By STEPHANIE A. JAMES
Staff Writer
The following is a week-by-week breakdown of the Times-Virginian's headlines during 2011:
January 5
* Appomattox County supervisors on Monday rejected a waterline extension down Police Tower Road, but approved a proposal to seek an additional $1.5 million low-interest loan.
* Supervisor Sam Carter pleaded for the Board of Supervisors to consider adding Police Tower Road (State Route 613) to its waterline plan, but his motion failed due to lack of a second.
* Appomattox Sheriff Wilson Staples was one of eight local sheriffs gathered on Monday as a unified objection to a state budget proposal that could cause law enforcement cuts.
January 12
* Construction for the sewer project for eastern Pamplin is expected to be completed by April, according to the town's engineer. In an update about the town's sewer project, Engineer Bernie Proctor proved the Pamplin Town Council with information on the progress of the sewer project last Thursday.
* Appomattox County supervisors have rejected a request from the Prince Edward County to purchase its old compactor.The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to say "no" to Prince Edward, which had offered to pay $20,000 for Appomattox's compactor, which is apparently beneath market value.
* The Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department is looking into the purchase of a new engine truck that would cost a half-million dollars. Bennie Harvey, who is chairman of the department' truck committee, appeared in front of the county's Board of Supervisors last Monday and offered details on the requested purchase.
January 19
* The Appomattox Town Council last Monday approved a 23-acre boundary line adjustment for land that would incorporate property where the Museum of the Confederacy is being built. The boundary line adjustment will incorporate 13 parcels of land that are currently located in Appomattox County, including parcels off of Old Courthouse Road and Horseshoe Road.
* The organization that is responsible for preserving the Civil War Battlefield land in Appomattox is requesting support from the Appomattox Town Council to acquire more land. Formerly called the Civil War Preservation Trust, the Civil War Trust, a non-profit organization specializing in preserving Civil War battlefield property, purchased 47 acres of property in Appomattox over a year ago.
* The old "county library" on Church Street is on the verge of being torn down. The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors has scheduled a public hearing on Feb. 7 at 5:45 p.m. to hear citizen input on the proposed demolition.
* A new and improved website will debut today as a reference guide to Appomattox County government services. The website can be seen at www.appomattoxcountyva.gov, which is the same link as the old site.
January 26
* Noisemakers in Appomattox County can now be arrested after the Board of Supervisors voted last Tuesday to adopt a first-ever noise ordinance. A split board voted 3-2 to approve the so-called "Peace and Good Order Ordinance."
* The Appomattox Town Council has submitted a cost-sharing proposal with the county's Board of Supervisors involving the funding of an Economic Development Director. Unfortunately, the Town's proposal appears miles apart from the County's stance, and the deal is likely dead on arrival.
* Appomattox County's new Economic Development Director will have a salary range between $45,000 and $75,000. But don't expect that salary to be on the upper end of that window. The Board of Supervisors last Tuesday agreed to the payscale on a 5-0 vote, but most of the board members also agreed that $46,000 would be the starting salary.
* Last Wednesday, Appomattox County High School students and staff remembered three students who tragically lost their life a year ago. The high school had a moment of silence for Emily Quarles, Ronald "Bo" Scruggs, and Morgan Dobyns, who on January 19, 2010 died after a shooting rampage that took place at an Appomattox County residence.
* Nearly a year has passed since eight people were murdered on Snapps Mill Road in Spout Spring, and another year may pass before the accused killer is brought to trial. Appomattox County Commonwealth's Attorney Darrel W. Puckett expects a lot of legal motions to be filed for the case against accused gunman Christopher Bryan Speight.
* Appomattox County School Board member Stacy Garrett has announced that she will not seek reelection this November. Garrett's term officially will end on Dec. 31. Garrett informed her fellow school board members and the division superintendent Dorinda Grasty last week that she would not run again, citing the pursuit of educational ambitions and personal reasons.
February 2
* A Gladstone man shot and murdered his fiancé before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide in Appomattox County over the weekend. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to Appomattox County Chief Deputy Todd Craft. Police confirmed that 24-year-old Kevin Sparrow shot 35-year-old Vanta Haskins after several back-to-back calls were placed to Appomattox's E-911 Call Center.
* The Appomattox Town Council will send a letter to the County Board of Supervisors to support preserving the old County library. The move comes after Appomattox County Historical Society member Wayne Phelps requested that the Town Council send a letter of support.
* The Appomattox County School Board has approved a one-time bonus for fulltime employees. Last Thursday, the School Board voted that fulltime staff will get a bonus check as part of the federal jobs bill, in which $608, 873 was allocated for the division.
