At 11:15 AM, William Decarlo Wade (54) was driving on Rock Hill Community Rd. (SR 843) near the intersection of John Henry Rd. (SR 780) when his vehicle ran off the right side of the road. Wade overcorrected his steering, causing his 1998 Oldsmobile [...]]]> Sunday morning turned deadly on the roads of Henry County.

At 11:15 AM, William Decarlo Wade (54) was driving on Rock Hill Community Rd. (SR 843) near the intersection of John Henry Rd. (SR 780) when his vehicle ran off the right side of the road. Wade overcorrected his steering, causing his 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva to go across and off the left side of the road. The vehicle then struck a tree and Wade was ejected from the vehicle. Wade was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Virginia State Police, Wade was not wearing a seatbelt. The accident is still under investigation at this time.

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 [...]]]> 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.

Danville Police responded to a call of a shooting in the 100 block of Camp St on June 25, 2010.

At approximately 4:54 PM Danville Police responded to the 100 block of Camp St in regards to a shots fired call. Responding officers discovered [...]]]> We just got this from the Danville Police department…

Danville Police responded to a call of a shooting in the 100 block of Camp St on June 25, 2010.

At approximately 4:54 PM Danville Police responded to the 100 block of Camp St in regards to a shots fired call. Responding officers discovered a 32 year-old female, a Danville resident suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to her chest. Also discovered at the scene was a 35 year-old male, a Danville residence suffering from a gunshot wound to his head. Rescue personnel responded and transported the female to the Danville Regional Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. The male, Andrew Adore Smith, age 35 of Danville was pronounced dead on the scene at 5:20 PM. Smith’s body will be taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Roanoke for an autopsy.

The police investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Danville Crimestoppers at (434) 793-0000, or via our crime tips line on your computer at crimetips@ci.danville.va.us. Information given will remain confidential.

Citizens who contact Crimestoppers by telephone may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

More to come as details come in…

From the Henry County Sheriff’s Office…

Media Release UPDATE – Arrest in Homicide / Malicious Wounding / Robbery Investigation June 14, 2010

Steven O’Neal Porter, a 26 year-old male, of 3424 Columbus Drive, Bassett, VA and currently incarcerated in the Henry [...]]]> SouthsideCentral & Star News are the first to bring this to you.

From the Henry County Sheriff’s Office…

Media Release
UPDATE – Arrest in Homicide / Malicious Wounding / Robbery Investigation
June 14, 2010

Steven O’Neal Porter, a 26 year-old male, of 3424 Columbus Drive, Bassett, VA and currently incarcerated in the Henry County Jail, was arrested this evening for first degree murder, malicious wounding, robbery and three counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Steven O’Neal Porter was arrested at the Henry County Jail this evening at approx. 9:00 pm. He is being held without bond and a photo is attached below.

This investigation has been a cooperative effort of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsville Police Department, the Virginia State Police, ATF Task Force Officers and the U S Marshall Service.
This arrest is in reference to the homicide, malicious wounding and robbery which occurred at B G’s Express, 1777 Old Chatham Road, Martinsville, VA on Friday, May 28, 2010, shortly after midnight.
The homicide victim, Nirmal Singh, 57 year old male of Chatham Heights Road, was found in B G’s Express with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. William Thomas, a second employee was wounded in this same incident and he was treated and hospitalized at Memorial Hospital.

This investigation is continuing and anyone having any information about this incident is requested to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office or the Martinsville Police Department at 276-638-8751.

The Crimestoppers Program offers reward money up to $1000.00 for information related to crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information provided determine the amount of reward paid. Call Crimestoppers – 63-CRIME (632-7463).

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.

Today, Gibbs International (the parent company of White Mill Development LLC) released the following statement on their White Mill Development blog…

White Mill Development, LLC went into this transaction with the YMCA with high hopes and a willingness to work together with the YMCA and the Danville Regional [...]]]> This is a disappointing development.

