Briefly… for November 1-14, 2012
Church camp in NK safe for now
Makemie Woods, the Presbyterian church camp located near Barhamsville in New Kent County, is no longer facing the prospect of closing, at least not for now. As reported in the Oct. 4 Chronicle, the camp’s fate rested in the hands of officials from the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia during an Oct. 23 vote.
The Rev. Mike Burcher, Makemie Woods’ director, said in an Oct. 26 e-mail that the camp will remain open with a full summer camping program in 2013 along with retreats on a limited basis that can be supported by part-time staff.
‘Dogwood Classic’ new at C. Downs
Steeplechase horses will compete at Colonial Downs and tailgaters will party on the country’s second largest dirt oval as Central Virginia’s newest spring racing event will kick off with an early April date. The event replaces the Strawberry Hill races.
The first ever “Dogwood Classic” will be held Saturday April 6, 2013. Colonial Downs will produce the new event and oversee all operational aspects. A number of National Steeplechase Association (NSA) races are expected to take place on the Secretariat turf course and tailgating will be available on the track’s 1¼ mile dirt track.
The name “Dogwood Classic” was obtained through a contest and promoted by Cox Radio stations in Richmond. Of all potential names submitted, five were chosen by a panel and posted for on line voting. Dogwood Classic received 33 percent of the votes while Commonwealth Spring Classic was second with 20 percent. The next three in order were Colonial Downs Spring Fling, Kentland Races and Brick House Races.
“We want to kick off the inaugural Dogwood Classic with an immediate vibrancy,” said Colonial Downs president Ian Stewart in a press release. “We’re excited to offer this event at the beginning of the spring festival season when nice weather has arrived and everyone is ready to shake off winter and enjoy terrific racing in a great party atmosphere.”
More event details and tailgating information will be available in the coming days at dogwoodclassic.com and via facebook.com/DogwoodClassic. A logo will be unveiled soon and a “launch party” is being planned for Nov. 15. For more information, call 966-7223.
Arrest made in restaurant break-in
A New Kent County man faces burglary charges in connection with separate incidents in which he allegedly broke into a local restaurant.
John French Cason Jr., 20, of the 1300 block of South Waterside Drive, Lanexa, is charged with two counts of felony burglary following break-ins that occurred on Sept. 21 and 27 at the Road House Bar & Grill at Rockahock in the Lanexa area of the county. Deputy Gerry Simpson arrested the suspect on Oct. 16.
Forestry revamps service model
Virginia Department of Forestry personnel are now serving New Kent and Charles City counties through a team of eight employees under the direction of supervisor Bryant Bays. The team is serving seven counties in all including James City, King William, Hanover, Henrico, and King & Queen.
The move is a departure from VDOF’s past practice of utilizing county-specific protection and service models, and is in response to the recent recession and resulting budget cuts. With only 240 employees down from 400, VDOF officials say they cannot continue to effectively or efficiently serve individual counties. Several offices statewide are closing, including the office in James City.
VDOF officials say the new service model provides more expert personnel in selected forestry areas and enables team members to “go mobile” with laptop computers and smart phones.
To reach the local VDOF team, call 966-2209.
Record third quarter income reported
C&F Financial Corporation is reporting record net third quarter income of $4.53 million or $1.36 per share compared to $3.51 million and 96 cents per share for the same period a year ago.
Net income for the year thus far is $12.49 million or $3.69 per share compared to $9.57 million or $2.69 per share a year ago.
The corporation is the one-bank holding company for C&F Bank.
New state trooper assigned to NK
One of the 89 graduates from the Virginia State Police’s 118th Basic Training Session has been assigned to work in New Kent County.
Stephanie Marie McFall is a Gloucester County native. She is one of a record number of 13 females in the class to become a state trooper. She reported for duty on Oct. 22.
Driving in reverse leads to arrest
A Charles City County man faces a long list of charges following a bizarre driving incident during which investigators say the suspect’s vehicle struck the entrance doors to a New Kent County business and then drove in reverse for almost two miles on Route 60 to a Providence Forge convenience store where it slammed into another vehicle.
Richard Wayne Jones Jr., 39, of the 12000 block of The Glebe Lane, is charged with felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, hit and run, and destruction of property along with misdemeanor counts of driving the wrong way on a highway, possession of a controlled substance, and driving under the influence in connection with the Oct. 23 incident.
A sheriff’s report alleges that Jones drove his pickup truck into the parking lot at Superior Tire and Auto on Route 60 and struck the business’ doors. He then backed out of the lot and drove in reverse east on Route 60 to Providence Forge. There he pulled into the parking lot at Zota’s convenience store at the Route 60/155 intersection where the second vehicle was struck. Deputy Ryan Shobe arrested Jones at the scene.