Neuse News delivers hyper-local news to the inbox of our readers every morning at 7:00 AM. Here is a look back on November’s most memorable articles.
All tagged Kristy Bock
Kristy Bock: When words are the downfall of communication
Words have power, and the lack of personal accountability throughout social media has segregated humans into categories that are all-encompassing. The division forced readers and posters to assume sides instead of attempting to find a middle ground. If there are no repercussions for inflammatory or sensationalized media forums, blatant lies and half-truths will masquerade as fact that influences humans who believe what they read without independent verification.
Digital Blog: Empower your posts with pictures on a budget
While many programs exist to help with social media visibility, cost can be reduced by using free programs to enhance a post through graphics with a visual message that encourages engagements.
Bean to bar chocolate available at The Market
Woodberry Chocolates is a small, family-operated company with a love of chocolate. They strive to offer quality bean to bar artisan chocolates and confections handcrafted in Kinston. Their wares are located inside Downstairs at The Market on Herritage Street in Kinston, patrons can sample different types of chocolate made inside the shop.
Kinston men practice Fitness, Fellowship and Faith with F3
F3 is a group that strives to launch free workouts for men outdoors in any community that wants it for the purpose of invigorating male community leadership through fitness, fellowship, and faith and is actively looking for local men to join them.
Kinston City Council creates two additional paid holidays, "not costing the city any extra money"
The Kinston City Council passed two motions on Monday evening declaring two additional paid holidays for city staff. The first motion makes General Election Day a paid holiday, falling this year on Tuesday, November 3. The second motion creates Juneteenth as a paid city holiday backdating to June 19, 2020.
Councilmember Sammy Aiken said, “For the public’s information, this is not costing the city any extra money.” Then he followed up with the question, “Is that correct?”
“That’s correct, Mr. Aikens,” said Mayor Don Hardy.
Brown's Sweet Treats celebrates 20 years
In 2000, Darlene Brown took a risk and left her job at Caswell Center to open a bakery. Twenty years later, she has accomplished many things including making a cake and cookies for the Carolina Tarheels Basketball team, baking for Lenoir County and the Chamber of Commerce, and hopes to continue to serve current and potential customers for another 20 years.
The 65th annual Lenoir County Agricultural Fair has been canceled for 2020
The 65th annual Lenoir County Agricultural Fair has been canceled for 2020.
“We made every attempt to have this event, but with COVID and the governor’s executive orders still an issue we decided to cancel this year’s fair and begin working on 2021,” said Waylon Adams.
Local health official recommends skipping some festivities for Halloween
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) strongly recommended that alternative Halloween activities, instead of the traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, be utilized. Lenoir County Health Director Pam Brown shared her thoughts on what area families can do to keep their family safe this Halloween. “Individuals and families should skip festivities where many people are gathered and children should not go door to door collecting candy from shared bowls ... A Halloween costume mask is not considered a protective mask, and children should not wear both a protective mask and a Halloween decorative mask at the same time.”
KPD announces the passing of retired Police Officer Levi Simmons
The Kinston Police Department announced the loss of retired Police Officer Levi Simmons who served in law enforcement for 50 years and was certified as the longest-serving police officer in North Carolina. Originally from Sneads Ferry, Simmons started his career after capturing the attention of Jacksonville’s chief of police in 1967. His service in Kinston lasted from 1990 through his retirement in 2018.
College for the Holidays at LCC
Each year Lenoir Community College offers College for the Holidays where certain classes are marketed toward students who attend a four-year North Carolina university, as well as those attending LCC. The five week courses run from November 23rd through December 28th. The goal of the classes is to help out students who may be missing a class or two to help get caught up. LCC has articulation agreements with all of the four-year North Carolina universities to ensure the credits will transfer. “It’s a really good opportunity for our students to get that extra three to seven credits that they might need to transfer back,” said Dr. Timothy Maddox.
Lenoir Community College bridges the gap between in-person and online learning
Lenoir Community College installed smart technology in their classrooms including interactive white boards, cameras, and microphones that bridge the gap between in-person learning and online learning.
Nicholas E. Harvey Sr. appointed to Lenoir Community College Board of Trustees
Governor Roy Cooper announced that he appointed Nicholas E. Harvey, Sr. to the Lenoir Community College Board of Trustees as a member-at-large. A past LCC Board of Trustees member, Harvey has had a private law practice handling criminal and traffic law for more than 30 years.
Kinston Christmas Parade canceled due to COVID
The pandemic has canceled many local events this year. At Monday’s Kinston City Council meeting, it was announced that the Kinston Christmas Parade is the latest victim of the pandemic.
flyExclusive continues to grow with new Chief Operating Officer Col. Donn Yates
Kinston-based flyExclusive, a leading provider of premium private jet charter travel, recently announced that it is expanding its leadership team with the addition of Col. Donn Yates to the role of Chief Operating Officer. With 28 years in the United States Air Force, Yates held the command of the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base with a wealth of combat experience and more than 2,000 flight hours in the F-15 aircraft.
Spice Bouquet offers cooking classes and a broad line of spices, herbs and seasoning blends
Over 30,000 people have taken popular cooking classes from Kinston’s Spice Bouquet throughout the business’s time in operation. Located at 1200 East New Bern Road, Spice Bouquet is locally owned and operated by Frank Crowley. The next classes will be on Tuesday, September 22 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and Friday, September 25 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. To sign up please call 252-527-7000.
Early and One-Stop Voting for Lenoir, Jones and Greene County
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. North Carolina voters can request a ballot by mail or vote in person during early voting and on Election Day. Early voting starts on October 15th in Lenoir, Jones, and Greene counties.
Ribbon cutting at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q’s 40th location
The Kinston Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q’s 40th location in Kinston. “Today is a very special day. This is store number 40,” said Smithfield Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q President Lew Starling. “You get a warm feeling when you come, and your next-door neighbor is Chick-Fil-A and they bring you cookies,” said Starling. “It doesn't get much better than that.”
Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q set to open Thursday 9/17
One of Kinston’s newest eatery additions is Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q set to open Thursday, September 17. With traditional North Carolina style food on its menu, Smithfield’s is located next to Chick-Fil-A and directly in front of Lowe’s Home Improvement. The newest location will feature the same menu as other locations.
Senator Harry Brown's term coming to an end with no regrets
North Carolina Senator Harry Brown has been a member of the North Carolina State Senate since 2004 and became the Senate Majority Leader in 2011. His current term ends on December 31, 2020. As a small business owner who grew up in Jones County but worked in Onslow County, Brown’s initial motivation for running for office was to help other small businesses in his district and in the state.