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. I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

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 Augusta County Court Clerk's Office naturalization document for Anthony Markle from Switzerland in 1855.

   This is a summons for Henry Downs from 1751. Mr. Downs was being summoned for a civil suit brought by John Davis who was suing Mr. Downs for 4 pounds and 1 shilling.

   This document is a page from the "Colored Marriage Register 1865- 1867," showing some of the earliest legalized African American marriages soon after the Civil War.

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

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court [email protected] Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County

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 the announcement of the Clerk's Office Summer 2022 interns.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

Augusta County Clerk’s Office Announces Summer 2022 Interns

   Aaron Baughman, Blake Rodgers and Nicholas Arnold have been named Clerk’s Interns for the Summer. These three young men are the sixth group of students to be selected for the Clerk’s Office Internship Program.

   Mr. Baughman is a Senior at James Madison University majoring in Philosophy and Religion and hopes to pursue a career in the law. Mr. Rodgers is a rising Senior at Wilson Memorial High School and hopes to major in Political Science in college. Mr. Arnold is a Junior at Bridgewater College majoring in Philosophy and Religion and hopes to pursue a career in the law as well.

Photograph Caption (left to right): Nicholas Arnold, Blake Rodgers and Aaron Baughman, Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Summer Interns.

Read the Press Release Here

Staff Updates

   During our quarterly Clerk's Staff Meeting I presented the Clerk's Light Bulb Award for Bright Suggestions to Senior Deputy Clerk Suzanne Shifflett. Suzanne suggested we scan and better organize old Oaths and Orders. Our Clerk's Interns are assisting with this project. This will allow better access for staff and the public.

   I had the privilege of administering the oath of office to our newest staff member in the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Amber N. Peterson was officially sworn in as a Deputy Clerk for our Criminal Division.

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 judgement record for a case between John Hope and Casper Vought in 1751. Mr. Vought was in debt to Mr. Hope for one hundred pounds sterling - $30,000 in todays dollars.

Visit Our Online Archive Portal 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

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

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 our second clean audit and the restored voting registers the Clerk's Office received.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Receives Second Clean Audit

   The Clerk’s Office has received notification from the Auditor of Public Accounts (APA) that the office achieved a clean audit report from the recently completed state audit of the office’s accounting and finance records. This is the second clean audit report the Clerk’s Office has received during my tenure as Clerk of Circuit Court.

Read the Press Release Here

Augusta County Clerk Receives African-American Voting Registers

   The Clerk's office recently received 14 restored early Augusta County 20^th century African-American Voting Registers, which are now in one volume. The records were restored due to a grant received from the Augusta County Genealogical Society (ACGS).

   The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is grateful to have these important restored voting records back and available for researchers to see. These early African-American voter records are important documents and will allow future generations to see these original pieces of history. We again want to thank the Augusta County Genealogical Society for the donation that made this project possible.

Read the Press Release Here

Staff Updates

   This past week the Clerk's Office hosted a breakfast to thank our great Augusta County Sheriff's Office Court Security Deputies who protect and serve the citizens of Augusta County, Augusta County Circuit Court, and Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Thank you for all you do!

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

   Earlier in May, we announced that we have received the 14 Augusta County African-American Voter Registers from 1904 - 1940. These records were restored due to a donation from the Augusta County Genealogical Society. This is the cover page, and a letter of transfer for a voter from October 4, 1927.

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

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

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 updates and awards.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office Seeking Summer 2022 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 this Summer to students who are interested in Virginia Government, the Virginia Judicial System, or the law.

Apply Here

Staff Updates

   We said goodbye to Christy Wiskeman, Deputy Clerk in our Criminal Division. Christy decided to take a new post at Blue Ridge Community College and return to the field of public education. We will miss you Christy, and thank you for your service to the citizens of Augusta County.

   I had the privilege of administering to our new Deputy Clerk-Court Reporter Courtney Little her oath of office. We are happy to have Courtney joining the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office Team!

   Rachel Morgan, Deputy Clerk in our Criminal Division, received the February Clerk's Light Bulb Award. Rachel is the one who actually gave me the idea for the Clerk's Light Bulb Award, and she has worked to streamline our processes in her division, especially related to Advisements for defendants.

   Two new staff members have recently joined the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. The positions of Deputy Clerk – Court Reporter, and Deputy Clerk – Criminal Division were recently filled. We are so pleased to have Courtney Little and Amber Peterson join the staff of the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Both Courtney and Amber are filling important roles in serving the public, and I know that they will provide great service to the Citizens of Augusta County.

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

Virtual Photograph Tour

   This is a letter from the Department of Highways to Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Harry Burnett, with a Check and Receipt for $125.00 for F.W. Bell in exchange for purchase of a right of way. These are example of the documents we recently found in the Clerk's Office Safe we opened.

   These are Staunton National Bank account ledgers and cancelled checks for Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Harry Burnett from 1933 to 1935. The checks are payable to the Treasurer of Virginia for fees collected, which we still do today. These are examples of the documents we found in the Clerk's Office Safe we opened.

