On October 5, 2026, at approximately 3:10 a.m., Kinston Police Department D-Squad officers responded to the 4700 block of Highway 70 West after a truck driver located a 6-year-old child walking in the area.
Kinston’s National Night Out brings community and first responders together
Kinston residents and city employees gathered for National Night Out, bringing the community together with police officers and firefighters to strengthen relationships.
Holloway cheerleaders give back with donations to homeless shelter
The Holloway Vikings cheerleaders put a lesson in community service into action, donating more than 100 rolls of paper towels and more than 100 rolls of bathroom tissue to the Friends of the Homeless Shelter.
Restaurant ratings for Sept. 21-27, 2026
The records for Sept. 7-13 include restaurants, school cafeterias, a grocery produce department and a lodging establishment. Inspectors documented issues involving food temperatures, storage, sanitation and equipment maintenance. Several violations were corrected during inspections.
Kinston council to consider paving changes, recreation budget reduction
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.