While we usually think of the American Revolutionary War in terms of 1776, several significant military actions took place during 1775. Just a few of these include Lexington and Concord (Massachusetts) in April, the first battle of Fort Ticonderoga (New York) in May, and the Battle of Bunker Hill and Breed’s Hill (Massachusetts) in June.

MANCHESTER, NH (09/09/2025)-- It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2025 Dean's List. The summer terms run from May to August.

The following businesses were registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State:

Needham Herring, 80, passed away on September 11, 2025, at his home. A service of love and remembrance will be held at La Grange Christian Church at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange.

A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will utilize a lane closure next week at the intersection of Airport Road and Academy Heights Road. 

James Percy (J.P.) Cauley, Jr., age 90, of Kinston, N.C., passed away September 12, 2025, at his home on Stonington Farm, near Kinston. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Spilman Memorial Baptist Church in Kinston at 12 Noon with the Rev. Dr. H. Powell Dew, Jr., pastor, officiating. Visitation will be before the service, beginning at 11:00 A.M.

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.

ATLANTA, GA (09/10/2025)-- Cormya Baker, of Kinston (28504), was named to the Summer 2025 President's List at Georgia State University.

The following building permits were issued 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.

No matter which team you are cheering for, don’t let the absence of a trip to the stadium stop you from cooking up a win worthy tailgate spread.  You will always come out a winner while serving up delicious food and drink for tailgating at home or at the stadium.

Charlie Kirk did not deserve to die. Full stop. We do not live in a society that condones vigilante justice, and yet, a man was executed in public view.

Kinston electric customers could soon see relief in their electric bills, as City Council prepares to consider a proposed 4% rate reduction. The measure comes on the heels of the North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency’s (NCEMPA) final debt payoff in July, closing out more than four decades of obligations that once left member cities with some of the highest power rates in the state.

On September 11, 2025, at approximately 1:04 p.m., Kinston Police Department officers responded to reports of a woman spraying an unknown liquid on individuals at two locations, Walmart and Piggly Wiggly (2407 N. Herritage Street).

Allstate Agent and NC Representative Chris Humphrey (second from left) presented a $500 Helping Hands Grant from The Allstate Foundation to Lenoir Community College President Dr. Rusty Hunt. The grant was awarded in recognition of Humphrey’s dedicated service to the LCC Foundation and the educational opportunities the Foundation provides.

On a recent Saturday morning I talked to a good friend who downright lifted my faith by every sentence.  You've heard the old saying that if you squeeze a sponge, what it is filled with comes out. 

UNC Health Lenoir proudly welcomed eight outstanding individuals into its prestigious Hall of Honor during a ceremony celebrating their extraordinary service to healthcare and the community.

The Lenoir Community College Small Business Center hosted the launch of the new ENC Regional Roundtable for Nonprofits today at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library, bringing together nonprofit leaders from Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties for a conversation on collaboration, growth, and community impact.

The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners convened a dynamic meeting at town hall, addressing a wide range of issues from policy re-approvals to infrastructure upgrades and community initiatives. Led by Town Manager April Vinson, the session highlighted collaborative efforts to shape the town’s future, drawing input from residents, county representatives, and state officials.

MANCHESTER, NH (09/09/2025)-- It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2025 Dean's List. The summer terms run from May to August.

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., introduced a resolution calling on the House of Representatives to reject China’s classification as a developing nation at the United Nations. 

Two Lenoir County residents have been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after multiple animals were found dead and in emaciated conditions on their properties.

BURLINGTON, VT (09/08/2025)-- Mallory Sinclair of Deep Run, NC, was named to the Champlain College Online Dean's List for the Summer 2025 semester.

Richard Caswell of Kinston was appointed Colonel and commander of the New Bern District Minutemen in September 1775, which included the Dobbs County militia. This made him a key military leader for the Dobbs County area at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. 

Notice is hereby given that the Town of La Grange has received an offer to purchase the following property: Property: Town-owned real property located at 313 S. Caswell Street, La Grange, NC, identified as Parcel #15109. The property is approximately 0.74 acres and is currently zoned R-18 Residential.

On August 26, 2025, a Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer assigned to E.B. Frink Middle School was notified of a teacher, identified as Alena Chabot of Clinton, NC, who was suspected of being intoxicated while on campus.

SHPD is requesting assistance identifying the pictured individual who is the suspect in an assault investigation.

Recent updates from eastern NC and Washington, D.C. from Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D.

Kinston City Council and Lenoir County commissioners have both approved the Tax Incentive for Downtown Enhancement (TIDE) program, their first joint initiative through the new City–County Joint Working Committee.

Patricia Lee Adams, a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, at the age of 75. A memorial service for Pat Adams will be held at Calvary Memorial UMC in Snow Hill on Saturday, September 13 at 1:30pm. The family requests that you wear bright colors or a special hat, just as Pat would have wanted.