News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | April 9, 2026
Local News
Bedford man to serve 18-month sentence for possessing ammunition in New Kent
A Bedford man will spend the next 18 months in jail after pleading guilty to possession of ammunition. Antoinne Lamont Wright, 31, of the 100 block of Colonial Lane, entered the plea as part of an agreement reached during Oct. 17 proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. One charge of possession of a weapon by a violent felon was dropped as part of the deal. In a summary of evidence by Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory, on Sept. 4, 2018, Wright was a passenger in a vehicle driven by co-defendant Tyler Bell when an officer noticed an object thrown out the…
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Patriot’s Landing receives approval for golf carts to travel on roads
Following suit to Chickahominy Shores, a second subdivision in New Kent County will allow golf parts and other utility vehicles on VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) roads. Patriot’s Landing received unanimous approval to allow the alternative modes of transportation throughout the subdivision after New Kent Board of Supervisors approved the measure unanimously at Tuesday night’s regular board meeting. County leaders passed a similar resolution in August for Chickahominy Shores. Roads within the Patriot’s Landing subdivision that will allow travel for golf carts and utility vehicles are American Holly Lane, Bending Birch Lane, English Boxwood Lane, Flowering Magnolia Lane, Forsythia Court,…
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Charles City schools announce full accreditation
Charles City Elementary and High Schools are fully accredited for the third consecutive year. Superintendent of schools David Gaston made the announcement during Tuesday night’s school board meeting. The school system also posted a 100 percent graduation rate and a zero percent drop-out rate. English and mathematic pass rates increased for both schools, as well as increases in several subject areas for many subgroups according to Charles City Director of Instruction and Curriculum Todd Perelli. After the presentation, at-large member Preston Adkins appreciated the data, but hopes that information is broken down at the state level. “I truly want to…
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Brothers from Dinwiddie convicted of $112,000 armed robbery in Charles City
A pair of brothers involved in an armed robbery that resulted in more than $100,000 being stolen were convicted after a contested trial Friday in Charles City Circuit Court. Jeremy Brandon Martin, 34, and Stephen Hunter Martin, 30, both of the 8200 block of Vaughan Road, North Dinwiddie, were each convicted on seven charges during the proceedings. On Oct. 15, 2018, around 9 a.m., Betty Sweeney was operating her home-based business when two men entered into her dwelling. “I came downstairs and the next thing I knew I had a bath towel over my head,” she testified. “I thought somebody…
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New Kent candidates state platforms at first public forum
As political season rolls around, candidates are beginning to make their bids for elected positions at the local level in New Kent County. Such was the case during Wednesday’s evening political forum at New Kent High School. Sponsored by New Kent High School’s AP (Advanced Placement) Government and Politics class, more than 200 people filled auditorium seats for the two-and-a-half hour forum that provided candidates an opportunity to speak to the public. Positions on New Kent’s Board of Supervisors were among the first to be discussed in the public setting. Leading the way is 13-year New Kent resident Kate West…
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Repairs to local bridge delayed until early 2020
Repairs to the F.W. “Wakie” Howard Jr. Bridge, located at the border of Charles City and New Kent County on Courthouse Road (Route 155), have been postponed. Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) made the announcement on Oct. 7 that work to replace the deck of the deteriorating bridge has been pushed back to early 2020. The bridge was originally scheduled to be repaired in June 2019 before being delayed due to concerns from local business owners. The project then received a start date of Oct. 21 before the most recent announcement.
Bridge repairs to close Courthouse Road at Charles City, New Kent border beginning Oct. 21
Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced the closing of the F.W. “Wakie” Howard Jr. bridge on Oct. 21. The bridge, located on Courthouse Road (Route 155) that connects Charles City and New Kent County, will be closed for deck repairs. The bridge is expected to be closed for three months. Motorists traveling from Charles City to New Kent are advised to take Route 602 (Lott Cary Road) and turn right onto Adkins Road (Route 618). Adkins Road will take you to Route 60 (Pocahontas Trail), and motorists can turn right to head back to Route 155 (Courthouse Road). Motorists…
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Forum on new school helps inform New Kent residents
New Kent’s School Board hosted a public forum Monday night on the proposed new elementary school located in the western part of the county. Being constructed just off Route 249 (New Kent Highway), the new school is expected to cost $28 million to construct, with an additional cost of up to $7 million for site plans, architecture, and contingency. “As you know, New Kent is the second fastest growing locality in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Superintendent of Schools Brian Nichols. “The design of this school will allow us to add on without bringing trailers onto the property like we…
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After bizarre case, New Kent man receives eight-year prison term
A New Kent man who attacked the daughter of a woman he used to be in a relationship with will serve eight years in prison. Richard Alvin Cothran, 62, of the 5400 block of Elm Road, received formal sentencing on one charge of abduction and strangulation during Monday proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. During a July 29 trial, Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory presented evidence where Cothran got into an altercation with the victim. During that altercation, Cothran had grabbed the victim and placed her in a headlock. Later, he forced her to watch as he cut his own throat….
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Former New Kent teacher sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to solicit sex with a minor
A former New Kent teacher who used a communication device in an attempt to solicit sex from a minor will spend the next five years in prison. Matthew Spencer Duckworth, 41, formerly of the 9000 block of Chestnut Drive, New Kent, received formal sentencing on two counts of attempting to solicit a minor age 15 or less for sex with a communication device during Monday afternoon proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. During a March 25 trial, Duckworth entered the guilty pleas to the crimes that took place between Aug. 16-21, 2018. In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s…
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