Andre Jones, a nationally recognized entrepreneur and fashion designer from Erie, is transforming the local fashion scene with his brand Rabbit3. Jones, who combines his graphic design skills with fashion, has hosted immersive fashion shows and workshops, earning accolades such as the second place in the 2023 Jack Daniels Classic Remix Grant Program. His recent event, 'There's Still Hope,' showcased diverse models and vibrant designs, reflecting his commitment to inclusivity and creativity. Jones continues to inspire the Erie community with upcoming events and innovative fashion designs.

The article provides the voting results for New Kent County for the year 2023, including both county-wide and district-specific outcomes.

Charles City County's proposed FY2024-25 budget of $22.4 million includes a potential three-cent tax increase to support emergency services. County Administrator Michelle Johnson outlined the budget, which is slightly higher than the current year's, and emphasized the need for additional funds to hire new firefighters and deputies, and to purchase a sheriff vehicle. The tax increase would generate $316,890, dedicated to public safety. The budget also maintains level funding for several areas, including the public school system and social services. Concerns about funding from Waste Management due to a pending contract were addressed, with Johnson advocating for a cautious budget approach. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for April 16.

Gary Antonio Jones, a 27-year-old from Charles City, has been sentenced to six months in jail for assaulting and battering a family member. Jones pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of assault and battery, misdemeanor obstruction of justice, and strangulation. The court suspended part of his sentence under a plea agreement, with conditions for good behavior and abstaining from alcohol and illegal substances. If Jones meets these conditions, the strangulation charge will be dismissed.

Kelly Marie Fuqua of Providence Forge entered an Alford Plea to drug possession in New Kent Circuit Court, receiving a five-year sentence with all but one day suspended and a $500 fine. The plea indicates she maintains her innocence but acknowledges sufficient evidence for conviction. In an unrelated case, Harvey Lee Garrison of Greenwood pleaded guilty to drug possession and violating pretrial conditions, receiving a five-year sentence with four months to serve.

Yahsim Tremaine Williams, 23, of Newport News, received three life sentences for attempted murder, armed robbery, and assault in Charles City. The incident involved the shooting of Deputy Alisha Buchanan during a robbery at a Dollar General Store. Evidence, including body camera footage and forensic analysis, linked Williams to the crime. Despite arguments for leniency from his defense, the judge emphasized the severity of the crime and Williams' danger to the public. Williams plans to appeal the conviction and faces additional federal charges.

A Richmond man, James Alonzo McLaughlin, was indicted on multiple charges including felony eluding and DUI after a high-speed chase and crash in New Kent. The New Kent grand jury also indicted several other individuals on various charges ranging from drug possession to child abuse. The New Kent Sheriff’s Office and Circuit Court are involved in the legal proceedings.

Dartanyon Carnel Nelson, 33, from Bowie, Maryland, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and misdemeanor DUI in New Kent Circuit Court. After being stopped for speeding by a Virginia State Trooper, Nelson failed a sobriety test and was found with cocaine. He entered the First Offender Program; if completed successfully, the possession charge will be dismissed. Nelson received a suspended 12-month sentence for the DUI and must pay a $500 fine.

Breonna Lachelle Gatling of Hopewell pleaded guilty to obtaining money by false pretenses and must pay $3,945 in restitution. She deceived Jessica Quivers through Global Housing, a company assisting with home purchases, by pocketing money meant for a property that was already occupied. Gatling received a suspended 10-year prison sentence.

Patricia Paige, a dedicated member of the New Kent County District 3 Board of Supervisors, has passed away. Known for her community service, Paige served in the United States Army Reserves for 21 years and was deeply involved in local government and various community initiatives. She played a significant role in the expansion of Interstate 64 and was a passionate advocate for cancer awareness. Her legacy of leadership and service is fondly remembered by the community. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

The Forge Foundation hosted its annual Thanksgiving Feast at the Providence Forge Recreation Center, providing meals for 99 cents and accepting pet food donations for New Kent’s Humane Society. The event, now in its fourteenth year, saw hundreds of New Kent citizens served by volunteers, including newly elected New Kent Board of Supervisor Jordan Stewart and Charles City High School’s JROTC cadets. Ron Stiers, New Kent’s District 4 Supervisor and Forge Foundation President, emphasized the importance of community support and the ongoing need within the county. The event fosters community spirit and provides essential support to local families.

