Jerry Lee Drake, 84, passed away on February 20, 2026. A private service will be held for family and friends.
Traffic Stop Leads to Narcotics Arrest and Assault Charges
On February 23, 2026, at approximately 11:48 AM, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad conducted a traffic stop on South East Street near East King Street for motor vehicle violations. The driver was identified as 71-year-old Curtis Strayhorn of Greensboro, North Carolina. The passenger was identified as 25-year-old Genesis Jones of Lenoir County.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Full Circle Friends
It is simply amazing to me how many old friends have been separated by miles or work but have come back into my life. I even wondered if my family had sent out a message from one of my old address books, but they had not. It is just part of the universe.
Letter to the Editor: Saturday marks the end of early voting for the 2026 Primary Election
This Saturday marks the end of early voting for the 2026 Primary Election.
Community Council for the Arts Presents Silent Thunder Echoes of Greatness
The Community Council for the Arts proudly presents Silent Thunder Echoes of Greatness, an exhibition of quilted portraits and textile works by nationally recognized artist Dr Eugene Poole. The exhibition opens with a public artist talk and reception on Thursday March 6 at the Community Council for the Arts in Kinston.
Trenton man charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor
(TRENTON, NC) In February, 2026 members of the Jones County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force initiated an investigation related to a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). During the investigation, Joshua David Cochran was identified as a suspect.
UNC Health Lenoir Welcomes Dr. Ythan Webster to Orthopedic Team
UNC Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Lenoir is pleased to welcome Dr. Ythan Webster, a highly skilled podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages.
Mike Parker: Remember Dr. Carver for more than peanuts
When I taught students the importance of limiting their research topics, I told them a parable centered on Dr. George Washington Carver. The story goes something like this:
Lenoir County restaurant inspections
The following inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department:
Obituary: Wayne Quinn
John Wayne Quinn, 62, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange.
Jeffery J. Swinson of Kinston Earns Degree from University of Maryland Global Campus
ADELPHI, MD (02/20/2026)-- Jeffery J. Swinson of Kinston, earned a(n) Associate of Arts from University of Maryland Global Campus in fall 2025.
Kinston baseball Hall of Fame banquet set for Feb. 27 at King’s Restaurant
Bill Ellis is inviting the public to the Kinston Professional Baseball Sports Hall of Fame banquet set for 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at King’s Restaurant.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: February is National Heart Healthy Month
February is Heart Healthy Month, a crucial time each year to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, and why;
Lenoir County death notices
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
Help Wanted: EMS Captain
As a member of Emergency Services with Lenoir County Government, you can make a difference! The Emergency Medical Services Division is seeking candidates for an EMS Captain.
Molly White crowned the 2026 Miss Neuse
The 2026 Miss Neuse Scholarship Pageant has crowned this year’s winner, Molly White.
S&S Metal Works Establishes Endowed Scholarship for LCC Welding Students
The Lenoir Community College Foundation has received a generous donation from S&S Metal Works in Snow Hill to establish an endowed scholarship supporting students enrolled in LCC’s welding programs.
Public Notice: Town of La Grange Request for Proposals (RFP)
The Town of La Grange is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified contractors to provide Grounds Maintenance Services, Nuisance Abatement Mowing, and Town-Maintained Right-of-Way (ROW) Mowing Services.
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
Obituary: Gary “Tiny” Radford
Gary Wayne “Tiny” Radford, 62, was released from the troubles of this world on Thursday, February 19, 2026. A service of love and remembrance will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026 at Rouse Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service. A graveside committal will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Fairview Cemetery.