* Appomattox Elementary School has been awarded the 2011 Board of Education Competence to Excellence Award. The distinction is given to schools that exceed minimum state and federal benchmarks for at least two consecutive years.
February 9
* For the last 15 years, Appomattox County children have looked forward to visits from Spot and Dot, the nationally acclaimed book buses. For the next five months, however, the two mobile libraries will not be visiting anyone.
* Students who are at-risk for dropping out of school now have a second chance to pursue a major life milestone. Thanks to the Appomattox County alternative education program, many students who participate will likely graduate high school or advance to their appropriate grade level.
* Opposition was loud and clear on Monday as a public hearing was held on the possibility of demolishing the old Appomattox County library. Nine local citizens spoke out against the proposed demolition, another citizen submitted a letter of opposition, and yet another emailed a correspondence of opposition.
February 16
* Fires raged across the Appomattox County area on Monday, sparked by strong winds, low humidity and seasonably warm temperatures. In all, the Appomattox County Volunteer Fire Department responded to six forest fires and a structure fire, as well as two automobile wrecks.
* An attorney for accused murderer Christopher Speight has requested to transfer him to a detention facility near Richmond, citing that it would put him closer to his Richmond-based attorneys and save taxpayer money.
* Appomattox citizens who have Civil War relics have an opportunity to put them in an online collection this spring. The Library of Virginia and the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission is seeking manuscripts that were created between 1859 and 1867 that reflect social, military, political, business and religious life in Virginia during the period of the Civil War.
* Renovation plans are under way at Appomattox Primary School and Appomattox County High School. William Perrow, retired Director of Business, explained to the School Board during a recent meeting that he and consultant Bill Gillespie met with Appomattox Primary School staff to discuss renovations at the school.
February 23
* Beginning in April Appomattox County will have a farmer's market. According to The Babcock House owner, Sheila Palamar, who spearheaded the move, the market will operate from the Cardinal Chevrolet parking lot each Friday from 3-to-7 p.m. beginning April 29 through October 28.
* The Concord Volunteer Fire Department receives $3,000 a year in budget help from Appomattox County. In today's tough economic times, it's become harder to stretch those dollars. That's why CVFD Chief Officer Kenny Kirby made a presentation recently to the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors.
* This weekend people will get a chance to experience live "old time" music. That's because on Saturday there will be an Old Time Dance event held in the freight room of the Pamplin Depot located on Main Street in the Town of Pamplin. The free event will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
March 2
* Appomattox County supervisors agreed last Tuesday to move forward with four construction bids for the U.S. 460 waterline project. The four bids came in at a combined $3.57 million far less than the $5.1 million that was originally projected by engineers.
* Based on preliminary data, the Appomattox County school division has a $500,000 shortfall for the 2011-12 school budget. The Appomattox County schools preliminary operating budget is $20.5 million, which is based on Gov. Bob McDonnell's proposed state budget.
* Chief Deputy Todd Craft announced on Monday that he will seek election as the next Appomattox County Sheriff. Craft, 51, has been with the Sheriff's Department for 27 years.
* William H "Willie" Craft announced last week that he will seek a third term on the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors. Craft, who was first elected in 2003, currently represents the Appomattox River District, which covers a swath from Evergreen to Pamplin to Hixburg to Vera.
March 9
* Appomattox County taxpayers received great news last week by receiving $10 million in interest-free bonds. The bond funds will be used to complete the expansion and renovation efforts at Appomattox Primary School.
* In somewhat expected decision, the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors decided on Monday night to go at it alone in its pursuit of an economic development director. The Board voted 4-1 to reject a revenue sharing agreement with the Town of Appomattox that would have required both governing bodies jointly to fund the newly created position.
* The Pamplin Town Council agreed last Thursday to extend sewer service from Park Street to the former location of BeBe's Florist on U.S. 460.
* Barry E. Letterman announced last week that he would run for Appomattox County Sheriff in this November's election.
* A plaque was presented to Joseph S. Foxwell on Monday, March 7, as part of his retirement from the Appomattox County Electoral Board.
March 16
* Appomattox County Sheriff Wilson Staples has officially announced that he will not seek a fifth tern in this November's election.
* Lack of government funding has put the Appomattox County school system in last place among other divisions in the state. For the 2010=2011 fiscal year, Appomattox County ranked last out of 136 divisions in the state when it came to local contribution in funding the operating budget.
