As she nears three years at the helm of UNC Health Lenoir, Dr. Crystal Hayden says her work is guided by a simple conviction: people in rural communities deserve the same standard of care patients expect anywhere else.
While I've stepped back from day-to-day editorial decisions, I've shifted my focus to growing our news portfolio, expanding our high school sports coverage into Wayne County, and delivering stronger video and social media services to our clients. That work continues, and today I'm excited to share a couple of updates that I believe will improve your experience across all of our platforms.
Sarah Sever has been named interim director of libraries for Neuse Regional Libraries, stepping into the role following Melanie Morgan’s departure.
In recent years, public trust in institutions, including law enforcement, has been strained. People have every right to ask hard questions of the government. But no community is better off when disagreement turns into harassment, threats, or assaults on public servants.
Neuse Regional Libraries is rolling out a slate of programs tied to America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Melanie Morgan, who has led Neuse Regional Libraries since November 2018, has been selected as the next director of the New Hanover County Public Library system, according to a New Hanover County announcement posted Thursday, Feb. 19. Morgan is scheduled to begin the new role March 31.
The North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region is pleased to announce the hiring of Gracie Herring as its new Marketing and Communications Manager.
A tense exchange between Felicia Solomon, Chris Suggs, and Don Hardy defined the final Kinston City Council meeting before the swearing-in of Kareem Moore, Les Lipford and Sammy Aiken, following the certification of the municipal election results.
flyExclusive has confirmed that it plans to relocate fewer than 100 employees from Kinston to Raleigh over the next six months.
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 5 approved a budget ordinance amendment related to the settlement of a lawsuit stemming from the renovation of the county administration building, with county officials repeatedly emphasizing that taxpayer dollars were not used.
LATEST NEWS
The annual Strides walk continues to bring community support to diabetes awareness efforts in Kinston, with this year’s event raising more than $12,000 so far and still accepting donations, according to Strides Chair Sharon Axelberg.
A new family-owned RV park and campground is in development at 3291 Kennedy Home Road in La Grange, according to a post on the Southern Roots RV Park and Campground Facebook page.
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to the Carver Courts area in reference to a report of shots fired.
Lois Marie Tilghman Williams, 83, was welcomed into the presence of her Lord on Thursday, April 9, 2026. A service of love and remembrance will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Tanglewood Church of God with Pastors Allen Stocks and Allen Ham officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Lester Lee Carter III, age 68, of Surf City, NC passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026 in Seven Springs, NC. There will be a Celebration of Life from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Neighbors Bar, 507 Simpson St. Greensboro, NC 27401.
This past week the North Carolina Supreme Court rulled that the Leandro Case was unconstitutional in forcing the General Assembly to fully fund education equally in the state of North Carolina. As an educator and as a republican I have been living in a sense of division for several years. This action by the conservative majority has single handley dealt the largest blow to education in our great state in decades.
Evelyn Dove Coleman's piece, "Easter is a Reminder" calls us to remember Jesus set the example of how to live a life pleasing to God, and that is why Passover--not Easter--reminds us of the Savior's sacrificial love He demonstrated so fully by becoming our Passover (I Corinthians 5:7).
The Private School Meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2026 at 3:30 p.m - 5:00 p.m. with Georgia Maready, EC Director. If interested in attending the meeting please call Michelle Sutton at 252.527.1109 by Friday, April 13, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to consult with private schools and parents of parentally-placed private school students as well as home schooled students
John Michael “Mike” Stout III, 71, passed peacefully from this life into life anew with his Lord early on Thursday, April 9, 2026 while surrounded by his family. A memorial service to honor Mike’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 902 Church with Pastor Ryan Vernon officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to review and address updated costs for the town’s Splash[ad project, focusing on the construction of pickleball courts and related expenses.
During spring break, School Resource Officers (SROs) with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office participated in specialized active shooter response training to enhance preparedness and ensure the continued safety of students and staff across Lenoir County Schools.
Fresh strawberries, turnip greens, baked goods, local granola and handmade goods will all be part of the first market day of the season when the Lenoir County Farmers Market opens Friday, April 11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 100 N. Heritage St. in Kinston.
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HELP WANTED
Candidates work involves enforcing the Animal Control Ordinance and North Carolina State Law that pertains to rabies control, animal cruelty and vicious animals. Must be able to communicate effectively with citizens of the County and City regarding complaints concerning animal bites, strays, nuisances’ animals etc.
As a member of Emergency Services with Lenoir County Government, you can make a difference! The Emergency Medical Services Division is seeking candidates for an EMS Captain.
As a member of Emergency Services with Lenoir County Government, you can make a difference! The Emergency Medical Services Division is seeking candidates for an EMT Community Paramedic. T
As a member of Planning and Inspections with Lenoir County Government, you can make a difference! Lenoir County Government is seeking candidates for a Planning and Inspections Director. Candidates are responsible for directing a department responsible for land use planning, development, zoning, building code enforcement, community development, and permitting functions for the County.
As a member of the Lenoir County Finance Office, you can make a difference! Lenoir County is seeking candidates for the Finance Director. The purpose of this position is to administer the process for the receiving, disbursing, and accounting of revenues and expenditures for the County. Work involves supervision of the budget, purchasing, accounting, collections, billing, cash investments, and payroll operations.
OBITUARIES
Lois Marie Tilghman Williams, 83, was welcomed into the presence of her Lord on Thursday, April 9, 2026. A service of love and remembrance will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Tanglewood Church of God with Pastors Allen Stocks and Allen Ham officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Lester Lee Carter III, age 68, of Surf City, NC passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026 in Seven Springs, NC. There will be a Celebration of Life from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Neighbors Bar, 507 Simpson St. Greensboro, NC 27401.
John Michael “Mike” Stout III, 71, passed peacefully from this life into life anew with his Lord early on Thursday, April 9, 2026 while surrounded by his family. A memorial service to honor Mike’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 902 Church with Pastor Ryan Vernon officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Barbara Mitchell Grady, age 83, of Kinston, peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at UNC Health Lenoir. Visitation will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Howard and Carter Funeral Home in Kinston. Funeral service will follow at 12 pm with Rev. Danny Barrow officiating. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery in Kinston.
Janis Mae Oliver, 96, passed away peacefully at her home on April 2, 2026, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be private.
Myra Gail Lee Quinn, 66, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. Born in Lenoir County on November 30, 1959, she was the daughter of the late Robert David Lee and Elizabeth Smith Edmundson.
Margie Croom Coley, 72, passed away on Saturday, March 28, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina, after a long and fierce battle with cancer. A private service will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. 930-B Wellness Dr, Greenville, NC 27834.
Annette Lowery Daughety, 75 of Kinston passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Visitation will be held at 10:00 on April 4, 2026, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 at Shady Grove Church on Middle Road in Kinston. Internment will take place at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston at 3:00. Pastor Greg Dickerson and Tim Nichols will preside.