Wednesday, June 9, 2004

Supes: More Study Needed On EDA
Supervisors Want Advisory Commission Formed Before Organizing Economic Development Authority; Commission To Report In 60 Days

A move to organize a new marketing body for Halifax County was put on hold pending further study Monday night by the Halifax County Board of Supervisors.

Following a public hearing on the issue, the Board unanimously voted, on a motion by Supervisor Ronnie Vaughan, with a second by Supervisor Lottie Nunn, to form a joint body to study the matter for 60 days before making a decision.

The advisory board will be made up of representatives of the South Boston and Halifax County Industrial Development Authorities, supervisors and South Boston Town Council, according to supervisors.

During the May joint meeting between the county and towns, county Finance Committee Chair Doug Bowman presented the proposal, suggesting the new body would focus on marketing, existing business support and project management.

"This would be the sales team for Halifax County," he said, adding the new group will join forces with the Chamber of Commerce, tourism director, agricultural development director, South Boston Community Development Director and the Halifax Town Manager.

The new board would be comprised of five at-large members from the county and two at-large members from South Boston.

Bowman said the primary focus of industrial development authorities is asset ownership and business expansion financing.

"This frees up the EDA to focus on its primary focus of marketing," he said.
Bowman told the boards in May that the EDA is an idea whose time has come.

"This is an idea that I think is very timely because Riverstone is going to need ongoing maintenance and care," he said. "It seems like the best way to do that is have the county public works staff be the primary maintenance staff for county-owned assets."

The finance committed chair suggested that both the South Boston and Halifax County IDAs remain in place for asset ownership and bond purposes.
According to the proposal, the EDA will be funded for marketing related purposes, with staff support from the current county IDA staff, the South Boston Town Manager's office and the county administrator's office.

During Monday's meeting, the current IDA Chair said the group had previously supported the concept of the new body.

"This new effort could affect the future of this county," current IDA Chair John Cannon said in speaking in favor of the move. "It will serve as the primary economic development and marketing entity for the county."

The IDA chair quoted a resolution supporting the idea of the Economic Development Authority passed by his board on December 19, 2002.

"The motion was carried unanimously by the Board," he said.

But several Board members said they were against any new body being formed without discussion with the current IDA.

"About two hours ago, I was given a copy of a letter from the county lawyer concerning this matter," IDA Vice-Chair Jack Dunavant told the Board. "I'm not so sure it's a good idea or bad idea. I don't know enough about it to know how it will work."

Dunavant said he had several questions about the proposal.

"I've been on your IDA for 14 years," he said. "Why did I just get a copy of this report?

"Why the hurry?" he asked. "I'm always suspicious when someone tries to hurry a process this complicated. I'm not against it and I'm not for it, I don't have enough information."

IDA member Billy Royster said that while the concept had been endorsed in theory, no discussion had been held prior to the public hearing.

"What Mr. Cannon said is true," he said. "We did endorse the concept, but as a Board, there has been no discussions about the matter among us. At least Jack (Dunavant) got some information two hours ago. I don't have any. What's going on?"

"Let's improve what we do," IDA Board member and former Chair Carlyle Ramsey said. "But do it in a systematic, rational way with all players involved in the process. I would urge you to step back and review this."

Ramsey said he shared some concerns voiced by the other Board members.
"When we endorsed the concept in 2002, we'd employed a new executive director," he said. "The individual involved in the search process suggested maybe we'd like to do that to have flexibility. So we endorsed the concept.

"I, like other members of the Board, am mystified. The first time I heard about it was at the joint meeting when (Bowman) approached the concept. I was quite astounded that it was introduced in this matter without the discussion of the IDA Board," he said.

"It might be a good idea, it might not," he said.

Lott Rogers, former plant manager of the Burlington plant in Halifax County, suggested that adding a new level of bureaucracy would stymie economic development efforts.

"There's a lot this community has to offer and we have a lot of good employees out there without jobs," he said. "It's up to you. If you add to the bureaucracy and add to the length of time it takes for industries to find out what they can get here in Halifax County, they're going to leave.

"We aren't positioning ourselves for the future the way it's set up today," Rogers added.

"This would simplify and expedite industrial and business recruitment," Supervisor James Edmunds countered.

Bowman said the intent of the new body would be to eliminate some of the red tape.

"The clear intent of the new entity is to focus the marketing effort in one body that's a joint body," he said. "The new entity would have all the powers of current IDAs in Virginia, the two IDAs would remain in place because they own assets."

