(Editor’s Note: I’ve had my differences with HalifaxTalk before, but I’ll defend anybody that is dealing with a potential free speech issue.)

HalifaxTalk: Jeff’s FOIA Stuff

Let’s go over some background information quickly. Jeff Oakes is the former [...]]]> County sheriff elections are bad for the amount of animosity… but they make for good TossUps!

(Editor’s Note: I’ve had my differences with HalifaxTalk before, but I’ll defend anybody that is dealing with a potential free speech issue.)

HalifaxTalk: Jeff’s FOIA Stuff

Let’s go over some background information quickly. Jeff Oakes is the former sheriff of Halifax County who was defeated by Stanley Noblin in the 2007 election cycle. Oakes is still quite bitter over that and is Noblin’s biggest critic. We’re now in the 2011 election cycle and Oakes is trying to dig up any less-than-favorable information about the Noblin administration. Oakes claims he has used the Freedom Of Information Act to get lots of documents that will show Stanley Noblin should be defeated in his first re-election bid. Oakes has used the HalifaxTalk message board to lob attacks at Noblin and Noblin has chosen not to reply.

Let’s FastForward to the current TossUp! Oakes has came forward with two documents and Darrin Talbott (the owner of HalifaxTalk) decided to host them on his personal webspace that he gets from being a GCROnline customer. Talbott got an email from GCROnline asking him to remove the documents from his personal webspace, saying that they didn’t want to have any political content there. This has brought some howls of protest from supporters of Fred Clark (Noblin’s challenger) saying that this decision was politically motivated. I decided to check out this story and see what both
Talbott & GCROnline had to say about it.

In an email conversation with Glenn Ratliff (the owner of GCROnline), he said that it was just a request. After follow-up questions about the request, Ratliff said (via email), “As a private company, we don’t reveal too much about our customer
relationships. Darrin can provide you with all the information you need if he chooses to provide it.”

Talbott went ahead and removed the documents from and posted the documents on his own website that he pays for. In an email conversation with Talbott, he said that he complied with the request but “I told them that it disturbed me to have to move it.”

I called GCROnline today and spoke with Glenn Ratliff. he said that although there is nothing in the company’s Acceptable Use Policy barring political content, the members’ site is described as “Personal web pages are a useful medium to convey your hobbies and interests to a large audience, the world.” He also said that once this election cycle is over, his company may clarify what is wanted on the personal website area. I asked him what he would have done if Talbott had refused his request and he said that they would have moved on. Ratliff was clear in saying that there was no political motivation in the request and that is was a simple request to keep the members site politically-free.

So that happened. I feel that both Darrin Talbott & Glenn Ratliff are trustworthy and I’m inclined to believe what they say. Perhaps it was just a “Simple Request” and not an attempt to stifle political speech in a “Chilling Effect”. There are plenty of free webhosting services on the internet, so there are plenty of places to put whatever content you want out there. I can also see the point that Jeff Oakes and the Fred Clark supporters have in saying this decision was politically motivated.

What do you think?

(Editor’s Note: I attempted to make contact with Fred Clark today, but he did not return my call. On a side note, I have left multiple messages at different times for Fred Clark to return my calls with not much success. I’m disappointed in that.)

HalifaxTalk: Traffic Checks

Let’s get to the news part of this first. Here’s the press release from the Halifax County’s Sheriff’s Office…

In a joint effort to curb drunk and/or drugged driving, and to [...]]]> It’s News. It’s a ThreadSpotting. It’s complete stupidity about the upcoming Halifax County Sheriff’s race. It’s all of those combined!

HalifaxTalk: Traffic Checks

Let’s get to the news part of this first. Here’s the press release from the Halifax County’s Sheriff’s Office…

In a joint effort to curb drunk and/or drugged driving, and to step up child safety-seat enforcement, four seperate traffic checkpoints were set up in locations throughout South Boston and Halifax Co. this past Saturday night ( 4/2/11 ). The Halifax Co. Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, and the South Boston Police Dept. conducted these checkpoints. As a result, citations or warrants were issued for the following violations: four charges of driving under the influence; one felony driving after having been declared an habitual offender; one possession of a controlled substance; one driving to elude police; ten driving on suspended licenses; one driving with no license; three child safety seat; four seatbelt; and twenty-nine other traffic charges were levied. Two broken down motorists were also assisted. Sheriff Noblin would like to remind citizens that with the oncoming warm weather, which increases highway traffic, deputies and police will be increasing the frequency of these checkpoints to ensure the safety of motorists and the public in Halifax County.

So that happened. Now to the ThreadSpotting…

• Jeff Oakes (PRCFPO) says there were only two arrests that he was aware of. Unsurprisingly, he’s not in the loop of sheriff’s office communications anymore and is quite wrong.
• Jeff Oakes (OMGSTFU) says there was ZERO publicity. Looks like he depends on the local newspapers and he’s quite wrong again. There are other sources for news.
• TomTen who only seems to comment on Sheriff’s office things, unsurprisingly comments on this Sheriff’s office thing.
• SidJay (Sheldon Jennings) continues to take shots at Jimmy Clay (but not in this thread…yet).
• AndyR makes perfect sense as usual.

Final Thoughts : This Halifax County Sheriff’s Race is going to as bizarre as the last one was. If Jeff Oakes files for this race, it will be even more bizarre. (Disclaimer: I have spoken with Oakes on this and have offered him a one hour talk show to make that announcement provided that he sits for an interview & takes viewers’ calls.) Personally, I don’t think he’ll run again. I’ve read that one person has said that they don’t read the local newspapers and depend on HalifaxTalk for news… and that deserves a facepalm. As of now, Stanley Noblin is the favorite to win the November election, but it’s going to depend how crowded the candidate field turns out to be. More to come on that…

Author Rebecca Skloot to speak at Prizery.

No, she’s not. She calling in sick.

Really? She looked to be in good health Wednesday night.

It’s a Miracle!

VIR sent out this press release on Saturday evening…

VIRginia International Raceway announced today that General Manager Josh Lief will leave full time employment as General Manager by the end of this season. Lief will remain with the company as a Senior Adviser [...]]]> The general manager of Virginia International Raceway is changing careers. (?)

VIR sent out this press release on Saturday evening…

VIRginia International Raceway announced today that General Manager Josh Lief will leave full time employment as General Manager by the end of this season. Lief will remain with the company as a Senior Adviser for the foreseeable future and will work with the VIR ownership to find a replacement at the appropriate time.

Josh said: “I have had an amazing five seasons at VIR and am very thankful to Connie and Harvey for the opportunity to fulfill a lifetime gearhead’s dream.” Josh continued, “I love VIR and always will, and am so proud of our staff and how far we’ve come, and am thankful for the support of so many people over the past years and the friends I’ve made but it would not be possible to name them all. I will still be regularly coming to VIR to race, work and enjoy what Paul Newman appropriately called ‘Heaven on Earth.’ I miss my family and legal practice and an unexpected opportunity to practice law in public service in Richmond came around that was just too good to pass up.” Connie Nyholm and Harvey Siegel, VIR’s Owners said: “Josh did an amazing job for us for five seasons and will always be part of VIR and our family. We are very grateful for his dedication and hard work and look forward to continuing to work with him and wish him the best of luck always.”

Saturday afternoon on a holiday weekend is a weird time to put this announcement out. General manager at VIR seemed to be Josh’s dream job and he’s going back to practicing law? Something doesn’t smell quite right. We’ll see what more we can find out about this.

Editor’s Note: The comments on this post went too far.

First, thanks for the birthday wishes. It means a lot.

Next, let’s talk about what’s getting ready to happen for Halifax County. If you’re [...]]]> The HalifaxTalk people who don’t like me and the ones who obsessively stalk me can read this too. It’s also open to people who want to know about WMDV.

First, thanks for the birthday wishes. It means a lot.

Next, let’s talk about what’s getting ready to happen for Halifax County. If you’re a Comcast cable subscriber in the South Boston/Halifax system, you’re about to get a brand new TV station. WMDV-TV is currently broadcasting over-the-air on channel 47.2 to southern Pittsylvania County, all of Henry County, Danville, and Caswell & Rockingham Counties in North Carolina. Because the station’s transmitter is on White Oak Mountain, our broadcast signal doesn’t reach Halifax County at this time so WMDV has reached a retransmission agreement with Comcast. WMDV-TV will be seen in South Boston/Halifax, Danville, Martinsville, Chatham, Gretna & Altavista. We have made all of the arrangements necessary for Comcast to start delivering our station to the area and WMDV could be on the cable systems as soon as this week.

WMDV-TV is part of the Star News Corporation and also has TV stations in Martinsville & Reidsville, NC. We specialize in local programming and feature news/talk call-in shows. We also feature guests from all walks of life including local government and elected officials. We invite our viewers to call in to our shows and talk to our hosts & guests about what’s really going on and we promise that you’ll have a voice with your elected officials on WMDV (as well as have a chance to express your own opinions). The network affiliate TV station cover our area as well, but they don’t have the time to devote themselves to in-depth coverage of things that happen here. At WMDV, we plan on producing a minimum of two to four hours of local programming each weeknight and will supplement that programming with coverage of local & regional events. In other words, it’s a type of TV station that the Halifax County area has never seen before. It’s worked well in the Martinsville & Reidsville areas and it’s going to work well in Halifax County.

You may notice that I used the word “we” up above and that’s because I am heading up the WMDV-TV efforts. I will be the host of the majority of our on-air programming. I have been working for Star News Corporation for the past four months and am currently hosting shows on our existing stations. I have a good knowledge of the region and have a good working relationship with the region’s government leaders and elected officials. I have already started the progress of booking guests from Halifax County (and the region) for our talk shows and look forward to filling our programming schedule with content that you will want to watch. As you know, I always maintain an open line of communication with my friends and I am keeping that philosophy open with the new viewers that watch our stations. I want to hear what’s on your mind, what’s going on, and what you want to see on the station. Star News Corporation is known for covering and televising local events and we look forward to continuing that in the WMDV coverage area. We’re community-based, and we’re going to give Halifax County a new way to talk & something to talk about.

We will also offer television advertising packages that will include commercials, short & long-form infomercials and TV show type programming at the lowest media rates ever seen in the area. If you’ve got a business or service that you want people to know about, you will be able to reach well over 35,000 households in the Southside Virginia area at prices that will be affordable for you, no matter what size your business is. WMDV does all of our advertising production in house and doesn’t charge production fees for advertising contracts that meet our minimum time-frames. We have plenty of references available that will be glad to tell you how much Star News advertising has done for their business.

As you can tell, I’m excited about this new career and also excited to bring this endeavor to Halifax County.

