On January 20, 2026, at approximately 11:20 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s D-Squad checked out with a suspicious vehicle in the area of Plaza Boulevard.
NWS: Increased confidence in ice and freezing rain impacts this weekend
The biggest changes this morning are increased confidence in ice and freezing rain impacts, and lower probabilities of snow impacts for most, except those along and north of US 264.
Cleveland Lovick sworn in to fill commissioner vacancy
At the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners meeting on Jan. 21, 2026, Cleveland Lovick was sworn in to fill the vacancy created by the death of Commissioner Roland Best. The oath of office was administered by Mary Alphin, Clerk of Superior Court for Lenoir County.
Hickory Grove Church (5)
A church is formed, established, and founded when a group of people organize for the purpose of meeting together for worship. Although a permanent place to assemble is a goal for most fledgling churches, a building is not required for people to worship. Further, the year a church erects a building does not necessarily align with the year it is organized.
Former NFL Player Chris Draft to Visit UNC Health Lenoir to Promote Cancer Exercise Program
Former NFL player and lung cancer awareness advocate, Chris Draft will visit UNC Health Lenoir on Tuesday, January 27, to spotlight the Get Real and Heel exercise oncology program at the Minges Wellness Center.
Public Notice: Lenoir County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Announcement of Funds
The Lenoir County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council announces the availability of $247,183 for 2026-27. Use of these funds requires a 10% local match. Needed programs: Mentoring, Parent/Family Skills, Interpersonal (Social) Skills, Vocational Skills, Restitution, Teen Court, Home-based Counseling, Substance Abuse Prevention, and Juvenile Structured Day.
NWS: Potential continues to increase for significant impacts this weekend into next week.
It remains too early to pinpoint amounts or where specific precipitation types will set up, but potential continues to increase for significant impacts this weekend into next week.
Narcotics Investigation Leads to Guilty Plea and Prison Sentence for Lenoir County Man
A 33-year-old Lenoir County man has pleaded guilty to trafficking narcotics.
Joint Narcotics Investigation Results in Arrest
A joint effort between the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office and the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the arrest of a 20-year-old Duplin County woman for narcotic related charges.
Obituary: Roland Ernest Clayborne
Roland Ernest Clayborne, 85, of Kinston, North Carolina, was called home to the Throne of Jesus on January 18, 2026, where he was reunited with his beloved wife, Marie, and a host of family and friends. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rouse Funeral Home in La Grange, North Carolina. A celebration of his life and interment will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Westview Cemetery on Hwy 70 in Kinston.
NWS: Confidence increases for weekend winter storm
Confidence continues to increase for a winter storm to unfold across Eastern NC this weekend.
Kristy Kelly: The Monster Bike Saga Continues
After a decade in call centers, nothing makes me turn into the stereotypical entitled, middle-aged, woman quite like a bad customer service experience. Last month, my youngest son was involved in an accident while riding the monster bike. Apparently, a red pickup truck side swiped him, sending him and the bike over a curb. He’s fine, the bike is banged up, but fine, so he goes home.
NWS: Weekend Storm has Potential
We are still a minimum of 5 days out. A lot can and will change.
Obituary: Marie Williams Obituary
Marie Taylor Williams, 64, of 1617 Highway 11 South, Kinston, entered her heavenly home on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Jackson Heights Original Free Will Baptist Church, with Pastor Justin Barnett officiating. Interment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Jackson Heights Original Free Will Baptist Church.
Midway Mart No. 2 opens in Deep Run
A new convenience store is now open in Deep Run.
NWS: Increasing Potential for Winter Weather Impacts This Weekend
Chances are increasing that we could see winter weather impacts this weekend as an expansive storm system moves across the Southern US and interacts with Arctic air.
Mike Parker: Dr. King: Student before Legend
Every school child knows – or should know – about Dr. Martin Luther King’s importance to the Civil Rights Movement. We have all heard stories about his fight for equality. We know he died on April 4, 1968, struck down by an assassin’s bullet as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
Snow Hill Primary Terrific Kid Awards
Snow Hill Primary gives out a weekly award called "Terrific Kid" awards. Each teacher at SHP chooses a student who has been responsible, shows great character, or has reached a personal goal. On Fridays, these students are presented with an award and are congratulated for their hard work. Below are Snow Hill Primary's Terrific Kid Awards!
Kinston Community Health Center Names Teresa Sugg 2026 Employee of the Year
Kinston Community Health Center (KCHC) is proud to announce Teresa Sugg as its 2026 Employee of the Year.