Today, Gibbs International (the parent company of White Mill Development LLC) released the following statement on their White Mill Development blog…

White Mill Development, LLC went into this transaction with the YMCA with high hopes and a willingness to work together with the YMCA and the Danville Regional Foundation to accomplish the goal of bringing the YMCA to the heart of the downtown Danville area, as a significant benefit to current and future members of the YMCA and the citizens of Danville and Pittsylvania County, and as one of the major components of economic development and growth in the downtown Danville area. We believe statistics will show that a vibrant YMCA in an easily accessible downtown area draws current and future members to the YMCA who in turn make maximum use of the facility and the programs offered at the facility, and is essential for development and revitalization in a downtown area. In fact, we had visions of a buzz of activity at the new downtown YMCA from early morning until the late evening, which would lead to a need for new commercial, retail and housing being developed around the White Mill and YMCA projects.

When we were approached by the YMCA site selection committee back in June 2009, we were not actively trying to market or sell any of the White Mill property. However, the idea of having the YMCA on the 4 acre White Mill site was intriguing and was a win/win/win/win situation for the YMCA itself, current and future members of the YMCA, all the citizens of Danville and Pittsylvania County and White Mill Development, LLC. As such, we entered into good faith negotiations with the YMCA for the 4 acre White Mill site, and we signed a binding purchase and sale contract in late November 2009 with a refundable deposit from the YMCA that also included a 120 day due diligence period. Thereafter, we were in attendance at the announcement of the new YMCA site in early December 2009. As information, the 120 day due diligence period was structured in such a way to allow the YMCA to jump start its fund raising effort based on a very desirable site having been selected. At that time, there was significant momentum associated with the YMCA project and a very high degree of excitement because we believe most everyone understood how much of a benefit it was for all parties involved to have the YMCA on this site, for maximum utilization of the facility and programs offered by the YMCA to current and future members of the YMCA, and as a catalyst for development and the revitalization of the downtown Danville area. We believe it is the perfect site for the YMCA and the perfect site for the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County. As previously mentioned, we were not actively marketing the 4 acre White Mill site, but we quickly realized that as a location for the new YMCA, a better site could not be found for the YMCA, itself, for current and future members of the YMCA, and for the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County. The 4 acre White Mill site sits on the latest extension of the River Walk Trail, providing access to a major recreational gem to the citizens of the area, but more importantly, the 4 acre White Mill site sits at the end of the MLK Bridge, right at the gateway and entrance to the downtown district of the City of Danville. We realized that the YMCA locating on a portion of the White Mill property would be a major catalyst to development in downtown Danville by drawing people to the area (current and future members of the YMCA), who would then need to eat and shop downtown, much like what has happened in Greenville, SC, Austin, TX and other cities and towns where downtown economic development and revitalization has really taken root. While downtown economic development and revitalization in the City of Danville is not an obligation of the YMCA nor a direct benefit to White Mill Development, LLC, we as a corporate citizen of the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County realized the tremendous opportunity for the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County, and we worked diligently to help make that a reality for the YMCA and for current and future members of the YMCA, as well as all of the citizens of Danville and Pittsylvania County.

Unfortunately for all of us, and unbeknownst to most of us including our White Mill Development team, there were several members of the YMCA board that were not in favor of this transaction to build a new and updated YMCA on the 4 acre White Mill site, despite the tremendous public support that was demonstrated leading up to the December 2009 announcement, and afterwards. Since the December 2009 announcement, to my knowledge, the YMCA has continued its fund raising efforts to build the new YMCA on the 4 acre White Mill site, but has found it slow going due to the current economic conditions. Despite the current economic conditions, though, we understand that there have been several significant pledges made to this project, and we hope that the 4 acre White Mill site, being the site that had been selected, helped in that fund raising effort. Since the announcement in December 2009, it is also my understanding that the naysayers on the YMCA board have continued their nay saying. In late March 2010, prior to the expiration of the 120 day due diligence period, we received word from the YMCA board that they were having a difficult time raising the necessary funds for the land acquisition of the 4 acre White Mill site under the terms and conditions of our purchase and sale contract, but the Danville Regional Foundation was willing to work with the YMCA board to enable the process to continue to move forward, provided an interim fund raising goal would be met by the YMCA (we believe the interim fund raising goal was $2.7 million, of which $2.0 million has been pledged to date), at which point sufficient funds would be advanced to the YMCA by the Danville Regional Foundation to acquire the 4 acre White Mill site, with fund raising by the YMCA to continue. At this point, we need to be sure to clarify that the purchase price for the 4 acre White Mill site is not $2.7 million. Rather this was the interim fundraising goal that the Danville Regional Foundation had set for the YMCA, that would need to be achieved in terms of pledges, before funds would be advanced to purchase the 4 acre White Mill site. Accordingly, we agreed to amend our purchase and sale contract with the YMCA to extend the due diligence period for an additional 60 days through June 1, 2010, provided the YMCA board was willing to have their refundable deposit become non-refundable over that 60 day extended time period such that on June 1, 2010, the deposit would be fully non-refundable. We felt that it was important at this late stage in the process that the YMCA demonstrate a financial commitment to this project, so there was some “skin in the game” so to speak, especially given the fact that $2.0 million in pledges had already been received against the $2.7 million interim goal set by the Danville Regional Foundation. The YMCA board agreed to this stipulation related to its deposit, and an amendment to our purchase and sale contract was drafted and executed by all parties that still allowed the YMCA to terminate the purchase and sale contract and receive a full refund of its deposit prior to the close of business on April 9, 2010. After April 9, 2010, the deposit would begin to become non-refundable on an incremental basis.