* Due to adjustments made by state legislature representatives, Appomattox County schools were able to reduce its' shortfall from $500,000 to $321,000.
March 23
* Appomattox County lawmakers on Monday once again rejected a request to expand the waterline down Police Tower Road. The County's Board of Supervisors had received a request from Appomattox Town Council to reconsider an earlier decision again Police Tower Road.
* Gary Wayne Tanner has announced that he will seek a second term on the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors. Tanner, 50, will be running in the Wreck Island District.
* This November's election cycle will likely be one of the busiest in recent memory. Fourteen seats will be up for grabs, including seven positions on the county's School Board and Board of Supervisors.
March 30
* The Appomattox County School Board agreed last Thursday to appoint Gregory Smith to the School Board.
* The Appomattox County School Board agreed to ask the County Board of Supervisors for $5 million in local funds for the next school year.
* The new concession stand is now complete at Appomattox Community Park, and a special dedication service has been scheduled for this Sunday afternoon.
* Sara R. Henderson has announced that she will seek re-election as Appomattox County Commissioner of the Revenue.
* For the last couple weeks, Appomattox County High School has been using a new attendance tracking system aimed at improving security at the school.
April 6
* After much angst, a split Appomattox County Board of Supervisors agreed to advertise a 1.5 cents real estate tax increase on Monday night before a packed meeting room. The Board voted 3-2 to advertise the tax hike, although all three prevailing members seemed reluctant to do so.
* A packed house showed up on Monday night as a show of support for Appomattox County's proposed school budget. In all, 16 citizens spoke to the county's Board of Supervisors, 15 of whom pleaded for the County to fully fund the schools' budget request.
* Thanks to some quick community support, Spot and Dot are now ready to go on the road again. The two book buses, which had been parked since January due to lack of funds, will be visiting neighborhood children every Tuesday-through-Thursday until at least May 19.
* For many working at Thomasville Furniture, it was more than a job. For some employees it was like spending time with a second family. For some employees it was like spending time with a second family. Also for some, being employed there transformed their lives. All those inspirations came to a halt on Friday as Thomasville closed its doors after 36 years in business in Appomattox.
* The Town of Appomattox no longer has a director of tourism after the Town Council agreed on proposed budget cuts last month. Will Simmons, who held the position for two years, ended his role on Friday.
April 13
* The murder trial of Christopher Bryan Speight has been continued due to the expected retirement of Appomattox County's Circuit Court Judge.The Hon. Richard S. Blanton's retirement began on March 31. A hearing scheduled for April 5 was continued due to Judge Blanton's retirement.
* Watkins M. Abbitt, Sr. Memorial Park will soon get a pavilion and a shelter area. Construction is expected to take place in about a week, Interim Town Manager Bill Gillespie told the Appomattox Town Council on Monday.
* Work has begun to prepare for construction work to make four bathrooms wheelchair accessible at Appomattox County High School. The work is expected to be completed before school starts in August, according to Director of Business Stephen Edwards.
* Jamerson and Sons have been doing site survey work at the high school.
April 20
* The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a funding request on Monday night that will result in a new pumper truck for the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department. The cost of the new pumper is projected at slightly over a half-million dollars.
* Town of Appomattox officials are focusing on being fiscally responsible as they plan out the 2011-12 budget and future budgets.
* All possibilities are being reviewed by Appomattox County school officials to look for money to balance the budget.
* Town of Appomattox staff is conducting research on a series of projects that officials will be very beneficial to its citizens.
April 27
* Starting this summer, there will be some administrative changes within the Appomattox County School System.
* Locally grown, farm fresh produce as well as many other goodies will be sold this Friday during the debut of the Appomattox Farmer's Market.
* All citizens are invited to attend a public hearing this Monday, May 2, for a public hearing on a proposed real estate tax increase.
May 4
* The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors on Monday approved a real estate tax increase of 1.5-cent, which increases the rate to 49.5 cents per $100 of assessed value. This increase will, in part, finance the school division for the upcoming year.
* Appomattox Primary School will soon get a makeover. That's because renovations are set to begin this summer, a first since the 1980s, according to project organizers.
* Mike Lawless of the Region 2000 Local Government Council recommended last Tuesday that the Appomattox Town Council adopt a resolution that includes a drought and contingency plan by this fall. Lawless advised Council to adopt the plan before October.
May 11
* Tourism was the focus of discussion on Monday at the Appomattox Town Council's public hearing for the town's proposed budget, which totals to $2.7 million. After several months of review and discussion by members of the Council's finance committee and town staff, the decision was made to reduce the tourism funds as part of cuts within the budget.
