News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | September 20, 2026
Local News
NKMS students ‘mush’ their way through Idita-Read event
Twenty-two New Kent Middle School seventh graders crossed the finish line in the school’s first Idita-Read competition that is patterned after Alaska’s famous Iditarod dog sled race. Students had to put in 998 minutes of reading in order to finish. One minute equaled one mile of the 998-mile dog sled race. Each student received an online account that showed the Alaskan Iditarod map and allowed the student to log in minutes of reading which translated to “miles” on the Iditarod. As students made progress, they could see where they were geographically on the trail. Students began reading on March 2,…
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Controversial two-tier bus system in CC saving money
During the last two years, frequent debate between county school board members and county residents over Charles City’s two-tier school bus system and its efficiency led to no definitive or conclusive answers. But Harold Grimes stepped in to clarify the situation. Speaking at the board’s meeting last night (Tuesday), Grimes, who is president of HFGrimes Consulting, released an efficiency report on the schools’ transportation system that revealed schools have saved $51,000 over the last four years. Grimes’ report reviewed 34 buses and 24 school board vehicles used by Charles City. His report praised the effectiveness of radio communications, a certified…
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Investigation continues into fatal NK crash
An investigation is under way to uncover why a Chesterfield County man drove the wrong way on Interstate 64 in New Kent County resulting in an April 16 two vehicle, head-on crash and two fatalities. For now, authorities cannot say how long the man’s vehicle had been headed in the wrong direction. Investigators say James E. Fred, 54, of the 14000 block of Walthall Drive, drove his 2004 Honda CRV westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-64 and collided head-on with a 1996 Ford Ranger pick-up driven by John J. Keesler, 47, of the 6000 block of Husting Road, also…
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Truck stop proposal heads to NK supervisors for hearing
By a narrow 6-4 vote, a conditional use permit application that would pave the way for building a second truck stop on Route 106 in New Kent near the Interstate 64/Talleysville interchange is headed to the county’s Board of Supervisors with a recommendation for approval. County Planning Commission members took the action on April 15 following a public hearing on the matter. The vote came on the heels of a 7-3 vote to defeat a motion that would have forwarded an unfavorable recommendation to the board. Supervisors’ representative Tommy Tiller abstained on both votes. The Board of Supervisors has scheduled…
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Regional radio grid could save NK close to $10 million
With a proposal on the table, New Kent County supervisors have voted unanimously to look into a regional study for radio communication upgrades. New Kent fire chief Rick Opett addressed the board during its April 16 work session concerning a proposal from York County. The proposal allows New Kent to join a radio communications grid with York, Gloucester, James City, and Williamsburg to provide better services for New Kent Fire/EMS, New Kent Sheriff’s Office, and New Kent public schools. Opett presented the proposal because of talks during a previous work session about the need to replace radios and emergency communication…
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New Kent, Charles City roads scheduled for paving work
A long list of New Kent County and Charles City County roads are scheduled by VDOT to receive pavement improvement during this year’s paving season that lasts from now until November. Local roads are to be paved with modified surface treatment, multi-layer (cape seal), or slurry seal. An explanation of each type of paving is found following the roads listed below. New Kent roads slated for modified surface treatment are: Brianwood Court from cul-de-sac to Shoreline Drive; Cardinal Drive from Club Drive to cul-de-sac; Carriage Road from Townsend Road to east Route 60 intersection; Chestnut Drive from Forest Drive to…
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CC budget proposal draws little comment at hearing
Charles City school board chairwoman Barbara Crawley and superintendent of schools Janet Crawley were the only two speakers during Charles City Board of Supervisors’ budget public hearing on April 17. The $20,951,528 budget proposal contains no tax increases. Speaking for her colleagues, Barbara Crawley thanked Charles City supervisors for their support. “Even though we were not fully funded, we are grateful for what we have received,” she said. The superintendent also thanked supervisors, understanding the task at hand as they tackle the proposed budget. “I hope you can help us in any way you can,” said the superintendent. “With your…
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Charles City school officials expecting more local money
Charles City school officials plan to revisit $200,000 in recommended budget cuts after receiving new local revenue figures provided to superintendent of schools Janet Crawley. Crawley met with county administrator Zach Trogdon and supervisor Floyd Miles Sr. on April 10 to discuss allocated local dollars to schools in the proposed FY2013-14 budget. That amount sat at just over $4.5 million, reduced by $200,000 from the current school year’s figure. Now, a new proposal provides more money, but with strict conditions. Crawley told school board members at their April 16 meeting that the new county contribution to be allocated to schools…
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Briefly… for April 25-May 8, 2013
CC man pleads guilty to distribution A man involved in a drug bust by Charles City special task forces pled guilty to three counts of distribution on April 12 in Charles City Circuit Court. Zachery Clarkston Russell, 21, of 12701 Sterling Heights Lane, Providence Forge, admitted he sold morphine on Oct. 17 and heroin on Nov. 16 and 20 of last year to an informant. According to a summary of evidence by commonwealth’s attorney Rob Tyler, the informant inquired about obtaining $50 of morphine pills from Russell. The defendant obliged, driving to the home of Steven Brooks where he received…
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Lane closures upcoming on I-64 in New Kent
Overnight next Monday-Thursday, April 22-25, the right lane on eastbound Interstate 64 in New Kent County between mile markers 218 and 224 is closing 9 p.m.-5 a.m. for paving. Expect delays. Also, alternating daytime lane closures for pothole patching on both east and west I-64 are scheduled for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 23-25 (Tuesday-Thursday) between mile marker 200 in Henrico and mile marker 224 in New Kent. Expect delays.