On April 9, 2010, we received a termination notice from Hunter Byrnes with the Danville law firm of Clement & Wheatley (President of the YMCA board) on behalf of Sarah Folmar (CEO of the YMCA) notifying us that the YMCA had decided not to purchase the 4 acre White Mill site and to terminate the purchase and sale contract due to “unresolved issues”. Other than that notice of termination, and a brief conversation that I had with Mr. Byrnes after the fact, we have had only very limited discussions with respect to this project as to what happened, why it happened or how we can work together with the YMCA and the Danville Regional Foundation to try to get this transaction back on track and bring it to fruition. Yet, at the same time, while we have been inundated with inquires, I have had absolutely no negotiations of any sort, with anyone involved with the process, much to my chagrin. Subsequent to the termination notice, we have learned through third parties that the naysayers on the YMCA board had succeeded in convincing a majority of the YMCA board to terminate the purchase and sale contract, under the pretext of the YMCA board exercising its fiduciary responsibility and doing what the YMCA board perceived to be in the best interest of its members, because there was an aversion to having any of the deposit put at risk. It is my understanding that there was also disagreement on some of the terms and conditions that the Danville Regional Foundation put on the funds that would be advanced for the purchase of the 4 acre White Mill site, in the event the fund raising effort was not ultimately successful in the long run. In other words, it appears that the YMCA board, under the pretext of exercising its fiduciary responsibility and doing what the YMCA board perceived to be in the best interest of its members, did not want to take any financial risk on this project and decided to terminate the transaction, rather than risk any of the deposit that was in place when the purchase and sale contract was executed, or face any financial consequences in the future if the fund raising effort was not ultimately successful. This position leads us to think that now, the focus of a majority of the YMCA board is more of avoiding the consequences if the fund raising process is not successful, rather than focusing on what has to be done to insure that the fund raising process is successful; approaching the issue from a negative perspective rather than from a positive perspective. In fact, it is our understanding that several alternate locations are now being reconsidered in lieu of the 4 acre White Mill site, including the Langston site and a portion of the Long Mill site, neither of which will put the YMCA in the strategic center of the downtown Danville area, but both of which can provide an opportunity and a location for a new YMCA. Additionally, we have heard many rumors and innuendoes regarding some of the parties to this transaction, none of which we believe are accurate or helpful to the process, but that do call in to question the character, integrity and business ethics of some of the parties involved, which is a travesty to all, in our opinion. We don’t believe any progress can be made by the YMCA for the benefit of its current and future members, without risks being taken, when stones are being thrown, when there are egos involved or when personal agendas get in the way of progress for the benefit of all. Up until today, we had held out hope that this project could be brought back on track, that cooler heads would prevail. Unfortunately, as of today, it is our understanding that this project has died on the vine, a slow death.

