I woke up and looked at the calendar to find that we are just a few days from the holidays.

April brought a mix of inspiring transformations, heartbreaking losses, and important legal updates to the forefront of our community. Vivian Howard’s reimagined Chef & the Farmer experience sparked excitement among food enthusiasts, while tragic incidents, including the accidental deaths of students and the passing of an elderly woman, brought sorrow to many. Additionally, legal cases such as an 18-year-old charged with attempted murder and a former teacher assistant accused of embezzlement highlighted pressing issues in the region.

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

Lenoir Community College is a comprehensive institution that places primary emphasis on excellence in classroom/lab/clinical instruction. The Associate Degree Nursing Instructor is responsible for providing one-on-one and whole group instruction so that students are able to successfully complete degree requirements in an engaging environment.

March 2024 highlighted moments of perseverance, community recognition, and local law enforcement action. From a tragic shooting and a major raid by the Kinston Police Department to the inspiring return of a firefighter after adversity, these stories shed light on the resilience and strength of the community.

The market is closed on Tuesdays and will reopen during strawberry season. Current hours are Saturdays, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, until December 28, at 100 North Herritage Street. Pork skins and funnel cakes are available on Tuesday and Thursday, and most vendors accept major credit cards.

‘Tis the season for chocolate, cream, juices and warm spices.  Savor the festive moments with these holiday-inspired punches and warm drinks. The first two are favorites of family and friends, I know you will enjoy!  Feel free to cut the sugar in the recipes or use a substitute.  

Throughout my years in public school, I’ve noticed a recurring issue in my county: the education system often fails students with physical or cognitive disabilities, particularly those with immigrant parents. One of the most significant challenges these families face is the language barrier that separates them from school staff and teachers.

On December 20, 2024, at approximately 11:00 PM, Kinston Police Department's B-Squad responded to a report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was left running while the driver briefly entered a store. Upon returning, the driver discovered the vehicle had been stolen.

The Kinston Police Department is seeking your assistance in identifying the individuals in the photos below. It was reported that these suspects broke into Bloomlite and stole several items.

February 2024 was marked by impactful stories highlighting local law enforcement efforts, community challenges, and public safety. From significant arrests and investigations in Greene and Lenoir Counties to the rescue of malnourished children, these stories emphasized the dedication of local authorities and the resilience of the community.

The South Lenoir FFA Alumni will host its annual Oyster Roast on Saturday, February 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at $50 and include all-you-can-eat oysters plus additional food options. Organizers say the event is designed to bring the community together in support of the FFA Alumni’s ongoing efforts.

The NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity today posted Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program scopes of work to expand high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved homes and businesses at approximately 67,724 eligible locations in 37 counties.

Sealed proposals will be received by the KINSTON HOUSING AUTHORITY for the CAPITAL FUND PROJECT NC 004-50123 and NC 004-50124 until 3:00 PM, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025, and immediately thereafter publicly opened and read for the furnishing of labor, material and equipment entering into the Electrical Improvements Project at Simon Bright NC 004-1.

The Annual Meeting of the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation was held December 8-10th at the Sheraton Four Seasons and Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC. Congratulations to Lenoir County Farm Bureau President Alton Roberson, who was recognized among his peers at the Presidents’ and Agents’ Luncheon.

The Women’s Fund of North Carolina, a fund of the North Carolina Community Foundation, has awarded $20,000 in grants to five organizations working to address housing security for women. 

January brought a mix of heartfelt community moments and hard-hitting news to the forefront. From the tragic loss of a young boy in Pink Hill to Dan Sale's retirement and the sale of his iconic auto dealership, these stories captured the attention of readers across the region. Kinston High School's lockdown following a fight, a high-profile murder sentencing, and Kristy Kelly's personal column about Kinston's untapped potential also resonated deeply. Explore the stories that shaped the start of the year on Neuse News.

As a member of the Department of Social Services with Lenoir County Government, you can make a difference! The agency is seeking candidates for an Income Maintenance Supervisor II.

Katie Carol Westbrook Rayner, age 72, of Kinston, went to be with Jesus on December 12, 2024. Born on February 19, 1952, in Newport News, Virginia. A Celebration of Life will be held at Edwards Funeral Home on December 21, at 11:00am with a visitation prior to the service at 10:00am.

Lenoir County’s Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma recognized outstanding beginning teachers in their third year of teaching in December with the Buzzing Bee BT Award.

Trillium Health Resources and our partners accepted two Innovations Awards at the Center for Integrative Health (also known as I2I) winter conference. Trillium and Victory Junction received the “Individual and Family Initiatives” Award and we joined Monarch, The Autism Society of North Carolina, and Physicians Alliance for Mental Health in accepting the “ Technology” Award. The Innovation Awards honor innovative services and programs that aim to enhance comprehensive approaches to care by employing cutting-edge methods, tools, and partnerships. 

The Christmas season is a special time of year where many celebrate with friends and family, but it can also be a difficult time of year for many. Therefore, each year our church family at Jackson Heights OFWB Church comes together for our annual Christmas gift giveaway to try to help make the Christmas season a little merrier for those in our community.

On November 8, 2024, the Kinston Police Department was notified of an assault on a 2-year-old child. Officers spoke with the child's parents, who had been informed of the incident by Bethel Christian Academy. The parents were told that the child's teacher, Eunice Massengill (72, of Goldsboro), had hit the child.

The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program is partnering with local and state law enforcement to enforce a simple, but weighty message: if you have consumed impairing substances, do not get behind the wheel.

Earlier today, detectives with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit arrested Harold Patrick Winter Jr., 35, of Kinston.

Jeremy Stroud, P.E., will step into the role of Executive Director of the North Carolina Global TransPark (NCGTP) at the start of the new year, bringing over 18 years of experience in transportation engineering and leadership. Stroud, who currently serves as Deputy Executive Director, succeeds Preston Hunter in the position.

The Lenoir Hospital Foundation recently provided funding to support seven recipients with scholarships, assisting with college and continuing education for individuals pursuing healthcare careers and personal growth. 

The first time I had heard of The Lenoir Early College was in 8th grade, and, quite frankly, I wasn't sure what it was initially. My friend explained that her brother had gone to that school, and, basically, one would be able to graduate with both your high school diploma and your associate's degree.

This story begins more than half a century ago. I entered Ohio State University in Fall 1968 and attended 12 straight quarters to finish my B.A. in English after the summer quarter of 1971. In August of that year, I moved to Kinston.