Governor Stein Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm

(RALEIGH) Governor Stein declared a State of Emergency as North Carolina prepares for the impacts of a major winter storm. On Thursday, January 22, at 11:15 a.m., Governor Stein will hold a media briefing to provide updates on the status of storm preparations. He will be joined by NC Department of Public Safety Secretary Jeff Smythe, NC Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson, NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray, NC State Highway Patrol Colonel Freddy Johnson, and NC National Guard Major General Todd Hunt. 

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.

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.

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.

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.