A tense exchange between Felicia Solomon, Chris Suggs, and Don Hardy defined the final Kinston City Council meeting before the swearing-in of Kareem Moore, Les Lipford and Sammy Aiken, following the certification of the municipal election results.
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Kinston Fire & Rescue receives $25,000 grant for water rescue efforts
Kinston Fire & Rescue has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to enhance its disaster preparedness capabilities. The funding will be used to purchase equipment for the department’s water rescue team, improving its readiness and response during tropical weather and other emergencies.
Chad Jackson Named New Fire Chief of Kinston
Chad Jackson, a long-serving member of the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue, has been named the new Fire Chief for the City of Kinston. Jackson, who began his career with the department in 2003, brings over two decades of experience to his new role.
Kinston welcomes Frontier League team, continuing long baseball tradition
After seven seasons with the Down East Wood Ducks, Kinston will welcome a new professional baseball team, the Bird Dawgs, to Grainger Stadium as part of the Frontier League. The announcement was made during a press conference at the stadium on Monday, marking a new chapter for the city and its strong baseball tradition.
Kinston unveils innovative trash trap to clean waterways
A community event marked a significant step in Kinston's efforts to combat pollution and protect its waterways. The unveiling of the Kinston Stormwater Project's trash trap drew a crowd eager to learn about the initiative's impact on water quality and local ecosystems.
Mayor gives out Keys to the City at BBQ Fest on the Neuse
The 42nd annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse took place this weekend with Mayor Dontario Hardy giving out keys to the city. There were four recipients this year, Waylon Adams, Craig Hill, Shannarra Barrow, and Nikisha Williams.
Council proposes special meeting to address safety concerns
Concern for the safety of Kinston was the public sentiment at the city council meeting on Tuesday. After the public comments, Council members Chris Suggs and Felicia Solomon revisited a tabled agenda item on a town hall type discussion with the community to address concerns about recent crime.
Mayor Dontario Hardy retains mayoral seat
The 2021 Municipal Election for Lenoir County has 13 of 13 precincts reporting. Mayor Dontario Hardy will retain his mayoral seat for the City of Kinston. Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon came in behind Hardy with Holcomb and Warren following.
State and local officials reach out to Suddenlink about consumer complaints
Elected officials across the state have reached out for assistance with a Suddenlink problem. Congressman Greg Murphy, MD had a discussion with Suddenlink’s executives to discuss the frustrations experienced by customers in Eastern North Carolina. Kinston’s Mayor Don Hardy sent a letter to the Attorney General’s office. And on Monday the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution supporting efforts to address the issues with Suddenlink.
Edwards Funeral Home ribbon cutting for renovations and celebrating 100 years
The Kinston - Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the 100th anniversary and remodel of Edwards Funeral Home and Crematorium. One of the oldest funeral homes in the city, Edwards Funeral Home had it’s 100th anniversary in July, but was not able to celebrate with the community at that time.
City confirms time and a half for two new holidays, $53,604 daily payroll
During Monday night’s City Council meeting, motions were unanimously passed proclaiming the November General Election Day and Juneteenth as city holidays, starting with 2020. City manager Tony Sears confirmed the two additional city holidays would be paid and later confirmed to Neuse News that “the salaries for a single day across all budgets is $53,604.17.”
Statements during the meeting attested there would be no “extra cost” to the taxpayers for the two new annual holidays. Citizens took to social media following the meeting suggesting that emergency services employees should get paid time and a half for holiday pay, which potentially would be an extra cost for the city in direct contrast to the vote’s portrayal.
BJ Murphy: So, about last month...
Have you ever had something gnaw at you long enough that you finally had to address it?
Last month the City of Kinston requested that Neuse News run a Public Notice informing the community of the proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget. Having served for eight years as mayor, I know the budget process and numbers well. Glaring to me was the proposed $26,100 increase in the mayor and council’s salary line item. Surely that was a mistake. Surely in a time like this that would not be on the table.
County commissioners call emergency meeting to discuss statue
The Lenoir County Commissioners will meet Thursday to discuss the Confederate statue at the Kinston-Lenoir County Visitors Center. Commissioners say plans were already in the works to relocate the statue, but public statements by Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy regarding the statue required them to call the emergency meeting.
Kinston Police Department promotes from within
The recent Kinston Police Department Promotion and Officer Swearing-in ceremony solidified the latest installation of new hires which will give KPD a full department, one they haven't had since 2010. More than 100 people filled the banquet room inside Kinston Community Center to show their support.
Chief Tim Dilday said during the ceremony, "Live a life of purpose; there's a known reason that each of you put on a uniform the first time, don't lose sight of that reason; the day you think it's too difficult or it's not worth it, the day you feel unappreciated, disrespected think of the sacrifices that Deputy Chief Pate, Lt. Wiggins and countless others who came before us in order for us to have the prosperity that we now experience."
Mayor Hardy re-elected to the National League of Cities Small Cities Council
According to a press release from the National League of Cities (NLC), Kinston Mayor Don Hardy has been selected to serve on the NLC Small Cities Council. NLC member councils provide space for local leaders to connect with other municipal officials representing similar communities and facing common challenges.
Spring Arbor to plant time capsule
The community is invited to attend a ceremony and candlelight vigil to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s and different forms of dementia, which is planned for Thursday from 4-6 p.m.
Verizon Tower decision delayed until Oct. 21
Among the talking points of last week’s Kinston City Council Meeting included Verizon’s request to delay a decision on the downtown tower until Oct. 21 and a state pilot program purchasing four vacant lots on McCaskill Drive.
Jaynes, Taylor honored for police work at City Council retirement ceremony
Chief Alonzo Jaynes and Sgt. Dennis Taylor were recognized for their work with the Kinston Police Department and Public Safety.
Library hosts 'STEM 4 All' kickoff party
The ‘STEM 4 All’ kickoff party at Jack Rountree introduced parents and kids to the upcoming after-school program.
Downtown Verizon tower decision delayed until September
Plans for a 180-foot wireless tower are still in the works.