News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | September 30, 2025
Local News
Optic network plan for Internet services presented to New Kent Board of Supervisors
New Kent’s Board of Supervisors received their first look at what it would take to bring Internet services to the county. Wednesday morning’s work session began with RiverStreet Networks representative Robert Taylor providing an update from the organizations study of developing a fiber optic network design and plan. In November 2020, county leaders appropriated $79,995 for the study. Taylor’s dialogue centered around areas being purchased by several companies who plan to get into fiber optic services and Internet services. According to the RiverStreet representative, approximately 628 miles of fiber optics could be run in New Kent County, providing the ability…
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Conflicting stories result in not guilty verdict for Providence Forge man
A Providence Forge man that was charged with a single count of malicious wounding stemming from an alleged 2019 incident has been found not guilty. Matthew Clifford Deskins, 40, of the 5800 block of Flowering Peach Lane, had the charge dismissed after a questionable motive of the allegation was presented by his defense team during Monday afternoon proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. In the contested trial, prosecuting attorneys said that on Aug. 24, 2019, Jacqueline Hollis (formerly Waltman) said that Deskins was scheduled to have a blood transfusion. At the time, Hollis and Deskins were in a relationship and…
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Charles City’s proposed budget for FY2021-22 nears $18 million; no tax increase recommended
A near $18 million local budget was part of Charles City County Administrator’s Michelle Johnson’s proposed budget for the FY2021-22 fiscal year. Johnson proposed an amount of $17,926,145 for operations in the county for the new cycle. That figure does not include money from the state or federal governments. There is no proposed tax increase for next year as the rate is set to remain at 76 centers per $100 of assessed value. Johnson’s presentation covered areas that included continuing support for the county’s Fire and EMS services. The budget for those services increased to $1,400,107 for the next fiscal…
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Black steps down from District 3 leadership seat in Charles City
Lewis Black III has vacated his position as Charles City’s Board of Supervisors representative in District 3. The announcement was made by Charles City County Administrator Michelle Johnson at the beginning of Tuesday night’s board of supervisors meeting. Johnson told the other two members that Black had cited relocating his family as the primary reason for stepping down from his post. “I want to thank Mr. Black for all his hard work,” commented District 2 Supervisor Bill Coada. “He brought a lot of fresh ideas and a new perspective to this board.” In 2019, Black announced his bid for the…
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New Kent School Board accepting applications to fill District 5 vacancy
New Kent County’s School Board is seeking an interested person from the Fifth District to fill a seat that will be vacated on May 1. Qualified voters of District 5 are encouraged to apply by writing a statement of interest not exceeding 300 words and a resume to the Clerk of the School Board no latter that Friday, May 14, by 5 p.m. Applicants may submit their letter by email to mhall@nkcps.k12.va.us or via traditional mail to P.O. Box 110, New Kent, VA 23124. Applicants will have the opportunity to speak publicly on Monday, May 17, 6 p.m. at New…
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Teenagers plead guilty to sex crimes with minor in New Kent
Two teenagers who committed consensual sex with a minor both entered guilty pleas to the crime during Monday afternoon proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. Isaac Thomas Brunson, 19, of the 1100 block of Winding River Road, Providence Forge, and Cory Shane Mitchell, 19, of the 8400 block of North Henpeck Road, Quinton, admitted guilt to the crime as each pleaded guilty to an amended charge of misdemeanor consensual sex with a minor age 15 or older (originally carnal knowledge without force with a minor 13-14 years old). In a summary of evidence, between the dates of Apr. 1 and…
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Stamm to assume principalship role at New Kent Elementary School on July 1
Dr. Amy Stamm will assume the position of principal at New Kent Elementary School starting July 1, 2021. Stamm joins New Kent County Public Schools with more than 20 years of educational experience. She has held positions as an instructor, principal, assistant principal, school counselor, and division director of testing. She is a graduate of Christopher Newport University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. She continued her education at the University of West Alabama, earning a Master’s in School Counseling. Stamm followed that up by earning a Post-Masters in K-12 supervision and administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and earned a…
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Additional projected revenue expected to alleviate public safety officers salary concerns in New Kent
At the March work session of New Kent’s Board of Supervisors, County Administrator Rodney Hathaway advised county leaders that there may be more additional funding to support requests from public safety officers for salary increases. At Monday night’s regular board meeting, that number came in at the tune of $850,000. Coupled with additional savings from public safety positions and the conversation board, the total new additional revenue came in at $1,413,901 for the county in the FY2021-22 projected budget. Hathaway recapped the requests made by both New Kent Sheriff’s Office and New Kent’s Fire and Rescue services, speaking about various…
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Hardinge stepping down from New Kent school board post effective May 1
New Kent School Board District 5 representative Gail Hardinge will be resigning from her position effective May 1. The announcement came through an essay written by Hardinge that was read by School Board chairwoman Andrea Staskiel during Monday night’s board meeting. “I felt a deep connection for this community and to New Kent County schools,” Hardinge said in the letter. “I have spent my recent years writing grants for education and I have a long passion for education and students.” Hardinge commented to her ongoing battle with a medical condition that weighed heavily on her decision in stepping down. “Unfortunately,…
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Henrico man to serve six months in jail after caught with stolen truck in Charles City
A Henrico man will spend the next six months in jail after accepting a plea deal during Friday morning proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court. Stephen Michael Duncan Jr., 50, of the 2300 block of Bailey Drive, entered a no contest plea to one count each of grand larceny and misdemeanor trespassing. One charge of misdemeanor destruction of property was dropped. A no contest plea indicates that evidence presented by the prosecution would be enough to convict the defendant of the crime. In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Tyler, on Dec. 31, 2020, a man was…
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