News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | September 7, 2026
Community
Letter to the Editor: Are our taxes being used adequately at the local level?
Supreme Court Justice Olive Wnedel Homes wrote in 1927, “Taxes are what we pay for a civilized society,” when he dissented his opinion in the court case of Capmania General de Tabacos de Filipinas vs. the Internal Revenue Service. Most people paid local taxes in December in the form of personal property and real estate taxes. We also pay a sales tax, meals tax, business tax, gas tax, and a host of other taxes. Most of us will work to pay our federal taxes that are due on Apr. 15 and state taxes due on May 1. My wife and…
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Letter to the Editor: Thanks New Kent superintendent for efforts to get vaccinations
I just wanted to thank Dr. Brian Nichols for his tireless efforts to get all New Kent County Public School employees vaccinated. New Kent County Public Schools is way ahead of other districts in the who vaccination process and I know this is in large part due to him pushing to make it happen. I was very impressed with how smoothly the whole process went. It was obvious that a lot of time and effort went into planning it to make it as seamless as possible. Dr. Nichols’ concern for the safety and well-being of his employees is both evident…
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Editorial: Student-athletes are proving that rules can be followed
When we look at the last year or so of this virus, one thing that we tend to forget about are the young adults and kids in our school systems. We must understand that for them, especially for the athletes, what they are doing to have the opportunity to play games is amazing. It almost feels like it is taken for granted at times when the virus first hit. Sports were completely shut down in Virginia. We understand that other states did things differently, especially when it came to playing football. That is a sport that serves as a moneymaker…
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Letter to the Editor: Says it’s time for New Kent students to return to buildings
As a school board member, the question I am asked the most is, “When are schools going to open for in-person learning for all students?” This question has not left my mind for the past 10 months. I believe we received some good news recently and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The governor moved teachers and other school employees up in vaccine priority so that in-person learning could occur as soon as possible. On Jan. 23, all teachers and staff that work in New Kent County Public Schools had the opportunity to receive the first…
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New Kent schools’ meal distribution times changing on Feb. 1
New Kent Public Schools ‘Grab and Go’ meals will have a change in its schedule beginning Feb. 1. Meals will be available for pick-up at George Watkins Elementary school each Tuesday from 8-10 a.m. or 3-5 p.m. beginning Feb. 1. Meals will also be distributed at New Kent Middle School every Tuesday from 8-10 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays will no longer be a pick-up day for meals. Meals will be available to all New Kent County Public School students until the end of June. If you have any questions or unavailable to pick up meals, contact Leslie Smith at…
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Brown earns Dean’s List accolades at Tufts University
Jason Brown, the 2019 valedictorian of Charles City County High School, has been named to the Dean’s List at Tufts University for the Fall 2020 semester. In order to be recognized with the honor, a student must accumulate a grade-point average of 3.4 or higher while taking at least 12 credit hours of courses.
Locals named to College of William and Mary’s Dean’s List for Fall 2020 semester
Three local students were named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester at the College of William and Mary. Abbey Coutu of Quinton, Augustine Gilbride of Providence Forge, and Asia Prentiss of Charles City were each recognized for their achievement. In order to be named to the Dean’s List at the College of William and Mary, a student must be taking at least 12 credit hours and earn a Quality Point Average of 3.6 or higher for the semester.
Martha Dandrige Woman’s Club closes doors after 84 years
The Martha Dandridge’s Woman’s Club in New Kent has decided to end its membership after 84 years of existence. Named after the first First Lady of the United States, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington), the club was formed in 1936 as a way to show responsibility of characteristics of their namesake. Those characteristics include helping families and community members, as well as bettering education. The club conducted events such as immunization clinics, taught crafts, held various fundraisers such as bake sales and fashion shows, and used the funds raised to create scholarships for New Kent High School seniors. Approximately 80 women…
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Two earn academic honors at Shenandoah University
Two local students have achieved Dean’s List honors from Shenandoah University. James Brooks of New Kent, and Colette Girouard, of Quinton, both were named with the honor for the Fall 2020 semester. In order to be named to the Dean’s List, a student must accumulate a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher while completing at least 12 semester hours of classes.
Editorial: What took place at the U.S. Capitol was despicable
This is not a political editorial. This is a statement. The actions that took place in Washington D.C. were despicable. It is an embarrassment to our country and it’s an embarrassment to the people of the United States. But let me touch on a few more topics. This isn’t about a political party. This isn’t about who is right or wrong. It’s about a group of individuals who were upset about the results of an election and decided to make the decision to infiltrate the United States Capitol. While these individuals celebrate their actions and achievements with photos and comments,…
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