Water Damage Restoration in New Kent, VA

NEW KENT — New Kent County’s population is expected to grow by almost a third by 2050 — growth that could pose new challenges to planners in one of the fastest expanding parts of the state.

The prediction comes from the Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia and is shaping the county’s new 2045 Comprehensive Plan.

Todd Gordon of consulting company EPR gave an update on the draft plan to a joint meeting of the Board of Supervisors and planning commission on March 26.

The county’s comprehensive plan is a guidance document to help planners. Its last update was in 2012. The county has published a strategic plan more recently in 2021.

According to Gordon, the Weldon Cooper Center predicts that the population of New Kent will increase from an estimated 27,218 in 2024 to 36,081 in 2050, “which means growth will continue to be an issue.”

“That’s no surprise given your position between major metropolitan areas, your transportation infrastructure and so on,” he said.

About 9,000 new residents by 2050 would equate to about 3,422 new households, Gordon said. Rapid growth in New Kent has placed strains on services in recent years as the county became the fastest-growing in the state.

The comprehensive plan considers parks, roads, schools and the provision of fire and rescue facilities associated with that level of growth.

The draft plan has been taken to three phases of public engagement to gather feedback; an open house, interactive meetings in three areas of the county and another public meeting.

“I do believe we did a good job in reaching out to the public to solicit the input and the input we received was valuable and I believe reflects what the community wants,” planning commission Chairman Joseph Davis said.

The 10-chapter document considers strategies for developing public water access and recreational opportunities at Makemie Woods and other places. The plan focuses future industrial and commercial development in New Kent on the Interstate 64 corridor and Eltham Road.

“There are places where development is appropriate and places where the public of New Kent does not want to see development,” Gordon said.

Many of the areas likely to be preserved for conservation are along the northern and southern borders of the county.

The plan also contains a map of transportation projects needed to meet future growth predictions.

Gordon said the plan would not likely shock the Board of Supervisors. He said citizens understood the need for a balance between growth and conservation.

“We heard from people who were certainly concerned about the rate of growth that you’ve seen and perhaps concerned about the rate of residential growth and felt they haven’t yet seen the commercial services and employment to serve the residents,” Gordon said.

He described the plan as a “realistic look at how New Kent may grow in the future and the things you can do to help it grow successfully.”

Board Chair Thomas Evelyn called the comprehensive plan “extremely important … we want to grow with our goals of keeping the rural character of the county.”

Davis said the county wants to see some commercial growth but “we do want to enjoy those beautiful drives into the country.”

David Macaulay, Davidmacaulayva@gmail.com

New Kent, VA (April 25, 2025) – Emergency responders from New Kent Fire-Rescue, along with mutual aid from West Point Fire, responded to a major collision involving two vehicles that erupted into flames on Interstate 64 eastbound near mile marker 221 on Thursday evening. Fire crews and paramedics worked urgently to extinguish the fires and assist several individuals suffering from injuries.

The crash occurred during the afternoon of April 24, when two vehicles collided, resulting in both becoming fully engulfed in flames. Crews on scene quickly deployed water lines to bring the fires under control while simultaneously conducting triage of the involved parties. Command reported that one individual was classified as a "yellow" patient, indicating serious but not immediately life-threatening injuries, while three others were classified as "green," meaning they suffered minor injuries.

The chaotic scene forced closures of multiple lanes along I-64 EB as crews battled the fires, tended to the injured, and secured the area to prevent further danger. Mutual aid from West Point Fire provided critical support in firefighting and patient care efforts. The incident caused significant traffic delays into the evening hours as emergency teams conducted mop-up operations and investigators worked to piece together the sequence of events leading to the collision.

Our deepest sympathies go out to those affected by this devastating crash, and we hope for the swift recovery of all who were injured.

Car Accidents Involving Fire in Virginia

Crashes resulting in vehicle fires, such as the incident at mile marker 221 on I-64 in New Kent County, are among the most dangerous and devastating types of collisions. The combination of high-speed impacts and flammable materials can quickly lead to life-threatening situations for all involved. Fire dramatically escalates the risk of injury, often resulting in burns, smoke inhalation, and serious trauma even when immediate rescue efforts are successful.