* Appomattox County plans to advertise an ordinance with the intent to give a bonus to County employees. Last Thursday, County Administrator Aileen Ferguson told the Times-Virginian that the County Attorney Johnny Overstreet advised that an ordinance needed to be adopted prior to distributing bonuses to employees.
* Now there is focus on doing work to the west side of Pamplin as nearly all of the work to the east side of Pamplin is complete. Engineer Bernie Proctor told the Pamplin Town Council that a study would be conducted in part to determine the cost to add sewer line to western parts of Pamplin.
May 18
* Watkins M. Abbitt announced on Tuesday that he would not seek re-election in this November's Virginia General Assembly. Abbitt will officially retire on Jan. 10, 2012 after spending 26 years in the General Assembly representing the 59th District in the House of Delegates.
* The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors expectedly approved its new budget on Monday night, agreeing to $37.9 million for the 2011-12 year. The Board voted 3-0 to approve the budget, which was partly financed with a 1.5-cent increase in real estate tax rate.
* Jeff Taylor has been hired as the new Economic Development Director for Appomattox County. Taylor is a well-known personality in the Lynchburg region, having worked as anchor and news director at WSET.
May 25
* H. Evans Thomas, V., announced on Monday that he would seek the Republican nomination for the 59th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. Thomas, an Appomattox attorney and a Republican activist, made his announcement in front of about two dozen supporters at the old Appomattox Courthouse on Court Street.
* Two Appomattox businesses were burglarized last week in a two-day span. Rojo's Corner Grill was broken into near the midnight hours of May 19, and T&N Market was broken into near the midnight hours of May 21.
* In June, there will be a memorial service held at Appomattox County High School for the late Mario Luongo.
* Commander Sharon Hodge of American Legion Post 104 and Commander Robert Walker of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9855 jointly announced plans for this year's Memorial Day commemoration.
June 1
* Appomattox Middle School sports will be reinstated this fall as a result of a new approved $19.3 million budget that includes financing for middle school sports.
* Shock and sadness shook the Appomattox community last Thursday as word spread that beloved softball figure Becca Almond had died in a tragic hiking accident.
* Director of Technology Brette Arbogast told the School Board last Thursday that the new attendance system at Appomattox County High School is "going well."
* Earlier this week, full time Appomattox County school employees received the last installment of bonuses that were approved last Thursday by the Appomattox County School Board.
June 8
* The Baccalaureate service for Appomattox County High School was abruptly canceled on Sunday due to lack of planning for it. The service was scheduled to be held in the ACHS auditorium at 6 pm. on Sunday, said Principal Michael Myers.
* All Appomattox County government employees will receive a one-time bonus, thanks to a vote from the Board of Supervisors on Monday night. The Board unanimously agreed to grant a $500 bonus to full-time workers and a $250 bonus to part-time workers.
June 15
* Appomattox County surpassed a goal by raising more than $112,000 as part of fundraising efforts for the Relay for Life weekend event. This year marks the fifth consecutive time that Appomattox's Relay for Life event generated more than $100,000 in donations that is slated to go towards research to find a cure for cancer.
* Appomattox County High School graduates were advised last Tuesday to continue to work hard as they pursue their dreams. This advice was given to 161 graduates during ACHS' graduation ceremony that was held at the Vines Center at Liberty University in Lynchburg.
June 22
* Appomattox native Matt Conrad continued his rapid rise through the political ranks on Monday after being promoted by Gov. Bob McDonnell. The Governor promoted Conrad to Deputy Chief of Staff and Deputy Counselor.
* Appomattox County school administration is exploring whether to allow students at Appomattox County High School use cell phones on campus. This past year, students were allowed to use their cell phone only during lunch period.
* Kelly O'Brien has been gardening for the past 60 years, so he had to look twice recently when he saw something strange budding from his potato plants. What O'Brien saw was an unusual, tomato-looking fruit growing near the top of his potato plant leaves in his Oakleigh Avenue garden.
June 29
* A maintenance agreement has been drafted based on the U.S. 460 Concord to Appomattox waterline detailing billing, maintenance and repair issues will be handled.
* The fate of Appomattox County's old library building will likely be decided next month, the Board of Supervisors agreed last Monday. The library, located on Church Street beside the middle school, has been the subject of debate since the supervisors debated whether or not it should be torn down or renovated.
July 6
* For those that had concerns about the reduction of the tourism budget, Interim Town Manager Bill Gillespie explained last Tuesday what is currently being spent to get visitors to Appomattox. For the upcoming year, the Town Council agreed to reduce the tourism budget from $230,000 to $97,000 as a result of a shortage of funds.
