to Elize Lowery Meadows. He was a member of Shady Grove United
Methodist Church, and was a retired employee of Westinghouse.
A funeral will be held at Shady Grove United Methodist Church
Wednesday, June 2 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Don Davidson officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Mr. Meadows is survived by his wife; one son and daughter-in-law,
Watkins and Jodi Griffith Meadows of South Boston; four sisters,
Mary M. Johnson of VA Beach, Janie M. Propst of Baltimore, MD,
Bessie M. Dawson of South Boston and Mildred M. Collie of Cape
Cod, MD; one brother, Louis Meadows of Cape Cod. He was preceded
in death by one brother, H.E. Meadows.
The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home Tuesday
night from 7 until 8:00, and other times at the home.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Shady Grove
United Methodist Church Building Fund.
Lemuel Darr Shealy of Marion, SC died Saturday, May 29, 1999
at Medical University in Charleston, SC. He was 65 years of age.
Mr. Shealy was born in Camilla, GA on March 30, 1934 the son of
Lemuel Darr Shealy Sr. and Ethel Shealy and was married to Emily
T. Shealy. He was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church,
was involved in the choir, chairman of the Administrative Board
and Council on Ministries, was a lay leader, helped to get the
local YMCA established, served as United Way Chairman and Industrial
Chairman, and was involved in Dixie Youth Baseball for many years.
He also was a past member of the Jaycees and Lions Club President,
was a 100 plus gallon blood donor at the American Red Cross and
worked with JP Stevens in South Boston for 24 years, Georgia Pacific
for eight years and retired after six years at Russell Stover
in Marion, SC.
Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Abby S. Guy of Fuquay-Varina,
NC; two sons, Mike Shealy of Waynesboro and Frank Shealy of South
Boston; one sister, Peggy Tesh of Summerfield, NC and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mr. Shealy will be held Tuesday, June 1 at
2 p.m. at Main Street United Methodist Church in South Boston
with Rev. George Gravitt conducting the service. Burial will follow
in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home this evening,
May 31 from 7 until 8:30.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider South Boston/Halifax
County YMCA, and the Halifax County Rescue Squad.
Sandy Bowen Harris, 29 and Austin Bowen Harris, two, of High
Point, NC, formerly of Buffalo Junction, died Friday, May 28,
1999 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Halifax
County.
Mrs. Harris was employed by La-France Day Spa where she was a
cosmetologist. She was a graduate of Centerville Christian School
in South Boston and a graduate of Guilford Tech. Community College
with a degree in Cosmetology. She was also a member of the Moms
Club in High Point. She and Austin both attended Union Cross Baptist
Church in Kernersville.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 1 at 2 p.m. at Watkins
Cooper Lyon Funeral Chapel in Clarksville. Rev. Ralph Neal will
officiate. Burial will follow.
Mrs. Harris is survived by her husband, Craig Harris of the home;
parents, Sanford and Shirley Sadler Bowen of Buffalo Junction;
brothers, Sean Bowen of Clover and Matthew Bowen of Buffalo Junction;
her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Ada Sadler Newton of Halifax.
In addition to his father, Craig Harris, and maternal grandparents,
Austin is survived by a paternal grandmother, Doris Harris of
Danville. Mother and son were both preceded in death by grandparents,
Frank Sadler Sr., Ellis and Alma Bowen, and Frank Harris.
The family will receive friends this evening, May 31 from 7 until
9:00 at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home Chapel.