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  • New Agricultural Complex to Boost FFA Educational Opportunities in Appomattox

    New Agricultural Complex to Boost FFA Educational Opportunities in Appomattox

    Excitement is building in Appomattox County as the local Future Farmers of America (FFA) Alumni Association prepares to break ground on a new Agricultural Complex designed to expand agricultural education and support local youth.

    Set for Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM, the groundbreaking ceremony welcomes all community members to celebrate the beginning of this ambitious project. The ceremony will be held at the FFA Alumni Land Laboratory, adjacent to Appomattox County High School.

    The new facility, spanning over 12,500 square feet, will significantly enhance opportunities for the county’s 466 FFA members by providing dedicated spaces for hands-on agricultural learning and events. Planned features include livestock housing, cattle handling and processing equipment, washing and grooming rooms, restrooms, and multipurpose areas for community gatherings.

    FFA Advisor Ed McCann expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming development. “My students and I are excited about the opportunities that a facility like this will create,” McCann said. “Our students need a place to further develop their agricultural knowledge and skills in a structured, age-appropriate, and community-oriented environment.”

    FFA Alumni President Mary Beth Wingfield highlighted the broader community benefits of the Agricultural Complex. “This 12,500+ square-foot educational facility will provide space for industry-relevant agricultural instruction, housing for student-owned livestock projects, community events, and skill enhancement for our students,” Wingfield stated. “Our goal is to raise $1.5 million to fully fund this project, creating a facility that will positively impact the future of agriculture in the Central Virginia area for years to come.”

    The Appomattox FFA Alumni Association, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, aims to raise $1.5 million through community support to fully fund the project. Those interested in supporting the Agricultural Complex can contribute to the “Build-A-Barn” fund. Donations may be sent directly to PO Box 328, Appomattox, VA 24522.

    Following the groundbreaking ceremony, attendees can explore the Land Laboratory through guided tours offered by FFA members, agricultural educators, and Alumni Association members. Gates open at 9:30 AM, with access recommended via Evergreen Avenue adjacent to Appomattox County High School, following the gravel road by the tennis courts.

    For more information or inquiries about donations, please contact FFA Alumni Advisor Ed McCann at 434-352-8396.

    Join the Appomattox FFA Alumni Association in celebrating this significant step forward, investing in the future of agriculture and community in Central Virginia.

  • Second Opinion: The Price of Health

    Second Opinion: The Price of Health

    Have you ever stopped to think about what would happen if a real emergency occurred and how the time it takes to reach a doctor could mean the difference between recovery and something far worse?

    Not every crisis begins with flashing lights. Sometimes, it’s a child with a fever that won’t break. Sometimes, it’s chest pain you hope is nothing. In those moments, access to timely care matters. But in Appomattox, that access is limited and the consequences are real.

    Right now, Blue Ridge Medical Center is the only primary care provider in town. And while they do their best, they simply can’t meet the demand of an entire town, let alone the surrounding county. Getting an appointment is a challenge. Wait times are long, and by the time you’re seen, the window for early treatment might already have passed.

    And for those who can’t wait? Emergency rooms become the fallback. But even they aren’t close. Lynchburg General or Centra Southside in Farmville are both more than 20 miles away. In a true emergency, those miles stretch impossibly long.

    If you’re hoping for urgent care, it gets worse. There is no real urgent care in Appomattox. The closest options are again 20 to 30 minutes out. A quick Google search might tell you there’s a MedExpress Urgent Care here in town but that’s false. It doesn’t exist. For someone in distress, that misinformation costs time. You end up circling back, frustrated and still without help. By the time you realize it’s fake, you could have been halfway to Lynchburg.

    For a growing community, this is unacceptable. Families are moving in, new homes are being built, and yet our access to basic medical services has not kept pace. There are parents driving sick kids across counties. Elderly residents trying to make the right call, hoping they won’t regret waiting too long. People shouldn’t have to choose between delay and distance when they’re scared and vulnerable.

