Bring in the holidays with your “tribe” of friends and family with some delicious and “mostly” healthy Holiday appetizers. Your guests will scoop up these tasty starters to give you energy to make to the big day!!
New Lenoir County corporations
The following businesses were registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State:
Event: A Queen Street Christmas
You’re invited to the 24th Annual Christmas Concert, A Queen Street Christmas, at Queen Street United Methodist Church
Join us Saturday, December 13, or Sunday, December 14 for an unforgettable evening of music and celebration. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; the concert begins at 6:00 p.m.
UPDATED: Current list of 2026 Primary candidates for Lenoir, Greene and Jones Counties
The filing period for North Carolina's 2026 municipal elections opened Monday, December 1, 2025 marking the official start of the campaign season for dozens of local offices across Lenoir, Jones and Greene counties. Candidates seeking election to partisan and nonpartisan offices have until noon on Friday, December 19 to file with their respective county boards of elections.
First Sergeant T. Lee Howell Bridge dedication ceremony held in Kinston
The North Carolina Department of Transportation held a bridge dedication ceremony Friday honoring First Sergeant T. Lee Howell.
Parks and Recreation offering community extra transportation for Kinston’s State Championship game
Kinston/Lenoir County Parks and Recreation will provide additional transportation for fans traveling to Durham on Saturday, Dec. 13, for the NCHSAA 3A State Championship game. A bus will depart from the Holloway Center at 9 a.m., offering residents a convenient way to support Kinston High School as the Vikings compete for the title.
For Kinston High receiver, state title quest caps a record-setting season
His future looks as bright as that of any student athlete to come out of Kinston High School in a while, but this week Tyreek Copper isn’t looking much past Saturday.
Where Heirlooms & History Meet the Garden in Our Community
The Children’s Garden at the Caswell Memorial State Historic Site, maintained by the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lenoir County (EMGV), continues to flourish as a vibrant outdoor classroom for learners of all ages in our community.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Sonya Stocks Davis Is a Wise Judge
When Governor Josh Stein appointed Sonya Stocks Davis to the District Court bench, it was a proud moment for the Kinston/Lenoir County community. I knew Judge Davis' parents before I met her. Her father was Chester Stocks who helped to mold many 4-H youth for decades. Her mother is Mallie Stocks who broke the mold in community service by serving on so many boards and committees. Their dedication to Kinston must have rubbed off on their daughter.
Neuse Regional Libraries: Programming of the Year Award
Neuse Regional Libraries (NRL) is excited to announce that it has been awarded the 2025 North Carolina Public Library Directors Association (NCPLDA) Programming Award for the Teens Lead program. It is an honor to be recognized at the state level for providing innovative programming to the citizens of Lenoir, Jones, and Greene Counties. The Library will accept the award at the NCPLDA Award Ceremony on December 11, 2026.
Obituary: Jonas “J.N” Nathan Hill III
Jonas “J.N” Nathan Hill III, 78, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Greenville Health and Rehabilitation after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and a recent bout with cancer. A viewing will be held at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow in the White Family Cemetery, 1451 Dover Ft. Barnwell Road, Dover, NC.
Arrest Made Following Citizen Drug Complaints in LaGrange
On December 10th, 2025, Detectives with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, along with Patrol Deputies from D-Shift, served Joseph Byrd, 23, of LaGrange, with multiple narcotic-related arrest warrants.
Obituary: Pamela (Dean) Lindley Bryant
It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pamela (Dean) Lindley Bryant, age 70, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and lifelong caregiver. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 15, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home in La Grange, NC. A service to celebrate Pam’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel.
Obituary: Jan Waters Mewborn
Jan Waters Mewborn, 64, entered into the loving presence of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at ECU Health in Greenville. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Daly's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. A service celebrating Jan’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary, with Pastor Chris Singleton officiating. Interment will be held in the church cemetery.
Kristy Kelly: The Tampa Experience
I’m starting to understand all the Florida jokes. From fog that seemed unfazed by the sun to a power outage in a parking garage, my day was one long string of minor inconveniences that managed to feel much bigger than they were. It really did start with wearing the wrong shoes.
UPDATED: Current list of 2026 Primary candidates for Lenoir, Greene and Jones Counties
The filing period for North Carolina's 2026 municipal elections opened Monday, December 1, 2025 marking the official start of the campaign season for dozens of local offices across Lenoir, Jones and Greene counties. Candidates seeking election to partisan and nonpartisan offices have until noon on Friday, December 19 to file with their respective county boards of elections.
Kinston Police seek suspects in early-morning tire theft at Deacon Jones
Kinston police are asking for the public’s help identifying two suspects accused of stealing wheels and tires from a vehicle at a local dealership early Tuesday morning.
LCSO concludes narcotics investigation; one arrested for trafficking charges
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit has concluded an investigation into the distribution of fentanyl throughout Lenoir County, resulting in the arrest of a Kinston woman on multiple trafficking charges.
Event: A Queen Street Christmas
You’re invited to the 24th Annual Christmas Concert, A Queen Street Christmas, at Queen Street United Methodist Church
Join us Saturday, December 13, or Sunday, December 14 for an unforgettable evening of music and celebration. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; the concert begins at 6:00 p.m.
Roy A. Dawson Announces Candidacy for District Court Judge in North Carolina’s 9th Judicial District
Attorney Roy A. Dawson has officially filed to run for District Court Judge in North Carolina’s 9th Judicial District, which serves Lenoir, Wayne, and Greene counties. Dawson, a practicing attorney with more than a decade of courtroom experience, says he is running to ensure that local courtrooms remain fair, accessible, and grounded in dignity and respect.