SouthsideCentral » South Boston

Breaking News: South Boston stabbing victim dies

SouthsideCentral — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:42:14 +0000

Thanks to SouthsideCentral & Star News, you’re the first to know!

Christopher Polk (26) died today at Duke University Hospital from stab injuries received from an altercation that happened Saturday night in the Westside Village apartment complex. According to Captain B.K. Lovelace, additional charges are pending against Quincy Polk (25) once the investigation is completed. South Boston Police Department Sgt. R.E. Redd said that Christopher Polk’s body has been sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Chapel Hill for an autopsy.

UPDATED – BREAKING: Former South Boston finance director killed in farming accident

SouthsideCentral — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 20:13:46 +0000

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.

SouthsideSpotlight: Cheri’s Creations

BigBlue — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 03:48:56 +0000

Medical professionals are always looking for quality uniforms, well look no further.

Mrs. Cheri L. Jillard is the sole proprietor of Cheri’s Creations. This company is specializes in medical professional attire and apparel. Mrs. Jillard has been sewing professionally for the majority of her adult life. She started sewing at a small factory in Pennsylvania shortly after graduating from high school. Her products include pre-made scrub tops and stethoscope covers, which are reasonably priced. She also offers to make scrub tops from fabric sent to her by her customers for what I would consider a reasonable fee. She was even asked to design a “Santa Claus Jacket” like scrub top, but we will let her tell you more about that. From this point on, CJ will be refering to Mrs. Jillard and SS will refer to SouthsideCentral’s SouthSide Spotlight.

SS: Our readers already know that you have been sewing professionally for most of your adult life. What made you decide to start creating scrub tops for the medical profession?

CJ: My decision to start creating tops was because I was tired of seeing the overpriced, over-manufactured tops in stores. The fact that I love to sew also helped in my decision.

SS: Could you explain a little more about tops being “overpriced and over-manufactured?”

CJ: Overpriced – Buying a set of scrubs for $45 when another place sells them for maybe $30. When you can get the whole set from me for about $15-$20. And you get to choose the material!

Over-manufactured – Seeing the same print over and over again for example, walking into a store and seeing 10 prints of a Tinkerbelle scrub top. Most of my tops are unique prints, and the most you will ever see is no more than two of the same print.

SS: How do you combat the “This is cheaper than the ones I just bought. I wonder what is wrong with it,” mentality?

CJ: Simple…I tell my customers that these are handmade… Those are manufactured. I know what I pay for my material, and I mark my prices accordingly. Most manufacturers are charging you for the material (not just enough for one top, but for as many tops as they can get out of that bolt) as well as their shipping charges, what they are paying their workers, etc

SS: You mentioned that customers can choose their fabric. How do you let your customers take advantage of this unique aspect of your business?

CJ: Basically, they go to a fabric store of their liking and pick out whatever fabric they like. A 2 yard minimum is required for each top. After choosing their fabric, they can bring it to me and for a small fee of $7.00 per top, I will make them a brand spanking new scrub top in the size of their choice.

SS: Have you ever had a custom order that gave you a real challenge and great satisfaction when it was seen by the customer?

CJ: Ahhh, yes. This past Christmas I had a customer order a special “Santa” scrub top. This top was made with Red Velvet fabric. Velvet fabric in itself is hard to work with because of the stretch that it has but I was able to make her a top. She gave me free reign to do with what I pleased. Needless to say, at the end she was VERY happy with the top. (Top can be found here: http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t160/cheriscreations1/santa.jpg)

SS: Where can prospective customers find you so that they can view your products and take advantage of the fabric of your choice option?

CJ: Prospective customers can check out my eBay store at: http://stores.ebay.com/Cheris-Scrubs From there they can also send me an email if they have any questions or would like to purchase specific prints, or they can e-mail me at: cherisscrubs@aol.com. I have more prints available than what is showing in my store so be sure to keep checking back as I will be moving most of my inventory to that store in the near future. They can also see my feedback from customers that have bought from me in the past as well as what current customers have to say!

SoutsideCentral would like to take a moment to thank Mrs. Jillard for taking the time out of her day to sit down with us to talk about her business. We certainly do wish her all of the best of success with our sincere thanks for talking with us. Stay tuned for another edition of SouthsideCentral’s SouthsideSpotlight. We may be covering a business near you.

