As we close out 2025, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our local veterans as well as the veterans of G.I. Joe’s and your families.

Greene County commissioners will receive the county’s fiscal year 2025 audit during their Jan. 5 meeting.

Jones County commissioners will review a proposed amendment to an existing economic development agreement during their Jan. 5 meeting.

Kinston officials are moving forward with the demolition of three condemned properties, while more than 100 others remain under review, according to a demolition update scheduled for presentation to City Council.

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

Gone are the protein obsessed, in case you haven’t heard, the current social media trend taking over Tik Tok is fibermaxxing.  The practice of fibermaxxing is the about increasing or maximizing your fiber intake in order to boost digestion and overall health.  It works best when you slowly integrate additional fiber in your diet.  Dieticians recommend doing this by increasing your intake of whole foods, like beans, berries and whole grains.  

The Greene County Board of Commissioners will consider awarding a construction contract for a major water system improvement project that converts several wells from gas chlorine to liquid chlorine disinfection.

The Jones County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing Monday related to Community Development Block Grant funding during its regular meeting.

Kinston City Council will consider changes to historic preservation procedures and approve funding for an update to the city’s design standards.

The Kinston City Council will consider an operating budget amendment Tuesday that includes a $40,000 appropriation for professional lobbying services.

On October 21, 2024, at approximately 5:00 p.m., deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 3800 block of Pecan Grove Circle in reference to a suspicious death. Upon arrival, deputies secured the scene, and the General Investigations Division initiated an extensive investigation.

"Abou Ben Adhem" is a poem by James Henry Leigh Hunt. It describes a man awakened during the night by the light of an angel in his room writing on a tablet. Abou asked the vision what he's writing and he answers that he's writing down the names of those who love the Lord. When he learns he is not one of the names being written down, he asks to be recorded, then, as one who loves his fellow man.  The next night, the angel returns and lo, Abou Ben Adhem's name is at the top of the list.

During the years when Bucklesberry had no local church, evidence suggests community residents worshipped at the original Bear Creek Meeting House. As the only established church in the area, albeit some ten miles away, it certainly was not "local." Bear Creek Church's new building, however, was a bit closer for Bucklesberrians. Located directly by the railroad where the old depot formerly stood in Moseley Hall township (now La Grange), the new Church building was completed and dedicated in 1857, which, interestingly, was only three years before Hickory Grove Church was built in Bucklesberry in 1860.

Patricia Ann Means Steele, 93, peacefully went home to be with her Lord on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, surrounded by the love and presence of her family. The family will gather for a private service on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the mausoleum chapel in Wayne Memorial Park. Pastor V. Allen Stocks will officiate the service.

On December 16, 2025, officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to reports of illegal dumping near the intersection of Jay Street and Lincoln Street. Officers coordinated with the City of Kinston Public Services Department to remove a large quantity of discarded trash and debris from the area. At that time, no suspect information or investigative leads were available, and the case was temporarily closed.

On December 30, 2025, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office D Shift deputies and Detectives located a vehicle in the Lowe’s parking lot that had been reported stolen and entered into NCIC by the Wilmington Police Department.

January through December brought a wide range of headlines, including high-profile criminal cases, contentious political battles, major development projects, and deeply personal community stories. Readers closely followed election challenges, public safety investigations, school system updates, and decisions with long-term impacts on local taxpayers. Together, these monthly top stories offer a snapshot of a year defined by change, accountability, and an ongoing demand for transparency in Eastern North Carolina.

The Annual Meeting of the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation was held December 7th – 9th at the Sheraton Four Seasons and Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC. Congratulations to Lenoir County Farm Bureau President Alton Roberson (not pictured), represented by Vice President Jerry Tyndall who was recognized among his peers at the Presidents’ and Agents’ Luncheon.

Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. As always, it remains a true honor and a privilege to represent you in Congress! If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to my e-newsletter.

Marvin Wayne Edwards Sr., 88, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025. A service of love and remembrance will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home on Friday, January 2, 2026 with Pastor James Grandinetti officiating. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to service. Committal will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston.

Judy Gail Haskins Adams, 74, of Trenton, NC, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Visitation will be held from 1:00- 2:00 at Howard-Carter Funeral Home prior to the service. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Howard-Carter Funeral Home with Frank Emory officiating. Burial will follow immediately after service at Banks Family Cemetery in Comfort, NC.

(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein announced that the state of North Carolina is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Brenda Kay Mills, age 19. 

A Lenoir County man was arrested Monday following a three-month investigation conducted by the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.

January through December brought a wide range of headlines, including high-profile criminal cases, contentious political battles, major development projects, and deeply personal community stories. Readers closely followed election challenges, public safety investigations, school system updates, and decisions with long-term impacts on local taxpayers. Together, these monthly top stories offer a snapshot of a year defined by change, accountability, and an ongoing demand for transparency in Eastern North Carolina.

Mildred Page Hogarth passed on December 26, 2025, holding the hand of her daughter, Mary Page. Her graveside service will be held at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston, North Carolina, on Tuesday, January 6, at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend, and a reception celebrating Mickey’s life will be held at the Kinston Country Club after.

The Digital Navigator position develops programs, classes, and services that advance digital literacy skills. To further digital inclusion throughout the region, they will work with community partners and perform library outreach to identify community members who would most benefit from their assistance.

UNC Health Lenoir has been named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Outpatient Experience by the Women’s Choice Award®, placing it among the top hospitals in the country for the care patients receive outside of an overnight stay.

The UPS facility in Kinston will permanently close on Jan. 12, according to Teamsters Local 391.

January through December brought a wide range of headlines, including high-profile criminal cases, contentious political battles, major development projects, and deeply personal community stories. Readers closely followed election challenges, public safety investigations, school system updates, and decisions with long-term impacts on local taxpayers. Together, these monthly top stories offer a snapshot of a year defined by change, accountability, and an ongoing demand for transparency in Eastern North Carolina.