Hard times continue to hit home in Halifax County with announced layoffs this week at RTP Company and International Industrial Fan, Inc., two manufacturers that began operations in 1984 and are located within sight of one another on Green's Folly Road.
At RTP, 35 employees were handed pink slips and given no indication when, of if, they might return to their jobs.
Since early 2001, the thermoplastics producer's work force of just under 100 persons has dwindled to less than 20.
RTP is an independent specialty compounder of thermoplastics serving the transportation, business, appliance, electronics and industrial markets. With headquarters in Winona, Minn., RTP has other manufactuing facilities located in Texas, Nevada, Indiana and Beaune, France.
It also plans to open a new production facility in Singapore soon.
RTP Plant Manager Alain Creissen denied that operations at the South Boston plant had ceased but sources say that no more than seven production workers remain on the job.
Creissen blamed the layoffs on the economic slowdown that has affected the global marketplace. "I hope things will pick up soon," said Creissen.
Corporate officials in Minneapolis declined to comment on the layoffs but sources say that displaced workers in South Boston lost their benefits including health insurance and received no severance pay.
Fan Producer Cuts Staff
International Industrial Fan's work force of approximately 40 persons was reduced by approximately one half that total yesterday.
Morton Simon, president of the family-owned company that he founded in 1959, acknowledged that he was in negotiations with unnamed persons to form a partnership that would, hopefully, insure the continued operation of the company.
Industrial Fan advertises that it is a leader in centrifugal fan manufacturing. Fans produced at its facility located just off Green's Folly Road are used for process cooling and drying, material and oven exhaust, pneumatic conveying, material handling and forced and induced draft.
Industrial Fan most recently designed, produced and marketed conversion heat exchangers for bulk tobacco curing barns.
Simon did say that those employees who were laid off would continue to receive health insurance benefits. He did not, however, say for how long.
William E. Confroy, executive director for the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority, sees this week's layoffs as part of a "real transition in manufacturing" in the community that boasts a near 40 percent manufacturing employment base.
"We're going to feel the brunt of this slowdown more than anyone else," said Confroy. On a somewhat positive note, however, Confroy said that the downsizing by some industrial employers should improve the existing pool of available workers.

A legal dispute that began in 1994 between developers of a residential subdivision known as Waddell Woods and the Town of South Boston has been settled. It was scheduled to go to trial June 21.
In a joint announcement this week, the two parties reached what was described as an "amicable solution" to the Waddell Woods subdivision development issue.
Terms of the settlement require the Town of South Boston fully reimburse Waddell Woods L.L.C. $172,633 that the developer invested in the development of water and sewer facilities to the subdivision when the infrastructure of Phase I (21 lots) is completed and at least three houses are under construction.
Under the settlement terms, the developer is guaranteed reimbursement of $60,000 within 10 years irrespective of Waddell Woods development.
If Phase I or Phase II is not completed, minimum payments of $10,000 would be made each June starting 2002 and ending 2006 for a total of $50,000.
If neither Phase I or II is still not completed, beginning in 2007, the minimum annual payment would be reduced to $2,000 and would continue each June through 2011 for a total of $60,000.
Streets in the subdivision, if built to state highway specifications, will be maintained by the town once eligible. South Boston will not provide any additional financial assistance to Waddell Woods.
The subdivision contains 76 lots and consists of over 126 acres in the northeast quadrant of South Boston that fronts on Dan River Church Road.
In a joint press release, the two parties stated that they are "gratified that the Waddell Woods subdivision will be able to move forward" and thereby provide another quality residential subdivision for the community.
"The town's investment in the economic development of water and sewer service in the Waddell Woods area will be returned through increased real estate values for the area at large," Town Manager Ted Daniel stated.
"By taking an economic development and cost recover approach to the Waddell Woods off-site water and sewer improvements, the town is able to provide the developer with reasonable assurances of cost reimbursement that the previous off-site surcharge procedure could not," said Daniel.
The settlement also requires that Otis Rose, owner of the only house ever built in Waddell Woods, be refunded $1,500 he was previously assessed based on prior agreements.
A lawsuit filed in Halifax County Circuit Court by Waddell Woods L.L.C. sought to recover $750,000 in compensatory damages from the town. Waddell Woods principals include banker/developer Worth H. Carter Jr. of Martinsville and George H. Shields Jr., a Danville businessman/developer.

