October 2015

Lois Harrell Barnes, 96, went to be with God on Wednesday, October 28, 2015. She was born August 2, 1919 to Maude and Willie Harrell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon V. Barnes; her son, Ronnie A. Barnes; five sisters and three brothers. Mrs. Barnes is survived by her children, Gordon F. Barnes (Nancy), Shirley B. Phillips (Homer) and Donnie V. Barnes (Linda); nine grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; her brother, Horace Harrell and sisters in-law, Leona Harrell and Laura Velvin. She was a faithful member of Centenary United Methodist Church where she loved serving and working as long as she was able. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 30 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia. The funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 31 at Centenary United Methodist Church with interment to follow at High Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 472, Jarratt, Virginia 23867. Online condolences may be made at www.owenfh.com.

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Interim Greensville County Sheriff W. T. "Timmy" Jarratt was accused of certifying petitions that he did not circulate himself.  The complaint was hand delivered to the office of Commonwealth's Attorney Patricia Taylor Watson on the afternoon of Thursday, October 29th.  This is the same charge leveled against Greensville County Treasurer's Candidate Pamela Allen Lifsey.

As stated in the article about Mrs. Lifsey, certifying petitions that were not circulated by the person signing the affidavit is a violation of the Code of Virginia §§ 24.2-506 and is a felony, punishable by a fine of up to $2500 and/or up to 10 years in prison.

The complaint asks Mrs. Watson to immediately refer the matter to the Office of the Attorney General for an impartial investigation.  The evidence in this case will be turned over to the investigative agency to which it is referred.

Emporia News will continue to update these stories as new information becomes available.

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The following is a letter that I wrote to the Independent-Messenger after they erroneously reported information from the October 15 Emporia News Forum.

In the Oct. 25 edition of the Independent-Messenger reporting on the recent public forum of candidates, incumbent Hicksford Supervisor Michael Ferguson's response to a question about whether he would support public schools in the future, was incorrectly attributed to Belfield candidate Keith Mitchell. The actual question was whether each candidate would support "fully funding" public schools, and none of Mitchell's response to that question was included in the I-M account. The response of his opponent, incumbent Dr. Margaret Lee, was included, as was that of Zion candidate Raymond Bryant, along with Ferguson's.

Another question--this one asked exclusively of Mitchell--was whether he, if elected, would simply become a part of the "status quo" of county government and just another member of its so-called "social club."  Neither the specifics of that question nor any of Mitchell's specific response to it was included in the I-M story.

The third of the three questions Mitchell was asked related to economic development.  Again, as with the other two questions, the details of the question posed to the supervisor candidates were not stated specifically in the I-M account.  Mitchell was quoted as having said, referring to businesses/industries that the questioner alleged had "fallen between the cracks" and had been "lost":  "What about those that have fallen between the cracks." Actually, Mitchell was simply repeating the question he had been asked. He then went on to answer it. 

As the editor of Emporia News, which sponsored the public forum as a community service, I feel that it is incumbent upon me to correct and clarify any published reports related to that event that I recognize as being either incorrect and/or misleading. I have verified each of the above not simply from our report in the Oct. 21 edition of Emporia News, but from the actual transcript of that event. (That report is still available online.)

There were omissions and other issues regarding other contested races in your report that I observed, but none were nearly as significant nor as glaring as those noted above. Those instances cited in the above three exchanges, though, specifically related to Mr. Mitchell--and to Mr. Ferguson in the one instance--need to be noted and clarified. With that in mind, I trust that you will see fit to publish my letter in your next edition. 

This is in no way intended to show favoritism or a preference for any one candidate over another. It is, though, being submitted in an effort to more accurately portray the instances cited to help to ensure fairness for all: candidates and voters alike.

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Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services has joined the American Association of Children’s Residential Centers (AACRC), a 160-member organization now including eight in Virginia that treat children and adolescents with behavioral health disorders.

The AACRC believes that children and adolescents, and their families, are entitled to treatment which offers the maximum opportunity for growth and change.

AACRC focuses on advancing professional knowledge, increasing public understanding about mental health in children, identifying and sharing information on emerging mental health practices, educating policy makers regarding treatment efforts, and supporting behavioral health organizations in order to provide high quality mental health services.

Jackson-Feild is very pleased to be a member of this worthwhile organization.

Kobieta

CITY OF EMPORIA

VETERAN’S DAY HOLIDAY

SANITATION SCHEDULE

RESIDENTIAL SERVICE:  TRASH, BULK/YARD WASTE AND RECYCLING

NORMAL COLLECTION                                     WILL BE COLLECTED

Tuesday, November 10, 2015                                     Monday, November 9, 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015                               Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Thursday, November 12, 2015                                   No Change

Friday, November 13, 2015                                        No Change

ALL WASTE MUST BE PLACED AT STREET FOR REMOVAL BY 7:00 A.M. ON COLLECTION DAY.

COMMERCIAL SERVICE

NO CHANGE

LOOSE LEAF COLLECTION

NO COLLECTION ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS ASKING ALL RESIDENTS TO REFRAIN FROM PUTTING TRASH OUT AFTER THEIR NORMAL SCHEDULED COLLECTION DAY.

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On Thursday, October 22, 2015, Greensville Elementary School participated in Jumpstart’s national Read for the Record campaign. This is one day when millions of individuals come together to celebrate literacy and support early childhood education. On this day, adults across the country will come together to read Not Norman: a Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett  to millions of youngsters.

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Penalty fee for not having health insurance increases this year

Emporia, VA - Beginning November 1, Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center (SVRMC) will again help area residents learn about and enroll in health insurance options on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

As part of the Affordable Care Act, most U.S. citizens were required to have health insurance beginning in 2014. Since the passage of the ACA five years ago, about 16.4 million uninsured people have gained health coverage. Yet, approximately 30 million Americans remain uninsured.

“As a primary health provider in southern Virginia, our goal is to help educate residents in an easy-to-understand way, as well as assist those who haven’t  yet signed up for health insurance or Medicaid, if qualified,” said Matt Tavenner, CEO of SVRMC. “During the next few months, we’ll be out in the community and meeting one-on-one to help these individuals find affordable coverage.”

Health Plans on Health Insurance Marketplaces
The Health Insurance Marketplace provides U.S. citizens access to affordable health insurance coverage. Depending on household income, some individuals may qualify for government financial assistance– or subsidies – towards the cost of the premium and other financial obligations like co-pays or deductibles.

All health plans on the Marketplace must offer a comprehensive set of benefits, and coverage cannot be denied for individuals with a pre-existing health condition. Some of the health benefits include free preventive care and wellness services, doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric services – and more.

The penalty fee for not having insurance has increased this year. If you can afford health insurance coverage in 2016, but don’t sign up, you may have to pay a penalty ($695 per adult, $347.50 per child – up to $2,085/family or 2.5% of family income, whichever is higher). You will have to pay the fee on the federal income tax return you file. And, without insurance, you will be financially responsible for all of your medical costs.

“This is where SVRMC can assist,” said Tavenner. “With many people not having access to a computer or having difficulty maneuvering on the government website, our application counselors can help individuals and their families evaluate the health plan options and determine if they are eligible for Medicaid or other financial assistance. We’ll also help with re-enrollment.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.

“While Virginia has not expanded Medicaid, government subsidies to help citizens obtain coverage are available, depending on income and other qualifications,” explained Tavenner. “We can help screen these individuals and if they qualify, we can enroll them at any time, with health coverage beginning immediately.”

Though a major function of www.healthcare.gov is assessing whether individuals and families qualify for financial assistance to lower the cost of health insurance, SVRMC’s application counselors can perform the same analysis and help with enrollment and re-enrollment. To make an appointment to meet with an application counselor, call 434-348-4406.

“Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center is committed to improving the health of the communities we serve by helping residents gain access to healthcare services,” said Tavenner.

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On Thursday morning, members of the Chamber of Commerce, Business Leaders, Friends and Family joined David Seaborn as the ribbon was cut at his business, Build a Body Fitness.

Build a body started on South Main and moved to the Emporia Shopping Center when they outgrew that location.  Now they have outgrown their second location, and have moved across the street to 527 North Main Street.

The interior of the new location is bright and has plenty of room.  There is Satellite Radio, a TV and expansive windows facing North Main Street from the Treadmills, Elliptical Machines and Stationary Bikes.

The new location has space for all of the fitness equipment and free weights.  In addition, there is a training room and the location is served by an independent Personal Trainer.

Master Personal Trainer Ken Mabrey and Emporia Mayor Mary Person

Build a Body Fitness is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The membership fees are quite reasonable; individuals pay $20 per month, and couples pay $35 per month, there is also a $10 per person joining fee.

Master Personal Trainer Ken Mabrey is a business within a business, fees for his service are in addition to the above membership fees.  Mr. Mabrey is available by appointment Monday to Friday.

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In the final group to answer questions pf the Emporia News Candidates Fourm, held on Thursday, October 15th, were the candidates for the Greensville County Board of Supervisors.  Present at the forum were Dr. Margaret Lee, Mr. Mike Ferguson, Mr. Raymond Bryant and Mr. Keith Mitchell.  The previous two articles in this series covered the questions for the Clerk of the Circuit Court (found here) and the Greensville County Sheriff's Department (found here).  The fourth and final installment in this series will be the closing statements of each candidate.

The first question was for Mr. Mitchell, who was asked he planned to do to help the citizens of the Belfield District and Greensville County and whether or not he planned to maintain the Status Quo, or will you break with what many consider to be a social Club.  He felt the sentiment of the question resonated with many of the people that he had spoken with.  While he did not quite agree that the Board of Supervisors was a social club, he did note that there are many people in the district that feel like they do not have a voice, or any say in their government, and feel a bit overwhelmed.  He added that he was surprised, as he went door-to-door, at how many people felt that way.  Mr. Mitchell related a story about a phone call he received after going door-to-door one day; a gentleman called to tell Mr. Mitchell that he had his support, and that one thing that stood out to the caller about Mr. Mitchell was that Mr. Mitchell always told it like it is.  He did correct the sentiment, saying that he always told it like he thinks it is and that is not one that believes that he is always right, and that he is always willing to listen.  As far as the “social club,” he felt that many candidates liked to talk about what they have done or what they planned to do, but the only promise he could make was that he would always listen.  In reaction to Mr. King’s comment about citizens being able to reach the Sheriff, he gave his phone number.  He stressed that he wanted citizen input and wished to have quarterly meetings with his constituents.  He also wanted to meet with the School Board and felt that the School Baord and the Board of Supervisors should get together more often.  Above all he wished to serve the community.

Economic development was the focus of the nest question.  We have had a great many Economic Development opportunities in Greensville County, and some of those have fallen through.  Each candidate was asked what we can change to bring quality jobs to our community. 

Dr. Lee was given the first opportunity to respond, who could not stress enough how vital economic development was to the growth of Greensville County.  The creation of jobs is one of her highest priorities. She listed the businesses that have come to Greensville County in the last four years: Dominion Virginia Power (45 permanent jobs, up to 1000 jobs during construction and a $1.4 Billion investment), CIMS Intermodal Equipment Company, a builder of specialty rail chassis (50 Jobs, $600,000 investment), The 510 Nano Company, a builder of solar panels (113 jobs and an $11 Million investment), the Mega Site, 1600 acres of land owned by the county, with the possibility of 1500 jobs.  She stated that if she is reelected, she will continue to implement the county’s current economic strategy in an effort to import successful businesses and quality jobs to our community.  She will also seek feedback from her constituents and the Deputy County Administrator/Director of Economic Development to continue to bring additional industry to our growing community.  Dr. Lee also stated that unemployment was one of the important challenges facing people in our community and our country, which is why she supports our local big and small business developments.  She felt that, with our current economic development plan, the county could continue the creation of long term value and improve the quality of our citizens.

Mr. Mitchell was the next to respond; he felt that it was a difficult question to answer, given the new Dominion plant.  He also talked about what could be done for those that have fallen between the cracks.  He referenced Dr. Lee’s opening statements about 40 new housed in the district, but stated that the one thing that he noticed was all of the empty houses, empty buildings, closed retail businesses and even two empty school buildings in the county.  His concern was more about we have and what we can get, citing the population stagnancy of Greensville County, and therefore , the stagnancy of the tax base.  He added that it is not just the industries we needed to be concerned with, but the standard of life of the people who are already here.  We need to be concerned about those people that live here and go somewhere else to work, as opposed to those that work here and live somewhere else.  He pointed out that while the population increased from 2000-2010, it has dropped 4% in the last four years.  Hefelt that we continued to address the issues that arise when businesses shut down, adding that if we are going to make strides, we have to keep what we have and grow it, we need to add to our tax base.  He stated that we need to improve the quality of life and create good jobs for all of the people.

Mr. Bryant followed, by stating that it was important for us to support economic development.  He added that as part of that, we needed to support our schools, so that we can have an educated workforce to draw industry.  He also said that we need to have the infrastructure in place.  Without infrastructure, our industrial property is less valuable and will cause delays in starting new businesses.  He felt that we should continue support the mega site and the partnerships with neighboring localities involved with the development of the mega site.  He reminded those present that the mega site was more for big industries, and that the county might possibly look into developing an industrial park for the smaller industries that might be interested in relocating or starting up here.  He also felt that the Workforce Development Center was on the right road, and that the county should continue to support that endeavor, and pointed out that the Golden Leaf Commons was a step in the right direction, and while there was some debt, if it had not been built, we would not have Southside Virginia Community College or the Virginia Employment Commission.  He also pointed that the actual venue was rented every weekend throughout the holidays.  While he felt that were on the right road, and needed to keep rolling, he also felt that we needed to continue to put emphasis on training.

Mr. Ferguson had the final opportunity to respond to this question.  He started by saying that Greensville County has tried very hard during his last couple of terms to get new industries into Greensville County.  He cited the mega site as a prime example, going back to the original conversations started by CSX.  While he conceded that it is true that the county has struck out a couple of times getting big industry here, we are competing with 4-6 other states.  He added that we are in a situation now, where the county now has water and other utilities available at the mega site, and the engineering is done for the roads.  Everything is in place.  Businesses from other states and even other countries are looking at coming here.  He also added that it is true that the smaller businesses need the county’s support, too; noting that industrial park on 301 in three-quarters full.  Mr. Ferguson said that the county is steadily talking to industries and trying to get them here.  He noted the commitment the county has to students at Southside Virginia Community College to help them further their education, making them ready for the jobs that are coming in an effort to keep more of our young people in Greensville County, instead of seeing them move to other localities.  He added that there needs to be something to encourage young people to stay here and make this community grow.  He added that we have a wonderful community here and are a crossroads, north and south; east and west. He felt that we would continue to grow as long as we pushed our community to grow.

The last question of the evening was also for all candidates.  They were asked how important Education is, and if elected, would each of them support fully funding our Public Schools?

Mr. Bryant prefaced his answer by stating that he had grandchildren in the local public schools.  He was hesitant to say that he would fully fund the School Division, but said that he would like to fund to the fullest extent that the Board could.  He added that he has had the opportunity to look at the schools in other localities as he tries to follow the Middle School Soccer Team, and is always looking for ideas that would help improve our schools.  He finished by saying that he felt that we did have good schools, but that if we spent a bit more money, we could make them better.

Mr. Mitchell answered next.  He started by saying that he was unsure what “fully funding” meant, and that somebody would have to be a fool to say that they would not support public education in that setting.  He did think, though, that there needed to be accountability at every level; Board of Supervisors, Clerk’s Office, Sheriff’s Department and the School Board.  He felt that part of the problem in the county and the community was that we need to learn to communicate with one another; we need to come together more.  He added that he planned to, not only, be on the Board of Supervisors if elected, but that he would attend School Board meetings, and might even show up at City Council meetings.  He thought we all needed to learn to communicate better, and we all should be interested in funding our Public Schools, but he felt, and had heard others say that when throwing money out there, regardless of which department, you have to think through these things, and he wanted to hear from the people.

Dr. Lee began her response by saying education is very important and that she had worked in the education field for 37 years, as a classroom teacher and also as a school administrator.  Her children were educated in the Greensville County Public Schools.  She supports teachers, administrators and all support staff, as they relate to the development of our children.  She stated that she has consistently supported the school budget, and her record should speak for itself.  During her tenure, she added, she supported funding of the four year old Head Start Program, giving children an early opportunity to learn; she also supported funding the Wyatt Middle School renovation.  She noted that during her term in office, the Southside Virginia Education Center was developed.  Longwood College now offers a four-year degree program here, allowing our young people to stay here in Emporia and go to college.  She added the other offerings had expanded to include the precision machinery lab, welding classes, nursing classes and the truck driver training school.  GEDs have increased from 63-70%.  If reelected, she pledged to support educational opportunities that would prepare our students for college and career readiness.

Mr. Ferguson began his response by saying that education was very near and dear to his heart, and that many years ago he served on the School Board for four years.  He stated that while education would be something that he would continue to support, but that he could not commit to budgeting for everything that the School Board asks for.  He said that he would try to encourage the support of the Board of Supervisors to give the schools what they need.  He noted that the Board of Supervisors could not give the School Board a “blank check.”  He said the Board of Supervisors must give a lot of consideration to what is needed, and that they have set aside money in the past for large projects, like the Wyatt Middle School renovations, ahead of time, so that it was there when it was needed, and the projects did not hit the tax payers so hard.  He thought that it was only a one and one-half cent tax increase to cover the Wyatt renovations.

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This is the second of four articles about the Emporia News sponsored Local Candidate's Forum held on Thursday, October 15.  This article picks up where yesterday's story left off, at the beginning of the questions and answers for the candidates for the office of Greensville County Sheriff; Mr. Timmy Jarratt, Mr. Stephen King and Mr. Wyatt Lee.  If you missed yesterday's article, it may be read here.

All three candidates were asked if they would increase patrols in the County and more positive interaction with the community, as positive interaction and visibility would improve how deputies are viewed by the citizens. 

The first to answer was Mr. Stephen King, who stated that he believed that community policing was very important, and was a good use of the citizen’s tax dollars.  Mr. King felt that less emphasis needed to be placed on writing citations on I-95 and more time needed to be spent proactively policing the community, paying special attention to the children and senior citizens.  He stressed that the Sheriff’s Department needed to be proactive, not reactive, and that there was no need to wait for the call to come in that a business had been broken into when deputies could patrol and help prevent break ins.

Mr. Wyatt Lee answered next.  Mr. Lee stated that he was one of the first to institute radar in the county, and with the revenue generated; he increased the number of deputies in his Department, to increase the patrols, and the protection, in the County and the City.

The last candidate to answer this question was Mr. Timmy Jarratt.  Mr. Jarratt began by stating that all citizens were important and that all that pay taxes should have earned your patrols.  He added that the Sheriff’s Department has increased patrols, and that it was about more than patrols.  His office has also increased interaction and communication with the citizens, whether it is a Senior on the porch or working in the garden or youth playing sports.  He stressed, again, that communication is the key.  Mr. Jarratt further stated that his department is also interacting with local business owners and the customers.

The second question, how each candidate would collaborate with residents, business and community organizations to build better relationships and develop solutions to problems and crime in our community was also for all three candidates.

Mr. Lee was the first to respond.  He stated that he would have regular meetings on request, like the neighborhood watch, and other meetings with citizens to address their concerns and work on bridging the gap between law enforcement and the citizens.

The second response to this question came from Mr. Jarratt.  He agreed that the Sheriff’s Department does need to build better relations and collaborate with the citizens and community organizations.  This should be done with communication, interaction and education.  Mr. Jarratt stressed that communication is the key to resolving all problems.  He added that his staff is not only focused on building trusting relationships with all of the citizens, but are paying special attention to the youth by interacting;  on a regular basis he and his staff are visiting youth centers, the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA and the day care facilities.  There are currently three Community Resource Officers in the schools, and he and his staff are visiting the schools on a daily basis, so that they are all interacting with the youth, instead of just a few deputies.  The department is also working on a fourth Community Resource Officer so that all of the schools are covered.  He and his staff, including the office staff, road deputies, security, civil process and communications staff are all part of this interaction.  He finished by stressing, again, communication, interaction and education are the keys for us to move forward.

The last candidate to answer this question was Mr. King. He felt that the first thing that the Sheriff needs to do is to be honest with the citizens of Greensville County and the City of Emporia.  He added that the Sheriff’s Department needed irrefutable integrity, to build trust in the department, before the department could start to bridge the gap and build any kind of community relations.  If we cannot have esteemed leadership in the department, then nobody will have faith that the department is going down the right road.  Bridging the gap with the community needs to start at the Sheriff’s Department, with honesty and integrity.  Mr. King also believes that the department should involve the churches and establish a county wide neighborhood watch program, as opposed to having neighborhood watch just in certain areas.  He also called for quarterly meetings with those that contribute to the Sheriff’s Department in the form of taxes, so that they can have input and influence on the direction of the agency.  Most importantly he felt that the elected Sheriff should be more accessible, including publication of his direct cell phone number, so that citizens can get in touch with the Sheriff 24/7 to discuss issues, speaking in confidence in that is desired.  He felt that these things would put Greensville County and the City of Emporia on a positive track toward progress.

In another question for all three, based on the recent unrest in communities like Baltimore, Maryland and Ferguson, Missouri, the candidates were asked how they would reassure young African-Americans males in our community that they would be treated with respect and not profiled or targeted. 

The first to respond was Mr. Jarratt.  He started by saying that, yes, there is unrest in our country, and that our society is facing many difficult challenges.  He stated that his department wanted to show our different cultures, such as our African-American youth, that they are treated with respect and not profiles.  He felt that this gap, too, could be closed with communication, interaction and education, and that we all need to be of one accord, even though there are differences in each of our cultures. This accord can be reached, he stated, by engaging all aspects of our culture, including faith leaders, and people of all nationalities in open communication.  He added that communication is the key thing for everybody.  He also felt that we need to educate each other, so that we understand the differences in our cultures and the concerns facing all, including law enforcement.  He and his staff are already working closely with surrounding agencies and spiritual leaders, but that this was just a start and there was a lot of work yet to do.  He and his staff also attend the Unity Prayer on the first Sunday of every month.  He stated that we need to unite the law enforcement and the citizens, so that people will not be targeted or profiled or treated with disrespect.  He invited the citizens to join him and his staff on the first Sunday of every month.

Mr. Lee responded that not everyone that looks suspicious is actually suspicious.  If you see someone walking at 2:00 am, they might just be walking.  The only reason to treat people with suspicion is if there is a break in or other crime in the area.  Even if there is reason to stop a person, they should be told the reason that the Sheriff’s deputy is talking to them.  He added that meetings could be held at the schools, especially with the young people, to let them know that the police are not out to arrest them just because they look suspicious.  He also stated that law enforcement officers need to be educated in how to interact with young people.

In Mr. King’s response, he stated that these situations were occurring across the country, and have not yet happened in Greensville County.  He felt that the truth of the matter was not about black and white or white and black, but that the real issue at hand was that the criminal justice system is broken.  Everybody is presumed guilty, until proven innocent.  He added that racial profiling has got to stop.  He felt that honesty and intregity in law enforcement would hold everybody to the same set of laws that all citizens are expected to live by.  He added that law enforcement is not exempt from the law.  He stated that holding everybody accountable would stop the mistreatment of white vs. black and black vs. white.  He stressed the need for treating everybody equally, as a whole and as citizens of Greensville County.  He also said that everybody should be treated the way you would want to be treated.

Mr. King was reminded of his recent indictment and the charges pending against him, and the he would be expected to uphold the law.  He was asked to respond to the charges.  Mr. King stated that the charges pending against him were just that, charges.  He added that he is being presumed guilty until proven innocent.  He felt his case was a prime example of poor investigative techniques and dirty politics.  He also said that he was born and raised in Brink, Virginia, and the he has lived in the immediate community his entire life.  He told those present that he would not continue the mission for each and every citizen of Greensville County and the City of Emporia if these charges had any foundation.  He also stated that the charges were baseless and politically motivated; facts his legal team intended to prove on November 6 when his case will be heard in the Circuit Court.

Mr. Lee was asked how a new Wyatt Lee administration would improve on his previous time as Greensville County Sheriff.  He responded by saying that first thing to be done would be to assess the situation, but that he would continue to update equipment.  He would also continue to send his deputies to school for advanced and varied training, so that when they did interact with citizens the deputies would be able to handle the situation.  He added that he would continue to work hard with his staff to make them understand what had to be done to make the Greensville County Sheriff’s Department the best law enforcement agency in the Commonwealth.

This last question was for Mr. Jarratt, who stated, in previous settings, that he and Sheriff Edwards made decisions jointly.  He was asked if he would allow his second in command, or any of your deputies, input on his command decisions.  Mr. Jarratt responded by saying that there is no I in “team,” and that to serve the citizens efficiently and effectively that the department had to work together as a team.  He added that input from his staff would be a big asset in making command decisions.  As a team, his department would make decisions that affect the community and the department.  Teamwork is why, he said, the department is where it is now.  He added that teamwork should not only come from his department, but also from the community.

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The Third Grade class went to Harrell's farm on October 16th for Farm Day.  Students traveled to different stations to learn about the following topics:  water quality, bees, field to farm, wildlife/fishery, farm equipment, soil, plants, forestry, and a presentation by Georgia Pacific.  Students also enjoyed a hayride while they were there.

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Emporia News sponsored the 2015 Candidate Forum on Thursday evening.  This is an event I hope to sponsor annually.  Despite issues with the lighting that could not be fixed, and some minor sound system problems (thank you Dr. Wilson, for calling in the troops) that were corrected, this year's forum has already been called a success.

First off, A big "thank you" goes to George Morrison and Carla Harris for moderating the forum.  Without the moderators, Thursday's event would have not gotten off of the ground.

I would also like to thank all of the candidates that participated.  I called, emailed or spoke with in person, each of the candidates, and am grateful to those who called back and participated.  All candidates, even those running without opposition were invited.

Those candidates who did participate did so with passion.  I am grateful, not only for their participation, but also, for their well thought out answers and their candor.

Lastly, let me thank all of you who came out to listen to the candidates. 

The forum was just shy of two hours.  I will transcribe the recording and post a full article over the weekend.

Thank you, again, to all who participated.

Jay Osburn, Editor.

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For the boys and girls at Jackson-Feild, an annual rite of fall is a saltwater fishing trip at the Buckroe Beach Fishing Pier in Hampton.  Old Point Bank sponsors the event in conjunction with the City of Hampton Roads Parks and Recreation.

The young anglers – none of whom had ever been saltwater fishing – arrived bright and early and ready to fish using rods, tackle and bait provided by Old Point Bank.  Don Lancaster and Matt Smith (hosts of the Fishing Tidewater radio show), Al Nazaruk, and Dan Minnick volunteered their expertise and served as mentors.   Don provided a brief “Fishing 101” lesson in which he showed the boys and girls how to bait hooks, protect their hands from the fins, and then release the hooked fish.

According to one enthusiastic participant, the kids caught “a bazillion fish,” releasing most but keeping enough to fill a cooler to bring back to campus for dinner.  The new anglers had so much fun that did not want to leave.

When asked why he volunteers each year, Lancaster responded “These youngsters have had so many challenges in their lives.  It does your heart good to see them have such a good time enjoying a simple pleasure.”

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Rebecca (Beckie) Smith Lewis, 91, of Stony Creek, widow of J. Russell Lewis passed away Sunday, October 11, 2015.  She was preceded by her daughter, Susan Lewis Whitfield.  Survivors include her son-in-law, Thomas Whitfield, of Decatur, GA and numerous nieces and nephews.  The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at Sappony Baptist Church, Stony Creek, VA.  Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sappony Baptist Church, c/o Luise Brucato, 10048 Reed Rd, Stony Creek, VA.

