Short Sugar’s in Reidsville closes its doors

The downtown Short Sugar’s closed early every day, so that meant anybody that wanted a great BBQ dinner had to go to the one on South Scales St. Because of the shortened hours, I never was able to go to this location. But don’t worry, there are still some great places to eat in downtown Reidsville. Cafe 99 has some of the best chicken salad around, and the Backstreet Buzz Coffee House offers some great grilled sandwiches. If I ever get to Reidsville before 2 PM, I’ve been told that the Carolina Cafe on Settle St. has excellent food.

Weird, eh? A “Happy Trails” about one restaurant turned into talk about 3 other ones.

And away we go!

• Thumbs UP! to the Regional Industrial Facility Authority for rejecting the same uranium mining ban that they rejected last month. Yep, again.

That leads to…

• Thumbs DOWN! to Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Hank Davis for re-introducing the same resolution for the second month in a row. Hank, listen to what Danville Mayor Sherman Saunders said, please. There’s no need to ban something that’s already illegal. Quit wasting time with stupid resolutions like that.

Ok, moving along with some more Thumbs!

• Thumbs UP! to Virginia’s General Assembly for passing a resolution showing unanimous opposition to former Governor Tim Kaine’s asinine authorization to send convicted murderer Jens Soering back to his home country of Germany where he could be released after two years. Governor McDonnell has already asked to revoke the transfer request and the legislature’s resolution shows unanimous support.
• Thumbs UP! to University of Virginia basketball coach for flunking off yet another “student” athlete off of his team. This time, Sylven Landesberg had a class that’s only graded on attendance & participation. Landesberg hadn’t attended a class meeting for the entire term. Bennett seems to “get it” when it comes to academics & athletics.
• Thumbs DOWN! to NASCAR for giving Carl Edwards only three weeks of probation for intentionally wrecking a rival’s car at 190 MPH. NASCAR’s just proven that it’s all about the sponsors and money. Somebody’s going to have to get seriously hurt or killed before something changes.

We’re going to wrap this up with a Thumb to somebody that probably will never be identified…

• Thumbs UP! to the anonymous donor(s) who gave a Burlington NC teacher’s assistant a car. Yep, you heard that right. That’s a story that just makes you smile.

So there you go. Got any Thumbs! of your own? You know the drill.

Feathers ruffled over proposed PETA float

There’s nothing like an evil Ronald McDonald to advance your cause, eh?

White powder mostly cleared by Haz-Mat team

Although I know exactly what they meant when they said “98 percent chance that the powder was not dangerous”, that probably wasn’t the best way to phrase it. How about “We used every test that we had for something dangerous, and nothing came back positive.” At least they didn’t say that there’s a 1 in 50 chance they we’re screwed. Heh.

Anyway, when I think of Danville’s drug problems, you’d think the police department would be the expert in white powders, eh?

The Roanoke Education Association took a polled 35 of their members regarding the potential budget cuts facing the education system. Here’s the most unpredictable result…

100% said that they didn’t want their salaries to be reduced

Who Knew?!

WDBJ-TV actually put that idiotic so-called survey result into their 11PM newscast.

1. a question of security – No, we’re not spotting this one because of former Halifax County sheriff Jeff Oakes calling out current Halifax County sheriff Stanley Noblin yet again. We’re going to take you down to this posting when Tom McFriendly ever so graciously wastes 20 minutes of his life in putting together a reply. Let’s all pitch in and reimburse him those valuable 20 minutes by doing what he’d have been doing if he hadn’t lowered himself to do some fact-checking (believe it or not, N&R reporters actually do that every so often). Ok, everybody jump up and down, pout, whimper and yell “Bob McDonnell sucks! Frank Ruff sucks! Republicans suck!”. See how easy it was? You’ve just helped McFriendly out!
2. ATTN: Riverdale merchants and buddies – need your opinion – Ha! We fooled you again. You thought we’d have fun pointing out the “I got them now because they were trespassing!” stuff. Nope… we’re highly impressed that Darrin (of Clan Talbott) came up with some great business advice. His wisdom of “Take the free money” is quite profound yet common-sense.
3. I know I’m paranoid….. – We know that as well.
4. Don’t miss me. – They didn’t.

Those last two set a record for World’s Shortest ThreadSpottings.

Updated

If Thomas Motley wants to have a real chance at getting elected to Danville City Council, his choosing not to look back or comment on his past isn’t going to cut it.

Motley talks about City Council campaign

I’ve got no problem giving Thomas Motley a 2nd chance, a 3rd chance or even a 95th chance if he deserves it. Having said that, any candidate for public office that has drug convictions (or plea bargains from drug charges) and was charged with assaulting a student while he was a teacher has to talk about what happened… if only to clear the air and stop any stories that will inevitably start floating around the city. I really can’t recall any other time that the Commonwealth Attorney bought a newspaper ad to put their side of the story out.

