News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | September 29, 2025
Local News
Supervisors inquire about proposed three-megawatt solar plant in eastern New Kent
With several multimillion-dollar companies shifting to a net-zero carbon footprint goal, solar farms and locations are popping up over the country at a fast pace. Now, a private company wants to place another one in the eastern portion of New Kent County. Borrego Solar approached county leaders at the Mar. 30 work session to provide an outline on the facility that plans to be located on Polish Town Road (Route 634). The three mega-watt facility will be placed on approximately 23 acres of land and is located near Henrico Jail East. The plan has already received a positive response from…
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Lanexa man receives 35 years for murder of New Kent businessman
*Editor’s Note: This story may contain content unsuitable for some readers. A Lanexa man who broke into the residence of a well-known and beloved New Kent businessman will spend the next 35 years in prison for murder. Michael Anthony Jenkins, 40, of the 15000 block of Pocahontas Trail, learned his fate during Monday afternoon proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. On Dec. 4, 2019, New Kent Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Carter Road. Upon entering the home, they discovered a body that appeared to have blunt-force trauma to the back of the head. After obtaining a warrant to…
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Federal grant provides funding for District 3 broadband expansion in Charles City
Broadband and internet connectivity has become a necessity instead of a luxury for today’s society. A federal grant presented to Charles City County Tuesday morning will provide more homeowners and businesses the opportunity to expand their services. United States House of Representatives Delegate A. Donald McEachin presented a $2,643,508 grant for broadband expansion in District 3 of the county. The grant is part of $19.1 million in projects granted to McEachin’s 4th Congressional District. Charles City was the recipient of the Virginia Technology Initiative (VATI) grant that saw Comcast install more than $5 million in fiber optic cables. Most of…
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Charles City School Board approves $10.2 million budget for FY2022-23 cycle
Charles City’s School Board approved its proposed budget of $10.2 million for the FY2022-23 cycle. School board members followed the recommendation of Superintendent of Schools Dalphine Joppy by a vote of 3-1-1 after a public hearing Monday night yielded one speaker. Joppy’s proposal requested an additional $250,000 in funding from the local level, making the total ask from the county of $6,268,997 for the cycle. Those funds are expected to assist with addressing issues of increasing minimum wage, employee salary, and fulfilling staff shortages. The superintendent is also requesting $130,356 in CIP projects for the new cycle. While the motion…
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Chesterfield man has New Kent charge dismissed after completing First Offender Program
A Chesterfield man will have a charge of possession of a Schedule I/II drug dismissed after successfully completing the First Offender Program. Evans Bright Garrett IV, 53, of the 9800 block of Candle Lamp Lane, saw the charge dismissed after meeting the requirements of the program during his formal sentencing Monday morning in New Kent Circuit Court. In Mar. 2021, Garrett had admitted to possessing amphetamine pills on Apr. 4, 2020. Garrett accepted a plea deal and went into the program as part of the conditions and terms.
Charles City man indicted for allegedly embezzling from Pilot Travel Center in Talleysville
A Charles City man who is a former employee at the Pilot in Talleysville has been indicted by a New Kent grand jury. Thomas Alexander Bevis, 28, of the 4500 block of Rockinghorse Lane, was indicted on a lone charge of felony embezzlement. The indictment alleges that Bevis stole more than $1,000 of goods and items while working at the Pilot Travel Center on Nov. 2, 2021. In other indictments certified by the grand jury: –Tra’Juan Antwone Bates, 23, of the 300 block of Pleasant Lane, Petersburg, on one count each of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (greater…
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Plug pulled on proposed power plant in Charles City
A company that had plans to bring a power plant to Charles City County has now pulled out after multiple obstacles thwarted their efforts. Balico announced this past weekend that plans fell through for the creation of the Chickahominy Power Plant. Citing opposition from environmental groups and permit rejections, representatives said in a press release while they thanked all parties for their considerations but will now look to build it in another location. Talks between the county and Balico began in 2016. But when citizens found out about the plans, many came out in full force against it. Specifically leading…
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Providence Forge man receives nine months in jail for using vehicle, stolen credit card in Charles City
A Providence Forge man will spend the next nine months in jail after receiving formal sentencing stemming from a 2020 incident. Charles Lloyd White, 50, of the 7600 block of Courthouse Road, received judgement on four convictions during Monday morning proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court. On June 5, 2020, White entered guilty pleas to one count each of credit card larceny and credit card fraud. He admitted that on Feb. 27, 2020, he resided with a family member within the county and took out a credit card belonging to the family member. White traveled to the Dollar General within…
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Charles City superintendent proposed $10.2 million budget for FY2022-23 school year
With the goal to help Charles City students who want to go to college, the workforce, or the military after graduation, Charles City Superintendent of Schools Dalphine Joppy presented her proposed budget in front of school board members Tuesday night. Joppy proposed a budget of $10,241,703 for the FY2022-23 fiscal year. Of that amount, the superintendent is requesting local funding of roughly $6.2 million, an increase of $250,000 from the current year’s budget. By comparison, the current year’s operations total $10,726,611, with the county contributing $6,018,997 in local dollars. The superintendent’s intent is to hire and retain good employees in…
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Budget of $90 million recommended for New Kent County FY2022-23 operations
The continuing influx of new residents and business coming into New Kent County has made it the second-fastest growing locality in the state of Virginia. County Administrator Rodney Hathaway’s proposed budget for FY2022-23 reflected that. Hathaway presented a budget of $90,462,839 for the upcoming cycle, marking more than a $10 million increase in this year’s budget. By contract, the FY2021-22 budget totaled $79,688,523. The growth of the county has also reflected on the county’s real estate tax rate. The rate is expected to drop to 69 cents per $100 of assessed value for the new year. The new rate is…
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