The Paramount Theater marquee once again bears its name after more than two decades, marking a new milestone in the building’s ongoing restoration.
Former Kinston officer arrested in SBI larceny investigation
On Wednesday, June 04, 2025, the Lenoir County District Attorney’s Office requested the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to investigate the suspected larceny of money from a citizen by a Kinston Police Department officer during a vehicle accident that occurred in May of 2024.
Kinston Police Department: A message from the Chief of Police
A message from the Chief of Police:
"It is with deep concern and disappointment that I confirm a former officer of the Kinston Police Department has been arrested by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation in connection with an alleged theft. This matter is now under active investigation by the SBI, and we are fully cooperating with their efforts.
Lenoir County Board of Health to weigh repeal of tattoo rule
The Lenoir County Board of Health will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Lenoir County Health Department to consider repealing its local tattoo inspection rule.
Obituary: Herman “Jr” Hardison Jr.
Herman “Jr” Hardison Jr., 77 years old, of Grifton, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Graveside Services will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at their family cemetery at 3487 British Rd., Kinston.
Kinston Police Department: Attempt to Identify – West Road Car Break-Ins
Kinston Police detectives are attempting to identify the individual in the photo in connection with an investigation into vehicle break-ins in the West Road area.
Obituary: Joseph Egbert "J.E." Blizzard
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Joseph Egbert "J.E." Blizzard of Kinston, North Carolina, on Monday, August 18, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that all donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital of Memphis, Tennessee; The Shriners Children's Hospital; or Spilman Memorial Baptist Church of Kinston, North Carolina.
Obituary: Dorothy Raper Turnage
Dorothy Raper Turnage, 84, of LaGrange entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on August 16, 2025, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 22 starting at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service at 7:30 p.m. at Bethel Church in Kinston. Pastors Chris Truett, Bert Potter, and Allen Stocks will officiate. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.
Ambleside Preparatory Academy celebrates first year, begins expansion project
Ambleside Preparatory Academy is only a year old, but the private Christian school is already breaking ground on a new building to keep up with its rapid growth.
Lenoir County 4-H’ers Interview Congressman Don Davis on “The Best Better Podcast”
Lenoir County 4-H’ers Lamonie Taylor and Sanaa Thompson, both students at Kinston High School, are raising their voices and inspiring change in a special new episode of The Best Better Podcast, which launched Friday, August 15, 2025.
North Carolina's July employment figures released
Raleigh, N.C. - The state’s seasonally adjusted July 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from June’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.2 percent.
Public Notice: Greene County Parents, Early Head Start slots are now available for children ages 1–3 years old
Early Head Start slots are now available for children ages 1–3 years old (child must not turn 3 before August 30, 2025).
Obituary: Eva Faye Duke Elmore
Mrs. Eva Faye Duke Elmore, age 79, passed away Monday afternoon, August 18th, 2025, at Greendale Forest Nursing and Rehab Center following a brief period of declining health. Funeral Services will be held graveside 11 AM Friday, August 22nd, at the Snow Hill Cemetery with the Reverend Keith Phillips officiating.
Lenoir commissioners recognize youth, approve transportation grant application
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners met Monday, Aug. 18, recognizing county employees, local youth and a championship softball team before turning to business items that included a major grant application and courthouse renovation discussion.
Kinston Police Department: Arrest made following armed disturbance
On August 18, 2025, at approximately 10:18 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s B-Squad responded to the Carver Court area in reference to a report of a female subject banging on doors and stating she was “looking for someone to shoot.”
One Arrested for Meth Possession Following Traffic Stop
On August 16, 2025, Deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division D Shift attempted to stop a motorcycle on Gray Branch Church Road in Deep Run after it was clocked at 74 mph in a 55 mph zone. The driver, identified as Toby Keith Griffin of Deep Run, continued for several miles before pulling over.
Emma Webb splash pad opens today
Big news in Kinston: Emma Webb Park’s new 2,000-square-foot splash pad opens today. Featuring ground sprays for easy maintenance and inclusive play, the splash pad will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day.
Lenoir Community College Launches LCC Online, Expanding Flexible, Affordable Education Options
Lenoir Community College has officially launched LCC Online, a new way for students to earn the same high-quality degrees offered on campus—anytime, anywhere. The launch took place at the College’s Professional Development Day on August 13, marking the beginning of a new era in flexible, accessible learning for students near and far.
Kinston Police Department: Assault and Robbery Investigation – Arrest Made
On August 16, 2025, at approximately 11:20 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad were dispatched to Sarah’s House of Beauty, located on the 2400 block of North Herritage Street, in reference to a reported stabbing.
Mike Parker: Homelessness: The fate of too many foster kids
I received a text from a friend on Wednesday that posed a disturbing question: “Hi Mike, can this be true? Almost half of all homeless are foster kids who aged out of the system?”