The Landes Letter - February 2024 Edition
Friends,
I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office including staff news and details on grants the office received.
I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.
Staff News
This month we celebrated the retirement of long-time Civil Division Deputy Clerk Jean W. Doyle. Best Wishes Jean in retirement!
At our Quarterly Staff Meeting and Staff Workday, Nancy Hevener and Pam Heinrich were jointly awarded the Clerk's Light Bulb Award for their joint efforts to organize, flatten and box older marriage licenses, trade names, notary commissions, and miscellaneous oaths we must keep. This will make the move of these files to the new Augusta County Courthouse much more efficient.
Records Preservation Grants
Please check out the press release below regarding the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office recent notification of two Circuit Court Records Preservation (CCRP) Grants that have been awarded to the Office. The grants will allow for the restoration of six historic documents ranging from 1750 to 1873, and the purchase of equipment to monitor the condition of historic records in the Augusta County Circuit Courthouse. Both grants were awarded through the CCRP from the Library of Virginia, which was approved in February for a total of $51,634.
Spring Semester 2024 Interns
"Like" Our New Facebook Page
With the campaign over we have phased out the Steve Landes Facebook Fan Page. To keep up with the activities of the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, please follow the Augusta County Circuit Court Page on Facebook. If you wish to keep up with my activities as Clerk of Circuit Court, go to and like our new page. It is my hope to close out this page by December 31st. Thank you for following me on this Fan Page these many years!
Augusta County Circuit Court's Facebook Page
Virtual Photograph Tour
This is our continuing Augusta County Courthouse virtual tour. In honor of February's Black History Month we wanted to share the restored Augusta County African American Voter Registration 1904 Volume that was made possible through a grant provided by the Augusta County Genealogical Society in 2022. Also included are indices information on African American marriages, births, deaths, voter registration information, and a list of free blacks living in Augusta County from 1796-1860.
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Landes Letter: January 2024 Edition
Friends,
I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office including staff news and details on our new Facebook Page.
I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.
Staff News
Recently we had Samantha Herron join the Augusta County Circuit Court Court's Office as a Deputy Clerk in our Civil Division. It was my honor to administer Sam's Oath of Office, which took effect earlier this week. Welcome to the "Courthouse Gang."
"Like" Our New Facebook Page
Augusta County Circuit Court's Facebook Page
With the campaign over we have phased out the Steve Landes Facebook Fan Page. To keep up with the activities of the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, please follow the Augusta County Circuit Court Page on Facebook. If you wish to keep up with my activities as Clerk of Circuit Court, go to and like our new page. It is my hope to close out this page by December 31st. Thank you for following me on this Fan Page these many years!
Virtual Photograph Tour
This is our continuing Augusta County Courthouse virtual tour. These are three different Ordinary Bonds from Augusta County’s Ordinary Bonds Volume 1763-1775. The duties of the Clerk of Court at that time included the regulation of lodging and housing for individuals’ traveling. These show individuals paying “50 pounds current money” to operate an ordinary in their home. An owner had to “provide at his ordinary good wholesome and cleanly lodging and diet for Travellers….” It was also stated in the bond that the owner “shall not suffer or permit and unlawful gaming in his house….” These bonds were signed by John Madison, the First Clerk of Court for Augusta County.
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The Landes Letter - December 2023 Edition
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The Landes Letter November 2023 Edition
The Landes Letter
November 2023 Edition
Friends,
I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office including my Re-Election Bid, staff news, and our search for Spring 2024 interns.
I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.
My Re-Election Bid
To the citizens of Augusta County, thank you for your support for re-election as Clerk of Court. I was humbled to receive 20,110 votes - over 98 percent. To my wife, Angie, my son, Roth, and family, thank you for your many years of support and sacrifice. To my work family, the "Courthouse Gang," thank you for your dedication and service to the citizens of Augusta County! I thank God for being blessed to be able to serve.
