The first week of school brought energy and optimism across Lenoir County Public Schools, with teachers and administrators pointing to rising enrollment, strong community support and students eager to return to class.
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Kinston revitalization leader calls for action on neglected downtown buildings
Downtown Kinston Revitalization Executive Director Leon Steele told City Council this week that while investment in the municipal service district is growing, abandoned and neglected buildings remain one of the community’s greatest obstacles.
“These structures are not only unattractive, they are unsafe,” Steele said. “They present liability risks, they drag down property values and they obstruct the growth we’re working so hard to achieve.”
Kinston City Council hears citizen frustrations, honors finance and fire staff, and weighs Glen Raven redevelopment
The Kinston City Council’s most recent meeting blended recognition, sharp public criticism, and a major redevelopment proposal for one of the city’s largest industrial properties.
Evans & Associates and Lititz Mutual Continue Scholarship Support for LCC
Evans & Associates of Kinston and Lititz Mutual Insurance Company of Pennsylvania have once again partnered to present a matching donation to the Lenoir Community College Foundation in support of student scholarships.
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lenoir County Announce 2025 Horticulture Grant Opportunity
The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association of Lenoir County (EMGV) is excited to announce the availability of its 2025 Horticulture Grant, designed to inspire educators in Lenoir County to bring hands-on gardening and environmental learning into the classroom.
David Buck: Connecting Past – Present – Future to Wyse Fork.
David Buck of North Lenoir High School was competitively chosen by the American Battlefield Trust to be one of only 10 young leaders to “serve as the youth face and voice of the American Battlefield Trust” for a year.
Lenoir County Chamber and LCC Launch ENC Nonprofit Roundtable
The Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce and the Lenoir Community College Small Business Center are excited to announce the launch of the ENC Nonprofit Roundtable, a new opportunity for local nonprofits to come together over a meal, learn from one another, and support each other to become more successful.
Amvets Women’s Auxiliary delivers 50th blanket to Kinston veterans home
The Amvets Chapter 1111, Women’s Auxiliary met to deliver homemade blankets to the veteran’s at the North Carolina Veterans Home in Kinston. These blankets have been made by the Women’s auxiliary members and are part of a commitment to provide each Veteran at the home a blanket to honor their service to the nation.
City outlines mosquito fogging plan, county spraying tied to storms
After a case of West Nile virus was confirmed in Lenoir County last week, city and county officials outlined different approaches to mosquito control.
Kinston Teens acquires former Lewis School site
A long-vacant elementary school in Kinston has a new future after Kinston Teens purchased the historic Lewis School property.
Kinston, La Grange and other cities pay off electric debt, future rate impacts uncertain
A debt that has weighed on Kinston, La Grange and 30 other eastern North Carolina communities for more than four decades has finally been retired.
The North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA) first issued $3.2 billion in debt in 1982 to buy ownership stakes in power plants, securing long-term electricity for its member cities. That decision gave towns like Kinston more control over power supply, but it also left them with some of the highest electric rates in North Carolina.
From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson, August 20, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and staying connected with the latest news from District Nine and our efforts in the General Assembly.
Lenoir County marriages
The following marriage licenses were issued in Lenoir County:
Kinston names new deputy fire chief and fire marshal
“With a decade of dedicated service to the department and a wealth of institutional knowledge, Deputy Chief Lee is a clear choice for this position,” Fire Chief Jackson said. “His energy and passion for the work will be invaluable as he steps into this new leadership role.”
KPD: Narcotics Investigation Leads to Multiple Arrests in Lenoir County
On August 20, 2025, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, SCARR Unit, and North Carolina Probation/Parole conducted an investigation at a residence on Lang Skinner Road in La Grange. The effort stemmed from an ongoing narcotics case and included serving an arrest warrant on Jennifer Grady, 38, of Lenoir County.
City of Kinston wins $90,000 judgment in contract dispute with Social Beverage Company
The City of Kinston has won a $90,000 judgment in its long-running contract dispute with Social Beverage Company, the operator of Social House Vodka.
Mike Parker: School buses are rolling: Please be alert and obey the law
The typical school bus is around 40-feet long and weighs in the neighborhood of 30,000 pounds – without passengers. Buses are huge and can be unwieldy. The last thing any school bus driver needs is distractions of any kind.
Lenoir County births
The following birth certificates were issued in Lenoir County:
LCC: Summer Semester 2025 President's List and Dean's List
The following students have been named to the President’s and Dean’s List at Lenoir Community College for Summer Semester 2025.
Local Health Science Teacher Leads Students on Educational Journey Through Europe
From July 22 to July 31,2025, a local high school Health Science teacher at Jones Senior High School, Mrs. Suddona Murrell, RN embarked on an unforgettable adventure with eight students and four adults, traveling abroad with EF Tours. The group explored three of Europe’s most iconic destinations—London, England; Paris, France; and Barcelona, Spain.