âFortify yourself with a flock of friends.â Those typed-out words were found among Cecil Richard âDickâ Huffmanâs belongings just a few days after he passed away. That sentence must have resonated with him because he found a friend everywhere he went.
Mr. Huffman, or Dick as most knew him, is best-known in the Dry Fork community for his time as principal at Whitmell Elementary School (1964-1990). An aerial photograph of the school still hangs in his home as a reminder of the time spent there. It was inside those walls he touched hundreds of lives and possibly pulled just as many teeth. His family has heard from dozens of former students, teachers, and staff, many who recall his quick wit, level head, and knack for pulling teeth.
The effects of COVID-19 closed the doors of several Danville and Pittsylvania County public entities this week.
In the county, nine departments either are dealing with COVID-19 cases and exposures or have made arrangements to minimize public contact.
And the entire Danville courthouse was closed on Friday following a positive test of an employee. The building will receive a deep cleaning before reopening to the public on Monday.
Danville Sheriff Mike Mondul said in an email on Friday that the buildingâs closure may have hampered some of its normal operations.
âSpeaking overall, much of the business which occurs in the courthouse is in person,â he wrote. âI m sure there are some administrative things that can be handled remotely via email and phone, but the bulk of the business is in person.â