Now, let’s get to the HalifaxTalk part of this essay. As you know, Darrin Talbott banned me from the HT message boards after my comments in this thread. I made an attempt to talk to Darrin and documented it in this SouthsideCentral article. Darrin replied in a thread called “Free BruceH”, and I made my response here. After that, I’ve had no communication with Darrin and only passing conversation with Bunny. I thank all of my friends for the support. Through credible sources and friends, I’ve found out that it’s just not Darrin that recommended my banning and continue to not want me back. I have no need to be allowed back on HalifaxTalk but with the imminent arrival of WMDV, I feel that it’s time to move forward.

I feel that WMDV & HalifaxTalk could both benefit from working together. The majority of elected officials and government leaders have no desire to participate at HalifaxTalk due to the anonymous sniping and hostile attitudes that have been demonstrated quite often in the past. That hasn’t been the case at any of the other Star News stations and it will not be the case at WMDV. When you’ve got a potential audience of over 35,000 subscribers, leaders and people will participate. Let me make this perfectly clear… I will not (nor never) apologize for any of my statements on HalifaxTalk. I stand behind what I say and always will. I am opinionated at times and I have no problem offering up those opinions. If you don’t like me, I don’t care & I can sleep well with that knowledge. I’ll do just fine without your support. If you do like me, I’ll be there for you.

Here’s what I’m proposing… If Darrin & Bunny are willing to work with me & WMDV, I would be willing to set up a section on HalifaxTalk where I could tell people about what’s coming up on our programming. I would open threads up for people to submit questions for our guests and to suggest potential show topics. I would also respond to viewer’s comments just as I currently do via phone, email and our Star News Facebook page. I want to make sure that people know that Halifax County will not be the sole focus of our WMDV programming, but we feel it’s an underserved market area and needs a local TV station that covers this area.

So there you have it, folks. I’ve told you about WMDV and our plans. It’s going to happen and I want you to be a part of it. I cordially invite everybody who reads this letter to come visit the new WMDV studios in Danville. We’re located at 3334 US 29 N, and that’s 2/10′s of a mile past the Market Square shopping center and the Danville city limits. Make contact with me, and I’ll let you know when I’ll be in the studio and we’ll work out a good time for you to come visit. If you’re on Facebook,I invite you to add me on as a friend if you haven’t already & I also invite you to find our Star News fan page and join it. You can email me at any time at bhedrick@southsidecentral.com or bruce.hedrick@wgsr47.com. You can also call me as well. I’ll be glad to give you my direct phone number on request or you can call 336-446-WMDV (9638) at any time. I will continue to operate SouthsideCentral, and here’s a SC article that tells you all of the ways to contact SC & see additional SC content. I’m also actively looking for guests that have a story to tell, so feel free to let me know any ideas that you have on that. As for the HalifaxTalk issues, the ball is now in Darrin Talbott & Bunny Propst’s court. I would like to work together with HalifaxTalk… but if that doesn’t happen, WMDV is coming to the area anyway.

I thank you for taking the time to read this open letter. If you have any questions or comments, I’m always available to talk.

Sincerely,
Bruce Hedrick

The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office is currently at the “Short Stop” convenience store in Scottsburg working a double shooting incident. At last report, a man and woman have been shot outside of the store.

More to come as soon as we find [...]]]> Thanks to our great sources for getting this news to us quickly.

The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office is currently at the “Short Stop” convenience store in Scottsburg working a double shooting incident. At last report, a man and woman have been shot outside of the store.

More to come as soon as we find anything out.

Update #1: One patient is being flown out by helicopter.

Update #2: A female victim has been killed in this shooting incident.

Update #3: Two people are dead in this incident. Our sources have confirmed that this was a murder/suicide involving a man and a woman.

Update #4: Law enforcement authorities are not releasing the names of the persons involved. SouthsideCentral has confirmed the identities of the man & woman but will not release the names until law enforcement does.

Update #5: David Riley (29) shot Wendy Riley (23) in the parking lot of the Short Stop convenience store.

DOVES working to get employees back pay

No, they’re not working to get their employees back pay. They’re floundering around like they have been doing for the past two years and getting nothing accomplished. They may want to point fingers and blame John Scott (their former director who was convicted [...]]]> This is getting ridiculous.

DOVES working to get employees back pay

No, they’re not working to get their employees back pay. They’re floundering around like they have been doing for the past two years and getting nothing accomplished. They may want to point fingers and blame John Scott (their former director who was convicted of stealing), but he’s not the only reason why this organization imploded.

The R&B article doesn’t tell you that Kim Carson sued DOVES for $8304.92 and won by default on April 27th. That’s right, default. Greg Hairston was listed in the court action but nobody even showed up from DOVES to even state their case. Classy.

It would “probably would have been worth it” if all of the employees got judgments and let a crappy court show pay the bills? I guess when your business reputation is already at the level they’re at, what’s more public humiliation? I wonder if Hairston or DOVES would show up for a fake TV courtroom taping? (By the way, it’s either Joe Brown or Greg Mathis… not Joe Mathis).

He (Hairston) said it takes so long to get the board together now that the shelter is closed that nothing was ever done about responding to the show.

Ridiculous. Maybe this bad publicity will light a fire under the board’s ass and get them together.

Happy Trails to this organization, and let’s hope the next organization has their act together.

Mrs. White is letting the public know about the effects that a $80,000 budget cut will do to her office. Here’s the text of a letter that she has sent to SouthsideCentral as well to the Halifax [...]]]> Kim White, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Halifax County, is speaking out about potential budget cuts to her office.

Mrs. White is letting the public know about the effects that a $80,000 budget cut will do to her office. Here’s the text of a letter that she has sent to SouthsideCentral as well to the Halifax County newspapers.

