After the recent loss of his father, Jerry Potter, Brandon Potter found a way to keep his dad’s memory alive—through ink, fabric, and a familiar nickname beloved by many.

Last Thursday, many observed the latest federal holiday – “Juneteenth.” The term “Juneteenth” is the compression of “June Nineteenth” – the day in 1865 that Union Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War. Roughly 250,000 enslaved people received their freedom that day.

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

Lenoir County came together in a big way last night as two powerhouse organizations — the Lenoir County Shriners and the Shrinettes — united under one roof for a common mission: helping send children with serious medical needs to Victory Junction, a specialized summer camp located in Randleman, North Carolina.

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

SNOW HILL — Snow Hill’s Board of Commissioners approved a $1.79 million budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year on Wednesday, securing funding to maintain the town’s police department amid earlier discussions about potential cuts.

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

The Lenoir County Farmers Market, located at 100 N. Herritage Street, will be open Tuesday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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

In case you haven’t heard, and I am not sure how you missed it, but the latest trend made popular by Tik Tok is “Sardine Summer.”  The last I remember sardine talked about was way back when my Daddy used to open the rather smelly can for a quick lunch, but apparently everything from clothes, accessories, home goods and recipes are now featuring the tiny, sometimes tinny fish. 

A Kinston woman has been arrested by the Lenoir County Sheriff Office and charged with several drug violations.  

The Kinston Police Department has unveiled a new digital tool aimed at enhancing transparency and helping residents stay informed about crime in their neighborhoods.

On June 18, 2025, at 8:59 PM, officers with the Kinston Police Department's D-Squad responded to the Nature Center on King Street Extension following a report of an individual walking in the roadway.

The Kinston City Council adopted its annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year 2025-2026 Tuesday, following a public comment period that highlighted community concerns about property taxes and the allocation of city funds. The approved budget includes an increase of more than $3,000,000 in Ad Valorem tax revenues.

On June 2nd, 2025, Donteon Foye entered into a plea agreement and pled guilty to one count of Second Degree Murder in the shooting death of Jaliek Pridgen, which occurred on October 19, 2023. As part of the plea agreement, Foye also pled guilty to two counts of Malicious Conduct by a Prisoner.

The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved the county’s Fiscal Year 2025–2026 operating and capital budget following a brief public hearing during which no residents spoke. The approved budget includes an increase of more than $3,000,000 in Ad Valorem tax revenues.

Contentnea-Savannah K-8 School is one of 15 middle schools in the state chosen to participate in a comprehensive five-year, $25 million statewide project to boost math instruction and career development. The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, announced Thursday by the Golden Leaf Foundation and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (DPI), will provide CSS and the 14 other participating schools with intensive coaching, resources and support, according to the announcement.

This summer, journey through time with Anastasia: The Musical as it takes center stage at Lenoir Community College’s Briley Auditorium. Based on the beloved animated film and the legendary mystery of the Romanov family, the show follows Anya, a young woman with no memory of her past, as she teams up with two schemers to discover her true identity.

UNC Health Lenoir celebrated its outstanding team members during the annual Service Award Banquet on June 10th, recognizing 74 employees for their unwavering dedication, with milestones ranging from five to an exceptional 50 years of service.

An Onslow County woman has been arrested by the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office and charged with felony possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. 

On Monday, June 16, 2025, the Greene County Board of Commissioners convened at the Greene County Operations Center, 229 Kingold Blvd., Suite D, to address a comprehensive agenda focused on recreation, public safety, veterans’ services, infrastructure, and state legislative issues impacting local governance.

The North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region is proud to announce that Trey Cash, Economic Development Director for Greene and Lenoir Counties, has been selected as the 2025 Emerging Leader of the Year by the North Carolina Economic Development Association.

On June 17, 2025, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad conducted a traffic stop on the 200 block of West New Bern Road for a registration plate violation. During the stop, officers discovered that the driver, Joseph Carr, 58, of North Augusta, South Carolina, did not possess a valid driver’s license.

On June 17, 2025, at approximately 1:22 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad responded to a report of a disturbance at Sam’s Mini Mart, located at 1419 North Queen Street. The disturbance involved a verbal altercation between the store clerk and a customer.

There’s something deeply humbling about being wrapped in the love of an entire town—a thousand small acts that made our wedding day unforgettable. From the moment my eyes opened on the morning of June 13, it was clear that someone had already come through and smoothed the way.

Clara Jean Bradshaw Smith, 91, passed away June 16, 2025, surrounded by her family at Kitty Askins. A service of remembrance will be held on June 26, 2025, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Kinston.

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

Her first day as a teacher, Emma Hunter had her doubts. And a major case of the jitters. Sympathetic students pulled her through.

This summer, journey through time with Anastasia: The Musical as it takes center stage at Lenoir Community College’s Briley Auditorium. Based on the beloved animated film and the legendary mystery of the Romanov family, the show follows Anya, a young woman with no memory of her past, as she teams up with two schemers to discover her true identity.

An 18-year-old Kinston man has been arrested in connection with the June 2 shooting that left two people injured. Jaymeon Foye faces multiple felony charges, including attempted first-degree murder. Kinston Police located and arrested Foye on June 16 without incident, and no further arrests are expected.