Clover Fire Assistant Chief Bert Martin said yesterday that firefighters suspect the fire that destroyed two buildings and damaged another in Clover last week were intentionally set.
"The buildings didn't have any electricity.
"It looks like it started at the back of the buildings on the outside," Martin said.
The assistant fire chief said he didn't know about any possible accelerant used in the blaze, that it would be under investigation by both the Halifax County Sheriff's Department and the Virginia State Police.
"Right now, we are just trying to identify a cause (of the fire)," he said.
Fire swept through the former Jack Canada Store building owned by Van Pleasant and the former Abbott's Men's Shop, which is owned by the Coleman Estate.
Martin said his best estimate was the damages would be around $100,000.
Both of the vacant buildings were destroyed.
Rosie's Diner, owned by Roosevelt Garrett, was also damaged. Firemen said the majority of the damage there was due to heat and smoke.
The buildings were located in an area of the town known as Townsend's Corner.
Firefighters from at least six fire departments throughout Halifax and Charlotte counties were called to the fire Thursday afternoon.
Firefighters from South Boston, Scottsburg, Clover, Triangle, Halifax and the Bacon District in Charlotte County responded to the fire.
"We had approximately 60-70 firefighters on the scene at the fire," Martin said.
Martin said the fire took its toll on firefighters.
"We were so whipped that around 4 p.m., we had the dispatcher issue an all-call to any available firefighters," he said.
"At one time I think I saw firemen from just about every department in the county," the assistant chief noted.
"The buildings were vacant, so they will have to be replaced," he said.
Firefighters were called to the scene at 3:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon and, upon arrival, immediately called for assistance.
They left the scene around 7:30 p.m.
Firefighters were again called to the scene at 2 a.m.
"Twelve firefighters responded to the recall," Martin said.
Several hot spots needed to be extinguished, according to the assistant chief.
Late Thursday afternoon, because of the danger of standing parts of the building falling, Martin said a backhoe was brought to the scene to knock down the front and rear walls of the buildings.
The assistant chief expressed his thanks to several businesses that donated items to firefighters during the fire.
"Both Food Lion Stores, Ratliff's Grocery and Bobcat's sent bottled water, Gatorade and ice to the scene," Martin said. "I'd just like them to know we really appreciate it."

The West Nile Virus has found its way to Southside, according to Dr. Geoffrey Smith, director of public health for Danville and Pittsylvania County.
The Danville Register and Bee reported Saturday that a dead bird found Monday in eastern Danville was infected with the virus.
It is the first bird in the area to test positive for West Nile.
According to Smith, finding a positive test was inevitable.
"We've known that any day we are bound to get (a positive test)," he said. "The virus has spread across the state and the nation."
The latest case of the virus was confirmed by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond.
West Nile virus is spread to birds, humans, horses and other mammals by infected mosquitoes.
The Smith said he believes West Nile has been present in Southside birds for some time.
But during an interview with the Danville paper, he cautioned against citizens becoming too concerned.
"First of all, there's no need for panic," Smith said.
Very few people bitten by infected mosquitoes get sick, and those that do suffer flu-like symptoms, according to reports by the Virginia Department of Health.
Smith said people over the age of 50 are more at risk of serious illness, such as swelling of brain tissue.
But David Gaines, an entomologist with the Virginia Department of Health, said the risks to humans will likely get worse with time.
"Especially when we get into late August," Gaines said. "That's when most human cases occur."
Gaines said the maximum-risk period could run until late September.
Mosquito season typically ends in late fall as cold weather chokes off reproduction.
Some experts are resigned to a future with West Nile.
Dr. Sally Paulson, an entomologist at Virginia Tech, said she thinks the virus is here for good.
But the public health official noted it is very rare for humans to contract any illness from infected mosquitoes.
"It is important to note that the virus is not spread by birds," Smith said.
According to Smith, residents who live in an area where there has been a positive finding shouldn't be any more concerned than other people in the region.
"I do not consider the people living around (the area of the sighting) to be at any higher risk than the rest of us," he added during an earlier interview.
The Virginia Department of Health recommends several actions to reduce exposure to mosquitoes:
· Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
· Use insect repellant. Repellants containing DEET are most effective.
· Turn over or remove containers in the yard where water collects.
· Eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs.
· Clean birdbaths or wading pools once a week.
· Clean roof gutters and downspout screens regularly.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, such as puddles.
Although some may think the ongoing drought would prevent mosquitoes from breeding, Smith said it actually has the opposite effect.
The public health official noted that when there is very little rain and the creeks are low, they tend to puddle.
Only one in 300 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will get sick. One in 100-150 of them will become seriously ill. Death from West Nile virus is rare. No human cases have been confirmed in Virginia.