Staff News
Three of the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Staff just recently received their official framed Master Deputy Circuit Court Clerk certificates. Lisa Eye, Deputy Clerk; Sandy Harris, Deputy Clerk, and Rachel Morgan, Senior Deputy Clerk, all received this important professional designation this year. Congratulations to them once again!
Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Seeking Spring 2024 Semester Interns
The Clerk’s Office is once again seeking high school and college students who wish to serve as interns. The Clerk’s Office will provide internship and mentorship opportunities during the Spring Semester to students who are interested in Virginia Government, the Virginia Judicial System, or the law.
The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is very pleased to offer this special educational opportunity for young people in Augusta County for the fourth Spring Semester,” Landes said. “The internships allow young people to see first-hand the work of the Circuit Court and the Clerk’s Office.
Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Provides Citizens With New Property Notification Service
The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is partnering with Logan Systems, Inc., to provide a new free property notification service for citizens who wish to track when documents are recorded related to their property. Logan Systems is the Augusta County Clerk’s Office land record vendor.
The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is excited to provide Augusta County citizens a free service to track any activity for documents recorded related to their property,” Landes said. “This will provide many citizens with the peace of mind, and also receive information so they can see what activity may occur related to their property.
Donate Today
The Augusta County Court House Historic Records Fund, established by the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, will contribute to the preservation and conservation of some of the most significant historic records in Augusta County dating back to 1745.
The Clerk’s Offices throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia possess a wealth of historic records. These historic records require constant protection and preservation work to ensure these artifacts remain in existence for future generations.
Virtual Photograph Tour
This is our continuing Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Thes are pages from Survey Book 1 (1744-1762) that showcase surveys made by Surveyor Thomas Lewis for property owned by William Beverley and James Patton and include prominent landmarks that include the James River and Roanoke River.
Clerk of Court Contact Information
Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.
The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk
Augusta County Circuit Court
540-245-5321 Ext. 100
Landes Letter: October 2023 Edition
Friends,
I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office including my Re-Election Bid and staff news.
I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.
My Re-Election Bid
I am grateful and honored to have the confidence of the people of Augusta County. I look forward to continuing to campaign for re-election as Clerk of Circuit Court and to continue to discuss the new goals we hope to accomplish for the citizens in the Clerk’s Office.
If you want a Yard Sign, or any other of our Republican Candidates Yard Signs email me your address at [email protected], and we will get them to you. Thank you for your support!
Read the Press Release Here
Sign Up To Volunteer
Contribute to My Re-Election Campaign
Staff News
Whitney Rhodes, Historic Records Clerk, was awarded the 3rd Quarter Clerk's Light Bulb Award for Bright Suggestions. Whitney created and developed our Historic Records Research and Information Rack Card for the public.
Two staff members recently received their designation as Master Deputy Clerks for professional achievement. Deputy Clerk Lisa A. Eye, and Deputy Clerk Nancy B. Hevener both achieved the Virginia Court Clerks’ Association (VCCA) Master Deputy Circuit Court Clerk certification.
Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Loans Historic Documents For Frontier Culture Museum Exhibit
The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office has loaned two important historic land record documents to the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia for the ‘E Pluribus Unum’ exhibit, which explores how maps were not just used for geographical records, but also as tools for politics and diplomacy. The redrawn 1807 Benjamin Borden Patent, and the 1749 Thomas Lewis Staunton Town Plat were loaned for the exhibit which opened last Friday and will run until March 31 in the Museum’s Visitor Center.
Read Press Release Here
Donate Today
Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.
If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.
P.O Box 12
Verona, VA 24482
Donate Here
Virtual Photograph Tour
This is our continuing Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. This is the document describing the construction of the 1773 Augusta County Jail. It refers to strong oak planks for the floors, “the walls to be grouted and arched and leveled with…cement,” as well as building separate “dungeons” for male and female criminals. The plan also includes a plan for the jailor to live in the front part of the building.
Clerk of Court Contact Information
Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.
The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk
Augusta County Circuit Court
540-245-5321 Ext. 100
Augusta County Website
Sincerely, |
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STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County |
The Landes Letter - September 2023 Edition
Friends,
I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office including my Re-Election Bid, provide details on early voting in Virginia, and our search for Fall 2023 interns.
