Obituary: Edmond Thomas “Tommy” Lewis

Edmond Thomas “Tommy” Lewis, 68, of Kinston, passed away at his home, on June 23, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. A Service of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, June 26, 20025 at Jackson Heights OFWB Church. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. with the service to follow at 4:00 p.m., with Pastor Justin Barnett officiating.

Obituary: Linda Schwarz

Surrounded by the love and care of family and friends, Linda Carol Rhodes Schwarz, 79, peacefully departed this life on June 22, 2025 to be reunited with loved ones who went before her. A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at La Grange Christian Church on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.

Obituary: Frank Elmer Abbott

Mr. Frank Elmer Abbott, 89, of 915 Lynn Drive, Kinston, NC peacefully closed his eyes into the joys of the Lord early Thursday morning, June 19, 2025, in the quietness of his home surrounded with family. A Wake for Mr. Abbott will be held on Tuesday June 24, 2025, from 3-6:00pm at St. James AME Church (402 E. Shine Street) Kinston, NC. Interment will be held 11:00am Wednesday June 25, 2025, at Carolina Biblical Gardens (1530 Creech Road) Garner, NC 27610.

Mike Parker: Juneteenth and the end of slavery

Last Thursday, many observed the latest federal holiday – “Juneteenth.” The term “Juneteenth” is the compression of “June Nineteenth” – the day in 1865 that Union Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War. Roughly 250,000 enslaved people received their freedom that day.

Cooking with Tammy Kelly: “Sardine Summer”

In case you haven’t heard, and I am not sure how you missed it, but the latest trend made popular by Tik Tok is “Sardine Summer.”  The last I remember sardine talked about was way back when my Daddy used to open the rather smelly can for a quick lunch, but apparently everything from clothes, accessories, home goods and recipes are now featuring the tiny, sometimes tinny fish.