News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | January 24, 2026
Ten-percent staff raise part of Charles City’s Superintendent of Schools $8.9 million budget proposal
Citing nearby county salaries and Charles City’s proximity squeezed between them, Charles City Superintendent of Schools Katina Otey sent a strong message with her first budget presentation to school board members. Otey proposed a 10-percent staff salary increase as part of an $8,923,281 budget presentation for FY2026-27 during Tuesday night’s Charles City School Board meeting. By comparison, county schools are operating on a budget of $7,201,636 for the current year. “Teachers come to Charles City, and we are thankful for them,” Otey said. “They choose to be here when they can go elsewhere.” The superintendent referenced how nearby counties offer…
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Local students named to Dean’s List at Bridgewater College
Two local students were named to the Dean’s List at Bridgewater College for the Fall 2025 semester. McKenna Mueller and Luke Tomajczyk, both of Providence Forge, were recognized for their academic accolades. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.4 or better.
New Kent continues to roll in Bay Rivers, speeds by Poquoson 65-20
Sometimes, programs have to take bumps in the early years to develop in the latter. For New Kent’s Lady Trojans, that speed bump in the road has smoothed out into a high-speed freeway. New Kent’s Lady Trojans team hit the acceleration pedal in the scoring column as they coasted by the visiting Poquoson Lady Islanders 65-20 in Friday night’s Bay Rivers District contest. The Lady Trojans jumped out the gate behind back-to-back trifectas from Anna Hetzel. A lay-up by Delaney Montgomery and an assist from Hetzel to Vyktorya Otey quickly pushed the hosts lead to 10-0 to start the game….
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Local residents recognized on Dean’s List at Radford University
Several local residents earned academic recognition as part of Fall 2025 studies at Radford University. Max Bredehoft and Aiden Melton, both of Quinton, Caroline Carter of Lanexa, Delaney Sherman of Providence Forge, and Jacob Wood of New Kent were recognized on the Dean’s List at Radford University. To earn the achievement, a student must be taking at least 12 semester hours of coursework and earn a grade-point average of 3.4 or higher.
Swynford earns degree from James Madison University
Jack Swynford, a resident of New Kent, recently completed his studies at James Madison University. Swynford graduated with a Bachelor in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance as part of Dec. 2025 commencement ceremonies.
Local students recognized for academic success at James Madison University
Several local students have notched academic accolades from James Madison University for the Fall 2025 semester. Evelyn Batkins and James Duval, both of Quinton, Clara Fernandez and Kendall Hicks, both of Lanexa, Daniella Flowers of New Kenet, and Evelyn Davenport of Bottoms Bridge have been named to the President’s List for the fall semester. Savannah Hicks and Olivia Brightwell, both of Quinton, Hunter Meadows and Akira Hicks, both of Lanexa, Campbell Proffitt and Cody Christman, both of Providence Forge, Jack Swynford of New Kent, and Sydney Brophy of Charles City, were named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester….
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