News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 28, 2026
Local News
Charles City car accident claims life
A man is dead after a fatal accident in Charles City Wednesday evening (Apr. 4). Around 6:30 p.m. Virginia State Police and emergency personnel responded to the area of Courthouse Road (Route 155) one mile north of Green Oak Road. According to a press release from Virginia State Police, a 2006 Ford Taurus was traveling northbound when it ran off the right side of the road. The vehicle struck the ditch and then the embankment, causing it to overturn and strike a utility pole. The driver has been identified as Granton H. Adkins, 49, of Providence Forge. The crash remains…
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New Kent supervisors elect to reduce proposed tax rate by one cent
After offering budget recommendations to County Administrator Rodney Hathaway at February’s work session retreat, New Kent supervisors have elected to reduce the proposed tax rate by one cent. Wednesday morning’s discussion centered around the proposed FY2018-19 budget after county leaders offered suggestions for the upcoming cycle. While the overall budget will remain at $98,320,889 (with $64,191,500 designated for operations), options remained on the table on what to do with more than $500,000 of additional dollars after cuts and more revenue was discovered at the budget retreat. At that February meeting, additional assessments yielded $243,951, while the elimination of four proposed…
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Five phase plan centerpiece to bring paid fire and EMS to Charles City
Charles City leaders continue to heed insight and plans to bring paid fire and EMS (emergency medical services) to county citizens. On Tuesday night, a five-phase plan provided guidance to addressing the emergency needs. County Administrator Michelle Johnson presented the plan to supervisors and the public for the first time. Johnson acknowledged that implementation of the plan won’t take place overnight, but it is a step into the right direction. Phase one presents advertising an RFP for EMS to see if the county is getting the best price, including volunteer information in real estate bills to citizens, updating all mutual…
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Woman receives two years in jail for attacking tow truck driver in Charles City
A Charles City woman who attacked a tow truck driver in June 2017 will spend the next two years in jail. Carrie Faye Neal, 30, of the 6700 block of Church Lane, received formal sentencing during Mar. 23 proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court. During a contested trial last January, Duane Hardy was repossessing a vehicle belonging to Thomas Quigg, who is Neal’s fiancé. After hooking up the car, Hardy approached the door to inform Neal that he was taking the car. Neal responded by screaming obscenities and Hardy retreated to his truck. While in his truck, Hardy called Charles…
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New Kent school leaders recognized by colleagues
New Kent school leadership has been recognized for their accomplishments by their regional peers. Superintendent of Schools Dave Myers was named Region I Superintendent of the Year by his colleagues. School board chairwoman and District 5 representative Gail Hardinge was chosen as Regional School Board member of the year.
Woman selling imitation drugs to help incarcerated boyfriend hit with felony conviction
Sometimes being in love makes a person do questionable things. For a Richmond woman, her commitment to a relationship placed a felony on her criminal record. Darian Ivory McElfresh, 20, of the 2400 block of E. Franklin Street, entered a guilty plea to one count of possession of an imitation schedule I/II substance as part of a plea agreement reached Monday in New Kent Circuit Court. In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s Attorney C. Linwood Gregory, on July 6, 2017, the Twin Rivers Task Force set up a potential drug buy with McElfresh. A confidential informant exchanged texts…
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Half-dozen drivers among eight indicted by New Kent grand jury
Eight individuals were indicted by a New Kent grand jury during Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court: –Mikel William Apperson, 29, of the 14000 block of Antler Road, Fredericksburg, on a solo charge of DUI (third offense). The defendant allegedly committed the offense on Nov. 12, 2017. –Christopher Samuel Causway Jr., 20, of 21. S. Beech Avenue, Highland Springs, on one count of felony eluding of police. The alleged offense took place on Dec. 27, 2017. –Michael James Cunningham, 19, of the 400 block of Ninth Street, Virginia Beach, on a single count of possession of cocaine. The…
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Fire destroys home in Charles City
A fire engulfed a home in Charles City Monday afternoon. Flames broke out at the residence at the 8200 block of Little Elam Road in Charles City. The structure and personal items inside were destroyed. No one was hurt as a result of the fire. Charles City and Henrico Fire Departments responded to the call. Cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Farms of New Kent PUD amendment passed by supervisors 4-1
A Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendment for the Farms of New Kent that underwent nearly three years of work, negotiations, and meetings received approval from county supervisors after additional conditions and terms were agreed upon. New Kent leaders voted 4-1 to approve the submitted PUD amendment after deferring the item for 90 days back in Dec. 2017. Only District 5 representative Ray Davis voted against the approval as part of Tuesday’s regularly scheduled board meeting. At the Dec. 2017 meeting, Director of Community Development Matthew Smolnik presented the proposal that divided 2,230 acres into five land bays. The original PUD…
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Bodies of lost men recovered from James River
The bodies of two men, including a Charles City man, have been recovered from the James River. The remains of Kyle Englehart, 29, of Charles City, was located on the shores of the James River in Surry County on Mar. 9. The body of Brian Austin Savage, 20, of Henrico, was recovered on Mar. 4 in the James River in Isle of Wight. Both men disappeared on Jan. 3 in James City County as they were using a boat to get a duck blind on Jamestown Island. Virginia’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, federal, state, and local authorities combed…
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