News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 3, 2025
Local News
New Kent High School Class of 2019 Valedictorian- Taylor Yates
Taylor Yates posted a grade-point average of 4.67 as valedictorian for New Kent High School’s Class of 2019. She studied at Chesapeake Bay’s Governor School, was a member of New Kent’s Lady Trojans’ softball team, the Renaissance Club, and BETA. Taylor will be attending the University of Virginia Tech and majoring in chemistry. She is the daughter of Jeff and Debbie Yates.
New Kent High School Class of 2019 Salutatorian- Brandon Bonner
Brandon Bonner is salutatorian of New Kent High School’s Class of 2019 with a grade-point average of 4.64. He was a member of FBLA, BETA, FCA, Eternity Club, president of the Richmond Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers and served as a member of New Kent Clean County Committee where he is the acting chairman. Brandon will be attending the University of Virginia and plans to pursue his studies in aerospace and mechanical engineering. He is the son of Shem and Lauren Bonner.
Ending one journey, starting a new one message sent to New Kent High School’s Class of 2019
Messages on ending one journey and starting the next echoed as 222 graduates of New Kent High School’s Class of 2019 were recognized Friday evening inside of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center as part of commencement ceremonies. After a welcome by high school principal Chris Valdrighi, class president Jonathan Reynosa Gonzalez spoke about the growth experienced over the years. “This evening is dedicated to us but remember many people in attendance today have played a part in us in being here,” he said. “Part of the journey is the end. “A world of opportunity is available for each of us…
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New Kent’s general election sees battle for three seats to board of supervisors
Three of five seats on New Kent’s Board of Supervisors will consist of contested races during the upcoming 2019 General Election for the county. C. Tommy Tiller will be challenged by Kate Ferris for the District 2 seat to the county’s board of supervisors. In District 3, incumbent Patricia Paige will face opposition as Joe Dombroski has submitted paperwork to the seat of county leaders. In District 5, two newcomers will vie for the seat that will be vacated by Ray Davis. Rodell Coffman and John Lockwood will both campaign to represent that district in the upcoming election. Thomas Evelyn…
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Paige campaigns for re-election to New Kent’s Board of Supervisors
Patricia Paige has announced her candidacy for re-election to the District 3 seat to represent New Kent’s Board of Supervisors. “I’ve lived in New Kent my whole life and I have a vested interest in every New Kent resident’s success,” she said in a press release. “It’s for that reason that I’m running for office again—to continue to ensure that all voices are well-represented in our local government.”
Race for sheriff highlights competitive general election ballot in Charles City
A three-way dance for the position of sheriff in Charles City County will be the highlight of the 2019 General Election on what is possibly the most competitive ballot in several years for the locality. Alan M. Jones Sr. will be challenged by former sheriff Javier J. Smith and former Charles City Captain Jayson T. Crawley this upcoming election season. In 2015, Jones defeated Smith 1,186-1,106 to oust him from the post after he served two consecutive terms. Crawley, who served under Smith as a captain, is making his bid for public office in this election. Charles City’s Board of…
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Bailey Creek Bridge closed at Charles City, Henrico County line
John Tyler Memorial Highway (Route 5) is closed at the border of Charles City and Henrico County due to a bridge closure. The bridge over Bailey Creek at the border originally had one lane closed after the recent rainfall. However, the constant flow of the stream has deteriorated the foundation of the bridge, making it a danger for vehicles to cross it. As a detour, motorists traveling westbound should take Roxbury Road (Route 106) in Charles City north to Pocahontas Trail (Route 60) in New Kent. Motorists should use 60 west until they arrive at Interstate 295 south and take…
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One bridge project, another possible, among summer projects in New Kent
A major bridge project involving a structure that connects Charles City and New Kent along with another possible one in the Barhamsville area of New Kent will have major impacts during the summer months. According to Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) monthly update report provided to New Kent County supervisors Monday night, the deck replacement of the Route 155 (Courthouse Road) bridge spanning the Chickahominy River canal is scheduled to undergo construction in August 2019. The other bridge that spans the main portion of the river, now known as the F.W. “Wakie” Howard Jr. bridge, was replaced a decade ago….
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New Kent felon to serve three years for firearm, burglary crimes
A New Kent man will spend the next three years incarcerated after receiving formal sentencing for possessing a gun and committing a burglary. Todd Anthony Clements, 36, of the 6600 block of Putneys Mill Road, learned his fate during Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. During a Mar. 4 trial, Putney entered guilty pleas to one count each of possession of a gun by a nonviolent felon, grand larceny, and burglary. In a summary of evidence at that trial, it was revealed that Clements had stolen a firearm from his father on Sept. 20, 2018, and stolen tools…
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Staskiel campaigns to serve on New Kent School Board once again
Andrea Staskiel has announced her intentions to seek another term as the District 3 representative to New Kent’s School Board. “As a business person with experience leading teams and recruiting top talent, I believe that you cannot have a world-class organization without investing in your greatest asset- your people,” she said in a press release. “I believe that my knowledge and skillset along with my work in advocacy at the legislative level lends itself to serving my community in the role of school board member.”
