News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 31, 2026
Local News
Williamsburg woman, part of shoplifting duo, convicted in New Kent Circuit Court
A Williamsburg woman who was part of a shoplifting duo has been found guilty on two charges during Aug. 25 New Kent Circuit Court proceedings. Courtney Lee Stephenson, 27, of the 100 block of Winter East Road, was convicted on one charge each of grand larceny and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. One charge of possession of cocaine was dismissed. Volunteer assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Brenton J. Bohannon opened the contested trial against Stephenson, indicating that she and another codefendant, Emily Bowles, shoplifted from the Providence Forge Food Lion last Christmas Eve. Testimony from Food Lion employees Ryan Watson and Patrick…
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Pete Johns, instrumental in New Kent development, succumbs
A prominent figure who played a vital role in major contributions to enhance industry in New Kent County, has died. Peter Murray Johns, 69, passed away on Aug. 19, leaving behind an influential legacy in New Kent. A former defensive back for the Houston Oilers, Johns made his way to New Kent in 1989 and left an impact that changed the landscape of the county. “New Kent has lost one of its greatest boosters and visionaries,” said county administrator Rodney Hathway. “Because of him, there are so many projects we have gotten accomplished.” Johns arrived as an employee of Delmarva…
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Bridge inspections at NK, CC border; overnight paving on Interstate 64 east
Route 155 (Courthouse Road) will have alternating lane closures from Aug. 25-29 between Route 60 (Pocahontas Trail) and the Charles City County line for bridge inspections. Closures will occur between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. to as part of VDOT’s biannual inspections of the bridge. Delays are expected during this time due to the lane closures. In other VDOT repairs, Interstate 64 eastbound will continue to undergo overnight paving and pothole patching. Paving is to take place from Aug. 25-28, from 7 p.m.-6 a.m. from mile marker 217 to mile marker 220. There will be alternating lane closures during that time. Pothole…
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Dump truck thief accepts plea deal in Charles City Circuit Court
A man who stole a dump truck and rammed it into a fence has accepted a deal in Charles City Circuit Court. Terrell Wesley Williams, 21, of the 4500 block of Barnetts Road, Charles City, accepted the terms during Aug. 22 court proceedings. The defendant entered guilty pleas to one count each of grand larceny (grand theft auto) and destruction of property. In a summary of evidence, Williams admitted that on July 19, 2013, he was behind the wheel of the confiscated truck that slammed into a fence on the property of Waste Management of Virginia. The defendant rammed the…
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Murder suspect, Richmond man arrested in Charles City
A wanted murder suspect from Richmond has been arrested in Charles City. Logan Miles, 19, of the 2100 block of Allwood Avenue, was apprehended on Aug. 17 after authorities received a tip that he was in the vicinity. Charles City Sheriff’s deputies located Miles at a party and he was arrested without incident. Miles, who once resided in Charles City, is a suspect in the murder of Lorenzo Harris at the Newbridge Apartments in Richmond. He is charged with first degree murder and the use of a firearm in commission of a felony. He was being held without bond in…
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Charles City schools’ test scores up, superintendent says
Charles City superintendent of schools David Gaston delivered some positive news to school board members and hopes to continue the trend under his tenure. Gaston announced at the Aug. 19 regular school board meeting that preliminary Standards of Learning (SOL) results indicate that Charles City Elementary and Charles City High School will be fully accredited schools. And while he added Charles City Middle School will be accredited with warning, Gaston pointed that a majority of scores improved, emphasizing a nearly 20 percent increase in mathematics. While official SOL scores won’t be tallied until Sept. 16, Gaston was pleased with the…
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CIP, accelerated math course among new NK superintendent’s goals
New superintendent of New Kent schools David Myers didn’t waste any time addressing school board members during the board’s Aug. 18 work session on issues he’d like to see emphasized to enhance education. Myers began with capital improvement plan (CIP) steps to improve the schools. While he said HVAC repairs are needed for the comfort of students and staff, it would be an advancement in technology that will benefit all in the long run. “We want to have wireless access throughout all the school buildings,” said the new superintendent. “Wireless internet is going to be the key to advancing our…
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New dates announced for closure of Benjamin Harrison Bridge
Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced new dates for the closure of the Benjamin Harrison Bridge connecting Charles City and Prince George County to replace the bridge’s auxiliary drive. The bridge’s first closing will be Aug. 18-22. It will close once again Sept. 8-12. Motorists are advised to take Route 5 westbound from Charles City to Interstate 295 southbound as an alternative route. Drivers may exit onto Route 10 eastbound (exit 13A) to return to Prince George. Travelers may also use the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry in James City County as another route. For more information on the closures or updates,…
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New Kent supervisors vote to send letter opposing DEQ permit for Synagro
When a person is looking for information on a specific item, they usually go see an expert. For New Kent supervisors, their knowledgeable person is District 5 representative Ray Davis. After receiving input from Davis, supervisors unanimously voted 5-0 to send a letter to Virginia’s State Water Control Board opposing the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and its consideration to issue a permit to Synagro to dump industrial waste in the county. Supervisors first heard the issue at the July regular meeting from concerned citizens. Opponents said Synagro’s reputation involving other Virginia localities and their inability to handle industrial and…
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PF men arrested for threats to burn down house
Two Providence Forge men have each been charged with one count of making threats after an Aug. 8 incident. Carlos Adrian Lopez-Cardona, 42, and Jose Rodolfo Lopez-Cardona, 43, both of the 10000 block of White Dogwood Drive, were arrested for making threats to burn an occupied dwelling. Each of the men had an outstanding warrant, leading to a New Kent Sheriff’s Office deputy placing them in custody. Both were being held without bond.
