The Lenoir Community College Foundation has received a $10,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to expand scholarships and student support focused on workforce training and high-demand career pathways in eastern North Carolina.
Former CNA Arrested in Kinston Healthcare Fraud Investigation
In November 2024, officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to Signature Healthcare in reference to a reported fraud. A preliminary investigation determined that a certified nursing assistant (CNA), identified as 45-year-old Hildares Parker-Greene, unlawfully obtained debit card information belonging to a patient and used the information to make unauthorized purchases.
Obituary: Carolyn Bias
Following a valiant fight and filled with a faith just as fierce, Carolyn Joyce Bias, 63, exchanged the suffering of this world for the embrace of her Savior on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Local student launches initiative to support veterans and first responders
Brie Rouse and her family walked into G.I. Joe’s on the morning of Dec. 23, 2025. Little did the veterans know, part of their Christmas had arrived early.
Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D.: Updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C.
Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. As always, it remains a true honor and a privilege to represent you in Congress! If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to my e-newsletter here.
Snow Hill Commissioners Appoint Harrell to Board Vacancy, Reelect Wilkes as Mayor Pro Tem
The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners held two connected meetings on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the G. Melvin Oliver Town Hall in Snow Hill. The proceedings began with the conclusion of the recessed regular meeting from December 8, 2025.
Help Wanted: Lenoir County Emergency Services - Communications Division
As a member of Emergency Services with Lenoir County Government, you can make a difference! The Central Communications Division is seeking candidates for E-911 Operations Manager.
Obituary: Gaille Rouse Smith
Gaille Rouse Smith, age 85 of Kinston, departed this life on December 28, 2025. A service will be held at Edwards Funeral Home in Kinston, NC, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2PM, with interment at Westview Cemetery immediately after.
Two Arrested Following Narcotics Investigation at Local Convenience Store
On January 13, 2026, narcotics detectives with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (NC ALE), arrested a 32-year-old Lenoir County male and a 34-year-old Lenoir County female at the Star Mini Mart located on Poole Road.
Jason McKnight: Lessons from Pain
This week, I’ve been flat on my back. Six days ago, I torqued the wrong way moving a pile of books. That was on top of an earlier morning tweak while exercising. Which resulted from a bad night of sleep for some unknown reason. That book torque was the kill-switch: “This guy’s going down.”
Obituary: Orville “Big Ed” Langley Jr.
Orville “Big Ed” Langley Jr., 85, of Kinston, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. at Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. following visitation at Howard-Carter Funeral Home in Kinston with Pastor Gray Harrison officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.
Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins to open new combo store in Kinston Friday
DUNKIN’ and Baskin-Robbins will celebrate the grand opening of a new combination location in Kinston on Friday, Jan. 16, with giveaways and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Sentencing Update: Two Plead Guilty to Providing Contraband to Inmates
Shaniqua Reed, 37, of Magnolia, and LaDarius Hines, 26, of Kinston, each appeared in Lenoir County Superior Court today, where they pleaded guilty to one felony count of Providing Contraband to Inmates.
Attempted robbery reported at Maysville Hardee’s
At approximately 6:15 this morning the Jones County Sheriff's Office responded to Hardee's in Maysville, NC for an attempted robbery and assault.
Woman charged after trespassing complaint on East Washington Avenue
On January 9, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s B-Squad responded to a residence in the 800 block of East Washington Avenue in reference to a trespassing complaint.
Obituary: Virginia Rogers
Virginia Lee Reynolds Rogers, 87, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026. A service of love and remembrance will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Rouse Funeral Home with Pastor Doug Ward officiating. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to service. A graveside committal officiated by Rusty Alphin will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery.
Inmate Charged with Drug and Contraband Offenses
Morgan Williams was brought to the Lenoir County Detention Center by Probation and Parole on December 29, 2025, on a parole violation.
Mike Parker: The common sense of ‘Common Sense’
As we contemplate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we cannot overlook one of the most significant works written not only to support the push for independence, but a work that also plainly argued that anything less than independence from Great Britain placed the colonies as second class citizens as long as that bond existed.
North Carolina's November Employment Figures Released
Raleigh, N.C. - The state’s seasonally adjusted November 2025 unemployment rate was 3.8 percent. The national rate was 4.6 percent. October 2025 data are unavailable due to the lapse in appropriations.
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds: