Eastern North Carolina author Venita Wright-Blake, who writes under the pen name Wright Blake, has been named the winner of the 2026 American Fiction Award in the Religious Thriller category for her debut novel, Unbroken Grace.
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Reckless Driving Complaint Leads to DWI Arrest
On August 5, 2026, at 10:46 a.m., KPD's A-Squad responded to Highway 258 South after receiving a report of a vehicle being driven recklessly.
Multi-Agency Manhunt Ends with Trafficking Suspect in Custody
On August 5, 2026, at approximately 2:40 p.m., KPD's Violent Crime Action Team (VCAT) attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Highway 258 South. The driver, 26-year-old Nijear Nicholas-Singleton of Jacksonville, fled from officers.
New SECU branch opens on Hill Farm Road
State Employees’ Credit Union has opened its new Kinston branch at 1172 Hill Farm Road, near Walmart and U.S. 70.
Lenoir County breaks ground on Deep Run Sheriff’s Annex
Lenoir County officials broke ground Wednesday morning on a new sheriff’s annex intended to improve law enforcement response times and expand access to public safety services in southern Lenoir County.
Kinston Health Invites the Community to a Free Community Health Fair
Kinston Health is excited to invite community members and families to attend its Community Health Fair from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8.
Jones County officials address water concerns after public comments
JONES COUNTY - Jones County officials said the county’s water system meets state and federal drinking water standards following public comments and social media discussion about staining and water sampling.
Lenoir, Greene early voting disputes head to State Board
The State Board of Elections will decide non-unanimous early voting plans later this month. Jones County is not listed among the disputed plans.
Kinston Community Health Center rebrands as Kinston Health
Kinston Community Health Center has adopted a new name, logo and color scheme as part of a rebranding effort designed to reflect the organization’s continued growth and direction.
Jones County announces new industrial shell building to expand economic opportunity
TRENTON — Jones County is taking a significant step toward strengthening its economic future by developing a new industrial shell building to attract business investment and expand industrial opportunities throughout the county. Funded through a collaborative, multi-partner effort, the project demonstrates a shared commitment to rural economic growth and long-term prosperity.
Greene County Commissioners Approved School Budget Ordinance, Nominated Jones to NCGTP Economic Development Region Board
The Greene County Board of Commissioners approved a budget ordinance for the planned Greene County Elementary School, nominated Vice-Chairman Jerry Jones to the North Carolina Global Transpark Economic Development Region Council, and agreed to a sponsorship for the Snow Hill Tennis and Golf Tournament when the board met at the Greene County Operations Center in Snow Hill on Monday, August 3, 2026.
KPD's VCAT drug investigation leads to three arrests
The Kinston Police Department's Violent Crime Action Team (VCAT) has arrested three individuals following separate narcotics investigations targeting the distribution of illegal drugs in the Kinston area.
UNC Health Lenoir Announces Reuben Horace, DO, MBA, MPH, as Chief Medical Officer
UNC Health Lenoir is pleased to announce that Reuben Horace, DO, MBA, MPH has accepted the role of Chief Medical Officer, effective September 14, 2026.
Lenoir County commissioners hear updates on behavioral health, EMS response times and license plate cameras
Lenoir County commissioners moved through a wide-ranging Monday morning agenda that included updates on behavioral health services, emergency medical response times, the sheriff's office's license plate reader cameras and several routine county business items.
Mike Parker: 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance set for Sept. 10-11
Many of us remember the horror of September 11, 2001. We watched in disbelief as the news coverage of the deadliest terrorist attack in United States history that claimed the lives of 2,977 people unfolded.
Lenoir County restaurant inspections
The following restaurant inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department:
Eight aging Kinston police vehicles could be replaced under $497,901 proposal
The Kinston City Council will consider spending $497,901 to purchase and equip eight replacement vehicles for the Kinston Police Department during its meeting Tuesday.
Proposed federal grant would add police officers in Kinston housing communities
The Kinston City Council will consider a federal grant proposal Tuesday that would support additional police officers assigned to public housing communities, although the city’s agenda packet contains conflicting information about the number of positions and the city’s total financial obligation.
Greene County commissioners to consider $42 million elementary school project budget
The Greene County Board of Commissioners will consider establishing a $42 million capital project budget Monday for the planning and construction of a new elementary school.
Public hearing proposed for Maceo Parker street renaming
The Kinston City Council will consider scheduling a public hearing on a proposal to rename Springhill Street in honor of Kinston-born musician Maceo Parker.