From our perspective, we are very disappointed as to the outcome of this process, having gone into the transaction in good faith, only to have the transaction terminated at the 11th hour because of an aversion on the part of the YMCA board to taking a financial risk, and I think a vast number of current and future YMCA members and other citizens of Danville and Pittsylvania County should, and will, be equally disappointed. It appears that the naysayers finally found an opportunity to stop the process and had been reconsidering alternate sites prior to the termination of the purchase and sale agreement, despite the validity of the purchase and sale agreement that was in place prior to its termination, and despite the fact that these alternate sites were previously considered prior to the purchase and sale agreement having been negotiated and executed. We don’t agree with this course of action on the part of the YMCA board, for obvious reasons, but then again, we are not part of the YMCA site selection decision making process, although we did feel that we were part of the YMCA team at the onset of this process.

To be sure, no progress is ever made without financial risks being taken by the parties involved, and I don’t think this transaction will be any different. An example of this is when the City of Danville took the risk and a leap of faith to install the Mid Atlantic Broadband Fiber Optic service through the center of Danville. The City of Danville made the commitment and spent the money, and there were no known customers of this service at that time. Now, the Mid Atlantic Broadband Fiber Optic service is a catalyst for development in the downtown Danville area. It is the primary reason for the White Mill project. Despite these recent actions on the part of the YMCA board, we will continue as a good corporate citizen in Danville.

Wow. The tone of that press release says it all.

There was almost no chance that the community would have let this YMCA initiative fail. They were looking at very little risk versus one giant reward. It’s a shame that a few people on a 20+ member board of directors use scare tactics and influenced the others to make this opportunity go away.

After a dinner meeting in closed session, the Danville City Council named Joe King as Danville City Manager. King was serving as Interim City Manager following the death of then-City Manager Lyle Lacy.

King was previously Deputy City Manager under Lacy’s administration and previous [...]]]> Tonight, Danville City Council named Joe King as City Manager.

After a dinner meeting in closed session, the Danville City Council named Joe King as Danville City Manager. King was serving as Interim City Manager following the death of then-City Manager Lyle Lacy.

King was previously Deputy City Manager under Lacy’s administration and previous to that, he was Assistant City Manager for Utilities. King brings over 34 years of experience in the public administration field.

We’ll have more on this story later tonight.

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.

Danville police report that Conservation Police Officers (formerly known as game wardens) found the body of 5-year old Kolton Karnes floating in the Dan River approximately 100 yards upstream from the Danville bypass. The body will be sent to the Medical Examiner’s office [...]]]> It’s sad news, but it will bring closure to the family.

Danville police report that Conservation Police Officers (formerly known as game wardens) found the body of 5-year old Kolton Karnes floating in the Dan River approximately 100 yards upstream from the Danville bypass. The body will be sent to the Medical Examiner’s office in Roanoke for examination.

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.

Martinsville, Henry County, South Boston and Halifax County were awarded over $2,400,000 in federal stimulus money for energy efficiency programs.

Today, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling announced of behalf of Governor Bob McDonnell that [...]]]> We just broke this story on “The Local Buzz” on Star News (WGSR), so here it is for everybody to read.

Martinsville, Henry County, South Boston and Halifax County were awarded over $2,400,000 in federal stimulus money for energy efficiency programs.

Today, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling announced of behalf of Governor Bob McDonnell that local governments in our area received over $2.400,000 in energy conservation grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. Over 150 governmental bodies submitted grant applications seeking over $51,000,000 and their applications were ranked based on the amount of energy conserved, the number of jobs created. Bonus points were awarded to localities with high rates of unemployment.

Local governments that will receive these awards include:

City of Martinsville – $906,681 for a hydro plant efficiency project and energy efficiency retrofits for the city schools.

Halifax County – $400,000 for an energy project at the Mary Bethune Government Complex.

Henry County – $779,998 for an energy awareness educational campaign along with thermal hot water and energy savings lighting retrofits.

Town of South Boston – $393,252 for the South Boston Landfill Energy Project. I spoke with South Boston Town Manager Ted Daniel and he told me that this grant money would be used to harvest the methane that is naturally created from the now-closed landfill located in the town. Daniel said that by harvesting the methane gas, it can be burned off cleanly and possibly that energy could be used to run a turbine that would provide a small amount of energy. Also in the long run, South Boston could possibly be able to sell carbon tax credits because of their clean energy usage.

