Wednesday, June 23, 2004

1,762 County Allotment Holders Are In Line For Tobacco Buyout
Four Would Receive Over $1 Million Each

Virginia would receive the fifth largest amount if proposed tobacco buyout legislation passes the Senate, according to watchdog group the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

The proposed legislation to bail out quota holders is scheduled to go before the Senate later this year for approval.

The state’s highest estimated recipient of the windfall would be Keysville resident Malcolm Bailey, who stands to receive more than $3.4 million in payments through 2009, according to the EWG website.

Halifax County’s 1,762 allotment holders and growers would receive estimated payments ranging from $1,575,807 to a few hundred dollars according to EWG.

Halifax County’s top recipients include:

•Hilton C. Hudson, Alton–$1,575,807

•George W. Farson III, Vernon Hill–$1,505,806

•Helen T. Thomasson–$1,078,263,Alton

•George Tribble, Nathalie–$1,086,961

Residents with Internet access can search the group’s website, www.ewg.org, by name, business, ZIP code and state to see the projected amounts to be received by quota holders.

The buyout legislation proposes a five-year payout of $9.6 billion. The top 1 percent of quota holders would get 27 percent of the money, the EWG said in a report.

Backers of the buyout called the report an attempt to undermine the legislation. They said payouts are fair because they are based on quota — the amount of leaf the holder is permitted to sell in a year.

Virginia Congressman Virgil Goode–(R)Fifth District, said that he thinks the buyout will be “a tremendous shot in the arm for southside Virginia, as well as other tobacco-growing regions.”

“It’s a plus for the economy of our region, and our region has seen a decline in tobacco purchases as well as the textile industry,” said Goode. “I think the growers and quota holders who didn’t get anything out of the last federal cigarette tax increase should be entitled to some of the tax money they’ve generated for federal, state and local government.”

The report by Washington-based EWG said 4,435 recipients would collect more than $2.6 billion, an average of $591,212 apiece over five years. It said 462 individuals, companies or estates would get more than $1 million apiece.
Topping the list would be Barnes Farming Corp. of Spring Hope, N.C., which would be in line for nearly $8.1 million over five years.

The second-largest payment — $7.4 million — would go to Bobby Wetherington, a farmer in Hahira, Ga. His son said the money would be used to pay off farm debts.

‘‘There would be no windfall for us,’’ Fred Wetherington said.

The report said 7,818 estates stand to collect an estimated $172 million for quota passed on as inheritance. Twenty-three estates would receive more than $500,000 apiece, it said.

Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, said the analysis was aimed at fostering debate about the buyout in the Senate. He said the study showed the proposed buyout would result in ‘‘a tremendous windfall for a relatively small number of beneficiaries.’’

‘‘If we’re trying to provide support to communities that are taking a hit because the tobacco economy has undergone such change, surely this isn’t the best we can do,’’ Cook said.

The bottom 80 percent of quota holders and farmers — nearly 355,000 recipients — would divide $1.9 billion, with average payments of $5,389 over five years, the report said. Nearly two-thirds would collect $2,000 a year or less, and the bottom 43,929 would take in $1,000 or less over five years, the report said.

North Carolina would be the biggest beneficiary, taking in $3.8 billion, or 40 percent, of the payouts, the report said.

Kentucky would follow with $2.3 billion, it estimated. Tennessee would rank third with $782.2 million, followed by South Carolina, $718.3 million; Virginia, $679.2 million; Georgia, $642.3 million, and Florida, $154.5 million. Kentucky would have 151,434 recipients — more than any other state.

EWG’s findings were based on a computer analysis of the tobacco buyout, which passed the House last week as part of a larger measure that would rewrite the nation’s corporate tax code. The buyout would pay tobacco farmers to give up their Depression-era government price supports.

The group used U.S. Department of Agriculture data to compile the report.
It estimated that 436,719 quota holders would be eligible to share in the buyout. Recipients live in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, though tobacco is grown under quota in only 21 states, the report said.

