FSA accepting nominations for Charles City committee members

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting nominations for county committee members who reside in Charles City beginning June 15. Elections will take place in Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for members who make decisions about federal farm programs and their local administration. All nomination forms for the 2020 election must be postmarked or received by the local FSA by Aug. 1.

Editorial: My advice to the Class of 2020- They don’t need any of it

Usually during this time of year, I provide an editorial to the graduating Class of 2020 with a little bit of my personal advice. This year, they don’t need any of it. Why? Because they are already prepared. Unlike any other graduating class before them, the Class of 2020 has experienced more within the last 11 weeks than many graduating classes in their 13 years of education. What started off as a typical year of instruction quickly transitioned into distance learning because of COVID-19. With may students already acquainted with technology, this offered a glimpse on how the rest of…
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Letter to the Editor: Reparations for George Floyd should build new schools

I am white and 68 years old. I am a nurse. This is what I know. George Floyd lies face down with a knee pressing into his neck. It’s the knee of a white law enforcement officer abusing his badge. In my mind I kneel at Mr. Floyds’ shoulder. Powerless to lift that knee of oppression from his neck, I focus instead on what he is saying just before he expires. “Please, I can’t breathe. Everything hurts.” As a nursing student in my hometown of Philadelphia in 1970, I first worked the men’s wards, populated by men of color, often…
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Chickahominy Fall Festival cancelled for 2020

The Chickahominy Indian Tribe’s Fall Festival and Pow-Wow has been cancelled for 2020. “This was a very difficult decision and one we didn’t make lightly,” said Second Assistant Chief Reggie Stewart in a press release. “For many Natives, the annual Pow-Wow is a homecoming of sorts and the highlight of each year.” “We understand the sadness, disappointment, and even frustration that comes along with our decision to cancel,” commented Chickahominy Tribe Chief Stephen Adkins. “In good conscience, we could not host such a large-scale event that might put the health and safety of our volunteers, visitors, and guests as risk.”…
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New Kent seniors receive Arts Alive scholarships

Three New Kent High School seniors of recipients of scholarships from Arts Alive Incorporated. Megan Bowles and Rafael Waters will receive the C. Herbert Brown Jr. Performing Arts Scholarship. Bowles received the performance-based scholarship and plans to attend Longwood University and pursue theatre education. Waters received the music-based scholarship and pursue a career in music through studies at Berklee College of Music. Annabelle Brame is a recipient of the Andy Conklin Visual Arts Scholarship. She will be attend the University of Delaware and plans to major in fashion design and product innovation.

Heritage Public Library launches Summer Reading Program

Heritage Public Library launched its annual Summer Reading Program on June 1. The program will run until Aug. 15 and allow readers a chance for a grand prize at the conclusion of the event. Game sheets can be picked up curbside during pick-up hours and should be returned at the conclusion of the event. For more information, visit www.heritagepubliclibrary.org.

Heritage Public Library receives $15,000 grant for health materials

Heritage Public Library was named the recipient of a National Library of Medicine Grant for $15,000 for a project called “Heritage Public Library Health Outreach and Training.” The grant will allow the library to offer classes to the public on how to find and evaluate online consumer health information. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to extend our outreach to community groups and vastly expand community access to reliable online health information,” said Jan Marry, adult programming library. “We thank the National Library of Medicine for this chance.” Heritage Public Library Director Chandra McPherson added that additional medical and health…
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New Kent Public Schools ‘Teachers of the Year’

Editorial: It’s time to make that turn to become a better society

The death of George Floyd has launched a campaign that has been long brewing in our society. The oppression of minorities, whether it’s African Americans, Latinos, Indigenous People, Women, or any other that fall into this category, has been the unfortunate basis of the founding of the United States. The past week has been filled with sadness and dismay as Floyd lost his life in an act of violence that was completely unwarranted. From there, peaceful protests in response to Floyd’s death were infiltrated by individuals and groups of people looking to use the Black Lives Matter as a cover-up…
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2020 New Kent County Fair cancelled

New Kent County Fair Association announced that it has cancelled its 2020 rendition of the county fair. “The New Kent County Fair Association met via Zoon on May 28 and made the decision that the 2020 New Kent County Fair is cancelled,” said chairwoman Martha Martin in a press release. The fair was originally scheduled for Aug. 14-15. Any questions about the cancellation can be emailed to NewKentCountyFair@yahoo.com.