The North Carolina State Board of Elections on Wednesday dismissed both election protest appeals related to Kinston’s 2025 municipal races, allowing the city’s election results to move forward toward final certification.
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Kinston City Council approves $7,500-per-month lobbying contract ahead of council transition
The Kinston City Council voted Dec. 2 to approve a contract committing the city to pay $7,500 per month for lobbying services, a decision made before newly elected council members were sworn in and seated.
Lenoir Community College Receives State Auditor’s Award of Excellence
Lenoir Community College proudly announces that it has been selected as a recipient of the State Auditor’s Award of Excellence, a prestigious statewide honor recognizing exemplary financial reporting and accountability. LCC is one of only a select group of institutions, including universities, community colleges, and state agencies, to earn this distinction for outstanding financial audit performance.
South Lenoir High School sophomores one of just five student teams heading to State Jr. Chef competition
In a classroom usually filled with lesson plans, lab sheets and the hum of kitchen equipment, two South Lenoir High School sophomores created something that reached far beyond their school walls. Jeremiah Bey and Christopher Rodgers are now among just five student teams in the state to be competing in the finalist round of the North Carolina Junior Chef Competition, a statewide challenge that pushes students to design nutritious, affordable meals that could realistically be served in public school cafeterias.
UNC Health Lenoir: Only Hospital in NC to Receive Top Award
December 16, 2025 — UNC Health Lenoir has been recognized as a Top Rural Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog organization known for setting the highest standards for patient safety, quality, and transparency in the United States. This prestigious honor is awarded to a select group of hospitals that demonstrate exceptional performance across a range of safety and quality measures.
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
Sigma chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma honors beginning teachers with Buzzing Bee award
Lenoir County’s Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma recognized outstanding beginning teachers in their third year of teaching in December with the Buzzing Bee BT Award.
KPD reports multiple arrests involving firearms and impaired driving
Kinston police charged two individuals with going armed to the terror of the people after responding to a report of armed individuals in the Jack Rountree area. In a separate incident, a Lenoir County man was arrested following an erratic driving stop on U.S. 70 and charged with DWI and multiple related offenses.
Swearing-in delayed as elections board withholds certification of Kinston results
The City of Kinston has delayed the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials because the Lenoir County Board of Elections has not yet certified the results of the Nov. 4 municipal election.
Lenoir County restaurant inspections
The following inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department:
Murphy Introduces Legislation to Improve VA Research & Care Delivery
Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., introduced the VA Research Reform Act, legislation to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs’ research ecosystem to improve the efficiency and transparency of care delivery.
Lenoir County death notices
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
Lenoir County Farmers Market update for Saturday, December 13, 2025
The Lenoir County Farmers Market, located at 100 N. Herritage Street, will be open Tuesday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
New Lenoir County corporations
The following businesses were registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State:
UPDATED: Current list of 2026 Primary candidates for Lenoir, Greene and Jones Counties
The filing period for North Carolina's 2026 municipal elections opened Monday, December 1, 2025 marking the official start of the campaign season for dozens of local offices across Lenoir, Jones and Greene counties. Candidates seeking election to partisan and nonpartisan offices have until noon on Friday, December 19 to file with their respective county boards of elections.
First Sergeant T. Lee Howell Bridge dedication ceremony held in Kinston
The North Carolina Department of Transportation held a bridge dedication ceremony Friday honoring First Sergeant T. Lee Howell.
Parks and Recreation offering community extra transportation for Kinston’s State Championship game
Kinston/Lenoir County Parks and Recreation will provide additional transportation for fans traveling to Durham on Saturday, Dec. 13, for the NCHSAA 3A State Championship game. A bus will depart from the Holloway Center at 9 a.m., offering residents a convenient way to support Kinston High School as the Vikings compete for the title.
For Kinston High receiver, state title quest caps a record-setting season
His future looks as bright as that of any student athlete to come out of Kinston High School in a while, but this week Tyreek Copper isn’t looking much past Saturday.
Where Heirlooms & History Meet the Garden in Our Community
The Children’s Garden at the Caswell Memorial State Historic Site, maintained by the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lenoir County (EMGV), continues to flourish as a vibrant outdoor classroom for learners of all ages in our community.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Sonya Stocks Davis Is a Wise Judge
When Governor Josh Stein appointed Sonya Stocks Davis to the District Court bench, it was a proud moment for the Kinston/Lenoir County community. I knew Judge Davis' parents before I met her. Her father was Chester Stocks who helped to mold many 4-H youth for decades. Her mother is Mallie Stocks who broke the mold in community service by serving on so many boards and committees. Their dedication to Kinston must have rubbed off on their daughter.