News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 26, 2026
Local News
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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New Kent supervisors hear options to finance new elementary school
With the wheels in motion to construct a new elementary school in the Quinton area of New Kent, county supervisors heard the possibilities to finance the project as part of Wednesday mornings work session. Ted Cole of Davenport and Associates addressed New Kent’s Board of Supervisors about varying methods to finance the project that ranges between $28 million to $35 million to construct. Cole commented about the current funds that could be applicable to assist with the construction. His first comment talked about how the county has a $5 million one-time use in the school set aside for construction projects….
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Candidate for New Kent County Commissioner of the Revenue: Laura Ecimovic
Editor’s Note: Laura Ecimovic had not provided information or an interview at time of this release.
Candidate for Virginia House of Delegates-97th District: Kevin Washington
Experience: Retired Army veteran, worked in the information technology field with the Department of Defense which includes research in rural broadband. Reason for running: “I’m a person that didn’t want to sit back and complain. I wanted to do my part to provide opportunities for citizens and represent them. I believe I can bring a lot to the table and will work on projects that this county needs, including having more accessible Internet.” Why people should vote for you: “I am passionate about making changes for the better. I want to see businesses and jobs growth not only for New…
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Candidate for Virginia House of Delegates-97th District: Scott Wyatt
Experience: Completing four-year term on Hanover’s Board of Supervisors, 33 years in telecommunication including managerial experience. Reason for running: “I want to lower taxes and improve our economy. I serve the citizens as a legislator and will fight for schools and safety by working to provide them with additional funding and economic development. Why people should vote for you: “I can be trusted as a citizen legislature. I am local and will be easily accessible to carry concerns of New Kent to the Virginia Assembly.”
Candidate for Virginia Senate-3rd District: Herb Jones
Editor’s Note: No information was received from Herb Jones at time of publication.
