News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 7, 2025
Local News
New Kent Sheriff’s Office sends warning for campaign sign vandalism, theft
New Kent Sheriff’s Office is sending out a stern warning to individuals who attempt to destroy of steal political campaign signs. The sheriff’s office has received a number of calls pertaining to the destruction or theft of political signs, with an increase of the crimes during the political season. The issues affect everyone as the offense is a criminal matter. The crime is a Class 1 misdemeanor and punishable with a fine up to $2,500 and/or 12 months in jail if convicted. The latest incident occurred on Pocahontas Trail (Rt. 60) in the Toe Ink Wayside area on July 27….
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Bridge to be named in honor of former New Kent Sheriff Howard
New Kent supervisors unanimously approved a resolution to request a bridge to be named after a former New Kent County Sheriff. County leaders voted during the July 27 work session to request the Commonwealth Transportation Board to name the bridge crossing the Chickahmoniny River on Route 155 (Courthouse Road) in honor of F.W. “Wakie” Howard Jr. That location, ironically, connects with Charles City County where Howard grew up and graduated from high school. Howard served as sheriff of New Kent County for 36 years and retired at the end of 2015 after electing not to run for a 10th term….
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Recent triathlon race causes Charles City supervisor to lash out
Over the last few years, Charles City District 3 supervisor Floyd Miles Sr. has expressed displeasure over bicyclists occupying the road during events. Now, District 2 supervisor Bill Coada is echoing the sentiments after a July 10 triathlon caused the representative frustration during his travel on the highways. Coada’s monologue during the July 26 meeting of county supervisors revolved around cyclists during a triathlon that originated in James City County. The issue caused furor with the District 2 representative during his travels, something he reiterated to the public. Prior to the supervisors’ comment and directive period, Coada asked questions of…
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Charles City preps for centennial celebration of county fair
A centennial celebration will be hitting Charles City in September courtesy of the Charles City County Fair. With that 100-year mark on the horizon, citizens will have an old-fashioned feel of enjoying the event at a new venue; Charles City High School. Virginia Cooperative Extension and county fair committee member John Allison highlighted the plans and fair activities during the July 26 meeting of Charles City’s Board of Supervisors. The representative had plenty to say about his expectations for the event. “We are going to do things bigger and better,” Allison said. “We are going to need more space for…
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Lanexa man to serve no active time for receiving stolen money
A Lanexa man accepted a plea deal during July 25 morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court to accepting stolen money. Richard Gene Wray Jr., 40, of the 3200 block of Wahrani Lane, entered a guilty plea to one count of receiving stolen goods. In a summary of evidence provided by Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Randy Del Rossi, from the end of January to the middle of February of this year, Wray encouraged Olivia Ilch, who was employed at Aspen Burger, to steal money and bring it to him. The defendant admitted that he encouraged Ilch to perform the alleged crime….
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Petty tabbed as assistant principal for Charles City High School
Marcus Petty Sr. has been named as the new assistant principal of Charles City High School. Petty previously worked L.C. Bird High School in the Chesterfield County Public Schools system. He occupied the position of the Success Program administrator where his duties included working with students to improve scores, grades, and preparing them for promotions to the next grade. Under the program, Petty produced an 80-percent passing rate on the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. He has also spent time as an instructor of health and physical education. Petty earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Exercise Science from Virginia…
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Hampton men indicted on alleged break-in attempts of Providence Forge businesses
Two Hampton men who allegedly attempted to break into two businesses in Providence Forge were indicted by a New Kent grand jury Monday morning. 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, Hampton, were each indicted on two charges of attempted burglary, and one charge each of conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of burglary tools, and felony destruction of property. Last Feb. 25, New Kent Sheriff’s Office personnel were notified of suspicious activity at Forge Center in Providence Forge. The caller described the…
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Bridge deck repairs to delay traffic on Stage Road in New Kent
Motorists using Stage Road (Rt. 627) between Clark and Evergreen Roads will see delays next week. Starting on July 18 and concluding on July 22, there will be alternating lane closures from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. for bridge deck repairs on Stage Road. Drivers are advised that delays will be present or to use another route if possible.
Replacement of elevator shaft to affect traffic on Benjamin Harrison Bridge until Spring 2017
Motorists who use the Benjamin Harrison Memorial Bridge that connects Charles City and Prince George County should begin planning extra time in their commute. Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced that it will begin to replace the bridge’s elevator starting July 18. The project, estimated at a $3 million cost, will replace the spans of the aging elevator located in the structure’s lift span. Alternating lane closures are possible during both the day and overnight hours. Occasional weekend closures will also occur and there will be a 11-foot lane width restriction during operation hours. Motorists electing to use that route…
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Family searching for missing Charles City man
A Charles City County family is reaching out to surrounding communities in search of a missing member. Lance Doan, of Charles City, is currently being searched for by his family. He was last seen on July 7 in Charles City. He is in his mid-20s (25-26 years old), and stands between 5’10”-6’0″ tall. He has also served in the United States Army. He was last seen in the Sturgeon Point area of the county. If you have any information or have seen him, please contact Charles City Sheriff’s Office at (804) 829-9265 or your local authorities.
