Benson, who was described as autistic and nonverbal, had been reported missing from the Trenton area. She was last known to be approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and 190 pounds.
Downeast Christian Music Festival returns to Pearson Park on April 18
The Down East Christian Music Festival will return to Pearson Park in Kinston on April 18, bringing an afternoon and evening of gospel and positive-message music to the city.
Neuse News Sports Expanding Coverage to Wayne County
Neuse News Sports is set to take its next step forward. After nearly five years of consistent, in-depth coverage across Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties, the platform will officially expand into Wayne County, bringing the same athlete-first approach that has helped define its presence in Eastern North Carolina since August 2021.
Traffic Stop Leads to Methamphetamine Arrest
On April 11, 2026, C-Squad officers conducted a traffic stop on East Washington Avenue. The stop resulted in the arrest of the passenger, 43-year-old Brian Sawkiw of Pikeville, NC.
Obituary: Dr. Bill D. Bradley
Dr Bill D Bradley, Sr, 92, of Kinston, NC has now seen the one who died for him as his faith was made sight on Resurrection Sunday on April 5, 2026 at 5:02 am. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 4:00 pm at Grace Baptist Church, 309 NC-58, Kinston, NC 28504. Family visitation to follow. A private internment will be held at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro, NC on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to The Gideons International, PO Box 481, LaGrange, NC 28551.
Kinston man charged with Death by Distribution following overdose investigation
On April 8, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to a residence in the 2400 block of Carey Road in reference to a reported fentanyl overdose. Upon arrival, officers located 28-year-old Andrea Grant unresponsive inside the residence. Emergency personnel began life-saving efforts, and Grant was airlifted to ECU Health, where she was placed on life support.
Mike Parker: April 18 – A Busy Saturday
This Saturday, April 18, promises to be a busy day for those interested in food and music. The CSS Neuse Foundation is hosting this year’s first “Breakfast on the Boat” on April 18. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the CSS Neuse II, the replica gunboat in dry dock at the corner of Herritage and Gordon streets.
Kinston police investigate three separate weekend shootings
Kinston police are investigating three separate shootings reported between Saturday morning and early Sunday, with three people injured in incidents on Sloan Street, in St. John Village and on Georgetown Road. Authorities said all three cases remain under active investigation.
North Carolina's January Employment Figures Released
Raleigh, N.C. -— The state’s seasonally adjusted January 2026 unemployment rate was 3.8 percent, unchanged from December’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.3 percent.
Lenoir County births
The following births were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
Help Wanted: Adjunct Industrial Systems Technology Instructor
The Adjunct Industrial Systems Technology Instructor is responsible for teaching skills necessary to train Industrial Systems Technology students to work in industry. This individual will provide quality and industry standard instruction through the use of seated, online, and lab courses at the Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Center.
Lenoir County 4-H Brings Embryology to Life in Local Classrooms
Lenoir County 4-H has been bringing the science of embryology into local classrooms for many years, and this year was no exception to the fun and awe this program delivers. This year, 26 classrooms across Lenoir County public and private schools participated in the hands-on experience, giving students a unique opportunity to witness the life cycle of chickens firsthand.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: KickBall Event Promises Fun & Fitness
The Young Professionals of Lenoir County are sponsoring a KickBall Tournament on April 25, 2026 at Fairfield Park. It promises to be a lot of fun as well as an opportunity for networking.
Eastern Carolina Firefighters Association Makes History in Greene County
The Eastern Carolina Firefighters Association (ECFA) held its quarterly meeting Thursday night at the Snow Hill Rural Fire Department, marking a historic milestone for the organization, which is in its 101st year of existence. The gathering drew approximately 130 attendees, filling the firehouse to capacity and requiring extra chairs to be brought in from an adjoining conference room. Members from 8 of Greene County’s 11 volunteer fire departments were in attendance.
Lenoir County death notices
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
Help Wanted: Adjunct Industrial Systems Technology Instructor
The Adjunct Industrial Systems Technology Instructor is responsible for teaching skills necessary to train Industrial Systems Technology students to work in industry. This individual will provide quality and industry standard instruction through the use of seated, online, and lab courses at the Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Center.
Lions’ Strides walk raises more than $12,000, highlights pageant volunteers
The annual Strides walk continues to bring community support to diabetes awareness efforts in Kinston, with this year’s event raising more than $12,000 so far and still accepting donations, according to Strides Chair Sharon Axelberg.
Southern Roots RV Park and Campground coming to La Grange
A new family-owned RV park and campground is in development at 3291 Kennedy Home Road in La Grange, according to a post on the Southern Roots RV Park and Campground Facebook page.
Lenoir County marriages
The following couples were married in Lenoir County:
KPD Identifies Suspect in Carver Courts Shooting
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to the Carver Courts area in reference to a report of shots fired.