UPDATED: There’s Panic In the Streets!

SouthsideCentral — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:16:09 +0000

The sheriff’s wife has had her purse stolen out of her car while it was parked at South Boston’s First Baptist Church. The South Boston Police Department & the Halifax County Sheriff’s Department are out in full force! We’ve got Breaking News & a ThreadSpotting all combined in one! Oh, this is going to be good…

HalifaxTalk: Lots of cops at First Baptist Church this morning..

So far, these four things I know are true.

It’s great to see that the entire law enforcement community comes together to help on a stolen purse case for any of our regular citizens.
We haven’t seen this much of a police presence since some forgettable rap “artist” performed in town.
Alterations&McWhacky hasn’t been this scared since she called the cops about the peaceful Woodson Hughes protest.
The Usual Suspects haven’t came in and started blaming this on Obama or Bush (yet).

I’m sure we’ll be adding to this Breaking News (or ThreadSpotting) very soon as this heinous crime will be investigated by the South Boston Police, the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, The Department of Homeland Security and Ben Matlock.

Update #1: Oh hell, go read it for yourself. It’s getting hilarious as we all count the number of police officers that were or were not there.

Update #2: Could it get any McWhackier? You better believe it. According to OfferingAlterations, I am a Predator and a Conspirator trying to gain information to case blatant harm. I guess she didn’t want it known that she was the one who called the cops about the peaceful Woodson Hughes rally. By the way, I wasn’t the one to come up with the McWhacky name.

Update #3: This article got 13 hits from HalifaxTalk Not-So-Private Messages on Tuesday. Thanks for whispering about SouthsideCentral! Special Thanks go out to Not-So-Private Message #79778… and you said you’d never read SouthsideCentral. Looks otherwise, eh?

Mayor Carroll Thackston’s reply to Andy Rice’s letter

SouthsideCentral — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:24:55 +0000

We’re heading back to the Town of South Boston’s proposed Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Carroll Thackston has issued his reply to Andy Rice’s letter.

December 22, 2009

Mr. Andy Rice
Rice & Sons, Inc.
4 Edmunds Street
South Boston, VA 24592

Dear Andy:

Thank you for your letter of December 10th in which you expressed grave concerns over the Town’s proposed Comprehensive Plan, specifically as it related to the Riverdale area.

First let me address your statement that “Encouraging existing businesses to vacate the Town, whether they relocate in the County or simply cease to exist is, a terrible message to send to anyone contemplating going into business in South Boston.” Page 54 of the Comprehensive Plan states, “Because the area is in the floodplain and floodway, the Town should adopt a policy to steer the area towards a more compatible land use, but, without damaging the viability of existing businesses along the corridor.” It goes on to say, “This vision may take decades to implement and can be accomplished as property owners willingly place their property on the market as the natural life cycles of their businesses determine.” The last sentence on page 54 states, “The Town should establish a fund and solicit grant funding to purchase these properties at the fair market value as they come on the market, gradually clearing them for environmental restoration and conversion to a land use that is more appropriate for a floodplain.”

As far as your concern that we are, “encouraging existing businesses to vacate the Town” that is just not true. Council even formally rescinded the request to the Corp of Engineers for a flood study project because the cost was prohibitive.

Page A-18 of the Comprehensive Plan states in part that after the flooding from Hurricane Fran in 1996 the Corp of Engineers and Halifax County undertook an additional flood study. The study found that the most cost effective option to reduce flooding impacts was to relocate businesses from the floodplain. The relocation cost at that time was estimated at 5 million dollars. Page A-18 notes that as a result of community discussion on Riverdale, Town Council reconsidered the flood control project and agreed not to pursue this due to its costs and the input from the community.

Furthermore Council agreed to work with Riverdale businesses and property owners desiring to continue business operations, yet still work towards a long-term community goal of ultimately relocating businesses out of the floodplain through voluntary acquisition of at-risk properties as they become available for sale.

You made a number of other points which would require more detailed statements on my part and I don’t want this reply to be too lengthy, but I would be happy to meet with you at your convenience to discuss the Plan.

