News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | February 13, 2026
Local News
Quinton man receives three-year prison sentence for possessing child pornography
A Quinton man who stored images of underage children in a drop-box on electronic devices will serve three years in prison. Nicholas Will Buchman, 26, learned of his sentence during New Kent Circuit Court proceedings Monday afternoon. At an Aug. 19 trial, Buchman entered guilty pleas to one count each of possession of child pornography (first offense) and possession of child pornography (second offense). At the August trial, evidence revealed that New Kent Sheriff’s Office received a cyber-tip of a home in the area that possibly had child pornography. The IP address was traced to the home where Buchman was…
Read Full Story
Hopewell teenager dies in Charles City car accident
A Hopewell teenager has died as the result of an Oct. 17 morning accident in Charles City County. According to a Virginia State Police Report, at 7:40 a.m., officers responded to a single-vehicle crash on John Tyler Memorial Highway (Route 5) about a half-mile east of Wilcox Neck Road (Route 623). A preliminary investigation reveals that a 2017 Ford Fusion was traveling westbound on John Tyler Memorial Highway when it ran off the right side of the road, struck trees and a culvert, before overturning and striking more trees, eventually coming to rest on its roof. The driver, identified as…
Read Full Story
New Kent Board of Supervisors grant PHLLC request to refinance bonds for FONK
After a year of divulging documents, exchanged dialogue, and negotiations, Preston Hollow LLC (PHLLC) finally received an answer from New Kent’s Board of Supervisors when it comes to refinancing bonds. County leaders voted 5-0 in favor of the reissuance of bonds for the Farms of New Kent, paving the way for further development in the area. In October 2023, PHLLC proposed $97 million in bond refunds, with $45 million as new money. During a follow-up meeting in Nov. 2023, District 1 representative Thomas Evelyn wanted more solid numbers to prevent New Kent County from going into a financial hole. Over…
Read Full Story
Former Charles City supervisor appointed interim county administrator
A former member of Charles City’s Board of Supervisors has been tabbed as interim county administrator. Bill Coada, who served from 2012-2023 as the representative of District 2, will fill-in on a temporary basis for Charles City County Administrator Michelle Johnson who will be out on medical leave. The interim status is expected to last two months. The decision came during Tuesday night’s Board of Supervisors work session. County leaders went into closed session shortly after the commencement of the meeting and returned with the announcement. In a statement, Coada said that he is focused on cutting costs to prohibit…
Read Full Story
New Kent School Board gets first look at proposed CIP recommendations for FY2025-26
Even though New Kent County Public Schools are barely into the new year, plans are already underway to improve facilities in the next fiscal year. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Jonathan Hochman presented New Kent County’s School Board a first look at facility upgrades for consideration in the FY2025-26 cycle during Monday night’s regular board meeting. Hochman’s plan was broken down by category, as well as short-term and long-term considerations. Among early recommendations for transportation include the purchase of four school buses ($640,000), and a car and van for school transportation ($99,000). Operation upgrades include $1.4 million to finalize New Kent…
Read Full Story
Train strikes trailer pulling boat in New Kent, no injuries reported
A collision between a train and a vehicle in New Kent County closed a railroad crossing on Oct. 3 in New Kent. According to a press release by New Kent Sheriff’s Office. Virginia State Police responded to a call for service at the railroad crossing at Riverside Drive and South Waterside Drive around 10:45 a.m.. The report indicates that a pick-up truck hauling a boat on a trailer had stalled on the tracks, with the latter unable to move. An Amtrak train heading to Williamsburg and Newport News struck and damaged the truck. However, there were no injuries to the…
Read Full Story
New Kent man driving intoxicated for third time sentenced to jail for three months
A New Kent man who drove a vehicle while intoxicated will spend the next three months in jail. Alex Michael Kahl, 38, of the 10000 block of Tunstall Road, entered guilty pleas to one count each of driving while intoxicated (third or subsequent offense) and felony hit and run as part of a plea agreement reached Monday in New Kent Circuit Court. One charge each of felony destruction of property, misdemeanor driving suspended, misdemeanor obstruction of justice, misdemeanor refusing to take a breathalyzer test (second offense), and felony violating pretrial conditions were dropped. In a summary of evidence, on Nov….
Read Full Story
Letter of Intent with C5 LLC sets up possible development of data centers in Charles City
Charles City Board of Supervisors approved a letter of intent (LOI) with C5, LLC, for the possible development of data centers. The approval came at the Sept. 24 meeting with little pushback. Approximately 87.5 acres would be sold to Bruce Howard Construction for the $1 million land development. At the center of confusing was the use of the name “C5”. C5 LLC is different from the nonprofit organization C5 (Concerned Citizens of Charles City County). LaVeesha Rollins of the latter said that the company used their name to deceive residents. “It appears there has been a deliberate intention to create…
Read Full Story
Upgrades to New Kent High School stadium face possible delay, postponement
Upgrades to New Kent High School’s stadium have been put on hold as more information continues to be gathered. The $2.3 million project would see the conversion of the current field to turf. Currently, New Kent is one of two schools in the Bay Rivers District without a turf field. Superintendent of Schools Brian Nichols said that the upgrades would take place in phases. The high school track would account for phase one and the turf in phase two. A warranty for the turf would last eight years, with proper upkeep meaning they don’t have to do anything for more…
Read Full Story
Juvenile placed in detention after making threats against Charles City High School
A Charles City juvenile has been charged with making a threat of death or bodily injured towards a public school. According to a Charles City Sheriff’s Office press release, a 14-year-old juvenile has been charged and placed into the custody of juvenile detention and awaiting trial. On Sept. 11, a teacher at Charles City High School contacted school administration about a juvenile student making threats against the school. As a result, extra law enforcement officers were present at the school complex and an investigation was launched. After the investigation and consulting with Charles City County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, the juvenile…
Read Full Story
