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  • Appomattox Station Battlefield Entrusted to Local Preservation Society

    Appomattox Station Battlefield Entrusted to Local Preservation Society

    The Appomattox-Petersburg Preservation Society (APPS), a dedicated group of history enthusiasts and preservation advocates, recently announced a significant development in the conservation of local Civil War sites. In collaboration with the American Battlefield Trust, APPS has been designated as the new steward of the Appomattox Station Battlefield in Appomattox, Virginia.

    Joshua Lindamood, President of APPS, expressed his honor in sharing the news, highlighting the battlefield’s unique historical significance. On April 8, 1865, it was the scene of critical combat that saw Federal cavalry clashing with Confederate reserve artillery. The fierce engagement resulted in nearly 1,000 casualties, the capture of 25 artillery pieces, and control over Confederate supplies.

    “This well preserved 46-acre tract of hallowed ground provides incredible educational and interpretive opportunities,” said Lindamood. Under the care of APPS, plans are in place to enhance the site with a loop trail system, new historical markers, guided tours and educational programs.

    The American Battlefield Trust has preserved over 58,000 acres across 150 sites in 25 states. Their ongoing mission is to safeguard America’s battlegrounds and promote understanding of their historical impacts. The Trust purchased the property in 2010 for $1,020,000, according to records obtained from Appomattox County.

    Both organizations share a commitment to preserving the integrity of Civil War landmarks and fostering public knowledge of their profound historical implications. This new stewardship by APPS marks a promising future for the Appomattox Station Battlefield, ensuring that its stories and lessons will continue to be accessible for generations to come.

    Lindamood, along with the members and supporters of APPS, extends heartfelt gratitude for the community’s continuous support and eagerly anticipates sharing future developments as they unfold.

    For further information about the Appomattox-Petersburg Preservation Society, please visit https://www.appomattoxpetersburg.org/

    For further information on the American Battlefield Trust, please visit www.battlefields.org.

  • Scholarship Opportunities Roundup

    Scholarship Opportunities Roundup

    VBA Bank Day Scholarship Program

    The Virginia Banker’s Association Bank Day Scholarship program takes place at Farmers Bank on March 12th. Participating students will have a chance to win up to $7,500 in college scholarships.

    Eligibility Requirements

    • High school senior with at least a 3.0 GPA

    Scholarship Application

    Southside Opportunity Fund

    This fund was created by Southside Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors to increase our ability to support the future academic endeavors of students whose primary residence is served by SEC. The fund is supported through fundraising efforts, donations from individuals and businesses, and bequests.

    In 2024, the Southside Opportunity Fund will award $1,000 scholarships to students served by the Cooperative.

    Eligibility Requirements

    • Applicant’s primary residence must receive its electric power from Southside Electric Cooperative.
    • Applicant must receive a high school diploma or GED by the fall of 2024.
    • Applicant must be entering his or her first semester at a college or technical/trade school in the fall. Proof of admission will be required if selected to receive a scholarship.

    Scholarship Application

    VMDAEC Education Scholarship Foundation

    Each year, the Education Scholarship Foundation awards $1,000 scholarships. A combination of weighted criteria is used in the selection process: 40% financial need; 40% academic achievement; and 20% personal statement. Funds can be applied towards tuition, student fees, room and board, or textbooks. More details are listed here.

    Eligibility Requirements

    • The primary residence of the applicant’s parent or legal guardian must receive its power from one of the 15 electric cooperatives served by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives. For a list of qualifying electric cooperative service territories, visit here.
    • Applicants applying for a scholarship must be a senior graduating from either high school or home school in 2024.
    • Applicant must be entering his or her first semester at a post-secondary school in the fall of 2024.

    Scholarship Application

    Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts

    The VASWCD Educational Foundation scholarship program promotes the education of Virginia citizens in technical fields with a natural resource conservation and environmental protection emphasis. The program provides financial support to students majoring in or showing a strong desire to major in a course curriculum related to natural resource conservation and/or environmental studies. Annually the Foundation provides four $2,000 statewide scholarships in addition to the many local SWCD scholarship opportunities.