I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.
My Re-Election Bid
I am grateful and honored to have the confidence of the people of Augusta County. I look forward to continuing to campaign for re-election as Clerk of Circuit Court and to continue to discuss the new goals we hope to accomplish for the citizens in the Clerk’s Office.
If you want a Yard Sign, or any other of our Republican Candidates Yard Signs email me your address at [email protected], and we will get them to you. Thank you for your support!
Read the Press Release Here
Sign Up To Volunteer
Contribute to My Re-Election Campaign
Virginia Early Voting
Remember you can begin to vote early on September 22, at the Augusta County Government Center in Verona in the South Board Room from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. -5 p.m. Monday - Friday. I respectfully ask for your vote!
Learn More Here
Donate Today
Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.
If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.
P.O Box 12
Verona, VA 24482
Donate Here
Virtual Photograph Tour
These are two documents our Historic Records Volunteers recently located from the Confederate States of America Government's request for enslaved individuals to work on fortifications within Virginia from December 1864.
Clerk of Court Contact Information
Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.
The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk
Augusta County Circuit Court
540-245-5321 Ext. 100
Augusta County Website
Sincerely, |
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STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County |
The Landes Letter - August 2023 Edition
Friends,
I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office including my Re-Election Bid, staff news, and our search for Fall 2023 interns.
I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.
My Re-Election Bid
I am grateful and honored to have the confidence of the people of Augusta County. I look forward to continuing to campaign for re-election as Clerk of Circuit Court and to continue to discuss the new goals we hope to accomplish for the citizens in the Clerk’s Office.
If you want a Yard Sign, or any other of our Republican Candidates Yard Signs email me your address at [email protected], and we will get them to you. Thank you for your support!
Read the Press Release Here
Sign Up To Volunteer
Contribute to My Re-Election Campaign
Augusta County Clerk Receives Historc Records Recently Restored
The Clerk's Office was notified this week that the Office received back eight recently restored historic records. The records were restored due to a $47,687 Circuit Court Records Preservation grant to restore the eight important historic records. The documents include deed books from 1761 to 1878.
Read the Press Release Here
Staff News
Rebecca L. Kimble has been promoted to Senior Deputy Clerk for the Land Record and Probate Divisions. Mrs. Kimble will be supervising both Divisions which include three Deputy Clerks and a part-time Records Clerk.
Read the Press Release Here
I had the privilege of administering the Oaths to our most recent staff members to join the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office staff - Deputy Clerk Grace McNeal and Deputy Clerk Hannah Davis. Congratulations ladies, and welcome to our team!
Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Seeking Fall 2023 Interns
The Clerk’s Office is once again seeking high school and college students who wish to serve as interns. The Clerk’s Office will provide internship and mentorship opportunities during the Fall Semester to students who are interested in Virginia Government, the Virginia Judicial System, or the law.
Apply Here
Donate Today
Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.
If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.
P.O Box 12
Verona, VA 24482
Donate Here
Virtual Photograph Tour
These are documents that were recently discovered from 1894 that show the plans for the extension of an arch for Lewis Creek in Staunton.
Clerk of Court Contact Information
Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.
The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk
Augusta County Circuit Court
540-245-5321 Ext. 100
Augusta County Website
Sincerely, |
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STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County |
The Landes Letter - July 2023 Edition
Friends,
I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office including my Re-Election Bid, our recent audit results, staff news, and our search for Fall 2023 interns.
I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.
My Re-Election Bid
I am grateful and honored to have the confidence of the people of Augusta County. I look forward to continuing to campaign for re-election as Clerk of Circuit Court and to continue to discuss the new goals we hope to accomplish for the citizens in the Clerk’s Office.
Read the Press Release Here
Sign Up To Volunteer
Contribute to My Re-Election Campaign
Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Receives Third Clean Audit
The Clerk’s Office recently received notification from the Auditor of Public Accounts (APA) that the office achieved a clean audit report from a recently completed state audit of the office’s accounting and finance records. This is the third clean audit report the Clerk’s Office has received during Landes’ tenure as Clerk of Circuit Court.
