News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | September 22, 2026
Local News
Renovation work under way at C&F Bank’s Quinton branch
C&F Bank has announced a major renovation of its bank branch located in Quinton. Improvements involve complete “gutting” of the facility with a rebuild of the interior as well as a new façade on the front of the building including a few changes to the roof lines. Once completed, the interior of the branch, which was opened in 1981, will appear almost completely different than it does today. In addition, the parking lot will be slightly moved toward New Kent Highway and will be ground down and re-asphalted. The size and scope of the renovation requires temporary relocation of the…
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No charges filed against CC animal control officer
A special prosecutor appointed in a criminal investigation stemming from the fatal shooting of a dog by a Charles City County animal control officer is declining to bring charges citing lack of evidence. The decision by Matthew Kite, commonwealth’s attorney for King William County, surfaced in a Dec. 28 press release issued by the Virginia State Police. At issue is a Nov. 1 incident in which the animal control officer, Frank Bates, shot and killed an 18-month-old golden Labrador retriever named Axel. Public furor erupted over the shooting with social media deluged by comments demanding the county fire Bates. But…
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Fatal fire cause undetermined
An investigation continues into the cause of a fire that claimed the life of a Charles City County man. Marion P. “Boots” Hughes, 84, of the 4000 block of Old Union Road, was home alone on Dec. 22 when fire broke out at his residence around 11 a.m. Fire and rescue crews responded to the emergency call and upon arrival, found Hughes dead in his bedroom. Hughes and his family once owned Hughes Store, a general store located at the intersection of Charles City and Old Union roads, just east of the Henrico County line, that served as a centerpiece…
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Colonial Downs asks federal judge to dismiss lawsuit
Colonial Downs’ officials are asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising in connection with use of the Strawberry Hill Races name. Lawyers filed a Dec. 11 response on behalf of the defendants (Colonial Downs Holdings Inc., Colonial Downs LP, Stansley Racing Corporation, and Colonial Downs LLC). In the document, lawyers deny allegations in the lawsuit leveled by plaintiffs Mildred J. Dotson and Christie D. Harrell, the mother-daughter duo that bought rights to the Strawberry Hill name. Also, lawyers are asking that Colonial Downs LLC be removed from the defendant list. Lawyers…
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CC boards accept efficiency study, pledge cooperation
Charles City’s Board of Supervisors and School Board have jointly agreed to accept and endorse results of an efficiency study that is to serve as a platform for the two boards to move forward in a spirit of cooperation. Supervisors unanimously approved the DECIDESMART study while school board members approved it 4-0 during a joint meeting held Dec. 20. School board District 3 representative Martha Harris was absent due to illness. Bill Bosher and Lane Ramsey of DECIDESMART presented study material and research conducted over the past several months involving the two boards. The evaluation critiqued 10 areas, as well…
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Wheelman in multi-county burglary ring handed time
The wheelman of a multi-county burglary ring will be spending the next two years in jail. Joseph Christopher Pitts, 31, of 21st Street, West Point, received a total of 40 years incarceration with 38 suspended on Dec. 17 in New Kent Circuit Court for his role in multiple burglaries last March and April in the county. Pitts admitted in September during his trial that he was the driver of a vehicle carrying Antoine Maurice Burrell, 29, and Lopear Vorice Burrell, 31, both of 16th Street, West Point, to homes that the pair burglarized. Pitts said his actions stemmed from his…
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Defendants accept plea deals
Two defendants accepted plea deals presented by the commonwealth during Charles City Circuit Court on Dec. 21. Lisa Ann Jordan, 37, of 202 Patriots Village Court, West Point, accepted an agreement to plead guilty to two counts of credit card larceny and one count of credit card theft. Another count of credit card theft was dropped. Jordan admitted that on a variety of dates from Dec. 23, 2011 to April 1, 2012 she used cards belonging to Servpro owner David J. Butler, Nina Butler, and Barbara Lucy. Jordan said she paid personal bills using the cards. Those bills included paying…
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Briefly… for Jan. 3-16, 2012
Morrissey pushing for weapon ban Del. Joe Morrissey, who represents Charles City County in the General Assembly, plans to introduce a bill to ban the sale of both assault style weapons as well as large capacity magazines in the upcoming session. “The Federal Assault Weapons Ban (FAWB), expired on Sept. 13, 2004. Despite multiple attempts to renew such bans, no federal bill to restore the ban has reached the floor of the United States Senate or House of Representatives,” said Morrissey in a press release. Noting what he termed “glacier-like” movement in Congress, he said, “Virginia should not wait for…
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NK, CC schools ramp up security in aftermath of Connecticut tragedy
Last Friday’s horrific school shooting in Newtown, Conn. has spurred immediate action by sheriff’s offices and school personnel in New Kent and Charles City counties to heighten the level of security at local schools and raise the comfort level of students, faculty, and parents. And the incident could provide impetus for finding budget money to install a School Resource Officer (SRO) in Charles City, where none exist now, and hire additional officers in New Kent. Currently, New Kent schools have two officers, one each at the middle and high schools, but none at the two elementary schools. Of chief concern…
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Proposed new railroad would cross New Kent
A new railroad line crossing part of New Kent County appears to be in the works, but thus far, local officials have little to go on as far as details regarding the proposal. New Kent officials learned last week that a private company is behind the proposal. When contacted, county administrator Rodney Hathaway declined to identify the company except to say the concept originated from a business in neighboring King William County. Speculation, however, abounds that owners of a King William plant that produces cat litter could be advancing the new rail line concept. “[The railroad line] is still in…
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