Thank you for the opportunity to directly address the citizens of Halifax County concerning the effects of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office budget cuts proposed by the finance committee of the Board of Supervisors. Citizens who are alarmed by the proposed budget action of the Board of Supervisors should contact members of the Board as soon as possible as it is expected that the Board will pass a budget very soon.

Although I never was told of the amount of the proposed budget cut of approximately $80,000 by any member of the Board of Supervisors or any member of the County Administration prior to my reading about it in the newspaper, I have confirmed that not only is the Board seeking to reduce my office budget by the amount of the state cuts, but also cutting the local funds to my office. My contacts with prosecutor’s offices across the Commonwealth have told me that the vast majority of localities are NOT imposing the state reductions and certainly not additional local cuts because those jurisdictions consider the law enforcement functions of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Offices to be valuable core government services.

If the Board of Supervisors approves a budget that cuts my office by $80,000, I will be forced to lay off people, resulting in a reduction of services provided to citizens – victims, deputies, officers, troopers, merchants, courts. Pursuant to §15.2-1627 of the Code of Virginia, Commonwealth’s Attorneys and Assistants only are required to prosecute felony charges. However, because of the experience of, expertise of and number of prosecutors currently in this office, we are able to provide services to the citizens of the County beyond those mandated by Virginia law.

Currently this office does prosecute charges other than felonies. That most likely will have to stop if our budget is cut. Some of the non felony charges we prosecute include domestic violence crimes, misdemeanor sex crimes, juvenile misdemeanors, drunk driving charges, marijuana charges, concealed weapon violations, property damage charges, shoplifting charges, bad check charges, assault and battery charges, trespassing charges and hunting, fishing and game regulation violations. If our prosecutor numbers are reduced such that we only have enough prosecutors and time to dedicate to our state mandated duty of prosecuting felonies, citizens, victims, merchants and officers may have to bring those misdemeanor cases to trial without the assistance of a prosecutor – often with a state or locally compensated defense attorney on the other side, protecting the rights of the defendant. Yet, the proposed budget cut will leave the rights of the citizens unrepresented. A highly likely result will be fewer convictions in these misdemeanors.

Currently this office also provides advice and guidance to all law enforcement officers investigating crimes in the County. On call every day, all day, all year, I and my Assistants field phone calls at all hours concerning police conduct, search and seizure issues, elements of crimes and investigation strategy. I sincerely believe that because of our flexibility and availability for law enforcement inquiries, our victims of crime are better served and protected, citizens are afforded the required protections guaranteed to them under the Constitution, and criminals and their crimes are capably and swiftly investigated and apprehended. Again, if our prosecutor numbers are reduced, the availability and flexibility we have to offer to law enforcement officers could be greatly impacted.

If the Board of Supervisors approves a budget that cuts my office, we may be left without a specialized Drug Prosecutor. This position has been a part of Halifax County for nearly twenty years. This specialized prosecutor works hand in hand with members of the Drug and Gang Task Force in the detection, investigation and prosecution of the criminals bringing and selling drugs and committing acts of violence in Halifax County. In fact, it was through this office that the very first drug king pin prosecution in Virginia was secured.

I recognize that economic times are tough for everyone. In fact, I have met with the Board of Supervisors and demonstrated cuts that I can make and still provide services to the citizens. That proposal appears to have fallen on deaf ears. In addition, over the last six fiscal years, this office has been frugal and responsible in using state funds in place of local funds to save the County hundreds of thousands of budgeted dollars. Those efforts appear to have fallen on deaf ears.

Unfortunately, the proposed budget cut by the Board of Supervisors on the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney won’t fall on deaf ears. The effects will be heard by victims, merchants, officers and the courts. If this concerns you, I urge you to contact members of the Board of Supervisors. Ask that they make public safety and law enforcement a priority and fully fund this office.

Yours very truly,

Kimberley Slayton White
Commonwealth’s Attorney

Former South Boston finance director Vandie Saunders was killed on Sunday afternoon in a farming accident. Saunders (62) was apparently operating a piece of farm machinery when the accident occurred. We’ll have more details on this breaking news story as we get information.

Update [...]]]> Our sources have just got this story in to SouthsideCentral.

Former South Boston finance director Vandie Saunders was killed on Sunday afternoon in a farming accident. Saunders (62) was apparently operating a piece of farm machinery when the accident occurred. We’ll have more details on this breaking news story as we get information.

Update #1: Saunders’ tractor accidentally went into gear and dragged a bushhog over him.

HaliFair is an arts, crafts, and horticulture festival that will feature activities for all ages, cruise-ins, and live music throughout the afternoon and evening. The HaliFair will run from 12 noon to 10PM and admission is only [...]]]> Make your way to the Halifax County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 5th for a brand new event!

HaliFair is an arts, crafts, and horticulture festival that will feature activities for all ages, cruise-ins, and live music throughout the afternoon and evening. The HaliFair will run from 12 noon to 10PM and admission is only $1.00. Proceeds will go into the prize fund for the 100th Halifax County Fair. This fall’s Halifax County Fair will run from October 5th through October 9th and will be celebrating “A Century Of Fair”.

According to a press release by 3RiverTec…

All artists, artisans, horticulturists, retail vendors, food vendors, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply. The number of available vendor spaces will be limited to create diversity and to provide vendors with a successful market. Vendors must be present at the festival, and all applications must be submitted with full payment by Friday, May 14, 2010.