* Folks have probably noticed a slew of purple, prism-shaped contraptions hanging in the trees of Appomattox County. The contraptions, which resemble a kite, have been set up to determine if the ash borer insect has begun to invade the area.
* A 63-year-old Roanoke inmate escaped custody from an Appomattox County deputy on Sunday morning before being recaptured in his hometown less than 24 hours later. Jackie Lee Brown had been jailed on Saturday in Appomattox after the Virginia State Police arrested him in connection with outstanding warrants in Florida.
July 13
* Evergreen Post Office box customers spoke out last week against the possibility of the postal building closing. People who attended a community meeting held at Evergreen Baptist Church last Thursday voiced concerns that included travel distance to access the next available post office and mail security in the event that Evergreen's Post Office closes.
* Police are searching for a Lynchburg man who is accused of shooting another man three times in Appomattox County on Monday night.
* Appomattox's historic Surrender Grounds need upgrades to preserve its historical value, according to a report related recently by the National Parks Conservation Association.
July 20
* After reviewing an hour-long surveillance school bus video, an Appomattox County judge on Monday described what he saw as "just plain disgusting behavior." Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judge Marvin Dunkum then forwarded a felony neglect charge to a grand jury, which must decide whether or not former school bus driver Nancy Davis should stand trial.
*Appomattox County officials will wait a couple of weeks more before deciding what to do with the old county library building. The vacant building, located on Church Street beside Appomattox Middle School, is being targeted by two local historical groups that are seeking to renovate the structure.
There will soon be another gas station available in Appomattox. That's because a Kroger Fuel Center is currently being constructed at the Shoppes of Appomattox on U.S. 460 West. Construction started earlier this week and is expected to be completed September 7, according to Alie Daughtry, project manager.
July 27
* Rabies cases have experienced a slight up-tick in Appomattox County in the last 18 months, mirroring a statewide trend. Through June 2011, Appomattox County had confirmed three rabies exposures: two from skunks and one from a raccoon.
* Members of the American Legion Post 104 recently received recognition for their efforts during the past year. For their efforts, three American Legion members received honors at the 93rd annual American Legion convention in Roanoke.
* Dorothea Morris has been appointed the new American Legion Post 104 commander in Appomattox. An Air Force veteran, Morris is the second consecutive woman to be appointed as commander of the American Legion Post 104.
* Better teamwork of teachers, parents and students are among the goals of new Appomattox Middle School Principal Todd Reichert.
August 3
* Two adults and two juveniles have been arrested for their involvement in a series of burglaries that hit the Appomattox area over the last month.
* The Town of Appomattox emerged from the shadows on Monday night to make a play for the old county library on Church Street. Appomattox Town Council is interested in taking ownership of the abandoned library, which is located beside Appomattox Middle School.
* Thomasville Furniture's abandoned Appomattox plant will be auctioned off next Wednesday, complete with equipment and real estate. The online auction will take place on Aug. 10 at 9 .m. and will be handled by Loeb Winternitz Industrial Auctioneers.
August 10
* A 20-year-old inmate was found dead in the Appomattox jail on Saturday in what appears to be a suicide.
* Grace Hills Baptist Church is helping those in need by distributing its produce to them.
* The Town of Pamplin could soon have ownership of a historical landmark. That's because the Archaeological Conservancy has proposed to donate the Pamplin Pipe Factory property to the town.
* Janet M. Belter has announced that she will seek a sixth term this November as Treasurer of Appomattox County. Belter, 52, was elected Treasurer in 1991 and has served in that role for 20 years. Prior to that, Belter served as Deputy Treasurer for six years.
August 17
* Tens of thousands of pieces were sold and bidders received hefty deals on high-end equipment during Thomasville Furniture's auction last Wednesday.
* A state inspector has cited Appomattox County's Animal Pound for numerous alleged deficiencies, including the premature killing of animals.
* Appomattox County Public Schools posted strong results for the Spring 2011 Standards of Learning tests, according to final test results that were released this month.
* Butch Bailey has announced his candidacy for this November's election for Appomattox County Sheriff. Bailey, 64, lives on Piney Mountain Road between the communities of Oakville and Vera.
August 24
* An earthquake struck Central Virginia on Tuesday afternoon, rocking localities up and down the eastern seaboard, including Appomattox County.
The earthquake's epicenter was in Mineral, Va., which is located about two hours northeast of Appomattox.
