The Honorable Sandra E. Beaman, Greene County Clerk of Superior Court, has announced that she will retire on September 30, 2021. Beaman has served as the elected Clerk of Superior Court for Greene County since November 2014.
All in Politics
Where Kinston's Mayoral candidates stand on vaccine mandates
Vaccine mandates have made headlines as cities and municipalities strive to combat the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. In recent news, as reported by WITN, City of Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy gave his thoughts on if he would consider a vaccine mandate if COVID-19 cases continued rising. The other candidates, Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon, Zac Holcomb, and Jeff Warren have also weighed in on vaccine mandates.
Senator Perry chosen as budget negotiator
The North Carolina General Assembly has completed another phase of the multi-step budget process for the 2021 - 2022 biennium. The NC Senate and NC House have both offered budget options for the next biennium.
Governor Cooper provides update on State’s pandemic trends, encourages vaccination
Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. provided an update on the state’s COVID-19 key metrics and trends. A representative from Live Nation Entertainment, Jeannine Beson, joined to share information on the company’s updated vaccination policies for concerts in North Carolina and their mission for keeping concert-goers safe. Additionally, the winners of the of the state’s final Your Shot at A Million Summer Cash Drawing and Summer Cash 4 College drawing winners were announced.
Governor Roy Cooper tours the Neuse Regional Library
Governor Roy Cooper visited the Neuse Regional Library to explore bridging the digital divide and bringing Internet access to more people through its programs. In addition to the Neuse Regional Library, Cooper also visited the Lenoir County Health Department to encourage vaccine use.
Governor Cooper visits Lenoir County Health Department to encourage more North Carolinians to get their lifesaving vaccine
Today, Governor Roy Cooper visited a vaccine clinic at the Lenoir County Health Department to encourage more North Carolinians get their COVID-19 shot.
Governor Cooper declares rural broadband week to highlight digital inclusion, innovation
Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed Aug. 16–20, 2021, as Rural Broadband Week to call attention to the urgent need to improve broadband access and adoption across our state.
Gov. Cooper, state health leaders urge some schools to revisit decisions and fully implement health protections
Today, Governor Roy Cooper, NC DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen and State Health Director Dr. Betsey Tilson sent a letter to school boards that have failed to adopt the StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit urging them to protect their students and staff in the new school year.
Rep. Humphrey helps secure local funding in NC House Budget
Earlier today, the 2021 Appropriations Act was passed out of the North Carolina House of Representatives with bipartisan support. In addition to pay raises for teachers and state employee, state employee retiree supplement bonuses, investments in agriculture, and funding for infrastructure improvements, S105 also includes several line items that will impact Eastern North Carolina.
John Hood: Lawmakers embrace capital idea
North Carolina’s state government has a multi-billion-dollar surplus. Its enormity has multiple causes: past spending discipline, revenue growth from a resurgent economy, and gobs of borrowed federal money. Its enormity also presents North Carolina’s conservative-run legislature with a challenge.
Congressman Ted Budd visits Pink Hill on campaign trail
Congressman Ted Budd, representing North Carolina’s 13th District, came to Pink Hill to a campaign reception. Budd is running as a candidate for the US Senate.
Governor Cooper announces third COVID-19 cash drawing winner and highlights HOPE program for rental and utility assistance
Today, amid higher COVID-19 numbers statewide, Governor Roy Cooper again urged North Carolinians to get vaccinated. He also announced the third winner of North Carolina’s Your Shot at $1 Million Summer Cash Drawing. Winston-Salem resident and incoming Fayetteville State University freshman Audrey Chavous received the $1 million prize as part of the cash drawing that includes North Carolinians 18 and over who have received a COVID-19 vaccine.
North Carolina's June county and area employment figures released
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 99 of North Carolina’s counties in June and decreased in one. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 9.4 percent while Orange County had the lowest at 3.7 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 7.1 percent while Durham-Chapel Hill had the lowest at 4.1 percent. The June not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.9 percent.
North Carolina Updates StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit
Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. shared updated public health guidance for K-12 schools to follow in the upcoming school year.
Recusal dispute at City Council meeting over property transfer to Kinston Teens
At the City Council meeting on July 20, 2021, the council voted 3-1 to transfer eight properties from the City of Kinston to Kinston Teens, a youth-led nonprofit organization. City Councilmember Sammy Aiken disputed Councilmember Kristal Suggs’ ability to vote as she is the Kinston Teens Chairperson. “I have consulted with Councilwoman Suggs with her roles with the Kinston Teens and whether it was appropriate for her to be excused from voting. In my opinion, she is obligated to vote,” said City Attorney James P. Cauley, III.
The race is on, Kinston Mayoral Race features four candidates
The Kinston Mayoral race has four candidates including incumbent Mayor Dontario Hardy, current Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon, Jeffery Warren, and Zac Holcomb.
Op-Ed: Rep. Chris Humphrey - House Bill 500, The Disaster Relief and Mitigation Act of 2021
Representative Chris Humphrey (R-Lenoir, Pitt) writes, “I’m proud of the work being done in North Carolina to prepare for disaster mitigation and flooding. The Emma Webb Park Project displays the best of Kinston - with many concerned citizens and young people volunteering their time to improve the community around them. As we approach the height of hurricane season, I hope all of us take time to prepare for inclement weather before storm clouds arrive.”
Updated: 2021 Election Filing for Lenoir, Jones, and Greene County
In Lenoir, Jones, and Greene county there are multiple seats open in the 2021 election. The dates to file for candidacy are July 2, 2021, at 12:00 pm through July 16, 2021, at 12:00 pm.
Senator Perry secures funds in state budget
The North Carolina General Assembly completed the first step of a multi step budget process when the NC Senate prepared the first draft of a budget for the 2021 - 2022 biennium. In the next step, the House of Representatives will make changes and send the document back to the Senate.
Updated: 2021 Election Filing for Lenoir, Jones, and Greene County
In Lenoir, Jones, and Greene county there are multiple seats open in the 2021 election. The dates to file for candidacy are July 2, 2021, at 12:00 pm through July 16, 2021, at 12:00 pm.