All in Local News

11th annual Freedom Classic at Historic Grainger Stadium

The Kinston Lenoir County Parks and Recreation will host the 11th annual Freedom Classic today through Sunday at Historic Grainger Stadium located at 400 E. Grainger Ave in Kinston. The first pitch for the first game today (Friday) has been moved to 5:00 pm and gates will be open at 3:00 pm. The Freedom Classic will feature the Air Force Falcons versus Army Black Knights. Before Saturday’s game, F15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will do military flyovers. Military Appreciation and pre-game ceremonies will be held 20 minutes prior to each game.

Health Department and Lenoir County Public Schools partner for vaccine clinic

A COVID-19 vaccine event was held at three public high schools in Lenoir County to offer the staff of Lenoir County Public School District the opportunity to receive a vaccine should they choose to do so. “It's been a great day so far, the clinics are going well,” said Brent Williams, Superintendent of Lenoir County Public Schools. “There is a lot of enthusiasm and excitement. We're so pleased that we're able to get this opportunity for our staff members. They're excited and they signed up. It's happening today and it's become a reality for them.”

Gov. Cooper announces frontline essential workers eligible for vaccination beginning march 3

Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. announced that additional frontline essential workers in Group 3 will be eligible for vaccinations beginning tomorrow, March 3. The expedited timeline follows the approval of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine and an expected increase in vaccine supply to North Carolina.

Moderna vaccine will be available at Realo Discount Drug

Realo Discount Drug will be offering the Moderna Vaccine for healthcare workers and other first-lie employees that qualify for Phase 1A as well as people who are over the age of 65. School employees and daycare workers are also eligible to receive the Moderna Vaccine. “We have 100 vaccines available,” said Hardy Creech, owner of Realo Discount Drugs. “Once we use those we can order more and set up another clinic.”

Lenoir County Transit to offer free rides for vaccines

Beginning Monday, Lenoir County Transit (LCT) will be offering free rides for individuals needing transportation to get vaccinated. Individuals who wish to utilize this service will need to follow LCT's current scheduling policy by calling the reservation line at 252-523-4171, before 1 p.m. at least one business day in advance.

BJ Murphy: The Never-Ending State of Emergency

Roughly one year ago, Governor Cooper declared a state of emergency regarding COVID-19, and while an emergency is typically seen as a momentary crisis, this has been harnessed into the “new normal”, expanding bureaucratic control over citizens’ lives for an alarming period of time. Regardless of the continued state of emergency, our local officials are holding themselves to a different standard. The Kinston City Council and Lenoir County School Board continue to meet outside of their chambers and only through Facebook or Zoom. Are they afraid for their safety while asking their staff to be dismissive of their own? Are they worried about facing parents and the community in a real public forum again?