Under the House proposal, the average payment would total $21,982, or $4,396 over five years, it said.

‘‘The overwhelming majority of the buyout, however, will go to a small fraction of the recipients who control most of the tobacco quota,’’ the report said.

The top 10 percent of recipients would receive 67 percent of the total buyout, it said. Those 44,359 recipients would share more than $6.4 billion, averaging $144,414 each over five years.

Eighty percent of the buyout funds would be divided among the top 20 percent — 88,718 beneficiaries in all, it said.

Courage, Faith & Commitment
W.R. Snead Returns To Normandy

Ste. Mere Eglise, Bayeux, Omaha Beach, the names still fill the hearts and memories of soldiers who came ashore on the Normandy coast on June 6, 1944.

But, the memory that D-Day veteran W.R. Snead will cherish most is the overwhelming gratitude, kindness and accommodation shown him and the rest of the vets and their families by the French people.

Snead, a retired South Boston contractor, made a third sojourn to Normandy on the 60th anniversary of the invasion, accompanied by members of his family.

What he saw and what he experienced could fill volumes, as he and fellow veterans were once again honored for their heroic sacrifice to save a nation most had never seen before, except in history books.

"I can't tell you how nice the French people were," he emphasized.

They have nothing but nice things to say about America," said Snead, adding they understand what America is doing in Iraq.

"They know what it's like to be in bondage and to be set free...a lot of the criticism has come from the French government."

D-Day was not very kind to W.R. Snead, who came ashore that day as part of the Fifth Brigade Amphibious Engineers attached to the 29th Infantry Division.
"The water was rough, my supply ship collided with another ship and sank-we had to transfer our equipment," Snead recalled.

"I got on an LST (Landing Ship/Tank) and then came ashore on a Higgins boat with about 30 other men.

Just as recent movies and veterans have portrayed it, the landing was both chaotic and horrific.

"The water was rough all day, and just about everybody was dropped off in deep water.

"I was carrying about 60 pounds of equipment, a .50 caliber machine gun barrel and a .30 caliber carbine, my personal weapon.

"I went under about five feet of water and somehow came back up," he said.
A lot of soldiers weren't so lucky and drowned before they could land, according to Snead.

"The beach is steep and we would not have made it had we come in on anything but high tide," he said.

Snead and his unit went on to build roads and supply the front lines with ammunition, gasoline, food and clothing, as the Allies marched toward final victory.

The anniversary celebration had several highlights, one a ceremony featuring several dignitaries, including President George W. Bush and French President Jacques Cherac, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Director Condeleezza Rice.

Snead himself received a Medal of Commendation from the Mayor of Bayeux, a town near Omaha Beach, and also an American flag and Certificate of Appreciation from Congressman Virgil Goode.

The later was presented to Snead by his family at Omaha Beach.

Still, it was the unrehearsed and sincere actions of individual French persons which Snead recalled most.

"A young Frenchman saw us on the beach, came up and asked about my dad," said W.R. Snead's son, Bill Snead.

"When told he was a D-Day veteran, he wept uncontrollably and was finally able to thank my dad for the part he played in giving him his freedom.

"He told us his great uncle was in the French resistance, and his uncle had told him about what the Americans did to liberate them."

Another man in a small restaurant in LaHaye de Pruit told the two Sneads he didn't want the French people to ever forget what America did for them.

W.R. Snead also met two Dutchmen who came from Holland to meet the vets driving a restored Army "deuce and a half," the renowned transport truck that was a familiar sight in World War II newsreels.

"They still are a familiar sight, and there are a lot of restored World War II American military vehicles in use today," said Bill Snead.

Perhaps the most poignant of the expressions of gratitude shown the Sneads was that of a Bayeux family, Christian and Mieke Braconnier, who invited W.R. Snead and party to their home for coffee and dessert.

"He asked me what I thought of (President) Bush," said Bill Snead.

"Before I answered, he said it would make no difference how I answered, we were still friends.

"I told him I supported Bush, and he answered 'no problem for me, I support him, too.'"

