News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 5, 2025
Local News
New Jersey woman accepts plea agreement for Interstate 64 driving incident
A New Jersey woman accepted a plea agreement during Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court stemming from an incident on Interstate 64. Georgianna Donaldson, 39, of the 600 block of Lyons Avenue, Irvington, entered guilty pleas to one count each of felony child endangerment and misdemeanor reckless driving. Two counts of felony child endangerment were dropped as a part of the agreement. In a summary of evidence, Donaldson was operating a vehicle on Interstate 64, traveling at 106 miles per hour before an officer initiated a traffic stop. The officer noticed children occupying the vehicle after stopping Donaldson,…
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New fire station plans to get revamp in New Kent
Sometimes when a project has to move forward, it has to take a couple of steps back. That’s the route New Kent supervisors elected to go when appropriating $126,000 into what is considered as a revamp to a proposed fire station in the Talleysville area of the county. County leaders have remained steadfast on a $2.2 million price tag for the new station. However, an update provided by fire chief Rick Opett and Evans Construction president Chase Evans last month revealed a figure nearing $2.5 million. While minor adjustments and recommendations were made in dialogue among the parties, county administrator…
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Amtrak train stuck on rails in Charles City
Eighty-four passengers who were on an Amtrak train heading to Newport News had their ride come to a halt in Charles City. Sources have told the Chronicle that shortly after 11 a.m. on June 27, the Amtrak train came to a halt after having technical issues. Track debris is being blamed for the malfunction. The train’s failure has caused part of Route 106 (Roxbury Road) to be closed. Traffic is using Route 609 (Barnetts Road) as a detour.)
Charles City dangerous intersection revamp to begin on June 26
The intersection of Lott Cary Road and Barnetts Road will undergo construction beginning June 26. The project, announced in November 2014, was set out to make the interchange safer. The crossroads has seen more than 25 accidents over the last 40 years. Delays and closures of both roads are expected as the new realignment begins. The project is estimated at $2.28 million. No timetable for completion has been announced. You can read the original 2014 story by clicking here.
Forge new paths, cherish old ones New Kent grads instructed
As New Kent High School’s Class of 2017 sat together inside of VCU’s Siegel Center Friday night, the 223 graduates received messages that focused on forging new paths in life and remember the ones they had already taken. Family and friends joined in the celebration as high school principal Christopher Valdrighi approached the podium to speak to the outgoing senior class. “Today we celebrate your hard work and perseverance,” he said. “You have achieved this goal to earn your diploma. “To the parents, family, and friends in attendance, you have been the support team of this senior group,” Valdrighi continued….
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New Kent High School Class of 2017 Valedictorian- Vivian Sanchez
Vivian Sanchez posted a grade-point average of 4.5 as valedictorian for New Kent High School’s Class of 2017. She was a member of the BETA club, Virginia Green Team, Quiz Bowl, and participated on the high school’s tennis team. Vivian will be attending John Hopkins University and plans to double-major in computer science and biomedical engineering. She is the daughter of Martin Sanchez and Hui Min Mao.
New Kent High School Class of 2017 Salutatorian- Madelyn Shiflett
Madelyn Shiflett is salutatorian of New Kent High School’s Class of 2017 with a grade-point average of 4.4. She was a member of the BETA club, Eternity Club, FCA, and also ran on the cross-country track team. Madelyn plans to attend the University of Mary Washington and pursue her studies in history with a minor in museum studies. She is the daughter of Stacy and Tricia Shiflett.
New Kent High School Class of 2017 scholarships and awards
Lucy Adamson- Farm Credit William R. Davis Sr. Memorial Endowment, Louise Miller Clopton and William Boy Clopton Memorial, Sarah Lindsey Gupta Charitable Foundation. Michael Amadeo- New Bridge Baptist Church, New Kent High School Principal’s, New Kent Junior Women’s Club, Sarah Lindsey Gupta Charitable Foundation, Shenandoah University Academic. Tyler Anthony- New Kent Chamber of Commerce Educational. Hayley Ashford- Allstate VHSL Andrew Mullins Courageous Achievement, Bottom of the bridge LaSertoma, Charles City-New Kent Retired Teachers Association, Charles E. Carlton Business, Chris Clark Memorial Art, Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans State Scholar, Proclaiming Grace Outreach Jenna Grace King Memorial, Martha Dandridge Women’s…
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New Kent High School Class of 2017
Lucy Anne Adamson Alan Grenfell Alcock III Talon Woodrow Wilson Buckle Kahuhipa O’Kalani Almeida Michael Anthony Amadeo Aliyah Ames Renee Hope Anderson Tyler James Anthony Hayley Elizabeth Ashford Charles Thomas Atkinson Jacob Ryan Atkinson Emily Ashley Bagga Cole Thomas Baldwin Rachelle Marie Barker Johnathan Bryant Batkins Taylor Shay Baumgardner Christopher Cole Beach Jequan Todd Beaulieu Chazz Demecci Beaver Michael Douglas Vehney Aaliyah Sheree Bell William Jay Bellamy Josue Adiran Benitez Jazmine Rayne Berry Loran Michelle Blackmon Bobby Ray Boggs III Sherese LaKailin Bonner William Tyler Bradby Nathan Ryan Brady Jada Sherrell Brandon Jenna Renee Brinkley Bryan Austin Brooks Savanna Jo…
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Petty named new Charles City High School principal
Marcus Petty Sr. has been named as the new principal of Charles City High School effective July 1. Petty’s appointment comes after the resignation of Panagiotis Tsigaridas who held the position for two years. Petty served as assistant principal for the high school last year and has spent time in an administrative position at L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield County.
