On November 16, 2025, KPD’s B-Squad officers responded to a residence on the 600 block of East Washington Avenue for a reported disturbance. Upon arrival, officers attempted to investigate the incident; however, the disturbance continued.

On November 16, 2025, deputies assigned to C Shift responded to a call from a vigilant citizen reporting a male subject walking around a church with a flashlight in the 3700 block of Banks School Road. A deputy arrived on scene within two minutes of dispatch and detained the individual, who was identified as Frankie Lee Tucker Jr. of Kinston. Tucker was taken into custody on an active parole violation warrant.

The Lenoir County Board of Elections is facing a growing list of challenges stemming from the November municipal election. Former city council candidate Quarla Blackwell filed a new protest alleging widespread irregularities, residency issues involving multiple candidates, and violations by poll workers and campaign personnel.

The Public Safety Specialist provides advanced administrative and clerical support to the Director of Emergency Medical Science and the overall Public Safety Division to ensure effective and efficient daily office operations.

In the second half of 1775, Fort Johnson, North Carolina, was the scene of two major skirmishes between Continental and British soldiers and sailors. But the story of Fort Johnson began much earlier.

The Lenoir County Farmers Market will host its annual Super Saturday event on November 22, 2025, offering a full day of food, art, music, and holiday shopping in downtown Kinston. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the market’s location, 100 N. Herritage Street.

The following businesses were registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State:

 The Emergency Medical Science Instructor will provide classroom and lab instruction for continuing education and curriculum EMS programs in accordance with college, state, and national policies, standards, and guidelines.

Lenoir County Public Schools set a new benchmark this year in the Bright Ideas education grant program, earning a record number of awards for innovative classroom projects.

Snow Hill Primary gives out a weekly award called "Terrific Kid" awards.  Each teacher at SHP chooses a student who has been responsible, shows great character, or has reached a personal goal.  On Fridays, these students are presented with an award and are congratulated for their hard work.  Below are Snow Hill Primary's Terrific Kid Awards!

A devoted ensemble brings wit, warmth, and steady heart to The Sound of Music, grounding the story with rich harmonies and vibrant presence. The result is a feel-good journey—uplifting, moving, and alive from start to finish. Come with loved ones and share the joy of this musical.

 The Emergency Medical Science Instructor will provide classroom and lab instruction for continuing education and curriculum EMS programs in accordance with college, state, and national policies, standards, and guidelines.

Fennel is one of the most underused vegetables in the fall, mostly since many people are only familiar with the form of the fennel seeds commonly found in spice blends.  Most people are quite surprised when they actually first taste fresh fennel, its’ licorice like flavor takes some getting used to.  

The Lenoir County Farmers Market, located at 100 N. Herritage Street, will be open Tuesday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:

The Lenoir County Board of Elections held preliminary consideration hearings Thursday for election protests filed against council elect Les Lipford and mayor elect Kareem Moore, both of whom won seats in the November municipal election.

Durham, N.C. — (November 7, 2025) — Cypress Creek Renewables (Cypress Creek) has announced a $75,000 investment in Lenoir County to support initiatives that advance education, workforce development, social services, veteran programs, and other community needs. This commitment reflects Cypress Creek’s ongoing pledge to be a good neighbor and create meaningful, long-term benefits for local communities. 

Initially, as I read the Email from Tekela Whitfield, I thought "What a pretty name." I asked her for the meaning, and I complimented her on the name.  As we communicated over the next week or so, I learned that she is very professional and forthright

UPDATE: From the Lenoir County Board of Elections website:
Preliminary Consideration meeting for the Election Protest filed against Kareem Moore and the amended Election Protest filed against Les Lipford will be held Friday, November 14th immediately after Canvass. County Canvass will begin at 11am.

Freddie Brink Poppell, a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, peacefully departed this life on November 8, 2025.

UNC Health Lenoir earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.  

Needing a welder to lose weight was not on my 2025 bingo card, I admit—but alas, here we are.

UPDATE:
The Lenoir County Board of Elections voted unanimously today to dismiss the election protest filed against Les Lipford, who had been elected to the Kinston City Council. The protest will not move forward to a full evidentiary hearing.

NCRMA is proud to recognize the 2025 Award Winners, presented on Tuesday, November 4, at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in downtown Winston-Salem.

The North Carolina Supreme Court has ruled to keep one of Kinston’s oldest family-owned businesses open, deciding that Cherry Energy will not be forced to dissolve following a years-long dispute among family shareholders.

On November 8, 2025, at approximately 10:24 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad responded to a residence on the 500 block of Fields Street in reference to a reported gunshot victim. Upon arrival, officers located 40-year-old Zachary Stackhouse suffering from gunshot wounds to both legs. Stackhouse was transported to ECU Health for medical treatment.

The day before Halloween at Northwest Elementary School, the reading lesson for Leah Jones’ kindergarten class centered on “Pumpkin Jack,” a story about children who carved a jack-o-lantern, set it outside to melt into the ground and, when the time came, saw its leftover seeds grow into vines, flowers and little Pumpkin Jacks.

Kinston residents no longer have to travel far for authentic Mediterranean food. Shawarma House has opened its doors, offering fresh, high-quality dishes made with care and tradition.

UPDATE:
The Lenoir County Board of Elections will hold a Preliminary Consideration Meeting Wednesday, November 12th at 5:30pm for the Election Protest filed against Les Lipford.