To get more details on the application process for vendors or to get more information on HaliFair, check out their website at http://www.halifair.com or call 3RiverTec at 434-517-1551. We’ll be having more coverage of HaliFair on SouthsideCentral!

At 10:04 PM, Halifax County authorities were dispatched to Blane Rd. in the Alton area for reports of a mobile home overturned. This is the same area that is currently under a tornado warning.

Update [...]]]> We’re trying to get more information, but here’s what we have so far. Keep checking this story for updates.

At 10:04 PM, Halifax County authorities were dispatched to Blane Rd. in the Alton area for reports of a mobile home overturned. This is the same area that is currently under a tornado warning.

Update #1: Our sources report that emergency crews have reported in that the mobile home has sustained major damage.

UPDATE: We’ve got the information from the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office about how this incident started.

From our friends at the Danville Police Department…

Danville Police responded to a request for assistance reference a shots fired call in Halifax County, Virginia [...]]]> Teamwork gets a bunch of idiot kids off the road and into jail.

UPDATE: We’ve got the information from the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office about how this incident started.

From our friends at the Danville Police Department…

Danville Police responded to a request for assistance reference a shots fired call in Halifax County, Virginia this morning.

At approximately 9:30 A.M. Danville Police responded to South Boston Road in regards to a request for assistance from the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office reference a shots fired call in Halifax County, Virginia this morning. The information was a white Chevrolet Tahoe was involved in the shooting and it was headed towards the Danville area. Responding officers stopped the suspect vehicle in the 1100 block of South Boston Road.

After further investigation, The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office charged Kenneth Lee Snead age 23 of Scottsburg, VA with the shooting in this case. Snead is currently in the Danville City Jail under a 5,000.00 secured bond.

REF: Virginia State Code 18.2-286.1 – Discharging a firearm from a moving vehicle
REF: Virginia State Code 18.2-282 – Brandishing a firearm

The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office will have to be contacted for the details of the originating incident in Halifax County.

After further investigation, Danville Police made the following charges:

Amanda Nell Snead, age 20 of Pittsylvania County, Va was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Snead was placed in the Danville City Jail and released under a 5,000.00 unsecured bond.

REF: Virginia State Code 18.2-266 – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Daniel Aaron Wilbourn age 20 of South Boston, VA was charged with Drunk in public and Under age possession of alcohol. Wilbourn was placed in the Danville City Jail and released under a Recognizance bond.

REF: Danville City Code 23-12 – Drunk in public
REF: Virginia State Code 4.1-305 – Under age possession of alcohol

Tiffany Reese Wyman age 20 of Halifax, VA was charged with Under age possession of alcohol. Wyman was written a Virginia Uniform Summons and released.

REF: Virginia State Code 4.1-305 – Under age possession of alcohol

We have a request in to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office for more information on this incident…

And here’s the information from the HCSO…

Deputy Stanley Britton was called to the home of Ellen Matthews, 4121 Turbeville Rd., So. Boston, on 2/13/10 @ 9:06 AM. She reported that two vehicles had pulled into her driveway, and when she called to them to see if they needed help, the occupants ignored her. She called to them several more times, and they continued to ignore her. She told them they had to leave, and they finally took off spinning their tires and yelling at her from out of their window, and then they pointed a handgun out of the window of one of the vehicles, a white Tahoe, and shot several times. She was able to provide us with a license number, and a BOL was issued to surrounding localities. They were later stopped by Danville police, where they face several charges there. Deputy Britton charged Kenneth Lee Snead, 23, of 3128 Green Level Rd., Scottsburg with brandishing a firearm and shooting from a motor vehicle.

Shooting At Sheetz Leads To $5M Suit

For some reference on this, you can read the report prepared by Halifax County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Kim White here at her website. (Look for the entries marked 08/15/2008)

Let’s recap:

From the Halifax County Emergency Services Office…

The Halifax County Office of Emergency Services is urging citizens not to attempt to cross flooded roadways and to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” after a very close call for a local family. [...]]]> Halifax County rescuers saved a woman and two children from a potentially deadly situation today.

From the Halifax County Emergency Services Office…

The Halifax County Office of Emergency Services is urging citizens not to attempt to cross flooded roadways and to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” after a very close call for a local family. At approximately 2:30 PM today, emergency responders were dispatched to Black Walnut Road (Hwy. 600) for a vehicle in high water with trapped occupants.

On arrival responders found a small Chevrolet pick-up truck with three occupants, identified as Jessica Anderson and two small children, stranded approximately 160 feet from dry land. According to Anderson, she had attempted to cross the flooded Black Walnut Creek because did not believe the water to be deep. Anderson drove the feeling approximately 200 200 yards until the vehicle stalled in about 3 feet of water.

Responders from Clover, Triangle, and South Boston Fire Departments, Halifax County Rescue Squad and Halifax County Emergency Services were dispatched to the scene. The trio was stranded for approximately 30 minutes before being rescued. Utilizing a nonmotorized boat, two responders made their way to the vehicle and were able to rescue the 3 occupants who suffered no injuries.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood waters. The next highest
percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. Many believe their 3,000 to 5,000 pound vehicle will remain in contact with the road surface and are too heavy to float. This belief is false as most vehicles will become buoyant and can be swept away in 18 to 24 inches of moving water. Trucks and SUVs are not much better with only six to twelve inches of additional clearance.

In moving water all that is required for a vehicle to be swept away is for the vehicle to become buoyant enough to allow the water’s force to push it sideways. This can occur even if the tires remain in contact with the pavement. The danger of being swept away includes attempts to walk or wade through flowing water. As little as six inches can sweep an adult off their feet and carry them downstream.