    What we need is simple. We need a real urgent care facility in Appomattox. We need expanded access at our local clinics. We need accurate public information about what’s truly available. And we need the people with the power to prioritize this issue and recognize that access to health care is not a convenience it’s a necessity.

    Because when every minute matters, every mile does too.

  • Central Virginia Health District Confirms Rabies in a Fox

    Central Virginia Health District Confirms Rabies in a Fox

    LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Amherst County Health Department has received confirmation that a fox submitted for testing on May 14, 2025, was positive for rabies.  The fox was killed when it attacked chickens near Arbor Court in Madison Heights.  Rabies is a lethal disease that can occur in all mammals but can be prevented in humans and domestic animals with some simple actions.

    The most important action for preventing rabies is keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. It is important to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and parents should be sure that their children are taught not to touch, pet, or otherwise handle unknown animals.

    Additional steps to take include:

    • Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
    • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife
    • Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
    • Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
    • Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.

    If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the health department for further recommendations.

    For more information about rabies, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/

  • Appomattox County Public Schools Names Dr. Jason Tibbs as New Superintendent

    Appomattox County Public Schools Names Dr. Jason Tibbs as New Superintendent

    Appomattox, VA – The Appomattox County School Board announced Dr. Jason Tibbs as the next superintendent of Appomattox County Public Schools (ACPS), effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Tibbs currently serves as the division’s Director of Finance and Human Resources, a position he’s held since 2022.

    With nearly two decades of experience in public education, Dr. Tibbs began his career as a teacher in Powhatan County Public Schools. During his tenure there, he advanced through various leadership roles including Assistant Principal, Principal, Co-Principal, and Director of Facilities and Career and Technical Education.

    “I am deeply honored and excited to continue serving Appomattox County Public Schools in this new role,” said Dr. Tibbs. “I’m incredibly grateful to the school board for their trust and support. It’s a privilege to keep working alongside our dedicated staff, talented educators, amazing students, supportive families, and the entire community. Together, we will build on the strong foundation already in place and continue striving for excellence in education and student success.”

    Jason Wells, chair of the Appomattox County School Board, praised the selection, noting, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Tibbs as our new superintendent. He has already demonstrated strong leadership, a collaborative approach, and a deep dedication to our students, staff, and families. We believe in his vision and ability to continue moving Appomattox County Public Schools forward.”

    Dr. Tibbs holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Northcentral University, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Longwood University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, also from Longwood University.

    The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) assisted the Appomattox County School Board throughout the superintendent search process.

    About Appomattox County Public Schools

    Located in historic Central Virginia, Appomattox County Public Schools serves approximately 2,250 students across four accredited schools: Appomattox County High School (Grades 9-12), Appomattox Middle School (Grades 6-8), Appomattox Elementary School (Grades 3-5), and Appomattox Primary School (Preschool-Grade 2). ACPS is committed to providing rigorous and meaningful educational experiences aligned with the state’s Standards of Learning, emphasizing innovation and technology to prepare students for future success. Guided by its theme, “Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow,” ACPS is dedicated to ensuring students are ready to become productive, successful citizens locally and globally.

  • 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!

  • As The Page Turns: May 26, 2025

    Getting squirmy at the Library. Pictured is Library Director Mrs. Cindy Scheu holding up our “Squirm the Bookworm” sign at the future site for Squirm.

    June and the 2025 Summer Reading Program “Color Our World” are just around the corner! June is named after the Roman goddess Juno, patroness of marriage and the well-being of women. It also comes from the Latin word juvenis meaning “young people.” June’s birthstone is the pearl, and the flower is the rose. Some observances in June are: Adopt A Shelter Cat Month, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Audiobook Appreciation Month, Dairy Month, National Ice Tea Month and National Zoo and Aquarium Month.

    Watch us grow! We have reached out to the online newspaper The Appomattox Times, and we have good news! We will be submitting our article “As The Page Turns” to help get the word out about Library happenings. You can find this quickly-growing online newspaper at: https://appomattoxtimes.goingblu.com/, or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556173151506.

