Kinston City Council will consider removing two streets from its current paving project and reducing the budget for maintaining county recreation sites by $102,660 when it meets Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Obituary: Evander Hayes “Van” Willoughby
Mr. Evander Hayes “Van” Willoughby, age 92, passed away Friday evening, October 2, 2026, at the NC State Veterans Home in Kinston. A native of Robeson County, he was born February 5, 1934, the son of Clegg Hall Willoughby and Lydia Pittman Willoughby.
Kinston police investigate shooting at St. Johns Village Apartments
On October 3, 2026, the Kinston Police Department responded to a residence on the 900 block of E. Highland Avenue (St. Johns Village Apartments) regarding a report of a gunshot victim.
Mike Parker: The world a century ago
On October 7, my mom will celebrate her 98th birthday. The world today is much different than when she was born in 1928 – a decade or so after World War I and a year and a change before the Great Depression.
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 land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
Chamber of Commerce: The Good Stuff
What a Busy Chamber Week
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Blessed Beyond Measure
Years ago when I retired on disability, Ann Reed signed my Inactive Status Certificate. Her mother Helen Reed was one of my teachers at North Lenoir High School. It felt full circle.
Lenoir County death notices
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson September 30, 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.
Lenoir County Fair returns Oct. 6-10 with rides, exhibits and community performances
The Lenoir County Agricultural Fair will return to Kinston Oct. 6-10, 2026, bringing five days of carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, community performances and motorsports events to the fairgrounds at 401 Fairgrounds Road. The fair’s website lists the dates for this year’s event.
Official update from Sheriff Jackie Rogers: Lenoir County Deputies Shot While Responding to Call
The two deputies injured in the shooting are Captain Jovanni Villagra and Sergeant Cole Davis. Both deputies sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. I am thankful to report that both deputies are in stable condition.
Lenoir County Farmer's Market update October 3, 2026
Join us Saturday, October 3, for TC Smith Produce, Holy Granola, TJ Design, B&B Eggs, Robin’s Nest, Christi Luv Creations, and Pork Skins Man.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Fascinating facts about NC apples
According to the North Carolina Apple Growers Association, there are over 200 commercial operations of 9,000 bearing acres of apple orchards producing yearly 4 million bushels, ranking our state regularly in the top 10 producers of apples in the United States, currently ranking seventh.
Lenoir County building permits
The following building permits were issued in Lenoir County:
SBI: Suspect Dead, Two Deputies Wounded in Lenoir County Officer-Involved Shooting
Two deputies were wounded by gunfire and are being treated at a local hospital. The suspect is deceased. The suspect's name will not be released until the appropriate family notification has been made. SBI agents and crime scene personnel are processing the scene and collecting evidence.
Lenoir County Sheriff Office: Statement on today’s events on Jonestown Road.
Today, October 2, 2026, at approximately 11:15 a.m., the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office responded to a call on Jonestown Road. When deputies arrived, one deputy was shot. Deputies took cover and called for backup. A second deputy was shot while deputies were trying to get the individual to come out of the home.
Obituary: Keith Manning
Keith Edward Manning, 70, was graciously received into the arms of his Savior in the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 30, 2026. A memorial service to honor Keith’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at White Oak Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Bob Smith officiating.
Kinston man arrested after police say he pointed gun at motorist, fled into home
On October 1, 2026, at approximately 10:50 a.m., detectives with the Kinston-Lenoir Drug Task Force responded to the Harmony Hall area to assist Kinston Police Department A-Squad officers investigate a report of a man pointing a firearm at a motorist.
Bucklesberry, Back in the Day: Hickory Grove Church (22)
The first year of Hickory Grove's transition to a new denominational home in 1885 was not without interruption. Fewer than thirty days after the Church voted to align with the Methodist Protestant Church (M.P.C.) Conference, former Baptist pastor Rev. Bushrod Washington (B. W.) Nash, no doubt unhappy, was reportedly back in the pulpit by the end of April 1885. Whether he was invited to preach or requested the meeting is unknown: