Appomattox Times – CMS

Author: apxtstaff

  • Breaking: Former Appomattox Hardware Building Sold for $104,500

    Breaking: Former Appomattox Hardware Building Sold for $104,500

    Appomattox, Va. — The long-vacant former Appomattox Hardware building at the end of Main Street has been sold at auction, court records show.

    Deed records filed with the Appomattox Circuit Court Clerk’s Office show the property at 1850 Church Street was purchased for $104,500 by Marshal LLC, which is affiliated through shared ownership with several local businesses, including Marshal’s Food Store and Marshal’s Bar & Grill.

    The building housed Appomattox Hardware Co. for nearly a century and later the Appomattox Gallery. It has remained vacant for more than five years at the eastern end of Main Street.

    The structure is a contributing property in the Appomattox Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a federal designation recognizing historically significant buildings and areas.

    The sale was completed in December following a bank asset auction. The deed lists Citizens Bank & Trust Company as grantor and Marshal LLC as grantee.

    Tax assessment records place the property’s assessed value at $293,300.

    The Appomattox Times will report any additional details as they become available.

  • Appomattox FFA Dominates at Central Virginia Livestock Show

    Appomattox FFA Dominates at Central Virginia Livestock Show

    LYNCHBURG, Va. – Months of meticulous work paid off in a big way for 17 members of the Appomattox County High School FFA, who brought home a raft of awards from the recent Central Virginia Livestock Show (CVLS) held at the Lynchburg Livestock Market.

    The students spent countless hours on local farms and the Appomattox FFA Alumni Land Laboratory, dedicating themselves to raising, feeding, grooming, and training their goats, lambs, cattle, and hogs for the prestigious competition.

    The show featured twelve distinct contests, judged by Abigayle Pollock of Blacksburg, with Agricultural Extension Agent John Benner officiating the carcass show. Competitions were divided into three main categories: showmanship, which judges a student’s handling skills and knowledge of their animal; market contests, which evaluate animals for high-quality meat production; and breeding shows, which focus on selecting superior stock for future generations.

    In a heartwarming addition this year, chapter member Savannah Jones coordinated the introduction of an inclusive “Sunshine Showmanship Class” for students with special needs, allowing them to partner with an exhibitor to show a sheep or goat. Appomattox students Haley Dowdy, Emily McCauley, and Jenaye McCauley all participated with great success in the inaugural event.

    Success in the Swine Barn

    Appomattox students made a powerful showing in the swine competitions. Rylee Stratton had a standout performance, with her market hogs earning Overall Reserve Grand Champion, Champion Lightweight, and Reserve Champion Mediumweight titles. Her hogs also swept the carcass show, winning both Grand and Reserve Champion.

    Eleanor McCann claimed the Champion Heavyweight Market Hog title, while Firebaugh earned Reserve Champion Lightweight Market Hog and Ballagh took Reserve Champion Heavyweight Market Hog. In showmanship, a measure of an exhibitor’s skill, Layton Firebaugh was named Champion Senior Novice Showman, with Rylee Stratton earning Reserve Champion Senior Showman and Eleanor McCann taking Reserve Champion Junior Showman.

    Other top finishers in the swine events included Niki Ballagh, Tim Henderson, Colton Jones, and Peyton Thacker, who earned high placings in showmanship, market, and breeding gilt classes.

    Cattle Exhibitors Claim Top Honors

    In the cattle ring, three Appomattox members excelled. Rylee Stratton continued her winning streak, being crowned Champion Senior Beef Showman. Her registered Angus heifer won Champion Supreme Breeding Heifer, the top honor in the breeding cattle show.

    Kyle Prince had an impressive showing, earning Reserve Champion Senior Beef Showman. His commercial heifer was named Grand Champion Commercial Heifer and Reserve Champion Supreme Heifer. Savannah Jones also found success, with her steer named Reserve Champion Lightweight Market Steer and her cow-calf pair winning Grand Champion.