This $2,400,000+ of grant money from the Federal Stimulus Act can be leveraged with other non-federal grant money to increase funding available for these local grants, meaning that even more money will be available for these projects.

Lieutenant Governor Bolling said “Jobs will be the first dividend from these innovative programs and projects, but they also have potential to save tax dollars and reduce energy costs for Virginians for years to come. Many of these awards will improve the energy efficiency of buildings and provide education and support for others to make similar improvements. The improvements will continue for years to save money that otherwise would be spent on mostly imported fuel sources.”

Bolling made his monthly trip to Southside Virginia in his role as Jobs Creation Officer, a part of the McDonnell/Bolling administration’s commitment to visit Southside Virginia once per month to focus on job creation and economic development. He made his monthly appearance at the Dan River Business Development Center, a small business incubator located in Danville/Pittsylvania County’s Ringgold Industrial Park West, where he met with local government and business leaders. During his visit, he learned about the various businesses that have started at the Development Center and have moved out to become viable companies.

This is Adam Tomer’s statement that was released today…

“While I feel we have made some accomplishments during the past four years, I believe there is more work to do than has been done. I want to be part of a solution and [...]]]> Danville City Councilman Adam Tomer announced his bid for re-election today.

This is Adam Tomer’s statement that was released today…

“While I feel we have made some accomplishments during the past four years, I believe there is more work to do than has been done. I want to be part of a solution and not become a spectator. I will continue the fight to control utility rates and offer rate reductions or rebates when possible.
In the next four years, I will work to bring the high quality jobs that our citizens desperately need. I also believe as a city we need to do a better job of supporting local businesses and work to give them the incentives to grow.
The citizens can count on me to be the taxpayers’ friend while speaking out against wasteful spending and keeping taxes low. As we look to the future we must improve our image and make citizens believe in Danville again. We must tackle the challenges of crime and plight. It will not be easy but it must be done.
It has been the greatest honor and privilege to serve our citizens. I am thankful for the opportunity they gave me in 2006 and I ask once again for their support as we aim to improve our community.”

Tomer says that he will qualify his candidacy with the Danville registrar’s office early next week.

SouthsideCentral loves our great sources!

One of SC’s terrific sources reports in that the mill in Brookneal is fully engulfed in fire with multiple Halifax County fire departments responding.

If we get more details, you’ll hear about it here!

UPDATE #1: 10:32 PM – Another great [...]]]> (Originally Published on: Nov 20, 2009 @ 21:47)

SouthsideCentral loves our great sources!

One of SC’s terrific sources reports in that the mill in Brookneal is fully engulfed in fire with multiple Halifax County fire departments responding.

If we get more details, you’ll hear about it here!

UPDATE #1: 10:32 PM – Another great source reports that all Halifax County fire departments are returning to their stations.

From our friends at Danville’s Office of Economic Development…

DANVILLE – Construction products industry leader W. R. MEADOWS, INC. today announced the formation of a new subsidiary, Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc., to resume the manufacturing of Celotex® branded fiberboard products in Danville. The company made the announcement following its [...]]]> Great news for Danville today!

From our friends at Danville’s Office of Economic Development…

DANVILLE – Construction products industry leader W. R. MEADOWS, INC. today announced the formation of a new subsidiary, Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc., to resume the manufacturing of Celotex® branded fiberboard products in Danville. The company made the announcement following its purchase of Knight-Celotex which filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in June of 2009. By the time the company is fully operational, it will employ 88 full time people.

Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc. is already preparing for the re-opening of the Celotex® plant in Danville. Actual manufacturing operations are expected to begin in December at the former Knight-Celotex plant. Chairman H.G. Meadows stated, “W. R. MEADOWS, INC. is pleased to be in a position to launch Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc. and re-open the Celotex® plant in Danville at a time when many businesses are struggling. As an 80-plus-year-old family-owned and operated company, we are equally pleased to welcome back many former plant employees. We know the quality and experience of the workforce will be an important contributing factor to Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc.’s overall success.”

