News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 29, 2026
Local News
Charles City man formally sentenced for abduction of Philadelphia woman
A Charles City man who abducted a Philadelphia woman off the streets in a case that made national headlines, received formal sentencing during United States District court proceedings and will spend the next 35 years in a federal penitentiary. Delvin Barnes, 38, received the sentence during the June 30 hearing in Philadelphia, Pa. On Sept. 10, 2015, he pleaded guilty to the abduction of Carlesha Freeland-Gaither, 22, of Philadelphia, Pa. during a federal case in the same court. In Oct. 2014, Barnes was being investigated by Charles City Sheriff’s Office regarding multiple alleged crimes against a 16-year old female from…
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Maneuvered funding to provide four additional full-time firefighters in New Kent
Even before fiscal year 2016-17 budget cycle begins in New Kent, supervisors have already called a major audible to funding. By a 3-2 vote, supervisors passed an amendment to shift $110,098.52 from the school set aside fund for construction to hire four additional full time firefighters for the county. At the beginning of the June 29 morning work session, fire chief Rick Opett voiced the proposal to county leaders during a conference call. A handout showed that under the approved budget for next year, $268,237 was for part-time funding and staffing for fire stations in the county. The fire chief…
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Broadband project nears completion in Charles City
In Dec. 2014, it was announced that high-speed internet would come to Charles City County thanks to a broadband initiative grant. But residents have been outspoken on the issue since a projected completion date of Oct. 2015 and then Dec. 2015 was slated. Those projections, however, failed to yield internet access for citizens. District 2 supervisor Bill Coada asked county administrator Zach Trogdon to address the status of the project at the board’s June 28 regular meeting during the directive portion of the meeting and when citizens will begin to have an opportunity to access the high-speed network. “It’s been…
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Not guilty verdict rendered on felony, but Quinton man convicted on misdemeanors
A Quinton man received a not guilty verdict on a lone felony charge, but received guilty convictions on three misdemeanor charges during a June 27 afternoon contested trial in New Kent Circuit Court. Jamshid Alaei Yeganeh, 36, of the 9000 block of Cosby Mill Road, was found guilty on one count each of misdemeanor charges of assault and battery on a family member, violation of a protective order (second in five years), and brandishing a firearm. He was found not guilty on a lone charge of felony violation of a protective order (third in 20 years). During the trial, prosecutor…
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Bridge repairs to cause alternating lane closures on Interstate 64 eastbound overnight
Overnight motorists can expect delays during the middle of the week in New Kent County on Interstate 64. Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) will have alternating lane closures on Interstate 64 eastbound from mile marker 218 and mile marker 220 (West Point) on June 29-30 from 12-4 a.m. VDOT will have bridge deck repairs during that time period. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route or expect delays if they choose to use the interstate during those hours.
Charles City High School receives Distinguished Achievement Award
Charles City High School has been announced as one out of 166 schools in the state of Virginia to receive the 2016 Board of Education Distinguished Achievement Award that is handed out by Gov. Terry McAuliffe and the state board of education. Superintendent of schools David Gaston announced the recognition during Tuesday night’s regular school board meeting. The award is earned by schools that have met all state and federal benchmarks, as well as made progress toward the goals of the governor and the board. “This is a testament to all the hard work done by the teachers and administration…
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New Kent High School Class of 2016 is “New Kent Strong”
Living up to the moniker that has guided them for the last four years, 208 of “New Kent Strong” graduates of the Class of 2016 embraced messages delivered during New Kent High School’s graduation Friday night at VCU’s Siegel Center. In front of family and friends, the outgoing class reflected on tough times and precious moments during the commencement ceremony. And while classmates shed tears during the celebration, they understood the events that took place during their high school journey that unified the group as one body. Class president Jacob Elisha Butkus-Newman opened the ceremonies by loosening up classmates with…
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New Kent High School Class of 2016 Valedictorian- Zhide “Andy” Jin
Zhide “Andy” Jin posted a grade-point average of 4.383 as valedictorian for New Kent High School’s Class of 2016. He was a member of the BETA club and the French Club. He also attended Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School. Zhide will be attending Virginia Tech University and pursue his studies in engineering. He is the son of Yue Yin Zheng.
New Kent High School Class of 2016 Salutatorian- Jackson Gray
Jackson Henry Gray is salutatorian of New Kent High School’s Class of 2016 with a grade-point average of 4.31. He was a member of FCA and attended Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School. He also participated on the high school’s wrestling and golf teams. Jackson plans to attend Virginia Tech University and pursue his studies in mechanical engineering. He is the son of Adam and Melissa Gray.
New Kent High School Class of 2016 Scholarships and Awards
Ebonee Allen- George W. Watkins Memorial, Hope Allen Johnson Memorial. Emily Angle- New Kent Educational Foundation Jacob Aulman Vick Memorial, New Kent High School PTSO. Ethan Ashford- Bottom of the Bridge LaSertoma, Teacher Education. Christian Babin- Bridging Communities Regional CTE Foundation, New Kent Junior Woman’s Club, West Point/Tri-Rivers Chamber of Commerce Community Service. Cameron Baldwin- New Kent Chamber of Commerce. Davion Barnes– AER-Army Emergency Relief. Ashleigh Bedwell- New Kent High School Principal’s, New Kent High School PTSO, Martha Dandridge Woman’s Club, New Kent Woman’s Club. RaShonda Bentley- Chris Clark Memorial, George W. Watkins Memorial, Jenna Grace King Memorial, NAACP, Thelma…
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