The solution is simple. Turn around, Don’t drown. Stay out of flooded areas. The water may be much deeper then it appears as the ground or roadway may have been washed away. Also respect “road closed” barriers posted to warn you of the danger.

VSP Trooper K. Martin is investigating the incident. According to VDOT officials, the area of the incident was properly marked with road closure signs and barrels. A total of 12 emergency responders, one fire truck from Clover Fire Department, 2 ambulances and a rescue vehicle from Halifax County Rescue Squad, Halifax County Ladder Truck and the Halifax County Emergency Services Coordinator.

Here are some photos from today’s rescue operation…

Thanks go to the Halifax County Emergency Services office for this information!

From the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office…

Deputies were called to the Country Corner Store, 1036 Hitesburg Church Rd., Virgilina, last night (1/8/10), at 8:24 PM, for an attempted armed robbery. The store clerk said that a tall black male wearing an orange ski mask and [...]]]> Nothing was taken as the robbers took off running.

From the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office…

Deputies were called to the Country Corner Store, 1036 Hitesburg Church Rd., Virgilina, last night (1/8/10), at 8:24 PM, for an attempted armed robbery. The store clerk said that a tall black male wearing an orange ski mask and black bib-overalls came into the store and pointed a handgun at her, demanding the money from the cash register. About that time, a cutomer’s vehicle pulled onto the lot, and another black male wearing a reddish-colored bandana over the lower part of his face and a tan-colored hooded jacket, came into the store, telling the first one that “they had to go”. The customer who had pulled onto the lot saw them run behind the store. They ran without taking anything. A Sheriff’s Office tracking dog was called to the scene, and tracked a short ways down the road behind the store. It is possible that they may have left from that point on a late 1980′s model Ford LTD, or a similar vehicle.

Quick recap: So what’s going on with the Billy Kiefer case?

As referenced above, the case went to Halifax County Circuit Court on Friday, December 18th. The defense [...]]]> We’ve had a lot of people wanting to know what’s going on in the case of the former South Boston policeman. Once again, it’s been continued.

Quick recap: So what’s going on with the Billy Kiefer case?

As referenced above, the case went to Halifax County Circuit Court on Friday, December 18th. The defense made a motion for continuance due to “serious illnesses in the defense attorney’s family”. The motion was granted by the judge and a new hearing date has not been scheduled.

We’ll keep you posted on anything else that develops in this court case.

From a Halifax County Sheriff’s Office news release…

In July of 2008, Investigator Crystal Yeatts of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and Kim Lester of the Halifax County Department of Social Services began [...]]]> Congrats go out to Crystal Yeatts, Kim Lester and Will Hamilton for working together and getting this scumbag out of society.

From a Halifax County Sheriff’s Office news release…

In July of 2008, Investigator Crystal Yeatts of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and Kim Lester of the Halifax County Department of Social Services began a joint investigation of Lester Eugene Bowles, 50, of Scottsburg, Virginia, based on allegations that he sexually abused a six year old girl. On May 28, 2009, Bowles was tried and convicted of one count of Forcible Sodomy and one count of Aggravated Sexual Battery against a child who was less than thirteen years of age. On Monday, December 21, 2009, Bowles was sentenced by Judge Leslie Osborn on both charges. On the charge of Forcible Sodomy, Judge Osborn sentenced Bowles to sixty years with thirty years suspended. On the charge of Aggravated Sexual Battery, Judge Osborn sentenced Bowles to twenty years, with all but ten years suspended. Bowles was remanded to custody to begin serving his sentence. “Cases like these are among the most important cases we handle. They are also among the most difficult,” said Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Will Hamilton.

In the course of investigating the sexual abuse charges, the Sheriff’s Office discovered guns and gunpowder in Bowles’ residence. Bowles was subsequently tried and convicted for possessing firearms and explosive materials after having been convicted of a felony. He was sentenced to ten years with five years suspended on those charges. All of the sentences are to be served consecutively, leaving Bowles with a total of forty-five years to serve in prison. “We’re all pleased with the results” said Hamilton. “Thanks to the hard work of law enforcement, social services, and the bravery of one young girl, Lester Bowles no longer poses a threat to the children of Halifax.”

Let’s have one final look at this lowlife before he leaves us for good.

Happy Trails, Scumbag!

The Berry Hill Resort & Conference Center will be holding their annual Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 19th at 5 PM. Berry Hill is located at 3105 River Road in South Boston. VA.

They’ll start [...]]]> Make your way to South Boston on Saturday (12/19) and come to Berry Hill’s Christmas Open House.

The Berry Hill Resort & Conference Center will be holding their annual Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 19th at 5 PM. Berry Hill is located at 3105 River Road in South Boston. VA.

They’ll start Saturday off with the annual Breakfast With Santa with seatings at 10 AM & noon. The Open House will start at 5 PM in the mansion with cocktails and appetizers in the mansion. Afterwards, the dining room with be open for their Christmas buffet.

Here are some photos of Berry Hill’s Christmas decorations from this year…

Not many people in this area have ever gone into the Berry Hill mansion and grounds, so here’s the perfect chance to see one of Southside’s hidden treasures.

Here are a few more submitted photos of the Berry Hill estate.

Beautiful, eh? For more details on any of these activities, check out their website or call 434-517-7000!

On Wednesday, December 9th, the SBPD got a call to the Halifax County High School in regards to multiple larcenies. Entry had been made into a basement locker room and various items had been taken including cash, a cell [...]]]> The South Boston Police Department is busy at work trying to catch the people responsible.

