All in Local News

Governor Cooper announces grants to rural communities to attract 294 new jobs and more than $103 million in private investment

A $120,000 grant will support demolition and repair work related to the renovation of a vacant, 255,000-square-foot building in Kinston, where Crown Equipment is expanding its operations. The company manufactures a line of high-quality lift trucks, including electric and internal-combustion models. The overall project is expected to create more than 130 jobs and represents an investment of $13.2 million by the company, while 16 of those jobs are tied to this grant.

9 month old dies in drowning

At approximately 2 p.m. today, Lenoir County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a 911 call from 5258 Murphy Road in Pink Hill in reference to a child not breathing. EMS arrived and found a 9-month-old child had drowned in a bathtub inside the home.

Snow Hill Primary announces Terrific Kids

Snow Hill Primary is keeping the weekly Terrific Kid Awards going during the summer! Each teacher chooses a student who has been responsible, shows great character, or has reached a personal goal. At the end of the week, these students are presented with an award from the counselor, Mrs. McLawhorn, or an administrator and are congratulated for their hard work.

Sheriff's Office releases name of pilot in fatal crash

The pilot who lost his life during Thursday night's airplane crash near the Kinston Drag Strip has been identified by officials.

The deceased pilot is William James Brinkley, 52, of Biddle Road in Dover.

The crash, which occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Crown taps four Youth Apprentices as partnership with LCPS is revived

It’s not like Austin Rivenbark didn’t have a plan. A rising senior at South Lenoir High School, he’s on track to earn a college degree in industrial maintenance by the time he’s awarded his diploma. It’s just that now – after being accepted into the Youth Apprenticeship program at Crown Equipment’s Kinston plant – Austin’s plan looks a lot like a potential career.

Farmer's market update for June 19, 2021

We are so very happy to offer FRESH BUCKS at our market. Fresh Bucks are funded by a grant awarded to us by RAFI(Rural Advancement Foundation International) , which enables the market to give free tokens to match an EBT purchase up to $20.00. In other words, spend up to $20.00 from an EBT card and receive up to $20 in free tokens, for a total of $40.00 for one to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Juvenile crashes stolen vehicle into downtown business

Around 12 A.M. on June 16th, a juvenile crashed a stolen vehicle into Additive America on the corner of North and Herritage Streets. “We woke up to phone calls from a bunch of people who were looking to get a hold of us,” said building owner Zac Holcomb. “They said there was a person who had gotten into a car accident and ran into the building. My wife and I arrived around one and they had a tow truck backing the car out.”

Longtime city manager set to leave Kinston

For the first time in nearly a decade, the city of Kinston is looking for a city manager.

During closed session of Tuesday’s regular meeting, City Manager Tony Sears tendered his resignation to the Kinston City Council; his final day in the position will be Aug. 17. He has accepted the deputy city manager position for the City of Wilson.

Kinston City Council passes budget without raises for mayor or councilmembers

On June 15, 2021, Kinston’s City Council voted to approve the proposed 2021-2022 budget, which included a four-cent property tax increase. The budget did not include the proposed salary increase for the city council members or the mayor. During the meeting, Councilmember Robert Swinson made a motion to remove the salary increases from the proposed budget, which was seconded by Solomon. The motion passed with Solomon, Swinson, and Councilmember Kristal Suggs voting for the budget without the salary increases, and Councilmembers Antonio Hardy and Sammy Aiken voting against it.

“I will sleep well tonight knowing that we made the right decision to not approve the salary increase for the Council,” said Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon.

Jones County Budget reduces tax rate, fifth year in a row

The Jones County Commissioners lowered the tax rate by two cents in the 2021-2022 Jones County budget. The budget included a county-wide cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase of 2.5%. Jones County Commissioners were excluded from the first COLA increase in at least four years. Jones County Commissioner April Aycock felt as if the pandemic opened a lot of eyes with health care in Jones County. “We are extremely limited with our medical services in the county,” said Aycock. “So by the health department being expanded to five days a week, it provides more accessibility to our county.”