* A 21-year-old Appomattox County man was sentenced on Tuesday to three years in prison for striking an occupied truck while shooting from a vehicle.
* Two gun-carry men robbed the Appomattox McDonald's restaurant early Sunday morning, and police are still searching for the suspects.
* The Carver-Price Alumni Association has submitted a proposal that could allow the group to use the auditorium at the old elementary school.
* Former Appomattox Mayor Ronnie Spiggle has announced his candidacy for the County's Board of Supervisors. Spiggle will be seeking the Falling River District seat on the Board to replace Thomas Conrad who decided not to seek reelection after two successful terms.
August 31
* Appomattox businesswoman Linda M. Wall has announced an independent candidacy for the 59th District in the Virginia House of Delegates.Wall, 60, is seeking the seat currently held by fellow Appomattox resident Watkins M. Abbitt, who has decided not to seek re-election.
* A former secretary for the Appomattox County Sheriff's Office was sentenced to six months in jail last Tuesday after being found guilty of stealing over $9,000 while working for the sheriff's office.
* Members of the Appomattox Town Council would like for the old County library to remain in government control.That is why earlier this month Council submitted a proposal for town ownership of the library, which is located beside Appomattox Middle School on Church Street.
* The Appomattox Town Council and the County Board of Supervisors agreed to form a committee to brainstorm ideas for the potential creation of a skate park.
* Chad E. Millner has announced that he will seek candidacy for the Falling River District seat on the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors. Millner, a 26-year-old Appomattox native, has attended almost every Board of Supervisors meeting for the past six years and is currently a member of the County's Economic Development Authority.
September 7
* Two men from Portsmouth have been charged with the armed robbery of the Appomattox McDonald's restaurant last month. Laquan O. Draper, 21, and Angelo M. Draper, 19, were each arrested in connection with the robbery.
* The Appomattox County School Board wants the old library next to the middle school to remain in control of the school system.
* One man is dead after shots were fired at a residence in Dillwyn, Va., on Thursday evening, Sept 1.
* Virginia Tech has proposed to work with the Town of Pamplin to assist in the revitalization efforts of Main Street.
September 14
* Ten years ago, lives transformed as a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that occurred on American soil. Former American Legion Post 104 Commander James "Buck' Owen described the tragic incident as more than an attack on America.
* The Carver Price Alumni Association will have to wait a little while longer before leasing the auditorium at the old elementary school. That's because the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors voted to table a vote on Tuesday that would have awarded a five-year lease to the Association.
* The Town of Appomattox will take possession of the old county library after a 4-1 vote from the county's Board of Supervisors last Tuesday night. The old county library located on Church Street beside the middle school, is somewhat historic because it was built with funds anonymously donated by diplomat and philanthropist David K.E. Bruce, who after moving to Charlotte County in 1933 began donating funds for 11 library projects.
* The Appomattox Town Council agreed Monday to authorize Mayor Paul Harvey to execute the water purchase contract between the Town of Appomattox and the County Board of Supervisors.
September 21
* With the 39th Historic Appomattox Railroad Festival less than three weeks away, organizers are preparing for a new starting point for the popular parade. Due to the closing at Thomasville Furniture, this year's parade will begin at Appomattox Elementary School on Lee-Grant Avenue.
* On Jeff Taylor's very first day on the job, someone posted a cartoon on his door. The cartoon showed out-of-town business developers driving past a high school that had a sign out front reading; Home of the Cougars. Good luck on finding a job."
* Appomattox Primary School renovations are on schedule as planned, according to school division officials.
September 28
* Appomattox County has agreed to a $1,000 fine for a series of violations at its Animal Pound. The State Veterinarian's office and Appomattox County entered into a consent order and agreement to make certain improvements at the Pound, or the Board of Supervisors could risk another fine of up to $20,000.
* Efforts are being made to ensure that High Bridge Trail State Park extends to the Depot in the Town of Pamplin. About 10 people, including Mayor Robert Mitchell, Del. Watkins Abbitt, (I-59th) and Secretary of Natural Resources Doug Domenech, met last Thursday to discuss financing related to costs for paving trail leading to the Pamplin Depot that will be part of High Bridge Trail State Park.
* The Appomattox County School Board agreed last Thursday to hold next year's graduation at Liberty University's Vines Center in Lynchburg on June 4, 2012. The School Board voted 4-0 on the matter with School Board member Rev. Wes Williams abstaining from voting.
