News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 29, 2026
Local News
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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One-to-one initiative launches in Charles City schools
Charles City parents will get an opportunity to participate in a technology session as part of the One-to-One technology initiative implemented by the local school system. On Sept. 12 and 13 at 630 p.m., parents will have the opportunity to learn and receive a hands-on experience using the technology. Families will learn more about the initiative and to understand the expectations for and use of the laptops. Each Charles City High School student (grades 7-12) will be provided a laptop computer, while teachers will be outfitted with tablets. “Having this level of technology in our classrooms takes instruction to the…
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Charles City supervisors send message regarding future cycling events
Charles City supervisors are giving fair warning to any cycling organization that plans to use county roads for an event; make sure you go through the right channels. Tuesday night’s regular board meeting of the county leaders addressed that issue after a July triathlon caused frustration for many local residents and travelers (see related story on this website). Supervisors invited a representative from the Rev3 Triathlon to speak on the issue. That spokesman, Jay Peluso, answered the call. “The Rev3 triathlon is a family own company donated to helping others,” he said. “We work with local volunteer leaders to organize…
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Defendant pleads guilty to 19 charges in New Kent after technology tracks him down
Enhancements in technology have benefited a number of people, assisting them in areas such as work, school, and recreation. For one Newport News man, it led to 19 guilty pleas in New Kent Circuit Court Monday afternoon. Delmar Curtis Staton-Davies, 22, entered guilty pleas to 12 counts of credit card theft, three counts of grand larceny, three counts of misdemeanor tampering with a vehicle, and one count of credit card fraud as part of a plea agreement reached during court proceedings. In a summary of evidence presented by Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory, in the early morning hours on Feb. 10…
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