    The Library’s monthly newsletter for Juneis now available in physical copy at our circulation desk, or on our website at: www.jrjml.org. On the right-hand side of the top of the homepage you will find a link titled Newsletter, which will provide you with a PDF copy you can read online or download and print out. The Library also has a June/July newsletter for our 2025 Summer Reading Program “Color Our World”. Be sure to pick up a copy of both!

    Sharing is caring! Thanks to a donation of hummingbird feeders from an anonymous patron, we are making progress on our ongoing pollinator program. We have added to feeding the hummingbirds by putting out a bird bath, a seed feeder, and a flat for peanuts and other larger items for the birds (and squirrels) to eat. Feeding the native birds is an important part of pollination propagation, and since we are all animal lovers, it is a win-win for our feathered friends, our patrons, and our staff! This, in addition to our seed library, checkout-able paper pot maker kit, and annual plant swaps are a very cool way to help native insects, birds and other species as we promote pollinators.

    For the Wednesday, May 21st, Story & Craft Time new Library employee Zoe read the book “I Don’t Want To Be A Frog” by Dev Petty. The kids jumped right in, enjoying a snack while working on several frog-related craft projects. Our last Jamerson Story & Craft Time before the start of the 2025 Summer Reading Program will be on Wednesday, May 25, starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. Don’t panic, we have lots of programs and events going on this summer for the whole family!

    On Thursday, May 22nd, the Library welcomed a private group for a movie time serving snacks! As 2:00 pm we showed the same movie for the Jamerson Retro After School movie.

    On Friday, May 23rd, Library Fairy MaKayla hosted her After School Program featuring Legos and snacks!

    Color Our World, the 2025 Summer Reading Program, will start on Monday, June 2nd! We will feature 8 full weeks of programs with a focus on art, photography, writing and storytelling, performance arts and more! This program is open to patrons 2 years of age and older. You must register and submit your reading logs online using Beanstack as we are taking a more environmentally-friendly approach to this year’s recordkeeping. To register, download the Beanstack App on the Apple Store or Google Play. Search for the Jamerson Library and sign up each participantby following the instructions and answering a few simple questions on the App. The J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library is located on Main Street in Appomattox, Virginia. If you have any questions or are having difficulty registering, come to the front desk with your cellphone/tablet, and a friendly staff member will be happy to help you.

    Join the Jamerson Memorial Library and Appomattox Rocks for a community project, Squirm the Bookworm! Watch us grow, and grow with us by painting a portion of this painted rock bookworm, to be housed in the Library’s lava rock garden. This fun and family-friendly project is to create beauty, art, eye-catching color, and to promote the Library and Main Street! Be a part of it by adding a rock or two! We encourage you to seal your rocks with a spray or paint-on sealant to help keep them looking colorful in the weather. Please take photos, but don’t take the rocks, and tag the Library and Appomattox Rocks on your social media pages!

    Be a part of fun! On Wednesday, June 4th, the Library will host our much-anticipated Fun & Craft Day in Abbitt Park from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. This fair-style event is a part of our 2025 Summer Reading Program “Color Our World”. There will be vendors, giveaways, games, craft projects, educational displays, photo booth and more! Be sure to mark your calendars and join us in this FREE family-friendly event brought to you by your local Library, the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. Abbitt Park is located next to the Library on Main Street in Appomattox, Virginia. Be sure to bring a t-shirt, tote bag, bandana, scarf, or hair scrunchie for tie-dying! Washed, natural fibers like cotton will work best for tie-dying. Service animals welcome but please leave your pets at home.

    Come party with us at the Town of Appomattox’s Centennial Celebration! We will be joining the Town on Saturday, June 7th, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm in Courtland Festival Park for this commemoration! There will be live music, a bounce house, food and lots of family fun! Look for our blue tent to get the latest edition of our newsletter, library-related information, bubbles, snap a photo in our photo booth, craft projects and more! We have been a part of Appomattox since 1936 and on Main Street since 1992. Come rediscover what your local Library can do for you.

