News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 7, 2025
Local News
Man convicted of attempted arson in Charles City Circuit Court
A Charles City man who poured gasoline down the hallway of the home he was living in has been convicted for attempted arson. Steven Ray Smith, 37, of the 5800 block of Monguy Road, received convictions on the aforementioned charge as well as a reduced misdemeanor destruction of property charge (originally felony destruction of property) during Sept. 16 proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court. One charge of threatening to burn was dismissed. Friday morning’s contested trial stemmed from a May 31 incident at the residence on Monguy Road. Captain Jayson Crawley testified that as he arrived on the scene at…
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VDOT seeks input on proposed I-64 widening in western New Kent
Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are seeking public comments for the widening of Interstate 64 that includes the westernmost portion of New Kent. The submitted proposal includes the addition of one lane in each direction on Interstate 64 from exit 200 (Interstate 295) to exit 205 (Bottoms Bridge). Comments are being accepted until Sept. 27 by VDOT’s Richmond District. Comments may be mailed to Mr. Palmer Stearns, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, Va. 23834 or via email (with the subject line “Comments on I-64 widening in Henrico and New Kent”) at palmer.stearns@vdot.virginia.gov. Phone…
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Two Providence Forge residents killed in Henrico crash
Two Providence Forge residents were killed during a Sept. 12 Monday evening accident in Henrico County. Gary Nathaniel Adkins, 24, and Jessica Breon Bradby 22, were pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 5 p.m. The accident occurred at the intersection of Willis Church Road near New Market Road (Route 5) where police say a Ford Crown Victoria the two victims were passengers in ran off the road struck a tree. The driver of the vehicle sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby medical facility. The accident remains under investigation by police to determine if speed and alcohol…
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Man accepts plea deal to drug distribution charge
A Hampton man has accepted a plea deal to a drug charge during Sept. 12 proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. Jimmar A. Payne, 23, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of misdemeanor distribution of marijuana less than one-half ounce (originally distribution of marijuana greater than one-half ounce and less than five ounces). Payne admitted that on Mar. 8, he sold the substance during an illegal transaction. Under the plea deal, he received a 12-month sentence with all time suspended, but will be placed under probation for the next five years.
Benjamin Harrison Bridge to close overnight on two separate dates
The Benjamin Harrison Bridge that connects Charles City and Prince George County will be closed on two separate days as part of the ongoing elevator replacement in the span. The first closure will take place starting Tuesday, Sept. 13, 8 p.m. with the bridge scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 6 a.m. A second closing will take place on Monday, Sept. 19, 8 p.m. and reopen Tuesday, Sept. 20, 6 a.m. Alternating lane closures will remain in effect on the bridge from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. As alternative routes, those traveling to Surry County/Hampton Roads area can…
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Preliminary enrollment numbers reveal an additional 100 students more than expected in New Kent
New Kent public schools announced preliminary enrollment numbers during its Sept. 8 regular meeting. Figures for all four schools exceeded ADM (average daily member) projections. The schools had budgeted for 3,000 students for the FY2016-17 cycle, but currently hold an enrollment of 3,125 (excluding 48 students at the preschool level). George Watkins Elementary continues to grow at a startling rate. Superintendent of schools David Myers commented that while predicted numbers tabbed the school to hold 676 pupils, approximately 709 entered the doors as of day two. New Kent Elementary school also seen an increase with a mark of 710. New…
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New Kent supervisor fed up with latest delay in roundabout construction
As Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) representative Bruce Puffenbarger gave his month report at New Kent’s Board of Supervisors Sept. 7 meeting, he commented that construction to complete a roundabout at the intersection of Route 249 (New Kent Highway) and Route 612 (Airport/Tunstall Road) was moving slower than expected. That statement nearly sent District 1 representative Thomas Evelyn beyond his breaking point. Evelyn immediately interjected his comments into the conversation, speaking about the continuous frustrations about the project. “I wholeheartedly disagree with you with your statement about progress moving slowly,” said the District 1 supervisor. “I specifically drove by that…
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Two men indicted by Charles City grand jury
Two men were indicted during Tuesday morning proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court: –Gary Odell Lowe Jr., of Charles City, on one count of transport of a weapon by a convicted felon. According to the indictment, on Aug. 25, 2015, Lowe allegedly took pictures and video of him holding and shooting firearms, later posting them to social media. –Steven Ray Smith, 37, of Charles City, of one count each of arson, felony destruction of property, and threatening to burn. Smith allegedly attempted to burn down an unoccupied dwelling that did not belong to him.
VDOT projects for week of Sept. 5-11, 2016
Several VDOT (Virginia’s Department of Transportation) projects will occupy roads in New Kent during the middle of next week: -Sept. 7: Interstate 64 westbound and eastbound between mile markers 204 and 212 will have alternating lane closures from 9:30 p.m.-5:30 a.m. for pavement marking. -Sept. 7: Interstate 64 westbound between mile markers 223 and 225 will have alternating lane closures from 12 a.m.-4 a.m. for bridge work. -Sept. 8: Interstate 64 eastbound between mile marker 214 and 220 will have alternating lane closures from 12 a.m.-4 a.m. for bridge work. -Sept. 8: Good Hope Road (Rt. 627) from Stage Road…
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Hampton men accept plea deals, admit attempting to burglarize Providence Forge businesses
Two Hampton men who attempted to break into businesses in the Providence Forge area last winter both accepted plea deals during Aug. 29 afternoon proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. Edward Earl Hardy, 54, of the 600 block of Michigan Drive, Apt. J, and Garrett Michael Jones, 41, of the 300 block of Winston Drive, both entered guilty pleas to two counts of attempted burglary. One charge each of conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of burglary tools, and felony destruction of property were dropped as part of the plea agreement. In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood…
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