An individual, Haley Meila Groves, has been indicted on multiple charges including abduction, assault, and robbery following an altercation at Pine Fork Park in New Kent. The incident involved Groves allegedly attacking an officer and assaulting two individuals, Sloan and John Hollis. Several other individuals were also indicted by the New Kent Grand Jury for various offenses ranging from DUI to drug possession and embezzlement.

Brandon Isaiah Morris, a convicted felon from Richmond, has been sentenced to two years in prison for illegally possessing a gun in New Kent. The conviction follows a plea agreement in New Kent Circuit Court. The article also details other court proceedings, including Matthew Ray Howell's guilty pleas to drug possession and DUI charges, and Karmen Renee Reid's guilty plea to misdemeanor charges related to contributing to the delinquency of a minor and brandishing a firearm.

New Kent’s Board of Supervisors has postponed a decision on a bond refund and finance request from Preston Hollow LLC for the Farms of New Kent. The deferral follows a work session where PHLLC proposed $97 million in bond refunds, including $45 million as new money to accelerate construction due to faster-than-expected growth. County leaders, including Thomas Evelyn, John Lockwood, and board chairman Tommy Tiller, expressed the need for more detailed information and raised concerns about financial oversight and past experiences with the Farms of New Kent. The board unanimously agreed to defer action and has requested an evaluation from Davenport and Associates.

Phillip Terrall Adkins, a 37-year-old from King William, was indicted on two felony charges by a Charles City grand jury. The charges include felony eluding and felony child abuse, stemming from an incident on July 22 where Adkins allegedly attempted to flee from a deputy with a child in the vehicle.

Jayson Crawley won the sheriff's election in Charles City, defeating incumbent Alan Jones Sr. Kourtney Brown will be the new treasurer, succeeding Mindy Bradby who did not seek re-election. Byron Adkins Sr. retained his seat on the board of supervisors against Martha Harris. Other winners included Joy Harris, Royce Paige, Tyler Klink, Victoria Cox-Washington, Candice Jones, Rodney Tyler, Ryan Patterson, and Michael Hill. Lashrecse Aird and Delores McQuinn won their respective state-level seats. The voter turnout was 49.3 percent.

Bryce Michael Satterfield, a 21-year-old from Yorktown, was sentenced to one month in jail for concealing a firearm during a traffic stop in New Kent. He pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule I/II drug and an amended charge of misdemeanor concealing a firearm. Under a plea agreement, he received a 12-month sentence with all but one month suspended and will enter the First Offender program for the drug charge. In an unrelated case, Joshua Lee Carter from Richmond had a drug possession charge dismissed after completing the First Offender Program.

Two individuals, Demetrius Perry and Asia Jarvis, were indicted by a New Kent grand jury for separate robberies at a Quinton ABC Store. Perry faces charges of robbery by force and intent to sell stolen property, while Jarvis is indicted on multiple counts of robbery and intent to sell alcohol. Additional indictments include various individuals on charges ranging from drug possession to eluding police and weapon possession.

Melissa Paige Fitzgerald of Quinton pled guilty to printing and distributing stolen lottery tickets as part of a scheme with a co-defendant, resulting in a suspended five-year jail sentence. Other cases in New Kent Circuit Court included Bobbie Ann Couch and Albert Eugene Johnson, both pleading guilty to drug possession charges, with Couch receiving a suspended sentence and Johnson entering the First Offender Program. Shane Wescott Matthews had his drug possession charge dismissed after completing community service and rehabilitation. Hawanda Wheeler Steadman pled guilty to unlawful entry, receiving a suspended sentence and restitution requirement. Allison Erica Weagley had her methamphetamine possession charge dismissed after completing the First Offender Program.

All five New Kent County Public Schools are expected to be fully accredited for the FY2023-24 cycle, with SOL scores on par or better than the state average in 26 subject areas. New Kent Elementary, George Watkins Elementary, and Quinton Elementary Schools achieved Level One in most school quality indicators. New Kent Middle School and New Kent High School also met Level One standards in several indicators, with some areas at Level Two. The county saw improvements in 18 academic categories, with notable success in End of Course Reading, Algebra I, and Biology. Superintendent Brian Nichols expressed pride in the results and the commitment to continuous improvement.

