Mathews County Administrator Steve Whiteway, who has served in that post for more than a decade, has announced that he intends to retire at the end of the year. He told the board of supervisors during a closed session after Tuesday’s board meeting that he would be leaving by Dec. 31 at the latest.

Supervisors chair O.J. Cole said that Whiteway’s announcement caught the board by surprise.

"We thought we’d have him another two or three years," said Cole. "He will be sorely missed."

Cole had nothing but praise for Whiteway.

"We think he’s just been a marvelous attribute for the county, no question about it, and a good friend," said Cole. "He’s always been there when we need him and does anything we want him to do. He always anticipates issues, is always on point, is always prepared and informed, always keeps up, and always has the answers. He has reduced staff and tried to be frugal. I don’t know how he keeps...