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A Groundsman Training Program begins on November 2, 2015 offered by Southside Virginia Community College.  Training will be held at the SVCC Occupational Technical Center at Pickett Park in Blackstone from November 2 to November 25, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.   The  cost is $2,950. 

A Groundsman performs a variety of work tasks in the construction, maintenance and repair of electrical distribution and transmission lines and equipment.  Groundsman training is the first step towards a career as a linesman. 

This program covers Safety, Material and Tools, Protective Equipment, Flagging, Knot Tying, Installing Sleeves, , CDL Class B Learner’s Permit Review, and more.  SVCC Workforce Development and TCR Line Training Corporation offer this course.

To pre-register, contact Angela McClintock at 434-949-1026 or angela.mcclintock@southside.edu

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Courtney Malveaux, Delegate Roslyn Tyler, Kristin Smolenski and Peggy Malone at Thursday's Drive Smart Event

The State Farm Distracted Driving Simulator pulled into Greensville County High School Thursday morning, as part of the Drive Smart Virginia program, to teach the dangers of texting and driving.  The Simulator is a real vehicle that has been enhanced to demonstrate the dangers of distracted driving while not actually driving.  The "driver" wears goggles and, using the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, is asked to drive down a virtual street while sending a text message. 

Greensville County High School Students in the Driving Simulator and on the Impaired Driving Course

According to Peggy Malone, the local State Farm Agent sponsoring the event, only three of the students before lunch managed not to crash.

Students were also shown the difficult of impaired driving by riding a tricycle through a row of cones while wearing distortion goggles.  The goggles simulated the vision impairment associated with a Blood Alcohol Content of 1.7

Delegate Roslyn Tyler was there for the last class, and she fared no better than the students, "crashing" before she even managed to send the text message. 

Peggy Malone and Delegate Roslyn Tyler on the Impaired Driving Course

Neither Delegate Tyler or Mrs. Malone made it through the drunk driving simulation, each taking out multiple cones, which proves that experience does not matter if you drive drunk.

The simulator will be at Brunswick County High School tomorrow.  For more information on the Drive Smart program, please visit drivesmartva.org.

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A new Dean of Humanities, Social Science and Business will begin duties at Southside Virginia Community College in November.  Dr. Tara Carter, Vice President of Academics and Student Services, announced that Dr. Dixie Watts Dalton, current Professor of Agribusiness, has accepted the position.

Dr. Dalton grew up on a 150-acre family farm in Lunenburg County.  She earned her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Virginia Tech in Agricultural Economics and her PhD from Duke University in Economics. She has served the last five years as professor and program director of the agribusiness program at Southside Virginia Community College.  She and her husband, Johnny, own a small cow-calf herd in Kenbridge and have a hunting supply business.

Prior to coming home to Southside in the fall of 2010 to give leadership to the new agribusiness program, she spent seventeen years in her teaching and extension position in Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.  In 2003, the university awarded her its Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching and its Alumni Award for Excellence in Advising. At the state level, she has received the Virginia Agribusiness Council’s Special Recognition of an Individual Award, Virginia Farm Bureau’s Service to Agriculture Award, and the Virginia Cooperative Council’s Cooperative Education Leadership Award.  At the national level, she has received teaching awards from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Association and the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.  She has published numerous journal and popular press articles and has made hundreds of presentations around the state and nation, as well as in the United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, and South Africa.  In March 2015, she was selected as Virginia Farm Bureau’s Lady Leader, Proudly Promoting Agriculture.

In their spare time, Dixie and Johnny enjoy playing and watching sports.  They both travel extensively throughout Virginia and North Carolina to play competitive slowpitch softball and have competed in the softball World Series in Orlando (Florida), Phoenix (Arizona), and Las Vegas (Nevada).   Her two sons, Kyle and Jacob, are recent SVCC Governor’s School graduates.

Dixie is the daughter of Albert and T.J. Watts of Keysville and the niece of former SVCC business instructor, Barbara “Polly” Beard.

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Bronco Federal Credit Union recently upgraded some of its technology which included computer monitors.  They donated 77 monitors to Jackson-Feild Homes for use in its school and cottages.

Jackson-Feild Homes is a behavioral health organization in Jarratt that serves older adolescents who have severe emotional disorders. The Home celebrates its 160^th anniversary this year.  In 2014 101 boys and girls were served by the organization.  The goal of the Home is to help children understand their emotional disorders and give them the tools and ability to manage them in the future.

