Briefly… For March 28-April 10, 2013

Former NK School Board member dies

Cynthia L. Gaines, a member of the first elected school board in New Kent County, died Sunday, March 17.

The Rev. Dr. Gaines, 61, served three terms on the New Kent board starting in 1995 when Virginia made the change from appointed to elected boards. That year, she defeated Will Wallace 579-273 in the race for the District 3 seat. She won reelection in 1999 and 2003, running unopposed both times. While in office, she served several one-year terms as the board’s chairman and vice-chairman.

In January 2007, she announced plans to retire, but changed her mind and submitted voter signature petitions just before the June filing deadline that year. Unfortunately, her petitions did not contain the required number of registered voter signatures from District 3 and she was not certified as a candidate. She embarked on a write-in campaign, only to be challenged by Leigh Quick, the current District 3 representative, who won the seat by a 206-101 margin.

Among her survivors are her husband, Frankie Gaines, two daughters, and seven grandchildren.

Kentucky suspect extradited to NK

A Kentucky man has been extradited to New Kent to stand trial for his alleged involvement in a 2012 residential burglary in the county.

New Kent authorities arrested Corky Lee Hendricks, 32, of Science Hill, Ky., on March 21, the date the suspect was returned to the county after serving time in Pulaski County, Ky. where he has been held since last June. He is charged with one count each of burglary and grand larceny in connection with a March 31, 2012 break-in at a residence on Dispatch Road in Quinton.

Evidence found at the scene implicated Hendricks, a sheriff’s report said. The suspect is being held without bond in Henrico Jail East.

NK man faces felony child neglect

A New Kent County man faces one felony charge and several misdemeanors after he apparently drove away from the scene of an accident on Interstate 64 in a vehicle with a missing tire and obvious damage.

Jason Nicholas Frey, 34, of the 6600 block of Yellow Jasmine Terrace, Providence Forge, is charged with one count each of felony child neglect and misdemeanor DUI, refusal to take a breath test, and driving without a valid license after the vehicle he was driving was stopped on Route 106.

The sheriff’s office received report around 5 p.m. on March 19 of a SUV on Route 106 riding on one tire rim and having damage on the driver’s side. Deputy Ryan Shobe stopped the vehicle near I-64 and arrested Frey. A 2½ year-old toddler was also in the vehicle. Frey is being held without bond and faces more charges from State Police in connection with the I-64 accident.

Peace seeking fifth term in 97th

Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-97th District) plans to seek reelection to the House of Delegates seat where he represents New Kent, Hanover, and King William counties.

In a press release, Peace said, “I am running for re-election to be a voice for principled conservatism that gets results for working families. Virginians deserve leadership committed to the taxpayer and respecting of individual liberties. Serving the people of the 97th District in the Virginia House of Delegates is a tremendous honor that I take very seriously.”

Peace has filed all necessary paperwork to be on the June primary ballot. He serves on the House Appropriations, General Laws, and Health, Welfare and Institutions committees.