Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Picnic Safety

It is definitely “Picnic Season” and one of the best things about summertime and warm weather is enjoying a picnic on the beach or in a park.  Make sure you don’t spoil the day with spoiled food.  Recently the FDA updated their information on outdoor food safety.   Keep these tips for transport and serving in mind for your next dinner on the grounds

Obituary - Elwood Eugene Tyndall

Elwood Eugene Tyndall, 80, of Fayetteville passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 5th at 11:00 am-12:00 at Howard-Carter Funeral Home with funeral services to follow, with Reverend Danny Durden officiating. Graveside Services will be held at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro, NC at 2:00 p.m.

Obituary - Sadie “Lib” Mitchell

After a brief, and courageous, battle with cancer, Sadie “Lib” Mitchell, passed away peacefully and entered her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport, NC. A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church, 3297 Falling Creek Road, Kinston, NC, with Pastor Terry Coates officiating. Visitation with reception will follow service. Burial will follow immediately after reception at Rainbow United Methodist Church Cemetery in Snow Hill.

Two local mental health offices celebrate grand opening as community recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month

As Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, the community has more than just reflection to look forward to — it has reason to celebrate. Two local mental health offices recently celebrated the grand opening of their new location here in Kinston, NC. Redefined Counseling Center, PLLC and Inspire Christian Counseling, PLLC, hosted an Open House this past week to share information about the mental health services and support available to the Kinston community and surrounding areas.

Event: Voyages Day Camp

July 21–25, 2025 Hosted at Westminster United Methodist Church, Kinston Led by Camp Don Lee Staff Children in Lenoir County who have completed 1st through 4th grade are invited to experience a week of faith, fun, and friendships—right here in Kinston!

Public Notice: Notice of Public Hearing for Fiscal year 2025-2026 Manager's Recommended Budget

In accordance with N.C.G.S. 159-12(b) for the purpose of taking comments from the public with regards to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget, as proposed and submitted by the County Manager to the Board of Commissioners on May 5, 2025, the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners will conduct a Public Hearing on Monday, June 16, 2025, during the regular meeting of the Commissioners which begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Chambers located at 101 N Queen Street, Kinston, NC, second floor. 

Obituary: Goldie Mae Noble

A private committal service was held May 29, 2025, at Westview Cemetery, Kinston, NC. A memorial service will be held June 18, 2025 (visitation 11:30am – 12:00pm, service of remembrance at 12:00pm with a reception immediately following) at Edwards Funeral Home, 702 N. Queen St., Kinston, NC.

Sandy Landis: A Legacy of Art and Community in Kinston

Sandy Landis has been a transformative figure in Kinston, North Carolina’s cultural landscape, serving as the Executive Director of the Community Council for the Arts (CCA) for 27 years. Her tenure has been defined by a deep commitment to integrating the arts into everyday life, strengthening education, and fostering economic revitalization through culture.

Recovery requires community

Over the years of working in recovery courts and with folks in recovery, I have learned that everybody’s recovery is different.  Some are able to be substance free quickly, some it may take months.  Being able to sustain abstinence long term is even more challenging.