A disturbance at Pink Hill Elementary School this afternoon led to a temporary lockdown at the school and the arrests of three adults and charges against a juvenile by the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office.
City of Kinston Proposes $133M Budget for FY 2025-2026
The City of Kinston has unveiled its proposed budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, totaling just over $133 million, up from $120 million last year. The proposed general operating property tax rate for FY 2025-2026 is $0.73 cents per $100 of assessed value, down from $0.77 cents the previous year. This comes on the heels of Lenoir County completing a county wide property revaluation. The proposed rate remains higher than the revenue-neutral rate of $0.5994 cents.
Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D.: Updates from Washington, D.C. and eastern North Carolina
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.
Lenoir County Commissioners recognize volunteers, back public defender's office
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners honored community volunteers and voiced support for the creation of a Public Defender’s Office during its regular meeting last month at the Lenoir County Administration Building.
Vehicle pursuit ends with drug charges and one suspect at large
On Tuesday, the 20th of May, 2025, at 8:50 pm, Sergeant Shackley was patrolling the Pink Hill area of Jones County. Sergeant Shackley identified a vehicle with an equipment violation and attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and sped up, leading to a vehicle pursuit. During the vehicle pursuit, Sergeant Shackley was able to identify items being thrown from the vehicle by a passenger.
Student, stepfather charged after gun found at middle school
An unloaded handgun was recovered this morning while in the possession of a student at Woodington Middle School. As a result, the child and the student’s stepfather have received criminal charges from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office.
North Carolinians and Organizations Awarded Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service
(RALEIGH) Earlier this week, 20 people and two organizations representing 21 counties received the State of North Carolina’s highest award for volunteer service: the Governor’s Medallion Award. The award is presented annually by the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service, or VolunteerNC.
2025 N.C. State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarship recipients announced
RALEIGH – Thirty-one North Carolina students have been selected recipients of 2025 N.C. State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarships, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced.
LCPS statement on firearm found at Woodington Middle School
Today at Woodington Middle School, students reported to school administrators that another student might have a weapon in his book bag. School administrators immediately investigated, which determined an 11-year-old male student was in possession of an unloaded firearm in his book bag. The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office took possession of the weapon and will make decisions about possible charges and other necessary steps moving forward.
La Grange sex offender arrested for failing to report address
A registered sex offender from La Grange was arrested Tuesday for failing to notify officials of moving to a new address.
Two arrested in Lenoir County child abuse investigation
Two people are behind bars with $1 million bonds after being arrested for child abuse by the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office’s General Investigation Division (GID).
Op-Ed:Congressman Murphy’s crusade against Medicare Advantage jeopardizes seniors care
Medicare Advantage is a lifeline for more than 1 million seniors in North Carolina — delivering high-quality, comprehensive health care at a lower cost to beneficiaries than traditional fee-for-service Medicare.
LCSAEOP Names Heath Office Professional of the Year, Jones Administrator of the Year
The Lenoir County Schools Association of Educational Office Professionals (LCSAEOP) gathered last Thursday for its annual banquet, a celebration of service, scholarship, and excellence across the district. The event featured the installation of new officers, recognition of student scholarship recipients, and the presentation of two of the organization’s highest honors: Educational Office Professional of the Year and Administrator of the Year.
Evelyn Dove-Coleman: Facing the Wall to Pray
Isaiah 38: 2-5 is a scripture I want to recommend to Joe and Jill Biden. Verse 5 in particular is instructive. In it, God says "I have heard thy prayer." That line resonates with me because we are not just throwing up our words into thin air when we pray. We are sending them to a listening ear. And that ear is connected to a caring heart that forgives and renders massive mercy.
Kristy Woodson Harvey to sign copies of her newest novel, Beach House Rules, at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library
Join us for a Beach Party at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library on May 29 at 12 p.m. when Southern fiction author Kristy Woodson Harvey will discuss and sign copies of Beach House Rules. Harvey’s newest novel will be released on May 27; copies will be available for purchase at the event for $28.
Colleen Kosinski: Harm reduction, stigma and community
Harm reduction is part of a prevention strategy. Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that is critical to engaging people who use drugs and equipping them with tools and information that support positive changes and save lives. Harm reduction simply means offering options to help people where they are.
Public Notice: Town of La Grange Public Hearing Notice
NOTICE is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of La Grange will hold two (2) public hearings at the regular La Grange Town Council meeting on June 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the La Grange Town Hall located at 203 South Center Street, La Grange, North Carolina.
Obituary: Dorothy “Dot” Gaskins
Dorothy Mae “Dot” Whaley Gaskins peacefully entered into the joy of her salvation on Saturday, May 17, 2025, after a long and meaningful life filled with love, faith, and devotion to her family. A service of love and remembrance will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025 by the graveside at Pinelawn Memorial Park with Pastor Bill Rose officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Contentnea-Savannah Joins Frink, Northwest in State STEM recommendation
Contentnea-Savannah joins list of schools recommended for state STEM distinction Contentnea-Savannah K-8 School has been added to a growing list of Lenoir County Public Schools campuses recommended to the State Board of Education for recognition as North Carolina STEM Schools of Distinction—joining earlier recommendations for E.B. Frink Middle School and Northwest Elementary.
Obituary: Mike Boyette
William Michael “Mike” Boyette, 64, left the embraces of his devoted family to enter into life eternal with his Savior early on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
A service of love and remembrance will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Fellowship Church, Kinston, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 with Pastor John Robert Harris officiating.