News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | September 18, 2026
Local News
New Kent High School administrators aim to enhance athletics/activities programs
Gate receipts totaling almost $42,000 combined with profits from concession stands and money raised through donations contributed more than $67,000 to New Kent High School athletics department coffers during this school year’s fall and winter sports seasons. While the total could be considered a hefty sum, the reality is that after expenses the athletics department barely broke even. And the department could be in the red after the upcoming spring sports season, a time when attendance is generally low thus driving down gate receipts as well as concession stand profit. High school athletics director John Spiak and principal Chris Valdrighi…
Read Full Story
UPDATE: New Kent officials hopeful horse racing revenue can be restored
Bills bearing similar language that New Kent County officials hope will save horse racing at Colonial Downs are sailing through the General Assembly with one week to go in this year’s legislative session. House Bill 1826 and Senate Bill 1097 have passed their respective bodies and have crossed over. The House bill passed 81-19 on Feb. 10 while the Senate version passed 31-7 that same day. Last Thursday (Feb. 19) following crossover and being favorably reported out of committees in both bodies, the bills passed by overwhelming votes of 81-18 in the House and 31-7 in the Senate. Odds appear…
Read Full Story
From Broadway to motion pictures and now to television commercials, former New Kent student expanding her career
Taylor Richardson made a huge splash in the entertainment world three years ago when she debuted on Broadway in “Annie.” Then after a two-year stint on stage, she landed a role in a major motion picture. A year ago, the Chronicle highlighted Taylor’s career up to the start of filming on the motion picture. Now, the 13-year-old veteran performer and New Kent County native has jumped from the big screen into the realm of television commercials. Those who remember Taylor growing up in New Kent and have been following her career can spot her in a BMW commercial that has…
Read Full Story
UPDATE: One accident with injuries reported in New Kent; major roads mostly clear, but snow still causing headaches for motorists on New Kent, Charles City secondary roads
A two-vehicle crash this afternoon on the Interstate 64 eastbound off-ramp at the Route 249 interchange at Bottoms Bridge in New Kent County has sent one driver to the hospital with minor injuries. Other than that and as far as driving mishaps are concerned, New Kent Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy Joe McLaughlin said, “So far, knock on wood, it’s been pretty quiet.” Primary roads in New Kent (routes 60, 249, 155, 106, 33, 30, and 273) are in “pretty good” condition as of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, McLaughlin said. “VDOT and their contractors cleared major roads first and are now turning…
Read Full Story
Weather forecast targets 6-8 inches of snow for Charles City, New Kent
The National Weather Service out of Wakefield is projecting 6-8 inches of accumulation for Charles City and New Kent beginning Monday night and spanning into Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to dip into the upper teens over night, with a high around 30 degrees on both days. Winds are expected to range between 5-10 miles per hour. No ice is expected to accumulate on the roadways over that period of time. Check back here on our website or our Facebook page for closings and postponements.
UPDATE: New Kent County officials agree to $35,750 penalty for wetlands law violations
New Kent County officials have agreed to pay a civil penalty of $35,750 as punishment for violating state wetlands law when land was cleared near New Kent Airport. An 18-page consent order details the violations and enforcement action taken by the state’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The county must pay $4,180 to the state within 30 days of the consent order going into effect. The county then must satisfy the remaining $31,570 by submitting proof of purchase of 1.54 acres of wetland credits from a DEQ-approved wetlands mitigation bank, also within 30 days of the order’s effective date. The…
Read Full Story
UPDATE: Federal charges filed against suspects in New Kent kidnapping incident
Federal authorities have filed sex trafficking charges against the two suspects arrested in connection with an alleged brutal kidnapping incident last Jan. 6 in New Kent County. Aldair Hodza, 36, and Laura Evelene Sorenson, 31, both of Clive, Iowa, are charged with one count each of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, according to documents filed in federal court in Richmond. The charges were filed on Monday (Feb. 9). Sex trafficking under federal law carries a penalty of 15 years to life in prison. Earlier today (Wednesday), charges of abduction with intent to defile lodged in New Kent against…
Read Full Story
New Kent women arrested on drug possession charges
Two New Kent women have been arrested stemming from a Feb. 8 incident for allegedly possessing heroin and drug paraphernalia. Cierra Elizabeth Lane, 24, and Mary Ann Russo, 23, both of the 7600 block of Shooter Run Road, were arrested after investigators received a call of suspicious activity at Rick’s Local Deli in New Kent. According to the arrest report, deputies were dispatched to the store and located the two suspects inside a vehicle. During an investigation, deputies discovered what appeared to be heroin and material associated with use of the substance. Both suspects were arrested on one charge each…
Read Full Story
CC man arrested for shoplifting at Providence Forge Food Lion
A Charles City man has been arrested in New Kent for allegedly shoplifting at the Providence Forge Food Lion. John Alvin Brown, 45, of the 14000 block of The Glebe Lane, Charles City, was arrested on one count of shoplifting (3rd offense) stemming from a Feb. 4 incident. According to the arrest report, Brown allegedly stole several cans of crab meat from the building. After further investigation, it was determined that it was Brown’s third offense for shoplifting, triggering the felony charge. He was being held on $2,500 bond at Henrico Jail East.
Information on credit/debit card number theft sought in New Kent
New Kent Sheriff’s Office is seeking information relating to a recent rash of credit/debit card number thefts and their unauthorized use. Investigators are working with financial institutions to investigate these crimes. If anyone wants to report that they were a victim of credit/debit card theft or has information on the cases, call the sheriff’s office at 966-9500.