    Eligibility Requirements

    • Individual applicants must be Virginia residents and full-time college freshmen or high school senior students who have applied to a college freshman level curriculum. 
    • Applicants shall document a class ranking in the top 20% of his or her graduating class or a 3.0 or greater Grade Point Average or appropriate equivalent of individual scholastic achievement.  
    • The applicant’s most recent official high school transcript must accompany the application. A copy of a school transcript will not be accepted.  
    • Applicants shall demonstrate an active interest in conservation.

    Scholarship Application

  • Appomattox County Board of Supervisors Hears Budget Requests, Sheriff Seeks Funding for New Positions

    Appomattox County Board of Supervisors Hears Budget Requests, Sheriff Seeks Funding for New Positions

    At its February 13 budget work session, the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors considered funding requests from constitutional officers, internal departments, and local community organizations. Key discussions included requests from the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department and the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office.

    Jonathan Garrett, Chief of the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department, reported that the department currently operates with an annual budget of $84,000. He requested additional funds to increase the operating budget for the next fiscal year, seeking $60,000 from the County and $40,000 from the Town. Supervisor Wolfskill highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the volunteer service, stating, “If we had to fund this as a paid operation, it would cost the county millions.”

    Sheriff Robby Richardson requested funding in the amount of $260,000 to add four new deputy positions. He emphasized the department’s operational needs by stating “We have operated at the minimum for way too long.” In an effort to explain the necessity of additional deputies, Sheriff Richardson presented body camera footage of deputies responding to various types of calls as an immersive example of what a Deputy might encounter on any given shift. “There are some nights when Appomattox is protected by only one Deputy,” Richardson added. The Sheriff also requested increased funding for officer training and three vehicles.

    Supervisors Carter and Jones expressed support for the Sheriff’s requests but noted the financial constraints faced by the County. Supervisor Carter remarked on the board’s limited capacity to fulfill all funding requests: “The Board of Supervisors can only do so much. We’d love to give him the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but we don’t have it.”

    In a separate decision, the board unanimously authorized 25% matching funds for a state grant, which could provide up to $75,000 to replace law enforcement radio equipment.

    Following a half-hour closed session, the board voted to reject all bids for the P25 Radio System project (Detailed Procurement Information) and terminate its contract with CTA Consultants, LLC. This decision effectively concludes an eight-month-long procurement process at the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee. The termination of the contract and the rejection of the bids occur less than three weeks following the removal of Bobby Wingfield from his role as Public Safety Director. Wingfield was listed as the Procurement Officer in the initial Request for Proposal.

    No indication was given as to if the P25 Radio System RFP will be rebid or if Appomattox County will devise an alternative strategy to enhance the existing radio infrastructure without a full system overhaul.

    The board also heard funding requests from the Piedmont Area Veteran’s Council, J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library, Virginia Extension Office, Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Electoral Board, and CASA of Central Virginia

    The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 6:00 PM.

  • Appomattox Town Council Contemplates $2.3 Million Town Hall Renovation Amid Sidewalk Concerns

    Appomattox Town Council Contemplates $2.3 Million Town Hall Renovation Amid Sidewalk Concerns

    Appomattox, VA – In a move that sparked a mix of excitement and concern among members, the Appomattox Town Council discussed a significant $2.3 million renovation plan for the town hall during their regular business meeting on February 12, 2023. The session, marked by pivotal discussions, also saw the appointment of new members to the Economic Development Authority (EDA), the potential arrival of an urgent care facility, early morning disturbances by GFL trash service, and the announcement of a country music festival.

    The proposed town hall renovation, a project aimed at revitalizing the heart of Appomattox’s administrative functions, was met with a mixture of enthusiasm and caution. While some council members viewed the renovation as a necessary step towards modernizing town facilities, others raised concerns, pointing out the community’s pressing need for improved pedestrian infrastructure. “we have other things that need to be fixed…you could start with the sidewalks,” remarked councilwoman Jane Allen, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to town improvements. This perspective was met with a rebuttal from Councilwoman Mary Lou Spiggle, who contended “We have done so many improvements with the sidewalks and we still get complaints.”

    In addition to the town hall discussion, the council welcomed two new faces to the Economic Development Authority. The potential establishment of an urgent care center was another highlight, promising enhanced healthcare access for the town’s residents.