Let me conclude by quoting the last paragraph on page A-16 – “The purpose of looking at Riverdale for long term comprehensive planning purposes is three-fold:

• 1st – the corridor is the major southern entranceway to South Boston and the Downtown Central Business District;
• 2nd – much of the developed corridor lies within the floodway, which is at risk for public and private damages; and
• 3rd – the Dan River is a natural community asset that could be better utilized for recreational and environment purposes.”

I would invite you to visit the Town Manager’s Office and study a copy of the Comprehensive Plan in detail – especially pages 47-48, 51, 54-55, 91, A-16-18, A20 and A22.

If you do this, I believe you will have a much better understanding of the Town’s long term goals and objectives, and you will better understand why numerous citizens spoke in favor of improving Riverdale in the early workshops sponsored by the Town and Hill Studios. The favorable comments also addressed the two other areas covered in the Plan: North Main Street and the Higher Education Center area.

Thank you for your interest in this matter.

Sincerely,

Carroll Thackston
Mayor
Cc: South Boston Town Council
Media

Barry Tuck’s speech to the South Boston Town Council

SouthsideCentral — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:45:16 +0000

Tonight, the Town of South Boston held their own public comment section about the proposed 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Barry Tuck made a speech and he wants to share it with our readers.

Dear members of the Town Council, Town Manager Ted Daniels and Respective Mayor, Carroll Thackston

As the 2030 Comprehensive Plan Continues to contribute much stress and concern among business owners and the general public, it is obvious that the concern is focused on Riverdale. I feel, if the Downtown businesses can get the conveniences of a new face lift, new sidewalks, landscaping, street lights, and so on, why can’t the Town of South Boston at least assist beautifying Riverdale instead of tearing down one of the most historic and revenue producing area of business in the Town? The town replies with, why spend money in a flood plain. This is contradictory to plan spending millions of tax payer dollars on a lighthouse and wetlands park?

The owners fear that they are being pushed out of business. We have heard many times from councilmen and planning commissioners that the Comp Plan does not say we are forcing them out. But your Comp Plan does, however, assume the Town will manipulate and monopolize the Riverdale area for the future plan to create a Wetlands park with the excuse that these businesses are in a flood zone. When asked the question, “Won’t the flood destroy or cause severe damage to the park?” I can never get a legit answer. Maybe this is why.

In my research I have found that, The Dan River is the current controversy between NC and VA since the River winds in out of the two states. Many counties are involved, as is Halifax County according to the minutes of the State Water Control Board meeting. About 25 miles upriver from South Boston and about 10 miles down from Danville is where the River winds in to NC for about 10 miles. The City of Roxboro has proposed to purchase 30 million gallons of water per day to be taken and used as drinking water, meanwhile lowering the water level of the Dan River. Keep in mind the Dan River is still what flows into the Kerr Lake Reservoir. The Kerr Lake Reservoir Water is then released into the upper end of Lake Gaston to where VA Beach owns Water rights to withdraw 60 million gallons of water per day. My point is, in a few years what are the chances of these businesses being flooded with all this water being pulled from every direction of the Dan River. I am led to believe that it could possibly be the Town’s motive to purchase this land; The Army Corp of Engineers will no longer deem Riverdale as a Flood Plain and then be the owner of Commercial Property. Again, my opinion of how the Town will manipulate these business owners in the game of monopoly for self gain.

This is why I have come to the conclusion that the Town Council not adopt the Comp Plan but send back to the Planning Commission for revising, as so stated possible in the VA Code of Law Section § 15.2-2227. The Towns Mission statement I found on www.southboston.com states the commitment to “The highest ideals of integrity, fairness and trust ; Clear, concise communication with the public ; Progressive thinking and problem solving through employee involvement and teamwork, and recognize the Town residents are its customers and deserve the highest quality service its government can provide”

The Va Code of Law also states that, Public Participation, Section 2.2-4007.02 ,be respected and involved. Nowhere has this current Comp. Plan incorporated any of the public’s ideas and interest that these people have repeatedly requested. I would like to see that changed in the revision of the Comp. Plan because as you have stated, “The Town residents are its customers and deserve the highest quality service its government can provide.”

Sincerely
Barry Tuck.

A Tale of Two Radio Stations

SouthsideCentral — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:43:10 +0000

Danville’s getting a brand-spankin’-(semi-)new radio station complete with fancy website! ‘Tis a shame that Lakes Media doesn’t pay attention to all of their stations that way.