Controversy about escalating South Boston sewer bills to county residents, four public hearings, a challenge from High Plains Indians and a request from Kings Village residents seeking state maintenance of their road are expected to fuel tonight's lengthy supervisors' agenda.
Action on a proposed 3 percent pay hike for county employees may be delayed.
In response to the water/sewer controversy, Supervisor James Edmunds II is expected to put a "regional water/sewer authority idea" on the table.
The joint county/towns session will be held at 6 p.m. in the second floor conference room in the Mary Bethune Complex in Halifax.
A contingent of residents from Oak Hill, Fordland, Highland Hills and parts of Salishan subdivision are expected to present petitions opposing the recent rate jump in South Boston sewer bills to the county residents.
Edgewood and Webb Park also are affected by the rate jump, but those subdivisions have water as well as sewer service, explained J.D. Fitts, an Oak Hill resident challenging the new rates.
The county residents are asking officials to reconsider the hike - 33 percent for some - in basic sewer rates reflected in their July bill.
Service fees as well as a 5,000 gallon increase per household charge (bimonthly billing) for service is driving the flurry of petitions.
Fitts said that his bill was $82.10 for two months, up from $61.30. "And we have no water at all," he added.
"So what it boils down to is $23.80 for the sewer bill and the remaining $58.30 is service fee.
"We are in the county but at the mercy of South Boston for sewer services," he said. "And we have no representation."
Fitts estimates 250 households are affected by the rate change.
Town officials say they formulated a program with Virginia Tech professionals to establish water/sewer rates.
Vandie Saunders, South Boston financial director, said that the service fee includes all the fixed charges.
"They are overhead items: personnel, debt service, maintenance of buildings and grounds at the plants. So that service fee covers keeping the plants operative," explained Saunders.
Ted Daniels, South Boston manager, and Saunders are scheduled to present a report on the town's utility system and financial status tonight.
In other business, in a July 29 letter to the supervisors, High Plains Indian spokesman Dante Desiderio said that the tribe would like to discuss a recent county decision to allocate public money ($100,000) to the South Boston-Halifax County Museum.
"We're not clear about Mr. Desiderio's agenda," said Barbara Bass, museum president. "When - or if - necessary, the museum will issue a statement," Bass said yesterday.
Board of Supervisors
The finance committee at its last session approved a 3 percent pay hike for county employees. However, the matter was referred to the policy and personnel committee.
In addition, several constitutional officers are seeking raises for their employees.
The finance committee is scheduled to meet prior to tonight's meeting, but funding as well as action by the policy and personnel committee may delay action tonight.
Public Hearings
Four public hearings are scheduled tonight at 8 p.m.
· Supervisors will consider an application for a conditional use permit filed by Donna Ann Waddle, doing business as Duck's General Store, to operate a community grocery and auto repair business on a 2.06 acre parcel located on the northwest corner of the intersection of State Route 57 (Chatham Road) and State Route 673 (Farmer Trail) in Election District 3.
· Supervisors will address a proposed amendment to the Halifax County Code that would allow an increase from 2 to 5 percent on the lodging tax, with the increase to be spent solely for tourism, marketing of tourism and tourism initiatives.
· Proposed amendments to the Halifax County Code to provide a tax on criminal and traffic cases and civil actions.
(A) To assess $2 on each criminal and traffic case and civil action filed in the circuit and district court to be used for maintenance of the courthouse and court-related facilities.
(B) To assess $5 as part of the costs of each criminal or traffic case in circuit or district court in which the defendant is convicted of a violation of any statue or ordinance, with these funds disbursed by supervisors to the sheriff's office to help fund courthouse security personnel.
(C) To assess $25 on any individual admitted to a county, city or regional jail following conviction as part of the costs collected by the clerk of the circuit court and the clerk of the district court. These funds will be disbursed by supervisors to the sheriff's office to help defray the costs of processing arrested persons into local or regional jails.
· Halifax County proposed presumptive remedy (PPR) report required of Halifax County landfill. The facility is located at 1090 Landfill Lane in Halifax. The PPR was written as a result of exceeding groundwater protection standards. The public hearing is to acquaint the public with the technical aspect of the PPR report and how the standards and the requirements of the Virginia Solid Waste Management regulations will be met.