* Appomattox County unanimously agreed last Monday to grant a five-year lease to the Carver-Price Alumni Association for to renovation of the auditorium at the old elementary school. The supervisors voted 5-0 to allow the CPAA to pursue grant funding to pay for any upgrades made to the auditorium.
October 5
* A mother and son last Wednesday were charged with stealing more than $21,000 from the Appomattox County Historical Society. June C. Thornhill, 73, and Ronald W. Thornhill, 45, are each facing five charges of grand larceny and five charges of conspiracy to commit grand larceny.
* Parents and students are showing strong support for the Appomattox Middle School sports program since its return in August, according to coaches who have received feedback.
* A candidate for the 59th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates this November has personally dealt with a number of legal problems over the last dozen years. Matt Fariss, the Republican candidate, has four misdemeanor convictions and has been a defendant in several civil cases.
* Appomattox town officials received good news last Tuesday about one of its wastewater treatment plants.
Town Manager Bill Gillespie informed Council that zinc levels are down at the Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) plant.
October 12
* Thousands of people flooded Downtown Appomattox over the weekend for what has been termed a very successful Railroad Festival. The 39th Annual Historic Appomattox Railroad Festival enjoyed immaculate weather for the two-day event, with cloudless skies and temperatures in the mid-70s.
* The Virginia State Police's iconic red-and-white police tower came crashing to the ground on Monday morning as part of a controlled demolition at the facility.The red-and-white freestanding tower had stood for 60 years in Appomattox, greeting motorists since 1952.
* Appomattox town officials are concerned about a radio tower possibly being erected near historic property.Members of the Appomattox Town Council do not approve of a proposed Sweet Briar College radio tower possibly being erected about one mile from the Appomattox Station Battlefield.
* A new conversation piece has made its way to the front of the Jamerson Memorial Library on Main Street.The conversation starter is a bronze sculpture of children reading, which was donated by Ellen and Bill Jamerson.
October 19
* Thousands of people flooded Downtown Appomattox over the weekend for what has been termed a very successful Railroad Festival. The 39th Annual Historic Appomattox Railroad Festival enjoyed immaculate weather for the two-day event, with cloudless skies and temperatures in the mid-70s.
* The Virginia State Police's iconic red-and-white police tower came crashing to the ground on Monday morning as part of a controlled demolition at the facility. The red-and-white freestanding tower had stood for 60 years in Appomattox, greeting motorists since 1952.
* A new conversation piece has made its way to the front of the Jamerson Memorial Library on Main Street.The conversation starter is a bronze sculpture of children reading, which was donated by Ellen and Bill Jamerson.
October 26
* Appomattox County supervisors took aim at local emergency services last Monday after receiving a report that stated the Appomattox Rescue Squad had missed 345 calls this year.
* As a result of leaks in piping, there has been a delay in bringing the Pamplin sewer system online, according to Mayor Robert Mitchell.
* Last Thursday, Division Superintendent Dorinda Grasty informed the Appomattox County School Board that there is a title search being done in regards to the old county library property located on Church Street beside the middle school.
November 2
* Appomattox County citizens will have a busy Election Day on Tuesday as votes will be cast in more than a dozen races. Voters will decide on the next sheriff, as well as three supervisor contests and four school board seats, one of which will be decided by write-in votes.
* Linda Wall admitted last week that she had a lesbian "affair" with an underage girl while she was a gym teacher in 1970s. Wall, an Appomattox resident running as an Independent candidate in the 59th District of the Virginia House of Delegates, blamed the affair on "out of control morals" at the time.
* The Appomattox branch of the Museum of the Confederacy will be more than a museum centered around events leading to the end of the Civil War, according to museum officials.
November 9
* Barry Letterman defeated Todd Craft by 158 votes on Tuesday night to become the next sheriff of Appomattox County. Letterman took 50.8 percent of the vote in the much-anticipated race, while Craft took 47.6 percent.
* A lawsuit has been filed in Albemarle County that claims an Appomattox County deputy is to blame for the death of man who was shot by a Taser last year. The lawsuit accuses Appomattox Deputy Denney Wright of shooting Daniel Russell with a Taser on Oct. 30, 2010, during a traffic stop.
* Two people were sent to the hospital last Tuesday morning after an accident that occurred on U.S. 460 West in Appomattox. Mary Morgan, 82, of Appomattox was driving a 1986 Toyota when she came into the path of a 2011 Toyota RAV4 driven by Edward Campbell, 61, of Ocean City, NJ, according state Trooper M. Heath.
November 16
* Appomattox County Administrator Aileen Ferguson suggested last Monday that a report critical of the rescue squad may have some "discrepancies."