Radio station starts up despite current economy

FYI: The station’s website is actually http://www.1045thedan.com, not what’s listed in the article.

The station isn’t on the air yet but they are streaming live over the internet. Fancy new website, eh? You’re able to see their entire playlist, view song lyrics… nice! Now compare that to another Lakes Media station’s website, WHLF (which ironically will be where all of the Danville station’s programming will be keyed into the computer). WHLF used to be a real community radio station when it was owned by Johnny & Cathy Cole. When Lakes Media bought the station, they pretty much eliminated all of the local aspects of the station. The news is pretty much “Let’s read what the newspapers and internet are saying about the area”. Nick Long is the station’s general manager and still has his morning show, so there’s a little local flavor left.

Did you look at WHLF’s website? Waaaaah waaaaah! Gotta love that oversized pixelated graphic on the main page, but it’s gets lamer! Click on the “Programming” button and you’ll read about Kelly Redd’s “Birthday Thang” every weekday at 4:20 PM. There’s one problem with that. Kelly quit her job over two years ago. In a final bit of irony, the same company built both station’s websites. Heh.

Let’s get back to the “new” Danville station. Here’s my favorite quote from the R&B article.

One difference listeners may notice at 1045 The Dan will be the lack of disc jockeys. Lakes Media wanted to focus on music instead of radio personalities, but will eventually broadcast Danville and national news and sports between 6 and 9 a.m. Birch plans to air public service announcements at least once an hour.

That means “We’re not going to pay for an employee when everything is ran by a computer that sits 30 miles away.”

Andy Rice’s letter about the Riverdale controversy

SouthsideCentral — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:04:29 +0000

We haven’t had much on South Boston’s new Comprehensive Plan proposal which impacts the Riverdale corridor leading into the town, but we do want to publish this letter from Andy Rice. We’ll have more on this plan proposal and the potential impacts in the next few days. Let’s take a look at what Andy has to say…

The Honorable Carroll Thackston, Mayor
2705 North Main Street
South Boston, Virginia 24592

Dear Mayor Thackston:

The town’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan is seriously flawed and must be revised before your council adopts it. The plan’s vision for Riverdale is not conducive to the town’s long range prosperity and it has no support in the community. Riverdale landowners, Riverdale business owners, and citizens from all over Halifax County have spoken out against it while no one outside of the Planning Commission, the Town Manager, or Hill Studios has publicly spoken to support it. Our founding fathers envisioned a government that served the people, but that edict has somehow been forgotten in the development of this Comprehensive Plan.

Encouraging existing businesses to vacate the town, whether they relocate in the County or simply cease to exist, is a terrible message to send to anyone contemplating going into business in South Boston. Removing these businesses and cleaning up the area is being touted as a way to attract new businesses and industries to the area. The beauty of a wetlands park is supposed to attract them, but isn’t it possible that they may question why the area with the highest traffic count in the county is devoid of any retail establishments?

How much revenue do the Riverdale merchants generate for South Boston via the myriad of taxes they pay? If they relocate to the county or close their doors, the town’s tax base will shrink and it will shift more tax burden on every citizen and remaining business in South Boston. How many of us can afford that?

The Riverdale business owners have tried to be included in the plan revisions, spending hours with town officials trying to work out a compromise. However, none of their suggestions have shown up in the long term plan. As a fellow business owner, it is alarming to see others treated this way and it is frightening to think that the town may turn their attention to other areas. Who decides what is ugly and what is attractive? Is that one of the responsibilities of government or should we let people do as they please as long as their properties meet the current code?

Building a wetlands park will only serve to overextend the town’s maintenance department. When the Dan floods and washes away the proposed benches, trails, and plantings, it will be up to the town to repair and replace these things. It could also overextend the police department by creating a large area that would have to be patrolled on foot. I cannot imagine why something so broad would be put into a plan when our entire nation’s economy is uncertain. Balancing budgets, both government and personal, is going to be difficult for at least the next several years and this park is an expense that we cannot afford.

Everyone understands the issue with Riverdale’s appearance. I am confident that by working with landowners, a solution can be reached that does not include removing merchants and turning the area into a wetlands park. If the town would install new sidewalks, provide street lights; and remove the overhead utilities while the land owners clean up and improve the appearance of their businesses, it would make the area seem new, fresh, and clean.

In conclusion, I am asking you and the council to reject the 2030 Comprehensive Plan until it is revised to show the existing Riverdale businesses are left alone to continue employing people, and contributing to South Boston and Halifax County’s economies.. The Plan, as it is currently written, is not right for South Boston now or in the future. The road to economic growth is not paved with the removal of existing businesses.

“Build it and they will come” was an interesting concept for the Hollywood movie Field of Dreams, but it would prove to be yet another expensive blunder for our beloved community.

Sincerely,
Andy Rice

Locker room larcenies at Halifax County High School

SouthsideCentral — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:58:45 +0000

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.

You may ask “Where is South Boston going?”

SouthsideCentral — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:40:20 +0000

I’m glad you asked that question! You’re invited to a Community Meeting at the Prizery on Thursday, November 12.

From the South Boston Town Manager’s office…

Join your neighbors, community leaders and the Town Planning Commission to review and comment on a draft of South Boston’s plan for the future!

South Boston is updating the Town’s long-term comprehensive plan that is used by local leaders and citizens as a guide to make decisions on neighborhoods, housing, transportation, business development, tourism, public services and facilities, recreation, land development, and the environment. We need your thoughts on the draft plan!

The comprehensive plan is a public document that serves as South Boston’s guide for the future. The plan looks at existing conditions within the Town and makes general recommendations for the future, planning for about 20 years into the future. The plan is developed with input from citizens and guidance from the Planning Commission, and is ultimately adopted by the Town Council. Thereafter, it provides a framework for important decisions in the community such as where growth should occur, how land should be used and where spending priorities should be placed for the next ten to twenty years. The plan is general in nature but provides the legal basis for zoning and subdivision regulations.

Developers and Real Estate Professionals are encouraged to attend. For more information: Contact the Town Office at (434) 575-4200. A copy of the draft plan is available for viewing online at www.southboston.com and in the Town Manager’s Office, 455 Ferry Street, South Boston.

“Honk For Hughes” Rally – Thursday night! (10/29)

SouthsideCentral — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:03:29 +0000

The community support for Woodson Hughes continues to grow and here’s a way that you can get involved.

Make your way to the South Boston Public Library on Thursday night. The event starts at 6 PM, and the organizers would love a big turnout. The plan is to hold a rally outside and get motorists to honk their horns as they drive by to show their support for Woodson Hughes.

If you’re not familiar with Woodson’s story, there are plenty of stories on what’s been happening here on SouthsideCentral. Although we’ll be at the Halifax County Candidates Forum, we’ll try and get some photos and LIVE! coverage from the people at the rally.

It’s a great cause for a great guy who’s caught up in a great wrong. If you can’t make it to the rally, be sure to drive by and HONK away!

South Boston police break up theft ring.

SouthsideCentral — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:45:47 +0000

Three people were arrested are are in jail under bond.

From our friends at the South Boston Police Department…

On 10-07-09, Investigators from the South Boston Police Department, assisted by members of the Halifax/South Boston Regional Narcotics and Gang Task Force, arrested three suspects in a recent string of thefts at the local Wal-Mart in South Boston. Investigators and Asset Protection Personnel from Wal Mart identified these three suspects in connection with the thefts of high end electronics from Wal Mart. Investigators arrested 47 year old Ronnie Dean Newbill, 21 year old Ronnie Dean Newbill Jr., and 20 year old Laura Leigh Moody, all of Henderson Road in Alton.

Ronnie Dean Newbill was charged with Grand Larceny with an offense date of 09-28-09, and 2 counts of Petit Larceny with offense dates of 09-25-09 and 09-27-09. He is in jail under a $15,000 bond. Ronnie Dean Newbill Jr. is charged with 5 counts of Petit Larceny with the offense dates being 09-24, 09-25, 09-26, 09-27, and 09-28-09. He’s in jail under a $5,000 bond. Laura Leigh Moody was charged with 2 counts of Petit Larceny with the offense dates of 09-24-09 and 09-28-09. She has been released from jail after posting a $5,000 bond.

More charges are expected to be filed in this case.

Suzanne Vega in concert at The Prizery (Thursday 10/14)

SouthsideCentral — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:15:17 +0000

You’ve got a chance to see a Grammy-winning artist in a 326-seat theater. Get your tickets now!