Interstate 64 is a major transportation artery through Virginia, handling a high volume of commercial and commuter traffic every day. High-speed conditions, combined with merging traffic and sometimes distracted driving, create the potential for serious multi-vehicle collisions. When vehicles catch fire after impact, the window for rescue becomes extremely narrow, making quick and coordinated responses from fire crews absolutely critical.

Victims of fiery crashes often require specialized medical care, including treatment for burns and respiratory injuries. Recovery may involve extensive hospital stays, rehabilitation, and emotional support. Under Virginia law, individuals injured in such catastrophic events have important rights to pursue compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property loss. However, the process can be complicated, especially when multiple parties, insurance companies, and complex accident reconstructions are involved.

Following incidents like the fiery crash in New Kent, it is crucial for injured victims and their families to connect early with trusted local resources and support services. Immediate and informed action can help ensure that medical needs are met, financial burdens are addressed, and legal rights are protected throughout the recovery process.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a serious car accident involving fire, Local Accident Reports is here to help you find the resources and support you need. Our team is committed to assisting accident victims during one of the most difficult times of their lives. Contact Local Accident Reports today to learn more about how we can help you take important steps toward healing and rebuilding.

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A 19-year-old Henrico County man has been charged with eluding law enforcement in New Kent County after a pursuit that at one point exceeded 140 mph on Sunday.

In the evening on Sunday, April 20, while monitoring drivers’ speed through a stationary radar on Interstate 64 near the West Point exit in New Kent County, a deputy with the sheriff’s office saw a speeding vehicle.

Officials said the vehicle was checked by radar and reportedly found to be driving at 137 mph in a 70-mile-per-hour zone.

As the deputy tried to catch up to the vehicle, the sheriff’s office said the driver began driving erratically. The vehicle then left I-64 at the Providence Forge exit and headed north on North Courthouse Road.

The deputy then activated their emergency equipment in an attempt to stop the vehicle, but it continued speeding. This deputy then lost sight of the vehicle as it continued heading west on New Kent Highway.

Officials said another deputy in the area was able to find the vehicle and initiated a pursuit on Route 106 after the driver failed to stop again. The vehicle then got back onto I-64 from the Talleysville on-ramp and continued west, speeding at over 140 mph.

As the vehicle got to Henrico County, deputies again lost sight of it and ended the pursuit.

Shortly after, officials said the suspect vehicle was found at a home in Henrico County’s Lakeside area. Deputies with the New Kent County Sheriff’s Office responded to the home and made contact with 19-year-old James William Carroll of Henrico County.

“Ultimately, the investigation, along with Mr. Carroll’s statements, led to his arrest,” the sheriff’s office said.

Carroll was charged with felony eluding, reckless driving by speeding 20 mph or more above the speed limit and driving the wrong way on a highway.

All three were abandoned in recent weeks at a popular dog park at the Love’s Travel Stop.

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WWBT) -The New Kent County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a mystery surrounding three dogs.

All three were abandoned in recent weeks at a popular dog park at the Love’s Travel Stop.

At least one of the dogs was struggling in the heat when he was rescued.

“Very concerning to us every time someone would abandon an animal, it’s also a violation of Virginia law to abandon an animal,” New Kent County Sheriff Lee Bailey said.

At Love’s Travel Stop in New Kent County, there has been an uptick in dogs being left to fend for themselves.

“We’ve responded to just over a month, we’ve had three abandoned dogs that have been located at the Love’s Travel Stop off of Emmaus Church Road,” Bailey said.

Dutch Oven and Diesel are just two of the dogs found in recent weeks.

Sheriff Lee Bailey said Dutch Oven was trying to hide from the sun underneath a table when he was found.

“It’s a Class One misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a $2,500 fine, up to a year in jail. Either or both,” Bailey said.

A Loves employee told 12 On Your Side that it’s usually people from out of state who use this dog park, but they have no clue as to who is abandoning these dogs.

“My only guess as to why that dog park has been chosen is because perhaps people see it as a relatively safe place because it’s enclosed and it’s in a trafficked area where they’re likely to be discovered,” Richmond SPCA Director of Communications, Tabitha Treloar, said.

Treloar said this isn’t just a New Kent County problem, but something they see across central Virginia.

“Once they do get into the shelter, the dog has to be treated as a stray, which means a prolonged hold, and that the shelter isn’t getting any information because the dog can’t tell them their medical history or whether they like children or other dogs,” Treloar said.

While Dutch Oven and Diesel are both in good spirits, both Bailey and Treloar said, there’s no reason to abandon a dog.

“I always encourage people to work with your local shelters to explore options before you’re at the end of your rope,” Treloar said.

Deputies said the investigation into all three is ongoing and if you know anything to give them a call at 804-966-9500. They also advise trying to obtain a license plate number and a description of the person or their vehicle to provide to the dispatcher.

Copyright 2025 WWBT. All rights reserved.

NEW KENT — Scores of supporters turned out on Sunday for a meet and greet event at Quinton Park featuring Grayson Torrence, who continues to impress the judges with her vocals on the newest season of “American Idol.”

Following performances on Sunday’s and Monday’s episodes, Torrence solidified her place among the season’s Top 24.

Far from Hollywood on Sunday, however, those in attendance at the New Kent park included family, friends and employees of the New Kent County Sheriff’s Office, where her father works, as well as other community members and new fans who’ve been following Torrence’s “American Idol” journey on social media.

Christina Luntzer, who first heard about Torrence on Facebook, turned out with her three children to get a selfie and an autograph from the singer. Luntzer called Torrence “an inspiration to all the youth of the county.”

“I am a fan for life,” she said. “She gives our children hope that if you dream it, you can see it, then you can achieve it.”

Luntzer’s daughter, 15-year-old Hi Luntzer, said Torrence makes her want to be more creative.

“It was amazing to meet her,” Hi said. “She has an awesome personality and is a genuine person. Everything she does comes from the heart. She’s worked really hard and she deserves this.”

Tom Hayes, an aspiring musician from Williamsburg, made the drive for the event so that Torrence could sign a guitar that he keeps in his studio for inspiration. The guitar also boasts the signatures of two members of the group Lynyrd Skynrd, Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlocke. Hayes, the father of two young girls, first saw Torrence perform at Daddyo’s Tavern in Norge a few years ago.

“She is an inspiration for both my daughters and me,” he said. “I want my daughters to know that we have stars right here in town. I think it is great to have someone local who is being recognized for her talent.”

On Monday, Torrence, 21, was selected by “American Idol” judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan to be one of the final 24 contestants in the national singing competition. She was chosen following performances on Sunday’s “Hollywood Showstoppers” and Monday’s “Head-to-Head” episodes.

Both Torrence and her duet partner, Penny Samar, move on to the next round of competition after impressing the judges with their rendition of the Billie Eilish song “Wildflower.” Ritchie called it “a perfect performance.”

Prior to taking the stage, Torrence said in the episode, “I want to get into the Top 24 more than anything.” In a phone interview last week, Torrence said she has been practicing in front of a mirror to prepare for her performances.

“I’ve also been thinking a lot about the best songs to sing because a lot of it is about song choice,” she said. “I want to choose songs that suit me and suit the competition.”

Torrence, a gymnastics instructor who first started singing professionally as a teenager and keeps a notebook filled with songs she’s written, has released four singles of original music so far. She’s elated to be a part of “American Idol” after previously auditioning for the show a few years ago.

“It still doesn’t feel real, even as I see the Golden Ticket hanging on my wall,” she said. “I feel very blessed that they’ve seen something in me enough to send me to Hollywood. It is a tough process with a lot competition. The talent this season is off the charts with a lot of beautiful performances. I could never be a judge.”

Both her parents, David and Heather, also appeared briefly in Monday’s episode after the judges announced she made it to the next round. David Torrence said he was touched by the number of people who came out on Sunday in New Kent to meet his daughter.

“It’s very heart-warming,” he said. “I am so proud of how far she has come. I’ve known since she was 15 if she continued to work at it, she would get noticed and go a long way, and I knew that once she got in front of those three judges that they would fall in love with her and send her through.

“I am just so grateful that I also get to come along for the ride.”

On Tuesday, Torrence wrote on Facebook that she’s heading to Hawaii and asked her fans to tune in next Sunday and Monday because voting is starting.

Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net

Originally Published: April 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM EDT