    On Saturday, June 14th the Library will continue our community outreach by being a guest vendor at the James River State Park’s Batteaux & Banjos from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Rumor has it Bigfoot is going to make an appearance! James River State Park is located at 104 Green Hill Drive, Gladstone Virginia, you will find us near the visitor’s center.Come get your photo with Bigfoot while the Library gives away children’s books, bubbles, craft projects, library-related materials and more.

    In observance of Juneteenth the Library will be closed on Thursday, June 19th. We will reopen for normal business hours on Friday, June 20th, starting at 9:30 am. The book depository, located at the back of the building, will remain open during this time.

    On Friday, June 20th the Library will be a guest vendor at the Appomattox For Equality’s Juneteenth celebration “Building on the Promise for Freedom for All”. Look for our blue tent at the Caver-Price Culture Center (426 Patricia Ann Lane, Appomattox) from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pmto get the latest edition of our newsletter, library-related information, bubbles, Juneteenth bracelets, craft projects and more!

    The Appomattox County Adult Learning Center will be taking a break from their GED outreach at the Library this summer, and will start back up in early fall. If you need information on GED or other services from the Adult Learning Center you are encouraged to visit their website at: https://www.acpsweb.net/o/acps/page/adult-ed .

    If you have any questions or concerns about this article or other library-related topics, please feel free to call us during normal business hours at 434.352.5340.

  • As The Page Turns – May 19, 2025

    As The Page Turns – May 19, 2025

    Watch us grow, and grow with us by participating in the Jamerson Seed Library! When available, each household will be able to request 3 packets of seeds/bulbs/bareroots per week. Each packet will contain either a single kind or a mix of bulbs, bareroots, vegetables, herbs, wildflowers, decorative flowers, plants, and more. If you would like to donate seeds/bulbs/bareroots you can drop them off anytime during normal business hours.

    Trot and Spot, the mobile book buses, sponsored by Appomattox Literacy Intervention Project (A.L.I.P.), a non-profit charitable organization which began in 1996 in order to promote literacy throughout Appomattox County, stopped for their last Spring Run stops at the Library on May 13th & 14th. Spot will return for the A.L.I.P Book Bus Summer Run on Wednesdays, June 4th, 11th, and the 25th, and July 2nd and 9th from 11:25 am to 12:00 pm.

    On the Wednesday, May 14th’s Story & Craft Time Library Fairy MaKayla introduced the book “How to Catch a Bookworm” by Alice Walstead and Cesar Samaniego. How do you catch a bookworm? All we know is that he hides where there are lots of books to read! The kids enjoyed snacks while making their own version of a bookworm! Our next Story & Craft Times will be on Wednesday, May 21st & 28th, starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm.

    For the Retro Jamerson Movie Night on Thursday, May 15th, we featured a film about a young swashbuckler who rescues the beautiful titled heroine from her sinister husband-to-be in a fun and fetching fairy tale for the whole family. We will be taking a break from Movie Night till this fall, as we have booked lots of events, including movies, for the 2025 Summer Reading Program.

    In observance of the Memorial Day Holiday the Library will be closed on Saturday, May 24th, and Monday, May 26th. We will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, May 27th starting at 9:30 am. The book depository, located at the back of the building, will remain open during this time.

    Get ready to read!! The Library staff is getting ready for our quickly approaching 2025 Summer Reading Program “Color Our World”! We will launch this much-anticipated program on Monday, June 2nd! You must register and submit your reading logs online using Beanstack as we are taking a more environmentally friendly approach to this year’s record keeping. To register download the Beanstack App on the Apple Store or Google Play. Search for the Jamerson Library and sign up each participant by following the instructions and answering a few simple questions on the App. If you have any questions or are having difficulty logging on, come to the front desk with your cellphone/tablet, and a friendly staff member will be happy to help you.

