Plaza post office regains full counter service in Kinston

The Plaza Kinston Post Office has now regained full counter service, marking the latest step in the facility’s recovery after tornado damage forced its closure in 2023. Former Kinston Mayor Don Hardy announced the update Wednesday, and the U.S. Postal Service location page now lists retail hours for the branch, which had reopened in September 2025 for PO box access only. USPS lists the Plaza Kinston branch at 2433 N. Herritage St. and shows retail hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Obituary: Joseph Eugene "Gene" Turnage

Joseph Eugene “Gene” Turnage, 91, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Gordon Street Christian Church. The family will receive friends immediately after the service. Burial will follow at a later date in the Trenton Cemetery.

BJ Murphy: Your News Experience Just Got an Upgrade

While I've stepped back from day-to-day editorial decisions, I've shifted my focus to growing our news portfolio, expanding our high school sports coverage into Wayne County, and delivering stronger video and social media services to our clients. That work continues, and today I'm excited to share a couple of updates that I believe will improve your experience across all of our platforms.

Obituary: Laura “Gaye” Powell

Laura “Gaye” Powell, 59, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center after a long health battle. The family will host a memorial service at Christian Chapel Original Free Will Baptist Church in Pink Hill on Saturday March 28, 2026 at 11:00 am. A preceding burial service for family will be held on Thursday March 26, 2026 at 11:00 am at Pikeville Cemetery in Pikeville, NC.

Obituary: Susan Edwards Moore

Susan Edwards Moore, 76, of Kinston, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, surrounded by her family after a battle with cancer. A celebration of her beautiful life will be held at Edwards Funeral Home in Kinston, NC, on Saturday, March 28, 2026. A visitation with the family will be held from 10:30–12:00, with a funeral service following at noon. Graveside services will be private.