Hargrove to seek reelection

Contributed Report

Republican Frank Har grove Jr., Hanover County’s Circuit Court Clerk since 2000, has announced his intention to seek reelection.

“It has been my honor to serve the citizens of Ha nover County. My re-elec tion campaign will be based on my record over the past 23 years and my ambition to further improve clerk’s office operations,” he said.

During his current term, Hargrove sought to improve the clerk’s office in every area, but three important projects and the COVID-19 pandemic deserve special mention. In 2016, the clerk’s office moved to the new courthouse that provides appropriate storage space for the tens of thousands of files, books and boxes that make up the clerk’s office archive. To ensure success, the office inventoried and mapped to new locations the entire clerk’s office collection. COVID-19 presented unexpected challenges. Hargrove said he is proud to report that aside from one planning day, the clerk’s office remained open for business while making adjustments for health and safety concerns.

“In April 2022, the office completed a multi-year project and converted sev- eral million digital images of land and court records and the associated electronic index to a state of the art records management system. The new system guarantees efficient access to public records and will accommodate workflows expected in the foreseeable future,” he said. “Finally, we are in the final stages of implementing new jury management software that will further automate the process of assembling the master jury list and allow prospective jurors and the jury coordinator to communicate electronically.”

The clerk’s office’s success would not be possible without a team of talented, hard-working, experienced deputy clerks and our partnership with the sheriff’s department, commonwealth attorney and county government, Hargrove said. From the regular compliments he receives, he said he knows the public recognizes his deputies’ commitment to service and the benefits of an experienced team across county government.

“If re-elected, my first goal will be to maximize the potential of the new records management system,” he said. “That may require electronically indexing 19th century and 20th century land records and wills starting in 1865. When that multi-year project is completed, the change from paper indexes and books to electronic records will be largely completed. Of course, my plans do not stop there. In the coming months I look forward to receiving feedback concerning clerk’s office operations and discussing the possibilities for the future.”

Among its many duties the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is responsible for recording land records, probating wills, issuing marriage licenses and concealed handgun permits, qualifying notaries public and collecting fines and court costs.

Prior to serving as clerk, Hargrove practiced law and worked in private business. He also served on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors and the Town of Ashland Planning Commission. He lives in Ashland with his wife, Elizabeth. They have three grown children. He is a member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church and the Ashland Kiwanis Club.

Clay Spring Garden Club embraces Valentine’s Day

Contributed Report

The Clay Spring Garden Club of Ashland held their monthly meeting and celebrated Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Everyone was in a festive mood as they displayed their Valentine-themed floral designs and enjoyed the sweet treats and savory goodies supplied by members Laura Follo and Mary Wiblin.

The two floral design exhibit themes, specifically chosen for the holiday, were “Black, White and Red All Over,” a creative line mass design and “Be My Valentine,” a design using hearts. A floral design exhibit Best- in-Show award tie does not happen very often but it happened on Valentine’s Day! The two winners were Barbara Boor and Karen Fritter. They both created dazzling black, white and red designs! Dale Cannon won a horticulture BestIn-Show for her tiny, perfect crocus.