    Be sure to keep up with the Library on our social media pages, our website (www.jrjml.org), our monthly newsletter, or the local online newspaper The Appomattox Times (https://appomattoxtimes.goingblu.com). We will be posting the latest information, upcoming events, special programs, Summer Reading news, fun links, educational information and more!

    If you have any questions or concerns about this article or other library-related topics, please feel free to call us during normal business hours at 434.352.5340.

    Article Submitted by

    Katharine G. Bloodworth

    Public Services Specialist

    J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

    Upcoming Events

    May 19th, Monday – GED Outreach at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. A representative from the Adult Learning Center will be at the Library to answer your questions and help you sign up for classes to earn your GED.

    May 21st, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    May 22nd, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Retro After School Movie starting at 2:00 pm in the community room. A group of young misfits discover an ancient map and set out on an adventure to find a legendary pirate’s long-lost treasure. This movie is rated PG, free refreshments will be served.

    May 23rd, Friday – Jamerson Library’s After School Crafts starting at 2pm in the community room. Join Library Fairy MaKayla for crafts, fun, and snacks as we celebrate the end of the school year and the start of summer vacation!

    May 27, Tuesday – Parent Support Group to meet at the Jamerson Library starting at 6:30 pm. Are you the parent or legal guardian of a special needs child? Did you know that there is a support group for you in Appomattox? We will meet in the community room of the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library (157 Main Street). For more information contact Alyssa Holland at [email protected].

    May 28th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    Monday, June 2nd – Jamerson Library Summer Reading Movie starting at 1:00 pm in the community room. Join us for a family-friendly movie about a nine-year-old young lady who is a talented artist with a passion for horses, in this modern-day story about finding your voice! This is a heart-warming, empowering, and fun movie for anyone who has ever dreamed big. Snacks will be served.

    Tuesday, June 3rd – Summer Reading Book, Craft & Activity at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 1:00 pm. Join the Library for a family-friendly book, a creative craft, and a fun activity with snacks!

    June 4th, Wednesday – Fun & Craft Day in Abbitt Park from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. Join the Jamerson Memorial Library for their annual Summer Reading Fair, there will be vendors offering educational, informational, and fun displays, games, bottled water, give-a-ways and more! Don’t forget to bring a t-shirt for tye-dying! Staff will be on hand to help you sign up for the 2025 Summer Reading Program “Color Our World”.

    June 4th, Wednesday – Spot the Book Bus to visit the Jamerson Library. Reading is “spot” on with the black and white dog painted bus named Spot! Spot will be in our parking lot from 11:25 am to 12:00 pm for kids preschool up through high school to borrow a book. You can return all Spot and Trot Book Bus books to the Library at anytime.

    June 5th, Thursday – Summer Reading Book, Craft & Activity at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 1:00 pm. Join the Library for a family-friendly book, a creative craft, and a fun activity with snacks!

    June 9th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers to meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 10:00am. Anyone interested in sharing or learning a skill like crocheting, knitting, quilting, needlework, sewing or other related hobbies are encouraged to attend. Enjoy good company while sharing patterns, exchanging ideas, learning new projects or teaching others. This meeting is open to anyone willing to teach or learn, yes gentleman, this includes you too!

    June 10th, Tuesday – Summer Reading Book, Craft & Activity at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 1:00 pm. Join the Library for a family-friendly book, a creative craft, and a fun activity with snacks!

    June 11th, Wednesday – Spot the Book Bus to visit the Jamerson Library. Reading is “spot” on with the black and white dog painted bus named Spot! Spot will be in our parking lot from 11:25 am to 12:00 pm for kids preschool up through high school to borrow a book. You can return all Spot and Trot Book Bus books to the Library at anytime.

