The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Comforting Seasonal Soups for the Holidays
There is nothing more appealing on a chilly day than a warm hearty bowl of soup, and the holidays are the perfect time to enjoy one. With company coming soup is an easy filling option to make ahead or to quickly assemble. Pair with a grilled cheese or some saltine crackers and everyone will leave happy!
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lenoir County Announce 2025–2026 Horticulture Grant Recipients
The Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lenoir County (EMGV) are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025–2026 EMGV Horticulture Grant. This annual grant program supports innovative, hands-on horticulture projects that enhance student learning and connect classroom instruction to real-world environmental and agricultural experiences.
January: Looking back: Neuse News’ most-read stories of 2025
January through November brought a wide range of headlines, including high-profile criminal cases, contentious political battles, major development projects, and deeply personal community stories. Readers closely followed election challenges, public safety investigations, school system updates, and decisions with long-term impacts on local taxpayers. Together, these monthly top stories offer a snapshot of a year defined by change, accountability, and an ongoing demand for transparency in Eastern North Carolina.
Lenoir County Farmers Market update for Saturday, December 20, 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.
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.
Lenoir County Commissioner Roland Best remembered for a lifetime of service and compassion
Lenoir County Commissioner Roland Best Jr., a longtime public servant and respected community leader, died Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. He was 74.
Jackson Heights OFWB Church to Hold Annual Christmas Gift Giveaway on Dec. 20
The Christmas season is a special time of year where many celebrate with friends and family, but it can also be a difficult time of year for many. Therefore, each year our church family at Jackson Heights OFWB Church comes together for our annual Christmas gift giveaway to try to help make the Christmas season a little merrier for those in our community.
Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation awards grant to Backpack Buddies of Lenoir County
Backpack Buddies of Lenoir County has received a grant of $1,800 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to help nourish neighbors experiencing hunger. The Nourishing Our Neighbors grant supports community feeding partners by helping neighbors increase their access to nutritious food and providing nutrition education to reduce health risks for those experiencing food insecurity.
Obituary: Andy Harrison
Andrew Jackson “Andy” Harrison Jr., 55, passed away on December 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family while under the compassionate care of Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Andy was born in Lenoir County on December 20, 1969, to Jack and Myrtle Harrison.
Obituary: Shirley Sutton
Shirley Ann Holland Sutton, 86, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. A service of love and remembrance will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Rouse Funeral Home with Pastor Stan Matthews officiating. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to service. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange.
Obituary: Emily Pennington
Emily Lucille Richardson Pennington, 77, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home. A service of love and remembrance will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home with Mr. Lennie Reagan officiating. Committal will be held at the Eastern Carolina Veterans Cemetery at 12:00 noon on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Felony Flee to Elude Arrest Made Following Vehicle Pursuit
On December 18, 2025, A Deputy with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office C Shift observed a white Chevrolet Malibu traveling at a high rate of speed on W. Washington Street in La Grange.
Lenoir/Greene United Way Announces President-Elect
Lenoir/Greene United Way is proud to announce Dr. Brandy Harrell as President-Elect of the Board of Directors, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to creating lasting, equitable change across our community.
NWS Morehead City: Cold front expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and coastal hazards
A cold front moving through eastern North Carolina late Thursday night through Friday afternoon is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds and hazardous coastal and marine conditions, according to the National Weather Service in Morehead City.
Greene County holds ribbon cutting for new Courtroom 2 at justice center
Greene County officials, staff, and community partners held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 15 at the Greene County Justice Center to mark the completion of Courtroom 2.
Public Notice: Notice of Public Hearing of the Kinston City Council
Notice is hereby given that the Kinston City Council will hold a Public Hearing at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, or as soon thereafter as may be heard, in City Hall Council Chambers, 207 East King Street, Kinston, NC and/or by virtual format. The following item will be heard:
Public Notice: Notice of Public Hearing of the Kinston City Council
Notice is hereby given that the Kinston City Council will hold a Public Hearing at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, or as soon thereafter as may be heard, in City Hall Council Chambers, 207 East King Street, Kinston, NC and/or by virtual format. The following item will be heard:
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.
State Board of Elections denies Kinston election protests
The North Carolina State Board of Elections on Wednesday dismissed both election protest appeals related to Kinston’s 2025 municipal races, allowing the city’s election results to move forward toward final certification.