News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 29, 2026
Local News
Cluster subdivision ordinance revamp to address population heads to New Kent supervisors
As New Kent’s population continues to grow at a rapid pace, an ordinance that passed during a May 2015 special joint meeting between county supervisors and the county’s planning commission has returned in an effort to divert growth to specific areas of the county in an effort to maintain New Kent’s rural culture. Director of Community Development Matthew Smolnik appeared before commissioners during the Nov. 21 Monday evening’s public hearing with a proposal to amend the classification of minor and major subdivisions and increase the minimum growth area for open space or cluster subdivisions. Currently, the county defines a minor…
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Georgia man pleads guilty to eluding police in New Kent
A Georgia man who fled Virginia State Troopers on a 30-mile chase that began in New Kent entered guilty pleas during Nov. 21 New Kent Circuit Court proceedings. Lawrence, Lenard Campfield, 47, of the 2500 block of Norton Boulevard, Augusta, pled guilty to one count each of felony eluding of police, misdemeanor reckless driving, misdemeanor driving without a license, failure to have a vehicle inspected, operating without insurance, and failing to obtain proper vehicle registration. In a summary of evidence, on May 21, Virginia State Trooper Jonathan Miles received a radio call from another trooper while monitoring traffic westbound on…
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Stolen firearms, larceny among indictments in New Kent Circuit Court
A man who stole a variety of items, including a shotgun, was one of 10 individuals indicted by a grand jury during Nov. 21 proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. Adam Lawrence Alspaugh, 29, was indicted on two counts of intent to sell stolen property, and one count each of firearm larceny, grand larceny, and transport of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the indictment, Alspaugh allegedly stole a shotgun belonging to Kevin Rose on Oct. 30. He was also indicted with stealing a chainsaw and a bow belonging to James Holt on the same day. Alspaugh apparently…
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Charles City man receives three-and-a-half year sentence on attempted arson conviction
A Charles City man who poured gasoline down the hallway of the home he was living in will spend the next three-and-a-half years in prison. Steven Ray Smith, 37, of the 5000 block of Monguy Road, learned his fate during Nov. 18 morning proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court after being convicted during a Sept. 16 contested trial on one count each of attempted arson and misdemeanor destruction of property. During the contested trial, on the morning of May 31 county deputies responded to Smith’s residence after his wife called authorities to report the incident. Prosecuting attorney Rob Tyler presented…
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NKBOS takes next step for fire station
New Kent Board of Supervisors have approved a preliminary concept for a proposed fire station to be located at 7324 Vineyards Parkway, which is adjacent to the county’s visitor center in the Talleysville area of the county. Supervisors unanimously approved a proposal submitted by Sandston-based Evans Construction Inc. for a 9,600 square foot facility. The PPEA (Public-Private Education Act) required a public hearing to review the process. After Wednesday night’s public hearing, the county must wait 30-days before entering into an interim contract. County leaders have designated $30,000 for pre-construction costs, with most of the amount covering civil engineering. New…
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Charles City School Board list focal points for FY2017-18 budget preparation
With the school year making steady progress and budget season approaching, Charles City’s School Board held a Tuesday evening work session prior to its regularly scheduled meeting to address focal points for the FY17-18 budget. A Powerpoint presentation identified five areas of priorities board members consensually agreed upon. At the top of the list is salary and compensation for school employees, followed by health insurance benefits. The other three focal points desired by the county’s school board include maintaining the pre-school program, maintenance of current programming and academic support, and instituting a teacher assistance program to help instructors pay for…
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Charles City Sheriff’s Office warns of scheme targeting elderly
Charles City Sheriff’s Office is forewarning citizens of a possible scheme that targets elderly citizens. The sheriff’s office has been notified that elderly residents have been receiving calls at 2 a.m. The caller will address the person by their first name and tell them to come outside prior to blocking their number. It is suspected that the scheme may lead to the elderly being targeted for a home invasion or other crimes. If you receive this call, contact Charles City Sheriff’s Office by dialing 911 or by the non-emergency number at 829-9265 to report the issue.
New Kent schools’ $36.5 million preliminary CIP addresses enrollment growth
Emphasizing the importance of renovation and construction to address an increasing school enrollment, New Kent schools released a $36.5 million Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) during the school board’s Nov. 7 regularly scheduled meeting. Three projects to address enrollment top the expense list for school projects. A new elementary school is attached with a $20 million price tag, while New Kent Elementary School’s renovations come in at $13,642,550. Rounding out the expenses for construction is an addition to New Kent Middle School at $2 million. Those three recommendations have been discussed among school board members as well as in joint conversations…
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Two accept deals in New Kent Circuit Court
Terms of plea deals were reached between the Commonwealth’s Attorney and two defendants in unrelated cases during Nov. 7 proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court: –Owen Lee Davis, 26, of Charles City, entered guilty pleas to an amended charge of petty larceny (originally grand larceny) and misdemeanor destruction of property. One charge of breaking and entering was dropped. Davis broke into a residence on June 10 and stole property valued less than $200. Under the agreement, he received 12 month sentences on each charge with all time suspended. He will be placed on supervised probation for five years and must…
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Juvenile arrested after leading high speed chase in New Kent
A teenager has been arrested after leading a high-speed chase on Interstate 64 in New Kent County early Thursday morning. In a press release issued by New Kent Sheriff’s Office, at 12:30 a.m. a vehicle was speeding eastbound on Interstate 64 when a deputy attempted to pull over the vehicle. The driver disregarded the emergency equipment of the officer and continued, exiting the Interstate at the West Point/Route 33 exit (West Point exit). The suspect executed a U-Turn and headed westbound on Route 249, continuing on Pamunkey Church and Langley Pines Roads. The suspect returned to Route 249 and traveled…
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