Latest Posts

Laying a New Foundation: Data Center jobs and tax revenue will provide a solid footing for Appomattox to retool and regain relevance in the 21st century.

Laying a New Foundation: Data Center jobs and tax revenue will provide a solid footing for Appomattox to retool and regain relevance in the 21st century.

Published: 2024-12-12

The industrial park in Appomattox was set aside for industrial use decades ago. Historically, our community has seen notable employers come and go—the Southern Battery Co. in the 1930s, the Appomattox Garment Co. from the 1950s through the 1970s, and Thomasville from the 1970s into the 2000s. These companies offered tangible economic benefits, providing jobs, […]

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Application and Limitations of Virginia Code § 15.2-1400(D) on Local Governing Bodies’ Authority

Published: 2024-11-29

Abstract Virginia Code § 15.2-1400(D) grants local governing bodies the authority to “punish or fine a member of the governing body for disorderly behavior.” While this provision appears straightforward, its application is complex and constrained by broader legal principles, including constitutional rights and state statutes. This article examines the limitations of this statute within the […]

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The Case for Treating Virginia Constitutional Officers as Corporations Sole

Published: 2024-10-20

Introduction In Virginia, certain public officials, known as constitutional officers, occupy critical roles in state and local governance. These officers, which include sheriffs, clerks of court, commissioners of the revenue, treasurers, and Commonwealth’s attorneys, are independently elected and serve distinct governmental functions. This paper explores the legal theory that Virginia constitutional officers can, and perhaps […]

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Vectorizing the Western Tradition for use in Autonomous Systems

Published: 2024-08-26

Nathan Simpson Introduction This primer explores the concept of vectorizing elements of the Western legal tradition—legislation, jurisprudence, and sovereign function—into a unified continuum. By representing these elements as vectors, we can quantitatively assess their relative importance over time, providing a framework for analyzing the validity of government records. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding […]

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DIY Crawlspace Encapsulation of a 100-year old House

Published: 2024-08-09

1921 dirt floor  We used duct tape on certain spots, probably would be better to use the poly tape across the entire floor.  Materials: Tools: DeWalt DW5224 1/4 inch Carbide Hammer Drill Bit  Tips Things to avoid:

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“I need a website” Guide for Small Business Owners

Published: 2024-03-08

Step 1: Choose and Register Your Domain Name Step 2: Decide on Your Website Building Approach Do It Yourself (DIY) If you prefer a hands-on approach to website creation, consider these platforms: Done For You (DFY) Step 3: Organize Your Content Before starting your website, prepare the following content: Step 4: Set Up Your Professional […]

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Introduction to Real Estate – Study Outline

Published: 2024-02-02

I put this little guide together for a buddy who’s diving into the real estate and hard money lending world in Virginia. It’s got the basics to get your feet wet, from understanding property types to figuring out all that legal mumbo-jumbo. It hit me that this might be handy for more folks than just […]

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Spencer House (Morningside)

Published: 2023-11-09

Historical Sketch Nestled in the historic town of Appomattox, Virginia, Spencer House—formerly known as Morningside—has been a fixture since its construction in 1921. Initially the centerpiece of a dairy farm and fruit orchard spanning 168 acres, it was built for Rachel and Joseph Otway O’Brien. The house’s design is a testament to the blend of […]

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No, the newspaper isn’t stifling your free speech.

No, the newspaper isn’t stifling your free speech.

Published: 2023-10-22

The First Amendment and Newspaper Editorial Discretion. In this election cycle, I have noticed an uptick in individuals lamenting that their editorials haven’t been published. It’s natural to feel disappointed when one’s voice isn’t amplified as hoped. What isn’t acceptable, however, is sounding the alarm bells and hastily claiming that your constitutional rights have been […]

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Unleashing the Power of AI in Local Government: Optimizing Document Management and Accessibility

Unleashing the Power of AI in Local Government: Optimizing Document Management and Accessibility

Published: 2023-07-24

The Role of AI in Revolutionizing Document Management In this continuing series on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector, let’s explore how AI can dramatically alter the way local governments handle their document systems. As e-Government (eGOV) initiatives are gaining ground globally, the need for smarter, efficient, and more secure document […]

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