News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | September 18, 2026
Local News
Tsigaridas named new Charles City High School principal
Panagiotis K. Tsigaridas has been named as the new principal of the recently consolidated Charles City High School effective July 1. Tsigaridas served as an assistant principal at Denbigh High School in Newport News for seven years prior to his new appointment. He has also served as an assistant principal for the Summer Academy at Tabb High School, and taught science classes in biology and anatomy at Woodside High School. “We are very excited to have Mr. Tsigaridas join our leadership team,” said school board chairwoman Helen Payne-Jones. “The school board is confident that he will bring new ideas, vision,…
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Eltham man arrested for alleged assault on minor
An Eltham man was arrested after getting into a domestic dispute with a minor at his residence in New Kent. James Leon Morris Jr., 42, of the 19000 block of Plumside Lane, was arrested on July 1 after New Kent Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call of a domestic dispute. Upon arriving, it was determined that Morris was the alleged aggressor in an altercation with a 14-year old boy. Morris was transported to Henrico Jail East and charged with one count each of strangulation and domestic assault and battery.
Amherst man admits guilt to multi-county high speed chase as part of plea agreement
An Amherst County man pleaded guilty to three felony charges as the result of an 85-mile police chase at speeds often in excess of 100 miles per hour over roads in New Kent and Charles City counties as part of a plea agreement in Monday morning New Kent Circuit Court proceedings. Carl Byron Viar Jr., 26, entered guilty pleas to one count each of felony eluding of police, possession of a Schedule I or II narcotic, and ammunition possession by a convicted felon. Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory elected to drop one charge of firearm possession by a non-violent felon and…
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Pursuit leads to backup on Interstate 64; police search for driver
Virginia State Police along with authorities from West Point are looking for the driver that caused a seven-mile backup on Interstate 64 on Independence Day. According to the police report, a pursuit began around 10 a.m. in West Point and eventually led to the vehicle exiting onto Interstate 64 westbound. The chase continued with the suspects turning around into eastbound traffic at mile marker 211 (Talleysville). Officers terminated the pursuit due to a vast amount of holiday traffic and safety for other drivers. The vehicle was located eastbound at mile marker 219 later, with both the driver and passenger missing…
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Former CC, NK school superintendents tabbed for interim posts
Two former local school superintendents have accepted interim superintendent positions pending completion of searches for permanent replacements in the respective localities. Dr. Robert Richardson has been named interim superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools. Richardson served as New Kent County Public Schools superintendent from 2007-2014 before retiring. Dr. Janet Crawley has been tabbed as interim superintendent of schools for Mecklenburg County Public Schools. Crawley served as Charles City County superintendent of schools from 1999-2014 before retiring from the post.
New Kent man succumbs to injuries in Chesterfield crash
A New Kent man has died as the result of his injuries suffered in a June 20 crash in Chesterfield. Larry G. Washington II, 25, died at VCU medical center on June 25. A passenger, Shaniqua G. Brown, also died as a result of the accident. Washington and Brown were traveling near the 21000 block on Hull Street shortly after 8 p.m. when the vehicle veered from the road and struck a tree. Brown and Washington sustained life-threatening injuries, with Brown passing away on June 20. A third passenger was taken to a local hospital with serious but non-life threatening…
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Charles City Sheriff’s Office warns of IRS scam
Charles City Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens of a potential scam involving individuals posing as IRS agents. Citizens in the county recently have been receiving calls from individuals claiming to be IRS agents. The impostors are telling citizens that they owe on delinquent taxes to the federal government and are going to be arrested if they don’t pay over the phone. The IRS never contacts anyone concerning delinquent bills by telephone nor asks for payment by that method. Citizens are advised not to provide any account information over the telephone unless you are absolutely sure you know who you’re talking…
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Independence Day race to affect Charles City traffic
An Independence Day 17.7 mile running race in Charles City will cause traffic delays and detours during the early morning hours. The July 4 race will begin and end at Shirley Plantation. The race will begin at the historical site, traveling down Shirley Plantation Road before making a left onto John Tyler Memorial Highway (Route 5). Runners will make a right onto Wayside Road (Route 607) before making a right onto Roxbury Road (Route 106). Runners will make a right back into the plantation and finish. Hours to be effected are expected to be 7-9:30 a.m. Detours will be in…
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Construction of new library in Charles City to be decided by voters in November
The decision on the construction of a stand-alone library in Charles City will come down to a November vote pending a final process approval through the circuit court. Charles City supervisors unanimously passed a resolution for the item to appear on the fall election ballot. The ballet question reads “Shall Charles City County incur debt in the amount of $2.5 million by issuing general obligation bonds to pay for the construction of a new Library/History center in conjunction with the Charles City County Library Campaign?” The resolution calls for the supervisors to work in conjunction with the Charles City Library…
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Hanover man enters guilty pleas to sex crimes in New Kent
Editor’s note- This story contains content that may not be suitable for some readers. A Hanover man accused of sexual crimes will serve prison time after accepting a plea deal during a Tuesday afternoon New Kent Circuit Court session. Darwin K. Noble, 73, of the 8100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, entered guilty pleas to two counts of aggravated sexual battery with a minor. One charge of forcible sodomy was dropped as part of the agreement. In a summary of evidence, last fall, the victim’s parents noticed an erratic change in behavior of their 11-year-old son. Concerned, they contacted the…
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