Lenoir Community College and the LCC Passport Office are closed Monday, March 16 through Sunday, March 29. All classes and activities are canceled.
All in Coronavirus
Jones County Public Schools allows students to pick up personal items on Monday
Jones County Public Schools will be closed per Governor Cooper’s mandate now through March 30th. Monday, March 16th will continue to be a Teacher Workday. Students will be allowed to pick up personal items and resources that day. Further details will be forthcoming on Monday after plans can be finalized. Please stay safe and well as we navigate this situation together!
Piedmont Natural Gas suspends disconnections for nonpayment
Piedmont Natural Gas issued the following statement to their customers: “We recognize some customers may be facing unusual financial hardships, and we are suspending disconnections for nonpayment effective immediately. This applies to all home and business accounts in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. We are also offering increased payment flexibility for customers who need extra time to pay their bill.”
Senator Perry and Representative Humphrey react to Governor Cooper's order closing schools
Senator Jim Perry and Representative Chris Humphrey released statements this afternoon following Governor Cooper’s Executive Order closing schools and prohibiting mass gatherings for the next two weeks.
Governor Cooper's Executive Order No. 117 defines mass gatherings
In Governor Cooper’s press conference this afternoon he ordered the closure of K-12 schools and prohibited mass gatherings. See the full description of “mass gatherings” and why it does impact concerts, etc. but not shopping malls, airports, libraries and more.
Greene County Schools releases statement on school closure, supplemental resources and nutrition
Greene Central High School Principal Patrick Greene shared the following statement this afternoon:
Bethel Christian Academy's announces school and daycare closure
Bethel Christian Academy Principal Doug Phillips released the following statement to Neuse News, “BCA & Daycare will be closed Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27. We will begin doing online instruction Monday, March 16. Parents will receive emails on Monday with all the vital information to begin the process.”
Governor Cooper orders closure of public schools for two weeks
Governor Cooper held a press conference on Saturday to announce the closure of public schools for two weeks. Starting Monday, there is no school for students from March 16-30.
Governor Cooper stated, “Today, I am issuing an Executive Order to stop mass gatherings of more than 100 people across our state. As you know we issued this as guidance on Thursday. However, despite this several venues continued their events, so today’s order makes it mandatory. No concert is worth the spread of this pandemic.”
He continued, “This Executive Order has another key component. It directs K-12 public schools across our state to close for students on Monday, March 16 for at least 2 weeks. Several school districts have already made this decision & others are considering closures. Closing schools now will give us time for further understanding of COVID-19 and its effect on the people of our state. I do not make this decision lightly. We know that it will be difficult on many parents and students.”
Kinston Councilmember Suggs clarifies Mayor's State of Emergency
On Friday evening, City of Kinston Councilmember Kristal Suggs issued the following statement:
Lenoir County Government - Coronavirus: What you need to know
Coronavirus: What You Need to Know The Board of County Commissioners and County Administration are closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) through the work of the Public Health Department and our Emergency Services Team.
City of Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy declares State of Emergency
City of Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy has released a State of Emergency proclamation stating, “the Chief of Fire and Rescue along with Chief of Police…may restrict or deny access to any area or street” if that restriction “is necessary to promote efforts being made to overcome the emergency or to prevent further aggravation of the emergency…”. Read the full proclamation:
Public officials give updates on COVID-19
Public officials stress personal hygiene, individual responsibility, and remaining calm in the wake of COVID-19’s classification as a pandemic. With fear and chaos popping up on social media, the message from healthcare officials is to stay informed and not to panic. Hear from UNC Health, Lenoir UNC Health Care, Lenoir County Health Department, Kinston Community Health Center and the Lenoir County Council on Aging.
Bethel Christian Academy's updated statement
Bethel Christian Academy continues to work with national, state and local officials regarding the progression and prevention measures of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Currently, experts are NOT recommending that K-12 schools close, but we are constantly receiving and actively seeking information from experts to guide decision making, holding meetings, and staying in contact with all stakeholders. Therefore, BCA and Daycare will REMAIN OPEN on a day-to-day basis.
Down East Wood Ducks statement on delay of 2020 season
In light of the announcement made by Minor League Baseball yesterday, the Wood Ducks are preparing for a delayed start to our 2020 season.
Downtown manager encourages continued economic activity
Kinston and Lenoir County are no strangers to crisis and we are famous for our commUNITY support in times of crisis. Life happens and sometimes what happens is disruptive and scary, but we are strong, we adapt, and we come together to take care of our own. - Leon Steele, Pride of Kinston Executive Director