An Open House for Halifax County High School students in grades 9-12 is scheduled for Thursday.
An orientation session will begin at 3 p.m. in the school's auditorium for incoming ninth graders, new students and their parents.
The open house will begin a 2 p.m., and the visitation will conclude for all students at 6 p.m.
Students who are not registered for classes should report to the guidance department during the open house on Thursday, or on Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
New students must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian before they will be permitted to enroll.
New students not eligible to remain at their previous schools are not eligible to enroll at Halifax County High School.
New students not registered by Friday are to report directly to the guidance department when school opens on Monday.
Students having questions about their 2002-03 schedules should follow the procedure outlined in the school's letter to them included with their schedule of classes.

Over 600 players, parents, coaches and fans of Halifax County Dixie Softball paid tribute to three state champions during a gala event Thursday at Halifax County High School.
District, state and national Dixie Softball officials, along with area and state elected officials were on hand to recognize the Halifax American Angels, Halifax Debs and Halifax National Belles for setting a standard of excellence, both individually and as a team.
Virginia State Dixie Director Frank Perkins, a Halifax County resident, said the ongoing accomplishments of Halifax County Dixie Softball showed him something.
"It shows me Halifax County has probably the premier organization in the state right now in Dixie Softball," said Perkins.
"If it's not the best, it's close to the best in the State of Virginia."
Halifax County Dixie Softball President Dean Elliott set the tone for the evening.
"We want this to be something that all of the fans and players in our league to be part of," Elliott said.
"It's not about three teams, it's about every child who plays in our programs, and every coach in our program."
South Boston Mayor Glen Abernathy said that "this is your night."
"The celebration is for you and I want you to celebrate. You each should be proud of the accomplishments you made this summer, both here and across the nation.
"I want you to understand that those accomplishments spread much further than each of you. They spread to your coaches, your teammates, your parents, your family, your friends and most importantly, throughout the entire community," Abernathy said.
The Halifax American Angels brought back a fourth-place finish in the Dixie Angels World Series, finishing with a 2-2 record.
Among their victories was a 6-1 win over eventual World Series Champion Alabama.
The Halifax Debs won their third consecutive Virginia State Championship by defeating arch rival Charlotte County in two straight games at Charlotte Courthouse.
And the Halifax National Belles gave Halifax County its first Dixie World Series title of any kind, going 5-0 in the tournament, including a 6-3 win over Texas in the Championship Game.
"The way you handled yourselves is an example to all of us," said David Martin, chairman of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors.
Martin recalled his experience as a Dixie Youth ball player to emphasize the idea of team over the individual.
"I don't think I ever got a hit or caught a ball, but nonetheless after a game, I thought I was part of the team," said Martin.
"My bet is that as they grow older, they'll remember all the positives from this and forget all the negatives."
Delegate Clarke Hogan told the teams that they are "proof positive of what hard work, persistence, and dedication can do."
Dixie District 7 Director John Owen recognized the Halifax County Dixie Softball organization itself.
"I know when a Halifax team wins a District 7 Tournament, the district will be represented with honor," said Owen.
"That's something we can be proud of," added Owen, who also recognized the ball players' parents for their contributions to the program.
Owen congratulated them not only for their accomplishments on the field, but also for the manner in which they accomplished them.
Zach Black, national director for the Dixie Angels, presented medallions to the Halifax American Angels, saying that "not only do these kids play ball, play it the right way and play it hard, they're some of the best sportsmen I've ever seen."
The players were introduced individually by their managers and coachs, who cited each of their contributions to the team.
Barbara Lacks, who participated in a Dixie World Series as a player, introduced the state champion Angels, a team that swept through the district and state tournament undefeated.