It took a long time for many veterans to talk candidly of their experience during the war, including W.R. Snead who tried, in his words, to "blot" out the horrific scenes of carnage and bloodshed.

"I didn't even talk about my war experiences with my wife for 35 years following the war," he said.

"I tried to blot it out."

Bill Snead was unaware his dad was at Omaha Beach until over a decade ago.

"I didn't know until 1991 that my dad was at Omaha Beach," he said.

"I knew he was in World War II and that he was in France, but he didn't tell us (family) about D-Day," he added.

The Sneads were witness to several celebrations throughout Normandy, each one coinciding with each town's day of liberation as the Allies marched toward Paris.

"The Bayeux celebration was in the town square and featured a lot of singing by young people," recalled Bill Snead.

"Most all the songs were in French, but they had a childrens choir which had some American children, and the only song it sang in English was "God Bless America."

"When they finished singing, I thought the crowd would never stop clapping...it was one of the highlights of our trip."

An assignment to a gruesome task following the June 6 landing gave W.R. Snead the faith he needed to continue.

Snead was assigned to a burial detail, with the unenviable job of helping bury the dead along the beaches, many near where they fell.

Snead and others assigned to the burial detail had to begin gathering their fallen comrades because some further out were beginning to be carried away by the tide.

Snead remembers collecting men who died above the high water mark, those who knew they were badly wounded.

They had in their hands pictures of loved ones they wanted to look at one last time, and possibly they were hoping to see them if they ever got off the beach, according to Snead.

Some had crucifixes in their hands hoping to be right before God, and others had Bibles.

How Snead made it through D-Day, its aftermath and the remainder of the war was a testament to his courage, commitment and faith, something he shared with noted film director Stephen Spielberg during the 60th Anniversary commemoration.

"I told him (Spielberg) that I made a commitment to God that if I made it back, I'd give my life to the Lord," said Snead.

"It was by the grace of God that I returned."

"You came back home and planted some seeds, and they all came out good...there were so many sacrifices made by so many for their families," Spielberg told Snead.

What Snead told Spielberg moved the director of "Saving Private Ryan" so deeply that he relayed it later to host Tim Russert on the television program, "Meet the Press."

A lot of soldiers weren't as fortunate as Snead, including a good friend he met while in the service.

"The International Ceremony was June 6 at the cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach," recalled Snead.

"My best buddy, Robert William Snell from West Virginia is buried there. I took basic training with him at Camp Shanks, N.Y.

"He died on June 11. Somehow we got split up and I found out the next morning he got killed.

"I give credit to God for making it back," said Snead. "I've got four nice kids, and he didn't have the chance like so many others."

Traveling with W.R. Snead to Omaha were sons Bill and Jimmie Snead and their wives, Linda and Cheryl.

Daughters Carolyn Bransby and Joanne Woodruff, along with grandchildren Annie and James Snead and Amanda Bransby, also made the trip.

Bill Snead said it was an honor to be at Omaha Beach with his father to celebrate and commemorate one of the turning points of the 20th century.

"It was really an honor for me to be there, and especially for me to be with my father at the very place he fought for freedom," said Bill Snead.

"I encourage other children of veterans to make the trip if it's possible, and if I can help them make the trip any easier, I would be glad to help.

"You can't describe what it's like..."

Neither could his father, and W.R. Snead continues to count his blessings.

Demolition Of Bridge To Begin Today
VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet: This Matter Is Closed

Virginia State Police were posted at both entrances to Clarkton Bridge yesterday in anticipation of protests of today's planned demolition.

In a response to the passing of a resolution by the Halifax County Board of Supervisors supporting Clarkton Bridge Monday night, VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet suggested yesterday that the move is too little, too late.

"I have concluded decisively that the Clarkton Bridge must be removed... This decision to remove the bridge is final. The decision will not be revoked or reconsidered," Shucet wrote. "The matter is closed."

Demolition is scheduled to begin this morning, according to VDOT Resident Engineer Joe Barkley.

