Following an investigation, deputies determined that Austin Stanley Owens, who was acting as a caretaker at the time, used unreasonable force and had the ability to disengage from the situation. Owens was taken into custody and charged with Felony Assault on an Individual with a Disability.
On March 29, 2026, deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office A Shift responded to the area of Bank School Road in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
If you type “Ed Terry The Circuit Riding Preacher” into a Google or YouTube search, you will arrive at a link to a video that features a historic church in Lenoir County: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGn0l7ovnnc
The Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library will be hosting Empower Fest on Thursday, April 2 from 10 am to 2 pm. Empower Fest is an opportunity to empower the people of Lenoir County and beyond by providing access to community resources and programs, while encouraging civic engagement.
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office is now offering “Special Needs Occupant” stickers to members of the community. These stickers are designed to help first responders quickly identify when a vehicle occupant may have special needs, allowing for a more informed and effective response during emergency situations.
The following businesses were filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State:
The Private School Meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2026 at 3:30 p.m - 5:00 p.m. with Georgia Maready, EC Director. If interested in attending the meeting please call Michelle Sutton at 252.527.1109 by Friday, April 13, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to consult with private schools and parents of parentally-placed private school students as well as home schooled students
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is vital to look back and understand the pivotal roles our own communities and local leaders played in the events leading to the Declaration of Independence.
Snow Hill Primary gives out a weekly award called "Terrific Kid" awards. Each teacher at SHP chooses a student who has been responsible, shows great character, or has reached a personal goal. On Fridays, these students are presented with an award and are congratulated for their hard work. Below are Snow Hill Primary's Terrific Kid Awards!
Lenoir County’s Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma recognized outstanding beginning teachers in their third year of teaching in March with the Buzzing Bee BT Award.
RALEIGH - Due to increased wildfire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until further notice.
Ralph Osborne Creech, 79, went to be with his Lord on Friday afternoon, March 27, 2026. A service of love and remembrance will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Rouse Funeral Home with Rev. Deborah Sutton and Rev. Robert Flynn officiating (casual dress welcomed). Committal will follow at Snow Hill Cemetery.
Finally, Spring is springing, daffodils are blooming Easter decorations are everywhere, and some yummy produce is in season. Carrots are such a symbol of spring and Easter and all things bunnies, so be sure to take advantage of them while they are fresh.
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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