On Wednesday, December 9th, the SBPD got a call to the Halifax County High School in regards to multiple larcenies. Entry had been made into a basement locker room and various items had been taken including cash, a cell phone, bank cards, and an Ipod. If you have any information regarding these thefts, please call 434-575-7273.

From our friends at the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office…

On 12/7/09 at 1:00 PM, Deputies Chris Yeatts and Chuck Bates (riding together) were utilizing moving radar on HWY 58 (Philpott Rd.), when they met a white vehicle traveling approx. 80 mph heading westbound. They turned around [...]]]> You’re not going to outrun the law, folks.

From our friends at the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office…

On 12/7/09 at 1:00 PM, Deputies Chris Yeatts and Chuck Bates (riding together) were utilizing moving radar on HWY 58 (Philpott Rd.), when they met a white vehicle traveling approx. 80 mph heading westbound. They turned around on the vehicle, at which time the vehicle accelerated to speeds exceeding 120 mph. The pursuit continued into Pittsylvania Co., and then right onto Swedwood Rd., at which time the deputies lost sight of the vehicle. As they approached the Cane Creek Pkwy. intersection, they spotted the vehicle on the side of the road off Cane Creek Pkwy., where the 2 occupants of the vehicle were switching sides. The deputies turned around and got behind the vehicle again, at which time the vehicle, a white 2005 Hyundai, took off again. After approx. 3/10 of a mile, the vehicle stopped. Wendell G. Estes, age 34,of 254 Hairston St., Danville, was charged with felony eluding police, and misdemeanor driving on a suspended license. Donald W. Johnson, age 20, of the same address, was charged with felony eluding police.

Seriously, what’s going on with that project?

Rumors are flying around that the Modeling & Simulation Center project has completely imploded. Carole Inge, the director, is no longer associated [...]]]> What’s the difference between Victoria’s Secret and the “Modeling & Simulation Center” located in Halifax County’s Riverstone Technology Park? Victoria’s Secret has models that work.

Seriously, what’s going on with that project?

Rumors are flying around that the Modeling & Simulation Center project has completely imploded. Carole Inge, the director, is no longer associated with the project and the phones have been disconnected. We’re looking into the situation and will update this thread on what we find out.

• The Halifax County IDA appears to be controlling what’s left of the “Center”. I talked with Halifax County IDA Director Mike Sexton today and he says that he can’t say much until the authority’s attorneys approve an upcoming press release. That press release should be issued soon as we’ll have it here as quick as we can get it. Sexton implied that the project is very much not-dead and he will invited the media on a tour of the facility so that we can see and report what is happening. Again, more to come on that.
• The project has gotten a lot of Tobacco Commission funding. I’ve spoken with a few Commission members and they had no idea of the project’s apparent problems.
• According to stories, Virginia Tech has dropped support for the project. I’ve got a call in to Larry Hincker, the Associate Vice President for University Relations, to find more on this. UPDATE #1: Larry Hincker called me back and told me that he’s going to have to do some more research on this and has referred my call to other people that will know more about this project.
• UPDATE #2: We’ve found out that the Research & Development committee of the Tobacco Commission will be meeting on Tuesday in Roanoke. Halifax County is requesting a $5,000,000 grant from the Tobacco Commission and this request will be discussed at the meeting. Halifax County’s Connie Nyholm & Ed Owens are on this committee but neither have returned my calls as of yet.

We’ll update this story as soon as we find out any more information.

November 16, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen [...]]]> On Monday, November 16th, the Halifax County Board of Supervisors & the South Boston Town Council held a joint meeting. Curtis Waskey made a presentation during the public comment segment regarding the issues of the termination of Woodson Hughes. Here is complete transcript of Mr. Waskey’s remarks.

November 16, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen of our respective Governing Bodies,

I wish to thank you for this opportunity to speak before you this evening. I come before you with a heavy heart and an overwhelming sense of injustice for one of our beloved public servants. Mr. Woodson Hughes has endeared himself to this community by his acts of kindness, unselfish service, his encyclopedic mind, and his ever present professional can-do attitude. The sentiments I wish to share with you this evening are not mine solely, but are the feelings of hundreds of my fellow citizens in this community as evidenced by the petitions we have submitted to you. We have collected over 858 Signatures to date and expect more to follow.

I am saddened by the negative publicity our Public Library System has received of late but I am also very proud of our citizens for voicing their very strong opinions about a serious injustice done to a valued community resource.

We submitted generic questions to the Library Board at their last board meeting seeking answers. These questions remain unanswered. Each of you has in your packet a copy of these questions. It was communicated to the members of the Library Board that these questions were generic in nature and were at the heart of our concerns. We also expressed our opinions that transparency was indeed more appropriate than invisibility.

At the heart of our concerns are the following:

Fact – Mr. Hughes (and we suspect other employees of the Library) has not received a written annual performance review by the Library director (Ms. Griffin) since her arrival. This is contrary to written Library policy.

Fact – Mr. Hughes received a pay increase in 2008 without a performance evaluation. This is also contrary to written Library policy.

Fact – The called meeting of October 12th was not called seven day in advance and the news media was not given notice of this meeting. This was not an open meeting but a closed session meeting to discuss a personnel issue. A vote was taken in this meeting and there is no public record by way of recorded minutes for public viewing. This is contrary to Robert’s Rules of Order and the customary protocol for public governing bodies.

