News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 27, 2026
Local News
Charles City man convicted on attempted arson, felony obstruction charges
A Charles City man who attempted to set a home on fire received guilty verdicts on two charges during Friday morning proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court. Brent Edward Tanner, 47, formerly of the 18000 block of The Glebe Lane, was found guilty on one charge each of attempted arson of a dwelling usually occupied and felony obstruction of justice during the contested trial. One charge of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon was dismissed. On March 26, Tanner was bailed out of Henrico Jail East and picked up by Timothy English. The duo made a couple of…
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Strangulation charge dismissed against Providence Forge man
A Providence Forge man had a charge of strangulation dismissed after a contested trial Monday afternoon in New Kent Circuit Court. John Vern Davis, 65, of the 9400 block of Old Forge Road, was found not guilty on the one felony charge. On. Sept. 9, 2017, Davis and the alleged victim were in his home and enjoying hamburgers. The alleged victim went to a recreation room and Davis, who had been drinking, entered the room and begin using a threatening tone, insinuating an argument. After Davis hurled wine glasses and a lamp at the alleged victim, they left the room…
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Charles City supervisors weigh-in on early talks of five-man board
Leadership for Charles City has consisted of a three-man board of supervisors. But a comment made at the June meeting prompted a call for feedback at Tuesday night’s meeting. Charles City resident Kevin Sullivan used last month’s citizen comment period. During that time, Sullivan said that the county was one of very few in the state of Virginia that consisted of a three-man board. He reiterated those comments at Tuesday night’s meeting. Word of Sullivan’s comments made their rounds in the county, with a few citizens calling up their respective county representatives to weigh in their opinion. Supervisors elected to…
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Midlothian man cleared of construction fraud charges in New Kent
A Midlothian man had five charges dismissed after a two-day contested trial in New Kent Circuit Court. James William Arehart, 39, of the 400 block of Coalfield Road, was found not guilty on three charges of failing to pay subcontractors, and one charge each of construction fraud (advance pay, no construction) and embezzlement. In August 2015, Karyn Victory entered into a contract with Arehart, who operated under J.A. Custom Builders, to build a house. Work begin in late November of that year but progressed slowly. While construction was occurring, Victory begin to work with her financial supplier, TowneBank, to disperse…
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Talleysville fire station gets go ahead to build after supervisors approve contract
Construction for a new fire station in the Talleysville area of New Kent is a full go after county leaders approved a contract Monday night at the board of supervisors meeting. Supervisors voted 5-0 to approve entering into a contract with Henderson, Inc. in the amount of $2,518,692 for a new fire station. The facility will be located at 7324 Vineyards Parkway, adjacent to the New Kent County Visitor Center. Plans for the new station gained steam in Nov. 2016 after New Kent Fire Chief Rick Opett came to the board for the need due to the county’s exponential growth….
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North Waterside Drive closing for pipe replacement
North Waterside Drive (Route 627) in New Kent will be closed from July 30-Aug. 3. Weather permitting, the road will be closed at Pond Creek for pipe replacement. Motorists will experience a five-mile detour and should plan accordingly.
Benjamin Harrison Bridge closing overnight for washing, cleaning
Motorists who use the Benjamin Harrison Bridge that connects Charles City and Prince George County will need to use an alternate route during nightly travels in the upcoming week. Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced the closing of the bridge from 7 p.m.-5 a.m. beginning Monday, July 30 and concluding Saturday, Aug. 4 for high pressure washing and cleaning of the bridge. Drivers traveling to the Hopewell/Prince George area are to travel via Route 5 westbound (John Tyler Memorial Highway) to Interstate 295 southbound in Henrico, while drivers traveling from Hopewell/Prince George are to use Route 10 west and…
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Benjamin Harrison Bridge to have alternating lane closures July 23-28
The Benjamin Harrison Bridge that connects Charles City and Prince George County will be undergoing lane closures from July 23-28. Flaggers will begin directing traffic as part of alternating lane closures from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. beginning Monday, July 23 and will conclude on Saturday, July 28. The alternating lane closures will continue as the bridge undergoes an inspection. Delays are expected to last around 20 minutes. Motorists are advised to plan for the extra time or seek an alternative route.
Alleged robbers indicted by New Kent grand jury
Two men connected to an alleged robbery were indicted by a New Kent grand jury during Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. Ryan Anthony Schutz, 19, of the 5300 block of Hemlock Road, Quinton, and Dev’ron Lemar Cowles, 21, of the 5700 block of Centerville Road, Williamsburg, were each indicted in connection to alleged offenses that took place between Apr. 8-18 of this year. Both men were each indicted on two counts of robbery where they alleged robbed the residence of Brock Richards. Schutz, however, was slammed with additional allegations. In addition to robbery, he was indicted on…
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Curtis Security Group withdraws CUP for tactical training facility in Barhamsville
A request for a conditional use permit (CUP) for a tactical training facility in New Kent has been withdrawn from consideration. Curtis Security Group had proposed the facility for Barhamsville. Late Friday afternoon, representatives for the group sent an email to New Kent County Planning Director Kelli Le Duc. The conditional use permit was scheduled to go to public hearing on Monday (July 16). With an expected turnout that was going to exceed capacity of the normal meeting room in New Kent’s Government and Administration Building, New Kent’s Planning Commission had changed the location of the meeting to New Kent…
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