It started as a Halifax bruhaha but closed - minus a significant number of angry departees - as a productive town meeting.
At the close of the two hour and 30-minute session Tuesday night, a proposed five-cent real estate tax increase was taken off the budget table, as well as a series of capital improvement projects.
Council, with public input, tackled the proposed capital projects section of the budget, deciding to cut a back-hoe at $58,000, delete a water line expansion proposal for $40,000 and a $15,000 wheel trash can proposal and drop the garbage truck proposal from $72,000 to $50,000.
A proposed $12 monthly trash pick-up fee had been deleted from budget consideration prior to the Tuesday meeting.
Only the proposed water/sewer rate increases of 65 percent and 35 percent respectively remained on the proposed budget agenda.
Take the tax increase out and balance the water/sewer budget as required, noted Greene.
"That is a must. We cannot subsidize the water/sewer anymore," said Councilman Buddy Guthrie.
A public hearing to receive comment on the FY 2001-2002 budget is scheduled Saturday, June 23, at 9 a.m. in Town Hall on Main Street.
A 9 a.m. Saturday, June 30, council session is scheduled to adopt the budget, as council races to meet the July 1 state schedule deadline.
Residents turned out about 40 strong Tuesday night to comment on the proposed budget, one advertised as hiking real estate rates from 22 cents per $100 assessed value to 27 cents and one substantially increasing the water/sewer rate hikes.
Citizens came armed with questions and suggestions, all unleashed during the dialogue following a budget status presentation by R. Reynolds, town finance director.
Reynolds told citizens that the water/sewer fund had been running at a deficit from 1996 to present, and projected a $148,724 deficit for the 2001-2002 budget. Overall, Reynolds said a $695,790 deficit had been racked up over the five-year period.
The deficit has been funded with General Fund monies, but Town Manager Robert Greene told the crowd that the town's reserves were growing slim and that water/sewer revenues should cover w/s costs.
"You don't have to cut the dog's tail off at one time," a citizen responded, questioning why action did not get underway five years ago.
"If you don't have the money, you don't spend it," said another Halifax resident.
Greene told the crowd that in the six-year period, the town's customer base had increased by only 14 people.
"We must change the customer base," the town manager said. "The only salvation is economy of scale. The more customers we can get online, the more figures stabilize and come down."
A new area for affordable housing is expected to open for development off of Crawford Road, Greene said, one which would increase the w/s user base.
Residents particularly tackled the proposed real estate tax hike Tuesday night, as well as the water/sewer issue, the proposed $70,000 expenditure to cover salary increases, hospital insurance, VRS group life and fees for 17 town employees and proposed capital improvement projects.
"Employees have been waiting seven years to be paid what competition is paid," Greene said.
Particularly defensive, Greene said yesterday that the town's employees "have stuck with the town in good times and bad" and that he feared losing employees if the town did not get at least close to competing salaries in the area.
Public Hearing
During the first phase of the meeting, which was advertised as a public hearing, the majority of residents were seated outside the crowded council chambers.
Following the meeting, many said that it was almost impossible to hear town officials.
"The town is not in the sales business. It is in the service business and we are in the red. It is costing us more to give you water and sewer than we are getting back. Prices are going up and we have run ourselves in the hole," Mayor Dennis Osborne said.
Halifax resident Tom Rowland asked council about contacting the county to seek revenue sharing since local and state government building as well as churches account for $78,376.61 in tax exempt property in the town.
Leon Plaster, who was taken into the town during the boundary adjustment, questioned expenses and revenues.
Plaster questioned the almost $4,000 per employee salary increase, learning that the figure included salary and benefits.
"We have never had a vote and now we are going to get taxed another 30 percent," he said.
Lessie Bennett, whose home, as well as undeveloped land, was taken into the town during the recent boundary adjustment, complained bitterly, telling town officials that she did not want street lights, trash pick-up or additional police protection.
Plaster suggested town officials might contract trash pick-up rather than face a proposed capital outlay of $72,000 for a new truck, as well as the cost for employees.
Plaster said that he currently pays for private garbage pick-up at a monthly rate marginally over the town's earlier proposed $12 monthly fee.
Public comment continued until Mayor Osborne suddenly struck the gavel, declaring the public hearing over.
"I thought everyone got three minutes to talk," countered Lessie Bennett. "I signed up to speak and we didn't get to speak. How do you know what the public wants if you don't hear us? You have done this wrong as usual. We have no representative. I am annexed."
Councilman Harold Younger countered that he had heard from no one in his district about the budget proposal."
"We came for an hour and did not get to speak," Louise Watkins Moore said.
Bennett told councilmen that she was paying $2,000 in taxes yearly. "I have gotten nothing from that," she said.
Describing the town as pitiful, with no parks and tacky looking , Bennett said that she had called to ask if the town wanted to work with her on some land that she owned for a park, but she said that she was told there was no money for parks.
Showing interest in a park, Councilman Younger explained to Bennett that people "have been begging" for sidewalks." For council, he said that it was a matter of priorities.
Councilman Jack Dunavant urged those who were unhappy with the boundary adjustment to move forward in a positive fashion.
Yesterday, Dunavant said that council was unaware public discussion would be cut off Tuesday night.
During the Tuesday night session, he welcomed residents.
"We have public hearings and no one comes. It has mystified me," he said.
"I appreciate everyone coming and I wish that you had come last year and hope that you can come the next time."
With the public hearing closed, council took a short break before moving chairs to the main lobby to continue their regular business session.
However, at least half the residents had departed, thinking that the public agenda was closed.
During the regular session, councilman - taking residents' questions and suggestions - tackled a new budget for advertisement and public hearing.