Founded by W. R. “Bob” Meadows in 1926 in Elgin, Illinois, W. R. MEADOWS is a family-owned and operated company that has built a coveted reputation for product quality, company integrity and customer service among building professionals in both private and public construction markets. W. R. MEADOWS has multiple branch locations throughout North America and its products are available worldwide. According to H.G. Meadows, Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc. will manufacture Celotex®
products such as Structodek® roofing insulation board, SoundStop® fiberboard panels, SturdyBrace® structural wall sheathing and VersaKor® all-purpose fiberboard in Danville. Job seekers who are interested in applying for positions with Blue Ridge Fiberboard can obtain an application on site at the plant in Danville.

Mayor Sherman Saunders exclaimed, “We are truly excited that Blue Ridge Fiberboard is choosing to re-open the Danville Celotex® plant. The company had the ppportunity to choose between plants in Louisiana, Maine, or Pennsylvania, but was convinced we have the best business climate for the company to be successful. We can offer good employees and a “can do” attitude that is hard to beat. When we work together, Danville is a formidable team.”

The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved up to $300,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. On behalf of the Tobacco Commission, Delegate Danny Marshall stated, “The announcement that Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc. plans to immediately resume the manufacture of Celotex® brand products in Danville is an early Christmas present for our region. The new company is scheduled to bring jobs, re-hire trained employees and start production in
December. The Tobacco Commission is pleased to have invested $300,000 toward the re-opening of a plant. This investment was one of the quickest ways to create jobs and bring the early Christmas present of more employment opportunities to our area.”

Working with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the City of Danville was able to secure the project for Virginia. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, because it is locating in a Virginia Enterprise Zone. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

This is a great development that may finally convince skeptical people that Danville is actively recruiting businesses.

(Am I the only one who stills calls this place the “gypsum” plant?)

Hey, Barbara!

It was from Barbara Speece’s phone number. It sounded like Barbara Speece. But for now, let’s call her The Mystery Caller.

(The following conversation is semi-paraphrased because I’m laughing so hard at recalling it.)

Mystery Caller: [...]]]> Barbara Speece just called me. But she wouldn’t say it was Barbara Speece. How bizarre.

Hey, Barbara!

It was from Barbara Speece’s phone number. It sounded like Barbara Speece. But for now, let’s call her The Mystery Caller.

(The following conversation is semi-paraphrased because I’m laughing so hard at recalling it.)

Mystery Caller: Is this the person that publishes SouthsideCentral?

Me: Why, yes it is!

Mystery Caller: Who is Butch Oyler? (The commenter who left this comment on a Woodson Hughes article.)

Me: I have no idea.

Mystery Caller: So, you let people write anonymously and you publish them?

Me: Sure. As long as there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with what is said, I give people a place to speak their mind.

Mystery Caller: Even if they are talking about criminal activity? (or something that involved criminal-something, I started chuckling as I recognized the phone number and the content of the comment of which our Mystery Caller was talking about.)

Me: Of course. And you are?

Mystery Caller: (silence) (time passes) I just wanted to know who Butch Oyler was.

Me: No problem. Again, you would be?

Mystery Caller: (silence) I just asked you that question.

Me: This is Barbara Speece, isn’t it? I recognize the voice!

Mystery Caller: (silence) I just … um… wanted to … (silence) So you don’t know who Butch Oyler is?

Me: As stated before, no idea. Barbara? Hi!

Mystery Caller: (silence)

Me: Thanks for calling! (click)

Hello? Barbara? You’re now a public figure. You’re on the Library Board. You were a integral part of a public body that made a horrible decision. Lots of people disagree with that decision and now you’re going to have to face the public that disagrees with that decision. See how this works? If you haven’t figured this out yet, you can ask your husband. He’s a South Boston Town Councilman. He has people that don’t agree with decisions that he’s made in his role as a public figure.

If you’re going to criticize the media coverage that your board’s horrible decision has made, at least tell me who you are. Or when I know who you are, at least admit who you are!

Local and state officials just announced thar Japan Tobacco International will open a processing plant in the former location of the Dan River Distribution Center.

More to come…

South Boston was slammed by a severe thunderstorm around 5:00 PM. SouthsideCentral thanks Jeff Reed, Kim White & Barry Tuck for the use of these photos.

Thanks again to Jeff, Kim & Barry for the photos!

