Wednesday, May 5, 2004

The Votes Are In
Former Assistant Superintendent Morris Bryant Gets Strong SoBo Voter Support

When the votes were counted, the current vice-mayor of South Boston learned he will take over the reins as mayor of the town on July 1.

First appointed to South Boston Town Council in 2000, Carroll Thackston was elected to fill the seat of retiring Mayor Glen Abernathy during yesterday's municipal elections.

Thackston, who ran unopposed for the seat, received the nod of the voters with 513 votes.

The vice-mayor was originally appointed to fill the seat vacated by C.W. "Corky" Rorrer, who was elected to the Halifax County Board of Supervisors.

With the re-election bids of Councilmen Coleman Speece and Chris Elliott and Thackston's seat up for grabs, three seats were available on Council.

Speece and Elliott easily won re-election, receiving 400 and 402 votes respectively.

Former school administrator Morris Bryant received the most votes in the town's election, winning the other seat on Council with 533 votes over challenger and former School Board member Carl Furches, who received 239 votes.

In the Town of Halifax, Phillip Hollis was the big winner, receiving 157 votes in his bid for one of the two Council seats.

Political newcomer Dr. Charles Parker won the other vacant seat on Council with 137 votes.

Incumbent Sam Thompson lost his bid for re-election to his Town Council seat with 93 votes.

The final challenger for the seat, Evelyn Allocco, received 32 votes.
With the mayor's seat and five Council seats available in the Town of Scottsburg, two write-in candidates received voters' nods yesterday.

Ira R. Wilkerson II, running unopposed for the mayor's seat, won the position with 22 votes.

Two incumbents, Robert D. Elliott with 23 votes and Connie H. Glass with 22 votes, were elected to another four-year term in the town.

Newcomer James Edward Stoner Jr. will take office July 1, after winning the seat with 21 votes.

Russell Puckett, receiving 16 votes and Robert Guthrie, with 13 votes, won the write-in positions available on the Council.

With incumbent Mayor John Youngk not seeking re-election to his seat in the Town of Virgilina, Kate T. Cosner won the seat unopposed in yesterday's election with 35 votes.

Incumbents Rufus Edward Chandler Jr., with 38 votes; Mary Helen Gravitt, with 34 votes; Ralph Owen Murray Sr., with 42 votes and Thomas Keith Tuck Jr., who received 39 votes, each were elected to another four-year term on Council.

Newcomers Gayle H. Cole and Allen D. Cosner received the voters' nod with 32 votes and 31 votes respectively for the other open seats on the Council.
Lessie R. Hughes, with 29 votes, failed to win her bid for re-election to the Virgilina Council.

Halifax County Registrar Judy Meeler said yesterday that she was surprised by the light voter turnout reported in some precincts throughout the day.

"With as many contested races as we had throughout the towns, I would have thought that the voter turnout would have been heavier," she said.

At 2 p.m. yesterday, election officials in the Town of Scottsburg reported that nine people had cast their ballots.

Turnout Light For Budget Hearing
School Board Vice-Chair Questioned The Removal Of Roof Funds From Projected Budget

The only person to speak during Monday's public hearing on the proposed $52,558,986 school budget asked supervisors why they eliminated roof repair funds from the school system's proposed operating budget.

Sandra Rister, who serves as vice-chair of the School Board, questioned the reasoning behind the removal of $822,549 in proposed capital improvement funds that had been earmarked to repair the aging roofs at several county schools.

The action came as supervisors met for their regular monthly meeting at the Mary Bethune Complex in Halifax.

"The only question I have is we've been told that our roofs need fixing, so we put it in the budget," Rister said, speaking in favor of the plan. "I'd like to know why you took it out."

School system officials are requesting a $13,710,007 contribution from the county.

No other speakers came forward to address the issue.

At the conclusion of the public hearing, Finance Committee Chairman Doug Bowman told Rister that while supervisors understood the need for the capital improvements the budget under consideration is for school operations.

"We're certainly well aware of the need for roof repair," he said. "But we felt the capital improvement budget for the schools was the right place (to consider the funding).

"Hopefully, (the capital improvement budget) will include more than just roof repairs," Bowman added.

