News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | April 2, 2026
Local News
Christopher K. Peace- Candidate for 97th District House of Delegates
Experience- Has served for last ten years in Virginia General Assembly. Served as vice-chairman of the Committee of General Laws, help write state budget, and is a ranking member on significant health reforms. Reason for Running- “Virginia needs leaders who support smaller government and lead with principle, honesty, hard work, and experience. As New Kent’s state delegate, I have remained true to these principles; this fall I am asking voters for the privilege to continue to lead our district.” Why should people vote for you?- “For ten years I have proudly represented all of New Kent. There are many highlights…
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Charles Gardner- New Kent candidate for Sheriff
Experience- Has 25 years in law enforcement field, with 21 years in New Kent. Military police background and Vietnam veteran; currently supervises courts, school resource officer and animal control. Reason for running- “I feel that I have something to bring to New Kent. I have the qualifications and background to serve citizens and save taxpayers money through my restructuring plan.” Why should people vote for you?- “I’m a good, honest, and fair person and that’s the way I’ve always been. I will treat everyone the same and create a good, working relationship between the sheriff’s office and the community.”
Beth D. Gregory- New Kent candidate for Circuit Court Clerk
Experience- Worked in New Kent Circuit Court Clerk’s Office from 2004-2009, including two years as chief deputy clerk. Currently works in Hudson Law Firm. Reason for running- “I’ve been asked by people to run and I enjoy the job. I work well with the sheriff’s office, judge’s office, and the general public.” Why should people vote for you?- “I know how to do the job. I provide stability and that makes a difference. I also have a great work ethic and I was born and raised in New Kent.”
Andrea Staskiel- New Kent candidate for school board, District 3
Experience- Leadership qualifications including marketing experience, undergraduate degree with concentration in management in leadership. Reason for Running- “I believe nothing is more important that the education of our youth. I believe we can always improve through high levels of communication and collaboration while maintaining a balance budget and fiscal conservatism.” Why should people vote for you?- “I would like the opportunity to represent my district as a member of the school board. I am an advocate by nature because I am person-centered yet business minded.” *Staskiel does not appear on the ballot but is running as a write-in candidate.
Amy P. Crump- New Kent candidate for Circuit Court Clerk
Experience- Worked for 18 years in New Kent Circuit Court. Spent 17 years as an assistant to former 9th Circuit Court Judge Thomas B. Hoover and since January worked in the clerk’s office as a deputy clerk. Reason for Running- “I have worked in the courthouse all my life. I want to keep it running smoothly and provide good customer service.” Why should people vote for you?- “I’ve got experience, I know the job, and I want to treat citizens friendly and respectfully when they come to the courthouse.”
Adriane Marshall- New Kent candidate for school board, District 1
Experience- Educational courses through James Madison University. Why are you running?- “It was a very important position to me. It has a lot of of decisions and responsibilities that affect the school system. I have two children in the system and I felt very strong about serving.” Why should people vote for you?- “I feel very concerned about the schools. As far as looking towards the future of the system, I am familiar with the budget and i want to help things grow in the schools.”
Overnight paving projects to occupy Interstate 64 in New Kent
Two paving projects targeted along Interstate 64 eastbound in New Kent will occupy overnight hours on the highway. On Sept. 27-Oct. 1, there will be alternating lane closures between mile markers 209 and 224 from 7 p.m.-6 a.m. On Monday, Sept. 28, the eastbound exit ramp at mile marker 205 (Bottoms Bridge) will be closed from 8:30 p.m.-7 a.m. for paving. A detour will be in place to direct motorists who had planned to use the exit. Motorists are cautioned to use alternative routes and expect delays during the overnight hours.
Missing New Kent teenager located
New Kent Sheriff’s Office has located a teenager who has been missing since late August. Alicia Marie Flores, 15, was found by authorities after they received a tip. New Kent Sheriff’s Office has not released any further information as of this time, but is expected to do so within the next few days. Alicia is expected to be reunited with her family.
North Carolina man pleads guilty to grand theft auto in Charles City
A North Carolina man who stole a car in 2011 admitted to the crime during Charles City Circuit Court on Sept. 25 Michael James McCord, 28, accepted a plea agreement to one count of grand larceny of an automobile during Friday morning proceedings. In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Tyler, on Dec. 4, 2011, Rebecca Meadows heard her truck start during the night hours. When she looked outside, she witnessed the car driving away. Charles City deputies later found the vehicle after it had crashed, discovering blood inside. A DNA analysis was run, with a match…
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Man involved in deadly I-64 accident indicted on manslaughter charge in New Kent
A North Carolina man whose tractor-trailer crashed and triggered a multi-vehicle accident that left a woman dead is among 11 individuals indicted by a New Kent grand jury during Monday morning proceedings. Ira Dean Vestal, 39, of the 5800 block of Springs Road, Conover, North Carolina, was indicted on one charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Jennifer P. Wilson and one charge of misdemeanor reckless driving. According to the indictment, Vestal was allegedly operating a tractor-trailer on Interstate 64 eastbound on March 11 when he struck a pick-up truck as traffic slowed down due to a disabled vehicle….
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