Greene County mourns loss of Sergeant with Sheriff's Office

Greene County Sheriff Matt Sasser released the following statement on Friday afternoon, “It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Sergeant Joseph Phillip Heck. Sergeant Heck died at his home late Wednesday afternoon on July 16th 2025. Sergeant Heck had served in law enforcement for over 20 years in various roles, but for the last 6 years served with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Heck served his County and community well and will be missed.”

Lenoir County sued over alleged $1.3 million fraudulent payment, FBI investigating

Berry Building Group is suing Lenoir County and several county officials for more than $1.3 million, alleging a sophisticated email scam rerouted government payments to criminals. The lawsuit, filed July 3 and file-stamped July 17, arrives as the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, with FBI assistance, investigates the fraud. County leaders say the probe remains “very active” and have no further comment.

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

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.

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.