Fact – Mr. Hughes was not given an opportunity to view or have explained to him the allegations lodged against him, face his accusers, nor defend himself. He was fired and threatened by intimidation if he did not resign. He was denied any due process. This was done without any regard for his 22 years of loyal and valued service.

Fact – There is nothing in the written policy that addresses under what circumstances fines may be forgiven. There are no guidelines or procedures. The present system did not identify who forgave what fines and there were no shifts that employed less than two persons at any given time. The system does not have the capacity to positively identify who did what. The Halifax Library branch also experienced similar results proportionate to there circulation numbers. No one there has been fired. The Director has distorted the dollar amounts as most of the forgiveness was for values associated with items that were lost and then later found and returned.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Boards, you our elected officials, our protectors and the voices of reason and fairness, I ask you to intercede on our behalf. This entire incident is screaming for examination. If we are right, please help us to undo this wrong. If we are wrong, help to make this visible and clear. I don’t believe there is one of you sitting here tonight that would agree that 22 years of loyal and faithful service deserves the treatment this Library Board has inflicted by their Heavy Handed Actions. A comprehensive policy for fine forgiveness needs to be adopted, procedures need to be explained, and management systems need to be improved. Disciplinary actions should be taken, but only after there is a clear policy to work by. Discipline should be fair and equal for all employees. Punishment should be equal to the infraction. Your citizens deserve answers. We would like to see a valued and prized community asset like Mr. Hughes reinstated and a governing Library board directed towards proper procedures and behaviors in the future. Thank you.

Respectfully Yours,

Curtis Waskey

Our friends at the Halifax County Sheriff’s Department tell us that somebody stole 968 gallons of diesel fuel from an underground storage tank at Lasco Industries in the Fulp Industrial Park during the past week. Tyler Clarke is the investigating deputy on this [...]]]> At the current prices, stealing diesel fuel is like stealing cash.

Our friends at the Halifax County Sheriff’s Department tell us that somebody stole 968 gallons of diesel fuel from an underground storage tank at Lasco Industries in the Fulp Industrial Park during the past week. Tyler Clarke is the investigating deputy on this case. If you have any information that could help solve these crimes, call Halifax County Central Dispatch at 434-476-3334 or call the Halifax County CrimeLine at 434-476-8445. You can stay anonymous and you may become eligible for a reward.

During the night of 11/6/09, someone stole 18 handmade birdhouses from the front yard of Hazelwood Antiques at 11235 L. P. Bailey Hwy in Nathalie. Sam Gilliam is the investigating deputy. Gilliam is [...]]]> It’s been a while since we’ve checked in with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office. Let’s see what they have going on.

During the night of 11/6/09, someone stole 18 handmade birdhouses from the front yard of Hazelwood Antiques at 11235 L. P. Bailey Hwy in Nathalie. Sam Gilliam is the investigating deputy. Gilliam is also working a case where a Yamaha 600 Grizzly ATV was stolen from a shed at the home of Ronald Dixon (6131 Newbill School Rd., Clover). The ATV is green with a camo seat.

Cpl. Patrick Clayton is the investigating officer on two cases. Tina Englebright (2241 Love Shop Rd., Halifax) reported that sometime Friday afternoon, 11/6/09, someone broke into her home through the back door and took a laptop computer, some jewelry, and some cash. Also, two license plates were stolen from a Fred Conner’s vehicle parked next to the highway at 5184 J. D. Hagood Hwy., Clover. Conner had the vehicle for sale when the plates were stolen. The tags are VA plates bearing KAM-1728.

News & Record: Former library director speaks out

Hey, it’s got to be important if the N&R publishes letters to the editor on Monday, eh?

Anyway, let’s take a [...]]]> K, I, S, S, I, N, G (insert your choice of body parts here). It seems that we’ve made a “climate of intimidation”. Who knew?

News & Record: Former library director speaks out

Hey, it’s got to be important if the N&R publishes letters to the editor on Monday, eh?

Anyway, let’s take a look at this. Paul Johnson is the former director of the Halifax County-South Boston Regional Library and was on the committee that picked Rhonda Griffin as his replacement. In his letter, Johnson throws two things. First, he throws his support to the library board and Griffin and then he throws Woodson Hughes under the bus. Gee, let’s see, he got his way with the library board and then helped hand-pick Rhonda Griffin (having known her previously in his career field). There’s no way that he could be slurping on them out of any personal feelings, could it?

Woodson’s got bus tire tracks on his bowtie thanks to Johnson’s letter, but it gets even “better”. Johnson’s letter dumps this steaming pile of “better-than-you” crap onto the dinner table.

Library board members take their responsibilities very seriously and deserve the community’s appreciation for their unpaid and thankless service. These honorable public-spirited citizens have evidently considered expert advice from state and local authorities and weighed it carefully. If board members cannot act on evidence of financial irregularities and an agency head cannot carry out her duties without being subjected to extreme public vilification, long-term damage will be done to the entire community. Few would be willing to accept appointment to any local board in such a climate of intimidation.

Dear God, what have we done?! We’re causing global unrest (and maybe global warming) by having the nerve to publicly disagree with a public body’s decision! Do “honorable public-spirited citizens” make phone calls like this, Paul? Does a peaceful organized rally constitute “extreme public vilification”? Exactly what “long-term” damage will be done to the whole community for supporting a local man who’s been a benefit to the library system? Have we destroyed the local governmental system forever by making our feelings known?

As a librarian experienced in reference materials, Paul Johnson obviously knows the meaning of the word “hyperbole”.