Today, Governor Roy Cooper signed the following bills into law:
APA Honors Veterans Day
Arendell Parrott Academy honored Veterans Day 2021 with school wide projects, a speaker, recognition of a Patriot, and a series of fine arts performances. On Tuesday, November 9th, classes from first grade to seniors posted veteran-themed displays outside classrooms.
Humphrey Seeking re-election to NC House
Last week, the General Assembly passed new district maps for Congress, NC House, and NC Senate. Not subject to the Governor’s approval, these maps are now law and will take effect for the 2022 Election. Voters across the state have been learning more about their new districts, and the candidates running to represent them.
In honor of Veterans Day: A Century of Service
For over 100 years, the descendants of Henry C. and Mary Ann (Rhodes) Blizzard have served in the United States Military through World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Lenoir County Resident Dr. Lonnie H. Blizzard shared the remarkable history of his family.
Bicycle Safety Rodeo to be held at Pearson Park
On November 11, 2021, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Pearson Park in Kinston, up to 50 participants aged five through eight can participate in a Bicycle Safety Rodeo.
Help wanted: Lenoir County Tax Department - Tax Assistant II
The primary purpose of this position is to perform responsible collections or listing and clerical tasks in the County’s Tax Administration Office. Salary Range: $24,400 - $37,127
Wanda Kaye Russell, 69, of Snow Hill passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Garner Funeral Home. Garner Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to garnerfuneralhome.com.
Georgia K. Battle Friendship Club provides drive-thru lunch for Veterans
A Veteran's Drive-thru lunch event hosted by Georgia K. Battle Friendship Club took place at Tiffany West Park in Kinston. Sponsors of the event include Kinston/Lenoir County Parks and Recreation, WoodmenLife Chapter 46, Perfecting Destiny Empowerment Services, Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, and Hair Prophecy International.
Kinston Police: Man charged with stolen firearm and possession of marijuana
On Tuesday, November 9, 2021 officers with the Kinston Police Department were conducting a follow up on a complaint of possible criminal activity in the area of Viking Dr. Kinston, NC.
An open letter to the LCPS School Board, Part 2: Board letter follow-up
“You have taken on a massive responsibility, and I believe you haven’t fully grasped the weight of that responsibility.
“I have done what I said I would do in my last letter to you. I took my daughter to school without a mask Wednesday. She was turned away citing the board ruled, but we were unable to get an answer as to what support the board used for the rule, or why. She is at home today without being able to attend school because of a rule you put in place, and because you wish to mask her in spite of clear and abundant information indicating and/or proving that masks 1, are not effective, and 2 create physical and psychological harm.
“I do intend to complete the rest of my promise to you, but please know I would rather not.”
Public Notice: House Auction by South Lenoir High School Carpentry Program on Saturday, 11/13
House Auction by South Lenoir High School Carpentry Program on Saturday, 11/13. The house can be viewed by appointment at South Lenoir High School, 3355 Old Hwy. 11, Deep Run. Contact Mr. Frank Emory at 252-568-6161 or cell 252-560-3025.
Reece Gardner: We often overlook the good
It seems that every day we are reminded of the evil in our world, so much so that we might overlook the goodness all around us. In that spirit, I decided to look for some acts of kindness on display, and I found that they are in abundance.
Carol Dean Moore Miller, 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, November 7, 2021 at UNC Lenoir Hospital. Visitation will be held at Pink Hill Funeral Home on Wednesday November 10, from 6 -7:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 11, at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston with Gary Turner officiating.
Humphrey: Keeping Our Republic in a State of Emergency
Since March 2020, the Governor has been issuing edicts and mandates by way of unchecked, unilateral authority, the likes of which our state has never experienced. We in the legislative branch have heard from thousands of constituents who deem this behavior “unhealthy, unsafe, and undemocratic.”
Jim Perry seeks re-election to NC Senate
Lenoir County was recently joined with Craven and Beaufort counties during the Senate Redistricting process. Previously, Lenoir and Wayne have been grouped together. When asked about the new county grouping for his senate district, Perry replied, “All Senate seats belong to the people, not individual lawmakers, regardless of county groupings. The people honored me when they chose me to serve and I hope they allow me the opportunity to return.”
An open letter to the LCPS School Board, Part 1: Nov 1 meeting's masks in school's vote
“This is notice that I am not asking your permission to send my child to school without a mask. Those efforts by others, as kind and congenial as they were, were met with total disregard, and are now over. My request wouldn’t be quite as kind. We, those of us who choose, will not be sending our children with masks. And school staff may not require them when they arrive. This is our decision, not yours.” …
“I will point out the hypocrisy in your masking rule. Highlight the falsehoods and politically driven one-sided arguments preceding your vote, and advise you that continuing along this path constitutes a violation of our children’s rights as citizens not to be used as medical research subjects.” …
“You should reconvene for a special session and by the end of this week record a vote to make masks in school optional.”
Applications sought for 50th Annual Youth Legislative Assembly
Leaders of the North Carolina General Assembly invite North Carolina high school students to apply for the 50th Annual Youth Legislative Assembly (YLA).
LCPS to make record-setting 11 presentations at state meeting
School board members, educators and school administrators from across the state will get a good look at innovative programs and practices at work in Lenoir County Public Schools during next week’s fall meeting of the North Carolina School Board Association.
John Hood: Don’t buy myth about voter turnout
Republicans in much of the country enjoyed significant success during the 2021 election cycle. They elected a GOP governor in Virginia, almost elected one in New Jersey, won several important judicial races in Pennsylvania, and even elected their first Republican candidate to local office in Seattle (city attorney) since the 1980s.
Redistricting changes local NC House and Senate districts
With new maps for the NC House and NC Senate now approved, Lenoir County will remain in the 12th House District, but will move to the 3rd Senate District. Local lawmakers Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir, Wayne) and Rep. Chris Humphrey (R-Lenoir, Pitt) say they plan to run for reelection in newly drawn districts.