January 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 207 E. King Street, Kinston, North Carolina.
NWS: Potential for moderate impacts from weekend winter storm increasing
We continue to hone in on the potential winter storm this weekend. While it remains too early for specific snow accumulations, the likelihood of at least moderate impacts is growing.
Interim city manager abruptly resigns weeks after appointment
The interim city manager for the City of Kinston resigned Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, according to city officials.
Chamber honors local leaders at annual awards banquet
The Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce recognized five community leaders Tuesday night during its annual awards banquet, held Jan. 27 at the Kinston Country Club.
Jason McKnight: How to Navigate Miscommunication
I love what I do for a living. Pastoring a local church is a whole lot of fun. But, as everyone who is part of a local church (or part of any lodge, supper club, travel team), the more time you spend with people, the more opportunity there is for miscommunication.
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.
Obituary: William “Bill” Francis Russell
William “Bill” Francis Russell died on Sunday, December 21, 2025 in Kinston, NC. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Bill was a native of Greenville, TN, and attended East Tennessee State University and served in the National Guard.
Obituary: Terry Foss
Terrance “Terry” Fleming Foss, 73, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Terry was born in Lenoir County to the late Emmett Wooten Foss, Sr. and Geneva Smith Foss Wood on April 7, 1952. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Kathy Mundinger English; brothers, Robert Earl Foss and Simon Wood; and great-nephew, Charlie Robert Foss.
Obituary: Russell Vinson
Cary Russell Vinson, 78, passed away on January 25, 2026. Russell was born in Wayne County on October 24, 1947, to the late Milford Russell Vinson and Carrie Mae Parrish Vinson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Andrea Nikole “Nikki” Vinson; and two sisters, Jean Rouse and Kaye Gray.
Lenoir County commissioners honor Roland Best, appoint successor, advance major capital projects
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, Jan. 20, to honor the late Commissioner Roland Best Jr., appoint his replacement, and take action on several major county initiatives, including park development, investment strategy, and long-term capital projects.
KPD Arrests Kinston Woman for DWI Following Crash on Airport Road
On January 26, 2026, at approximately 9:51 a.m., Kinston Police Department A-Squad responded to the 600 block of Airport Road in reference to a motor vehicle collision.
NCDOR Opens 2026 State Income Tax Filing Season, Begins Accepting 2025 Returns
Raleigh, N.C. - Today, along with the Internal Revenue Service, the N.C. Department of Revenue officially opens the 2026 individual income tax filing season and begins accepting 2025 returns. Taxpayers who file state returns electronically will receive acknowledgements.
Murphy Introduces Legislation to Boost American Cotton Consumption
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., introduced the Buying American Cotton Act, alongside Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL), legislation to create a tax credit to incentivize the consumption of products made with American-grown cotton.
Josie Phelps Named to Dean's List at University of Maryland Global Campus
Josie Phelps of La Grange was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2025 term at University of Maryland Global Campus. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.
NWS: Watching the potential for another weekend storm
While it is WAY too early for too many specifics, the trend continues to increase that we may see at least moderate impacts in our area.
Obituary: Joyce High
Ms. Ellen Joyce High, beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, and Nana, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 19, 2026, while at her home in Wichita Falls, Texas. Funeral Services will be held 2 PM Thursday, January 29th, at the Chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service in Snow Hill, with Pastor John Robert Harris officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.
Obituary: Jeff Radford
La Grange- Jeffery Craig Radford, 69, was welcomed home on January 23, 2026. The family will receive friends for a time of fellowship and visitation on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home.
Obituary: Nancy Carol Crawford Hannah Smith
Mrs. Carol Crawford Smith of Magnolia Cottage, Dover, North Carolina, passed away on January 23rd, 2026. No formal service is planned at this time. Mrs. Smith’s ashes will be interred at a graveside service in Iron Duff at a later date.
KPD Arrests Suspect in Arson Investigation at Carver Courts
On January 22, 2026, at approximately 8:09 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad were requested to assist the Kinston Fire Department with a vehicle fire in the parking lot of Carver Courts.
LCPS releases second Nine Week Honor Roll/Principal’s List names
Lenoir County Public Schools is proud to recognize students who made their schools’ Principal’s List and Honor Roll in the second nine weeks of classes this school year. Congratulations to everyone who has been named!