The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
KPD: Traffic Stop Leads to DWI and Drug Charges
On March 27, 2026, at approximately 1:15 a.m., Kinston Police Department D-Squad officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for failing to maintain lane control.
Obituary: Samuel Lee "Sam" Turnage
Samuel Lee "Sam" Turnage, 94, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. 🕊️ A memorial service will be held Friday, April 3, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Garner Funeral Home in Kinston, North Carolina, followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place afterward at Wintergreen Cemetery.
KPD says officers cleared in 2025 Manchester Road shooting
The Kinston Police Department is announcing the conclusion of the independent investigation into the officer involved shooting that occurred on July 20, 2025, on the 1300 block of Manchester Road. After a thorough review of all available evidence, including body worn camera footage, witness statements, forensic analysis, and findings from the North Carolina State Burau of Investigation and the Ninth Prosecutorial District Attorney’s Office, it has been determined that the officers involved acted lawfully and in accordance with department policy.
Fifth annual Nell Pittman Day walk-a-thon to honor resilience, support families
The fifth annual Nell Pittman Day Walk-a-Thon and Community Resource Fair will bring the Kinston community together April 25 to honor the life of Nell Pittman while raising support for families facing caregiving challenges.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Stand Up Straight
A prayer partner Minister Linda Greene of New Bern asked me to write about an experience with a flower. A neighbor rang my door bell one day and she and her daughter stood there with a flower to give to me as a a gift. First the flower was a bulb with long roots hanging down already, ready to plant in soil. But it was housed in a beautiful little glass vase to keep it in. So I set it on a table in a room by the window.
Public Notice: Advertisement to bid
Sealed bids for construction of the LENOIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE BUILDING 3 AND BUILDING 13 RENOVATIONS – BUILDING 3, will be received in person, via regular mail by
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.
Narcotics Investigation Leads to Arrest of Pitt County Woman
On March 21, 2026, a 33-year-old Pitt County woman was arrested following a narcotics investigation into the distribution of illegal controlled substances throughout Lenoir County.
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.
KPD CONNECT launches community safety forum series in Kinston
The Kinston Police Department is launching KPD CONNECT, which stands for Continued Outreach Network for Engagement, Community and Trust, as a new community safety forum series aimed at bringing conversations about public safety directly to residents.
Paint the Town invites community to paint Kinston landmarks
Artists of all ages and skill levels are being invited to capture Kinston on canvas during “Paint the Town,” an outdoor community art event set for Saturday, April 11.
KPD: DWI Arrest Following Two-Vehicle Crash
On March 24, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad responded to a two-vehicle motor vehicle crash at the intersection of NC Highway 58 and Cunningham Road.
KPD: Man Arrested for Damaging Cemetery Headstones
On March 24, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to Maplewood Cemetery on South Queen Street in reference to a report of a masked male armed with two swords who was damaging headstones.
KPD: LaGrange Man Arrested For Drug Charges
On March 24, 2026, members of the Kinston Police Department’s VCAT conducted a traffic stop involving 22-year-old Broadus Bratton Jr. of LaGrange.
Beyond the Page series to spotlight poets, artists and storytellers in Kinston
Neuse Regional Libraries is excited to host Beyond the Page: Creative Voices in the Community, a monthly arts and storytelling series led by Kinston native Celestine Davis.
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.
Pink Hill man faces animal cruelty charges after 20 dogs seized
A Lenoir County resident has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after multiple animals were found in severely emaciated conditions.
KPD: Trespassing Call at McDonald’s Leads to Arrest
On March 24, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to McDonald’s on Vernon Avenue in reference to a trespassing complaint. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the store manager, who advised that a male subject inside the business had been asked multiple times to leave but refused.