On July 17, 2025, at approximately 10:25 p.m., members of the Kinston Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Cunningham Road near Highway 11 North for motor vehicle violations.
2025 Municipal Elections are Set - Here are your candidates
The filing period for North Carolina's 2025 municipal elections opens Monday, July 7, marking the official start of the campaign season for dozens of local offices across Lenoir and Greene counties. Candidates seeking election to partisan and nonpartisan municipal offices had until noon on Friday, July 18 to file with their respective county boards of elections.
Repeat illegal burning leads to arrest of Lenoir County man
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office B Shift assisted the Lenoir County Fire Marshal in the arrest of 40-year-old Steven Glenn Pollard of Lenoir County.
Matt Lococo: Title III funding
The recent freezing of funds and passing of the Big Beautiful Bill has been hailed as some of the best actions ever taken by an Administration. I want to preface the next few paragraphs by saying that I am a Republican, I voted for Trump, I put his sign in my yard (both times), and I defended him in some very narrow circles. I say all of that to say that I think he and his administration under the guise of saving taxpayer money and eliminating the waste of the federal government have crossed, hell, burned a bridge that will be hard to put back together
Fugitive from Wisconsin captured in Lenoir County
On July 16, 2025, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office C Shift deputies arrested Skyler Sann, 29, at The Fuel Warehouse gas station in Kinston.
Jury convicts Torrence Howard in 2021 murder case
On July 11, 2025, a jury found Torrence Howard guilty of First Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. The charges stemmed from the 2021 murder of Gabrielle Wendt, who was tragically killed in her home.
Arrest of wanted individual following anonymous community tip
On July 16, 2025, officers from the Kinston Police Department’s D-Squad responded to an anonymous tip regarding a wanted individual in the Mitchell Wooten area. Upon arrival, officers located and safely took Eddie Mills into custody without incident. Mills was wanted on 11 active Orders for Arrest.
Traffic stop leads to methamphetamine arrest
On July 16, 2025, at approximately 5:11 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s D-Squad conducted a traffic stop on McDaniels Street involving 31-year-old Jyair Smith. During the stop, K9 Kio performed an exterior sniff around the vehicle and alerted his handler to the presence of narcotics.
Bryan Hanks named 2025 Lighthouse Award winner
Lenoir/Greene United Way hosted their “Great American Summer” event on Wednesday, July 16 at Kinston Country Club. The event celebrated the nonprofit organizations’ community partners, local donors, and their service to United Way.
Update: Candidate filing for 2025 municipal elections ends July 18 at noon
The filing period for North Carolina's 2025 municipal elections opens Monday, July 7, marking the official start of the campaign season for dozens of local offices across Lenoir and Greene counties. Candidates seeking election to partisan and nonpartisan municipal offices have until noon on Friday, July 18 to file with their respective county boards of elections.
Kinston Parks & Rec Supervisor, local pastor charged with rape and kidnapping
A Kinston man who serves as both a city employee and local pastor is in jail without bond following his arrest on multiple felony charges, including rape, kidnapping, and assault with a firearm.
Obituary: JoAnn Price
Seven Springs-JoAnn Grady Price, 88, of Atlas Price Road, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025 at her home. A graveside service to celebrate JoAnn’s life will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Pineview Cemetery, Seven Springs. Pastor Doug Johnson will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Pineview Cemetery Fund, 2078 Zion Church Road, Mt. Olive, NC 28365.
Update: Kinston Police Department investigating shooting involving juvenile victim
On July 15, 2025, at approximately 9:32 p.m., the Kinston Police Department responded to a report of a 12-year-old male who was shot while at Sam’s Mini Mart (1419 N. Queen Street). The victim was at the store with his mother at the time of the incident.
Obituary: Jane Ketner Capps
Jane Ketner Capps, 76 was ushered into the loving arms of Jesus and back with her beloved John T. at Carteret Health Care in Morehead City, North Carolina on Thursday, June 12, 2025. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2:00pm at First Presbyterian Church, 1604 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC.
Kristy Kelly: Kinston doesn't need performative outrage
Yesterday, I witnessed a handful of adults berate the city council and call for the reallocation of police funds because an officer allegedly abused his power and was caught on video doing so. The police department gave a canned “we are investigating the issue” statement, and the mayor co-signed their message by way of copy and paste.
Lenoir County sex offender arrested for registration violations
On Thursday, July 10th, a registered sex offender was arrested in Lenoir County for failing to report a change of address, as required by law.
Man arrested, gun and drugs seized during traffic stop
On July 12, 2025, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office B-Shift deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 258 North after spotting a vehicle with a handwritten license plate and equipment violations.
Jeffrey Williford to lead Community Council for the Arts following 27-year Belk career
After nearly three decades of Belk, Jeffrey Williford is stepping into a new role at the heart of the city’s cultural life. Williford has been named the next Executive Director of the Community Council for the Arts (CCA), succeeding longtime director Sandy Landis, who retired earlier this year after 27 years of service.
Kinston Police Department investigating shooting involving juvenile victim
The Kinston Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that occurred near the intersection of Queen Street and Daniels Street.
Kinston Police officer resigns after DWI arrest
A Kinston police officer has resigned following a DWI arrest stemming from an off-duty incident last month.