From a Prizery news release…

In the 80’s Suzanne created an international sensation with her poetic stories and exquisite melody in her hit songs, Marlene on the Wall, Luka, and Tom’s Diner, opening doors for Tracy Chapman, Sarah McLachlan and others. With seven studio albums, a GRAMMY Award, and three additional nominations to her credit, Suzanne’s latest recording, Beauty & Crime, is a love letter to her hometown of New York City. Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation, Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s.

Tickets are $49.00 and at the time of this posting, there are less than 140 seats left for this concert. Vega’s appearance is part of the Art & the Creative Economy conference being held at the Prizery on October 13th-15th.

To but tickets or get more information, call The Prizery at 434-572-8339 or visit The Prizery’s website.

The Pool Temperature Controversy.

SouthsideCentral — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:57:39 +0000

(Doesn’t that sound like a episode title of The Big Bang Theory?) You can’t please everybody…especially YMCA members.

There’s trouble brewing in South Boston. The situation’s getting dire. People are asking questions. People are writing letters to the editor. Society is on edge.

Why? Why, you ask? The YMCA pool temperature is too cold. No, The YMCA pool temperature is too warm. No, the YMCA pool temperature is just right!

Our pool policy

Yes, Marcus Hargrave, the CEO (YMCA’s have CEO’s now?) of the South Boston YMCA puts the hammer down in the News & Record by declaring the YMCA’s pool temperature policy in a newspaper of record (Well, the News & Record, but you know what I mean).

Hargrave goes into a detailed explanation on why the new policy will make everybody unhappy. We’ve got the potential of bacteria growing, the threat of evaporation turning the pool area into a desert, chlorine attacking your deodorant, and (dear god in heaven) increased vacuuming! (gasp!).

Listen up, you whiny YMCA members. The King Has Spoken and says your pool will be kept at 83 to 84 degrees. You will like it and you will NOT cool it down by throwing bags of ice into it or warm it up by releasing warm liquids into the water.

Yeah, like that’s never happened at the YMCA pool either.

Sometimes, the little guy wins against the big company.

SouthsideCentral — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:59:24 +0000

And it happened tonight down in South Boston!

Barry Tuck had been fighting Verizon Wireless for four months over his bill. With the changeover from Alltel to Verizon, his bill had climbed to over $800. Every time he called them, he’d get no answer to his problem. Verizon had no sympathy for him and disconnected his service. So, what’s one person going to do against a big company?

Barry had an idea. He headed out on a mission, armed with a piece of plywood and can of spray paint. What did he do?

When he told me of his plan, I thought he was nuts. I thought I was going to get a story of either a guy arrested for civil disobedience or a story about a guy getting ran over on Halifax Rd. Turns out I’m writing a story about a guy who get exactly what he wanted.

After being confronted by Verizon store management, Barry stood his ground and said he was doing nothing illegal by standing on the public right-of-way and holding a sign. Store management even tried to take the sign and threatened to call the police. Barry didn’t back down. On the next visit out to him, the manager asked “What’s the problem?”. They talked and the manager went back inside. Barry did the right thing and took his sign down while Verizon worked on his bill. On the next visit out, Barry’s bill was taken care of and his phone was reconnected.

Well done, Barry Tuck. Congratulations on taking a stand and getting what you wanted.

Smart ForTwo car. Ever seen one?

SouthsideCentral — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:14:05 +0000

It’s great to see a car like this for sale and you can buy one at Riverdale Auto Sales (South Boston, VA)!

Here’s some views of the Smart car.

According to Bunny Propst (owner of Riverside Auto Sales)…

I drove it around last Wednesday and thoroughly enjoyed it. The only thing the driver needs to be aware of is that, altho it has an automatic transmission, it shifts like a manual. You start off and the motor revs, then slows as it would if you had engaged the clutch and shifted to second. Repeat for four gears. But it has great acceleration and you could easily get a speeding ticket.

It is so easy to get in to, and once seated, there is plenty of room. You forget you are in a really small car.

Hopefully this car will sell fast and they’ll be getting some more. We strongly encourage our readers to head to Riverdale Auto Sales and take a test-drive. You just might drive home with a car that gets an estimated MPG of 41 on the highway and 38 in the city. That’s the way to help the environment and your wallet.

