Briefly… for May 23-June 5, 2013

Jones elevated to Chronicle editor Reporter Andre’ Jones has been appointed news editor for the New Kent-Charles City Chronicle following the retirement of Alan Chamberlain on May 19. All e-mailed news items (including news about coming events, church events, obituaries, weddings, engagements, clubs, civic organizations, schools, colleges, sports) along with inquiries about submitting news items and requests for coverage should be sent to Jones’ attention at andrej@nni.com. Also, Jones can be reached by calling the newspaper’s office at 843-4181. Driver sought in CC hit-and-run A search is on by state police for a tractor-trailer rig in connection with a hit-and-run…
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C&F Bank grand reopening

A Taste of New Kent

New Kent supervisors schedule special meeting on proposed budget

A proposed four-cent real estate tax hike drew minimal comments during a Monday night public hearing after which New Kent supervisors decided to schedule a special meeting on Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. to further consider the proposed FY2013-14. Supervisors agreed that the $67.3 million budget discussion is to focus on several topics. Among those are how much local money to give to county schools ($12.4 million is proposed for now) as well as the fate of a two percent cost of living pay raise for county employees. During Monday’s hearing, no one spoke on an eight percent water…
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NK supervisors defer action on budget, truck stop application

New Kent supervisors could take action on the county’s proposed $67.3 million FY 2013-14 budget and accompanying 4-cent real estate tax hike next Tuesday (May 21) at 7 p.m. That’s when the board has scheduled a special meeting to discuss final aspects of the budget document. The board’s decision to opt for a special meeting followed tonight’s (Monday’s) budget public hearing. Afterward, supervisors said topics for next week’s meeting are expected to delve into how much local money to give to county schools ($12.4 million is proposed for now) as well as fate of a proposed 2 percent cost of…
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Tractor-trailer sought in Charles City hit-and-run

A search is on by state police for a tractor-trailer rig in connection with a hit-and-run incident that seriously injured two bicyclists this morning (Saturday) in Charles City County. Shortly after 11:30 a.m., state police responded to the hit and run motor vehicle crash on Route 106, approximately one mile south of Old Union Road. Investigators say the crash occurred when the driver of the tractor-trailer, who was traveling northbound, attempted to pass a group of four bicyclists that were also traveling northbound. As the tractor-trailer driver crossed over the double solid line and into the southbound travel lane to…
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Third truck stop could be locating in New Kent

Last month while speaking before New Kent’s Planning Commission during a public hearing on an application for building a second truck stop on Route 106 near Interstate 64, county resident Luke Brady expressed fear that New Kent risks becoming known as “the truck stop county.” He could be right. Another company is expressing interest in building what could become a third truck stop at the I-64/Talleysville interchange. This time the targeted location is the southwest corner of the interchange, which is directly across Route 106 from the existing Pilot truck stop and where Wilco Hess is seeking approval for building…
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Parents voice support for NKMS, NKHS band directors

Parents of New Kent Middle and High School band students are searching for a reasonable answer from school administrators after word spread in the community that the teaching contracts of band directors at both schools may not be renewed. Outraged parents addressed the matter at Monday night’s New Kent School Board meeting. At issue, they believe, is the fate of high school band director James Minnix and middle school band director Reba Marrs. A night of celebration and recognition for teacher of the year winners at all four county schools quickly soured as board members heard concerns from the disgruntled…
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ROTC, music programs dodge final Charles City school budget cuts

Deferring $37,506 in textbook funds, transferring one bus driver to the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program, and making a high school assistant principal’s position part-time and combining it with a part-time administrative services spot are among key moves that helped Charles City’s School Board reduce its budget for FY2013-14 at its April 30 work session. Board members had been tasked with cutting $221,621 from the FY2013-14 budget. After finding savings by reducing technology and maintenance equipment, pest control contract renegotiations, and benefit savings in areas of in-school suspension and an intervention specialist, board members reduced the deficit to $48,168 after…
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Local musicians return to their roots for performance

When any type of reunion occurs, it usually is a time of celebration and a harmonious get-together. For three former New Kent County residents, a common love for music reunited childhood friends to create a lifelong dream. Brothers Sean and Ryan Green are the frontmen of the Green Boys group based out of Richmond. Along with Michael Emmons, they spent part of their childhood in New Kent. Zack Miller plays with them to form a quartet catering to music venues by playing styles of soul, jazz, and acoustics. The Green brothers lived in New Kent until the age of 13…
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