Kinston City Council tabled a rezoning request near Grainger Stadium and approved a conditional special use permit for a convenience store with a kitchen at 515 N. Queen St. during a lengthy meeting Tuesday.
Neuseway Nature Park to celebrate 30 years with fishing day, anniversary party
Neuseway Nature Park will mark its 30th anniversary Saturday, June 6, with a full day of family activities, beginning with Kid’s Fishing Day in the morning and continuing with an anniversary celebration in the afternoon.
Lenoir County halts Riverwalk project over easement concerns
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners has decided not to move forward with construction of the proposed Riverwalk project at this time after the county was unable to secure all necessary easements through voluntary agreements with property owners.
Jones County confirms positive rabies case in raccoon
JONES COUNTY — The Jones County Health Department has confirmed a positive rabies case in a raccoon found near the area of Wyse Fork Road and Highway 41 East.
Obituary: Carol Layden Hensley
Sadie Carol Layden Hensley, known to family and friends as Carol, “Monk”, or “Meema”, died on June 2, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Rouse Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Rouse Funeral Home, with committal following at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at 12:00 noon.
Event: Summer Nights at the Manor
Britton Manor will host Summer Nights at the Manor on June 25, featuring live music, late-night snacks, an open coffee bar and full-service bars.
Bill’s Grill in LaGrange to transition to Hearth & Barrel
Bill’s Grill & Bar in LaGrange is entering its final week under its current name as the restaurant prepares to transition to new ownership and management.
Public Notice: Notice of Public Hearing Proposed Lenoir County Budget
Lenoir County commissioners will hold a June 15 public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 county budget before possible adoption.
Sponsored: June storage specials with Blizzard Storage Solutions
Blizzard Storage Solutions is offering a June-only storage special for new rentals at all three of its Kinston locations.
LCSO: Lenoir County Woman Sentenced to Prison on Trafficking Charge
A Lenoir County woman has been sentenced to prison following a narcotics investigation conducted by the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit.
Kinston budget hearing turns tense as residents press council on taxes and services
The hearing turned tense when Mayor Kareem Moore ordered one speaker removed after comments directed at Interim City Manager Ralph Clark.
Board of Education honors achievements, approves key items, and welcomes new administrators
The Lenoir County Board of Education met on June 1, 2026, recognizing outstanding students and staff, reviewing summer learning opportunities, and approving several items in preparation for the 2026-2027 school year.
Lenoir County commissioners weigh one-cent tax cut during budget work session
Lenoir County commissioners appear likely to consider a one-cent property tax reduction as they move toward adoption of the county’s FY 2026-27 budget, following a June 1 work session that centered on taxpayer relief, capital projects, school funding, transit costs and long-term financial planning.
Jones County commissioners reject fire district, delay budget decision
TRENTON — The Jones County Board of Commissioners rejected a proposed Fire Protection Service District on Monday after residents and commissioners raised concerns about how the tax would be structured, how the money would be distributed and whether the public had enough information before a decision.
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office confirms use of Flock license plate reader cameras
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office uses Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras along key roadways and travel corridors throughout the county, according to information provided by Capt. Christy M. Smith.
Obituary: James "Jimmy" Liston Pressly
On May 26, 2026, we mourned the passing of a beloved family member, James “Jimmy” Liston Pressly, 77, who was born on March 31, 1949 in Kinston, NC to Mariana Rochelle and Joseph Earl Pressly.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Celebration of the Life of Jimmy, will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 2101 N. Herritage St., Kinston, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in Hamilton Hall at the church.
LCPS Announces Administrative Changes for 2026-2027 School Year
Lenoir County Public Schools is pleased to announce several administrative changes for the 2026-2027 school year. These leaders bring extensive experience, a passion for education, and a strong commitment to student achievement as they step into their new roles.
Brent Heath: Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA) bill
Lenoir County currently has a 3.5% unemployment rate, and the median income is just over $45,000. Legislation is moving through Congress that would hand Washington bureaucrats sweeping new authority over workplace contracts in eastern North Carolina and across the nation. As a conservative, I see this as disastrous, but this bill should gravely concern you regardless of your political affiliation. It will empower union bosses and unaccountable government arbitrators at the expense of workers and businesses alike.
LCSO: Lenoir County Sex Offender Arrested for Registration Violations
On June 1, 2026, Michael Raymond Boucher, 40, of Kinston, North Carolina, was arrested for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements under North Carolina law.