   This is a 1916 Lease for an office at the Courthouse for the Office of Solicitor of the U.S. Department of Agriculture between Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Harry Burnett, who also served as Commissioner of Public Buildings for Augusta County, and the USDA. Rent was $6.50 per month.

   Below is the original $5,000 bond issued by the Maryland Casualty Company to the Augusta County Board of Supervisors for a term beginning April 1, 1941. Beside it is the Continuation Certificate issued on April 1, 1943, for a cost of $25.

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

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

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 our search for a Deputy Clerk for the Criminal Division and Summer 2022 interns.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

Deputy Clerk for Criminal Division

  The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office is looking for a full-time Deputy Clerk for our Criminal Division.

Apply Here

Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office Seeking Summer 2022 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 this Summer to students who are interested in Virginia Government, the Virginia Judicial System, or the law.

Apply Here

Staff Updates

   It was my pleasure to administer the oaths to Hunter Hopkins, Deputy Clerk, and Pamela Heinrich, Records Assistant, as our newest Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office Staff Members. Congratulations Hunter and Pam, and welcome aboard the team!

   Recently Gina Coffey, our Chief Deputy Clerk, received the January Clerk's Light Bulb Award. Gina planned, and completed the transition from SunTrust to First Bank & Trust Co. for our Trust Fund accounts, including measures to simplify the process and account for these important funds. Thank you Gina!

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 reports and receipts from the Virginia Department of Finance and Division of Treasury from April 1 & 6, 1928, to Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Harry Burnett. These are example of the documents we recently found in the Clerk's Office Safe we opened.

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

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

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 the announcement of our spring semester interns.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

Augusta County Clerk's Office Announces Spring Semester 2022 Interns

   Patrick Graves and Dagon Wheeler have been named Clerk’s Interns for the Spring Semester. These two young people are the fifth set of students to be selected for the Clerk’s Office Internship Program.

   Mr. Graves is a senior at James Madison University and is majoring in Public Policy and Administration with a minor in Economics. He is from Chantilly. Ms. Wheeler is serving her second semester as an intern, and she is a senior at Fort Defiance High School. She lives in Mount Solon. 

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

Virtual Photograph Tour

   These photographs show before and after the clean up and reorganization of our Historic Records Room by members of the Staunton-Augusta County Rotary Club. A sincere thank you to each member who volunteered time to assist in this important project.

   This month we opened our Augusta County Clerk's Office Safe, and found a treasure trove of old documents. Some as old as the 1840s. We will give you an update once we learn more.

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

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

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 a major grant my office received to restore historic records, updates to our online portal, and 2021's Annual Report along with staff updates.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

Staff Updates

   Matthew Wingfield, our Historic Records Assistant, received the December Clerk's Light Bulb Award. He developed our online archive portal for our historic records, and just recently completed an updated version to make it easier for researchers and the public to access these records.

   Recently, we said good bye to Allison Coburn, Deputy Clerk - Court Reporter, who is going to work for the Virginia Department of Corrections Probation and Parole. Congratulations to you Allie. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Augusta County.

Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Announces New Staff

   Two new staff members joined the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in January. The positions of Deputy Clerk – Probate Assistant, and Records Assistant were recently filled.

   We are so pleased to have Hunter Hopkins and Pamela Heinrich join the hardworking staff of the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Both Hunter and Pamela bring extensive experience in serving the public, and I know that they will provide great service to the Citizens of Augusta County.

Read the Press Release Here

Augusta County Clerk Receives Major Grant To Restore Documents

   We are excited to announce this new and improved online archive portal for Augusta County historic records. Due to the creativity and hard work of our Historic Records Assistant Matthew Wingfield, and our Historic Records Volunteers we will now be able to digitize and make available even more significant historic records.

Read the Press Release Here

Augusta County Clerk Announces Updated Online Archive Portal

   We are excited to announce this new and improved online archive portal for Augusta County historic records. Due to the creativity and hard work of our Historic Records Assistant Matthew Wingfield, and our Historic Records Volunteers we will now be able to digitize and make available even more significant historic records.

Read the Press Release Here

Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Issues Second Annual Report 

   It is a pleasure to officially issue our second Circuit Court Clerk’s Report for 2021 to the citizens of Augusta County. None of what is reported would have been possible without the tireless efforts of the staff of the Clerk’s Office, and I want to thank all our dedicated and hardworking staff members who have accomplished so much this past year for our citizens.

   The report highlights the activities and accomplishments for the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, including the Augusta County Court House Historic Records Fund; the Historic Records Volunteer Program; the continuation of the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Advisory Committee and the Clerk’s Internship Program, and details several new improvements in the technology utilized by the Clerk’s staff to provide better and more effective service to the citizens of Augusta County.

Read the Press Release Here

Donate Today

Donate Here

Virtual Photograph Tour

   This is our continuing Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. These are the Augusta County Sheriff's Office Deputies who make up the Court Security Division. These are the Deputies who greet every citizen coming into the Courthouse, and who protect all who enter or work in the Courthouse Thank you for protecting and serving us all!

   This is our portrait of William McLaughlin (1828-1898) located in Courtroom A. Mr. McLaughlin was from Rockbridge County. He served as a Circuit Court Judge from 1870-1898, and the House of Delegates in 1869.

