Freddie Brink Poppell, a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, peacefully departed this life on November 8, 2025.
UNC Health Lenoir Earns an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade
UNC Health Lenoir earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.
Kristy Kelly: When your weight-loss plan needs a welder
Needing a welder to lose weight was not on my 2025 bingo card, I admit—but alas, here we are.
Update: Board of Elections dismisses protest against Kinston Council-Elect Les Lipford
UPDATE:
The Lenoir County Board of Elections voted unanimously today to dismiss the election protest filed against Les Lipford, who had been elected to the Kinston City Council. The protest will not move forward to a full evidentiary hearing.
Narcotic Investigation Leads to Arrest of Lenoir County Woman
A narcotics investigation conducted by the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of a Lenoir County woman on multiple drug trafficking charges.
Veterans Art Show celebrates service and creativity in Kinston
NCRMA is proud to recognize the 2025 Award Winners, presented on Tuesday, November 4, at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in downtown Winston-Salem.
Supreme Court ruling preserves Kinston-based Cherry Energy
The North Carolina Supreme Court has ruled to keep one of Kinston’s oldest family-owned businesses open, deciding that Cherry Energy will not be forced to dissolve following a years-long dispute among family shareholders.
KPD: Shooting Investigation and Arrest
On November 8, 2025, at approximately 10:24 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad responded to a residence on the 500 block of Fields Street in reference to a reported gunshot victim. Upon arrival, officers located 40-year-old Zachary Stackhouse suffering from gunshot wounds to both legs. Stackhouse was transported to ECU Health for medical treatment.
Excitement surrounds, drives ‘model’ STEM status at Northwest Elementary
The day before Halloween at Northwest Elementary School, the reading lesson for Leah Jones’ kindergarten class centered on “Pumpkin Jack,” a story about children who carved a jack-o-lantern, set it outside to melt into the ground and, when the time came, saw its leftover seeds grow into vines, flowers and little Pumpkin Jacks.
Shawarma House brings authentic Mediterranean flavor to Kinston
Kinston residents no longer have to travel far for authentic Mediterranean food. Shawarma House has opened its doors, offering fresh, high-quality dishes made with care and tradition.
Update: Lenoir County Board of Elections will hold a Preliminary Consideration Meeting Wednesday
UPDATE:
The Lenoir County Board of Elections will hold a Preliminary Consideration Meeting Wednesday, November 12th at 5:30pm for the Election Protest filed against Les Lipford.
Keenan drops Blackwell protest, now challenges Lipford’s win; Blackwell files her own protest
Sean Keenan has withdrawn his protest challenging the candidacy of Quarla Blackwell and has filed a new protest contesting the election of Kinston City Council elect Les Lipford.
Sheriff Rogers outlines crime reduction and community engagement efforts since 2022
When I took office in December 2022, Lenoir County was facing real challenges: rising gun violence, growing drug activity, and neighborhoods worn down by years of unchecked criminal hotspots. I didn’t walk into this job with slogans, I walked in with a 30-year law enforcement career, a plan, and a promise to the people of this county, we will take our communities back.
Neuse Sport Shop’s Russell Rhodes receives statewide government relations honor
NCRMA is proud to recognize the 2025 Award Winners, presented on Tuesday, November 4, at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in downtown Winston-Salem.
Lenoir County to hold public hearing on economic incentive for Project Rehab
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing Monday, Nov. 17, at 4 p.m. to consider granting an economic development incentive to a company identified as Project Rehab.
Mike Parker: Join troops as they ‘Muster the Militia’ this Saturday
Reenactors and living historians are joining forces for an encampment at the Caswell Memorial Site to interpret life in Dobbs County, the current day Lenoir County, in 1775, as part of the celebration of this nation’s 250th anniversary. “Mustering the Militia will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 15.
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
Help Wanted: The Library Services Coordinator
The Library Services Coordinator handles the day-to-day operations of the library. The Library Services Coordinator serves as the point of contact for all circulation, inventory, and budget needs, as well as supervises and trains student workers.
Meet the Ensemble Nuns Bringing Spirit to The Sound of Music
The Sound of Music welcomes a devoted Nun Ensemble whose blend of wit, warmth, and quiet strength anchors the story. Their voices and presence turn a beloved favorite into a feel-good journey—uplifting when it should be, moving when it matters, and full of life throughout. Bring the people you love and share the joy together.
Record year for LCPS as 65 educators receive Tri-County Bright Ideas Grants, leading the region in awards
Lenoir County Public Schools educators have once again proven that innovation thrives in their classrooms, and this year their bright ideas are shining brighter than ever.