son of judah

WINSTON-SALEM -- A woman and her son were critically injured after a two-vehicle crash early Friday.

LaVora Coley Hemphill, 43, was driving a 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix west on East Clemmonsville Road when she collided with a tractor trailer near the center of the road about 2:30 a.m. Hemphill's sons Judah and Jediah, both 6, were passengers in her car.

All three were taken to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Hemphill and Jediah are in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, police said. Judah is in stable condition.

The driver of the tractor trailer, John Marshall Dixon Jr., 33, of Walnut cove, was not injured.

Police said it was too early in the investigation to determine contributing circumstances in the crash. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor and it is unknown if speed is involved.


A 6-year-old boy and his mother were in critical condition this morning after the car they were riding in collided with a tractor-trailer, police said.

LaVora Hemphill, 43, and her sons, Judah and Jediah, were in a car heading west on East Clemmonsville Road about 2:30 when the car hit a tractor-trailer driven by John Marshall Dixon Jr., 33, of Walnut Cove, police said.

Police said it appears the two vehicles collided near the center of the road, but that it is too early in the investigation to determine contributing circumstances.

Ambulances took the Hemphills to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, where LaVora Hemphill and Jediah were in critical condition. Judah was in stable condition, police said.

Police said that alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the wreck, and that is not yet clear if anyone was speeding.

Wet noses and wagging tails wound their way through Westford's 4-H Fairgrounds Sunday afternoon at the 7th Annual Barktoberfest sponsored by PoundHounds.

PoundHounds is a program that works with town Animal Control Officers to improve the standard of medical care and visibility for dogs in municipal pounds and shelters in order to increase their chances for adoption. Along with donations, Barktoberfest is the only way that PoundHounds receives money. All of the proceeds made from food purchases, the silent auction and merchandise go back to the PoundHounds foundation.

Owners walked their dogs around the fairgrounds visiting the different booths, watching the Skyhounds Frisbee show and interacting with other dogs.

"Getting your dog used to other dogs is a big part of obedience training. This fair offers the perfect venue for that," said Westford resident Diane Chrysikos.

Chrysikos brought her 3-year-old Terrier, Lola, to the festival.
Chrysikos said attendance was up from last year.
"There are at least twice as many people here," said Chrysikos.
The increased numbers brought a smile to Pound Hounds president Seana Dowling of Bolton.

"I think a lot of these people are here from word of mouth from last year," said Dowling.

The dog contests drew the biggest crowd. Spectators and contestants watched as dogs competed in a variety of different categories.

Jen Gavin of Lowell wore a pink-and-grey argyle sweater to match the outfit on her mini dachsund, Abigail Rose.

"We're hoping to win the look a like contest," said Gavin.
Lola participated in several of the dog contests that took place at the fair including fastest sit and best booty wiggle, all while keeping a Red Sox hat on her head.

"Lola is a Sox fan," said Taryn Chrysikos, 12.
Tessie Lu a 1-year-old Hungarian pointer won the best trick contest for her dance moves. On command Tessie Lu put her paws on her owner Yvonne Phillips' hips and walked with Phillips daughter Julia, 9, and son Luke, 7 following her. The crowd cheered on the conga line as they made their way around the ring.

"She loves to jump up on us and follow us around the house," said Phillips.

Earlier in the day Tessie Lu also won second and third in Junior Frisbee.

Five-month-old Doberman pinscher, Tula, hid under owner Brenda Doben's of Littleton legs as they watched the dog contest. Dobin said the stereotype of the vicious Doberman was incorrect.

"A dogs temperament depends mostly on how the owner treats them," said Doben.

Doben said one of the big things owners should consider is keeping their dog active. She said she walks Tula and her 22-month-old Doberman Kobi three miles a day.

"Keeping them active is the easiest way to have a happy healthy dog," said Doben.

Westford residents Jen and Jeff Moore took their bulldogs Maisy and Murphy, both 16 weeks old, to the fair to meet new friends.

"We're trying to get them use to other dogs," said Moore as a golden retriever touched noses with Maisy.

One of the biggest attractions at the fair was Suzi Kowalski's two white great pyrenese. Zeus, 9, and Judah, 7, were without a doubt, the biggest dogs at the fair with Zeus weighing in at 167 pounds and Judah at 139 pounds.

Kowaleski rescued both dogs several months a part but says they have both become inseparable.

Children ran up to the dogs and threw their arms around their necks, excited to see a dog that was bigger than they were.

Zeus and Judah were happy for the attention and wiggled their tails enthusiastically as they leaned into the hands that reached out to pet them.

When someone commented Kowaleski should guard her hamburger carefully she laughed.

"They know no people food ever. They only eat two cups of dog food a day and they're stuffed," said Kowaleski.

For a video of the dogs, go to www.westfordeagle.com .