News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | November 1, 2026
Local News
Delinquent status on bonds leads to legal action by NK
More than 180 acres of land designated for commercial development at New Kent Vineyards are on the verge of being auctioned after bond payments have been ruled delinquent. Through the law offices of Sands Anderson, New Kent County has taken steps and issued public notice on the property after The Farms of New Kent LLC and a partner, Nathan Shor, failed to make payments on the bond. In a telephone interview with Dan Siegel, an attorney with Sands Anderson, The Farms of New Kent have failed to make a payment on a special assessment of five parcels of land. Those…
Read Full Story
NKSB baffled on providing financial support to OM teams
New Kent Odyssey of the Mind teams have met success over many years, including one team attending the world championships at Michigan State University this past May. Now, questions on future funding and support from the county’s school board are causing concern among members. Ross Miller, director of instructional technology and testing, presented a one-page letter to school board members about the program. Looming in the document were concerns of financial support and what should be provided to them by the school board. According to the letter, the cost for each team in the regional tournament was $25, with teams…
Read Full Story
New stormwater ordinance raises concerns in New Kent
After more than four months off, New Kent’s Planning Commission convened to handle normal affairs at its monthly meeting. However, it is a new storm water ordinance that has some citizens and commissioners at odds. The new storm water ordinance management proposed would designate localities to enforce regulations and require an “administrator” to enforce them. While the counties will maintain the responsibility that regulations are met, the state will still oversee all activities. During public comments, citizens voiced concerns over the new proposal, saying the designated administrator would have too much power, including the ability to enter one’s property without…
Read Full Story
Enrollment projections short of CC, NK school expectations
Enrollment numbers for Charles City and New Kent County schools are below projections for the 2013-14 school year. Weldon Cooper Center in Charlottesville projected New Kent’s enrollment to consist of 3,005 students. As of Sept. 23, the current student population is 2,924 students, 27 fewer than last year’s enrollment of 2,951. “As you can see, a contributing factor to the low numbers can be attributed to our projections in kindergarten,” said superintendent of schools Rick Richardson. A released document lists the projection of kindergarten enrollment at both George Watkins Elementary and New Kent Elementary to combine for a total of…
Read Full Story
Indictments handed down to six men in NK Circuit Court
A grand jury handed down indictments on six individuals during Sept. 16 New Kent Circuit Court proceedings. –Daniel Nathan Alexander, 23, of 8613 Warrior Road, Quinton, on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The date of the alleged offense was Feb. 20. –Guy William Bilodeau, 53, of 3810 Ropers Church Road, Lanexa, on one count each of aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties with a minor. The indictment alleges Bilodeau committed these offenses with a teenager on July 30. –Kenneth Barnhardt IV, 31, of 5001 Good Hope Road, Lanexa, on one count of grand larceny….
Read Full Story
Briefly… for Sept. 26-Oct. 9
Chronicle celebrates 20th anniversary New Kent-Charles City Chronicle’s staff would like to thank businesses, patrons, readers, and supporters as the newspaper celebrates its 20th anniversary. Over the years, the Chronicle has evolved into a mainstream outlet, providing news for the counties of New Kent and Charles City. The paper strives to bring to you the best in local news, the news that matters to you and has a direct impact on you and your community. In the last year, the Chronicle took a giant leap and launched its website, www.nkccnews.com. Over that time span, the website became a success, providing…
Read Full Story
Additional firefighters coming to NK
New Kent’s Board of Supervisors approved the transfer of funds to help New Kent Fire and Rescue (NKFR) acquire two additional firefighter positions. Funds in the amount of $83,872.32 were moved from part-time to full-time salaries in the department to help secure the positions. The new hires will provide full-time staffing at the Lanexa station from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. It will also allow for daily operations and equipment check-offs to ensure accountability. In the FY 2013-14 budget, NKFR received approval to hire two career firefighters. The new hires will bring the total of new employees to four for the year…
Read Full Story
Route 5 bridge in Charles City to be inspected Sept. 23-27
The shoulders of the Route 5 bridge that connects James City and Charles City County will be closed September 23-27. VDOT will inspect the bridge from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. during the week to conduct the inspection. During this time, no access will be allowed on the shoulders of the bridge.
Paving on Eastbound I-64 scheduled for Sept. 16-19
VDOT has announced paving on the eastbound Interstate 64 lanes between mile markers 205 and 224 Sept. 16-19. The left lane will be closed from 9 p.m.-5 am. for paving on Sept. 16 & 17, while the right lane will be closed on Sept. 18 and 19. Delays are expected to occur during the overnight hours.
New Kent schools to explore possibility of Air Force ROTC
New Kent superintendent of schools Rick Richardson admitted after Monday night’s school board meeting that he wanted the school systems to have two things before his retirement. The first is the recently opened Bridging Communities Career and Technical Center (BCCTC). Now, his second one is not far off the horizon; an ROTC program. New Kent school board members received a presentation from Atlee’s Junior Air Force ROTC instructor LT. Col. Charles R. Schmetzer at its monthly meeting. Board members listened emphatically of the success of Atlee’s program and the possibilities it can bring to New Kent. “I have had a…
Read Full Story