   This is our portrait of Richard Henry Catlett (1829-1898) the third partner of the distinguished Echols, Bell & Catlett law firm, and a prominent lawyer in Staunton. This portrait is in our Historic Courtroom A.

   This is a view of the Courthouse soon after the most recent snow. Photograph credit Judge Smith.

   This judgment originated in Augusta County between James Carter and James Cox. The judgment states that Cox is legally indebted to Carter for the amount of four pounds and fifteen shillings. The judgment was recorded in 1747.

View Our Online Portal 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

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

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 donations my office received to restore historic records along with staff updates.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

Staff Updates

   During our quarterly Clerk's Staff Meeting Julie Sheffer, Senior Deputy Clerk in our Court Division, was recognized for 10 years of service to the citizens of Augusta County, and given the November Clerk's Light Bulb Award for her idea to have a sign outside of each courtroom listing cases for that day to help attorneys and the public.

Augusta County Clerk Receives Donation to Restore Records

   The Clerk’s Office recently received a $3,416 donation from the Augusta County Genealogical Society to restore 14 early Augusta County 20th century African-American Voting Registers.

Caption From left to Right: Steve Landes, Clerk of Augusta County Circuit Court; Steve Garber, President of the Augusta County Genealogy Society, and Board Members, Leslie Hall, Sandra Jordan, Dolores Duncan, Carole Hoffman, John Sherwood and ACGS Member Clinton Davis.

Read The Press Release Here

Donate Today

Donate Here

Virtual Photograph Tour

   This is our continuing Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. This old stand alone safe is located in our Courthouse main entrance hall. It's been locked for a while, and we plan to have it opened soon to see what's inside!

   This is our Christmas Tree in the Record Room, and the Clerk's Staff with one of our Portico Christmas Wreaths. By tradition the Judge provides a tree and the Clerk provides the wreaths for Christmas!

Clerk of Court Contact Information

Augusta County Website

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 the search for Winter Semester office interns.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

Staff Updates

   This past week, Nancy Hevener, Deputy Clerk, received the Clerk's Light Bulb Award for October. Nancy pointed out the fact we had no actual signs on the Public Women's and Men's Restroom Doors to indicate which door to enter. We corrected that with new signs so it is now clear for the public which door to enter.

Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office Seeking Winter Semester Interns

   The Clerk’s Office is again seeking high school and college students who wish to serve as interns. The Clerk’s Office will provide internship opportunities for the Winter Semester beginning in January to students who are interested in Virginia Government, the Virginia Judicial System, or the law.  

Apply Here

Read the Press Release Here

Donate Today

Donate Here

Virtual Photograph Tour

   This a 1870 Map of Augusta County, which is on loan from the Rudolph Bumgardner, Jr. Family. This large map hangs in our Jury Room in the Courthouse.

   This is our portrait of United States Chief Justice John Marshall (1755-1835), which hangs behind the Judge's Bench in Courtroom A. This portrait was donated by the Citizens of Staunton and Augusta County for the fourth Courthouse in 1836.

   This is our portrait of Thomas J. Michie (1795-1873), which hangs in Courtroom A. Mr. Michie represented Augusta County in the Virginia House of Delegates, and lived in Staunton on Gospel Hill.

Clerk of Court Contact Information

Augusta County Website

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 the appointment of jury commissioners and staff updates.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

Staff Updates

   Suzanne Shifflett, the Senior Deputy Clerk in our Civil Division, received the Clerk's Light Bulb Award for September. Suzanne developed the idea of a Self-Help Resource Card we can give to those citizens who need to seek legal advice or resources. This will help those seeking an attorney or who represent themselves.

Augusta County Circuit Court Jury Commissioners Appointed

   Four Augusta County citizens have been appointed by Judge W. Chapman Goodwin, 25th Circuit, to serve as Jury Commissioners and will be reviewing next year’s potential list of qualified jurors in October. Those selected include Vickie Arnold of Swoope; Lora Dury of Mount Sidney; Edward R. Long of New Hope, and Andy Vanhook of Weyers Cave. 

Read the Press Release Here

Donate Today

Donate Here

Virtual Photograph Tour

   This the portrait of J.M. Blackburn, who was the 13th Clerk of Circuit Court for Augusta County serving from 1948-1956. This portrait is located in our Record Room of the first floor of the Courthouse.

   This is the portrait of Rudolph L. Shaver, the 14th Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk, who served from 1957-1983 - 26 years. He served as Augusta County Sheriff for over a decade before being elected Clerk. The portrait in located in our Record Room on the first floor of the Courthouse.

   This is our portrait of the 16th Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk - Carol M. Brydge. Carol was the first and only woman to be elected Clerk. She served for over 30 years in the Clerk's Office first as Deputy Clerk, Chief Deputy Clerk, and then Clerk.

   This is a map of Part of Beverly Manor in Augusta County dated November 6, 1739. This map was drawn just one year after the County's founding in 1738. This map hangs in our Historic Hallway area of the Courthouse.

Clerk of Court Contact Information

Augusta County Website