News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 29, 2026
Local News
Judge rejects portion of plea agreement, sentences man to 30 months in prison
A Richmond man who accepted a plea deal during a Dec. 14 trial in New Kent will spend more time in prison after failing to qualify for the Detention and Diversion programs. Dylan Matthew Hunt, 26, of the 500 block of Lafayette Avenue, was handed sentences on one felony charge each of DUI (third offense) and driving revoked (DUI related) during Feb. 8 proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. In the original plea agreement, Hunt received a five-year jail sentence with four years, nine months suspended (three months to serve). And while Judge B. Elliott Bondurant accepted that portion of…
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Bennett appointed deputy fire chief in New Kent
Brian Bennett has been appointed as New Kent County’s new Deputy Fire Chief of Operations. Bennett has served with Henrico County Division of Fire for the past 20 years and worked part-time for New Kent Fire-Rescue for the last six years. He also served with Quinton Volunteer Fire and EMS for 15 years. “This is an exciting time for New Kent Fire-Rescue and we look forward to having Chief Bennett join us full time in his new position,” said Fire Chief Rick Opett in a press release. “He has a strong belief in our customer service-based vision and is passionate…
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Former New Kent restaurateur sentenced to 34 years in prison for Jan. 2015 attack
After spending an hour listening to Feb. 8 arguments on sentencing in New Kent Circuit Court, a former restaurateur learned that he would spend the next 34 years in prison. Shing Jie Jin, 41, formerly of 2700 of Patriot’s Landing, received formal sentencing on two charges each of attempted murder and aggravated malicious wounding stemming from a Jan. 20, 2015 incident. During a two-day trial last November, testimony revealed that Jin and his estranged wife, Yue Yung Zheng, got into a verbal confrontation inside the Panda Garden restaurant located in the Quinton Shopping Center in western New Kent. During that…
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Bridge repairs in New Kent part of VDOT projects
There will be alternating lane closures in New Kent to repair a bridge on Stage Road next week. Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) will have one lane to direct traffic from Feb. 8-12 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Stage Road between Clark and Evergreen Roads to repair the bridge deck. Other VDOT projects include alternating lane closures on Interstate 64: –From Feb. 7-11, 9 p.m.-5 a.m., there will be alternating lane closures at mile marker 206 on Interstate 64 westbound for overhead sign inspections. –On Feb. 9, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., there will be alternating lane closures eastbound between mile marker…
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False information during traffic stop nets Newport News man 22-month sentence
A Newport News man will serve close to two years in jail after pleading guilty during Feb. 5 Charles City Circuit Court proceedings. Clifton Bruce Graham, 58, of the 1200 block of 25th street, entered guilty pleas to one count each of forgery of a public record, driving as a habitual offender, and misdemeanor use of false identification. In a summary of evidence, Graham was pulled over during a traffic stop on Nov. 6, 2015. Graham provided the officer with information that was not true and forged the name of another person on the summons. An investigation ensued with the…
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Technology grant, governor’s budget may benefit CC schools’ funding
The first of two public hearings for Charles City’s School Board regarding the FY2016-17 recommended budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) took place Tuesday night. And while no one in attendance spoke, a recommendation to implement a grant into this year’s budget may save future money according to the presentation. School board director of finance Sue Salg proposed to school board members the amending of this fiscal year’s budget to add a technology grant for funds discovered. According to Salg, a local match around $20,000 is required, but the grant will provide the schools $128,000 to use towards the technology…
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New Kent School Board approves recommended $15 million CIP for FY2016-17
New Kent’s School Board unanimously approved a recommended Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) from superintendent of schools David Myers during its Jan. 27 morning work session. Members approved the $15 million plan that included one big ticket item. Myers is recommending a $13,642,550 massive overhaul of New Kent Elementary School for repairs. “That school is 43 years old,” Myers said at the Jan. 11 regular school board meeting to members. “We have been going around and receiving pricing from a variety of people and places, including DOE (Department of Education) about the costs to do an overhaul and this is the…
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Closings and postponements for Jan. 28, 2016
New Kent County Public Schools will operate under a two-hour delay on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016. Charles City County Public Schools will operate under a two-hour delay on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016.
Chieppa named planning director for Charles City
Charles City Board of Supervisors announced the hiring of Rachel Chieppa as the new Director of Planning for the county after the departure of Matt Rowe for Pittsylvania County. Chieppa was born and raised in neighboring Prince George County. She has spent 11 years working in the planning department in Isle of Wight County, specifically in the area of agriculture and agribusiness. “I have a strong background in economic development and I believe my expertise in agriculture will help me in this area,” Chieppa said. “I want to have a plan where I can bring business in the county while…
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VDOT to attempt repairs to Charles City bridges starting this weekend
After two postponements due to inclement weather, Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced closing dates to make repairs on two bridges in Charles City. Starting at 8 p.m. on Jan. 29, the Benjamin Harrison Bridge connecting Charles City and Prince George will be closed to replace a gate that was damaged in a December accident. The bridge will remained closed until Jan. 30, 5:30 a.m. and will be followed by alternating lane closures until repairs are completed. The Herring Creek Bridge on Route 5 (John Tyler Memorial Highway) is tentatively scheduled to close on Monday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m….
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