"What is the hurry?" Nunn asked. "Let's let the people who have been working on this have some input. This is apparently new to them. I think some good ideas from the people who are concerned about it is in order."

"We need to unify," Supervisor Bryant Claiborne said. "Squabbling hasn't done anything but slow things down. It's time to concentrate on the immediate problems. We should be thinking about Halifax County, not dealing with power struggles."

Driver’s Life Is Saved By Passing Charlotte County Vol. Firefighter
Truck Fire Closes Route 360 Tuesday Afternoon

Jeffery Scott Newcomb, 33, of Chase City is lucky to be alive following a two-vehicle collision and fire on Route 360 midday Tuesday.

The accident closed the west bound lane of the road for an hour and 45 minutes, according to the Virginia State Police.

Trooper T.C. Comer said Newcomb was pulled from his truck by a fellow motorist, shortly before it caught on fire.

The rescuer was an unidentified Charlotte County volunteer firefighter.
"I don't think he would have made it," said Comer. "I think he would probably have burned up."

Newcomb was transported to Halifax Regional Hospital to be treated for a compound fracture in his left leg and several cuts and bruises, according to Comer.

A spokesman for the South Boston Fire Department said the 1992 Ford opperated by Newcomb and its contents caught on fire as a result of a 11:55 a.m. collision with a 1996 Chevrolet dump truck.

The dump truck, operated by Ralph Lee Williams, 57, of Virgilina, was accelerating into the west bound lane of Route 360 approximately 250 feet west of Dan River Church Road when it was struck in the rear by Newcomb's vehicle, according to Comer.

"Newcomb basically did not react in time and struck the dump truck in the rear," said Comer.

The Ford, stuck under the rear of the dump truck, was dragged for about 60 feet, before the dump truck could come to a stop, according to Comer.
Owned by Lewis Tree Service of Rochester, N.Y., the Ford was declared a total loss, while Comer estimated damages to the dump truck at $5,000.
"The pickup truck had a lot of flammable stuff on it," added Comer.

He said that included a tank of diesel fuel and several tanks of compressed gases used for welding.

Comer charged Newcomb with reckless driving, saying he believed the accident was a result of driver inattention.

The South Boston Fire Department responded to the fire with three vehicles and 12 personnel, according to a spokesman for the department.

While dealing with the blaze for an hour and 45 minutes, the fire department used an estimated 2,000 gallons of water in conjunction with class A foam.

The foam was used to suppress burning rubber and plastic in the vehicle.

Council Opposes Ag Land Use Tax
South Boston Town Council To Send Supes Resolution

South Boston Council unanimously opposed Monday a proposed agricultural land use tax being considered by the county.

The action came during councilmen's Monday night session.

A resolution opposing the proposal will be forwarded to supervisors, who have set a June 28 public hearing on the proposal.

Councilman Eric Roberts led the opposition.

"This is ridiculous," said Roberts. "As I understand it, it is shifting $400,000 in tax burden away from large landowners to residential ...

"I don't see anyone who resides in the town, unless they own land outside of town, who is going to benefit from this."

Roberts also suggested there could be a potential conflict of interest with one, possibly two Board of Supervisors members, voting on the proposal "based on the amount of money their tax burden or their family tax burden would shift to other members of the community."

He called on the media for more coverage of the issue.

"I do not see how we should support this in any way, how it would benefit our constituents in any way," said Roberts.

Although Roberts said he supported the small farmer, he said it was his understanding this proposal would not benefit the small farmer.

The councilman also urged Supervisors Doug Bowman and Bryant Claiborne to oppose county's proposed ag land tax proposal.

"Our residents will not only not benefit, they will suffer," agreed Councilman Coleman Speece.

Councilman Chris Elliott offered the second to the motion for the resolution opposing the proposed agricultural land use taxation.

In other business, a Public Hearing addressing the town's proposed $11,245,660 budget drew no speakers Monday night.

No action was taken by Council.

It is expected Council will adopt a budget on the first reading at its June 14 meeting.

At Council's June 28 meeting, councilmen are expected to adopt the budget, adopt tax rates and fees and approve an appropriations resolution.

On Monday, Council agreed to set a proposed Encroachment Permit fee schedule, with an ordinance to be developed for implementation later.

The Encroachment Permit system is to protect the town's infrastructure from poor planning, workmanship and unauthorized tampering.

The system mandates that the Town be notified prior to any work within a town right-of-way, thus offering inspection protection.

"There is no vehicle in place now to make contractors (or others) responsible for damages," said Allen Auld, public works director. "It starts the process for inspection."

Other than the Encroachment Permit, no changes to existing fees are proposed.

On June 14, Council will hold the first reading to consider adoption of the budget. On June 28, with the second reading, the budget is expected to be adopted.

Monday night, councilmen also received requests for additional funding from the South Boston/Halifax Museum for a permanent exhibit on the county's history; from Chamber of Commerce President Nancy Pool seeking $5,000 for the Vision 2020 program; and from Tourism Director Linda Shepperd seeking an additional $24,000 for tourism efforts. South Boston previously contributed $16,000.

"Marketing is the Number One priority," said Shepperd. "Most of the increase will go into marketing.

"There will be a return on investment with tourism," said Shepperd. "To tell the story of South Boston and Halifax County, I must have your support."

A new destination brochure to replace the current eight-year-old one is one goal, according to Shepperd.

"I think South Boston has a great deal to benefit from this," added Shepperd.

Speece noted South Boston was being asked for a significantly higher increase than Halifax County and that South Boston is a small town.

Shepperd noted that 60 percent of the lodging tax comes goes to tourism.

In her presentation, Pool told councilmen that funding for the Visioning process was about $16,000 short, and that South Boston had not previously contributed to the process.

The Visioning Committee is described by Pool as "a grassroots project."

"More people responded to the on-line survey (for the project) than any other community they've ever worked with across the nation," Pool said Jennifer Campbell of Market Street Services told her.

Pool invited councilmen to attend a public presentation of the 2020 Strategic Plan on Thursday at First Presbyterian Church in South Boston from 5:30 -7:00 p.m.

Tom Stutts, speaking on behalf of the Museum, sought funding for a permanent history of Halifax County exhibit.

"I think this will be an asset, something you will be proud of," said Stutts of the planned ongoing exhibit.

The exhibit will consume the Main Gallery.

Stutts told councilmen that the county has budgeted $50,000 for the exhibit.
He sought a similar amount from Council.

"As close to $50,000 would be great from South Boston," said Stutts.

However, several councilmen balked.

"We've been putting in $7 to every county $1 in the museum," said Speece. "That is not right."

Council closed the public hearing, taking the requests under advisement.

Town Manager Ted Daniel told councilmen he had met with YMCA Director Marcus Hargrave regarding using the Y pool to teach swimming to kids and adults.

"The Y has space and the facility but no cash for instructors," said Daniel.
He recommended a nominal fee to users. He also recommending taking $1,500 from the Park and Recreation budget line item in the Capital Budget to pay for life guards and instructors.

Daniel also recommended taking $10,000 out of the Capital Budget for street lights on Sinai Road.

"It is dark as pitch," said Daniel.

Virginia Power's estimate for street lights is almost $9,000, according to the town manager.

Daniel also proposed taking $60,000 for a financial management system, to replace the current Munis system.

L. Matthews, representing Adelphia, reminded Council that renewal proceedings are coming up for that company's franchise.

The franchise expires in February of 2007.

However, Councilman Speece had questions for the Adelphia representative.
Speece asked Matthews who oversees and regulates the company's fees, noting increases and changes in programming.

"You have some unhappy customers in our town," Speece told Matthews.
Noting added digital service, Matthews said that the company had changed some packaging last year.

"That is effectively a change in rates to some people," said Speece.

In other business, clarification on the signs/billboards language in an ordinance was discussed. A public hearing on that issue is scheduled June 28.

The town manager recommended working out circumstances regarding the water supply with the Town of Halifax during a scheduled meeting June 29.

Council agreed that Destination Downtown would be consulted to see if proposals at the entrance to the town called for removal or relocation of signs.
The Economic Development Authority public hearing is scheduled June 14.

Season Ends For Comets
Halifax County’s Season Ended Last Night With A Disappointing 1-0 Loss To Westfield In The Group AAA State Tournament Quarterfinals

By JOE CHANDLER & DOUG FORD | G-V Staff Writers

CHANTILLY—What has been a stellar season for the Halifax County High School baseball team ended here last night in a 1-0 loss to Westfield in a quarterfinal game of the Group AAA State Tournament.

This marked the second time in four years that the Comets had made their way into the state tournament.

The last time the Comets made their way into the state tournament was in 2001 when they advanced to the state semifinals.

Last night's loss was the second loss in as many days for the Comets.
Halifax County lost 4-2 to Colonial Forge High School Monday night in Stafford in the championship game of the Northwest Region Tournament. (See Separate Story).

With both pitchers, the Comets' Jeremy Jeffress and the Bulldogs' John Lloyd, in top form in Tuesday's quarterfinal, one run could have, and eventually did win the game.

