News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | December 22, 2025
Lady Trojans rebound from loss with 47-40 triumph over Bruton
After suffering their first setback on the road, New Kent’s Lady Trojans looked to rectify the loss by hosting Bay Rivers District rival Bruton. For the hosts, holding onto a big lead and fighting off a last-minute surge by the Lady Panthers proved to be crucial. New Kent captured a 47-40 victory over Bruton on Dec. 19 to head into the holiday break with a 5-1 record. From the onset, it looked like Lady Trojans would coast to victory. New Kent jumped out to an 18-7 lead to end the first quarter thanks to a team effort. In the second…
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Albermarle surges late to end New Kent’s winning streak at five
Trailing most of the game, New Kent’s Trojans fought back to tie the visiting Albermarle Patriots in the fourth quarter. But a late surge by the visitors proved to be too much for the Trojans, sending them to their first defeat on the season. Albermarle escaped with an 86-78 victory during the Dec. 18 non-district affair to knock New Kent from the ranks of the undefeated. New Kent remained competitive in the first half. Trailing by four (31-27) in the second quarter, Albermarle used a push to stretch their advantage to eight (43-35) by the halftime intermission. The lead hit…
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Leonard chosen as New Kent Public Schools ‘Teacher of the Year’
New Kent County Public schools announced their 2027 Teachers of the Year, with George Watkins Elementary School teacher Amy Leonard being recognized as the Division Teacher of the Year. Leonard, a second-grade teacher at George Watkins Elementary School, has more than 31 schools of service to New Kent County Public Schools. She has inspired generations of students through her patient, kind, and inclusive approach to teaching. Leonard was praised by her peers for being an invaluable leader with the school community, a mentor to new teachers, and a collaborative partner who consistently elevates instructional practice. “Ms. Leonard embodied the very…
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Charles City Public Schools announce full accreditation
Charles City County Public Schools have announced that it is now fully accredited. The announcement came at Tuesday night’s school board meeting from Charles City Superintendent of Schools Katina Otey. Otey commented the under the new metrics along with the school’s steps to improve, the new measure of success will allow families and educators to understand how schools are performing. It is the first time in nearly five years that both Charles City Elementary School and Charles City High School have met the metric for full accreditation.
New Kent’s defense stymies York in Bay Rivers rout
New Kent’s Lady Trojans used a huge game-opening run to continue their winning streak. The Lady Trojans upended the visiting York Lady Falcons 49-18 in the Dec. 15 Bay Rivers District matchup. New Kent started the game on a 13-1 run. The duo of Anna Hetzel and Vyktorya Otey combined for 16 points in the first quarter, allowing the hosts to take the lead. The story of the game was defense of the Lady Trojans. In the first quarter, the hosts buckled down on York, only allowing five points. That defense got even stiffer in the second quarter, as New…
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Colonial Downs announces historic 48-day racing season
Colonial Downs will shift to a 48-day live thoroughbred racing season for the 2026 race season, the most at the racetrack in the facility’s 30-year history. Live racing will kick off with the Virginia Derby on Mar. 12-14, which serves as an automatic qualifier for the Kentucky Derby. The traditional race season will begin on Thursday, June 25 with race days being Thursdays through Sundays. The season will end on Monday, Sept. 7, on Labor Day.
