News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | April 2, 2026
Local News
Charles City School Board looks to revamp salary scale
With one of the main focuses for FY2015-16 to provide employees a raise, Charles City School Board members heard options on how to address the long-standing problem of compression during an Apr. 21 meeting. Interim finance director Sheila Minor’s presentation focused on the inconsistency of the school system’s pay scale for teachers. She said the unbalanced steps and the ability to compensate employees for years of service may be a factor why teachers choose to leave the county’s school system or not come to it at all. Minor presented an example of compression using the current scale, with three-year teachers…
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New Kent Planning Commission schedules public hearing on Bottoms Bridge Corridor Overlay District; floodplain law revisions sent to supervisors
A proposed set of regulations aimed at governing the appearance of development along main arterial highways (New Kent Highway and Pocahontas Trail) in the Bottoms Bridge area of New Kent is headed for public hearing next month before the county’s Planning Commission. Commission members, meanwhile, have forwarded proposed county law revisions pertaining to land located in floodplains to the county’s Board of Supervisors along with a recommendation to adopt the measures. Both items were addressed during the commission’s April 20 meeting. The public hearing on what is dubbed the Bottoms Bridge Corridor Overlay District is scheduled for 7 p.m. during…
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Pros, cons weighed in New Kent tennis court talks
New Kent School Board members continued to ponder solutions to address the need for new tennis courts at an Apr. 20 work session. Needless to say, the decision is becoming tougher with members hoping to have a viable choice before the next fiscal year. Superintendent of schools David Myers addressed members on two recommended options for the tennis court locations. Both options, however, have pros and cons that have impact on both current and future issues. Option one calls for the relocating the tennis courts to a field in front of the current high school. Currently, that field is used…
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New Kent Planning Commission chairman steps down
New Kent Planning Commission chairman Michael B. Lane Sr. stunned fellow commission members by announcing his resignation during the group’s Monday night meeting. Lane, who represents District 2, said his resignation is effective immediately. He has served on the commission for the past seven years. Lane told the commission he plans to relocate outside the county, probably moving to Florida in the near future, adding he would no longer be able to devote full attention to commission work. “I have very much enjoyed working with the commission,” he said. “The people here are wonderful, and I think the county is…
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Peace to campaign for new term in 97th District
Delegate Christopher K. Peace announced his intent to campaign for reelection for the 97th seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates. “With great humility, I intend to seek reelection to the office of Delegate for the 97th District in the Virginia Assembly,” Peace said in a press release. “At home, my office remains creative and responsive to all constituents concerns.” Peace has represented the district since 2006, with his representation focusing on opposing tax increases, protecting family values, and promoting job creation in Hanover, King William, and New Kent counties. “I am seeking re-election to represent the home and community that…
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Davis announces reelection bid for District 5 in New Kent
W.R. “Ray Davis” Jr. has formally announced his bid for reelection for the District 5 seat on New Kent County’s Board of Supervisors. “It is a privilege and an honor to represent the citizens of the Fifth District,” said Davis in a press release. “I greatly appreciate the trust that has been placed in me by the people of this community. “New Kent continues to face challenges and I pledge to continue to meet those challenges as well as unique issues that are faced by the people in the Fifth District,” he concluded. Davis is a full-time farmer and was…
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New Kent Middle School eighth grade trio spearheads care package project for soldiers
Taking the initiative to do something is a trait a person develops over time. But for three young ladies at New Kent Middle School, initiative has led them to orchestrate a huge project to support U.S. troops overseas, and they are seeking assistance from the community. Kylie Cargill, Shayla Forrest, and Madison Rowe, all eighth graders at the school, are spearheading a project to prepare care packages for military personnel stationed overseas. All three girls are part of the school’s Random Acts of Kindness Club. “The idea started after we watched a video in Mr. [Kenneth] Otey’s class,” said Kylie….
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Tax increase removed as Charles City supervisors approve $18.8 million budget for FY15-16
After county citizens voiced their opposition to a four-cent increase on the county’s real estate tax rate, Charles City supervisors elected to keep the rate the same in approving the FY2015-16 budget. Tuesday evening’s unanimous vote to operate the county on $18,882,493 for the next fiscal year came with two major changes in the proposal. With the first adjustment to keep the real estate tax rate at 72 cents per $100, the second major revision came as a proposal to transfer more money from a $1.5 million settlement with Waste Management to the budget to support the Capital Improvement Plan…
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Gowdy to resign as county attorney of New Kent
Michele Gowdy will be resigning as New Kent’s county attorney effective the end of April. The announcement was made during Monday night’s regular monthly meeting of the county’s board of supervisors. Gowdy has accepted a position to become the county attorney in neighboring James City County. “She has been a true asset to the county and she will be missed,” said District 5 representative Ray Davis. Gowdy served as the lead legal advisor for New Kent for the last six years. Among accomplishments include negotiations for the Historic School project and the current ongoing negotiations for the emergency communication system….
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Waterline project to cause service interruptions in Deerlake, Kentwood Farms, and Quinton Estates
Water service in the Deerlake, Kentwood Farms, and Quinton Estates areas of New Kent will have temporary service interruptions on Monday, Apr. 13. The waterline project on Route 249 (New Kent Highway) will cause the interruption in the aforementioned areas for upwards of four hours. Contractors will notify customers at least 48 hours in advance prior to the shutoff with an approximate time and date of the shutoff. Customers are advised to store water, turn off their water heater, and reschedule any chores involving water during this timeframe.