    Lamb and Goat Shows Bring More Blue Ribbons

    Seven members exhibited market lambs, with numerous top placings. Chloe Wilson’s lamb was named Champion Lightweight Market Lamb. Reserve Champion honors went to Kat Broyhill (Lightweight) and Lillian McCann (Mediumweight). In showmanship, Lacey Hodges was named Reserve Champion Senior Novice. Kat and Rose Broyhill, Saige Dotterer, Savannah Jones, Lillian McCann, and Chloe Wilson all placed well in highly competitive showmanship and market classes.

    The goat show saw Kyle Prince take home the Overall Grand Champion Market Goat title. He was also named the Reserve Champion Senior Goat Showman, and his breeding doe was crowned Reserve Champion Breeding Doe.

    Other goat exhibitors with strong showings included Niki Ballagh, Rose Broyhill, Chloe Dejong, Ethan Dowdy, and Tim Henderson, who all earned top-five placings in their respective showmanship and market classes.

    A Community Effort

    The success of the livestock team, the first of its kind at a high school in Virginia, is a point of pride for the entire county and a testament to strong community backing. The team extended a special thank you to Chris Sams for hauling the show animals and to Coleman’s Farm Supply for sponsoring team t-shirts.

    Dozens of local businesses, farms, and individuals sponsored the students’ animal projects, purchasing them at the conclusion of the show and helping to fund future endeavors.

    To support the 2025 Appomattox FFA Livestock Show Team, please contact Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor Ed McCann, Jr., at Appomattox County High School at (434) 352-8396.

  • Board to Trace $13,000 in Town Funds Earmarked for Sheriff’s Office

    Board to Trace $13,000 in Town Funds Earmarked for Sheriff’s Office

    APPOMATTOX, VA – Sheriff Robby Richardson told the Board of Supervisors Monday that $13,000 in funds approved by the Town of Appomattox for his department has been inaccessible, prompting a pledge from the board to investigate the budget discrepancy.

    Richardson said the funds were approved by the town for its FY 2025 budget to support its two town-funded deputies. The money was specifically designated for line items such as K-9 care, uniforms, and training, but Richardson said it was never reflected in his departmental budget.

    The unexpected report left county staff without immediate answers. “I’ve got to look at what we claim in the revenue budget from the town,” said County Administrator Susan Adams.

    With the transaction details unclear, the board tabled the matter. It directed staff to trace the funds and deliver a report to resolve the issue at the August meeting.

  • Board Approves $1.1M for School Capital Fund, Authorizes Employee Bonuses

    Board Approves $1.1M for School Capital Fund, Authorizes Employee Bonuses

    APPOMATTOX, VA – More than $1.1 million will be transferred to the Appomattox County Public Schools’ capital improvement fund following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors Monday night.

    The $1,134,311 transfer represents end-of-year savings from the school system’s FY 2024 local budget. Per an agreement between the two boards, these surplus funds are dedicated to the School CIP to address building repairs and infrastructure needs.

    In a separate financial action, the board passed an ordinance authorizing a 1.5% one-time bonus for full-time county employees. The payment, already included in the FY 2026 budget, required a specific ordinance under state law for one-time bonuses.

  • Board Honors Wave of State-Level Student Achievements

    APPOMATTOX, VA – The Board of Supervisors turned its chamber into a hall of fame Monday, issuing four separate resolutions to honor a string of recent state-level achievements by Appomattox students in sports and agriculture.

    The board formally recognized:

    • The Appomattox Senior FFA Chapter, named the overall Top FFA Chapter in Virginia for the third consecutive year.
    • The Appomattox Raiders Baseball Team, crowned the 2025 VHSL Class 2 State Champions.
    • Xavier Moseley, who won the 2025 VHSL Class 2 Indoor Track Long Jump State Championship.
    • The Appomattox Raiders Softball Team, which fought its way to the Class 2 State Semifinals.

