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Early in-person voting in Lenoir County totaled 2,102 ballots cast through Feb. 25, based on daily tallies provided by election officials. With 37,540 registered voters in the county as of the state’s Feb. 21 registration snapshot, that early-vote total equals about 5.6% of registered voters so far.

Feb 26

Feb 26 Letter to the Editor: Respect for law and order is not blind loyalty to a uniform

Local News, Politics

In recent years, public trust in institutions, including law enforcement, has been strained. People have every right to ask hard questions of the government. But no community is better off when disagreement turns into harassment, threats, or assaults on public servants.

Feb 26

Feb 26 Neuse Regional Libraries announces America 250 speaker series, crafts and summer reading theme

Neuse Regional Libraries is rolling out a slate of programs tied to America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Empowering Lenoir Community College Students: North Carolina Community Colleges and UnitedHealthcare Announce Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program

Feb 26

Feb 26 Empowering Lenoir Community College Students: North Carolina Community Colleges and UnitedHealthcare Announce Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program

Education, Local News

Lenoir Community College announces its participation in the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program, a new initiative aimed at training the next generation of rural healthcare professionals.

Feb 25

Feb 25 Murphy Applauds Historic Wins & Priorities Highlighted by President Trump in State of the Union Address

Politics

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., applauds the historic wins and policy priorities highlighted by President Trump in his State of the Union address to Congress.

Feb 25

Feb 25 Public Notice: Town of La Grange Public Hearing

Classifieds

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.

Feb 25

Feb 25 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.: Updates from eastern North Carolina and Washingon, D.C.

Local News, Politics

Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. As always, it remains a true honor and a privilege to represent you in Congress! If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to my e-newsletter here.

Feb 24

Feb 24 KPD: Update: Murder Investigation – Guilty Verdict and Sentencing

Crime

Today, the Lenoir County District Attorney’s Office delivered closing arguments in the murder trial of Trevor Demitri Akeily Peters. Following deliberations, the jury returned a guilty verdict, finding Peters guilty of First-Degree Murder in the death of Demario Washington.

Feb 24

Feb 24 Kinston High Students Kickstart Healthcare Careers with State Certification

Rebecca McGann

Education, Local News

Seven seniors at Kinston High School are entering the final months of high school with an added credential to their names. This fall, they earned their Certified Nursing Assistant credentials through the Lancer Academy, a career and technical education partnership with Lenoir Community College. In a single semester, the group completed the coursework, clinical hours, and state testing required for certification. All seven passed both the written exam and the hands-on skills test.

Feb 24

Feb 24 Obituary: Jerry Lee Drake

Edwards Funeral Home

Obituaries

Jerry Lee Drake, 84, passed away on February 20, 2026. A private service will be held for family and friends.

Feb 24

Feb 24 Traffic Stop Leads to Narcotics Arrest and Assault Charges

KPD Press Release

Local News, Crime

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.

Feb 24

Feb 24 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.

Feb 24

Feb 24 Letter to the Editor: Saturday marks the end of early voting for the 2026 Primary Election

Local News, Politics

This Saturday marks the end of early voting for the 2026 Primary Election.

Feb 24

Feb 24 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.

Feb 23

Feb 23 Trenton man charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor

Local News, Crime

(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.

Feb 23

Feb 23 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.

Feb 23

Feb 23 Mike Parker: Remember Dr. Carver for more than peanuts

Mike Parker

Columns

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:

Feb 23

Feb 23 Lenoir County restaurant inspections