New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | April 19, 2014

Quinton woman arrested for alleged grand larceny

A Quinton woman was taken into custody after information concerning a theft was received during a sheriff’s investigation in New Kent. On Apr. 10, New Kent Deputy Gerry Simpson arrested Samantha N. Rigdon, 20, of the 9000 block of Shewbury Drive, Quinton, on one count each of grand larceny and intent to sell stolen property. Rigdon allegedly stole jewelry from an address on Old Church Road on March 15. She was being held without bond pending an April 15 court appearance. In an unrelated situation, a Charles City man is charged with driving after being declared a habitual offender and…
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Top Stories

  • King & Queen man killed in single vehicle crash on I-64 in New Kent

    A King & Queen County man is dead after the pickup truck he was driving ran off the road on Interstate 64 in New Kent County and struck several trees early Wednesday morning. Michael J. Saunders, 45, of the 6000 block of Lewis B. Puller Memorial Hwy., Mattaponi, died at the scene, state police spokesman Sgt. Thomas Molnar said. The single vehicle accident occurred around 1 a.m. on westbound I-64 near the 214-mile marker. Saunders’ 2008 Ford F-650 ran off the left side of the road before striking trees in the median strip. The victim was not wearing a seat…
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  • Triple fatality wreck in New Kent spurs action by county’s Transportation Safety Commission

    A day after Tuesday’s car/tractor-trailer collision on a New Kent highway claimed the lives of three men, the county’s Transportation Safety Commission convened for its regular quarterly meeting. Members had plenty to talk about. Topping the agenda — the intersection at Route 155 and Kentland Trail where the fatal accident occurred. And also high on the list — the intersection where routes 249, 33, and 30 converge a few miles west of Eltham. Of concern there is the fact that VDOT has removed or discontinued road safety features that had been built in over time. District 4 Board of Supervisors…
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  • Courthouse complex among economic development plans in Charles City

    With citizens in Charles City County concerned over the lack of funding to schools thanks to a decline in revenue from Waste Management, opinions and comments float around the community about why there aren’t other streams for a consistent cash-flow into the county. That is the task at hand that county planning director Matt Rowe deals with every day. Rowe’s goal is to entice companies and businesses into Charles City. Right now, he is dealing with issues and questions on not only future businesses, but current county revenue providers. That mixture and concerns from citizens prompted Rowe to speak out…
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  • Colonial Downs, VHBPA dispute impacting New Kent’s proposed budget; supervisors to begin work on $65.2 million proposal

    Last month when county administrator Rodney Hathaway introduced a proposed $65.2 million next fiscal year budget to county supervisors, the revenue/expense structure appeared not just balanced but reasonably sound. Since then, however, the ongoing squabble between Colonial Downs and the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (see related story this issue) over the number of live racing days has escalated to the point that this summer’s thoroughbred meet at the New Kent racetrack is in serious jeopardy. And under state law, no live racing contract between the two entities means no thoroughbred wagering at Colonial Downs’ eight off-track betting sites….
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  • Valdrighi tabbed as next New Kent High School principal

    When outgoing New Kent High School principal Yvonne Jones announced her resignation effective at the conclusion of the 2013-14 school year in February, she desired her predecessor to take the high school to bigger and better things. Apparently New Kent’s school board found Jones’ wishes a few doors down the hallway. Chris Valdrighi, a current assistant principal at the high school, received the nod as the new principal for 2014-15 at New Kent High School during the school board’s regular April 7 meeting. The Mathews County native began his education career in 1989 after graduating Randolph-Macon College. Valdrighi received a…
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Featured News

  • Lady Trojan Caitlin McCaughan rips a second half shot past King William's Jasmine Foster (13) and other Cavalier defenders.Alan Chamberlain photos
  • New Kent’s Tucker Huffman lunges for a shot in the number two singles match. Huffman scored the lone game win for the Trojans against Colonial Heights.Alan Chamberlain photo
  • New Kent's Clare Morris unleashes a backhand shot on the way to winning at number one singles.Alan Chamberlain photos
  • Lady Trojan Taylor James (7) controls a pass near the sideline as Jamestown's Morgan Connell closes in.Alan Chamberlain photo
  • Nora Fuller, 7, reaches out and touches a spider crab as grandfather Sam observes as part of Virginia Living Museum’s exhibit during New Kent’s Envirothon last Saturday. More than 20 exhibits on wildlife preservation, environmental safety, and horticulture techniques highlighed the annual event.Andre' Jones photo
  • Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, Makemie Woods Camp has built a “GaGa Pit,” for the every growing, fast paced game. Combining elements of dodge ball and hand ball, participants use the walls to ricochet the ball towards other players, with the goal to avoid being hit below the knees. “This is an aerobic game,” says director Mike Burcher. “It’s intensely fun. I generally don’t like elimination games, but in this one when you “get out” it is usually a welcome rest. The public is invited to try out the game at the Summer Camp Open House on Apr. 27, 1-4 p.m.
  • New Kent Rotary Club recently honored four new Paul Harris “Fellows,” at its March 31 meeting. Pictured are (l to r) Foundation Chairman Dwight Johnson, Wayne Hayden, Club President Jackie Smith, Assistant District Governor Frank Ferrante, and Kevin Eddowes. Not pictured is new Fellow Steve Dubosky. The organization recognized individuals who contribute $1,000 or more to the Rotary Foundation for humanitarian projects by honoring and accepting individuals into the “Fellows” club.
  • New Kent Rotary Club inducted four new members into the organization at its March 31 meeting. Pictured are (l to r) Elizabeth Cave, Glenn Grambo, Jackie Smith (Club President), Ranee Clifford, and Mel Belcher. The club has been meeting in New Kent in various locations since 1995 and now has 33 members.
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  • Horses and riders clear one of the fences in the first steeplechase race at Saturday's second annual Dogwood Classic hosted by Colonial Downs in New Kent County.Alan Chamberlain photos
  • The Charles City-James City-New Kent-York County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and volunteers celebrated Agriculture Literacy Week from March 23-29 by reading to over 790 students in eight elementary schools, two libraries, and one day care center in the four counties. The women’s committee provided books entitled, “What’s In The Garden” by Marianne Berkes to the aforementioned location. Above, Margaret Ice reads to children at Charles City’s branch of Heritage Public Library.