    Disturbances caused by GFL trash service’s pre-dawn operations also prompted council attention. Residents reported trucks collecting trash as early as 4 am. In response, the Council directed town staff to engage with the county code official to enforce the noise ordinance which bars trash collection between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

    The town’s arts and cultural scene is set for a boost with the announcement of a country music festival at Courtland Festival Park organized by Patrick Walsh of Horizon Events. The festival is expected to draw a crowd of 2,000 people.

    Water infrastructure was another critical topic, with the council receiving an update on a comprehensive water study to explore potential municipal water sources. This initiative was prompted by the 2020 letter from the Campbell County Utility Service Authority which notified Appomattox County of CCUSA’s intent to terminate the existing water supply contract in 2030.

    Concerns about the state of Church Street, marred by potholes from recent waterline projects, were voiced, with Councilman Jim Boyce urging town staff to prioritize repairs.

    Councilman Nathan Simpson encouraged the council to consider his proposed agenda for a joint meeting with the County, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges facing the Town and County in the coming years.

    The meeting adjourned following a brief closed session.

    The next meeting of the Appomattox Town Council is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 27, at 6:30 PM at the Town Office.

    Disclosure: Nathan Simpson, who serves as Publisher of the Appomattox Times, is also an elected member of the Appomattox Town Council. This information is disclosed to ensure transparency and uphold journalistic integrity in reporting matters related to the town.

  • Trademark Notice

    Trademark Notice

    Please be advised that “Appomattox Times” is a tradename and trademark used by Morningside Publishing, LLC, a limited liability company organized in Virginia with its principal place of business at 1508 Church St, Appomattox, Virginia. “Appomattox Times” refers to a weekly newspaper publication dedicated to providing local news, insights, and community updates to the Appomattox and surrounding counties.

    “Appomattox Times” has been continuously used in commerce since February 6, 2024, establishing our common law trademark rights in the name. These rights are affirmed through our consistent and ongoing use of the “Appomattox Times” tradename in connection with our business operations, marketing materials, and distribution channels.

    This notice is to affirm our common law rights to the “Appomattox Times” tradename and trademark and to inform the public and potential infringers of our claim to exclusive use of the name within our geographical area and business domain. Any unauthorized use of the “Appomattox Times” name or marks that are confusingly similar is a violation of our common law trademark rights and may constitute trademark infringement, which could lead to legal action.

    For any inquiries regarding the use of the “Appomattox Times” name or to seek permission for its use, please contact [email protected].

  • Why I’m Starting a Local Newspaper in 2024

    Why I’m Starting a Local Newspaper in 2024

    Dear Readers,

    The Appomattox Times is here—a new beacon in journalism, cast in the iron of integrity and the ink of advocacy. We’re here to deliver the unvarnished tales of Appomattox; to tell the stories that pulse through the veins of our streets and homes.

    This is your paper, online and in print when it counts, carved out of the bedrock principle that information should be as steadfast as the people it serves. In a world awash with fragmented sound bites, we stand as your bulwark of reason, threading together the local narrative that impacts us all.

    Our promise is simple: to be the eyes and ears where you can’t be, to bring the 6:00 pm municipal meetings to your doorstep, to fuel the conversations that drive us forward. We are here to invigorate and empower our community, not just to report on it.

    Expect to see us—on your phones, in your feeds—where the buzz of local life lives. The Appomattox Times isn’t just another newspaper; it’s the living chronicle of our shared journey.

    The Appomattox Times is more than a newspaper. It is a reflection of our collective spirit and endeavors—a forum that will echo the concerns and celebrations of:

    • The mother of three, juggling life’s demands, who still wishes to stay informed.
    • The small business owner, whose livelihood is tied to local economic currents.
    • The farmer, who contributes to our tables and looks to the community for motivated workers.
    • The student whose excitement for local involvement is as insatiable as their quest for wisdom.

    We pledge to cover the full spectrum of local life, including:

    • Town and County Governance
    • Zoning and Planning
    • Stories of our first responders
    • Commerce and Local Business
    • The actions of Federal and State legislators that echo down to our streets
    • The triumphs of athletics, the flourish of the arts, the pulse of cultural festivities

    We’re not just covering news; we’re stitching the narrative of our existence and preserving the wisdom of our time. Walk with us on this path to deepen our civic dialogue and cement the legacy of our local democracy.

    With Resolve,

    Nathan Simpson

    [email protected]

    Publisher, The Appomattox Times