Melanie Morgan, who has led Neuse Regional Libraries since November 2018, has been selected as the next director of the New Hanover County Public Library system, according to a New Hanover County announcement posted Thursday, Feb. 19. Morgan is scheduled to begin the new role March 31.
Laura Bynum Wade, age 84, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 19, 2026, at her home. Funeral Services will be held 11 AM Saturday, February 21st, at the Chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with the Reverend Al Sullivan officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home and other times at Mrs. Wade’s residence.
The Kinston City Council met Tuesday, Feb. 17, at City Hall with Mayor Kareem S. Moore presiding. Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon and council members Antonio Hardy, Les Lipford and Barbara Seaforth were present.
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners opened its Monday, Feb. 16 meeting with an invocation from Commissioner Dr. Preston Harris and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Cleveland Lovick. Chair Linda Rouse Sutton reminded commissioners of the board’s duty to vote on matters unless a conflict of interest exists; no conflicts were declared.
I am proud to endorse Mike Muskus for District Attorney and encourage voters across Lenoir, Greene, and Wayne counties to support his candidacy.
Ms. Betty Wade Snead, age 82, passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro
On February 15, 2026, at approximately 8:46 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to a residence in the 600 block of East Lenoir Avenue in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim, who reported that 41-year-old Zebroan Artis had taken her keys and stolen her vehicle.
On February 17, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to a report of suspected embezzlement involving Hope Restorations.
Town Council of the Town of La Grange will hold a public hearing at the regular Board meeting of the Town of La Grange on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Town of La Grange Town Hall.
A foot of snow in Kinston! That was quite a sight. It was beautiful. It was arresting. It was cold. To think that precipitation fell not as drops of water, but as crystals of H2O which piled up on each other to lay down a white blanket of beauty.
Minges Wellness Center at UNC Health Lenoir now offers Rock Steady Boxing, a medically based fitness program designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and coordination.
Lenoir County voters cast 1,122 early ballots through Thursday, Feb. 19, according to updated totals provided by the Lenoir County Board of Elections.
On February 13, 2026, at approximately 8:12 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to the 1800 block of East New Bern Road following a report of a wrong-way driver.
On February 14, 2026, at approximately 4:23 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad were dispatched to a restaurant drive-through on the 900 block of West Vernon Avenue following a report of a subject slumped over in a vehicle.
On February 13, 2026, at approximately 4:31 p.m., detectives with the Kinston Police Department’s VCAT Unit observed a white Dodge Charger traveling south on Old Snow Hill Road.
On February 14, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad were notified of a stolen vehicle in the area of Vernon Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Willie James Houston, Sr., age 91, of Kinston, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026, at home. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Jackson Heights Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Justin Barnett officiating.
The 2026 Miss Neuse Scholarship Pageant has introduced this year’s contestants, continuing its mission as a fundraiser supporting young women ages 14 to 17.
Gerald Dwight Simmons, died at home on Monday, February 2, 2026 in Raleigh North Carolina at age 89. A service celebrating Gerald’s life will be held at Outlaw’s Bridge Universalist Church, 4408 NC-111, Seven Springs North Carolina, 28578, on Saturday, February 21, at 3 PM. A reception will follow the service.
Mary’s Kitchen will be hosting their annual Bingo Night on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in Moseley Hall of St. Mary’s Church (800 Rountree St Kinston). Doors will open at 5:00. Everyone is invited for an evening of food and fellowship with hot dogs, chips and drinks as well as door prizes and game prizes!
