All in Local News

LCSO Deputy shot in the line of duty

Lenoir County Sheriff Ronnie Ingram said that as daylight has faded to night, the manhunt continues for Robert Lee Strother.

The search continues inside the perimeter that has been established along the Kennedy Home Road corridor from Snake Road to Lang Skinner Road.

That search is being aided by night vision technology from several agencies, including the State Highway Patrol, Pitt County Sheriff’s Office, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Craven County Sheriff’s Office and the SBI.

“We are truly appreciative of all these agencies that are helping us find Mr. Strother,” Ingram said.

Local county boards of election to recount ballots for Chief Justice race

A statewide recount is being held to determine the winner of the race for NC Supreme Court Chief Justice, after the initial count found only 406 votes separating the two candidates. Lenoir County will recount its votes Friday, while Jones and Greene Counties will hold recounts on Monday.

Lenoir County Board of Elections Director Steve Hines also provided Neuse News with the final numbers for the write-in campaign for the Lenoir County Board of Education. Michelle Cash received 6,485 votes, and Nancy Gilmore received 6,088 votes.

Scam awareness from Duke Energy

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it’s absolutely critical to remind all utility customers to beware of impostors attempting to scam them. In the first 10 months of 2020, about 11,000 Duke Energy customers in North Carolina reported scam attempts. Of these customers, about 300 paid the scammers, which resulted in nearly $150,000 lost.

National Weather Service flood briefing

From the National Weather Service:

Here is the latest river briefing as of Wednesday, Nov 18 at noon. The Neuse River at Kinston is still rising and is forecast to reach MAJOR flood stage overnight tonight and crest at 22ft overnight Thursday. The other rivers included are still in flood stage but are falling.

UNC Health Care announces agreement with Kindred for new hospital rehabilitation services

UNC Lenoir Health Care has engaged Kindred Hospital Rehabilitation Services to manage inpatient rehabilitation services at its hospital in Kinston, NC. “UNC Lenoir Health Care has a longstanding reputation for clinical excellence, innovation in patient care and outstanding quality outcomes,” said Robert Enders, President and CEO of UNC Lenoir. “We are excited for the opportunity to partner with Kindred to further advance our inpatient rehab services as we implement programs tailored to meet patients’ needs. The UNC Lenoir/Kindred Hospital partnership will ensure our success benefitting our patients, their families and the communities we serve.”

Lenoir County restaurant inspections

The following restaurant inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department: McDonald’s, Bojangles, The Peach House, Mis Tesoros Meat Market, El Mexicano, Whiskey Pig Craft Butchery & Deli, Herritage Elite, H.O.W. II, LaGrange Elementary, Hibachi Express, Brighthouse Mart and Grill, Smithfield’s Chicken and Bar-B-Q, East Coast Wings and Grill, Speedway, Galaxy Bar & Restaurant, Subway, Jessie Bell’s, and Mama’s Y Papa’s Taqueria.

Projected levels for the Neuse River at Kinston is 22.1 feet by Friday

Rains associated with Tropical Storm Eta brought flooding to Lenoir County. The river is expected to rise to a crest of 22.1 feet early Friday afternoon. “These figures and timing are subject to change,” said Lenoir County Emergency Services Director Jerri King. Historically at 21 feet, the water will cross south of Skinner’s Pass, however, each flood presents itself differently.

“Right now we are just watching the weather and consulting with Emergency Management and the National Weather Service,” said Patrick Holmes of Lenoir County Public Schools. “We expect to know more Wednesday and, if necessary, will alert LCPS families to any schedule change as soon as possible.”

Kinston Police Department discusses community and crime

A recent rise in violent crimes has raised the proverbial eyebrows of the community, but Kinston Police Chief Tim Dilday and his team are engaged in the solutions. Despite the decrease in gun violence in recent years, the frequent updates about shootings that have occurred in recent weeks can give the impression that the city is violent. To keep the community informed, KPD is active on social media with frequent updates and releasing of necessary community information, including updates on crimes like larceny and gun violence. Chief Dilday, Major Keith Goyette, and Major Jenee Spencer discussed the perception of violence, and the impact the community can have on its own safety.