News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 29, 2026
Local News
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.
Providence Forge woman to serve one year for purchasing ATV without permission
A Providence Forge woman will serve a year in jail for receiving stolen property after receiving formal sentencing during July 11 New Kent Circuit Court proceedings. Erin Merrill Bierwirth, 34, of the 6700 block of Halstead Lane, received a five-year jail sentence (four years suspended) on one count of receiving stolen goods. Five years on obtaining money by false pretenses were all suspended. During a Nov. 2015 trial, Bierwith accepted a plea deal to the aforementioned charges. During the hearing, the defendant was a bookkeeper for a business owned by Ronald Marshburn and used his information to purchase an all-terrain…
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Five indicted in Charles City Circuit Court
Five individuals were indicted during Tuesday morning proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court: –Charles Wayne Adkins, 49, of the 3100 block of Barnetts Road, Charles City, on one count of transporting a firearm by a violent felon. Adkins allegedly confronted a neighbor during an argument on Mar. 13 and carried a weapon from his home to his neighbor’s home in a threatening manner. –Treveon Doleon Clemons, 27, of the 4500 block of Marlin Avenue, Suffolk, on two counts of failure to appear. Clemons allegedly has not shown for court dates relating to earlier matters that he has been charged with….
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Walker’s Dam reopens in Lanexa
Walker’s Dam and the Chickahominy River Boat Lock located in Lanexa officially reopened on June 28. After an inspection in Spring 2007, a breach was discovered in the dam, forcing its closure to the public. A further evaluation revealed the boat lock and adjacent sections were in failing conditions, forced a redesign of the project. The dam, which was originally built during the 1940s, underwent an extensive rehaul during the closure to the public. The area is now deemed safe to the public for boaters to travel along the Chickahominy River. The dam is owned by the city of Newport…
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