    Supervisors presented the students, coaches, and advisors with framed resolutions, commending their dedication and success on the state stage.

  • Board Wipes Out $225K Fire Dept. Loan as County Safety Rating Climbs

    Board Wipes Out $225K Fire Dept. Loan as County Safety Rating Climbs

    APPOMATTOX, VA – Appomattox County’s volunteer fire department got a double dose of good news Monday: a $225,000 loan was forgiven by the county, and its public safety rating has improved—a move that could lower insurance rates for property owners.

    The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to forgive half the loan it provided for a new ladder truck after Fire Chief Jonathan Garrett reported the department could not sell its old truck, putting a strain on its operational budget. “This is about ensuring we remain capable of doing our job,” Garrett said.

    Separately, the board heard that the county’s Public Protection Classification (ISO rating) has officially improved to a Class 4/4Y. The rating, used by insurers to calculate premiums, reflects better fire preparedness from the 911 dispatch center, equipment upgrades, and firefighter training. The new rating becomes effective September 1.

  • Supervisors Greenlight Wedding Venue, Overruling Planning Commission in 3-2 Split

    Supervisors Greenlight Wedding Venue, Overruling Planning Commission in 3-2 Split

    APPOMATTOX, VA – In a 3-2 vote Monday, the Appomattox Board of Supervisors approved a wedding venue on Piney Mountain Road, overriding a unanimous recommendation for denial from its own Planning Commission.

    The decision followed a public hearing where residents voiced sharp opposition, citing concerns over traffic on the narrow rural road, noise, and light pollution from the proposed Quail Run Wedding and Special Events Venue. The Planning Commission had previously found the project would negatively impact the “harmony and/or character” of the agricultural neighborhood.

    “They’re robbing us of our dream,” said Jack Adams, one of several new landowners in an adjacent nine-lot subdivision. “That’s a home for me. It’s a business site for them.”

    Applicant Mary Beth Mayes defended the project as a family-run business that would bring revenue and an affordable event space to the county. In a key concession, the board’s approval was granted on the condition that all music must be contained indoors.

    The motion to approve was made by Supervisor Trevor Hipps and passed with support from Chairman John Hinkle and Supervisor Ken Wolfskill. Supervisors Samuel Carter and Alfred Jones voted against the permit.

  • Local Channel SeedPro Directs Channeling Good Donation to Appomattox FFA Alumni Association

    Local Channel SeedPro Directs Channeling Good Donation to Appomattox FFA Alumni Association

    Pictured: Local Channel Representatives Bobby Long and Glenn Dye present Channeling Good grant to Appomattox FFA Alumni President Mary Beth Primm and FFA Advisor Ed McCann.

    Local Channel SeedPro representatives Glenn Dye of Appomattox and Bobby Long of Brookneal recently directed a $4,000.00 Channeling Good donation to the Appomattox FFA Alumni Association, Inc. The Appomattox FFA Alumni will use the funds to help pay for the cost of the Appomattox FFA Alumni Agricultural Complex building project on the Land Laboratory beside Appomattox County High School.

    “We are incredibly grateful to Channel Seed for their generous $4,000 contribution to the Build a Barn campaign,” said Mary Beth Primm, President of the Appomattox FFA Alumni. “This donation is a powerful investment in the future of agricultural education in our community. Support like this allows us to provide hands-on learning opportunities, develop student leadership, and move one step closer to making the agricultural complex a reality. We’re proud to have Channel Seed as a partner in this important work.”

    Since 2021, Channeling Good has been dedicated to giving back to organizations that enhance farmers lives and strengthen rural communities. The initiative first started as a way to serve the communities of Mt. Vernon and Lisbon, Iowa who were affected by the devastating derecho storms that impacted Iowa in 2020. After seeing the impact of serving those communities, the Channel brand made the decision to expand the initiative to local communities across rural America. In 2025, Channel have given $175,000 to organization across rural America.