Two individuals, Elliott M. Charity and Breonna Lachelle Gatling, were indicted by a grand jury in Charles City Circuit Court. Charity faces charges of possession of a Schedule I/II substance, misdemeanor fleeing law enforcement, and misdemeanor obstruction of justice, while Gatling is charged with obtaining money by false pretenses. Charity allegedly attempted to flee from police on April 27 and was found in possession of crack upon arrest. Gatling is accused of taking more than $1,000 from Jessica Quivers on March 31.

Charles City County negotiated with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to significantly reduce fines for wastewater treatment plant violations from $350,000 to $33,911. The reductions were achieved through demonstrated progress and upgrades at the plants. The consent orders for the reduced fines were unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors.

Dominique Lashad Williams of Norfolk was sentenced to 19 months in jail after pleading guilty to multiple credit card-related crimes in New Kent. The case involved a traffic stop where illegal items were found in his vehicle. Other court matters included guilty pleas from Derrick Charles Alford for possession of ammunition and felony eluding, Stacy Demont Bailey for unauthorized vehicle use and felony eluding, Regina Jackson Brown for drug possession and DUI, and Bridget Rae Hill for drug possession, with varying sentences and plea deals.

The article highlights a community event in New Kent County, showcasing the fun and activities at a local fair.

Timothy Cotman Sr., a former member of the Charles City County Board of Supervisors, passed away on August 1, 2023, at the age of 80. He served from 2002-2011 and was noted for his role in initiating transformative projects in the county. Cotman was also a chemistry teacher at Charles City High School. County Administrator Michelle Johnson praised his dedication and impact on the community. A funeral service is scheduled for August 12 at Gilfield Baptist Church in Charles City.

Christopher Russell Holt, a Mechanicsville resident, has been sentenced to over four years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including driving while intoxicated, felony eluding of police, and felony destruction of property. The incident involved a high-speed chase that ended in Henrico County. Holt's blood-alcohol content was found to be above the legal limit, and his license was suspended for a similar offense. The plea agreement resulted in a five-year sentence with three years suspended, plus an additional two years for probation violation. Other court proceedings included Brandon Patrick Davis pleading guilty to misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and Tavares Mauries Edmonds pleading guilty to assault and battery on a family member and violating a protective order.

Jason Tyler Boyd of Quinton has been indicted by a New Kent grand jury on second-degree murder and firearm use in a felony. The indictment relates to the fatal shooting of Eric Sluder on November 12, 2022. Other individuals were also indicted on various charges, including unauthorized vehicle use, drug possession, assault, theft, and eluding police. The grand jury certified multiple indictments involving felonies and misdemeanors.

The November 2023 General Election in Charles City County will feature key contests for the positions of sheriff and treasurer. Incumbent Sheriff Alan Jones Sr. seeks a third term, challenged by former deputy Jayson Crawley. The treasurer's race sees newcomers Kourtney Brown and LaWanda Christian vying for the position vacated by Mindy Bradby. The District 3 seat on the Board of Supervisors will also be contested, with incumbent Byron Adkins Sr. facing Martha “Mag” Harris. Several positions, including Commissioner of Revenue and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, will be filled by candidates running unopposed. The election is set for November 7.

Yahsim Tremaine Williams, 23, has been indicted on multiple charges, including attempted murder, following an armed robbery at a Dollar General Store in Charles City County. The charges stem from an incident on August 1, 2022, where Williams allegedly exchanged gunfire with a sheriff’s deputy, who survived due to a ballistic vest. Williams is currently held without bond. Other indictments include Christopher D. Frazier Jr. for grand theft auto and Kenneth Marvin Wallace for malicious wounding.

Jeffrey Paul Keirn, a Charles City resident, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor animal cruelty after shooting a dog with a BB gun. The incident occurred when the dog, owned by James Cotman, entered Keirn's property. Keirn, fearing the dog had rabies, shot it, resulting in the animal's death. Keirn received a six-month suspended sentence, a $250 fine, and was ordered to pay $420 in restitution.