Thomas Motley’s “doesn’t like to talk about the past” won’t play very well to Danville voters. Motley is scheduled to appear on Jessica Griffith’s “Danville Tonight” show on Monday, and I’ll be watching. You can watch on Danville Comcast Channel 17, Chatmoss Cable Channel 14, over the air on digital channel 47.1 or on the internet from WGSR’s website.

It’s early in the City Council race, but Thomas Motley’s got a make-or-break opportunity on TV Monday night.. Let’s see what he does with it.

So that happened. Thomas Motley appeared on Jessica Griffith’s “Danville Tonight” show tonight. To his credit, he did address his drug convictions and the incident regarding the school assault charge. I was satisfied with his answers and I’ve got no problem putting all of that “in the past” when considering his bid for City Council. I didn’t like him talking about “character assassination”, but that’s just rhetoric That being said, did anyone know that Motley’s main focus is on the high cost of Danville Utilities? If you watched tonight’s show, you’d think that’s his only focus. 40 minutes and nothing about economic development or the crime problem. One caller asked him about his failure to appear on Johnny Robertson’s show to challenge his religious views (big deal). After that, we heard more about his campaign against Danville Utilities’ rates and policies, then we heard more about his campaign against Danville Utilities’ rates and policies. After more about his campaign against Danville Utilities’ rates and policies, he moved to the topic of his campaign against Danville Utilities’ rates and policies.

Wrap-up: Motley handled himself well on air. By talking relatively freely about his past, he took care of a major roadblock for his campaign. If he had spoken that freely for the newspaper article, it wouldn’t have been much of an issue. Motley’s got a long way to go though. I want to know what’s in his mind besides Danville Utilities.

One final thought… The fact that he’s “Reverend” Thomas Motley means absolutely nothing to me. This is a political election and I do not care what his spiritual status is. I am going to vote for the four best candidates for the office and religious views will not play a factor in that.

House Minority Leader Armstrong looks to run statewide in 2013

I hadn’t heard this rumor. Or maybe I had, but I mentally blocked it out because I’d have nightmares. Dear Lord, please let this not be true. Please tell me this is really April Fools Day. Please tell me this is a glimpse of an alternate reality. Please tell me that I’ve crossed over into McWhackyWorld©. No. This can’t be true.

Wait a second… this would be great for SouthsideCentral or anybody else who hates extreme-partisan politics. Can you imagine the amount of stuff we’d be able to write about? Mr. “I had a good idea and my bill got passed but I’m not attending the ceremony because the Governor’s a poopy-head and he won’t give me any candy!” running for statewide office? Gotta love it! Come to think about it, Ward Armstrong For President! Yay!

Verga accuses Hurt of raising taxes, ‘once again’

This is convoluted horsecrap. Verga is full of crap calling Hurt a “career tax-raiser” and he knows it. Verga’s dropped in the tier of 5th District candidates where the only chance of him moving upwards is to attack Robert Hurt on everything that he can. Hey, Laurence? This isn’t the way to get that done. If you came up with this idea, you’re stupid. If you got this idea from somebody else, they’re stupid. As it’s been said before quite often, Danny Marshall & Charlie Hawkins voted for that bill six years ago and Vera hasn’t got the guts to call them “career tax-raisers”.

Luckily in the article, Isaac Wood shows how he’s Junior Master Of The Obvious by explaining the difference between a fee and a tax. If Larry Sabato ever gives up his crown as Supreme Master Of The Obvious, Isaac will slide right into that office. But it wouldn’t be a Catherine Amos R&B political article without a quote from Isaac Wood (or Brad Rees… guess he was unavailable. Heh.)

Anyway, while I believe that Verga “said” what he did, how in the hell would anybody else know it? His website features a statement from December 2nd and his “media releases” are last dated January 13th. Is anybody running his campaign? If he’s got the money to fork out for “Joe the Plumber”, he could spring for $100 to update his website.

Danville City Council starts their meeting.

Vice Mayor Wayne Oakes (L) & Mayor Sherman Saunders (R) congratulate Interim City Manager Joe King (C) on his appointment as Interim City Manager

City Clerk Annette Crane (L) administers the oath of office to new Interim City Manager Joe King (R)

From our friends at the Eden (NC) police department…

On Sunday, February 28, 2010, Patrick Spencer Hamrick, pastor of Leaksville Methodist Church located at 603 Henry Street, Eden, N.C., reported that the music director went into her office and found what looked like human feces on the floor in front of her desk. The pastor reported that he had put out the bulletins on Friday around mid day and they were gone on this date. He also reported that a church member was taking out the trash and found a white male walking on the ground floor of the church. The church member spoke to the man, but he just kept walking and never answered. The investigation continues.