UPDATE #1: [...]]]> (Originally Published on: Sep 28, 2009 @ 18:49)

South Boston was slammed by a severe thunderstorm around 5:00 PM. SouthsideCentral thanks Jeff Reed, Kim White & Barry Tuck for the use of these photos.

Thanks again to Jeff, Kim & Barry for the photos!

UPDATE #1: Adding Barry Tuck’s photos.
UPDATE #2: Adding more of Jeff Reed’s photos.

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

Collaborative efforts with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff‘s Office (VA), Caswell County Sheriff’s Office and the Person County Sheriff’s Office. On Monday September, 7, 2009 the family [...]]]> This case spreads over Caswell County, Person County, Mecklenburg County and it ends with a surprising Halifax County twist!

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

Collaborative efforts with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff‘s Office (VA), Caswell County Sheriff’s Office and the Person County Sheriff’s Office. On Monday September, 7, 2009 the family of Bryant Kevin Newcomb reported him missing. Kevin’s description was a white male, 44 years of age with blue eyes, 5’ 9” 165 lbs and resided at 915 Fort Mitchell Road, Chase City, Virginia. Kevin was last seen on Saturday, September, 5, 2009, leaving the Chase City (area).

On September 9, 2009 the Caswell County /Sheriff’s Office responded to an abandoned vehicle report near Lucky’s Bar on Hwy 86 North, Providence, N. C. Responding officers found that the 1993 Chevrolet truck was registered to Bryant Kevin Newcomb of Chase City, VA. Investigators from Caswell County, Mecklenburg County and the Person County Sheriff’s Offices responded to the scene when evidence of the suspicious circumstances was found in the vehicle. The vehicle was seized by Caswell County Sheriff’s Office and was processed for evidence by crime scene technicians with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

On September 11, 2009 the body of a W/M was located in the Dan River near the Wildlife boat landing on Hwy 62 N in Milton, N.C. Investigators from Caswell County, Person County and Mecklenburg County (VA) responded to the scene, along with Mecklenburg County dive team, Caswell County EMS and the Person County rescue. Inspection of the body during the recovery revealed that the W/M was wearing clothing consistent with that of Newcomb. At the time of his disappearance. The body was recovered and transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Chapel Hill, N,C. for autopsy and positive identification,

On September 12, 2009 the Caswell County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged Angela Crowe Stanley, W/F of Zion Level Church Road, Semora, N. C. (Person County) with First Degree Murder. Her first appearance was held September 15, 2009.

Further investigation by Caswell County and Person County Sheriff’s Offices led to the arrest of Mary Jo Terry, W/F and Kevin Black, W/M both of Blanch, N, C. Both Terry and Black have been charged with Accessory to First Degree Murder. Both are being held in the Person County Detention under a $1,000,000.00 secured bond. Furthermore, the subsequent investigation revealed that the homicide occurred in Person County near Hyco Lake area.

The District Attorney’s office is handling the change of venue to Person County where it was determined through the investigation where the crime occurred.

Now let’s get to the Halifax County angle to this story. Angela Stanley is the ex-wife of former Halifax police officer and jerkapotamus Glenn Stanley. How’s that for a full circle?

Here’s Angela Stanley’s mugshot…

We’ll have more details on this case as soon as we’re able to get them… keep reading SouthsideCentral!

We have confirmed that the local USW 831 union has rejected the proposed contract with Goodyear. One of our sources says that the vote was 54% against the agreement.

Watch for more details as we get them.

From our friends at the Caswell County (NC) Sheriff’s Office…

On September 5, 2009 at approximately 4:48 p.m. the Caswell County 911 Center received two (2) 911 calls reporting that shots were fired in the area of Brown Road in the Leasburg Community. [...]]]> The shooter is in jail under a $5,000 secured bond.

From our friends at the Caswell County (NC) Sheriff’s Office…

On September 5, 2009 at approximately 4:48 p.m. the Caswell County 911 Center received two (2) 911 calls reporting that shots were fired in the area of Brown Road in the Leasburg Community. The second 911 caller reported that two juveniles had been shot. The Caswell County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the Caswell County Emergency Medical Services, and First Responders with the Leasburg VFD responded to the area.

