The Economic Development Region says it is working with local and regional partners to support employees affected by recent changes at MasterBrand’s Kinston operations.
Kinston City Managers Work Together to Keep the Leadership Transition Smooth for Residents and Employees
Interim City Manager Ralph Clark and City Manager Jon Mendenhall are working side by side to hand off city leadership in an orderly way, so city services, ongoing projects and daily operations continue without interruption. Ralph Clark’s last day as Interim City
Eight students involved in fight at Kinston High School, district says
An altercation involving eight students at Kinston High School lasted less than a minute and did not result in a lockdown, according to Lenoir County Public Schools.
MasterBrand changes to affect 390 workers at Kinston facility
MasterBrand plans to move part of its Kinston production to facilities in three other states, affecting approximately 390 employees while retaining about 180 workers at the site, a company spokesperson said.
Obituary: James Alan "Jimmy" Smith, Jr.
James Alan "Jimmy" Smith, Jr., of Kinston, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will be held Friday, October 2nd, 9 AM, followed by the funeral service, 10:00 AM, at First Baptist Church in Kinston, North Carolina. A graveside service will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
Obituary: Jasper (Jack) Louis Phillips, Jr., MD, FACS
It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Jasper (Jack) Louis Phillips, Jr., MD, FACS, on September 25, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories. A funeral service will be conducted by Pastor John Robert Harris at Edwards Funeral Home on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Private burial will follow.
Kinston Police Department: Case Update
On September 28, 2026, detectives with the Kinston-Lenoir Drug Task Force continued their investigation into Khalil Dail regarding the distribution of marijuana.
Obituary: Beverly Kennedy Alston
In Loving Memory of Beverly Kennedy Alston July 3, 1946 – September 25, 2026 Beverly Kennedy Alston of Kinston, age 80, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026. Born on July 3, 1946, to the late Rozelle and Alyne Kennedy of Richmond, VA.
Public Notice: Lenoir County WIC Program
The Lenoir County WIC Program is a federally funded supplemental nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and health/community referrals for eligible women, infants and children (up to age 5 year). You may qualify even if you work or receive other types of assistance. Take the first step.
Bird Dawgs seek two-year city, county financial support
The Down East Bird Dawgs asked Kinston City Council and the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners for $125,000 annually from each government for two years during a joint meeting Tuesday.
Recovery and Re-entry Shine in Kinston: A Community Celebration of Hope and Progress
Kinston was alive with energy and optimism as the Recovery Together ENC Center joined forces with the Lenoir, Greene, and Jones County Re-entry Council to host the Second Annual Re-entry and Recovery Resource Fair on September 17, 2026 during National Recovery Month.
The EPIC Center Announces Leadership Transition. Deana Rose Named Interim Executive Director as Emma Barnes Steps Down to Focus on Family
The EPIC Center has announced a leadership transition as Executive Director Emma Barnes prepares to step down from her role to focus on her family. Effective October 1, Deana Rose, currently the Kinston Center Director, will assume the additional role of Interim Executive Director.
Kinston dissolves DKR director position after public personnel debate, closed session
Kinston City Council voted after closed session Tuesday to dissolve the Downtown Kinston Revitalization director position from the city government, following an extended open-session discussion that included criticism of the current director’s performance.
From Dr. Murphy's Desk: Recent updates from Eastern North Carolina 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.
Lenoir County marriages
The following couples were married in Lenoir County:
Obituary: James Donald "Donnie" Heath Jr.
James Donald “Donnie” Heath Jr.,74, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Donnie was a devoted family man whose greatest joy came from the people he loved.
Salute: A USO Style Musical Performance
“Salute! A tribute to America’s veterans” will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Kinston High School Performing Arts Center, 2601 N. Queen St. in Kinston. F
Multi-Agency Patrol Leads to 116 Charges, Five Arrests in Lenoir County
On the evening of Friday, September 25, 2026, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reduction Team hosted a GHSP Saturation Patrol with partnering agencies across eastern North Carolina. During this event 43 law enforcement officers from twelve agencies, including Deputies, Officers, and Troopers, focused on dangerous driving and motor vehicle violations throughout Lenoir County. During the five-hour operation, 116 charges were issued with 67 warnings given.
State Employees Credit Union awards scholarship to LCC students
State Employees Credit Union recently awarded the SECU Foundation “People Helping People” Scholarship to Lenoir Community College students Rylee Brewer of Nashville and Willow Gardner of Kinston. The $5,000 scholarship, awarded to students who embody the credit union’s membership philosophy, provides $1,250 per semester for each semester they are enrolled full time at LCC.
Kinston-Lenoir Drug Task Force Makes Trafficking Arrest
Detectives with the Kinston-Lenoir Drug Task Force initiated an investigation into Khalil Dail, 27, regarding his suspected involvement in the trafficking and distribution of marijuana. During the investigation, detectives gathered evidence indicating Dail was actively involved in distributing marijuana within Lenoir County.