Newly elected Charles City County School Board Chairwoman Barbara C. Crawley says student instruction must take priority even while the small school system is challenged with meeting state and federal mandates. "Everybody is suffering with money problems, and we know that this year it is going to be tougher than tough," Crawley said. "We are going to have to scrutinize our budget and our budget process to make sure we keep our instruction intact. We just want what's best for our children here in the county."

Chickahominy Indian Fall Festival and Pow-Wow in Charles City County offers glimpse of life of American Indians.

American Indians from throughout the country will join the Chickahominy Indian Tribe to celebrate its 56th Annual Fall Festival and Pow Wow; Saturday and Sunday, on the Chickahominy tribal grounds in Charles City County.

Along with rides, a petting zoo, food and live entertainment, this year's Charles City County Fair maintains the traditions of a country carnival. The fair began Friday at the Charles City Recreation Center, 8320 Ruthville Road, with antique farm equipment, a car show, farm and home exhibits and a horseshoe tournament. It continues today from 1 to 6 p.m. with gospel performances. Admission is free. For details, visit <a href="http://www.charlescity.org" target="_blank">www.charlescity.org</a>.

Charles City County LIFE AT AN EASY PACE IN RURAL, HISTORICAL COUNTY BY BONNIE WINSTON Special Correspondent Tucked between the James River and the Chickahominy River, Charles City County retains much of its rural historical character and charm. Here, life for the county's 7,000 residents proceeds at an easier pace than its more suburban neighboring counties.

This Charles City County mama Rottweiler also dotes on her three adopted kittens.

This Charles City County mama Rottweiler also dotes on her three adopted kittens.

CHARLES CITY Indian pride and thoughts of Jamestown mixed yesterday in a huge, soggy picnic called a powwow. The drizzly London weather that Queen Elizabeth II brought to the region Thursday stayed on, and it kept a lot of Indians from dancing at the Virginia Indian Nations 6th Annual Pow-Wow. Rain can damage valuable leather, beads and feathers.