"We're scheduled to begin work Wednesday, weather permitting," Barkley said Monday. "We'll start with initial work at the site for two to three weeks removing the deck boards from the Halifax County side working toward the Charlotte County side."

A second crew will come in at a later date and finish the deck work and start removing the approach spans on the Charlotte County side, he added.
Ellen Qualls, a spokesperson for Gov. Mark Warner, said yesterday that the governor intended to stand behind Shucet's decision.

"The governor is not going to question VDOT's engineering analysis of the bridge," she said.

Qualls said that while rural tourism means maintaining the rural fabric of an area, safety issues had to come first.

"The VDOT commissioner indicates this is a matter of grave danger and I think it's valid to say the bridge could last several decades more or it could collapse tomorrow," she said. "The governor isn't going to question that analysis."

Supervisors agreed Monday night to allocate up to $20,000 in a last-minute effort to support the saving of Clarkton Bridge.

On a motion by Supervisor R.E. "Dickie" Abbott and with a second by Supervisor Lottie Nunn, the Board unanimously agreed to match up to $20,000 from Charlotte County toward the creation of an authority for the preservation of the bridge.

In the resolution, the Board said they support the creation of the authority.
"The Board of Supervisors does support the creation of such authority on a joint basis with Charlotte County, which proposal is to be deliberated over the next (45) days, if such reprieve is granted by the Virginia Department of Transportation," the resolution reads in part.

The move came following a last-minute request by former Del. W.W. "Ted" Bennett to address the Board on the issue.

After thanking the Board for its continued support of the bridge, Bennett requested the Board support the June 17 resolution to form the authority from the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority.

"We've probably come down to the witching hour on the survival of the bridge," he said. "In spite of your support and the efforts of a host of people from this county, there are those who don't understand that tourism can contribute to the economy.

"We have to raise ourselves up by our bootstraps," Bennett added. "We'd like for you to support the resolution adopted by the IDA last Thursday."

The Halifax attorney said that the support of the Board could make a difference in saving the bridge.

"I don't know whether or not we can stop the move to demolish the bridge," he said. "But without your support, it will be very difficult to do so."

Bridge advocate and IDA member Jack Dunavant said the creation of the authority could play a major role in saving the bridge.

He added that if approached properly, no funds would be necessary from the county to operate and oversee the bridge.

"I would hope that you would join us tonight by passing a resolution of support of partnering with Charlotte (County) to set up an authority that would have the ability to save the bridge.

Legion Post 8 Falls To Lynchburg
The Team Will Be Looking To Snap A Two-Game Losing Streak Tonight Against Big Island

By JOE CHANDLER | G-V Staff Writer

To say this is a big week for the South Boston American Legion Post 8 baseball team is an understatement.

In the midst of one of the toughest weeks on its schedule, the Post 8 baseball team will be looking to snap a two-game losing streak tonight when it faces Big Island Post 217 at Jefferson Forest Middle School.

Post 8 (2-2) enters tonight's road game against Big Island seeking to rebound from a 7-2 loss here Monday night to Lynchburg Post 16.

The loss was the second in a row for Post 8 who lost a close 2-0 contest to Chatham last Thursday night in a game in which Post 8 left 12 runners stranded on the basepaths.

Monday night's game against Lynchburg Post 16, tonight's contest against Big Island and Thursday night's home contest against Danville Post 325 puts Post 8 in a series of games against what many observers say are among the better teams in the district.

Post 8 will face another tough game Saturday night when it goes up against Lynchburg Post 16, which improved its record to 3-1 with Monday's win, on the road in a rematch from Monday night's contest.

In order to be effective in this series of contests, Post 8's bats will need to become a little more lively.

South Boston scratched up only five hits in Monday night's 7-2 loss to Lynchburg, two of which came in the bottom of the fifth inning when Post 8 scored its two runs and turned a five-run deficit into a two-run contest that ultimately ended in the five-run loss.

