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On November 21, 2025, at 2:05 a.m., officers responded to a report of a gunshot wound at the Circle K on N. Herritage Street. Officers arrived and located 59-year-old Thomas Watson suffering from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. EMS transported Watson to ECU Health for treatment.
On November 20, 2025, at approximately 8:41 p.m., Kinston Police Department B-Squad officers responded to multiple reports of shots fired in the area of Old Snow Hill Road. Officers also received information that the suspect was at a residence in the 2200 block of Old Snow Hill Road.
Former Kinston City Council candidate Quarla Blackwell filed her third election protest this week, prompting a preliminary consideration meeting Thursday by the Lenoir County Board of Elections. The board unanimously voted to deny the new protest, concluding there was not enough evidence to advance it to a full hearing.
The Kinston City Council heard wide-ranging public concerns Tuesday night during its Nov. 18 meeting, which included discussions on property taxes, policing, abandoned structures, stormwater issues and frustrations about the city’s public comment process.
RALEIGH, N.C. - Ten North Carolina school districts from Transylvania to Tyrrell will share more than $392 million in state lottery-funded grant awards for school construction and renovation projects.
On November 20, 2025, Deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office C Shift, along with members of the Sheriff’s Crash Reduction Team and the Kinston Police Department, located a stolen motor vehicle in the area of Lowe’s in Kinston.
Kinston is gearing up for the start of the holiday season as Downtown Kinston Revitalization prepares to host its annual tree lighting celebration, Turn on the Holidays, on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. in Pearson Park.
Several churches in Lenoir and Jones counties are serving as local drop-off sites for Operation Christmas Child during National Collection Week, which runs Nov. 17 through Nov. 24. Volunteers will accept gift-filled shoeboxes that are distributed to children around the world through Samaritan’s Purse.
“The people of Eastern North Carolina must have a strong voice in Congress to make sure their values are protected and the America First Agenda is implemented .” Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck, Candidate for NC District 1 Congressman
Career Development Month is a time when schools across the nation celebrate the importance of helping students explore their interests, build practical skills, and imagine the future that fits them best. In Lenoir County Public Schools, that commitment extends far beyond a single month. It is built into the daily work of helping students discover what is possible through hands-on learning, exploration, and strong partnerships with local industries.
Quarla Blackwell has filed a new election protest. The Lenoir County Board of Elections announced that a Preliminary Consideration Meeting will be held Thursday, November 20 at 5 p.m. to review her filing. A copy of the protest is attached.
This meeting is in addition to the Protest Hearing scheduled for Monday, November 24 at 5:30 p.m. for the election protests filed against Kareem Moore and Les Lipford. Both meetings will be held at the Lenoir County Board of Elections office.
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.
