December 16, 2025 — UNC Health Lenoir has been recognized as a Top Rural Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog organization known for setting the highest standards for patient safety, quality, and transparency in the United States. This prestigious honor is awarded to a select group of hospitals that demonstrate exceptional performance across a range of safety and quality measures.
Kenneth “Kenny” Dunham passed away at the age of 68 on December 13, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A celebration of life service will be held at 902 Church, 2009 Carey Road, Kinston, North Carolina, on Tuesday, December 16, at 6 p.m. Visitation will follow the service.
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
Lenoir County’s Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma recognized outstanding beginning teachers in their third year of teaching in December with the Buzzing Bee BT Award.
Kinston police charged two individuals with going armed to the terror of the people after responding to a report of armed individuals in the Jack Rountree area. In a separate incident, a Lenoir County man was arrested following an erratic driving stop on U.S. 70 and charged with DWI and multiple related offenses.
The City of Kinston has delayed the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials because the Lenoir County Board of Elections has not yet certified the results of the Nov. 4 municipal election.
The National Retail Federation released its annual holiday forecast on November 6, predicting retail sales in November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024. That figure translates into total spending between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion.
The following inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department:
The Data Analytics & Improvement Strategist is responsible for collecting, querying, analyzing, and transforming institutional data into actionable insights that drive continuous improvement in student experience and achievement.
The Instructional Designer collaborates with faculty and the Director of Online Learning and Faculty Development to design and enhance courses for increased engagement and student success.
The Public Safety Specialist provides advanced administrative and clerical support to the Director of Emergency Medical Science and the overall Public Safety Division to ensure effective and efficient daily office operations. This position also manages the admissions process for prospective public safety students. The Public Safety Specialist reports to the Director of Emergency Medical Science.
The Director of Library Services provides leadership and vision for the library. The Director is expected to represent the library within the community, offer programs to students, develop collections that meet the needs of faculty and students, provide budgeting information, and manage all library staff, facilities, and services.
Raleigh, N.C. - The state’s seasonally adjusted September 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from August’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.4 percent.
Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., introduced the VA Research Reform Act, legislation to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs’ research ecosystem to improve the efficiency and transparency of care delivery.
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
The Instructional Designer collaborates with faculty and the Director of Online Learning and Faculty Development to design and enhance courses for increased engagement and student success.
The Director of Library Services provides leadership and vision for the library. The Director is expected to represent the library within the community, offer programs to students, develop collections that meet the needs of faculty and students, provide budgeting information, and manage all library staff, facilities, and services.
The Public Safety Specialist provides advanced administrative and clerical support to the Director of Emergency Medical Science and the overall Public Safety Division to ensure effective and efficient daily office operations. This position also manages the admissions process for prospective public safety students. The Public Safety Specialist reports to the Director of Emergency Medical Science.
The Data Analytics & Improvement Strategist is responsible for collecting, querying, analyzing, and transforming institutional data into actionable insights that drive continuous improvement in student experience and achievement.
Stanley Turnage, 94, peacefully went home on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Goldsboro Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home. A graveside service to honor Catherine will be held at Fairview Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Danny Rollins officiating the service.