Pictured are Brian Hedgepeth (right) CEO of Bronco, and Tod Balsbaugh, Vice President of Advancement for Jackson-Feild Homes.

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Emporia, VA – Patricia “Tricia” Horne has been named the Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center (SVRMC) Employee of the Month for August 2015.  Ms. Horne, who has been employed at SVRMC since February 1982, is a Nuclear Medicine Technologist.   

Each month employees are nominated for demonstrating excellence in one of ten Standards of Behavior; the highlighted Standard of the Month for August was Service Recovery.  Ms. Horne’s nomination included the following statement: “Tricia has excellent customer service skills and will always go the extra mile to help a patient or a patient’s family member. Just recently Tricia saw a patient’s family member crying in the lobby. She stopped to ask the family member if there was anything she could do to help. The family member had a concern so Tricia decided to bring the family member to the radiology director so that her concerns could be acted upon immediately.  This is a prime example of how Tricia never misses an opportunity to help someone out and how she provides service recovery at every opportunity.”

As SVRMC’s August Employee of the Month, Ms. Horne received a certificate of recognition, balloons, cookies to share with her co-workers, a cash prize and a chance to be selected as SVRMC’s 2015 Employee of the Year.

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Hazel Beatrice Brooks Tudor, 88, passed into the Light on October 1, 2015.  She was joyfully reunited with the love of her life, Pete, and her beloved granddaughter, Emily Tudor.  Hazel was a long time resident of Stony Creek, Va.  She was born on Dec. 5, 1926, and raised on a farm in rural Georgia.  Hazel decided to become a nurse during WWII and graduated from Georgia Baptist Hospital Cadet Nurse Corps in Sept., 1948.  Her R.N. degree took her all over the country and eventually to Fredericksburg, Va., where she met her husband Joe “Pete” Tudor.  

She and Pete relocated to Stony Creek and raised two sons, Joe and Jon.  She was active in Fort Grove Methodist Church activities, Boy Scouts, Stony Creek Eastern Star Chapter 126, and enjoyed many, many friendships.  As a grandmother, she loved spending time with her grandkids, spoiling them as only a grandmother can do.

Hazel was well known as a kind and sweet tempered Southern gentlewoman, an exceptionally caring nurse who leaves a legacy of families of former patients who sing her praises, and a mother who “couldn’t find better sons if she searched the world over.”    She loved her family above all.

Hazel leaves behind sons Joe and Jon Tudor, their wives Kathleen and Diana, and grandchildren Sarah Tudor, Betsey Cremin, Amanda Adams and Michael Tudor. She also has three great-grandchildren, Molly and Will Cremin, and Natalie Adams.  In addition she leaves her devoted best friends, Patsy and Billy Bradley.  She has a large extended family in Georgia, including brother James Brooks, whom she adores, and loves her equally in return.  She will be missed.

A viewing will be held Wed., Oct. 7, from 6-8 p.m. at Owen Funeral Home in Jarratt, Va.  The graveside services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Thurs., Oct. 8, at Blandford Cemetery in  Petersburg, Va. Online condolences may be made at www.owenfh.com.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Eugene Bloom Retirement Center of Emporia, Va., for their compassionate and excellent care over the last three years.  She always said “They take good care of me.”

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Serena Bailey Brockwell Legere, 87, passed away October 1, 2015, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.  Mrs. Legere was born in Skipwith, Virginia, January 30, 1928 to the late Marvin and Louise Bailey.  She lived in Ashland, Virginia from 1967 until 1996 when she returned to Emporia, Virginia.  She was predeceased by her first husband, Benjamin (Runt) Brockwell, and a daughter, Pam Pippin.  Serena will be missed by all who loved her.  Survivors include her husband, Richard Legere; a daughter, Sheila Ferguson (Jim), all of Emporia; son, Ben Brockwell (Celeste), Lavallette, NJ; son-in-law, Taylor Pippin, Sr. (Rita), St. Petersburg, FL; 6 grandchildren, Jamie Ferguson (fiancé Jessica), Shannon Dunn (Chris), Benji Brockwell, Bailey Pippen, Spencer Brockwell, and Taylor Pippin, Jr.; 3 great-grandchildren, Tyler Dunn, Emily Dunn and Ashtyn Dunn.  Also surviving Mrs. Legere are a sister, Pauline Moss, and a brother, Robert (Bobby) Bailey (Stella), along with several nieces and nephews.  Serena donated her body to science for research.  Per Serena’s wishes, private family services and cremation rites have been accorded.  May you rest in eternal peace Dear Mama.  The family thanks the staff and management at Greensville Manor Nursing Home for their loving care and support over the past year.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society or to the charity or church of your choice.  Family and friends may express condolences at the home of Serena’s daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Jim Ferguson and online.  www.Echolsfuneralhome.com.

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