On the morning of July 27th, 2025, three individuals were captured on surveillance video breaking into First Light Guns & Ammo, located on North Caswell Street in La Grange.
North Carolina's June county and area employment figures released
Raleigh, N.C. — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 92 counties in June 2025, decreased in four, and remained unchanged in four. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.8 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 3.1 percent.
Leadership changes at Lenoir County SPCA prompts staff departures, community petition
A decision by the Lenoir County SPCA Board of Directors to terminate its shelter director has sparked a wave of staff resignations, public backlash, and an online petition calling for her reinstatement.
Dollar General now open in Walstonburg
Dollar General is excited to announce its store at 2301 Hwy 264 in Walstonburg is now open to provide the community with convenient and affordable access to household essentials!
Floriendo Conde Maruzzo of La Grange Earns Degree from University of Maryland Global Campus
Floriendo Conde Maruzzo of La Grange, earned a(n) Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from University of Maryland Global Campus in spring 2025
KPD assists in arrest of wanted fugitive from Washington County
On July 28, 2025, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to a residence in the 900 block of Cameron Drive to assist in locating 23-year-old William Alphin.
Arrest made in drive-by shooting investigation on Ferndale Lane
On July 10, 2025, at approximately 2:11 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to a report of a drive-by shooting in the 1100 block of Ferndale Lane. Upon arrival, officers located a 42-year-old male victim who had sustained an injury to his right arm. The victim was transported to ECU Health for treatment. Further examination revealed the injury was caused by glass fragments, not a direct gunshot wound.
Search warrant leads to firearms seizure and arrest in attempted murder investigation
On July 29, 2025, Kinston Police Department Detectives continued their investigation into the July 26, 2025, attempted murder that occurred in Richard Green Court. As part of the ongoing case, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence of 18-year-old Cameron Williams, located in Carver Courts.
New Lenoir County corporations
The following businesses were filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State:
Obituary: Faye Dail
Catherine Faye Lokey Dail, lovingly known as Faye, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the age of 74. A service of love and remembrance will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Rouse Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 noon. Committal will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.
Update: Shooting investigation underway on Richard Green Court, suspect in custody
On July 27, 2025, at approximately 10:15 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s B-Squad, along with investigators, responded to a report of a shooting on Richard Green Court.
Two arrested following hit and run into structure on Herbert Drive
On July 26, 2025, at approximately 2:42 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s B-Squad responded to the 900 block of Herbert Drive in reference to a vehicle that had crashed into a structure. While responding, officers were advised that the driver was attempting to flee the scene.
Stolen vehicle tracked via GPS leads to arrest in Jones County
On July 25, 2025, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s B-Squad responded to a residence on Duggins Drive in reference to a reported motor vehicle theft. While officers were on scene taking the report, the vehicle owner was able to provide GPS location data showing the stolen vehicle’s location in Jones County, North Carolina.
Arrest made following traffic stop involving impaired driver and firearm
On July 25, 2025, officers with the Kinston Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle previously linked to a disturbance call. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers made contact with the driver, identified as 52-year-old John Holmes of Snow Hill, North Carolina.
Arrest made following shots fired call
Following the recent shooting incident in the St. Johns area, investigators identified Sentelle Leonard (25 of Goldsboro) as the primary suspect. Detectives secured arrest warrants for Leonard on the following charges:
Former Gov. Roy Cooper announces U.S. Senate bid
RALEIGH, N.C. — Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has officially launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate. In a statement released Monday, Cooper said, “I have thought on it and prayed about it, and I have decided: I am running to be the next U.S. Senator from North Carolina.”
Event: Kinston/Lenoir Co. Sports Hall of Fame
Kinston-Lenoir County Sports Hall of Fame is excited to announce the incoming class of 2025 which include the following inductees: Tony Dawson, Eddie Gwaltney, Tracy Hart, Dee Dee Jarman, Norman Joyner, Cam Mcrae, Cliff Whitfield and the 1967 Grainger High School State Championship Baseball team.
Mike Parker: Colonies’ last-ditch effort to avoid revolution
Too often when we think about the American Revolution 250 years ago, we do not stop to ponder just how long the colonies struggled against the efforts of the British Crown and Parliament to control, even suppress, the colonials. History has a way of becoming compacted in our minds.
Murphy introduces bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve enforcement of No Surprises Act
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., introduced the No Surprises Enforcement Act, alongside Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA), Bob Onder, M.D. (R-MO), and Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), to reinforce the historic No Surprises Act which protects patients from surprise medical bills. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced companion legislation in the United States Senate.
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds: