New Kent Sheriff’s Office, deputies recognized as HEAT award winners

New Kent County Sheriff’s Office and two of their deputies were honored by Virginia State Police’s Heat Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) program during a Sept. 16 recognition ceremony in Virginia Beach. New Kent County Sheriff’s Office was recognized as the top agency for localities between 20,001-100,000 for deterring vehicle theft and automotive related crimes. Deputy Juan Servellon was named as the top deputy in the individual category for helping to prevent and solve auto theft crimes, while Deputy William Dyer was a finalist in the individual category. The HEAT program is used to also educate residents and enforce the law…
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Certificate of Recognition

‘The Great Animal Pantry Project’

School bus crash results in no injuries to students, driver in New Kent

A Monday morning school bus crash in New Kent County resulted in no injuries to students or the bus driver. In a Monday morning press release, New Kent County Public Schools reported that a bus transporting students to Quinton Elementary School was involved in an accident on the school’s grounds. All students who were on board as well as the bus driver were safe. Safety protocol was followed by school administration, with New Kent County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responding. Quinton Elementary School Principal Christine Pilger and Asst. Principal Sarah Berry contacted parents of students involved. Director…
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Six locals named to SNHU’s President’s List for Summer 2025 semester

Six local residents were named to the President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University for the Summer 2025 semester. Mya Jones-Pogrebneak, Donald Warren, and Glen Zabriskie, all of Quinton, Joseph Hampton and Carl Gardner, both of Providence Forge, and Mary Lyons of New Kent were recognized for their academic accolades. To be named to the President’s List, a student must be enrolled full-time and accumulate a grade-point average of 3.7 or higher.

Letter to the Editor: Speaks about the importance of Social Security

The Social Security Act was signed on Aug. 14, 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The first Social Security benefit amounting to 17 cents was paid in 1937 as a one-time lump sump payment. Survivors’ benefits and benefits for retiree’s spouse and children were added in 1939. In Jan. 1940, the first ongoing Social Security benefit was issued to Ida May Fuller of Ludlow, Vermont, in the amount of $22.54. Ask just about anyone to name the one thing he or she holds dear. Chances are they would name family. Social Security protects our most precious treasure: Family. According to…
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New Kent’s Mallory selected as 2025 High School Teacher of Excellence

New Kent High School English teacher Maggie Mallory has been selected as a 2025 High School Teacher of Excellence by the National Council of Teachers of English in partnership with the Virginia Association of Teachers of English. The prestigious national award recognizes outstanding high school English teachers who demonstrate extraordinary classroom practices and meaningful contributions to their school communities. “Ms. Mallory’s exceptional classroom management, targeted remediation and enrichment practices, and strong organizational skills have driven significant student success on state end-of-course assessments and in English content mastery across grades 9-12,” said New Kent High School Principal Allison Strickland in a…
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Letter to the Editor: Says Charles City citizens need to consider future of county’s development

We all have our opinions, and I respect those who opposed Diode Ventures coming to Charles City. However, I pray we all wake up and realize what we are doing to our county. I just remind everyone there are two choices; accept some businesses to locate in our county or pay higher taxes. The choice is yours. Brenda A. Jones Cotman Charles City

Letter to the Editor: Says Chickahominy Indian Tribe-Eastern Division should have input in Makemie Woods development

The recent announcement that New Kent has begun early planning stages for the conversion of Makemie Woods into a park presents both promise and concern. New Kent Parks and Recreation Director Kim Turner outlined various development concepts as well as upcoming community engagement efforts and assessments of infrastructure and acreage limitations. This is precisely the moment when the Chickahominy Indian Tribe-Eastern Division should have been consulted. The Tribe has a deeply rooted cultural and ancestral connection to the area known as Makemie Woods, a fact the county was fully aware of. Yet, despite our legitimate interest in acquiring the property,…
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Letter to the Editor: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Unfortunately, our region continues to experience an increase in the number of individuals who need support and care. Social isolation, mental illness, and difficult life transitions can play a role in the increased risk for suicide, but we also know that connectedness and a sense of belonging can protect against suicide. There are many ways you can help yourself or someone who might be struggling. In addition to seeking help from crisis service and mental health professionals, there are concrete actions the general public can take to keep our family members, friends, colleagues, and…
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