We can’t make crap like this up, folks.

Liz Palka is a reporter for WCAV/WHAU in Charlottesville, and she was on the scene of today’s plane crash in Louisa.

Take a look at this awesome photo that she took with her phone.

Well done.

Lyle Lacy died on Wednesday afternoon at his home after a battle with illness. He was appointed Danville City Manager since March 1, 2009 after being Deputy and Interim City Manager for over 10 years. You can read that information anywhere, but I’ve got my own story to tell about Lyle.

When I decided that SouthsideCentral could be another voice of the media that covers governmental activities (back in the days of HalifaxCentral), I decided to attend my first City Council meeting. I sat back in the citizen’s area and observed how things happened. I noticed Denice Thibodeau (R&B) & Chuck Vipperman (WBTM) sitting in front of the rail taking notes and I realized that with a laptop computer, SouthsideCentral could offer LIVE! coverage of City Council meetings.

I went home after that meeting and decided to email the City Manager’s office to ask about the media credentialing rules for covering meetings. Within 15 minutes, I got a phone call from Lyle Lacy himself. He told me everything I needed to know and invited me to stop by his office anytime. Well, I did just that a few days later. In our conversation, I mentioned that it would be nice for the city to open up their internet access for the media, which would allow LIVE! commentary on meetings. He thought about it then picked up his phone, called the IT department and made it happen in less than 30 seconds. He looked at me, smiled, then said “Anything else that I can do to help you?”

Quite frankly, I was shocked at the speed that my first idea was granted that I stumbled while asking about the councilmembers packets that they have every meeting. He explained to me that they consist of the night’s council business along with all documentation and an executive summary. I asked how could I get one of those packets if I needed it for SouthsideCentral purposes. Lyle said “Just call my office and we’ll have one prepared for you within a few minutes. Anything else that I can do for you?”

I stammered a bit and said “You’ve done more than I would have guessed already.” He smiled and said “That’s why we’re here.” We talked a few more minutes about SouthsideCentral and he was very enthusiastic at the potential I was talking about. We shook hands and I walked out of his office as one very amazed man.

Simply put, Lyle Lacy “got it”. Danville has lost one of the best City Managers ever, and the City of Danville has lost one of their best citizens. Rest well, Lyle Lacy. You’ll be missed.

Three seats are up for election on Danville’s School Board. Two of the incumbents (George Wilson & Rebecca Bolton) are running for re-election and Alonzo Jones is giving up his School Board seat for a shot at Danville’s City Council. That leaves one open seat and with only one newcomer filing his candidacy, this race is over.

Let’s see who our winners will be…

• George Wilson – Wilson is the current chairman of the School Board.
• Rebecca Bolton – Bolton has been a previous vice-chairman of the School Board.
• Philip Campbell – Campbell is the brother of Danville City Councilman Larry Campbell and is an assistant pastor at Bibleway Cathedral.

So that happened, eh? Here’s some early congratulations to the winners of the election.

Make your way to the Stratford Courtyard Conference Center on Thursday between 5:30 & 6:30 PM and you’ll have the opportunity to meet Eric Deaton. He’s the new CEO of the hospital, having started his new job on Monday. Deaton and his wife will be hosting the reception with light refreshments being served. The Stratford Courtyard Conference Center is located at 149 Piney Forest Road in Danville.

Bedford man charged with trying to view porn

Looking at that headline, you’ve got to think that 95% of the population will be heading to jail. Once you read the story, you realize that this guy is heading to our Dumbass Hall of Fame. What’s stupider than trying to download child pornography from a public computer? Coming back the next day and doing the same thing!

Dumbass.

There will be five candidates on the ballot for four available seats. With Wayne Oakes & Ruby Archie not running for re-election, there will be at least two new members on City Council. Let’s take a look at the candidates…

• Gary Miller (Incumbent) – Miller is running in his first election after being appointed to fill Wayne Williams’ seat after he moved out of town. Here’s Miller’s re-election kickoff speech.
• Adam Tomer (Incumbent) – Tomer is the only other incumbent running for re-election. Here’s his re-election statement.
• Alonzo Jones – Jones is giving his School Board seat to run for City Council.
• John Gilstrap – Gilstrap is the former director of Danville’s Parks & Recreation department.
• Thomas Motley – Motley is a pastor in Danville and qualified on the final day.

• Adam Tomer – 100%
• Gary Miller – 94%
• Alonzo Jones – 98%
• John Gilstrap – 75%
• Thomas Motley – 40%

Until I’m able to gauge Motley’s support level, his OddsMakers numbers are highly preliminary. More to come as the race progresses…

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

So far, these four things I know are true.

