Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce: The Good Stuff - February
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Early College ‘super senior’ wins Academic Excellence Award from LCC
When she was a freshman, Taryn Barnett made a “B” in a math class at Lenoir County Early College High School. While she knew the less-than-best grade wasn’t the end of the world, it did steel her resolve to do better. And that, in a nutshell, is why Taryn, now a few months away from graduation at both Early College and Lenoir Community College, was named by LCC as this year’s winner of the college’s Academic Excellence Award.
Neuse Regional Libraries director Melanie Morgan selected for New Hanover post
Melanie Morgan, who has led Neuse Regional Libraries since November 2018, has been selected as the next director of the New Hanover County Public Library system, according to a New Hanover County announcement posted Thursday, Feb. 19. Morgan is scheduled to begin the new role March 31.
City council approves three local historic landmark designations
The Kinston City Council met Tuesday, Feb. 17, at City Hall with Mayor Kareem S. Moore presiding. Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon and council members Antonio Hardy, Les Lipford and Barbara Seaforth were present.
Lenoir commissioners open Feb. 16 meeting with Wilcox centennial honor, sand pit hearings
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners opened its Monday, Feb. 16 meeting with an invocation from Commissioner Dr. Preston Harris and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Cleveland Lovick. Chair Linda Rouse Sutton reminded commissioners of the board’s duty to vote on matters unless a conflict of interest exists; no conflicts were declared.
Arrest made in stolen vehicle investigation
On February 15, 2026, at approximately 8:46 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to a residence in the 600 block of East Lenoir Avenue in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim, who reported that 41-year-old Zebroan Artis had taken her keys and stolen her vehicle.
Lenoir County Woman Charged with Embezzlement
On February 17, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to a report of suspected embezzlement involving Hope Restorations.
Minges Wellness Center Now Offers Rock Steady Boxing
Minges Wellness Center at UNC Health Lenoir now offers Rock Steady Boxing, a medically based fitness program designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and coordination.
Lenoir County early voting tops 1,100 ballots through Feb. 19
Lenoir County voters cast 1,122 early ballots through Thursday, Feb. 19, according to updated totals provided by the Lenoir County Board of Elections.
Lenoir County man arrested on drug and DWI charges following traffic stop
On February 13, 2026, at approximately 8:12 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to the 1800 block of East New Bern Road following a report of a wrong-way driver.
Greensboro couple arrested after officers respond to unresponsive driver
On February 14, 2026, at approximately 4:23 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad were dispatched to a restaurant drive-through on the 900 block of West Vernon Avenue following a report of a subject slumped over in a vehicle.
Wanted Lenoir County man arrested after fleeing traffic stop
On February 13, 2026, at approximately 4:31 p.m., detectives with the Kinston Police Department’s VCAT Unit observed a white Dodge Charger traveling south on Old Snow Hill Road.
Kinston man arrested after stolen vehicle
On February 14, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad were notified of a stolen vehicle in the area of Vernon Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
2025 Miss Neuse Lexy Rouse to crown new scholarship pageant winner Feb. 21
The 2026 Miss Neuse Scholarship Pageant has introduced this year’s contestants, continuing its mission as a fundraiser supporting young women ages 14 to 17.
Mary’s Kitchen to host Annual Bingo Night
Mary’s Kitchen will be hosting their annual Bingo Night on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in Moseley Hall of St. Mary’s Church (800 Rountree St Kinston). Doors will open at 5:00. Everyone is invited for an evening of food and fellowship with hot dogs, chips and drinks as well as door prizes and game prizes!
EPIC Center Announces 2026 Walk 4 Life & 5K at Lenoir Community College
The EPIC Center invites the community to participate in its annual Walk 4 Life & 5K on Saturday, April 18, 2026, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at Lenoir Community College. The event is open to all ages and fitness levels and will take place rain or shine.
Lenoir County early voting tops 500 ballots through Monday
Early voting turnout in Lenoir County climbed to 524 ballots cast through Monday, Feb. 16, according to totals provided by the Lenoir County Board of Elections.
Professional Jazz Pianist and Kinston Native Le’Andra McPhatter Returns to the Library this Thursday
In celebration of Black History month, the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library is proud to present a performance by the talented and accomplished jazz pianist Le’Andra McPhatter this Thursday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m.
New Lenoir County corporations
The following businesses were filed with the North Carolina Register of Deeds:
Lenoir County death notices
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County: