There are buyers for the 261,000- square-foot JPS Apparel plant in South Boston, but the firm organizing the sale is "fairly likely" that the facility will be liquidated.
A decision is expected Tuesday when the U.S. Bankruptcy Court meets in Raleigh, N.C.
The Bankruptcy Court has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, Aug. 14, for the company's South Boston plant, which is over 261,000 square feet and contains 262 looms, according to Ken Mann, a partner in Equity Partners, which is seeking investors or buyers for JPS.
Mann said yesterday that there is a bid from an equipment buyer for the local plant.
"We have also talked to other prospects about overbidding the existing bid," added Mann.
The Equity Partners official said that he has talked to companies who might wish to continue operations and to companies wishing to liquidate the business.
However, Mann said yesterday that he thought it "fairly likely that the South Boston facility will be liquidated."
The JPS plant in Greenville, SC, is over 480,000 square feet and continues to spin and weave fabrics for women's apparel, as does the plant in Laurens, SC, which is 455,000 square feet.
Just prior to filing bankruptcy, Mann said that JPS retained Equity Partners, a firm specializing in the sale of financially distressed manufacturing companies, to find an investor or buyer for the troubled company.
"We are seeking a buyer for JPS as an entirety, but will also consider selling any of the three plants individually," Mann said in a press release issued Thursday. "We believe that its long-term relationships with its largest customers make JPS an appealing opportunity."
Last week, production workers at the South Boston plant completed their last shift. This week is the last one for salaried employees.
The South Boston plant employed 346 when JPS officials announced this summer that the plant would close in August.

Although in use since last year, Penick Park will be officially dedicated tomorrow with a 1:30 p.m. ribbon cutting as well as other activities.
"I'll guess we'll call it the 'new' Penick Park," said Ted Daniel, South Boston town manager.
"This is just an opportunity to have an event at the park to get the neighborhood out to the ribbon cutting. It's a neat way of getting them together to tell them what we're doing and for us to get feedback on future plans."
There will be cake and ice cream for the kids, as well as Trent Inflatibles such as the "Moon Walk," said Matthew McCargo, director of the South Boston Recreation Department.
The South Boston Recreation Department, along with volunteer assistance from the Junior Habitat for Humanity and town volunteers put much of the play structure together last year at the park site on Penick Avenue.
The structure is a combination of a slide, parallel bars and other playground equipment.
"There was a lot of digging and shoveling," said McCargo, who added that the play structure can accommodate up to 50 children.
The play structure and the park are on the same site as the former Penick Avenue Pool, for several years a summer destination for many neighborhood children.
McCargo hopes a newly installed shower tower will help cool kids off after using the playground's swing set, slide and parallel bars.
The park also includes a covered picnic area with several tables and a shaded, grassy area for old-fashioned relaxation.
McCargo said that there are plans in the works to landscape an area behind the picnic shelter for additional space.
"We hope to purchase land across the street for perhaps a nice floral garden or maybe a walking path," McCargo added.

By JAY LINDSAY
Associated Press Writer
Ronald Mailman bought tickets to Thursday's baseball game in March, when it takes more than a trip outside to break a sweat. As he trudged into New York's Shea Stadium to watch the hometown Mets play the Milwaukee Brewers, it was 102 degrees.
''My wife is a big Mets fan so I was dragged to die here in the heat,'' said Mailman, of East Meadow, N.Y., who happens to root for the New York Yankees. ''But we have plenty of refreshments.''
Mailman had plenty of company in his misery. The heat wave that has baked much of the country for days was breaking more records by early afternoon.
The mercury reached 102 in New York and 103 in Newark, N.J., breaking the record for the date of 100 set in both cities in 1949. Philadelphia hit 100, surpassing the record of 98 set in 1909. It was 96 in Boston.
Health officials sent workers to check on the infirm, elderly and very young, who are most vulnerable to heat-related health problems. Despite the precautions, the weather has taken a deadly toll.
Heat is blamed for a number of deaths, particularly in the Midwest. In Rowley, Mass., a 3-year-old girl collapsed and died Wednesday after her body temperature reached nearly 109 degrees as she played outside.
Meteorologists expected Thursday to be the hottest day of the heat wave. Cooler temperatures arrived in the northern Plains early Thursday and were expected to push across the rest of the East into the weekend.
The cold front already has caused problems in the Midwest. A state of emergency was declared Thursday in Grand Forks, N.D., after wind gusts of 101 mph and heavy rain knocked out power to thousands of customers.
Where it was hot, it was downright unbearable.
''It's just overwhelming,'' said 36-year-old Joe Bengardino, who took a break from pouring cement to spray himself with water from a hose in Brigantine, N.J. ''It takes over everything. You get less production. You can't work as fast. It just really takes it out of you.''
In Philadelphia, where baseball's Phillies played the San Diego Padres, the temperature of the artificial turf was recorded at 148.7 degrees. The air temperature was a relatively balmy 95.
''There's nothing you can do about it,'' Phillies manager Larry Bowa said. ''You can stay cool between innings, in the dugout. There's a breeze in the runway.''
Meanwhile, the demand for air conditioning and fans was straining power grids.
In New York and New Jersey, state government offices were shut down at 2 p.m. to help conserve energy. Energy officials in New England also made an urgent appeal for people to conserve as power use soared to a new record.
The heat wasn't bad news for everyone. In Gettysburg, Pa., Roaring Spring Premium Spring Water has seen a doubling of new customers in recent weeks, including people who usually draw from wells that are drying up in the heat.
''They're saying, 'We need water now, we don't care what price it is,'' said Jen Cassatt, who helps handle orders for the company.
But people happy about the heat were the exception. Participants in a sand sculpture contest near Boston's Fan Pier admitted it was making them a bit cranky.
''We're in a parking lot in Boston, building a sand sculpture on the hottest day of the summer,'' said Justin Gordon, who was building a replica of Boston's seaport. ''How do you think we feel? We're hot!''
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On the Net:
National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov
Intellicast: http://www.intellicast.com

A former Halifax County High School 16-year-old has been given a suspended five-year prison sentence for his role in a school bus fight September 18, 2000.
Lashawn Lashaw Hill, age 15 at the time the incident occurred, was convicted of malicious wounding of 18-year-old Derek Bowden. Bowden even admitted in court that he responded with equal force to defend himself and, during the scuffle, picked up Hill and threw him to the floor of the bus.
But school bus driver Yvonne Viaden testified that it was Hill who threw the first punch in the fight that school officials say started before the bus ride home that afternoon.
Much of the fight was captured by a bus-mounted camera and that video was part of the evidence submitted during Hill's trial.
High School Associate Principal Leon Johnson suspended Hill's bus privileges earlier the same day but allowed Hill to ride home on the bus that afternoon.
Judge Leslie O. Osborn placed Hill on probation for two years and the suspended prison sentence is conditioned on Hill's good behavior for five years.
In another case yesterday, 37-year-old Larry W. Vandevisser, Jr., pleaded guilty to the April 23 abduction and assault and battery of Christine L. Schirmer, a Wolftrap Road, South Boston.
Other convictions for Vandevisser included possessing a firearm while committing a felony and felony destruction of property.
In the plea agreement, Vandevisser agreed to the following sentences: Count I ­ 10 years with all except one year suspended; Count II ­ 12 months wilt all time suspended: Count III ­ three years active incarceration; Count IV ­ five years with all time suspended; Count V ­ 10 years with all but one year suspended and County VI ­ 12 months will all time suspended. Counts I and V are to run concurrent.
Vandevisser will be required to pay restitution to Schimer in the amount of $3,572, be of good behavior for 20 years and be on supervised probation for one year from his date of release from incarceration.
He was ordered to have no further contact, direct or indirect, with the victim.
· Illegal drugs has resulted in the conviction of Connell Ferrell, 24, Forest Trail, South Boston, who was placed in jail to await sentence for possession of cocaine.
· Inez Ferrell, 29, of the same address, was also convicted of possession of Schedule II controlled substance and sent to jail to await sentencing in September.
· Kenneth Lee Loftis, 29, Crystal Hill, pleaded no contest to having illegal alcoholic beverage at his store, Crystal Hill Mini Mart, and was fined $250 and cost.
· Marque Lamont Medley, 22, Alton, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and was allowed to remain free on bond for sentencing in September.
· Gerald Monroe New, 35, Magnolia Drive, South Boston, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and was allowed to remain free on bond for sentencing in September.
· Timothy Wallace Puryear, 40, Link Puryear Road, South Boston, pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing and one count of conspiring to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance. Puryear is free on bond to await sentencing in September.
· Kenneth Satterfield, 41, Swain Road, Halifax, pleaded guilty to an amended indictment of marijuana possession and was given a suspended 30-day jail sentence and fined $100.
· Albert Watkins, 52, North Main Street, South Boston, pleaded guilty to assault and battery of Gary Carter on August 10, 2000. Watkins was sentenced to 12 months in jail and ordered, along with a co-defendant, to pay the victim's medical bills.
An additional 10 day jail sentence was given Watkins for his failure to appear in court as scheduled.
· Clementine Fludd White, 40, Sinai Road, South Boston, was found guilty of malicious wounding of Joseph Lawson on March 10 and was remanded to jail to await sentencing in September.

They may have failed to win
the World Series, but the
South Boston Dixie Majors
won the hearts of coaches and league officials in North Charleston, S.C. last week.
"They're good kids, that's why they won!" said District Director Mike Hackney of South Boston. Hackney was among an estimated 100 area fans who attended the games and witnessed the local 17-18 year olds make history.
The South Boston team posted three World Series game wins, the most ever for a Virginia champion, in the Dixie Majors World Series. They were eliminated in a 4-0 loss to Mississippi, the same team that South Boston lost earlier to in the series and the team that went on to win the pennant.
"We lost to the best," South Boston coach David Myers said.
But when it came to winning the sportsmanship award, South Boston shut out the competition. Umpires and directors vote for the team they feel has best demonstrated good sportsmanship and friendliness on and off the field during the World Series.
Maybe it was because South Boston's players rushed out of their dugout onto the field and help cover the playing area with a tarp during a sudden rainstorm that interrupted play one game.
For whatever reasons it may have been, the South Boston champions received a unanimous vote for the coveted title and trophy they were presented.

