Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Howard-Carter Funeral Home with Pastor Craig Ham officiating. Visitation will follow the service. Private entombment will be at a later date.
Kristy Kelly: Did the internet rewrite our memories, or did we rewrite the internet?
A reader, that I will refer to as Lee, emailed me with the kind of question that sounds silly until you realize you have wondered the same thing in the cereal aisle.
Neuse Regional Libraries director Melanie Morgan selected for New Hanover post
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.
Obituary: Laura B. Wade
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.
City council approves three local historic landmark designations
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.
Lenoir commissioners open Feb. 16 meeting with Wilcox centennial honor, sand pit hearings
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.
Letter to the Editor: The District Attorney plays one of the most important roles in our justice system
I am proud to endorse Mike Muskus for District Attorney and encourage voters across Lenoir, Greene, and Wayne counties to support his candidacy.
Obituary: Betty Wade Snead
Ms. Betty Wade Snead, age 82, passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro
Arrest made in stolen vehicle investigation
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.
Lenoir County Woman Charged with Embezzlement
On February 17, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to a report of suspected embezzlement involving Hope Restorations.
Public Notice: Town of La Grange Public Hearing
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.
Jason McKnight: Snow-pocalypse 2026: The Snow’s Unmistakable Message
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 Now Offers Rock Steady Boxing
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 early voting tops 1,100 ballots through Feb. 19
Lenoir County voters cast 1,122 early ballots through Thursday, Feb. 19, according to updated totals provided by the Lenoir County Board of Elections.
Lenoir County man arrested on drug and DWI charges following traffic stop
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.
Greensboro couple arrested after officers respond to unresponsive 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.
Wanted Lenoir County man arrested after fleeing traffic stop
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.
Kinston man arrested after stolen vehicle
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.
Obituary: Willie James Houston
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.
2025 Miss Neuse Lexy Rouse to crown new scholarship pageant winner Feb. 21
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.