UNC Health Lenoir is pleased to announce that Rachel Garris has been named the 2024 President’s Service Excellence Award (PSEA) of the year winner. Awarded annually, the PSEA of the year is presented to an employee selected by their peers who exemplifies superior performance, strong leadership, effective communication, and service excellence.

Years ago, I wrote a book as a project of PathChoice Ministry called "Let Him Find You."  I used a platform called CreateSpace to write the book and design the cover.  The cover is a scene of one of my favorite places to visit with visible ocean waves. After I wrote this book, Amazon acquired CreateSpace.

DEEP RUN – Deep Run is getting ready to “put it all together” for the holidays with its annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 5 p.m.

As Thanksgiving arrives and the Christmas season begins, the Magic Mile Media, Neuse News and partner teams reflected on gratitude in their own words. Their responses show the range of personalities behind the work, from heartfelt to humorous.

If I had judged the year by how it began, I would have written it off before it even got started. January dragged me into 2025 while I was sick, exhausted, and quietly wondering if my body was about to fail me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. Nothing felt steady. Nothing felt hopeful. I thought I was bracing for the worst year of my life.

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Chamber named Representative Chris Humphrey (R – Lenoir, Greene, Jones) a ‘Jobs Champion’ in its 2025 How They Voted report. This annual report details state legislators’ voting records on bills identified as critical to preserving and enhancing North Carolina’s position as the #1 state in the U.S. for business. Representative Humphrey was recognized as a Jobs Champion for voting with the Chamber’s Jobs Agenda 90% of the time during the 2025 legislative session. 

The City of Kinston has postponed its swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials. The ceremony was originally scheduled for December 2 but has been moved to December 16, according to the city’s public information officer.

Updates from Washington D.C and eastern North Carolina.

NEW BERN, N.C. — Today, North Carolina Senator Bob Brinson formally announced his campaign for re-election to the State Senate, pledging to continue championing strong communities, responsible governance, and the values of Beaufort, Craven, and Lenoir counties.

On November 21, UNC Health Lenoir hosted its annual “Feastival of Foods” food drive, continuing a long-standing tradition of supporting local families during the holiday season. Teammates from across the hospital united to collect more than 5000 pounds of food for Lenoir County residents facing food insecurity.

William “Billy” Dean Elmore, 52, of Deep Run, passed away on November 24, 2025, at ECU Vidant Medical Health Center in Greenville, NC.

Shoppers looking for national brands without the big-box price tag now have a new destination. Label Shopper has officially opened its doors in Kinston at 4150 W. Vernon Avenue, in the former Badcock Furniture location across from Walmart.

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!

The following restaurant inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department:

Troy Eason developed a love for some of his favorite things early in life. The family will receive friends for a time of fellowship and sharing memories on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 3:00 until 5:30 p.m. at Rouse Farm, 4579 Eason Road, La Grange, NC 28551.

Jimmy West Sutton, 82, entered into the joy of his salvation on Monday morning, November 24, 2025. A service of love and remembrance will be held by the graveside at the Sutton Family Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The family will receive friends following the service.

The Lenoir County Board of Elections dismissed the protest filed against Kinston Mayor-elect Kareem Moore on Monday night after the protestor failed to appear for the evidentiary hearing. In a separate hearing, the board voted 3–2 to dismiss the protest against Council-elect Les Lipford. Two board members voted that the protest met the required standard, but the motion to advance it failed.

LA GRANGE — A historic storefront long known as The Men's Den has been revived as a new small business hub in downtown La Grange. The Looking Glass Marketplace, owned by Heather Watson, opened in early October and has already grown into a bustling destination for antiques, vintage goods, and handmade art from across eastern North Carolina.

Lenoir County Public Schools is proud to recognize students who made their schools’ Principal’s List and Honor Roll in the first nine weeks of instruction this school year. Congratulations to everyone who has been named! 

The lyrics of an old hymn once common in churches were written by William D. Longstaff in 1882. “Take Time to Be Holy” emphasizes the importance of spending time in prayer and communion with the Lord. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I think we also need to “Take Time to Be Thankful.”

The 2025 Lenoir Hospital Foundation Superball Golf Tournament was a huge success. On October 16th, 25 teams enjoyed a sunny, cool day of golf at the Kinston Country Club.

The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:

The Assistant Registrar - Continuing Education assists the Registrar - Continuing Education in ensuring that all classes within the division follow the State Board of Community Colleges Code (SBCCC) and other system office policies and program guidelines.

The Environmental Services Technician - Custodian - Evening Shift performs general custodial duties related to the maintenance and cleaning of assigned buildings and facilities and performs a variety of tasks relative to the assigned area of responsibility.

The Director of Library Services provides leadership and vision for the library. The Director is expected to represent the library within the community, develop programs, develop collections, provide budgeting information, and manage all library staff, facilities, and services. The Director of Library Services organizes, directs, and promotes the activities and programs of the library to the College and the community.

The Public Safety Specialist provides advanced administrative and clerical support to the Director of Emergency Medical Science and the overall Public Safety Division to ensure effective and efficient daily office operations.

The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:

The North Carolina Global TransPark in Kinston was created in the 1990s as an industrial park to bring economic prosperity to a region that had lost more than its fair share of agricultural and manufacturing jobs. But nearly two decades after its launch, the TransPark had not lived up to expectations and was deemed a boondoggle, even by some supporters.

Two dear, long-time friends called me recently to share that their close family members face cancer testing or treatment. I've known these friends for decades, and they are both very strong personalities. Yet, the scare of cancer caused their strength to shrink.  I found myself reminding them that their very words to me were the exact words of prayers of conviction.

Under general supervision performs secretarial work in administrative functions that include the following: Serves as a receptionist, answer phones, direct calls/messages to appropriate staff; Greet Vendors and show guests to meeting locations; Follows COVID Protocols; Attend meetings, take notes, type Minutes, create and mail Agendas for monthly Board Meetings, Operator Meetings and Special Meetings as requested.