Debs Manager E.C. Lewis and long-time coach Jimmy Wade introduced the three-time defending Virginia State Champion Debs, while Manager Gary Rogers did the honors for the World Series Champion Halifax National Belles.
Rogers, in remarks that all the coachs at the celebration probably agreed with, said one thing he's learned as a coach is that there's more to ball than the fundamentals of pitching, base running and throwing.
"There's a mental part. It's learning to trust each other and communicate with each other," said Rogers, who added about half of the team's practices involved their sitting in the dugout and learning about teamwork.
He also passed out a sheet of paper to players and parents at the Dixie closing ceremonies listing all the things he'd learned during his coaching tenure that can cause problems on a team.
He said he wanted the players to learn to smile, even after losing, to keep their chin up.
"Part of the learning process is learning to lose with dignity, to learn from your mistakes and go forward," said Rogers.
"I'm here tonight to tell you it worked."
Belles coach Jerry Pool said all the chips fell into place this year.
"After eight to nine years and three World Series, it all came together," said Pool.
"Everybody came together, parents, coachs and players. We made some super plays, some great plays, we played with heart," he added.
Two individuals who played in the World Series this year told of what the experience meant to them.
Jessica Morris, who pitched in every game during the Halifax National run to the title, remarked she was a little bit nervous in the first game.
"I had a few butterflies the first game but not later on. We had a lot of good defense and made a lot of good plays behind our pitching.
Morris, who went to the World Series as a Ponytails player last year, said they got a chance to "hang out" with other players, and that they learned a lot about each other.
"It was very exciting and we had a lot of fun," said Morris.
Johanna Spencer, a member of the Halifax Angels World Series team, was a little surprised at all the attention.
Spencer, who will move up to the Ponytails division next season, said he was a little nervous when she was called to the podium.
"I had a good time in Alabama, the World Series was fun, and I met a lot of new friends. I got a chance to travel," said Spencer.
While both Morris and Spencer have several years remaining in their Dixie softball careers, Anna Lewis said good-bye to a 12-year Dixie softball career Thursday night.
Lewis, along with Lindsey Stolzenthaler and Felicia Sprattley, played their last softball games as Debs during this year's World Series.
"College is not like Dixie ball," said Lewis, currently a member of the Lynchburg College softball team.
Lewis said she will miss the camaraderie in Dixie ball.
"It's actually a little upsetting. This was my twelfth year in Dixie. My dad has coached me for 11 years and my mom coached my first year," said Lewis.
"Every summer, all I could remember is Dixie ball."
Lewis said the year she finally made it to the World Series as a first-year Deb was probably the best year she's had in her entire life.
"This year, after the last game, I couldn't believe it was over. It's been so much a part of my life," said Lewis.
"I started playing when I was seven-years-old, when the Angels only had a district tournament.
"We won the district two of my first three years, and it was over, that was it for us. Now, these girls have so many more opportunities than before.
Lewis spoke of all the hard work coachs have in order to prepare for a tournament, especially a World Series.
"There's a lot of work. You have to call all the girls for practice times, money has to be raised, hotels booked, travel and work arrangements made," said Lewis.
Perhaps one of Lewis' better memories will be as part of a Halifax Debs team that won two consecutive games against a tough opponent to claim the state title.
"It was like magic that night, the night we beat Charlotte County. Everybody was pumped and we played together as a team," recalled Lewis.
"Everybody cheered each other. it took all the heart and determination we had, because they were a great team."
Those words would echo true for the Angels and Belles, who each had defining moments of their own in their respective state tournaments.
The Halifax American Angels used a sixth inning homer to edge Patrick County in the state semifinals, while the Belles defeated Emporia in an all-or-nothing game for their World Series bid.
Perkins said Thursday that "the county should be proud of these teams and their accomplishments."
"It should present an opportunity to get out and support our youth sports even more than we do now."
The die has been cast, the bar has been raised. And the sky's the limit.

Jesse Monroe Brown

Funeral services for Mr. Jesse Monroe Brown of Bronx, New York, formerly of Clover, will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at the Bethel Grove Baptist Church.
The Rev. Chester Spruill will conduct the services.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Mr. Brown, who was 83, died Wednesday at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Bronx, New York.
He was born in Clover on June 13, 1919.
Mr. Brown was the son of the late William Beverly Brown and the late maria Elizabeth Green Brown.
He was first married to the late Elsie Mae Winston Brown.
Mr. Brown was a member of the Bethel Grove Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Gracie Hill Brown, his children, Joyce Whirley of the Bronx, New York, Victor Brown of Manassas, Elsie Mae Brown of Bronx, New York, Robert Brown of Fayetteville, N.C., Tracy Brown of Halifax and Vincent Brown of Baltimore, Maryland.
Two children preceded Mr. Brown in death, Larry Hill and Angela Brown.
Mr. Brown is also survived by 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, 10 brothers and sisters, a host of other relatives and many friends.

Virginia McLawhorn Bowen

Funeral services for Mrs. Virginia McLawhorn Bowen, 86, of E. Hitesburg Road in Virgilina will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Hitesburg Baptist Church.
The Rev. Lee Merck will conduct the services.
Interment will follow at the church cemetery.
Mrs. Bowen died Sunday at the Halifax Regional Hospital.
She was born in Pitt County, N.C., on February 15, 1916.
She is survived by her husband, Peele Bowen, one son, Harley Jackson of Winterville, N.C., one daughter, Eva Jackson Nobles of Raleigh, N.C., one step-son, Curtis P. Bowen of Virgilina, two sisters, Belle M. Manning and Virgie M. Dennis, both of Ayden, N.C., one brother, Carl J. McLawhorn of Winterville N.C., five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends Tuesday between 7 and 9 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home in South Boston.

Bernice Beatrice Dennis Forest

Funeral Services for Mrs. Bernice Beatrice Dennis Forest, 74, will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church in Nathalie.
Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Forest died Saturday in Lynchburg.
Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Judith Brooks of Lynchburg, four sons, Clemon Forest Jr., Russell Forest and David Forest, all of Nathalie, and Marvin Forest of Dayton, Ohio, numerous grandchildren, one great-grandchild and two sisters, Olivia Dennis of Lynchburg and Mrs. Mildred Wilson of Nathalie.

Julia Apple Harris

Mrs. Julia Apple Harris of Chase City died August 15.
She was married to the late Gilbert Harris.
Mrs. Harris is survived by her children, Beth Martin and Richard Wayne "Ricky" Moorfield, both of Scottsburg, her grandchildren, Eugene Martin, Tabitha Burton, Ricky Moorfield Jr., and one great-grandchild, Gena Christine McKinney.
Funeral services were conducted Sunday at Wood Funeral Service with the Rev. Gene Burris officiating.
Interment followed in Clover Cemetery.

Jesse Daniel Moon Sr.

Funeral services for Mr. Jesse Daniel Moon Sr. will be conducted Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Edge Hill Baptist Church.
The Rev. Bert Johnson will conduct the service.
Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Mr. Moon, 87, was formerly of Moons Road in Long Island.
He died Saturday in the Woodview in South Boston.
Mr. Moon was the husband of the late Sallie Robertson Moon.
He was born December 17, 1914, in Long Island to the late Grace Ethal Moon and Luther Aubrey Moon.
Mr. Moon was a member of the Edge Hill Baptist Church and retired as a farmer and employee of Burlington Industries, Klopman Division.
He is survived by a son, Jesse Daniel Moon Jr., of Long Island, two daughters, Hollis M. Owen of Halifax and Linda M. Worley of Pembroke, three sisters, Emma Stephens of Jacksonville, Fl., Dorothy Powers and Helen Varney, both of Lynchburg, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Mr. Moon was preceded in death by five brothers, Rudolph Moon, Lawrence Moon, Aubrey Moon, Melvin Moon and Garland Moon, and two sisters, Lillian Moon and Clara Moon, and a daughter, Edna Joyce Moon.
The family will receive friends from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Monday at Finch & Finch Funeral and Cremation Service in Altavista and other times at the residence of his daughter Hollis Owen, 1131 Clays Mill Road in Halifax.
The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider Edge Hill Baptist Church, 4321 Level Run Road, Hurt, Va., 24563.