Suspected drug dealer, Levi A. Reaves, a.k.a. "Grim," 36, of Pittsylvania County, was arrested Tuesday by the Halifax/South Boston Regional Narcotic Enforcement Task Force on charges of distribution and conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.
Reaves' arrest was the result of a year-long investigation which led to an indictment handed down by the federal court, according to Major R. S. B. Pulliam, coordinator of the Task Force.
The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration, Danville Police Department and the United States Attorney's Office as well as the Halifax/South Boston Task Force, Pulliam said.
According to Pulliam, the investigation revealed suspected drug dealers in Halifax County buying large amounts of crack cocaine from suspected drug dealers in Danville.
Reaves was transported to Roanoke where he will appear before a federal magistrate.
If convicted, Reaves could face 10 years to life in prison.
Assisting the Task Force in the investigation were the South Boston Police, Halifax County Sheriff's Office, Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Virginia State Police.
· William Bradshaw Fincher, 20, of Jeffress Street in South Boston, was arrested Tuesday by the Task force on charges of attempting to intimidate or impede a witness by threats of bodily harm and one count of assault and battery.
The alleged offenses occurred on Sunday.
Fincher is currently being held in Halifax Regional Jail under a $10,000 secured bond.
· Also arrested was Travis Monroe Abbitt, 20, of Friend Avenue in South Boston, who was charged with assault and battery in the related incident involving Fincher on Sunday.
Abbitt was released under a $1,000 unsecured bond.

A light statewide turnout completed the Democratic ticket Tuesday, giving Richmond Mayor Timothy M. Kaine the nomination for lieutenant governor and Henrico County Del. Donald McEachin the nod for attorney general.
The two nominees join Northern Virginia businessman Mark Warner, who was unopposed in his gubernatorial bid.
About 160,000 voters statewide and 935 of Halifax County's 19,907 registered voters cast a ballot in the Tuesday primary, which was open to all registered voters.
Locally, the attorney general's race drew the most votes with 914 cast, according to Halifax County Registrar Judy Meeler. Voting officials noted that some voters obviously cast a ballot for only one person although two posts were at stake.
In the race for the nomination for lieutenant general, Halifax County voters gave Kaine 362 votes; Diamonstein, 206; and Del. Jerrauld C. Jones, 213.
In the race for the attorney general's post, Danville legislator Whitt Clement received 393 votes; McEachin, 405; Sylvia Clute, 13; J.S. Edwards, 103.
In the November General Election the Democrats will face a GOP ticket headed by gubernatorial nominee Mark L. Earley; Jay Katzen, lieutenant governor; Jerry Kilgore, attorney general.