Upon arrival at the scene, two juveniles were located with apparent injuries caused by an unknown caliber weapon. The juveniles were treated at the scene by EMS and medical personnel for non-life threatening injuries. The victims were transported to an area hospital by P.O.V. (private owned vehicle). There was a third juvenile victim in this case who was not physically injured.

The investigation of the shooting incident conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the Caswell County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of:

John Clyde Fuqua, age 52, of 669 Brown Road, Leasburg, North Carolina. Fuqua has been charged with the following;

(2) Counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury
(1) Count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon

This case is still under investigation.

From our friends at the Danville Braves:

On the strength Matt Crim’s four-hit complete game shutout, the Danville Braves won the 2009 Appalachian League title with a 5-0 win over the Elizabethton Twins in Game 2 of [...]]]> The Danville Braves defeated the Elizabethton Twins 5-0 and sweep the best-of-3 series two games to none!

From our friends at the Danville Braves:

On the strength Matt Crim’s four-hit complete game shutout, the Danville Braves won the 2009 Appalachian League title with a 5-0 win over the Elizabethton Twins in Game 2 of the Championship Series. It is the Braves’ second-ever title and their first since 2006, capping a season in which they won 47 regular season games and led the East Division for all but three days.

The Braves tallied a trio of runs in the third inning all with the help of an error by Elizabethton second baseman Reggie Williams. Jordan Kreke and L.V. Ware singled to start the inning and moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Mycal Jones.

Matt Weaver stroked a line drive to the left side, but shortstop Brian Dozier robbed the Braves of at least one run with a perfect diving stab in the hole. Cory Harrilchak’s walk loaded the bases, though, for Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg, who grounded to second. Williams, though bobbled the slow-roller, allowing Spanjer-Furstenburg to reach and Kreke and Ware to score. Osman Marval singled in Harrilchak to make it 3-0.

Crim (1-0) did not need any more than that, as he surrendered just four hits over his nine dazzling innings. He walked one and struck out five in the championship performance. At one point, the Braves’ left-hander retired 11 in a row.

The Braves added a run in the fifth on Osman Marval’s second straight RBI single. Danville tallied one more in the seventh as Harrilchak doubled with one down to start the rally. Spanjer-Furstenburg grounded to shortstop, but the throw went a little wide and first baseman Michael Gonzalez dropped the ball as he tried to apply the tag on Spanjer-Furstenburg. All of this allowed Harrilchak to score all the way from second.

With arms revving up in the ‘pen, D-Braves manager Paul Runge stuck with Crim for the ninth inning. He surrendered a one-out double to Tobias Streich, but Crim got Gonzalez to fly out to Ware in center and struck out Anderson Hidalgo swinging to send the Braves to their second championship in four years.

Crim allowed just six baserunners on the night and only one reached third base. Twins starter Edgar Ibarra (0-1) took the loss, surrendering four runs (one earned) on seven hits.

Marval led the way offensively with two hits and two RBI. Six other Braves tallied a hit in the game. Harrilchak scored a pair of runs and stole a base.

UPDATE: Wrapping up this story with the full rundown.

UPDATE: The child has been found.

We’re putting this at RumorCentral level right now but one of SouthsideCentral’s good sources has reported in…

We’ve confirmed this from a second source, so we’re upgrading it to “Breaking News”

We had heard rumors about this starting early last week. There’s a press release floating somewhere and we’re trying to get our hands on it. The News & Record has published it so we’ll acknowledge them on this.

Race update coming within the hour.

UPDATED to include link to WSET’s website.

YAY Susan! She made her comments on Paul Stapleton’s finger-pointing statement.

SouthsideCentral thanks Ashley Singh for finding this story and giving it more coverage.

We’ll have the weblink up as quick as WSET posts it on their website.

Here’s [...]]]> (Originally Published on: Aug 17, 2009 @ 18:08)

UPDATED to include link to WSET’s website.

YAY Susan! She made her comments on Paul Stapleton’s finger-pointing statement.

SouthsideCentral thanks Ashley Singh for finding this story and giving it more coverage.

We’ll have the weblink up as quick as WSET posts it on their website.

Here’s the link to the story on WSET’s website.