News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | February 13, 2026
Local News
New Kent School Board amends policy addressing controversial issues; tables cell phone policy
New Kent’s School Board adopted an amended policy to specify how to address controversial issues involving classroom material. District 4 representative Ron Vaught brought forward the proposal at an earlier meeting. The policy provides guidelines of teacher responsibilities when addressing issues to deliver the curriculum while not imposing personal views to students. The policy further explains the expectations of administrators, teachers, employees, and students to respect the dignity and rights of others to express differing opinions. The policy also contains information regarding the nondiscrimination policy. That policy states that all staff shall be mindful that all children are created equal…
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Woodford woman dies in Charles City car accident
A Woodford woman has died in Charels City as the result of an accident on July 7. According to the Virginia State Police report, around 4:50 p.m., officers responded to a single-vehicle crash on eastbound John Tyler Memorial Highway (Route 5) just west of Adkins Road (Route 618). A preliminary investigation states that a 2006 Honda Accord ran off the road, overcorrected and overturned. The driver, identified as Jessica Michell Childs, 42, succumbed to her injuries at the scene. She was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The crash remains under investigation.
Traffic light coming to busy section of Bottoms Bridge in New Kent; Exit 211 interchange being studied for makeover
New Kent County Board of Supervisors heard updates on one traffic project that is currently in the works along with a proposal for another at Monday night’s regular board meeting. Work has started at the intersection of Pocahontas Trail (Route 60) and Marketplace Drive in the Bottoms Bridge area of the county to bring a traffic light to that area. The project, which was requested by former District 2 supervisor Tommy Tiller, was requested as that intersection leads to several businesses and homes. The area is also a high-traffic area as it is near the intersection of Pocahontas Trail and…
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South Carolina man receives 10-month sentence for damaging property in New Kent, stealing items
A South Carolina man will spend ten months in jail for damaging property after trespassing on it. Shawn Lamarcus Chavious, 47, of the 2900 block of Oswald Drive, West Columbia, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of misdemeanor trespassing to commit damage (originally breaking and entering), and misdemeanor petty larceny. In a summary of evidence by New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott Renick, on Feb. 14, Chavious went onto the property belonging to Paul Robinson. When entering the property without permission, he damaged the area as he confiscated a laser printer, toilet paper, and garbage bags. An investigation was…
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Providence Forge man indicted on malicious wounding charge in Charles City
A Charles City grand jury indicted a Providence Forge man following Tuesday morning proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court. Richard Bernard Johnson, 39, of the 6400 block of Adkins Road, was indicted on a single charge of malicious wounding. The offense allegedly occurred on Feb. 12.
Hampton man convicted of leading high-speed chase in New Kent receives six months in jail
A Hampton man who fled from law enforcement officers in New Kent will spend the next six months in jail after entering into a plea deal Monday morning in New Kent Circuit Court. Omare Elijah Foster, 20, of the 30 block of Ferncliff Drive, entered guilty pleas to one count each of felony eluding of police, misdemeanor reckless handling of a firearm, violation of felony pretrial services, misdemeanor violation of pretrial services, and two counts of misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor as part of a plea agreement. One charge each of misdemeanor driving suspended and misdemeanor reckless…
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Father of New Kent supervisor banned from premises after making threats against board chairman
A heated exchange between New Kent Board of Supervisor members Thomas Evelyn and Jordan Stewart at a May 29 work session over the budget has resulted in ramifications that led to the banning of one supervisor’s father from all New Kent County premises. Richard D. Stewart, the father of District 5 representative Jordan Stewart, has been barred from all New Kent County owned property and has been issued a protective order after making threats against Evelyn. At the May 29 work session, Jordan Stewart and Evelyn got into a heated debate over a two-cent tax increase for the county. At…
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Public hearing on sale of land may lead to Tractor Supply finding home in Charles City
A major investment company may be bringing a top tier business to Charles City County. Twin Rivers Capital LLC, a firm that is contracted to find areas to develop for businesses, will be the subject of a July 23 public hearing that may bring a Tractor Supply store to the locality. At Tuesday night’s Charles City Board of Supervisors meeting, Charles City Director of Community Development Cynthia Boone announced Twin Rivers Capital intent to purchase approximately 5.15 acres at 10240 Courthouse Road, which is across the street near the entrance of Charles City Elementary School. They are proposing to purchase…
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Quinton man receives six months in jail for possessing illegal smoking device
A Quinton man will spend the next six months in jail for possessing an illegal smoking device after agreeing to terms of a plea deal during Monday proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. Lawrence Church Jr., 56, of the 7200 block of Lakeshore Drive, entered guilty pleas to an amended charge of possession of drug paraphernalia (originally possession of a Schedule I/II substance) and misdemeanor DUI (first offense) as part of the plea agreement. In a summary of evidence, on Sept. 17, 2023, a New Kent deputy responded to a call for service after a driver was spotted driving erratically…
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CarMax plans to bring facility to New Kent County
CarMax plans to bring a facility to eastern New Kent following a recent announcement. The Goochland-based business has planned to build a 78,300 square foot facility on a 44-acre site in Barhamsville. The building will be one of the biggest expansions to a part of the county that is slated to be the next area to see a boost due to the growth of New Kent County. “We’re proud to welcome CarMax to New Kent County” commented New Kent County Administrator Rodney Hathaway. “Their investment will have a significant impact on our local economy and community. “This [decision] highlight New…
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