    June 11th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library Summer Reading Movie starting at 1:00 pm in the community room. Join us for a family-friendly movie about a colorful, modern-day fairytale filled with fashion, friends and fun! This famous fashion icon and her dog jet off to visit her aunt’s amazing fashion house in Paris, and much to her surprise it’s about to be shut down forever. Snacks will be served.

    June 12th, Thursday – Summer Reading Book, Craft & Activity at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 1:00 pm. Join the Library for a family-friendly book, a creative craft, and a fun activity with snacks!

    June 16th, Monday – Summer Reading Book, Craft & Activity at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 1:00 pm. Join the Library for a family-friendly book, a creative craft, and a fun activity with snacks!

    June 17th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library Summer Reading Movie starting at 1:00 pm in the community room. Join us for a family-friendly movie about a curious little money who always has the time to stop for a good picture with his friend. Snacks will be served.

    June 18th, Wednesday – Kiva Automotive to host a Jamerson Library Story & Craft Time in Abbitt Park starting at 11:00 am. Come join Donna as she reads a book about cars, of course! She will have a cool craft project and snacks provided by Kiva Automotive!

    June 18th, Wednesday – Summer Reading Book, Craft & Activity at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 1:00 pm. Join the Library for a family-friendly book, a creative craft, and a fun activity with snacks!

    June 24th, Tuesday – Summer Reading Book, Craft & Activity at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 1:00 pm. Join the Library for a family-friendly book, a creative craft, and a fun activity with snacks!

    June 25th, Wednesday – Spot the Book Bus to visit the Jamerson Memorial Library. Reading is “spot” on with the black and white dog painted bus named Spot! Spot will be in our parking lot from 11:25 am to 12:00 pm for kids preschool up through high school to borrow a book. You can return all Spot and Trot Book Bus books to the Library at anytime.

    June 25th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library Summer Reading Movie starting at 1:00 pm in the community room. Join us for a family-friendly movie about big changes brewing in the city, and if our hero wants to save the city from the villain’s hostile takeover, he may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.

    June 26th, Thursday – Summer Reading Book, Craft & Activity at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 1:00 pm. Join the Library for a family-friendly book, a creative craft, and a fun activity with snacks!

    July 2nd, Wednesday – Spot the Book Bus to visit the Jamerson Library. Reading is “spot” on with the black and white dog painted bus named Spot! Spot will be in our parking lot from 11:25 am to 12:00 pm for kids preschool up through high school to borrow a book. You can return all Spot and Trot Book Bus books to the Library at anytime.

    July 9th, Wednesday – Spot the Book Bus to visit the Jamerson Library. Reading is “spot” on with the black and white dog painted bus named Spot! Spot will be in our parking lot from 11:25 am to 12:00 pm for kids preschool up through high school to borrow a book. You can return all Spot and Trot Book Bus books to the Library at anytime.

  • Publisher’s Note: When the government picks and chooses who can speak, that’s not moderation—it’s censorship

    Publisher’s Note: When the government picks and chooses who can speak, that’s not moderation—it’s censorship

    Today, I formally requested that the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors cease their practice of selectively disabling public comments on the official county Facebook page. Open dialogue and transparent governance are essential to a healthy democracy, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has clearly affirmed that public comment sections on government-run social media constitute protected forums for free speech (see Davison v. Randall, 2019).

    By selectively restricting comments, our County openly engages in viewpoint-based censorship, which undermines our fundamental constitutional freedoms. It is vital that citizens have the opportunity to openly discuss, question, and provide feedback on the actions of their government.

    I have respectfully urged the Board to promptly re-enable comments on all past and future posts and adopt clear, fair, and constitutionally compliant guidelines for managing public interaction on their official platforms.

    Let’s keep Appomattox County a place where voices can be heard and rights remain protected.

    20250514-AT-PUB-APCODownload

  • Raider Garage Seniors Earn State Inspection Licenses

    Raider Garage Seniors Earn State Inspection Licenses

    APPOMATTOX, VA – A cohort of dedicated seniors from Appomattox County High School’s Raider Garage program are now officially certified to keep Virginia’s roads safer, having successfully earned their Virginia State Inspection Licenses, the school proudly announced this week.

