Kinston departments requested more than $4.6 million in capital outlay for fiscal year 2026-27, but the manager’s recommended budget funds about $3.9 million.
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Lenoir County Transit Faces First General Fund Subsidy as Commissioners Debate Fares, Service Model
Lenoir County commissioners discussed the future of the county’s transit system during their FY 2026-27 budget workshop, including a proposed general fund contribution for the first time.
Kinston Recommended Budget Lowers Tax Rate, Holds Utility Rates Steady
Kinston’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-27 proposes a lower property tax rate, no increases to major utility rates and the implementation of a new pay and classification plan for city employees.
Kinston Police Department: Social media threats lead to terrorism arrest
On Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Kinston Police Department received information regarding social media videos allegedly posted by 43-year-old Justin Church of Kinston that contained threats directed toward law enforcement and judicial officials within Lenoir County.
$40 Million Courthouse Renovation Sparks Debate Among Lenoir County Commissioners
A proposed renovation of the Lenoir County Courthouse became one of the major points of debate during the county commissioners’ FY 2026-27 budget workshop, as board members weighed building needs against concerns about taxpayer burden.
Lenoir County Manager Recommends Increasing LCPS Operational Funding to $11 Million
Lenoir County Manager Michael James recommended increasing Lenoir County Public Schools’ operational allocation to $11 million during the county commissioners’ FY 2026-27 budget workshop.
What Kinston’s Proposed Tax Rate Cut Means for Property Owners
Kinston property owners would see a lower city tax rate under the recommended fiscal year 2026-27 budget, but the actual savings will depend on each property’s assessed value.
Lenoir County Commissioners Debate Tax Relief, Spending Priorities During FY26-27 Budget Workshop
Lenoir County commissioners reviewed a proposed FY 2026-27 budget that would maintain the county’s current property tax rate while funding employee pay adjustments, public safety, school operations, transit needs and several capital priorities.
Public Notice: Notice of Public Hearing FY 2026-2027 Budget
The public is hereby advised that per G.S. 159-12, the Interim City Manager has submitted the proposed budget for the City of Kinston for FY 2026-2027 to the Mayor and the City Council. A copy of the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027 is on file in the office of the City Clerk, the Public Library and on the City of Kinston's website, www.kinstonnc.gov. The budget is available for public inspection during normal business hours untilthe budget ordinance is adopted. The City Clerk's office is located in City Hall at 207 E. King Street, Kinston, North Carolina.
Pearson Park crosswalk celebration set for May 28
Downtown Kinston Revitalization will host a Pearson Park Crosswalk Celebration at 4 p.m. May 28 to mark the official opening of a new public art crosswalk near Loch Neuse Dragon Park.
Hope to Destiny for Youth to Host Large-Scale Community S.T.E.A.M. Event to Inspire Future Leaders
Hope to Destiny for Youth is proud to announce a dynamic and engaging S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Community Event aimed at inspiring students and families through hands-on learning and real-world exposure. The event will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 101 N. Myrtle Ave, Kinston, NC 28501.
Snow Hill Primary Terrific Kid awards
Snow Hill Primary gives out a weekly award called "Terrific Kid" awards. Each teacher at SHP chooses a student who has been responsible, shows great character, or has reached a personal goal. On Fridays, these students are presented with an award and are congratulated for their hard work. Below are Snow Hill Primary's Terrific Kid Awards!
Jones County officials explain proposed fire protection service district
JONES COUNTY — Jones County officials are trying to answer residents’ questions about a proposed fire protection service district that would add a separate fire-related tax to most property tax bills while creating a dedicated funding source for the county’s volunteer fire departments.
Kinston Police Department: Weekend recap
Kinston police reported four weekend arrests following traffic stops that led to drug, firearm and impaired driving charges.
Veteran Column: Veterans Honoring Veterans with Honor Flags
The VFW post 2771and other volunteers help place American Flags upon our veterans’ graves. We place them on three graveyards in Kinston. We place about 2500 flags each year. We go on about a week before Memorial Day and pick them back up the weekend after Memorial Day.
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
American Red Cross to host Kinston open house May 30
The American Red Cross North Carolina Region will host a Kinston open house from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at 504 N. Herritage St. in Kinston. The family-friendly event will include a free lunch and an opportunity to meet Cape Fear Chapter staff and volunteers, learn about Red Cross services and resources, get information about volunteering and connect with others involved in the organization’s mission.
Murphy Legislation to Improve Medicare Reimbursement Stability Passes Ways and Means Committee
Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., celebrates the passage of his bill, H.R. 8163, the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act, in the House Ways and Means Committee. This legislation modernizes and updates the underlying mechanics of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) to improve stability for physicians and their patients.
Lenoir County restaurant inspections
The following inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department:
Kinston and La Grange students named to Western Carolina University Spring 2026 Dean's List
Western Carolina University congratulates more than 1,700 students named to the Spring 2026 Dean's List. To qualify for this honor, students must achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher.