The lead stories in The Suffolk News-Herald 44 years ago:

Southwest Virginia hit hard by snow

The season’s worst snowstorm fanned eastward across Virginia last night, leaving depths of up to eight inches from Fredericksburg to Williamsburg. The snow forced several highway delays and it was recommended that chains be used on the open roads. Norfolk and Suffolk received only rain, but more snow was forecast for the coming days.

School board approves sport event busing

The Nansemond County School Board approved the use of school buses to carry basketball teams to away games in the area, stipulated that only certified drivers be permitted to operate the buses on these trips. The Board also gave permission to have an incinerator constructed at East Suffolk High School. School superintendent H.V. White told the Board that a deed to 12 acres for the Florence grade school had been received and the land is now available in Driver.

Raiders hit 40-point plateau in loss

Bobby Draper led Suffolk with 10 points and Jack West had six, but the Raiders still fell to 0-3 with a 58-40 loss to host Churchland. It was the first time of the season that the Raiders had managed at least 40 points, but the Truckers controlled from the outset, racing to a 33-20 halftime lead and playing its substitutes for the second half. The junior varsity Raiders won their first game, roping Churchland 28-24 with George Pfiel leading the way with 12 points.

Birdsongs buy cotton gin

The Dixie Guano Cotton Gin, which has sat on Factory Street since 1917, has been sold to the Birdsong Storage Company, across from and adjacent to the gin. Secretary treasurer William Birdsong said that no plans have crystallized for the properties as of yet. However, he said that the buildings are in poor condition and that if the property is used to expand the present facilities, only the land will be used. The gin was not used during 1958 or 1959.

Bryant tells Lions of county Welfare work

George Bryant, superintendent of the Nansemond County Welfare department, was guest speaker at the Lions Club meeting last night at the Suffolk Hotel. Bryant told the Lions that his budget from July 1, 1959 to June 1, 1960 amounted to $240, an amount supplied by the Federal, state and local governments. The amount rose 17 percent in 1959 due to an increase in population and rises in medical and living costs.

– Compiled by Jason Norman