Kinston Police Department Notable Arrest March 28–30, 2026
Pink Hill moves to even-year elections while La Grange rejects proposal
As local governments in the region weigh whether municipal elections should be held in odd-numbered or even-numbered years, Pink Hill and La Grange have landed on different answers.
Obituary: Bobby Carroll Dail
Bobby Carroll Dail, 74, passed away early Sunday morning, March 29, 2026. Bobby was born in Lenoir County to Grace Sparrow Dail and the late Roy Lee Dail Jr. on December 24, 1951.
Obituary: Fred Roswell Cullipher
Funeral Services will be held 2 PM Wednesday, April 1st, at the Chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with Pastor Jerry Pike officiating. Interment will follow at the Snow Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends in the hour prior to the service from 1:00 – 1:50 PM at the funeral home and other times at the Cullipher residence.
Update: Man Arrested for Felony Assault on Disabled Resident
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.
LCSO: Arrest Made Following Suspicious Vehicle Call
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.
Mike Parker: Historic church and local people appear in online video
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
Aaliyah Geralds: Empower Fest
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.
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Offers “Special Needs Occupant” Vehicle Stickers
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.
New Lenoir County corporations
The following businesses were filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State:
PUBLIC NOTICE: Notice for Children with Disabilities in Private/Parentally-Placed and Home Schools
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
The Road to Halifax: North Carolina’s Path to Independence
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 Terrific Kid awards
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 teachers honored with Buzzing Bee BT Award
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.
Statewide burn ban issued for North Carolina due to hazardous forest fire conditions
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.
Obituary: Ralph Osborne Creech
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.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Carrots, a True Symbol of Spring
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.
Lenoir County land transfers
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.