South Boston Town Council Agenda for 8/24

SouthsideCentral — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 01:49:40 +0000

What’s on tap for the South Boston Town Council’s work session on Monday evening?

The meeting starts at 5:45 PM.

I. COUNCIL

PUBLIC HEARING on AMENDMENT TO TOWN CODE – FLOOD HAZARD OVERLAY DISTRICT

Adjourn

II. CURRENT ISSUES COMMITTEE [Bryant, Chairman, Thompson and Morris]

1. JOYCE ENGINEERING REPORT ON LANDFILL GAS OPTIONS

2. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION

A. Comprehensive Plan Update – Riverdale Floodway Properties
B. Recommendation to Amend the Town Code to allow Skeet Ranges
C. Recommendation to grant a Special Use Permit to allow a Manufactured Home at 1300 Porter Lane

3. PARKS AND RECREATION – STAFF UPDATE

II. FINANCE COMMITTEE [Snead, Chairman; Owens and Speece]

4. MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

And there you have it.

Jerry Messick’s Pizza Pals – A Great Cause!

SouthsideCentral — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:30:50 +0000

When you’re in South Boston, take the time to stop by Domino’s Pizza. A good friend sure could use some help…

From a Facebook event…

LET’S EAT! Feed your pizza craving at Domino’s and tell ‘em, “Keep the change for Jerry,” or give more if you can. Bring any cards, notes or photos you want delivered to Jerry and his family. Because Jerry’s the store owner, everything will help. Jerry has been fighting pancreatic cancer since last year. Let’s show the love, yall!

All donations go to Jerry and his family.

Folks, it’s a great cause for a great person. Jerry Messick has been there for everything and everybody. It’s time for everybody to be there for him. This is an ongoing event, so keep the donations coming.

South Boston’s Grove Avenue park – troubled area?

SouthsideCentral — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 01:02:16 +0000

Petitions are circulating, letters are going to Town Council. Is it overreacting? Wonder who wrote “the letter”? Want to see it?

News & Record article: Council gets earful on Grove Ave. Park

(Bad headline which clearly redefines “earful” as “one letter by someone who doesn’t even speak about it in the public comment segment”)

Our friends at the News & Record don’t even say who the letter was from, just saying “two residents”. That’s not good journalism. Here at SouthsideCentral, we did a little digging and found out that the “two residents” are Halifax County School Board member Roger Long and his wife, Maxine. You say you’d like to read that letter? We live to serve!

Click on this link to view the letter that Roger & Maxine Long sent to South Boston Town Manager Ted Daniel & Town Council. CAUTION: PDF LINK

Meh, I don’t know. Half of it is “Yeah, that’s bad” but the other half is “Hey you kids, get off my lawn!”. At least we know that there will never be shoes hanging over power lines around Roger’s house.

Editor’s Note – You know, I was wrong in putting some snark in there because Roger Long wrote a rather decent letter. I apologize for those remarks. – BH

South Boston Police report vehicle vandalisms and thefts

SouthsideCentral — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:39:09 +0000

Lock those car doors, folks!

South Boston police are reporting thefts and vandalisms around the Grove Avenue Park area. Money, GPS units and an iPod are some of the things that have been stolen in the last week. Some windows have been broken out and some citizens have reported finding their car door ajar as though someone had been searching for property to steal. Thanks go to Captain Brian Lovelace for getting this information out so that others can take precautions.

TGIF in the Square concert – “Frontiers” photos!

SouthsideCentral — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:49:46 +0000

The 2nd concert in Destination Downtown South Boston’s “TGIF in the Square” was held Friday night in South Boston. Our good friend, Andy Rice took some awesome photos from the concert and agreed to let us feature them here!

“Frontiers” – The Journey tribute band

“When the lights go down in the city…” (couldn’t help that one)

And finally… HERE’S JERRY VON EIMEREN! HE FINALLY SHOWED UP! IT’S ABOUT TIME!

To see Andy’s complete photo album of the concert, go to Andy’s Flickr page for the concert.

SouthsideCentral thanks Andy Rice for sharing these photos with us and our readers!

South Boston Town Council agenda for Monday (7/13)

SouthsideCentral — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:25:22 +0000

So, what’s going to happen at South Boston’s Town Council meeting?

