April 29, 1979

Staff

Published Monday, April 28, 2003

Stories featured in the Suffolk News-Herald on this date 24 years ago include:

Gouging:

How consumers can prevent it

Bureaucrats call it "deliberate overcharging."

The public knows it better as gasoline price gouging, charging more for petroleum than the government allows. While officials say little of the illegal practice is being conducted by dealers, they also warn that price gouging could increase as summer driving puts a strain on existing retail supplies.

The question is: "How do you know when you're being gouged?"

Experts at the Department of Energy say an ounce of skepticism is worth a dollar or two of overcharges. In other words, keep your eyes open as you drive up to the pump.

Melba Moore wins Miss JFK contest

Seventeen-year-old Melba Moore has been named Miss JFK 1979 in recent competitions held at the school.

Eight contestants competed in the three categories, including evening gown, talent and sportswear.

...Miss Moore is the daughter of Murdley Hicks and attends East End Baptist Church.

First runner-up in the contest is Patricia Smith; second runner-up, Fonda Williams; and third runner-up, Deborah Shemp.

Judges for the event were Mr. and Mrs. Phil Braswell, Spencer Mayfield, Sandra Perry and Michael Gay.

Robert Wright: Outstanding Future Farmer

Robert Wright's hogs not only helped him win the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce award for the Outstanding Future Farmer of America for 1979, but also boosted him into district and state competitions for agricultural students.

Nominated for the State Farmer Degree, an honor bestowed by the Eastern Virginia Agricultural Education Association in Courtland, Wright has also been honored for the organization's highest honor: state farmer.

...The Matoaka Road resident is the son of Mrs. Amelia Wright.

One of city's oldest pastors dies at 96

Minister Rev. Africa Whitaker Jr., 96, of 1232 Exchange Road, died Friday in Louise Obici Memorial Hospital in Suffolk. He was one of the oldest ministers in the city.

He founded Healing Chapel Baptist Church in 1924 and retired from the ministry in 1968.

Barber shop music group forming

A car salesman, a real estate broker, a plumber and an advertising executive. They all have one thing in common.

All four of the men mentioned are members of a new barber shop chorus forming right here in Suffolk. And they all just love to sing.

Maurice Trotman, Tom Brewer, Jerry Butler, and Bill Carr are among chorus' founding members.

Graduate of KFC Center

Joseph Wiggins Jr. of Suffolk graduated from Kentucky Fried Chicken's multimillion dollar national training center in Louisville, Ky., Sunday.

Wiggins has been with KFC for one year. He is manager of the KFC store located at 633 N. Main St.

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