If you look at the turf on the Tuck Dillard Stadium football field today you will swear you are staring at a barren, drought-ravaged desert-like area.
The ground is a stark brown.
Small sagebrush-like vegetation dots the length of the field.
Tuck Dillard Stadium's green grass is gone.
However, it's only temporary.
By the time the Halifax County High School varsity football team steps onto the field August 31 for its home opener against Bluestone, the field will have a lush Bermuda turf with a rich green color.
"That's what we're hoping for," said Halifax County High School head varsity football coach James Hodges.
"We've got a lot of work to do between now and then."
Russ Baucom, a specialist with Carolina Green of Indian Trail, N.C., completed the task of sprigging the field yesterday.
Baucom, whose firm specializes in renovations and construction of athletic fields and stadium fields, sprigged the field with Vamont Bermuda grass, a sturdy variety of the Bermuda grass family.
Work began Thursday with the preliminary work of topdressing the field which included an application of 100 tons of sand.
The actual sprigging process began early yesterday morning and, by mid-day, Baucom finished the job of applying 1,200 bushels of Vamont Bermuda grass.
Hodges and Baucom said yesterday that the first signs of the new turf should start appearing in about three or four weeks.
"In eight weeks, it ought to be coming along real well," said Baucom.
"By between eight to 12 weeks, the field should be fully covered."
The project to renovate and recondition the Tuck Dillard Stadium field will cost somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000.
Hodges said that the school and the Football Booster Club were going to take care of the tab.
He said he hopes that the high school soccer booster clubs will chip in some money for the work since four soccer teams use the field during the spring.
"The field really takes a beating in the spring with four teams using it," Hodges said.
"They put a lot of wear and tear on the field."
Right now though, Hodges' job is to help nurse the new growth along.
"We've got a lot of work ahead of us the next three weeks keeping water on the field," Hodges pointed out.
"We have to constantly keep water on it."
The booster club is also planning to purchase a reel mower to use to cut the grass.
"That's the type of mower you need to need to use on this type of field," Hodges said.
"That should help us do a better job of maintaining the field."
In a few weeks, Tuck Dillard Stadium should look like its old self again - and even better.
"I remember how this field used to be immaculate," Hodges said as he gazed across it.
"We want to get it back in good shape again."

Frances Clardy Beard, 91, of South Boston, died June 13 at Twin Oaks Nursing Home
Mrs. Beard was born in Halifax County on December 27, 1909, the daughter of Frank Clardy and Molly Anderson Clardy and was married to Forest Lee Beard. She was a member of Oak Level Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Marguerite Womack of Vernon Hill, one son, William Leedell Beard of Halifax; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Nannie Clardy of Halifax. She was preceded in death by one son, Douglas McArthur Beard and one grandson, Danny William Beard.Funeral services for Mrs. Beard will be held today, June 15 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Coy Terry conducting the service. Burial will take place in Halifax Memorial Gardens.

Robert Lee Ferrell Sr., 72, of South Boston, died June 13 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Ferrell was born in Halifax County on May 29, 1929, the son of the late Sallie Ferrell. He was married to Theresa Coleman Ferrell and was a member of St. Matthew Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Celie Roberts and Sally Ferrell, both of Richmond and Georgia Bailey of South Boston; four sons, Robert Ferrell Jr., Joseph Ferrell, Phillip Ferrell, and Steven Ferrell, all of Greensboro, NC; 12 grandchildren; two sisters, Rosa Wynn and Florine Ferrell, both of Richmond.
Funeral services for Mr. Ferrell will be held June 17 at 3 p.m. at St. Matthew Baptist Church with the Rev. Whitfield Scott officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home, 19B Cavalier Apartments, South Boston.

Joseph 'Joe' C. DeJarnette, 77, of Naruna died June 9 in Naruna.
He is survived by his wife, Helen DeJarnette of the home; two sisters, Irene Bailey and Nannie Augusta Johnson, both of Richmond; one brother, James Sullivan DeJarnette of Wilmington, Del.; two brothers-in-law, Herbert and Douglas Maddox; and two sisters-in-law, Agnes and Leola DeJarnette.
Funeral services will be held June 16 at 2 p.m. at Evergreen Baptist Church in Naruna with burial in the church cemetery.The family will receive friends this evening, June 15, from 7:00 to 8:30, at the chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home, Brookneal.