After more than two-and-a-half years removed from his last meeting as a member of the Louisa County Conservation Board, Sam Willson was reinstated to his previous position in February.

Willson was originally removed in the summer of 2022 by the board after being accused of malfeasance for posting comments online critical of the Louisa County Board of Supervisors. This decision was reversed through a process that began with a one-day trial in September, which found in Willson’s favor, and a motion of consideration filed by legal counsel for Louisa County’s insurance carrier was also denied. Following the finding in the fall, District 8B Court Judge Clinton Boddicker reached a decision in January that found the Supervisors acted illegally and Willson would be restored to his previous capacity to serve the remaining time lost because of the dismissal, two years and 194 days. Boddicker also determined that Willson’s attorney, Roger Huddle was entitled to roughly $14,900 of the nearly $15,700 won in the suit, for representing Willson. That amount must be paid by Louisa County within 30 days. 

The original term Willson was serving was due to end December 31st 2024, and Louisa County officials came to a consensus that he could be replaced once that deadline passed. Prior to the new year, Louisa County Attorney Adam Parsons recommended to officials that Willson not be replaced. The Conservation Board had notified the public of the likely vacancy, and had received no applications prior to their January meeting. The board also contacted previous applicants to gauge any remaining interest, and update their applications with the county if they were. After this process and conference between Parsons and Conservation Board Executive Jacob Ewart, Willson was reinstated as a member of the Board.