Dion Ferrell, Justin Armistead, Robert Carter, Blake Waller and Carlton Wazeka each had a hit for Post 8 in the contest.

Lynchburg, on the other hand, had 10 hits in the contest, getting six hits off of Post 8 starting pitcher Tyler Clarke through seven innings and belting four hits off of relief hurler Justin Worsham in the final two frames.

South Boston found itself trailing early as Lynchburg, with the help of three hits and a walk from Clarke, broke on top 2-0 in the top of the first inning.

Post 16's J.D. Davis and Luke Padgett singled and scored on a hit from Ricky Read.

Lynchburg added two more runs in the top of the second inning after Aaron Read singled, moved to second base on a passed ball and scored when Jared Bolden reached base on an error.

A sacrifice fly to centerfield by Davis scored Bolden to put Post 16 up 4-0.
Lynchburg padded its lead to 5-0 on a solo homer by Padgett in the top of the fifth inning.

Post 8 came alive after Davis went to the mound to relieve starter Ben Hildreth to start the bottom of the fifth inning.

Bobby Owens walked with one out, stole second base and moved to third base when Ferrell singled. Ferrell stole second base to put runners on second base and third base.

A single by Armistead plated Owens for Post 8's first run and moved Ferrell to third base. Armistead stole second base to put two Post 8 runners ins coring position.

Ferrell scored when Carter grounded out to the shortstop for the second out of the inning to make it a 5-2 score.

The inning ended when David Lacks went down on a called third strike.

Lynchburg regained a portion of its early five-run lead by scoring a run in the top of the seventh inning to make it a 6-2 score.

Padgett came up with a two-out single, stole second base and scored when R. Read reached base on an error.

Lynchburg scored its final run when Bolden, a standout for E.C. Glass, opened the top of the ninth inning with a double off of Worsham and scored on a single by R. Read.

Post 8 had hits early in the game but were unable to capitalize on the opportunities they presented.

South Boston got a single from Carter in the first inning, a single from Wazeka in the second inning and a single from Waller in the fourth inning.

All three hits came with two out in the inning and Post 8 found itself unable to move the runners once they got on base.

The situation was the same when Armistead got on base with a walk in the third inning.

Post 8 got no more hits in the contest after scoring its two runs in the fifth inning.

South Boston's defensive play continued to be solid with the help of a trio of outstanding plays.

Ferrell made two of them, jumping up over the centerfield fence to rob Davis of what looked like a certain home run in the top of the second inning and making a diving catch of a difficult fly ball the next inning.

Clarke and Lacks, the first baseman, teamed up to make another good play that one in the top of the fifth inning.

The Post 8 hurler knocked down a ball hit up the middle by Davis, hit the ground, picked up the ball and, while falling backward, threw a strike to a long-stretching Lacks at first base to get the out by a half a step.

Obituaries

James Logan Canada

James Logan Canada, 81, of 3147 Tim Snow Road, Nathalie, died June 19 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mr. Canada was born in Halifax County on August 5, 1922, the son of the late Joe Canada and Cressy Coleman Canada, and was married to the late Elizabeth Williams Canada. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Catherine Farrar of Nathalie; one son-in-law, Wayne Farrar; two sisters-in-law, Eva Canada and Rosetta Canada, both of South Boston; three nieces, Josephine Coleman of Red House, Vivan Martin of Halifax and Edith Jennings.

Mr. Canada was preceded in death by two brothers, Allen and Joseph Canada.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow, June 24, at noon at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with the Rev. James E. Traynham officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday.

Ruth Edmonds Gibson

Ruth Edmonds Gibson, 61, of Ringgold died June 21 in Danville Regional Medical Center.

Born October 29, 1942, in Haymarket, she was the daughter of the late Willie Edmonds and the late Mae McKintosh Edmonds, and was married to Otis Miles Gibson Sr., who survives.