County Administrator Joe Morgan pointed out that he had spoken to school Finance Director Bill Covington and determined that the school capital budget has a surplus in excess of $1 million.

"Projections are expected to be in the neighborhood of that," Covington confirmed yesterday. "But it's hard to pin down right now exactly how much because we have some more payments due before the end of the year."

Morgan said that roof repairs will be an ongoing process over several years.
Roof improvements from this fund would be a onetime fix, Covington cautioned.

"But it's true that the school has the funds in the bank to take care of those roofs that need repair this year," Morgan said. "The good news is, for the upcoming year the money's there."

Board Chairman William Fitzgerald suggested that if the funding was available from the state, it could be added to the school's capital improvement request.

"Because an item is simply left out (of the operating budget), it doesn't necessarily mean it's final," he said. "We currently don't know how much money the state will be putting into the county."

School system officials have not yet submitted their proposed capital improvement budget to supervisors.

The operating budget is expected to be approved during supervisors' joint meeting with the towns on May 17.

King Village Trail Update

Morgan told the supervisors that efforts were underway to obtain the necessary information to determine the value of the right-of-way acquisition on King Village Trail.

The county administrator said a site review by an appraiser is scheduled by consent of the Lacy family on May 25.

"I'll also report that the King Village neighborhood have given attorney Slayton $12,600 in good faith to fund the right-of-way acquisition," he said.

Supervisors, on a motion from Tom West and with a second from James Edmunds, unanimously approved a recommendation from the Halifax County Improvement Council to schedule a June 7 public hearing on enforced cleanup of the burned buildings in the Town of Clover.

"The Council has been trying to assist the Board (of Supervisors) with pointing out property in disrepair," Morgan told the Board. "(The Halifax County Improvement) Council has reviewed the buildings and after that review, want to make a recommendation for enforced cleanup."

The county administrator told the Board that the public hearing precedes any action by the board.

"What I'd ask you for tonight is to schedule the hearing and if enforced cleanup is deemed appropriate, the Board can consider it at that time," he said.

West said that he had talked to several citizens and they were in concurrence with enforcing the cleanup of the property.

"It's an eyesore and a safety hazard," he said.

Appointments

Several appointments to the county's various boards and commissions were made during Monday's meeting, including:

• Assistant County Administrator Jerry Lovelace to an indefinite term as the alternate member for Virginia's Retreat. Lovelace was also reappointed to the Southside Planning District Commission.

• John Wayne Irby to another term on the Recreation Commission.

• Holt Edmondson to an additional term on the Transportation Safety Commission.

• Arlene Daly to the Halifax County Improvement Council from Election District #8.

• Betty Dawson to another term on the Library Board.

• On the Southside Regional Public Service Authority, Bowman was selected to be the designated alternate for Fitzgerald and Supervisor R.E. "Dickie"
Abbott was selected to be the alternate for West.

Julia Moss was requested to suggest nominees to fill Disabilities Services Board vacancies.

Other Business

In other business, Virginia Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Joe Barkley told supervisors that work was progressing on schedule on the improvements to the John Randolph Bridge.

"We're right on schedule and I think everything is going along real smooth," he said.

Barkley said the contractor has presently been paid around $8 million of a total $25 million projected cost.

Supervisors also approved a resolution authorizing the refunding of revenue bonds for Halifax Regional Hospital.

The resolution authorizes the issuance of up to $17 million in bonds.

The Board also passed a resolution recognizing the Halifax Woman's Club on their 75th anniversary.

Members of the board also ratified the engagement of Draper Aden Associates to study the feasibility of a Southside Regional Public Service Authority.

Two other items, an update on higher educational offerings and a presentation by the Halifax County Humane Society, were delayed until the May 17 joint meeting with the towns.

McDannald Construction Signs Prizery Contract
$4.4 Million Contract Will Complete Community Art Center By August 2005

The final phase of construction on The Prizery begins today as The Community Arts Foundation signs a $4.4 million contract with McDannald Construction Inc.

"The contract is not to exceed $4.4 million," said Chris Jones, The Prizery executive director. "We are continuing to work with the architect and the construction company to make sure that is an even lower number."

