News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 26, 2026
Local News
Ellis appointed new director of Bridging Communities Career and Technical Center
Former New Kent High School Assistant Principal Julie Ellis has accepted the position as Executive Director at Bridging Communities Regional Career and Technical Center. The Bridging Communities Board of Control announced the hiring in a June 11 press release. Ellis served as a health and physical education teacher and chairperson and director of athletics and activities. Ellis received her Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Athletic Training from Virginia Commonwealth University and Masters in Educational Administration from the College of William & Mary. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University. “Honestly, I am…
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Roanoke man to serve mandatory two years for DUI convictions in New Kent
A Roanoke man will spend the next two years after accepting a plea deal to crimes related to driving while under the influence. Christopher Lee Tazewell, 37, entered guilty pleas to one count each of DUI after being convicted of a previous DUI felony offense, DUI driving revoked as the result of a DUI felony conviction, and misdemeanor refusing to take a breathalyzer test. In a summary of evidence, on Dec. 22, 2019, a Virginia State Trooper was monitoring traffic at mile marker 217 on Interstate 64. The trooper passed a vehicle on the right shoulder of the road and…
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Body recovered from Wilson’s Wharf in Charles City
Charles City County Sheriff’s Offfice is investigating a death after receiving information about an abandoned kayak. On June 3 around 1:30 p.m., Charles City Sheriff’s Office received a call about the boat being found along side clothes and a wallet in the area of Fort Pocahontas at Wilson’s Wharf. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries were notified, and a search began. On June 4 at 8:30 a.m., the search resumed by several law enforcement agencies. Around 2 p.m., the body of Jake Woollard was recovered and transported to the Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office. Cause of the death…
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Providence Forge man pleads guilty to using stolen credit card in Charles City
A Providence Forge man entered straight guilty pleas to using a stolen credit card to make purchases during Friday morning procedures in Charles City Circuit Court. Charles Lloyd White, 48, of the 7600 block of Courthouse Road, entered guilty pleas to one count each of credit card larceny and misdemeanor credit card fraud. One count of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle was dropped. In a summary of evidence, on Feb. 27, White was residing with a family member within the county. While living with the family, he intercepted a piece of mail that belonged to another family member. Inside…
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Dual primaries to be held in Charles City, New Kent on June 23
The Dual-Party primary voting for Charles City and New Kent County will be held on Tuesday, June 23. Voters must be registered in order to cast their ballot. Polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. The deadline to request an absentee ballot for voting is Tuesday, June 16, 5 p.m. Charles City’s voter registration office is located at 10900 Courthouse Road, Charles City, Virginia. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for the convenience of registered voters who may need to vote by absentee ballot this election….
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High school principals cope with logistics in organizing graduation ceremonies
The year 2020 has been a year of uncertainty with everyday marking a new task or challenge to society. For high school principals at New Kent and Charles City County, making the best out of an uncontrollable situation to make sure the Class of 2020 is recognized was at the top of their list. New Kent High School principal Chris Valdrighi and Charles City High School principal Marcus Petty Sr. are gearing up to provide modified graduation ceremonies to recognize the Class of 2020. The modified ceremonies are the result of guidelines that limit the number of people in one…
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New Kent Treasurer’s Office reopens by appointment
New Kent County Treasurer’s Office will be open to the public by appointment only. Customers can call 966-9615 to schedule an appointment. Per building requirements, face coverings will be required for entry into the office lobby. “My staff and I look forward to serving the taxpayers of New Kent County,” said county treasurer Charles Evelyn. “We are glad to be able to re-open and are taking precautions to keep the taxpayers and staff safe during the ongoing health situation.” Other payment options are also available and currently advised to be used. Citizens can make online payments at www.NewKentTax.com or utilize…
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New Kent leaders adopt $75 million budget for FY2020-21
New Kent County’s Board of Supervisors adopted $75 million budget for FY2020-21 during Wednesday morning’s work session. County leaders approved the budget with a 5-0 vote, passing the $75,062,698 budget unanimously after County Administrator Rodney Hathaway provided a recap on the budget. Originally, Hathaway presented a budget of $76 million in early March. But with the impact of COVID-19 being felt throughout the county, Hathaway expects the economy to take a two-percent drop. That drop in expected revenue totals $738,327. Hathaway also proposed reducing the real estate tax rate. While originally pegged at 82 cents per $100 of assessed value,…
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Charles City Board of Supervisors approve $16.3 million budget for FY20-21
Charles City’s Board of Supervisors adopted its FY2020-21 budget at Tuesday night’s regularly scheduled board meeting. Board members unanimously approved the $16,342,841 budget of local dollars through its online monthly meeting on May 26. In total, Charles City’s budget comes in at a shade over $22 million with additional funding from the state and federal governments. The process has been long and dubious for county leaders as they continue to deal with the fallout of COVID-19. During a May 14 budget work session, Charles City County administrator Michelle Johnson presented level funding across all county departments. She also recommended that…
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Joppy tabbed as new superintendent of Charles City County Public Schools
Dr. Dalphine Joppy has been named as the new superintendent of Charles City County Public Schools. Charles City School Board members made the announcement at Tuesday night’s regular school board meeting. She will assume the duties on July 1, replacing Dr. David Gaston who will be retiring. Joppy has more than 20 years of experience in the educational field. Among positions held include teaching, staff development specialist, assistant principal, and principal. She has served as the director of professional and organization development at Chesapeake City Public Schools since 2013 prior to accepting the position in Charles City. “I am honored…
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