The Kinston Police Department (KPD) is aware of a video circulating on social media that depicts an incident involving one of our officers and the use of force. We understand that this video has generated significant public interest and concern.

Several years ago, I served on the board of directors of “Friends of North Carolina Public Libraries.” Known by the acronym FONCPL, this statewide organization promotes the interests of 384 public libraries and tens of thousands of library friends.

Before adjourning for Summer Break, we wrapped up a productive session at the NC General Assembly — passing legislation that puts North Carolinians first. We remain focused on delivering common-sense, conservative solutions that truly improve lives across our state.

The Kinston Police Department has welcomed a new member to the force — a therapy puppy donated by a local family, part of a growing wellness initiative designed to support officer and staff mental health.

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

The City of Kinston is entering a transformative phase of infrastructure investment, with more than 30 of the city’s 40 maintained streets scheduled for resurfacing beginning the week of July 13, 2025, weather permitting.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and staying connected with the latest news from District Nine and our efforts in the General Assembly.

The filing period for North Carolina's 2025 municipal elections opens Monday, July 7, marking the official start of the campaign season for dozens of local offices across Lenoir and Greene counties. Candidates seeking election to partisan and nonpartisan municipal offices have until noon on Friday, July 18 to file with their respective county boards of elections.

The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:

According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, due to our exceptionally warm weather a bumper crop of high-quality has arrived earlier than usual.  Peaches typically peak during July, but many peach farmers are already selling fresh ripe early peach varieties.  Warm weather tends to make the peaches ripen not only earlier but faster so don’t wait to pick your peck of peaches!! 

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.

North Carolina drivers holding expired Class C licenses now have up to two additional years to renew without penalty under a new law aimed at easing Department of Motor Vehicles backlogs. S.B. 391 authorizes counties and cities to install automated cameras in school zones to issue civil citations for speeding.
“This temporary extension, effective through Dec. 31, 2027, helps address DMV backlogs and keeps folks on the road,” said Rep. Chris Humphrey (R-Lenoir), who supported the legislation.

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis’ decision not to seek a third term in 2026 has upended North Carolina politics, opening a high-stakes U.S. Senate race in a key battleground state. The announcement has drawn attention from both parties, with several prominent North Carolina Democrats and Republicans weighing potential bids for the open seat.

The following inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department:

In March of this year, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office received a report from the Lenoir County Shrine Club, Sudan Motor Patrol. It was reported to the Sheriff’s Office that Shrine Club funds were possibly being misappropriated.

A section of Field Street near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Kinston is closed in both directions due to scheduled maintenance. The closure began Friday, July 11, at 10:00 a.m. and is expected to remain in place until 4:00 p.m. the same day.

The older you get, the wiser you are. The trouble is, you’ve got less time to implement that wisdom.

Greene County, NC — In a year filled with hard work, growth, and determination, Greene Early College’s Class of 2025 crossed the finish line with courage in their hearts and big dreams ahead. These graduates are more than students; they are leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will help shape the future. Their success shows the power of working hard, staying united, and believing in a brighter tomorrow.

This summer, journey through time with Anastasia: The Musical as it takes center stage at Lenoir Community College’s Briley Auditorium. Based on the beloved animated film and the legendary mystery of the Romanov family, the show follows Anya, a young woman with no memory of her past, as she teams up with two schemers to discover her true identity.

When it came time to name a new director of facilities maintenance, Lenoir County Public Schools had to look no farther than a middle school principal prized for his experience with LCPS, appreciated for his nuts-and-bolts knowledge of school operations and renowned for his get-it-done attitude.

On July 7, 2025, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a black GMC Terrain for speeding 84 MPH in a 55 MPH zone on US 70 East near Eason Road.

For Catherine Lynch, being named principal of Moss Hill Elementary isn’t just a professional milestone, it’s the continuation of a legacy that spans generations.

LA GRANGE — After just over three years of serving up homestyle country cooking, live music, and cold drinks in downtown La Grange, Bill’s Grill & Bar has announced it will permanently close its doors at the Caswell Street location on Saturday, July 12.

On July 7, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s D-Squad observed a moped that had been previously reported stolen turn into the parking lot of the Circle K located at 2305 North Herritage Street.

I’ve married 45 couples over the last two decades. It’s a joy to help a man and woman stand before God, family and friends, and step into a whole new life: oneness, family, covenant from God. You’d think, since God gave humans the gift of marriage, it would be filled with power, ease and endless delights. In reality, it is a LOT of hard work. 

The Jones County Board of Commissioners met Monday to approve significant financial commitments for county projects, including the construction of a new shell building in the industrial park and major upgrades to emergency services facilities. The meeting also saw extensive discussion on long-standing infrastructure concerns and a contentious debate over a change order for an EMS station.

At approximately 12:00 a.m., while JCSO Deputies were conducting a checking station, they noticed a vehicle attempting to evade the checking station. Deputies responded to investigate and located the vehicle. During the course of the investigation, narcotics were found in plain view inside the vehicle. The driver fled on foot, prompting a search of the area with the assistance of K-9 units from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office. Despite efforts, Deputies were unable to locate the suspect.

Photo inside: Candidate filing is underway for the 2025 municipal elections, with residents across Lenoir and Greene counties preparing to choose new local leaders. Filing began Monday, July 7, and will continue through noon on Friday, July 18. The election will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Surrounded by the love and presence of his family, Willie Dwight Gray, 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. A service to celebrate Willie’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Rouse Funeral Home, with Pastor Aaron Bissette officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at the Gray Family Cemetery.

On July 4, 2025, at approximately 3:34 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s B-Squad conducted a traffic stop on East New Bern Road for a lighting equipment violation. During the stop, officers observed indicators of possible narcotics activity, which led to a probable cause search of the vehicle.