We are expecting strong to severe thunderstorms, strong winds, dangerous marine conditions, and minor coastal flooding for Eastern NC Friday evening into Saturday (January 12-13th.
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Lenoir County Board of Education moves forward with sale of Teachers Memorial School
The Lenoir County Board of Education has finalized the decision to sell the former Teachers Memorial School, located at 500 Marcella Drive in Kinston. After a competitive upset bid process, the board accepted a final offer of $319,000 for the property.
Insurance companies ask for 42.2% rate increase for homeowners’ insurance
Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced that the North Carolina Rate Bureau filed a rate filing with the North Carolina Department of Insurance on Wednesday asking for an average statewide increase in homeowners’ insurance rates of 42.2%.
Cale Grady named new President of Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce
The Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Cale Grady as its new President, effective January 15, 2024. Grady steps into the role following the departure of former President/CEO Vickie Jones.
Downtown Dilemma: City remains committed to DKR despite board exodus
The Downtown Kinston Revitalization (DKR), once known as Pride of Kinston, faces significant challenges as it grapples with a series of board member resignations and criticisms of its leadership. DKR has been tasked with rejuvenating Kinston’s downtown area since 1984.
Kinston Tobacco Shop break-In thwarted, two suspects apprehended
KPD's B-Squad Officers were dispatched to a report of a Breaking and Entering at the Tobacco & Vape shop located at 1308 W. Vernon Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and reviewed video footage showing two subjects attempting to enter the establishment, one wearing a paintball mask.
Motor vehicle stop leads to narcotics, gun charges
Officers from B-Squad stopped a gray Ford Mustang for motor vehicle violations. While speaking with the driver, Monderico Shivar, Officers observed narcotic violations and had Shivar exit the vehicle. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located a concealed handgun and narcotics.
Retired Colonel Laurie Buckhout on leadership, politics, and governance
Colonel (Ret.) Laurie Buckhout (R) is campaigning throughout Congressional District 1 to unseat incumbent Rep. Don Davis (D) in the 2024 election. The self-described constitutional conservative believes her military background provides her with leadership skills that would benefit her constituents. She also believes the current Republican Party is fractured.
NC State Board of Education honors Jones County Public Schools
Jones County Public Schools has been honored by the North Carolina State Board of Education and has received recognition as an NC Top Ten School District. Thank you to our students, staff, and families!
Located: KPD seeks public assistance in finding teenage girl
The Kinston Police Department posted the following on their Facebook page:
La Grange man arrested on separate B&E incidents
A La Grange man has been arrested for breaking and entering twice on Bulltown Road.
Early College math teacher Belinda McGinnis named state’s Outstanding Young Educator
Belinda McGinnis, who has earned local and regional recognition as a math teacher and leader of digital instruction at Lenoir County Early College High School, now has a statewide honor to her credit. She is the winner of the 2024 Outstanding Young Educator Award from the North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Sherrod Jones Jr arrested in Kinston for fleeing heroin, fentanyl sentence
On January 8th 2024, KPD’s Detectives received information from the Greenville Police VCAT Unit that Sherrod Jones Jr was hiding out in a residence on W Washington Ave.
Dan Sale announces retirement, Sale Auto Mall under new ownership
Dan Sale, the owner of Sale Auto Mall in Kinston, has announced his retirement and the subsequent sale of the dealership. Established in 1986, Sale Auto Mall has been a significant player in the local automotive industry. The business includes BMW, Kia, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford, and a wide variety of certified used vehicles.
Governor Cooper declares state of emergency ahead of severe weather
RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency ahead of severe weather expected across the state. The Order waives truck weight, size and hours of service restrictions so that vehicles carrying essential supplies such as food, medicine or fuel or transporting livestock and crops can get their jobs done quickly.
Local Students made Western Carolina University Fall 2023 Chancellor's List
CULLOWHEE, NC (01/08/2024)-- Western Carolina University congratulates more than 1,000 students named to the Chancellor's List for Fall 2023. To qualify for this honor, students must achieve a GPA of 3.8 or higher while completing 12 or more credit hours.
Kinston Police apprehend Wyche following citizen tip
Final Case Update: On Sunday, January 7, 2024, members of the Kinston Police Department received a tip from a concerned citizen in reference to the whereabouts of Matthew Wyche. A short time later, officers located Wyche near the 300 block of N. Queen St. Wyche was arrested without incident and placed in the Lenoir County Jail under a secured bond.
NWS: Strong winds, rain, possible thunderstorms expected Tuesday, Wednesday
A strong cold front that will impact eastern NC tomorrow and Wednesday.
Mike Parker: Coping with friends passing on
One of the hardest things about getting to be my age is coping with the death of people who are dear to me. Since March 31, 2023, three friends I worked with and valued have left this life and moved into eternity. On March 31, David Mooring passed away. On October 30, Gary Hines went to be with the Lord.
Lenoir County restaurant inspections
The following restaurant inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department: