The Kinston City Council met Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at City Hall, addressing public safety concerns, approving multiple grant-related ordinances, and selecting a consulting firm to lead the search for the city’s next permanent city manager.
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Election certification and swearing-in status ahead of Jan. 6 meeting
The North Carolina State Board of Elections has certified Kareem Moore as mayor, Les Lipford and Sammy Aiken as members of the Kinston City Council.
Kinston to accept $65,000 grant for bike and pedestrian planning
The Kinston City Council will consider accepting a $65,000 multimodal planning grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to update the city’s bicycle and pedestrian network plan.
Council to hear rezoning request for Towerhill Road property
A rezoning request for a property at 519 Towerhill Road will go before the Kinston City Council during a public hearing Tuesday.
City plans demolition of three condemned properties, 118 remain on list
Kinston officials are moving forward with the demolition of three condemned properties, while more than 100 others remain under review, according to a demolition update scheduled for presentation to City Council.
Council to amend historic preservation rules, approve $32,000 project
Kinston City Council will consider changes to historic preservation procedures and approve funding for an update to the city’s design standards.
City Council hires interim City Manager
At the conclusion of the closed session today, Mayor Don Hardy called the open meeting to order and entertained a motion to hire Steven Harrell as interim city manager. The councilmembers present, Robbie Swinson, Felicia Solomon and Chris Suggs all voted in favor.
State Board of Elections denies Kinston election protests
The North Carolina State Board of Elections on Wednesday dismissed both election protest appeals related to Kinston’s 2025 municipal races, allowing the city’s election results to move forward toward final certification.
Kinston City Council approves $7,500-per-month lobbying contract ahead of council transition
The Kinston City Council voted Dec. 2 to approve a contract committing the city to pay $7,500 per month for lobbying services, a decision made before newly elected council members were sworn in and seated.
Investigation leads to arrest in private image disclosure case
Kinston Police Department detectives conducted a follow-up investigation after receiving a report involving the unlawful disclosure of private images of an adult female victim. The victim reported that an acquaintance, 30-year-old Tysheem Mills, had posted private images of her on his social media account.
UPDATE: Arrests made in November 21 shooting investigation
On November 21, 2025, at approximately 2:05 a.m., officers responded to a report of a gunshot wound at the Circle K on N. Herritage Street. Upon arrival, officers located 59-year-old Thomas Watson suffering from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. EMS transported Watson to ECU Health for treatment.
Kinston City Council approves incentives for new industry, hires lobbying firm as residents press for action on crime, homelessness
The Kinston City Council approved incentives Tuesday night to bring a new industry and 20 jobs to the city, formalized support for the Highway 70 Welcome Center, and voted to hire a high-profile lobbying firm while residents urged leaders to take stronger action on crime, homelessness and government transparency.
City of Kinston postpones swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials
The City of Kinston has postponed its swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials. The ceremony was originally scheduled for December 2 but has been moved to December 16, according to the city’s public information officer.
UPDATE: Board dismisses election protests against Moore and Lipford
The Lenoir County Board of Elections dismissed the protest filed against Kinston Mayor-elect Kareem Moore on Monday night after the protestor failed to appear for the evidentiary hearing. In a separate hearing, the board voted 3–2 to dismiss the protest against Council-elect Les Lipford. Two board members voted that the protest met the required standard, but the motion to advance it failed.
Kinston revises travel policy for elected officials
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.
From Desk to Director: Rhonda Barwick’s 32-Year journey culminates in retirement
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.
Board advances one protest against mayor elect Kareem Moore and amended protest against council elect Les Lipford
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.
New election protests filed against council elect Les Lipford and mayor elect Kareem Moore
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.
Kinston council hears growing frustration over tax rate; attorney says rollback unlikely
Tension filled the Kinston City Council chambers Monday night as residents once again urged city leaders to reduce the property tax rate before year’s end, calling the 73-cent rate approved in June an “unfair burden” that has pushed some homeowners to the brink.
Kinston council hears citizen tax concerns, adopts downtown master plan proposal
Property taxes and neighborhood conditions dominated Tuesday night’s Kinston City Council meeting, where residents voiced frustrations over rising costs before council members approved several measures, including a downtown master plan proposal and a new city investment policy.