The report, compiled by County Director of Public Safety Bobby Wingfield, reported that Appomattox Rescue Squad had missed approximately 25 percent of its calls over the last nine months.
* The Appomattox community commemorated veterans on Friday during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Wall of Honor.The ceremony attracted around 75 people to the Courthouse Square, where the event was held.
* On Monday the Appomattox Town Council approved a new policy that imposes stiff penalties for delinquent taxpayers such as having their names published in the newspaper.
November 23
* A jury trial on Monday for a former Appomattox County school bus driver was postponed due to an inadequate amount of people for jury selection.
* Police are investigating a trio of home burglaries that took place in Appomattox on Friday. All three burglaries took place during the daytime hours on the outskirts of the Town of Appomattox.
* Making a difference in a child's life, Glory Baptist Church members put together over 1,000 packages to go to less fortunate children around the world. The members are making that difference through Operation Christmas Child - a ministry focused on giving gifts to orphans, refugees and other children impacted by natural disasters or wars.
* Appomattox County High School Head Track Coach Anthony Franklin believes that academics should be a top priority. After all Franklin spearheaded a new study hall program that has been successful and is being credited for the increase of grade point averages of track team members.
November 30
* A Richmond woman driving on the wrong side of U.S. 460 crashed head on with another vehicle on Saturday evening in Pamplin, killing the driver of the other vehicle. Paul E. Lynch, 23, of Chase City, died at the scene of the accident, which took place approximately one-tenth of a mile east of State Route 628.
* Appomattox County taxpayers will be forced to pay more money to the school system after a change in the state's funding formula. The "Composite Index" has increased by two percent, which means that the County is required to give more money to the division during budget time, stated Director of Business Stephen Edwards.
* Employee raises, the high school's auditorium lighting system, and funding for the band program were among items talked about during the Appomattox County School Board's preliminary budget discussions last Monday.
* Responding to a pipeline explosion three years ago, Williams Transco Pipeline recently completed all the work needed to make sure that the pipeline is safe in Appomattox.
December 7
* Appomattox Rescue Squad Captain Susan Walton defended her agency on Monday to combat some unflattering headlines that have appeared over the last few months.
* The Christmas spirit was everywhere in Downtown Appomattox on Sunday afternoon as the community celebrated with a Community of Candles and Christmas Parade.
* Appomattox County supervisors Sam Carter and Thomas Conrad engaged in a tense debate on Monday night after Carter suggested the Board of Supervisors should cut their pay in half.
* Starting in two years, Appomattox County High School students who participate in the driver's education program must attend one session of a program that focuses on safe driving for teens. Parents must attend as well.
December 14
* Gleaning for the World has been ranked the best in the nation for its charitable contributions and giving 100 percent of its donations to help those in need.
* A half-dozen Appomattox County officials on Friday attended the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of a new 170,000-square-foot regional jail in Amherst County.
December 21
* The Appomattox County School Board is exploring calendar options for the next school year that include longer school days. While discussing calendar options, School Board member Greg Smith suggested last Thursday that 30 minutes be added to the end of the day in order to save on fuel and transportation costs.
* A search warrant was served on a suspected indoor marijuana operation last Wednesday, resulting in what authorities are calling the biggest indoor bust in Appomattox County history.
* Two people were killed early Sunday morning in a single vehicle crash near the Appomattox County community of Spout Spring. The driver, Brittne M. Berg, 22, and a passenger Jeremy R. Hollandsworth, 27, died at the scene when their vehicle flipped on U.S. 460 East.
* Larceny charges have been certified to go to a grand jury against a mother and her son accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from the Appomattox County Historical Society.
December 28
* Cable TV subscribers in Appomattox County may lose their local channels in January, or possibly face an increase in their bill to keep them. Shentel, which is the sole cable service provider in the county, announced earlier this month that it is negotiating with the Big Four stations of FOX, ABC, CBS and NBC.
* The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors has tabled a request to purchase a net-capturing system for its Animal Control Officers.The net-capturing system was requested by local resident Jennifer Cabaniss, whose dog was shot and killed after being deemed dangerous to other animals.
* With the help of Virginia Tech, the Town of Pamplin will embark on a revitalization process aimed at improving Main Street. Virginia Tech's Community Design Assistance Center will replicate with illustrations of what Downtown Pamplin would look like as an attraction.
* The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors has tabled a request to purchase a net-capturing system for its Animal Control Officers. The net-capturing system was requested by local resident Jennifer Cabaniss, whose dog was shot and killed after being deemed dangerous to other animals.