Matt Lococo: Why Leandro matters to everyone…

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. 

PUBLIC NOTICE: Notice for Children with Disabilities in Private/Parentally-Placed and Home Schools

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

Obituary: John Michael “Mike” Stout III

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Notice for Children with Disabilities in Private/Parentally-Placed and Home Schools

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

ENC Renaissance Faire set for April 11-12 in Kinston

The ENC Renaissance Faire is scheduled for April 11 and 12 at the Lenoir County Fairgrounds, 401 Fairgrounds Road in Kinston. Organizers say the event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and will feature vendors, performers, food and attractions tied to a Renaissance festival theme. Ticket information and event details are being posted through the faire’s official website and social media pages.

Obituary: Barbara Mitchell Grady

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.