    In March, Channel SeedPros nominated local nonprofits in their area for a chance to receive a donation from Channeling Good. Channel SeedPros across the country have directed donations to youth agriculture programs, emergency response organizations, schools, food banks and many more organizations that are dedicated to the success and preservation of rural America. “At Channel, service has always been at the heart of everything we do. We are honored to partner with local nonprofits organizations across the country who are truly making a difference in their local communities. Our hope is that these funds can produce a lasting impact across rural America for years and generations to come,” said Jenna Maltbie, Channel Brand Manager.

  • Appomattox Senior FFA Named Best in Virginia

    Appomattox Senior FFA Named Best in Virginia

    Appomattox Sr. FFA received top honors at the 99th Virginia FFA Convention. The chapter placed first in the National Chapter Award contest out of 217 agricultural education programs with 33,300 agriculture students across the Commonwealth.

    Appomattox FFA has been recognized for its commitment to growing leaders, building skills, and strengthening agriculture. The selection was based on its extensive range of activities. Notable programs and accomplishments during the 2024-2025 school year included the Chapter Leadership Training Program, the Drunk and Distracted Driving Awareness Program known as “Grim Reaper Day”, the Pen Pal Program with Appomattox Middle School, and the FFA Jacket Jubilee. Other initiatives were the Souper Bowl Food Drive, the “Drive a Tractor to School” Day parade, the Raider Road Rescue Kit program, FFA Legislative Day at the Capitol, and a tour for kindergarten students from Appomattox Primary School. The chapter also engaged in recruitment activities at Dark Leaf Farm and assisted with the Historic Appomattox Railroad Festival parade. Additionally, a dynamic partnership was fostered with the Appomattox FFA Alumni Association and the Appomattox County Farm Bureau. This significant achievement was made possible under the leadership of the 2024-2025 chapter FFA officer team.

  • Rental Roundup – May 27, 2025

    Rental Roundup – May 27, 2025

    As part of a new weekly feature, the Appomattox Times will round up local rental listings to help you find your next home sweet home. But this week, our hunt across Zillow, Realtor.com, Rent.com, and Facebook Marketplace yielded just one solitary listing. That’s right—exactly one rental is currently available in all of Appomattox. This, of course, excludes rentals held by inbound-only property management companies and rentals that seemingly don’t want to be found (if they exist at all). 

    456 North Avenue, Appomattox, VA 24522

    “This beautifully crafted new construction home is conveniently located less than 5 minutes from the town of Appomattox, offering easy access to local restaurants, shops, and historical landmarks within 10 minutes. This home boasts a custom kitchen with sleek quartz countertops and matching backsplash. The primary bedroom is situated on the main level and features a modern tile shower and walk in closet. With an open floor plan, cozy gas fireplace, and back deck this home is perfect for entertaining and comfortable everyday living. Renter is responsible for all utilities. Renter is also responsible for supplying gas for the fireplace. No smoking allowed.” View on Zillow

    This elusive unicorn of a rental home is located at 456 North Ave: a lovely 3-bedroom, 2-bath abode priced at $2,100 per month. Cozy? Check. Charming? Check. Reasonably priced? This might be a new normal for 24522. 

    Our highly-scientific-anecdotal research shows that Appomattox’s rental market might just be one of the hottest (read: priciest) around. For context, similar homes in Lynchburg go for significantly less cash per month. Even Richmond doesn’t reach these rates outside of luxury neighborhoods and walkable urban centers.

    Most startling of all, our little town’s rental market echoes Charlottesville—the place where you can stroll to the Rotunda or uber to a vineyard, a city fueled by student loans, billionaires, and lobbyists. That’s right: Appomattox rental prices now rival those of a bustling university town.

    We love Appomattox, but wowza! At these prices, we’re expecting at least a glimpse of Jeffersonian architecture or a student discount on coffee.

    For the same price, you could get: 

    Stay tuned to see if this housing anomaly continues or if more listings appear. Until then, happy house hunting—if you can find something!