News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | April 2, 2026
Local News
Largest marijuana bust case could head to federal court
Federal authorities could be stepping in to take over prosecution of the case involving a New Kent man caught up in what has been labeled the largest marijuana bust in county history. New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory said on Wednesday that federal authorities are considering the matter concerning Daniel Ray Norwood, who was arrested following a raid last Dec. 15 in which more than 500 marijuana plants were seized from inside his Lanexa residence. But for now, an April 7 preliminary hearing for Norwood in New Kent General District Court remains on schedule. Should the case proceed through the…
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No tax hike proposed in New Kent draft $56.7 million next year budget
New Kent’s Board of Supervisors will begin studying a proposed county budget of $56.7 million for FY2015-16. County administrator Rodney Hathaway presented his recommended figure during the board’s March 9 regular meeting. That number, however, is expected to decrease slightly after Hathaway proposed the removal of a one-cent tax increase. Hathaway’s proposed budget totals $56,712,385 for the upcoming cycle. That figure is more than $7.6 million below the county’s current $64.8 million figure. According to the county administrator, the reduced number comes as the result of funds that were expected to be borrowed through a debt issuance for renovation of…
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Burglary trio indicted in New Kent Circuit Court
Three men who allegedly burglarized homes in New Kent received multiple indictments during Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. William Lawrence Paige, 52, of the 1300 block of Burma Court, Richmond; Benjamin Potter, 37, of the 9300 block of Horsecastle Court, Glen Allen; and James Tracy Thomas, 50, of the 3300 block of Meadowbridge Road, Richmond, allegedly robbed homes from January to February of this year. According to the indictments, at least four residences were burglarized. Items stolen include jewelry, a generator, power tools, an XBOX video game system, knives, firearms, and credit cards. Paige is charged with…
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Criminal history leads to longer sentence for Windsor man in NK Circuit Court
A Windsor man who entered an Alford plea of guilty during a December trial as part of a plea agreement will spend more time incarcerated than anticipated after a review of his criminal background. Eric Wayne Gillard, 45, of the 23000 block of Andrew Court, will serve two years in jail on one count of grand larceny after receiving formal sentencing during Monday afternoon proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. In December, Gillard stipulated that evidence presented by Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory could link him to a burglary last May 26. During that trial, a New Kent deputy testified about…
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NK Planning Commission forwards favorable recommendations for CIP, land development fee increases
New Kent’s Planning Commission has favored a $1.9 million Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and land development fee increases, forwarding both recommendations to county supervisors. With no one from the public electing to speak during public hearings on either topic at Monday evening’s meeting, commissioners voted 8-0-1 on each to recommend favorable action by supervisors. County administrator Rodney Hathaway told commissioners that three modifications had been made to the CIP since the commission’s January meeting. New Kent County Airport reflects a new project titled “Disadvantage Business Enterprise Study”, which added $12,000 to the CIP (with most of the dollars supported by…
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Outcry over New Kent tennis court conditions prompts action by supervisors, school board
Outcry from the public over deteriorating conditions at New Kent High School’s tennis courts has resulted in county school board members and supervisors collaborating to find a solution sooner rather than later. Both boards commented about the matter at a March 12 retreat at New Kent Forestry Center. At the forefront is inability of the court’s structural integrity to be maintained under current conditions. At a February school board work session, superintendent of schools David Myers said the courts were in such bad shape that the high school’s tennis teams will have to play all matches at other schools this…
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‘Les Miserables’ performance to highlight 10th anniversary of New Kent High School, England’s Astor College collaboration
In 2005, a project to produce high quality, Broadway-style shows began as a partnership between New Kent High School and Astor College in England. Ten years later, that partnership is still going strong and will feature an anniversary celebration and performances of Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables” starting next October. The partnership is a collaborative effort to develop musicals featuring students from both schools in performing as well as behind-the-scenes capacities. The joint effort has proven worthwhile, as a number of New Kent students have received opportunity to travel to England for performances. The schools staged “Jesus Christ Superstar” to launch…
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Fatal accident on Interstate 64 west at West Point exit
A Newport News man is dead as the result of an accident on Interstate 64 westbound on Friday morning. Paul R. Clewis, 62, died at the scene of the accident after a 15-seat passenger bus he was driving ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree shortly after 9 a.m. on the 220 exit ramp (Route 33/West Point) westbound on Interstate 64. He was the only occupant on the bus. The exit ramp was closed for several hours, but reopened at 1:25 p.m. The result of the accident also triggered a subsequent crash involving a van…
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Kindergarten registration is April 16
One of the biggest milestones in a child’s journey is starting school and being ready to succeed. On Thursday, April 16, Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond will hold its fifth annual Regional Kindergarten Campaign. Children who are five years old by Sept. 30 can start kindergarten this upcoming fall, but needs to register. Registration will be held at Charles City Elementary School, George Watkins Elementary School, and New Kent Elementary School. In New Kent, visit www.newkentschools.org (click “For Parents) to see what elementary zone your child falls in. In Charles City, visit www.ccps.net (under parents) for more information. Registration in New…
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NKSO offers tips to prevent credit/debit card larceny, fraud
New Kent Sheriff’s Office is encouraging citizens to maintain the security of credit/debit card numbers and information due to an increase of credit/debit card larcenies and frauds throughout the nation. The following tips are encouraged by the department: -Visually inspect any card reader that you plan to use prior to inserting your credit/debit card to determine if a skimmer device may be in place on that machine. This may include a small (micro) camera and/or a reader device covering the business’ actual card reader. -If the machine appears to be in disrepair or if any parts appear to be loose…
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