Public notice: Request for Statements of qualifications for testing and special inspection services
Lenoir Woman Sentenced in Inmate Overdose Death Case
Lenoir County Woman Convicted in Death by Distribution Case Following Inmate Overdose Receives a Minimum of 15 Years in Prison.
Traffic stop leads to fentanyl trafficking arrests
On June 25, 2025, at approximately 1:42 p.m., detectives with the Kinston Police Department’s Violent Crime Action Team (VCAT) conducted a traffic stop for multiple violations on the 4000 block of Highway 70 West.
Lenoir County man sentenced to a minimum of 12 years in prison following jury conviction
On June 25, 2025, a Lenoir County man was sentenced to a minimum of 148 months and a maximum of 198 months in prison after being found guilty by a jury earlier this month.
Lenoir County Board approves contentious fire tax rates
After much public criticism, a high-profile letter to the editor, public and online statements, and social media campaigns from local fire departments, the fire tax rate issue has been settled. When the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners approved their Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget, they also approved the new fire tax rates for each department.
La Grange adopts revenue-neutral budget, cuts tax rate following property revaluation
LA GRANGE — The La Grange Town Council unanimously adopted an $8.6 million budget for fiscal year 2025–2026 on June 16, marking a 5.45% year-over-year increase while reducing the town’s property tax rate by more than 20 cents to maintain revenue neutrality in the wake of a sharp countywide property revaluation.
Veteran mindset coach releases breakthrough book on mental strength and sustainable progress
What if the key to your next breakthrough isn’t grinding harder, but thinking differently?
Obituary: Annie Petteway Taylor
Annie Petteway Taylor of Kinston, N.C, passed away on June 4, 2025, at the age of 95.
A graveside service will be held at the Jacksonville City Cemetery, 1000 Hargett Street, Jacksonville, N.C on Monday, June 30, at 11 A.M. Annie will be laid to rest next to her loving husband, Tyson.
Obituary: Helen Dawson Creech Newell
Helen Dawson Creech Newell, 87, passed away on June 8, 2025. Helen was born to Dr. and Mrs. James Nelson Dawson on October 15, 1937. A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Rouse Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service.
Arrest made following workplace altercation at Smithfield Packing
On June 24, 2025, officers from the Kinston Police Department’s B-Squad responded to a report of a fight at Smithfield Packing.
Anastasia: The Musical Comes to LCC: Meet the Performers Bringing the Story to Life
This summer, journey through time with Anastasia: The Musical as it takes center stage at Lenoir Community College’s Briley Auditorium. Based on the beloved animated film and the legendary mystery of the Romanov family, the show follows Anya, a young woman with no memory of her past, as she teams up with two schemers to discover her true identity.
Preliminary DMV Audit Findings Highlight Need for Additional Staffing and Workforce Flexibility
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor is releasing preliminary information from its ongoing audit of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), including how DMV staffing and personnel flexibility challenges are affecting customer experiences across the state.
Faith Forward with Jason McKnight: The Greatest Gift you can give your kids
As a friend and I ran together, he made a comment that has stayed with me. We were discussing our kids and family, and he said, “The greatest gift you can give your kids is emotional health.”
Event: Military Appreciation Sunday at Bethel Church
Join us at Bethel Church in Kinston as we honor and celebrate the brave men and women of our Armed Forces—both active duty and veterans—at our Military Appreciation Service on Sunday, June 29th at 10:30 A.M.
Public notice: Request for Statements of qualifications for testing and special inspection services
Public notice: Request for Statements of qualifications for testing and special inspection services
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.
Kristy Kelly: It’s not personal. It’s self-preservation
“You never invite me to your house,” and, “You never come to mine when I invite you,” are two complaints I hear more than I care to admit.
Second session of Camp L.E.N.O.I.R. comes to a close at LaGrange Community Center
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office proudly completed the second session of Camp L.E.N.O.I.R. at the LaGrange Community Center, held from June 16–18, 2025. This three-day youth outreach initiative gave middle school students from across the county an immersive experience into the world of public safety and community service.
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.