New Kent County, Virginia, is preparing for its November general election, which will feature the most contested races in years. Four Board of Supervisors seats, four School Board seats, and the Circuit Court Clerk position are up for election. One supervisor seat is unopposed, while the others will see incumbents challenged by new candidates. The School Board will have three candidates for the District 2 seat, and other districts will see incumbents face challengers. The Clerk of Circuit Court race will be between incumbent Amy Crump and newcomer Rachel Mills. Several positions, including sheriff and treasurer, are running unopposed. The elections are scheduled for November 7.

Incumbent Laura Ecimovic secured her position as the Republican representative for New Kent Commissioner of Revenue by defeating Terry Cornelius in the primary election. Ecimovic received 1,427 votes compared to Cornelius's 669. In Charles City, Lashrecse Aird won the Democratic bid for the 13th District Senate seat, defeating incumbent Joseph Morrissey with 14,603 votes to 6,456. Additionally, incumbent Delores McQuinn defeated Terrence Walker for the 81st District seat with 7,353 votes to Walker's 1,513. Both Aird and McQuinn will represent the Democratic Party in the November 2023 general election.

Cassandra Aliese Grammer pleaded guilty to lottery ticket larceny in New Kent Circuit Court, with $13,000 in winnings stolen from the Virginia Lottery. Lorenzo Antonio Hinton entered Alford Pleas to felony eluding police and DUI, receiving a one-year sentence. Czar’Aquil T. Outlaw was sentenced for credit card larceny, Jeremy Christopher Phegley for drug possession, Kelvin Wayne Reiners for property destruction, Shera Lynette Sizer for unauthorized vehicle use and failure to appear, and Jamil Tamir Turner for child abuse and DUI with a child in the vehicle.

Katie Ross achieved a 4.6 GPA to become the valedictorian of New Kent High School's Class of 2023. She participated in varsity tennis, the Student Council Association, and volunteered at Heritage Public Library. Katie plans to attend the Milwaukee School of Engineering to study architectural engineering and join the tennis team. She is the daughter of William and Lisa Ross.

The New Kent High School Class of 2023 celebrated their graduation at VCU’s Siegel Center, with speeches emphasizing the importance of shared experiences, personal growth, and community impact. Senior Class President Kiyah Stokes, Salutatorian Sophie McLaughlin, and Valedictorian Katie Ross delivered heartfelt messages about their high school journey and future aspirations. Superintendent Brian Nichols and Principal Chris Valdrighi praised the graduates for their maturity, character, and potential, expressing optimism for their future endeavors.

Kayla King, the valedictorian of Charles City High School's Class of 2023, achieved a 4.2 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society and the State Solar Championship-winning Solar Team. She plans to attend Brightpoint Community College before transferring to a four-year institution to major in nursing with a focus on labor and delivery. She is the daughter of Michael and Tracy King.

Charles City High School's Class of 2023 celebrated their graduation with messages of self-worth, resilience, and future aspirations. Senior Class President Jadan Adkins, Salutatorian Henry Lotz, and Valedictorian Kayla King expressed pride and optimism. Principal Anita Harper and keynote speaker Jessica Hill emphasized leadership and self-love. School Board Chairman Rodney Tyler and Superintendent Dalphine Joppy highlighted the class's challenges and achievements, encouraging them to embody 'Panther Pride' in their future endeavors.

The June 20, 2023 primary races in New Kent County are highlighted by a contest for the Republican nomination for Commissioner of Revenue between incumbent Laura Ecimovic and newcomer Terry Cornelius. Ecimovic emphasizes her commitment to minimizing tax burdens and addressing growth, while Cornelius advocates for change and improved tax assessment methods. In Charles City, Democratic primaries will determine candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate, with incumbents Delores McQuinn and Joe Morrissey facing challenges from Terrence Walker and Lashrecse Aird, respectively. Winners will advance to the General Election in November.

Ellis Branch of New Kent won the boys' triple jump at the Group 3A State Track and Field Championships with a leap of 46’6½”, defeating Markus White of Heritage. New Kent's boys' team finished tenth overall, with notable performances from Isaac Lamprecht and Ryan Wright. The girls' team had top ten finishes from Ara Buchman and Autumn Wallace but did not score in the competition. Tabb and Abingdon High School emerged as state champions in the boys' and girls' categories, respectively.