Jones said that McDannald Construction was chosen for the project based on several factors.

"We reviewed proposals from several companies that included fee structures, personnel and experience with historical pieces," he said. "The decision to go with McDannald was a combination of those three pieces.

"The obvious advantage is that you are working with some of the same personnel you were working with on Phase I," he added.

Phase II was initially expected to cost $4.1 million, but the rising costs of building materials led to a larger final contract, according to Jones.

"As with most construction projects, the initial estimations were done several years ago," he said. "So we are now looking to raise another $300,000."

Jones said despite the higher price tag, construction was still expected to be completed by August 1, 2005.

"There is even the potential for part of the building to come on-line sooner," he said. "We will update the community as we know better when that will happen."

Staying on schedule has been possible due to a $100,000 limited demolition contract with McDannald.

"The board voted almost two months ago to get things moving and to get the demolition done in the basement for the footings for the theater and to get some of the old rotten wood removed from the third floor to get those spaces ready for walls," said Jones. "There have been people working in the building under that contract for about two months."

Keeping to deadline is very important, according to Jones, based on the tax credits involved in funding the new community arts center.

"The tax credits dictate that construction completion is August 1, 2005," he said. "Everybody is aware of that date and aware that there is no time to waste.

"When you do something as invasive as removing the floor in a 100-year-old post and beam structure, you really need to give yourself some time to do that with a lot of thought and care," he added.

The finished portion of The Prizery will remain open for community use during Phase II construction, according to Jones.

He said there were only minor changes in the final contract for Phase II.

"The major difference is that the elevator is now being redesigned to open into both the banquet hall and the catering kitchen," he said. "That will make it very easy for caterers to work without disturbing an event.

"The elevator will also open on two sides in the art gallery so it does not intrude on public space," he added.

Attempts to limit sound to certain floors is the other major change, according to Jones.

"In a structure like this sound really voices itself throughout the building because the timbers are a conduit for the sound," he explained. "We want to able to use the banquet hall for a wedding reception at the same time we are having a lecture in the theater space.

"Because of that, sound abatement has been a huge issue."

Jones said that he is eager to see the changes that will take place in the building over the next year.

"It has been a long process getting to this point."

Comets Are Facing A Big Week
The Varsity Baseball Team Faces Key Back-To-Back District Games Against E.C. Glass And PH

By JOE CHANDLER | G-V Staff Writer

This week is a big week for the Halifax County High School varsity baseball team.

The Comets, 11-2 overall and 2-1 in Western Valley District play, are facing a critical portion of the schedule with back-to-back district games Thursday and Friday against E.C. Glass and Patrick Henry respectively.

A win in both contests is critical if the Comets are to continue to remain in contention for the Western Valley District regular-season title.

Both E.C. Glass and Patrick Henry enter this week with even 2-2 district slates.

A win over both teams will keep the Comets in second place and one game down to GW of Danville in the district standings.

However, a loss will throw the Comets into a real donnybrook and create a tense three-way battle for third place in the district standings.

If momentum means anything, the Comets will have some momentum behind them going into Thursday’s road game at E.C. Glass, a makeup game from a rainout of their previously scheduled April 30 contest.

The Comets had a good night last Friday night, downing Franklin County 8-1 here at Comets Field.

That loss kept Franklin County winless in district play and in the basement in the district standings.

Earlier last week, the Comets blasted Group AA Bassett 12-1 in a game stopped by a slaughter rule.

Halifax County High School baseball coach Kelvin Davis said his team will have to be ready to face that challenge of playing district games on back-to-back nights.

“They’re coming at Halifax and we know they will,” said Davis.

“We just have to take it one game at a time. Hopefully, we can get the best of both of them.”

Davis said he and his team realize that a win in both games will create a cushion for the Comets as they head down the stretch drive of their district schedule.

“That’s what we’re looking at,” Davis said.

“But, again, we’ve got to take it one game at a time.”

Davis said he anticipates that his team will face E.C. Glass’ ace pitcher, Jared Bolden.

Bolden has an ERA of about 1.5 runs per game and can swing the bat well.
He had two of his team’s three hits in Glass’ 2-1 win over Franklin County last Tuesday.

