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The EPIC Center has announced a leadership transition as Executive Director Emma Barnes prepares to step down from her role to focus on her family. Effective October 1, Deana Rose, currently the Kinston Center Director, will assume the additional role of Interim Executive Director.
Kinston City Council voted after closed session Tuesday to dissolve the Downtown Kinston Revitalization director position from the city government, following an extended open-session discussion that included criticism of the current director’s performance.
Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. As always, it remains a true honor and a privilege to represent you in Congress! If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to my e-newsletter here.
“Salute! A tribute to America’s veterans” will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Kinston High School Performing Arts Center, 2601 N. Queen St. in Kinston. F
State Employees Credit Union recently awarded the SECU Foundation “People Helping People” Scholarship to Lenoir Community College students Rylee Brewer of Nashville and Willow Gardner of Kinston. The $5,000 scholarship, awarded to students who embody the credit union’s membership philosophy, provides $1,250 per semester for each semester they are enrolled full time at LCC.
Detectives with the Kinston-Lenoir Drug Task Force initiated an investigation into Khalil Dail, 27, regarding his suspected involvement in the trafficking and distribution of marijuana. During the investigation, detectives gathered evidence indicating Dail was actively involved in distributing marijuana within Lenoir County.
Update: The Kinston City Council and Lenoir County commissioners will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, to discuss matters related to the Down East Bird Dawgs. The council will then consider Municipal Service District requests regarding its operations and a proposed litigation settlement.
Kinston Public Services will host a fall cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Neuseway Nature Center, 401 W. Caswell St. in Kinston. Volunteers should meet at the picnic shelter.
Kinston police reported three drug-related arrests and a separate arrest on burglary and assault charges Sept. 24-26. The assault left one person seriously injured, according to police.
Martin Cervantes of La Grange was named to the Dean's List for the summer 2026 term at University of Maryland Global Campus.
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
Alyssa Beaman became the 2027 Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County. She received a $3,500 scholarship and medallion, $500 clothing allowance for the state program and a 16 x 20 portrait from Brittany Smith Photography.
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!
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
The state’s seasonally adjusted August 2026 unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from July’s revised rate. The national rate was unchanged at 4.1 percent.
A house fire displaced Julie Babbin’s grandchildren. When then-Triple P director Steve Roman helped the children with furniture, clothes and books, Babbin wanted to thank him. On Saturday, Sept. 26, she did so by organizing Dolly Day at the Lenoir County Farmers Market to help local families sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Join us Saturday, September 26, for Shannon’s Sugar Rush, Pink Ribbon Gifts and More, TJ Design, TC Smith, B&B Eggs, Robin’s Nest, Christi Luv Creations, Holy Granola, Julie Babbin, Pork Skin Man, and SAFE.
Everything about butternut squash says fall, the color orange, the creamy coziness of its texture in recipes, and the ability to be used in savory and sweet dishes. Butternut squash is in season in the fall and winter months.
Integrated Care for Greater Health says its outreach team will be at the Jones County Health Department parking lot on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon.
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