Jones County Manager Kyle A. Smith has presented a proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget that would keep the countywide property tax rate unchanged while adding a new dedicated fire protection tax.
Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and for eastern North Carolina, preparation is not just a coastal concern. Heavy rain, flooding, downed trees, power outages, tornadoes and washed-out roads can affect families well inland, even when a storm never makes a direct hit.
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office proudly celebrated the completion of D.A.R.E. graduations at seven elementary schools throughout Lenoir County, reaching approximately 400 students during the program.
JONES COUNTY — Jones County officials are trying to answer residents’ questions about a proposed fire protection service district that would add a separate fire-related tax to most property tax bills while creating a dedicated funding source for the county’s volunteer fire departments.
MAYSVILLE — The Town of Maysville’s plan for a new downtown social district is drawing both support and skepticism as the town looks to bring more activity to its downtown area.
Neuse News Sports is officially expanding its footprint across Eastern North Carolina with the launch of “The Trey Scott Sports Show,” a new weekly live sports talk show premiering Monday, May 25 at 7 p.m.
I am a content creator, a connector, a beauty enthusiast, and someone who genuinely believes that young people have something powerful and impactful to say.
Kinston City Council approved new zoning rules for tobacco, vape, hemp and CBD retailers Tuesday, while also moving forward with demolition funding, traffic signal upgrades, several special event permits and an employee wellness incentive increase.
When Cynthia Cash took over DeOGee Spaw a year ago, she started with herself, a small client base and a goal of making the downtown Kinston pet business feel less like a kennel and more like home.
Lenoir County commissioners received their first public look Monday at a proposed 2026-27 budget that would keep the county’s current tax rate in place while increasing spending for employee pay, school capital needs, tax reappraisal work, transit support and several ongoing capital projects.
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners has decided not to move forward with construction of the proposed Riverwalk project at this time after the county was unable to secure all necessary easements through voluntary agreements with property owners.
JONES COUNTY — The Jones County Health Department has confirmed a positive rabies case in a raccoon found near the area of Wyse Fork Road and Highway 41 East.
Sadie Carol Layden Hensley, known to family and friends as Carol, “Monk”, or “Meema”, died on June 2, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Rouse Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Rouse Funeral Home, with committal following at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at 12:00 noon.
Britton Manor will host Summer Nights at the Manor on June 25, featuring live music, late-night snacks, an open coffee bar and full-service bars.
Bill’s Grill & Bar in LaGrange is entering its final week under its current name as the restaurant prepares to transition to new ownership and management.
Lenoir County commissioners will hold a June 15 public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 county budget before possible adoption.
Blizzard Storage Solutions is offering a June-only storage special for new rentals at all three of its Kinston locations.
A Lenoir County woman has been sentenced to prison following a narcotics investigation conducted by the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit.
The hearing turned tense when Mayor Kareem Moore ordered one speaker removed after comments directed at Interim City Manager Ralph Clark.
The Lenoir County Board of Education met on June 1, 2026, recognizing outstanding students and staff, reviewing summer learning opportunities, and approving several items in preparation for the 2026-2027 school year.
Lenoir County commissioners appear likely to consider a one-cent property tax reduction as they move toward adoption of the county’s FY 2026-27 budget, following a June 1 work session that centered on taxpayer relief, capital projects, school funding, transit costs and long-term financial planning.
TRENTON — The Jones County Board of Commissioners rejected a proposed Fire Protection Service District on Monday after residents and commissioners raised concerns about how the tax would be structured, how the money would be distributed and whether the public had enough information before a decision.
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office uses Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras along key roadways and travel corridors throughout the county, according to information provided by Capt. Christy M. Smith.
On May 26, 2026, we mourned the passing of a beloved family member, James “Jimmy” Liston Pressly, 77, who was born on March 31, 1949 in Kinston, NC to Mariana Rochelle and Joseph Earl Pressly.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Celebration of the Life of Jimmy, will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 2101 N. Herritage St., Kinston, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in Hamilton Hall at the church.
Lenoir Community College is a comprehensive institution that places primary emphasis on excellence in classroom instruction. The Adjunct Psychology Instructor is responsible for providing quality and engaging instruction to LCC students through the use of seated and/or online courses, and through other creative modalities as needed to promote successful completion of degree requirements.
Lenoir Community College is a comprehensive institution that places primary emphasis on excellence in classroom instruction. The Adjunct Sociology Instructor (Online) is responsible for providing quality and engaging instruction to LCC students through the use of online courses, and through other creative modalities as needed to promote successful completion of degree requirements.
Lenoir Community College is a comprehensive institution that places primary emphasis on excellence in classroom instruction. The Adjunct Psychology Instructor is responsible for providing quality and engaging instruction to LCC students through the use of seated and/or online courses, and through other creative modalities as needed to promote successful completion of degree requirements.
Lenoir Community College is a comprehensive institution that places primary emphasis on excellence in classroom instruction. The Adjunct Sociology Instructor (Online) is responsible for providing quality and engaging instruction to LCC students through the use of online courses, and through other creative modalities as needed to promote successful completion of degree requirements.
The Environmental Services Coordinator is responsible for overseeing custodial operations across multiple campus buildings. This position serves as a working supervisor who provides hands-on training, conducts routine inspections, ensures compliance with established cleaning standards, and coordinates event setups.
Sadie Carol Layden Hensley, known to family and friends as Carol, “Monk”, or “Meema”, died on June 2, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Rouse Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Rouse Funeral Home, with committal following at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at 12:00 noon.
On May 26, 2026, we mourned the passing of a beloved family member, James “Jimmy” Liston Pressly, 77, who was born on March 31, 1949 in Kinston, NC to Mariana Rochelle and Joseph Earl Pressly.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Celebration of the Life of Jimmy, will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 2101 N. Herritage St., Kinston, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in Hamilton Hall at the church.
Avonna H. Johnson, 88, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026, at her home surrounded by her children. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Pink Hill Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill.
Nell Dail Patrick, of Kinston, passed away on May 27, 2026, peacefully at her home. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 11:00 AM, at Westminster United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service.
Mary Lou Radford Sullivan, 89, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. A service of love and remembrance will be held by the graveside at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Barry Teague officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
On May 26, 2026, we mourned the passing of a beloved family member, James “Jimmy” Liston Pressly, 77, who was born on March 31, 1949 in Kinston, NC to Mariana Rochelle and Joseph Earl Pressly.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Celebration of the Life of Jimmy, will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 2101 N. Herritage St., Kinston, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in Hamilton Hall at the church.
Mrs. Kelli Barefoot Stroud died Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center following a rapid decline in health after suffering a stroke. Born in Clinton, North Carolina, on January 26, 1965, she was the daughter of Carl and Jean Barefoot.
Nancy Carroll Howard Gladson, 92, of Kinston, departed from her earthly home on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Howard-Carter Funeral Home, with Pastor Greg Kincaid officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow immediately after the service at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.
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