When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 61 counties, decreased in 13, and remained unchanged in 26. Twelve metro areas experienced rate increases over the year and three remained unchanged.
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Searching for Missing K-9
UPDATE: K-9 Fuse has been located thanks to a citizen contacting the Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Rogers thanks the community for sharing the post and keeping an eye out for K-9 Fuse. —— This morning, October 4, 2025, K-9 Fuse, a fully trained police dog with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, escaped from his kennel and walked away from his residence located on the 1700 block of Institute Road, just off US 258 near the Greene County line.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: The Great Pumpkin Cooking Debate about Pumpkin, Fresh versus Canned
When the season turns to cooking all things pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice, the continuous debate begins, fresh versus canned. Some local bakers swear by the convenience and consistency of canned, others prefer the natural sweetness and texture of fresh pumpkin. Both options have a set of advantages and disadvantages, but are they essentially the same?
Sweetz Nutritional Smoothies grand opening on Saturday
Sweetz Nutritional Smoothies grand opening on Saturday
Lenoir County Farmer's Market update for October 4, 2025
The Lenoir County Farmers Market, located at 100 N. Herritage Street, will be open Tuesday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Retired officer and volunteer firefighter killed in Greene County crash while delivering hurricane relief supplies
GREENE COUNTY — A Greene County man remembered as a firefighter, veteran, and retired Greenville police officer died Friday morning while transporting Hurricane Helene relief supplies.
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office arrests Greene County man for methamphetamine distribution
On October 2, 2025, Detectives with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit concluded an investigation into methamphetamine distribution in Lenoir County.
Town of La Grange Update: DOT resurfacing of town streets
As Town Manager, I want to provide this update regarding the resurfacing of DOT-maintained streets in our community. Beginning in late 2023, the Town undertook a major USDA-funded project to upgrade and replace aging water and sewer infrastructure.
Kinston florist founder Jewell Rider to celebrate 100th birthday
A beloved Kinston resident and local business icon is marking a major milestone this week.
South Lenoir Graduate Rachel Noble Named U.S. Presidential Scholar
Lenoir County Public Schools proudly announces that Rachel Noble, a 2025 graduate of South Lenoir High School, has been officially selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholar. One of only 161 students nationwide, and one of only three students from North Carolina to receive this honor, Noble is the first LCPS student to be recognized with this prestigious award.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Tyler Perry's "Temptation"
Tyler Perry's movie called "Temptation" is not new. It was made available in 2009 I believe. But I just got a chance to sit down and watch it. It is three hours long. But it takes a whole lot of action for that one movie to maturely weave its way. UNC was way behind in the football game, so I turned to BET to watch the movie.
Coffee with CLEAR brings community together at Kinston McDonald’s
The Kinston Police joined local McDonald's owner/operator Ray Santos and the local community for coffee and conversation at the 110 W VERNON AVE location.
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office makes arrest in child exploitation case
On September 30, 2025, Detectives with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office General Investigations Division (GID) initiated an investigation following a complaint involving inappropriate behavior by an individual.
Cypress Creek Renewables and Betabox Bring Hands-On STEM to E.B. Frink Middle School
Cypress Creek Renewables, in partnership with Betabox Learning, delivered an immersive, on-site STEM experience to students at E.B. Frink Middle School in Lenoir County on Tuesday, September 9. The mobile learning program transformed the bus parking lot into a pop-up innovation lab where students explored circuits, coding, and energy career pathways. State Senator Robert (“Bob”) Brinson visited to observe and encourage students as they worked through hands-on challenges.
Jones County Community Foundation awards more than $4,000 in grants
Sept. 30, 2025 – The Jones County Community Foundation, a North Carolina Community Foundation affiliate, has awarded $4,150 in grants to four organizations supporting the local community.
Event: 1st Annual Pepsi Superball Classic Golf Tournament
Registration is still open for the "1st Annual Pepsi Superball Classic Golf Tournament" hosted by "Fairfield Through the Years". Contact Josh Bass (josh.bass@kinstonnc.gov 252-939-3335) to register or for more information
Faith Forward with Jason McKnight: The difference between forgiveness, reconciliation and relationships
In the last two Faith Forward columns, we have talked about forgiveness and how to walk in it. Like gravity is a universal truth in the realm of physics, forgiveness is a universal necessity in the realm of interpersonal community. There is no human flourishing without the practice of forgiveness.
Obituary: Joseph “Joe” George Plasky
Our dad, Joseph “Joe” George Plasky, a loving father, inventive engineer, and beloved "Muffin Man," passed away on September 29th at the age of 88. The family will receive friends for a time of Visitation and a Rosary service on Thursday, October 9th, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Kinston (400 Academy Heights Rd).
The Visitation begins at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held several weeks later on Friday, November 14th, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church in New Bern (3005 Country Club Rd).
Breaking and entering reported on Tower Hill Road in Kinston
Kinston Police Department is actively investigating a breaking and entering that occurred (B&E) on September 30, 2025, at approximately 10:43 a.m. The B&E was to a building on the 800 block of Tower Hill Road.
Kinston Police Department: Juveniles Apprehended Following B&E
On September 30, 2025, at approximately 1:47 p.m., officers from the Kinston Police Department’s B-Squad responded to a report of juveniles inside a vacant residence in the 600 block of Greenmeade Drive.