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After more than three decades of dedicated service, Rhonda Barwick is retiring, marking the end of a remarkable 32-year tenure with the city. Barwick began her career on September 13th, 1993, arriving excited and early for her first position as an administrative assistant in the city manager's office, a desk located right beside the office she occupies now, bringing her career "full circle". She was hired by then-City Manager Steve Raper.
On November 17, 2025, at approximately 1:43 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2018 Nissan Altima for a traffic violation in the area of Greenbriar Road. When officers activated their emergency blue lights, the vehicle failed to stop and fled from the scene.
The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The board approved the agenda and consent agenda, adding a budget amendment to close out a parks grant.
On November 16, 2025, KPD’s B-Squad officers responded to a residence on the 600 block of East Washington Avenue for a reported disturbance. Upon arrival, officers attempted to investigate the incident; however, the disturbance continued.
On November 16, 2025, deputies assigned to C Shift responded to a call from a vigilant citizen reporting a male subject walking around a church with a flashlight in the 3700 block of Banks School Road. A deputy arrived on scene within two minutes of dispatch and detained the individual, who was identified as Frankie Lee Tucker Jr. of Kinston. Tucker was taken into custody on an active parole violation warrant.
The Lenoir County Board of Elections is facing a growing list of challenges stemming from the November municipal election. Former city council candidate Quarla Blackwell filed a new protest alleging widespread irregularities, residency issues involving multiple candidates, and violations by poll workers and campaign personnel.
The Lenoir County Farmers Market will host its annual Super Saturday event on November 22, 2025, offering a full day of food, art, music, and holiday shopping in downtown Kinston. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the market’s location, 100 N. Herritage Street.
The following businesses were registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State:
Lenoir County Public Schools set a new benchmark this year in the Bright Ideas education grant program, earning a record number of awards for innovative classroom projects.
Snow Hill Primary gives out a weekly award called "Terrific Kid" awards. Each teacher at SHP chooses a student who has been responsible, shows great character, or has reached a personal goal. On Fridays, these students are presented with an award and are congratulated for their hard work. Below are Snow Hill Primary's Terrific Kid Awards!
A devoted ensemble brings wit, warmth, and steady heart to The Sound of Music, grounding the story with rich harmonies and vibrant presence. The result is a feel-good journey—uplifting, moving, and alive from start to finish. Come with loved ones and share the joy of this musical.
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.
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
The Lenoir County Board of Elections held preliminary consideration hearings Thursday for election protests filed against council elect Les Lipford and mayor elect Kareem Moore, both of whom won seats in the November municipal election.
Durham, N.C. — (November 7, 2025) — Cypress Creek Renewables (Cypress Creek) has announced a $75,000 investment in Lenoir County to support initiatives that advance education, workforce development, social services, veteran programs, and other community needs. This commitment reflects Cypress Creek’s ongoing pledge to be a good neighbor and create meaningful, long-term benefits for local communities.
Initially, as I read the Email from Tekela Whitfield, I thought "What a pretty name." I asked her for the meaning, and I complimented her on the name. As we communicated over the next week or so, I learned that she is very professional and forthright
UPDATE: From the Lenoir County Board of Elections website:
Preliminary Consideration meeting for the Election Protest filed against Kareem Moore and the amended Election Protest filed against Les Lipford will be held Friday, November 14th immediately after Canvass. County Canvass will begin at 11am.
UNC Health Lenoir earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.
UPDATE:
The Lenoir County Board of Elections voted unanimously today to dismiss the election protest filed against Les Lipford, who had been elected to the Kinston City Council. The protest will not move forward to a full evidentiary hearing.
NCRMA is proud to recognize the 2025 Award Winners, presented on Tuesday, November 4, at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in downtown Winston-Salem.