Carolyn Tuck Sechriest

Carolyn Tuck Sechriest, 72, of Chapel Hill, N.C., died August 6 at Duke University Medical Center.
Mrs. Sechriest was born February 23, 1929, to the late Emmett Apple Tuck and Pauline Waller Tuck in Anderson, SC. She spent her early life in the border town of Virgilina.
She attended Stratford Hall, Danville, Elon College, and was graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an AB degree in Journalism. She was married to Stuart Sechriest.
Surviving are her husband of Chapel Hill; daughters, Mary Pauline Sechriest of Chapel Hill, Elizabeth Sechriest Cornella and her husband, Dr. Rick J. Cornella and grandchildren Scott, Valerie, and Kim Cornella, all of Boone, N.C.; a sister, Ella Tuck Frith of Martinsville; and two brothers, Emmett A. Tuck Jr. of Virgilina and Weldon W. Tuck of Laramie, WY.
Funeral services for Mrs. Sechriest will be held today, August 10 at 11 a.m. at The Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Carolyn Sechriest Memorial at the Ronald McDonald House of Durham, 506 Alexander Avenue, Durham, NC 27705.

Elizabeth Lewis Stewart

Elizabeth Lewis Stewart, 79, of Richmond, died August 7 at her home.
She was the daughter of the late Hugh and Lottie Stewart of South Boston. Survivors include three sisters, Ella Gilliam Stewart of Richmond, Mary Caroline Stewart Winstead of Md. and Louise Virginia Stewart Braswell of South Boston; two sisters-in-law, Agnes Stewart of Fla. and Virginia Lankford Stewart of Richmond.
Miss Stewart was a retired secretary for Universal Leaf Tobacco Company.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. August 11 at Bliley Funeral Homes Central Chapel, 801 Augusta Ave., Richmond. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery, South Boston.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Library Fund at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1627 Monument Avenue, Richmond, where she was a member.

Matthew Scott Mills

Matthew Scott Mills, 23, of 5042 Newbill School Road, Halifax, died August 6 at his home.
Mr. Mills was born in Halifax County on July 5, 1978. He was a member of Hunting Creek Baptist Church and was a cast-line operator with Presto, Inc.
Survivors include his father, William D. Mills III; his mother, Sharon Jennings; one brother, James Brandon Mills; one sister, Jennifer Nicole Mills; grandmother, Dora C. Ambrose; grandparents, the Rev. and Mrs. W.D. Mills Jr., all of Halifax; his stepfather, two stepsisters; and two stepbrothers. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Earnest A. Ambrose.
A funeral service will be held today, August 10 at 2 p.m. at Hunting Creek Baptist with the Revs. H.V. Conner and Melvin Bradshaw officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Ward Burton Wildlife Federation, PO Box 519, Halifax, 24558, Triangle VFD, c/o Betty Glass, 4217 Newbill School Rd., Nathalie, 24577, or your favorite charity.

Elizabeth Penick Garrett

Elizabeth 'Eliza' Penick Garrett, 87, of South Boston, died August 6 at Woodview Nursing Home.
Mrs. Garrett was born in Halifax County on December 10, 1913, the daughter of Phoebe and Daniel Penick.
Survivors include eight nieces and four nephews.
Funeral services for Mrs. Garrett will be held August 11 at 2 p.m. at Ellis Creek Baptist Church in Nathalie with the Revs. James Traynham and Rodney Forrest officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of her niece, Gazaria Brown, 112 Meadow Drive, South Boston.

Ross Hampton Hite

Ross Hampton Hite, 59, of 1044 Hite Lane, South Boston, died August 5.
Mr. Hite was born in Halifax County on October 1, 1941, the son of the late Early Hite and the late Fannie Dunn Hite. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, and had worked for Mason Day Construction as a mechanic.
A memorial service for Mr. Hite will be held today, August 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Aarons Creek Baptist Church. Burial will take place at 11 a.m. August 11 at the Hite Family Cemetery in Hitesburg.
Survivors include a son, Jimmy Childrey and family of South Boston; a sister, Erma Forbush of Oxford, N.C.; a brother and sister-in-law, Sammie C. Hite Williamson and wife, O'Neil of Nelson.

Annie Oaklie Hall Henry

Annie Oaklie Hall Henry, 95, of Richmond, died August 8 at The Laurels of Willow Creek in Midlothian.
Mrs. Henry was born in Halifax County on June 19, 1906, the daughter of Joseph Benjamin Hall and Minnie Vassar Hall and was married to William Wilson Henry. She was a charter member of Bon Aire Baptist Church.
Survivors include one sister, Helen H. Roark of Nathalie; and seven nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mrs. Henry will be held August 11 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Republican Grove with the Rev. Shelton Miles conducting the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the First Baptist Church of Republican Grove Building Fund.