    This significant achievement is the culmination of three years of vocational training. Students immersed themselves in a comprehensive curriculum that blended theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience in the auto shop. Their journey to certification involved mastering General Knowledge sections, as well as intricate details of Brakes, Suspension Systems, Lights, and Glass components – all critical for ensuring vehicle safety.

    To earn their licenses, these aspiring mechanics had to demonstrate their proficiency through both written examinations and practical assessments in the shop, proving they can apply their learned skills in real-world scenarios.

    Instructor Jonathan Garrett praised the students’ commitment, stating, “Each of these students have gone above and beyond to reach this milestone, and we couldn’t be more proud of their dedication and growth.”

    The Raider Garage program isn’t finished celebrating just yet. Garret is optimistic that “in the coming weeks we hope to have a few more students complete this process,” further adding to the pool of qualified young technicians emerging from Appomattox County High School. This certification not only marks a personal triumph for the students but also equips them with a valuable credential for their future careers in the automotive industry.

    In aligning with the national movement to bolster credentialing and workplace programs, the school is effectively launching skilled technicians directly into the workforce, demonstrating a powerful and practical alternative to traditional higher education pathways.

  • Opinion | We Can’t Live on History Alone—Appomattox Needs a Future Too

    Opinion | We Can’t Live on History Alone—Appomattox Needs a Future Too

    Appomattox is a town built on history, from the fields where the Civil War ended, to the little shops and family-run businesses that have kept the town going for generations. The town has always been about resilience; about community and showing up for each other.

    There was a time when this town thrived. Agriculture, railroads, tobacco, tourism; they each had their moment., and through it all, Appomattox stood strong. The town where Lee surrendered to Grant. The place where a war ended, and healing began. That history is something to be proud of.

    But history alone won’t carry the town forward, and as the world around us keeps shifting, from coal to code, from farming to fiber optics, the town is at a crossroads. Other small towns are changing, adapting, finding ways to grow. If not careful, Appomattox will get left behind.

    Right now, the median household income here is about $58,000, which is lower than both the state and national averages. That number isn’t just data, it’s a sign that people are working hard, but not always getting ahead. And the next generation? They’re leaving. Not because they don’t love this place, but because they don’t see a future in it. And honestly, who could blame them?

    We can’t keep repeating the same pattern; empty buildings, low-wage jobs, another dollar store we didn’t ask for. What we need are businesses that attract, not distract. Places that spark energy, offer real jobs, and bring something new to the table. Tech startups, clean energy companies, more local businesses. Grocery stores like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods that value wellness and community. We need options that make people want to stay, and make new folks want to come.

    Because let’s be honest, Gen Z isn’t looking for parking lots and strip malls. They want a walkable downtown with fast Wi-Fi, green spaces. organic food and most of all a sense of purpose. They’re building lives around value and experience, not just convenience.

    So why not give them a reason to choose us?

    Picture it: a downtown full of life co-working hubs for remote workers, live music on the weekends, food trucks lining the square, art festivals and open-air concerts that bring people together. Imagine the local history coming alive through reenactments, interactive exhibits, and festivals that not only educate, but inspire. Kids laughing in community gardens. Artists finding space to create. Visitors staying the night, not just passing through. In the end the town and the people in the town prosper.

    We don’t have to erase the towns roots; we just need to let them grow. Appomattox already has the story. Let’s tell it louder, bolder, and with a vision for the next chapter. Because here’s the truth: if we don’t act or invest in our people, Appomattox could slowly slip into being just another ghost town. A memory, instead of a destination. Why continue letting Lynchburg, Farmville and Richmond take our revenue, let’s make it a town to work and shop in.

    I didn’t grow up here. But I chose this town. The pride, the grit and the possibility. Let’s stop waiting for change to find us. Let’s build something that ensure the stability of the town for future generations.