New Kent's Gabrielle Butler and Ellis Branch secured victories in the girls' and boys' triple jump events, respectively, at the Bay Rivers District Track and Field Championships held on May 10. Butler also placed fifth in the 400-meter and 200-meter dashes, while Branch earned a bronze in the long jump. New Kent's Lady Trojans and boys' teams finished ninth and sixth overall, with Warhill's Lady Lions and Lions winning the championships.

New Kent’s School Board unanimously adopted a $46,075,167 budget for FY2023-24, with $42,914,660 allocated for general funds, $1,734,336 for school nutrition, $1,159,478 for school grants, and $266,693 for textbooks. Despite not receiving the full requested amount, an additional $600,000 was granted to help offset costs due to the county's rapid growth. The budget required $1.3 million in cuts, affecting various educational and support positions. The budget maintains a five-percent salary adjustment, increased healthcare coverage, and the hiring of a Navy Corp Cadet Instructor. The Capital Improvement Plan includes replacing school buses, roof replacement at the high school, and lighting at an elementary school.

A Fredericksburg man, Jules Jamar Stewart, has been indicted by a Charles City grand jury on a charge of DUI manslaughter for causing the death of Abbigail Breeding while driving intoxicated on August 23, 2022. Other indictments include Gary Lee Wade for malicious wounding and firearm use, and Traci Lynn Winkle for misdemeanor destruction of property.

At the April 27 home track and field meet, Charles City's boys' team finished sixth with 13 points, featuring Ashton English's third place in discus. The girls' team placed seventh with 14 points, with Jaela Smith earning third in the 400-meter dash. Lancaster's teams won the competition.

Charles City County Administrator Michelle Johnson presented a $21.2 million budget to the Board of Supervisors, maintaining the tax rate and focusing on personnel hires and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The budget includes funding for new positions such as a deputy county administrator and nine firefighters, as well as full funding for Charles City schools. The CIP includes a major wastewater plant reconstruction. Supervisor Bill Coada suggested an eight-percent salary increase for school staff to improve competitiveness. Additionally, permits for two bicycle racing events were denied to comply with a local ordinance.

New Kent’s Board of Supervisors approved a $105.6 million budget for FY2023-24 without increasing taxes, maintaining the real estate rate at 67 cents per $100 of assessed value. The budget includes cuts of $821,510, removing new recommended positions but providing a two-percent cost-of-living increase and pay raises based on years of service. The decision faced opposition from some supervisors who wanted to retain new positions by reallocating funds. The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget was also adopted with minor adjustments, and the New Kent school’s general operating budget was set at $44.2 million.

Smithfield Lady Packers dominated the New Kent Lady Trojans with a 5-0 victory, led by Katie Lutz's hat trick and two goals from Kaitlyn Worrell. Despite a stronger second half, the Lady Trojans couldn't recover from the early deficit. Coach Steve Grech noted the team's slow start but praised their resilience in the latter half. New Kent's record now stands at 5-4.

Charles City High School's boys' track and field team finished eighth, with Ashton English as the top scorer, while the girls' team finished ninth, led by Madison Bradby. Middlesex and Brunswick teams captured the top spots in the boys' and girls' competitions, respectively.

York Falcons defeated New Kent Trojans 3-1 in a soccer match, with early goals by Hayden Middleton and Tyler Quick setting the tone. A penalty kick by Quick in the second half extended York's lead. New Kent's only goal came from Will Sutherland, but they couldn't mount a comeback. New Kent's coach Derek Yates emphasized the need to address defensive breakdowns and individual battles as the team looks to improve their 2-4-1 record.

New Kent's Board of Supervisors held a public hearing to discuss the FY2023-24 budget, with County Administrator Rodney Hathaway proposing a revised budget of $106,603,017, which is $1.265 million less than the original recommendation. The new budget includes expected new revenue and a two-cent real estate tax increase. Proposed expenditures include personnel adjustments, hiring new deputies and firefighters, and a new fire station in Bottoms Bridge. Public concerns were raised about employee retention and compensation. Supervisors expressed concerns about tax increases and reliance on Colonial Downs funding. The board will discuss and possibly adopt the budget at their April 25 work session.

The editorial reflects on the progress and challenges faced by Charles City and New Kent County. Charles City struggles with economic development, affecting its school system and overall growth, while New Kent County is experiencing rapid growth, leading to infrastructure and service challenges. The author emphasizes the need for community collaboration to address these issues and balance the burden of growth between taxpayers and businesses.