Here’s the agenda

AGENDA
1. PUBLIC HEARING ON CONVEYANCE OF LOTS 3 AND 4 IN HOUGHTON PARK TO HALIFAX REGIONAL PROPERTIES
2. AMENDMENT TO STRUCTURAL FILL AGREEMENT WITH FULL CIRCLE SOLUTIONS, INC. – RE: FLY ASH PLACEMENT PAYMENT
3. BOARD OF VIEWERS REPORT – REQUEST TO CLOSE OWENS AVENUE
4. APPOINTMENTS
• Halifax County Service Authority – Confirm Reappointment of Fred Mistal to a new 4-year term
• Southside Planning District Commission – Reappointment of Eric Roberts to a new 3-year term
• Industrial Development Authority – 1 Vacancy
5. CITIZEN COMMENT PERIOD

The biggest question is “Who will be appointed to the South Boston IDA?”. Of course, since the main function of the South Boston IDA has lately been “Let’s give land to the hospital so that they can build things”, it’s not the biggest Question of Great Significance of all time. If memory serves me right, Hill Felton hasn’t even attended the last two or three SB-IDA meetings.

South Boston Planning commission to draft skeet range ordinance

SouthsideCentral — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:30:32 +0000

Berry Hill ~~Inn~~ ~~Founders College~~ ~~Estate~~ Resort & Conference Center, Come On Down! South Boston’s got a new ordinance chosen especially just for you!

Wednesday, July 8th, the South Boston Planning Commission will start the process of adding a new ordinance to the Town code that will permit firing ranges under controlled environments. If everything goes as planned, they’ll have a public hearing on August 12.

To make this plan go through, they will have to add or amend the following code sections.
1) Sec. 70-73. Discharging firearms.
2) Sec. 62-35 Standards for Rifle, Skeet or Trap Ranges
3) § 15.2-1113. Dangerous, etc., business or employment; transportation of offensive substances; explosive or inflammable substances; fireworks.

You can find the complete text of these proposed amendments/additions here.

South Boston Planning Commission agenda for Wednesday (6/10)

SouthsideCentral — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 03:02:12 +0000

Here’s the full rundown of the agenda for the meeting (which includes Berry Hill’s skeet range idea)

I. Call to Order and Establishment of Quorum by the Chair

II. Approval of Agenda; Minutes of previous meeting – May 13, 2009

III. Old Business
1. Comprehensive Plan Update – Hill Studio

IV. New Business
1. Draft Flood Plain Ordinance
2. Commercial Skeet Range

V. Public Comment Period

VI. Announcements and Adjournment

Want to know who’s on the South Boston Planning Commission? Here’s your answer.
George Leonard is Chairman, Brian Cheever is Vice Chairman, and the other members are Morris Bryant, Harriet Claiborne, Roger Long, Patty Nelson and Fields Thomas.

South Boston Town Council agenda for Monday (6/8)

SouthsideCentral — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:41:46 +0000

What’s happening on Yancey St. Monday night? You know where to look (again)…

AGENDA

1. PUBLIC HEARING ON A REQUEST TO CLOSE THE NORTHERN UNOPENED END OF OWENS AVENUE; APPOINTMENT OF A BOARD OF VIEWERS

2. ADOPTION OF 2009-10 BUDGET ON FIRST READING
[June 29th - Final Reading; Adoption of Appropriation Resolution]

3. PRE-CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS FOR VDHCD GRANT FUNDING:
• IN-FILL HOUSING GRANT
• AMERICAN TOBACCO RENOVATION PROJECT – ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING GRANT

4. APPOINTMENTS
• Industrial Development Authority – Mr. Hill Felton’s term expires June 30, 2009. He is ineligible for reappointment having served two full 4-year terms

• Southside Planning District Commission – Mr. Eric Roberts serves as the Citizen At Large Representative. His attendance rating is 90%.

5. CITIZEN COMMENT PERIOD

So what are we looking at? The first reading of the 09-10 budget, and some appointments. Remember, Felton’s replacement is for the South Boston IDA and not the county board. Felton has been absent from the last two South Boston IDA meetings, so any replacement couldn’t really do worse. Eric Roberts should get his reappointment easily.