News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 27, 2026
Local News
Newport News man charged with stopping illegally on Interstate 64 in New Kent
A Newport News man has been charged with improperly stopping on a highway after a June 29 crash in New Kent. A Virginia State Police report said that during a preliminary investigation that Ramirez Chavez, 22, was driving a 2006 Chevrolet trailblazer had stopped in the right lane on Interstate 64 eastbound near the 213-mile marker. A Ford F150 traveling in the same direction in the right lane struck Chavez’s vehicle, resulting in it spinning and striking a Hyundai Santa Fe. Chavez and four other occupants were checked at the scene for minor injuries. An adult female passenger in the…
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Charles City leaders address concerns about emissions from proposed power plant
A letter circulated via social media about a proposed power plant facility’s construction in Charles City garnered concern from citizens at Tuesday night’s Board of Supervisors meeting. Seven individuals spoke about the Chickahominy Power Plant scheduled to begin construction in the Roxbury area of the county, with many commenting that they did not know about the project. A letter addressed to a local church from environmentalist and VCU professor Beth Kreydatus reached a local church in the county. The letter said that the Chickahominy Power Plant, which is one of two plants that is proposed to undergo construction, will emit…
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Orrell pursues position of Commonwealth’s Attorney in Charles City
Wayne H. Orrell has announced that he will run for Commonwealth’s Attorney for Charles City County in the upcoming general election. “Charles City needs a prosecutor that has a balanced approach that reflects years of experience in representing persons and their families in the criminal justice system and not solely on prosecuting persons charged with crimes,” he said in a press release. “I will be fair to all and yet recognize both the needs of justice without losing perspective on the impact that a prosecution carries.”
Payne-Jones looks to transition into role of supervisor in Charles City
Helen Payne-Jones will look to transition from a seat on the school board to a seat on the board of supervisors in Charles City in the upcoming general election. “Thirteen years ago, my family and I moved to Charles City and I cannot remember the citizens of District 1 having a choice for the Board of Supervisors,” she said in a press release. “I am excited and plan to offer the citizens a fresh and new approach to government that includes smart growth, broadband internet services county-wide, funding our schools, and strong leadership.”
Richmond man receives five-year prison sentence for selling heroin in New Kent
A Richmond man will spend the next five years in prison after accepting terms to a plea agreement during Monday afternoon proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. Mushane Xavier Stevenson, 41, of the 1900 block of Wood Street, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of distribution of a Schedule I/II substance (first offense). He was originally charged with distribution of a Schedule I/II substance (third or subsequent offense). In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s Attorney C. Linwood Gregory, Stevenson traveled to Bojangles in the Bottoms Bridge area of the county to sell a substance to an…
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Ferris to challenge for District 2 supervisors’ seat in New Kent
Kate West Ferris has announced that she will be challenging for the District 2 seat to New Kent’s Board of Supervisors in the November general election. “We are facing a time of rapid growth in New Kent and we need strong, smart leadership to steer that growth,” she said in a press release. “District 2 has seen increased commercial activity in recent years, with much more development on the horizon. “We want to support smart growth while also keeping New Kent the close community that people love to call home,” Ferris concluded.
Smith announces re-election campaign for Commissioner of the Revenue in Charles City
Denise Burrell Smith will seek re-election to the position of Commissioner of the Revenue of Charles City County in the upcoming general election. “It has been an esteemed honor to serve the citizens of Charles City County by providing innovative services while carefully safeguarding customer information in an efficient and courteous manner,” she said in a press release.
Evelyn campaigns for position of New Kent County treasurer
Charles Evelyn has announced his candidacy for the position of New Kent County treasurer in the upcoming general election. “I look forward to bringing my 18 years of experience in small business management, as well as years of financial knowledge and experience as a governmental treasurer and finance committee chairman to provide strong conservative leadership, efficiency, and modernization for our county treasurer’s office,” he said in a press release. “I am committed to working with the taxpayer in managing the treasurer’s office with professionalism, accessibility, and excellent customer service.”
Swynford vies for re-election to New Kent’s School Board
Kristin Swynford has announced her candidacy for re-election to New Kent’s School Board as the District 2 representative. “I am excited about the educational opportunities in New Kent County schools,” she said in a press release. “Public education must work for all students and the emphasis on college, career, and life readiness is an important goal that must be achieved. “I am committed to ensuring that our teachers and students are provided the opportunity to excel in an increasingly complex and competitive environment,” Swynford concluded.
Charles City school board puts temporary halt on proposed solar array facility
A proposal for a solar array project to help power Charles City County Public Schools hit a roadblock after questions arose from school leaders Tuesday night. School board leaders elected not to pursue entering into a PPEA master agreement that would allow exploration of procurement opportunities when several questions on cost savings and a timeline of commitment didn’t sit well with representatives. In the May school board monthly meeting, Sun Tribe Solar made a formal presentation about constructing a solar array farm on 6.4 acres of land owned by the school. Unlike the recent county approved sPower project that will…
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