The Hookerton Town Hall carried a quieter weight than usual as Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Stocks called the Tuesday, August 4th Board of Commissioners to order. It was the town’s first regular meeting since the death of longtime Mayor Bobby Taylor.
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ECU Health, UnitedHealthcare reach new agreement
ECU Health and UnitedHealthcare have reached a new multiyear agreement restoring in-network access across ECU Health for members enrolled in UnitedHealthcare commercial, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans.
Kinston officer injured in head-on crash involving impaired driver
A Kinston Police Department officer was involved in a head-on crash Sunday night at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and J.P. Harrison Boulevard after an impaired driver traveling in the wrong lane struck the officer’s vehicle, according to police.
Mike Parker: The Exchange Reaches Out to Non-Profits
For several months, The Exchange at Hometowne has opened its doors to local non-profits for Bingo fundraising events. Tonya Adams is the woman behind these Bingo nights. As the owner of The Beauty Box and The Exchange, Tonya is a woman on a mission, working to make Lenoir County a better place.
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
University of Maryland Global Campus Announces La Grange, Kinston Spring 2026 Graduates
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) graduated more than 7,300 students worldwide in the spring 2026 term.
Jones County Senior Pantry Continues Through Community Support
The Jones County Senior Support Coalition continues to operate the Senior Pantry with donations from county employees, residents, businesses, churches and other community partners.
Jones County commissioners approve opioid settlement position, water system security upgrade
The Jones County Board of Commissioners approved an opioid settlement spending plan and a cybersecurity upgrade for the county's regional water system during its regular meeting Monday, Aug. 3, while also hearing updates on housing repairs, child support, livestock programs and public concerns about drainage and water quality.
Time & Temperature Sevice Returns To Kinston
Kinston Weather Now is now open for business, providing residents, farmers, businesses, and families in Kinston and surrounding areas with fast, reliable, and hyper-local weather and community information at the touch of a button.
Lenoir County death notices
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson, August 2026
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 Farmer's Market update August 8, 2026
Shop the Lenoir County Farmers Market this week for fresh produce, pimento cheese, handmade creations, sweet treats, pork skins, and tomato-season recipe inspiration from Tammy Kelly.
New Lenoir County corporations
The following businesses were registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State:
Jones County Community Closet Extends Shopping Hours Aug. 9–12
The Jones County Community Closet will offer extended shopping hours following the Jones County Back to School Bash, giving residents from Jones County and surrounding communities additional opportunities to browse its full inventory of free clothing.
Kinston council approves police vehicle purchase, sets hearing on Maceo Parker Way
Kinston City Council approved the purchase of eight police vehicles, authorized a federal grant application for two additional officers assigned to housing communities and set a public hearing on renaming Springhill Street as Maceo Parker Way during its Tuesday, Aug. 4, regular meeting.
Local author wins american fiction award for debut novel Unbroken Grace
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.
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.