News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 9, 2024
Local News
Former Charles City supervisor appointed interim county administrator
A former member of Charles City’s Board of Supervisors has been tabbed as interim county administrator. Bill Coada, who served from 2012-2023 as the representative of District 2, will fill-in on a temporary basis for Charles City County Administrator Michelle Johnson who will be out on medical leave. The interim status is expected to last two months. The decision came during Tuesday night’s Board of Supervisors work session. County leaders went into closed session shortly after the commencement of the meeting and returned with the announcement. In a statement, Coada said that he is focused on cutting costs to prohibit…
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New Kent School Board gets first look at proposed CIP recommendations for FY2025-26
Even though New Kent County Public Schools are barely into the new year, plans are already underway to improve facilities in the next fiscal year. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Jonathan Hochman presented New Kent County’s School Board a first look at facility upgrades for consideration in the FY2025-26 cycle during Monday night’s regular board meeting. Hochman’s plan was broken down by category, as well as short-term and long-term considerations. Among early recommendations for transportation include the purchase of four school buses ($640,000), and a car and van for school transportation ($99,000). Operation upgrades include $1.4 million to finalize New Kent…
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Train strikes trailer pulling boat in New Kent, no injuries reported
A collision between a train and a vehicle in New Kent County closed a railroad crossing on Oct. 3 in New Kent. According to a press release by New Kent Sheriff’s Office. Virginia State Police responded to a call for service at the railroad crossing at Riverside Drive and South Waterside Drive around 10:45 a.m.. The report indicates that a pick-up truck hauling a boat on a trailer had stalled on the tracks, with the latter unable to move. An Amtrak train heading to Williamsburg and Newport News struck and damaged the truck. However, there were no injuries to the…
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New Kent man driving intoxicated for third time sentenced to jail for three months
A New Kent man who drove a vehicle while intoxicated will spend the next three months in jail. Alex Michael Kahl, 38, of the 10000 block of Tunstall Road, entered guilty pleas to one count each of driving while intoxicated (third or subsequent offense) and felony hit and run as part of a plea agreement reached Monday in New Kent Circuit Court. One charge each of felony destruction of property, misdemeanor driving suspended, misdemeanor obstruction of justice, misdemeanor refusing to take a breathalyzer test (second offense), and felony violating pretrial conditions were dropped. In a summary of evidence, on Nov….
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Letter of Intent with C5 LLC sets up possible development of data centers in Charles City
Charles City Board of Supervisors approved a letter of intent (LOI) with C5, LLC, for the possible development of data centers. The approval came at the Sept. 24 meeting with little pushback. Approximately 87.5 acres would be sold to Bruce Howard Construction for the $1 million land development. At the center of confusing was the use of the name “C5”. C5 LLC is different from the nonprofit organization C5 (Concerned Citizens of Charles City County). LaVeesha Rollins of the latter said that the company used their name to deceive residents. “It appears there has been a deliberate intention to create…
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Upgrades to New Kent High School stadium face possible delay, postponement
Upgrades to New Kent High School’s stadium have been put on hold as more information continues to be gathered. The $2.3 million project would see the conversion of the current field to turf. Currently, New Kent is one of two schools in the Bay Rivers District without a turf field. Superintendent of Schools Brian Nichols said that the upgrades would take place in phases. The high school track would account for phase one and the turf in phase two. A warranty for the turf would last eight years, with proper upkeep meaning they don’t have to do anything for more…
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Juvenile placed in detention after making threats against Charles City High School
A Charles City juvenile has been charged with making a threat of death or bodily injured towards a public school. According to a Charles City Sheriff’s Office press release, a 14-year-old juvenile has been charged and placed into the custody of juvenile detention and awaiting trial. On Sept. 11, a teacher at Charles City High School contacted school administration about a juvenile student making threats against the school. As a result, extra law enforcement officers were present at the school complex and an investigation was launched. After the investigation and consulting with Charles City County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, the juvenile…
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New Kent woman placed on one-year probation for leaving child unsupervised
A New Kent woman who left a child unsupervised for several hours has entered a no contest plea to one count of felony child abuse. Sha’la Deloris Tucker, 32, of the 11000 block of Knockholt Lane, entered the plea as part of Monday proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. In a summary of evidence, on Jan. 10, a child who was supposed to be under Tucker’s care arrived home from school. When the child arrived, Tucker was not present, prompting the child to call another relative. That relative contacted authorities, who responded to Tucker’s home only to find the child….
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New Kent man indicted on charges stemming from allegedly stealing HVAC equipment
A New Kent man has been indicted on several charges stemming from allegedly stealing property as part of Monday morning indictments certified by a New Kent grand jury. Christopher Thomas Batkins, 31, of the 3600 block of Hopewell Road, was indicted on one count each of grand larceny, intent to sell stolen property, felony destruction of property, possession of burglary tools, misdemeanor breaking and entering, and misdemeanor obtaining money by false pretenses. The indictments allege that on Jan. 31, Batkins stole property that included an HVAC system belonging to Nicholas Nance. In other indictments certified by the grand jury: –David…
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Several individuals agree to plea deals in New Kent Circuit Court
Several individuals agreed to terms of plea deals as part of Monday proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court. –Nathaniel Lee Boltz, 33, of West Point, entered guilty pleas to an amended charge of misdemeanor possession of a Schedule III drug (originally possession of a Schedule I/II drug) and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated (second offense) as part of a plea agreement. One charge each of possession of a gun while in possession of a Schedule I/II drug, possession of a Schedule I/II drug with intent to distribute, and felony violation of pretrial conditions were dropped. In a summary of evidence, on…
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