Stories in the Suffolk News-Herald 51 years ago:

Suffolkians to have chance to speak on new zoning ordinance

Residents will be given an opportunity to express their opinions on a proposed zoning ordinance for Nansemond County next week. A public hearing on the new ordinance will be held July 20 at the county courthouse between 2 and 5 p.m. and 7 and 9 p.m. Under the newly proposed ordinance, nine districts will be established. The activities within these districts will be governed by a board of zoning appeal, to be named after the measure becomes effective. The purpose of the ordinance is to regulate, restrict, prohibit and determine the use of land, buildings, structures and other premises within the county for agriculture, commercial, industrial, residential and other specific uses.

Suffolk youngster hit by car

A 12-year-old Suffolk boy suffered cuts and bruises one the knees Wednesday night after being throw about 14 feet when his bicycle was hit by an automobile at the corner of Eley and Jones Street about 9 p.m. George Howerton of 707 E. Riverview Drive was taken to Obici Hospital, where he &uot;had a good night and was quiet.&uot; Police officers say the accident probably was caused by &uot;fog&uot; from the city’s mosquito-spraying machine.

Another Godwin Motor Co. break-in reported

Another break-in at Godwin Motor Co. on West Washington Street was reported to Suffolk police Wednesday. The service manager, J.B. Wiggins, told officers that when he opened the repair shop from the Jackson Street side Wednesday morning, he discovered the soft drink and snack machine had been emptied and the money box emptied. His desk had been ransacked and the money drawer and tool rack was pried open.

Magnolia church to move to Wilroy Road

The Magnolia Methodist Church will be removed today and transferred to a new, modern plant a few miles away on Wilroy Road. Services will be conducted in the new facility for the first time on Sunday. A consecration service will be held there Aug. 8 with Methodist Bishop Walter C. Gum delivering the sermon. He will be assisted by John Hendricks, district superintendent of the Portsmouth District and the pastor, the Rev. C.C. Blythe Jr. will be in charge.

Ponies to race at new Franklin track

Franklin will have its first pony race at 2:30 p.m. on July 18, sponsored by the Virginia-Carolina Trotting Pony Association. The track, a one quarter-mile oval, complete with fencing and a stand for officials, has just been compiled by Dr. Elwyn Irvin. Race officials said that signs and arrows will be placed pointing out the route to the track, which has been named &uot;Pine Ridge Raceway.&uot; The event will consist of seven races with two heats each, and special races will be held for the children.

– Compiled by Jason Norman