Patsy Lee White, 76, passed away peacefully at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC, after a courageous battle with cancer. A private ceremony to celebrate Patsy’s life will be held at a later date.
Obituary: Margaret Lucile Davis
Margaret Lucile Davis, age 90, of Kinston, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. Visitation will be held at Edwards Funeral Home on Thursday, August 28, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Brian Rogers officiating. Interment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.
Lenoir County Chamber and LCC Launch ENC Nonprofit Roundtable
The Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce and the Lenoir Community College Small Business Center are excited to announce the launch of the ENC Nonprofit Roundtable, a new opportunity for local nonprofits to come together over a meal, learn from one another, and support each other to become more successful.
Amvets Women’s Auxiliary delivers 50th blanket to Kinston veterans home
The Amvets Chapter 1111, Women’s Auxiliary met to deliver homemade blankets to the veteran’s at the North Carolina Veterans Home in Kinston. These blankets have been made by the Women’s auxiliary members and are part of a commitment to provide each Veteran at the home a blanket to honor their service to the nation.
Public Notice: Town of La Grange Notice of an Evidentiary Hearing
NOTICE the La Grange Town Council acting as the La Grange Board of Adjustment will conduct an evidentiary hearing at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025, in the Council Chambers at La Grange Town Hall, 203 S. Center St., La Grange, NC starting at 6:00 PM. The Variance request is described below:
City outlines mosquito fogging plan, county spraying tied to storms
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.