News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 26, 2026
Local News
Questions still loom over proposed power plants in Charles City
Proposed power plants in Charles City has stirred up controversy in Charles City, specifically regarding notifications from the company and county leaders. Residents had the opportunity to inquire and question one company during a Jan. 28 public meeting at the high school. Approximately 100 people were in attendance when Balico LLC, the company behind the Chickahominy Power Plant, was present to hear feedback from the public. Along with representatives of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the two-and-a-half-hour session consisted of a blend of mixed feedback from local residents. After providing an overview of the public, the floor was open…
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Broadband committee presents first plan to New Kent leaders
With Internet becoming more of a necessity in today’s society, New Kent County leaders received an update of bringing broadband Internet to the county. New Kent Broadband Advisory committee chairman Chris Stone made a presentation to county leaders at Wednesday morning’s work session. Utilizing his 25 years of background, Stone’s presentation spoke about several problems the county faced with the lack of high-speed internet. Stories about businesses spending money just to connect to the Internet to students having inadequate access to log online were among the top problems the committee faced when formalizing a plan. Stone opened up his presentation…
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Search begins for missing New Kent man
An alert has been issued to locate a New Kent man who went missing on Jan. 4. Christopher McKinley Smith, 55, of the 20000 block of Tabernacle Road, has been reported missing according to a press release by New Kent Sheriff’s Office. The press release also indicates that his vehicle was found on Interstate 64 near mile marker 199. Family members have expressed concern as it is unusual for him to not be in contact with his family according to New Kent County Sheriff J. Joe McLaughlin Jr. Smith is described as 6’2”, 180 pound black male. He has black…
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Charles City awarded $4 million grant for broadband initiative
With the ongoing struggle of Internet services in Charles City County, the Commonwealth of Virginia is stepping in to assist the locality. Governor Ralph Northam presented a check in the amount of $3,966,012 to county leaders as part of the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative. The Wednesday morning presentation at Charles City’s Library was another step in the right direction for the county. The funds are a part of a broadband initiative to rural localities, and are expected to provide access to 2,000 citizens within the county. The award is the most given to a locality out of $18.3 million in grants…
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CSX repairs to close crossings in New Kent, Charles City
Repairs at railroad crossings in New Kent and Charles City will result in detours and alternative routes for drivers starting Jan. 27. CSX Railroad has announced that repairs will be made to a plethora of railroad crossings that will result in roads being closed. The company has said that work for each location should last approximately one day and reopen upon completion of the repairs. Some busier intersections will see a longer time for repairs. All access to the intersections will be completely blocked during the time when repairs are scheduled. Motorists are to plan accordingly as signs are already…
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Local boards reorganize for 2020
Three local boards began their reorganization for the 2020 calendar year. In Charles City, newly elected District 2 leader Rodney Tyler will serve as chairman of Charles City County’s School Board. Newly elected District 1 representative Joy Harris will serve as vice-chairwoman. Preston Adkins was tabbed as the parliamentarian for the year. Gail Hardinge will take the reins as chairwoman of New Kent’s School Board for the 2020 calendar year. Andrea Staskiel received the nod as vice-chairwoman of the board. New Kent’s Board of Supervisors will be led by District 3 representative Patricia Paige for the year. Thomas Evelyn of…
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Issue of racism addressed at New Kent Board of Supervisors, School Board meetings
Issues of racism looming from 2019 stemming from a note at New Kent High School made its way into both New Kent’s School Board and New Kent’s Board of Supervisors meeting Monday night. But the approach into 2020 is that knowledge and addressing the issue is needed to promote a safe and livable environment for all. Citizens spoke at New Kent’s School Board meeting referencing the late 2019 incident where an African-American student was handed a note with a racial slur on it. The note gained widespread media and served as a stern reminder that racism is still present in…
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Suffolk man indicted, convicted of stealing items from Love’s Truck Stop in New Kent
A Suffolk man who stole items from a travel plaza in New Kent was indicted and convicted during Monday afternoon proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. Michael Andrew Rosekrans, 37, of the 3800 block of Pughsville Road, admitted guilt to one count of grand larceny stemming from a Sept. 25, 2019 incident. In a summary of evidence provided by assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Randy Del Rossi, Rosekrans entered the Love’s Truck Stop on Emmaus Church Road and placed a backpack on the counter. He later grabbed the backpack and went through the store, confiscating items before walking out the store. Prior…
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Nine indicted by grand jury in New Kent Circuit Court
A grand jury certified indictments on nine individuals during Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court: –Gilberto Antonio Irizarry Belbrut, 31, of the 2600 block of Granite Hill Circle, Richmond, on one count each of possession of a controlled substance and distribution of marijuana. The defendant allegedly committed the crimes on Mar. 7, 2019. –Kyle Robert Crews, 23, currently of Lunenburg Correctional Center, on a single charge of felony violation of a protective order (third offense). Crews allegedly violated an order on Sept. 29, 2019. –Sheronda Monica Hillard, 33, of the 4500 block of Jefferson Pointe Lane, Prince George,…
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New Kent Sheriff’s Office mobile app now available for download
New Kent County Sheriff’s Office has announced an application to better assist citizens and provide transparency and communications of daily operations. The “New Kent County Sheriff’s App” is available on the App Store and in Google Play. It was developed by TheSheriffApp.com, a division of OCV, LLC. Among things the app will allow include submitting reported, find information and submit tips about crimes, receive push notifications, commend an employee, read the latest news, and view information on community services. To download the app, go to your respective app store and enter “New Kent County Sheriff” in the search bar. The…
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