Mrs. Gibson was a member of Williamson Memorial Presbyterian Church.
In addition to her husband, survivors include three daughters, Sharon Gibson Kowitz of Cary, N.C., Penny Gibson Walters and Janice Gibson Rinker, both of Ringgold; one son, Otis Miles Gibson Jr. of Stokesdale, N.C.; one brother, Otis A. Edmonds of Roanoke; two sisters, Nancy E. Maine and Nellie Jean E. Weathers, both of Stafford; seven grandchildren, Mark Alan Walters, Matthew Aaron Walters, Jennifer Nichole Kowitz, Austin Richard Kowitz, Miles Cross Gibson, Bailey Hinks Rinker and Nolan Heath Rinker.

Mrs. Gibson was preceded in death by one infant son, her parents, three sisters and two brothers.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. today, June 23 at the Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel with the Rev. Phillip Pogue officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Burial Park.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Ringgold Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 10, Ringgold, 24586.

Edith Rae Leach

Edith Rae Leach, 81, of Flowery Branch, Ga., died June 17. She worked with the Federal Government in Atlanta, Ga., and was a volunteer at South Fulton Hospital.

Survivors include one daughter, Shelia Stubben of Flowery Branch; one son, Greg Leach and wife, Kay, of Flowery Branch; one sister, Katherine Bell of Danville; and her grandchildren, Jennifer Leach, Cody Stubben and Alec Ratterree.

Funeral services for Mrs. Leach will be held today, June 23 at 3:45 p.m. at Perkerson Baptist Church in Atlanta. The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 p.m. at the church.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 26, at 11 a.m. at Crystal Hill Southern Baptist Church with the Rev. Ed Griffin conducting the service. Burial of cremains will follow in the church cemetery in Crystal Hill.

Ola Mae Holder Nunn

Ola Mae Holder Nunn, of 1099 Aarons Creek Road, Virgilina, died June 18 at The Woodview Nursing Home in South Boston.

Mrs. Nunn was 85 years old at the time of her death.

Born April 26, 1919, in Amelia, Va., Ola Mae Holder Nunn was the daughter of the late Almedia Vaughn and Joseph Monroe Holder, and the wife of the late Cabble Willie Nunn Sr.

She is survived by one son, C.W. (Janet E.) of Lynchburg; one daughter, Joanne N. Satterfield of Fairfax; two sisters, Stella L. Phelps of Crownsville, Md., and Rose H. Dodson (Waldo) of Sanford, N.C.; two brothers, Jesse J. Holder (Onis) and Guy S. Holder (Sarah) of Richmond; three grandchildren, Craig W. (Ellen) of Charlotte, N.C., Daniel E. of Seattle, Wa., and Amanda B. of Lynchburg.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, June 25, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home, and other times at the residence.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at Aaron’s Creek Baptist Church, with interment in the church cemetery.

A reception will follow in the Community House nearby.

The Rev. Bill McEntire and the Rev. Richard Cooke will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to Aaron’s Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 1066 Aaron’s Creek Road, Virgilina, 24598, or Treasurer, Midway Volunteer Fire Department, 1116 Siesta Lane, Virgilina, Va., 24598.

James Bernice Poole Sr.

James Bernice 'Dick' Poole Sr., 72, of Roxboro, N.C., died June 21 in Person County Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Poole was a native of Person County, the son of the late Willie Bruce 'Buck' and Lillie Thomas Poole. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict, a retired farmer and warehouseman, and a member of Olive Branch Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, trustee, and usher.

Survivors include his wife of the home; five sons, Bruce B. Poole of Okla., James B. 'Bernie' Poole, Barney L. Poole Jr., Barry G. Poole and Mark A. Poole, all of Roxboro; one daughter, Patricia P. Yarboro of Roxboro; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mr. Poole will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow, June 24, in Olive Branch Baptist Church by the Revs. Victor Blackwell and Tommy Roberson.

The family will receive friends this evening, June 21, from 7 until 9 at the church, and other times at the home, 5116 Dirgie Mine Road, Roxboro.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Olive Branch Baptist Church, 7588 Dirgie Mine Road, Roxboro, 27574.