The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is proud to have received notice of our third consecutive clean audit report from the Auditor of Public Accounts. This report provides clear evidence of the hard work by our entire Clerk’s Staff to properly account for the funds we receive, and disbursements made each day. I want to give a special thanks to Chief Deputy Clerk - Accountant Gina Coffey, and Deputy Clerk-Bookkeeper Sheila Price.
Read the Press Release Here
Staff News
Rachel L. Morgan has been promoted to Senior Deputy Clerk for the newly reorganized Criminal Division. In addition, Esther I. McDaniel, Hannah E. Davis, and Grace A. McNeal recently joined the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office as Deputy Clerks for the Criminal Division.
Read the Press Release Here
Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Seeking Fall 2023 Interns
The Clerk’s Office is once again seeking high school and college students who wish to serve as interns. The Clerk’s Office will provide internship and mentorship opportunities during the Fall Semester to students who are interested in Virginia Government, the Virginia Judicial System, or the law.
Apply Here
Donate Today
Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.
If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.
P.O Box 12
Verona, VA 24482
Donate Here
Virtual Photograph Tour
This is the 1884 Map of Staunton by well-known Cartographer Jedediah Hotchkiss, which was recently found among our extensive historic records.
Clerk of Court Contact Information
Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.
The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk
Augusta County Circuit Court
540-245-5321 Ext. 100
Augusta County Website
Sincerely, |
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STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County |
The Landes Letter - June 2023 Edition
Friends,
I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office, including my Re-Election Bid and introducing our summer intern.
My Re-Election Bid
I was the only candidate who filed to run for Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court. The deadline to file as a candidate for the November Election was Tuesday, June 20, by 7:00 p.m.
I am grateful and honored to have the confidence of the people of Augusta County. I look forward to continuing to campaign for re-election as Clerk of Circuit Court and to continue to discuss the new goals we hope to accomplish for the citizens in the Clerk’s Office.
Read the Press Release Here
Sign Up To Volunteer
Contribute to My Re-Election Campaign
Augusta County Clerk’s Office Announces Summer Intern
Emily Kegley has been named Clerk’s Intern for the Summer. Ms. Kegley is the sixteenth student to be selected for the Clerk’s Office Internship Program.
Ms. Kegley is a rising Sophomore at Christopher Newport University (CNU) pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business. She is in the CNU Honors Program and participating in the President’s Leadership Program. Ms. Kegley lives in Greenville with her family.
Read the Press Release Here
Donate Today
Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.
If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.
P.O Box 12
Verona, VA 24482
Donate Here
Clerk of Court Contact Information
Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.
The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk
Augusta County Circuit Court
540-245-5321 Ext. 100
Augusta County Website
Sincerely, |
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STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County |
The Landes Letter - May 2023 Edition
Friends,
I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office, including my Re-Election Bid, Clerk's Office open positions, and staff news.
My Re-Election Bid
If re-elected in November by the citizens of Augusta County it is my intention to pursue 14 goals and investigate and implement these objectives, if possible. Once again my goals will include: Innovating and Working for All the citizens of Augusta County, Preserving and Promoting History of Augusta County, and Seeking Input and Advice from the citizens of Augusta County.
Read The Press Release Here
Sign Up To Volunteer
Contribute to My Re-Election Campaign
Deputy Clerk - Criminal Division
Join a great hard working and dedicated team. We now have two Deputy Clerk positions for our Criminal Division to fill.
Apply Here
Staff News
We had our Clerk's Staff Meeting where I presented Deputy Clerk Rachel Morgan with the Clerk's Light Bulb for her idea for staff to utilize standing desks.
Donate Today
Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.
If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.
P.O Box 12
Verona, VA 24482
Donate Here
Clerk of Court Contact Information
Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.
The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk
Augusta County Circuit Court
540-245-5321 Ext. 100
Augusta County Website
Sincerely, |
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STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County |