News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | February 15, 2026
Local News
Candidates for sheriff emerge as focal battle during Charles City NAACP forum
Candidates for Charles City offices received one final opportunity to state their platform during Friday night’s forum sponsored by Charles City’s Branch of the NAACP. But it was clear and evident that the position with the most intrigue by the 75 people in attendance was the race for county sheriff. Incumbent Alan Jones Sr. and challenger Jayson Crawley received a majority of the questions posed from submissions and attendees. The two candidates were questioned about how to combat drugs in the county, the current crime rate, and how to address the shortfall on the number of deputies. It was one…
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North Carolina man receives 15-month sentence for leading 40-mile chase that started in New Kent
A North Carolina man who attempted to flee from police this past summer will spend the next 15 months in jail. Christopher Michael Whitley, 38, of the 1300 block of Wiley Lewis Road, Greensboro, entered guilty pleas to one count each of felony eluding of police and misdemeanor DUI (first offense) as part of an agreement reached Monday in New Kent Circuit Court. In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott Renick, on Aug. 7 a New Kent deputy operating radar on Interstate 64 eastbound noticed a sedan slowly weaving back and forth across travel lanes….
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NKBOS votes to impose through-truck restrictions on two roads
New Kent County leaders supported the implications of through-truck restrictions on two roads in the eastern part of the county following an Oct. 17 meeting. Supervisors voted to impose the restrictions on Good Hope Road and a portion of Stage Road. During the discussion, County Administrator Rodney Hathaway commented that while the submission to Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) for the restriction on Good Hope Road and Stage Road would be made, approval would be needed by neighboring county to James City County as the alternative route runs through that county. By VDOT standards, an alternative route must be provided…
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Cox Communication partnering with New Kent for internet expansion project
New Kent County leadership, New Kent County’s Educational Foundation, and Cox Communications announced a fiber-optic network expansion in the county that plans to provide 100 percent fiber network in the county. The Oct. 17 press release announces that the project will be conducted in two phases. Phase one will deliver Cox Fiber internet to approximately 3,000 residents that do not have broadband access by the end of 2024. Phase two will connect the remaining residents and businesses to ensure everyone in the county has access to the new fiber network. “Bridging the digital divide is a priority for New Kent…
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Three options presented as starting ground for possible renovations to New Kent Elementary School
For several years, renovations to New Kent Elementary School have been listed on the school board’s capital improvement plan (CIP). At Monday night’s New Kent School Board meeting, a concept on what the renovations could look like was presented to school leaders. Stephen Halsey of Moseley Architects provided a synopsis of the history of the school building. Built in 1973, New Kent Elementary School received additions in 1992 and 2004. And while Halsey commented that the school was well maintained, many interior locations consist of metal partitions and consist of confusing interior circulation. Located on nearly 10-and-a-half acres of land,…
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Providence Forge man receives 12-month sentence for slapping deputy during arrest
A Providence Forge man who assaulted a law enforcement officer entered a guilty plea to an amended charge as part of an agreement reached Monday morning in New Kent Circuit Court. David Maurice Williams, 55, of the 4900 block of Adkins Road, entered a guilty plea to misdemeanor assault and battery (originally assault on a law enforcement officer) as part of the deal. In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott Renick, on Jan. 29, a New Kent deputy on patrol recognized Williams driving a vehicle. The officer had a history with Williams and knew the…
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Charles City schools shift focus on new approach, refocus on improving SOL scores and accreditation
Even by her own admission, Charles City Superintendent of Schools Dalphine Joppy confessed that recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic has set the school system back a few steps. But with a focus on high-intensive tutoring and taking a new approach, Joppy expects scores to take an upward tick this year. The process for the new approach started at Charles City’s School Board Sept. 19 regular meeting. At that meeting, Joppy told the school board that the elementary school will be fully accredited for the FY2023-24 year, while the high school would be accredited with conditions. “We have work to do,”…
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Charles City leaders vote to implement four-percent meals tax beginning in 2024
With reluctance in their voices, Charles City County supervisors voted to adopt a meals tax during the Sept. 26 board meeting. County leaders unanimously agreed to the four-percent increase beginning Jan. 1, 2024, after receiving information and listening to concerned business owners. One of those business owners was Bonnie Whittaker, who expressed her concerns about the increase and how it would impact her business, Cul’s Courthouse Grille. “I know we need money in this county, but I would like to have more options than this,” she said. “We only have about three restaurants in the county. “This is going to…
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Charles City man pleads guilty to unlawfully wounding brother
A Charles City man will spend no active time incarcerated after pleading down to a lesser felony charge. Kenneth Marvin Wallace, 65, of the 17000 block of The Glebe Lane, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of unlawful wounding (originally malicious wounding) as part of an agreement reached Monday afternoon in Charles City Circuit Court. In a summary of evidence, on May 27 Charles City deputies responded to a call for service for a residence on The Glebe Lane where two individuals were fighting with weapons. Upon arriving, a deputy intervened and questioned a witness about the situation….
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Man receives year in jail for using brother’s information during New Kent traffic stop
A Topping man who used his brother’s name on a summons will spend a year in jail for uttering. Charles Edward Bagby III, 37, of the 1600 block of Regent Road, entered guilty pleas to one count each of uttering, misdemeanor reckless driving by speed, and misdemeanor driving suspended as part of a plea agreement reached Monday morning in New Kent Circuit Court. Two counts of forgery of a public record, and one count each of uttering, misdemeanor providing false identification to a police officer, and misdemeanor reckless driving were dropped as part of the deal. In a summary of…
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