Kinston officials are regrouping in the search for a permanent city manager after two preferred candidates declined to move forward, Interim City Manager Ralph Clark said.
UNC Health Lenoir Announces Temporary Seventh-Floor Relocation and Parking Adjustment During Air Handler Upgrades
UNC Health Lenoir will begin a scheduled upgrade to the hospital’s seventh floor air handler systems as part of its ongoing Master Facility Plan. Work will take place from Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17.
Grounded & Baked to open Kinston location on Queen Street
Grounded & Baked is expanding to Kinston with a new location planned for downtown on Queen Street, across from the courthouse.
Event: Summer Nights at the Manor
This elevated summer gathering offers a fresh, playful take on a classic night out—all while supporting a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the evening will benefit our local Community Council of the Arts, helping to sustain and expand creative programs that enrich our community.
Ironclads and Innovation: CSS Neuse Museum Brings Civil War Naval History to Life July 11
While most people think of dusty battlefields when they picture the Civil War, the real game-changing technology was happening on the water. On Saturday, July 11, the CSS Neuse Museum will pull back the curtain on this high-seas drama with its immersive summer program, “Sailors in the Summer: Ironclads and Naval Living History.” From 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., regional history will come alive through interactive exhibits, expert-led demonstrations, and hands-on family activities designed to show exactly what it took to survive as a sailor in the 1860s.
Governor Richard Caswell to 'Return' to Kinston for Historic Declaration Reading and Monument Rededication July 11
In a stirring tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Kinston-Lenoir County Tourism and Development Authority, in coordination with the CSS Neuse Civil War Museum and the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial, will hold a public event on the steps of the Lenoir County Courthouse. On Saturday, July 11, at 9 a.m., the spirit of North Carolina’s first governor will visit the courthouse, located at 130 S. Queen St., to mark the birth of the nation he helped build.
Lenoir Hospital Foundation Awards $154,187 to UNC Health Lenoir for 13 Patient Care Projects
The Lenoir Hospital Foundation proudly presented a check for $154,187 to UNC Health Lenoir to fund 13 hospital projects that will strengthen patient care, enhance safety, and improve the overall healthcare experience for patients and families throughout the region.
412 Bistro to open in former Peach House building on Vernon Avenue
A new casual dining spot is expected to open in Kinston this August, bringing sandwiches, Italian food and familiar desserts to the former Peach House building.
New All-Way Stop coming to Lenoir County
N.C. Department of Transportation crews will convert a Lenoir County intersection to an all-way stop next week.
Traffic Stop Leads to Methamphetamine Arrest
On July 7, 2026, at approximately 8:47 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department's B-Squad conducted a traffic stop on NC Highway 11 for a registration violation.
AgCarolina Farm Credit Recognizes Graduates of Ag Biz Courses
AgCarolina Farm Credit recently recognized participants for successful completion from the 2025–2026 Ag Biz educational program. This program is an online learning opportunity that focus on financial and business planning, budgeting, and other essential farm management topics critical to long-term success. Throughout the program, each participant is paired with an AgCarolina Farm Credit loan officer as their mentor, who provides guidance and support.
Rep. Greg F. Murphy, M.D.: Updates from ENC and Washington, D.C.
Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. As always, it remains a true honor and a privilege to represent you in Congress! If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to my e-newsletter here.
Stein signs North Carolina budget after more than 1,000 days without full spending plan
Gov. Josh Stein signed North Carolina’s new state budget Tuesday, putting a comprehensive state spending plan in place for the first time in more than 1,000 days.
Obituary: Howard Lynwood Davis II
Howard Lynwood Davis II, age 65, of Kinston, NC went home to be with the Lord on July 3, 2026. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Westview Cemetery, with Pastor Bert Potter officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.
NC General Assembly passes 2026 state budget, Humphrey secures funding for local projects
RALEIGH, N.C. — On Thursday, the North Carolina General Assembly ratified the 2026 State Budget (SB 257), which passed 88-21 in the House and 35-10 in the Senate on third reading.
North Carolina's May County and Area Employment Figures Released
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 70 counties, decreased in five, and remained unchanged in 25 in May 2026. Hyde and Edgecombe Counties each had the highest unemployment rate at 5.2 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent.
Three Lenoir County Students Awarded Cypress Creek Energy Scholarships
Cypress Creek Energy is pleased to announce that three students from Lenoir County, NC have been selected to receive 2026 Energizing Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship awards, recognizing their academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to shaping the future of their communities.
Obituary: Patricia Irene Igo
Patricia Irene Igo, 82, of Kinston, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Dover, North Carolina.
A Mass of Celebration will be held on Thursday, July 9th, 2026, 2PM, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Kinston, NC. The family will receive friends at Edwards Funeral Home prior to the service from 11 AM to 12 PM. Burial will follow on Friday, July 10th, 2026, 11 AM, at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Clayton, NC.
Mike Parker: Principles of the Declaration are as important today as ever
Too many people today think of the Declaration of Independence as some ancient document – something akin to the Dead Sea Scrolls or The Odyssey. A truth few stop to consider is that the principles expressed in the Preamble to the Declaration are just as important today as they were in 1776.
From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson, July 2026
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and staying connected with the latest news from District Nine and our efforts in the General Assembly.