“The thing we have to do is get ahead of him,” Davis pointed out.

“If you can get some runs on him early, you have a chance to rattle him. Our main goal is to get some runs early.”

While the Comets have had pretty good success against the Hilltoppers in the past, Davis says the Comets will have their work cut out for them.

“They’re scrappy,” Davis said.

“I’ve always said that about E.C. Glass because they will come in and battle you all during the game.

“We’ve got to go out there and emotionally stay in the ballgame and get some runs so our pitcher can go out there and do what he does best.”

Patrick Henry, a former doormat in Western Valley District baseball, is far from having the look of a doormat this season.

The Patriots have developed into a very competitive team, a team that enters this week’s action with an even 2-2 district slate.

One factor in the Comets’ favor is the fact that they will be facing the Patriots here in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at Comets Field.

“We’ve seen a totally different PH team from the past years,” Davis pointed out.

“My hat goes off to their coaching staff. They’ve produced a competitive ballclub.”

Halifax County’s Thursday night contest against E.C. Glass will be played at 6:30 p.m. at E.C. Glass High School.

Friday’s home game against Patrick Henry will start at 5 p.m.

Obituaries

Deborah Ann Dixon

Deborah Ann Dixon, 40, of 1725 Burtis Avenue, South Boston died May 1 at her home.

Ms. Dixon was born in Baltimore, Md. on January 13, 1964, the daughter of the Rev. William McArthur Dixon and Thelma Brooks Dixon. She was a member of First Baptist Church and was employed by dollar General Distribution Center, Inc.

Survivors include one son, Omar Dixon of South Boston; her parents of South Boston; one sister, Cynthia Guthrie of Halifax; one brother, William M. Dixon Jr. of Richmond; her maternal grandparents, John and Gracie Brooks of South Boston; and her paternal grandparents, George and Dora Coleman, of Java.

Funeral services for Ms. Dixon will be held tomorrow, May 6 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church on Ferry Street with the Rev. Dr. Allen G. Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

The family is receiving friends at the home of her parents, 230 Greenfield Road, South Boston.

Lorelei A. Ingle

Lorelei A. Ingle of Gainesville, Ga. died April 26 at Lanier Park Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. May 1 at Lanier Christian Church with the Rev. David Simpson officiating. Burial followed at Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Ingle was born in Sacramento, Calif. and was preceded in death by her father, Joseph V. Adams. Her survivors include her husband, Edward C. Ingle Jr. of Gainesville; a son, Edward C. Ingle III of Gainesville; two daughters, Carla M. Ingle of Carolina Beach, N.C. and Michele L. Chambers of Dahlonega, Ga.; her mother, Mignon Adams of Sacramento; one grandson, Joshua Seth Chambers; one granddaughter, Christian Abigail Chambers, both of Dahlonega; her son-in-law, Billy Ray Chambers of Dahlonega; her son's fiance, Tammy Smith of Gainesville; daughter's fiance, Sein McCullough of Carolina Beach; and a sister-in-law, Jan Rose of South Boston.

Rebecca Ann Slagle MacDonald

Rebecca Ann Slagle MacDonald, 33, of 5033 Wolf Trap Road, Scottsburg died May 2.

She was born December 11, 1970, the daughter of William Robert 'Billy' Slagle III and Carolyn Ferguson Slagle and was married to Robert James MacDonald Jr. Mrs. MacDonald was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Virgilina American Legion Post 337.

Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Marissa Ann MacDonald of Scottsburg; one stepson, Robert James MacDonald III of Scottsburg; her parents of Cluster Springs; one brother, Bruce Slagle of Cluster Springs; two sisters, Sara Jane Allen of Halifax and Leah Brightwell of Nathalie; her maternal grandmother, Dorothy Ferguson of South Boston; her paternal great-grandmother, Annie Vera Slagle of South Boston; and two nephews, Morgon Slagle of Cluster Springs and Zack Allen of Halifax.

A graveside service for Mrs. MacDonald will be held today, May 5, at 2 p.m. at Oakland Cemetery in Scottsburg with the Revs. Mike Allen and Ricky Whitlow Jr. officiating.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Trinity Congregational Holiness Church, Cluster Springs, or a charity of your choice.