1. 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.
2. We haven’t seen this much of a police presence since some forgettable rap “artist” performed in town.
3. Alterations&McWhacky hasn’t been this scared since she called the cops about the peaceful Woodson Hughes protest.
4. 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.

From our friends over at the Eden (NC) police department…

On Monday, February 22, 2010, Melissa Marie Craven of 1615 Ridge Avenue, Eden, N.C. reported that her 1997 Dodge Intrepid had been stolen during the night from the roadway in front of her residence. The vehicle had been unlocked with the keys left in the vehicle.

Apparently, the “Please Steal Me” sign had fell off the vehicle.

Make your way to the Commonwealth Centre (the former Tultex building on Commonwealth Blvd.) on Wednesday, March 3rd. The show runs from 4 PM to 8 PM. Over 120 local businesses will be showcasing their businesses & products and events like this are fun to attend. There’s a $3 admission charge for this event.

This will be a great event and will showcase the newly remodeled Commonwealth Centre building complex. If we get any more details on this, we’ll post them.

During my conversations with Mr. Southside, I found that he wanted to start a feature on SouthsideCentral where local, everyday business people could be showcased.  This idea led me to the idea now called SouthsideSpotlight.  From here, we begin our journey of featuring local businesses from the SouthsideCentral area. Please stop by often. We appreciate all of our readers.

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.

Tank Museum evacuated after man leaves suspicious case

So that happened.

I want to think that the over-reacting was justified in some way, but then I realize that the Tank Museum isn’t really much of a High Profile Terrorist Target and nobody wants to blow it up. Occam’s Razor (paraphrased as “The simplest solution is probably the correct one”) tells me that this Mystery Guy probably wanted to get rid of something (that was quite illegal to own) that he had and probably wanted to make sure that it went to a place where it could be used for educational & display purposes. Mystery Guy probably knew that it was illegal to own the weapon and just wanted to get rid of it with as few questions as possible. But who needs simple solutions when we can Panic Panic Panic!?

So, let’s evacuate all of the guests out of the museum (that was easy, nobody was there)! Let’s call in the Bomb Squad! Let’s… ah, who the hell cares?

Let’s go to some Bonus Fun… the comments section of that R&B article. We’ve got some of the Usual Suspects participating but in this edition, we’ve got Special Guests to go with the “Special” regulars. Let’s see, one more dangerous weapon off the streets (because we all know everybody is packin’ 1920 French machineguns down in Da Hood). That gets shot down (get it? “shot down” hahaha) quickly, then somebody takes a shot (get it again? “shot” hahaha) at the Tank Museum. Somebody from the museum comes in and responds to that. After that, we get a debate on how much that the weapon is worth in drugs. Those commenters never let us down, do they?

House microchip bill dies with a whimper in Senate

Sanity prevails as a stupid-ass bill goes down in flames. But hey, there’s always next year!

Benson’s Blog: The mother of all news stories

Be sure to check out Robert Benson’s blog on a regular basis!

Danville City Council will have their next regular monthly business meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 1st. After City Council does the call to order and invocation/pledge, Mayor Sherman Saunders will open the meeting up to any citizen that would like to speak before council. All you need to do is step up to the podium and say whatever is on your mind. It’s that simple.

As I said on Monday’s “Danville Tonight” with Jessica Griffith, I’ll be glad to help and guide anybody that wants to talk to City Council that night. Make your way to the 4th floor of Danville City Hall and you’ll find the council chambers. I’ll get there around 6 PM and will be sitting at the front table in front of the railing. All you have to do is introduce yourself and I’ll show you the procedures on participating in the public comment session. Even if you don’t want to speak, I hope you’ll come up and introduce yourself.

This is your chance to speak out on a subject that’s affecting the majority of Danville residents. I hope to see you there.

It was a perfect day for this…

Police: Man shot after coming at officer with rifle

I’m just going to feature a few sentences from the article that will point out the absurdity of the incident.

…A man had been reportedly firing shots with a rifle inside of his residence…

…the shooting got more rampant with what sounded like shotgun fire coming from the home, followed by six pistol rounds going off…

…they had to evacuate the trailer…

…Every few minutes I would hear a few gunshots and car door slamming…

We’ll wrap this up with the Obligatory Quote from Law Enforcement Authorities on situations like this…

…early indications are that alcohol was involved…

Danville Regional CEO resigns

This guy was almost believable when he said that he believed in Danville and was here for the long run. We should have guessed he was lying about that like Art Doloresco and Tod Lambert was. Don’t remember those names? They were the previous two CEO’s. There were interim CEO’s in between them, but who cares? Anyway, doesn’t it make you wonder when somebody resigns a high-power job like Humphrey’s immediately?

Over/Under on the length that Humphrey’s replacement will last before “resigning” – 14 months.