All in Local News

F3Kinston is collecting new and gently used furniture, household items, toys, and financial gifts on Sunday, January 31st from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in response to recent local tragedies. The special F3 event is the result of several men discussing recent fire victims in the community and their collective desire to be proactive and prepared to help quickly when something similar happens in the future. Donated items will be stored in warehouse space so the F3 men can respond quickly if another disaster befalls a family in need.

Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce announces award winners

The Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce held their annual award ceremony on January 28, 2021, announcing the winners of the 2020 Ambassador of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award, and the Citizen of the Year. Executive Director of the Kinston-Lenoir Chamber of Commerce, Craig Hill, presented the 2020 Citizen of the Year award to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph M. Tyson, Sr. United States Army (retired). “He served his country as a military officer, retiring at a rank of Lieutenant Colonel,” said Hill. “He has served his community as a JROTC instructor, husband, father, mentor, and City Councilmen.”

Update: COVID-19 vaccine appointment/distribution

Lenoir County Government is continuing to make progress on vaccine distribution during our ongoing response to COVID-19. The county has established a COVID-19 phone bank at the Lenoir County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to continue the scheduling of appointments for residents, as the vaccine is available.

Local Restaurant to be featured on The Drew Barrymore Show

The Drew Barrymore Show, a syndicated talk show hosted by actress Drew Barrymore reached out to local establishment King’s Restaurant last week and asked them if they would be interested in competing in a rib contest on their show. In preparation for the show, there is a poll on the Drew Barrymore Show’s Twitter page as a pinned post asking who has the best BBQ ribs between King’s Restaurant, Charles Vergos Rendezvous, and Joe’s Kansas City BBQ. (link to the poll included here)

NC Leaders work with ABC Commission to get permit issue resolved

Governor Cooper issued a mandate on March 16, 2020, that forced bars to shut down due to the global pandemic. On January 4, 2021, the ABC Commission revoked the status of 120 bar permits across the state. Yearly permit renewals were due by April 1. As not all bars were able to renew their permits in time, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill that allowed a 60-day renewal permit.