2008 was a year of change, spurred by elections at the local and federal levels and an economic upheaval that plunged the country into a recession. As we look back on the year that was, politics leads the News & RecordÕs list of the Top 10 stories of the year.

The biggest single change of 2008, of course, came with the November election of Democratic Illinois Senator Barack Obama as president, over Arizona Republican Senator John McCain. While Obama did not carry Halifax County, he made a strong showing here collecting 48.55 percent of the vote. However, the biggest surprise in the November election was the defeat of long time Republican Congressman Virgil Goode, who was down on Election Night by only 31 votes. Following a review of the votes and a final recount in mid December, Goode lost what most expected to be a sure win by 727 votes to Democratic newcomer Tom Periello who attributed his win to the "people powered politics with a grass roots campaign." In the same election Democrat Mark Warner handily won election to the Senate seat being vacated by retiring long term Sen. John Warner.
In an earlier municipal election South Boston gained a new Council member - Mark Morris - who was elected in May to fill the seat being vacated by Councilman Chris Elliott. And in Halifax two new council members were elected - Bill Confroy and Holt Evans, filling the seats of retiring Buddy Guthrie and Phil Hollis. Later in the summer Allen Stevens save up his seat on Council which was filled by the appointment of Tommy Reagan.

Uranium mining: The issue of uranium mining at a nearby site in Pittsylvania County came to the forefront as local residents began voicing their concerns about the health hazards of such a venture. The Town of Halifax passed a corporate trespass ordinance to try and stop the venture early in the year and by year's end, the local Chamber of Commerce had concluded a study calling for answers to the questions and concerns of local residents about the possible effects of the mining operation. Locals were joined by the City of Virginia Beach in opposing uranium mining because it draws its drinking water from Lake Gaston which is downstream from the proposed Coles Hill mine in Pittsylvania County.

Death of Dickie Abbott: Halifax County lost its longest serving county supervisor on July 14 when ED#1 Supervisor R. E. "Dickie" Abbott lost a prolonged battle with cancer. Abbott had served on the governing body for 40 plus years and was recognized for his insistence on curtailing governmental spending. In August businessman J. T. Davis was named by fellow board members to fill the position until voters could make the choice to fill the seat in the November 2009 general election.
Other leadership changes: Changes came not only in elected posts, but also in other leadership jobs. In April Mike Eades, Executive Director of the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority, announced his resignation from the post after his three year contract expired at the end of March. The IDA board voted to hire a consultant, Jerry Gwaltney at a price of $25,000, to conduct a search for a new director. On December 1 Michael Sexton, who has worked for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for the past 17 years, took over the post with an annual salary of $137,000.
Also in early December County Supervisors declined to renew their contract with County Administrator Bryan Foster, who announced that he would resign at the end of 2008. In mid-December County Supervisors announced they have hired Gwaltney on a four month contract at $13,500 monthly to temporarily replace Foster. They also instructed Gwaltney to search for someone to take over as permanent county administrator.
Also at the local library Rhonda Griffin took over as director of the two libraries, following the retirement of Paul Johnson and in September Halifax County got a new Extension Agent, Grace Hite.

Waste station completed: There was some good news as the county on September 4 finally opened its long awaited transfer station for the collection of solid waste which then has to be shipped off to the regional landfill in Mecklenburg County. With the opening of the 10,000 square foot metal facility which was bid out for $1.847 million, the county took over the cost of hauling solid waste which had earlier forced the Town of South Boston to make trips totaling 450 miles weekly.

Economic downturn: The economic downturn hit local businesses and industries as Cardinal Homes in Keysville announced major lay-offs, as did Georgia Pacific which lies just across the county line in November announced the layoffs of 120 employees or 75 percent of its workforce. Earlier this year one local car dealer, Woodall Chevrolet of Halifax, left the community, while another, Centerville Dodge gave up its Chrysler franchise and returned to a used car dealership, offering good services. Kurz-Kasch announced in September that it was closing its South Boston plant, moving the operation to Ohio which meant the loss of another 50 jobs in the community.
On the positive side, ABB dedicated its new small power transformer operation in South Boston with a 90,000 square foot addition, creating 127 new jobs in June. Also in late March Gloster Furniture celebrated the grand opening of its new 670,000 square foot facility which manufactures high end out door furniture and brings some 30 new jobs. In April AVID LLC, which provides design and software support for governmental agencies and aerospace companies, moved to Riverstone Technology Park, leasing 773 square feet of second floor office space.

Expansion at SVHEC: The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center also expanded, first opening its nurse training center in mid September. The new 4,200 square foot renovated space at the higher ed center offers the latest in equipment, technology and training for all levels of nursing education. The SVHEC also celebrated the beginning of the renovation of the old American Tobacco building (known locally as the old bag factory). The 43,000 square foot facility will house programs for the Business of Art and Design, as well as digital art and design. The Center's Executive Director Ted Bennett said the new center will create jobs by "combining the power of arts and science and mathematics." Also with Bennett announcing his retirement from the Center in December Dr. Elizabeth Adams, a Halifax County native, was named to fill the post beginning on January 5, 2009.

Equine Academy: Yet another program, this one focusing on high school students, was introduced in early September as Gov. Tim Kaine traveled to the community for the ribbon cutting of the school's new equine academy. The new facility which is located on the Halifax County Fairgrounds will serve as a classroom for the school system's new Agriculture Science Academy and contains a birthing stall, horse stall, wash stall and tack room to supplement the equestrian studies program which is expected to prepare students for rewarding careers as it gives them lessons in global competition. Kaine, who awarded the program a $120,000 state grant from his opportunity fund, said the new center adds "a real luster to the dignity of meaningful work."

Pump prices drop: Some good news came as gas prices fell around the county, state and nation. In early September gas prices climbed to over $4 a gallon with many stations out of fuel. However, those high costs fell and currently gas prices are as low as $1.51 per gallon, allowing drivers relief at the pumps.

A true miracle: Halifax County experienced nothing short of a miracle in early December when a three year old Virgilina toddler was found safe, culminating a 20 hour search performed by some 250 emergency service personnel and volunteers. Despite having spent the night in woods in freezing temperatures, young Jaylynn Thorpe was found safe in a wooden area near his home shortly after noon on Saturday. The youngster had strayed away from his home around 4:30 p.m. on Friday. While temperatures fell to 17 degrees, the youngster told searchers he had slept with two of his puppies close to him. The story made national newspaper, as well as television reports.

Other notable happenings during the year included the largest turnout ever remembered when the issue of the water level for the Staunton River was addressed in August. Over 2,000 residents turned out to speak to the issue, evenly divided by those who supported the downstream flow of the river for recreational purposes and those who lived in the Smith Mountain Lake area, who wanted to maintain the water level at a higher elevation. The State Water Control Board took the matter under advisement and came up later with a solution that was acceptable to both sides.