On October 1, 2026, at approximately 10:50 a.m., detectives with the Kinston-Lenoir Drug Task Force responded to the Harmony Hall area to assist Kinston Police Department A-Squad officers investigate a report of a man pointing a firearm at a motorist.

The first year of Hickory Grove's transition to a new denominational home in 1885 was not without interruption. Fewer than thirty days after the Church voted to align with the Methodist Protestant Church (M.P.C.) Conference, former Baptist pastor Rev. Bushrod Washington (B. W.) Nash, no doubt unhappy, was reportedly back in the pulpit by the end of April 1885. Whether he was invited to preach or requested the meeting is unknown:

Kinston honored native son Maceo Parker on Thursday, Oct. 1, dedicating a street in his name and celebrating the family and hometown roots behind a musical career that helped shape the sound of funk.

Murphy Frank McGirt, Jr, 89, of Blairsville, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on September 22, 2026.

Impaired Driver Arrested Following Pursuit on U.S. 70. A CRT deputy located the vehicle traveling approximately 20 MPH in a posted 55 MPH zone and observed the driver repeatedly fail to maintain lane control. While attempting to conduct a traffic stop, the driver failed to stop and continued eastbound on U.S. 70.

The Kinston/Lenoir Community Chorus invites the community to experience the beauty and inspiration of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah on Monday, December 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 2101 N. Herritage St., Kinston.

As an agriculture extension agent, you are able to be a part of a state association, The North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agent, or NCACAA. This professional extension association includes county extension educators, agricultural specialists, and 4-H youth development staff working in North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s network.

October is shaping up to be one of the best months at CCA yet!

The Economic Development Region says it is working with local and regional partners to support employees affected by recent changes at MasterBrand’s Kinston operations.

Interim City Manager Ralph Clark and City Manager Jon Mendenhall are working side by side to hand off city leadership in an orderly way, so city services, ongoing projects and daily operations continue without interruption. Ralph Clark’s last day as Interim City 

An altercation involving eight students at Kinston High School lasted less than a minute and did not result in a lockdown, according to Lenoir County Public Schools.

MasterBrand plans to move part of its Kinston production to facilities in three other states, affecting approximately 390 employees while retaining about 180 workers at the site, a company spokesperson said.

James Alan "Jimmy" Smith, Jr., of Kinston, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will be held Friday, October 2nd, 9 AM, followed by the funeral service, 10:00 AM, at First Baptist Church in Kinston, North Carolina. A graveside service will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Jasper (Jack) Louis Phillips, Jr., MD, FACS, on September 25, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories. A funeral service will be conducted by Pastor John Robert Harris at Edwards Funeral Home on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Private burial will follow.

On September 28, 2026, detectives with the Kinston-Lenoir Drug Task Force continued their investigation into Khalil Dail regarding the distribution of marijuana.