Jeffress hurled a three-hitter, with seven strikeouts, and Lloyd finished with a two hitter, fanning six batters.

Nathan Thomas and Brent Long collected the Comets hits, Thomas with a first inning double and Long a single in the sixth inning.

Jason Lloyd and Chris Perkins reached base on walks, Lloyd's coming in the first, as the Comets stranded two baserunners in that inning.

Perkins walked in the third, and Jeffress reached on an error in the fifth, leaving Halifax with five runners left on base for the game.

Jeffress walked three batters, and a leadoff walk to the Bulldogs' Adam McDermott in the bottom of the seventh inning proved to be the difference in the game.

Pinch runner Scott Zittle stole second and scored the winning run on Justin Bour's hard hit just past Comets shortstop Robert Carter.

"It was tough, but this is baseball," said a disappointed Comets coach Kelvin Davis.

"You hate for either one of these kids (Jeffress and Lloyd) to lose this ball game.

"Both went out and threw a heck of a ballgame, and it's unfortunate someone had to lose.

"We played a heck of a team in Westfield, they have a great baseball program up here."

The Comets' greatest threat came in the first inning, Thomas smacking a double off the center field fence and Lloyd drawing a walk, but were stranded at second and first.

Another Halifax threat came in the top of the fifth inning, Jeffress reaching base on a one-out error, and Stephen Smith sacrificing pinch runner Blake Waller to second, before a line drive out got Westfield out of the inning.
That line drive out on a hard hit ball by Carter could have easily been a hit, according to Davis.

"One hit could have gone through and we would have scored a run there," he said.

Jeffress worked out of a jam in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Bulldogs getting consecutive hits with two outs for runners at second and third, before he got a strikeout to end the threat.

Long singled with two outs in the sixth inning, but was stranded at first after a flyout, and the Comets were retired in order the top of the seventh, before Westfield scored the game's only run in the bottom of the inning.

Obituaries

Pearl Edith Childress

Pearl Edith Childress, 90, died May 31, at Julie Blair Nursing Home in Albany, New York.

She was born to the late Elizabeth and James Brame, in Halifax on July 10, 1913, and was married to the late Jacob Childress Sr.

Mrs. Childress moved to Albany, N.Y. in 1957, and was employed by Sacred Heart for many years.

Survivors include two daughters, Glenwood 'Gwen' Adams of Albany and Gladys Childress of Brooklyn, N.Y.; one son, James 'Jimmy' Childress and wife, Carolyn, of Houston, Texas; one daughter-in-law, Patricia Childress of South Boston; six granddaughters including Paedra Childress of South Boston; six grandsons including Leroy Childress of Virgilina, Thomas Childress of Cottage City, Md., and Gregory Childress of Tallahassee, Fla.; 27 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Mrs. Childress was also preceded in death by a sister, Nannie Chiles; two brothers, James Brame and Arthur Brame; a son, Jacob Childress Jr.; a daughter, Nannie Childress; and one son-in-law, Earl Wood.

Funeral services were held for at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Albany. Burial was at Graceland Cemetery in Albany.

Savanna Jaide Powell

Savanna Jaide Powell, infant daughter of Christopher Adrian Powell and Holly Brooke Lacks, died June 6. She was born in Halifax County on June 6, 2004.
Survivors include her parents, grandparents, Ava Overby of South Boston, Rickie Lacks of Danville and Jo Ann Powell of Alton; great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Church of Halifax, Mr. and Mrs. Marlo Lacks and Lucy Powell of South Boston.

A graveside service was held June 8 at Halifax Memorial Gardens with the Revs. Jack Stewart and Vance Midgett conducting the service.

Odell Powell Wallen

Odell Powell Wallen, 101, formerly of Clarksville, died June 6 at her daughter's home in Chesterfield.

Mrs. Wallen was preceded in death by her husband, Claude 'Tom' Wallen; and three sons, Claude Wallen Jr., Phillip Wallen and Ellis Wallen.

Survivors include seven daughters, Rosetta McKinney of Buffalo Junction, Ruby Martin of Saxe, Eleanor Duffey of South Boston, Sarah Hudson of Drakes Branch, Odell Langford of Chesterfield, Ann Wallen and Glender Wallen, both of Richmond; two sons, John E. Wallen of Richmond and George Wallen of Clarksville; one sister, Ophelia Lacks of Victoria; 16 grandchildren; and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mrs. Wallen will be held at 11 a.m. today, June 9, at Newcomb Allgood Davis Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Ronnie Eason officiating. Burial will follow in Bluestone Baptist Cemetery.