After a case of West Nile virus was confirmed in Lenoir County last week, city and county officials outlined different approaches to mosquito control.
Kinston Teens acquires former Lewis School site
A long-vacant elementary school in Kinston has a new future after Kinston Teens purchased the historic Lewis School property.
Kinston, La Grange and other cities pay off electric debt, future rate impacts uncertain
A debt that has weighed on Kinston, La Grange and 30 other eastern North Carolina communities for more than four decades has finally been retired.
The North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA) first issued $3.2 billion in debt in 1982 to buy ownership stakes in power plants, securing long-term electricity for its member cities. That decision gave towns like Kinston more control over power supply, but it also left them with some of the highest electric rates in North Carolina.
From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson, August 20, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and staying connected with the latest news from District Nine and our efforts in the General Assembly.
Lenoir County marriages
The following marriage licenses were issued in Lenoir County:
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).
Kinston names new deputy fire chief and fire marshal
“With a decade of dedicated service to the department and a wealth of institutional knowledge, Deputy Chief Lee is a clear choice for this position,” Fire Chief Jackson said. “His energy and passion for the work will be invaluable as he steps into this new leadership role.”
KPD: Narcotics Investigation Leads to Multiple Arrests in Lenoir County
On August 20, 2025, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, SCARR Unit, and North Carolina Probation/Parole conducted an investigation at a residence on Lang Skinner Road in La Grange. The effort stemmed from an ongoing narcotics case and included serving an arrest warrant on Jennifer Grady, 38, of Lenoir County.
Obituary: Jackie Gray Mewborn
Jackie Gray Mewborn, 80, was gently carried home in the early hours of Saturday, August 23, 2025, wrapped in the love of her family and the care of those who had walked alongside her in her final chapter at Helping Hands Assisted Living.
City of Kinston wins $90,000 judgment in contract dispute with Social Beverage Company
The City of Kinston has won a $90,000 judgment in its long-running contract dispute with Social Beverage Company, the operator of Social House Vodka.
Mike Parker: School buses are rolling: Please be alert and obey the law
The typical school bus is around 40-feet long and weighs in the neighborhood of 30,000 pounds – without passengers. Buses are huge and can be unwieldy. The last thing any school bus driver needs is distractions of any kind.
Lenoir County births
The following birth certificates were issued in Lenoir County:
Help Wanted: Instructional Liaison - Jones County
The Instructional Liaison - Jones County fosters the development of positive relationships between Lenoir Community College, Jones Senior High School, and courses that meet the broader needs of the community and industry.
LCC: Summer Semester 2025 President's List and Dean's List
The following students have been named to the President’s and Dean’s List at Lenoir Community College for Summer Semester 2025.
Local Health Science Teacher Leads Students on Educational Journey Through Europe
From July 22 to July 31,2025, a local high school Health Science teacher at Jones Senior High School, Mrs. Suddona Murrell, RN embarked on an unforgettable adventure with eight students and four adults, traveling abroad with EF Tours. The group explored three of Europe’s most iconic destinations—London, England; Paris, France; and Barcelona, Spain.
Lenoir County death notices
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
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).
Help Wanted: Instructional Liaison - Jones County
The Instructional Liaison - Jones County fosters the development of positive relationships between Lenoir Community College, Jones Senior High School, and courses that meet the broader needs of the community and industry.
West Nile Virus Case Confirmed in Lenoir County Resident
The Lenoir County Health Department received notice of a case of West Nile Virus in a resident that had been exposed to mosquito bites. West Nile Virus is commonly spread through a bite from an infected mosquito. “Since we have identified a case in a Lenoir County resident, we are concerned that more mosquitos in the county are carrying this virus,” Pamela Brown, Health Director.
Quarter Note Studio helps local artists find their sound
For more than three decades, Prentice Tyndall has been perfecting the art of recording. What began as a college project has grown into Quarter Note Studio, a private recording space in Kinston designed to help independent musicians take their music to the next level.