The City of Kinston has delayed the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials because the Lenoir County Board of Elections has not yet certified the results of the Nov. 4 municipal election.

The National Retail Federation released its annual holiday forecast on November 6, predicting retail sales in November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024. That figure translates into total spending between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion.

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

 The Data Analytics & Improvement Strategist is responsible for collecting, querying, analyzing, and transforming institutional data into actionable insights that drive continuous improvement in student experience and achievement.

The Instructional Designer collaborates with faculty and the Director of Online Learning and Faculty Development to design and enhance courses for increased engagement and student success.

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. This position also manages the admissions process for prospective public safety students. The Public Safety Specialist reports to the Director of Emergency Medical Science.

The Director of Library Services provides leadership and vision for the library. The Director is expected to represent the library within the community, offer programs to students, develop collections that meet the needs of faculty and students, provide budgeting information, and manage all library staff, facilities, and services.

Raleigh, N.C. - The state’s seasonally adjusted September 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from August’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.4 percent.

Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., introduced the VA Research Reform Act, legislation to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs’ research ecosystem to improve the efficiency and transparency of care delivery.

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

The Instructional Designer collaborates with faculty and the Director of Online Learning and Faculty Development to design and enhance courses for increased engagement and student success.

The Director of Library Services provides leadership and vision for the library. The Director is expected to represent the library within the community, offer programs to students, develop collections that meet the needs of faculty and students, provide budgeting information, and manage all library staff, facilities, and services.

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. This position also manages the admissions process for prospective public safety students. The Public Safety Specialist reports to the Director of Emergency Medical Science.

 The Data Analytics & Improvement Strategist is responsible for collecting, querying, analyzing, and transforming institutional data into actionable insights that drive continuous improvement in student experience and achievement.

Stanley Turnage, 94, peacefully went home on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Goldsboro Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home. A graveside service to honor Catherine will be held at Fairview Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Danny Rollins officiating the service.

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.

Bring in the holidays with your “tribe” of friends and family with some delicious and “mostly” healthy Holiday appetizers.  Your guests will scoop up these tasty starters to give you energy to make to the big day!!

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

You’re invited to the 24th Annual Christmas Concert, A Queen Street Christmas, at Queen Street United Methodist Church

Join us Saturday, December 13, or Sunday, December 14 for an unforgettable evening of music and celebration. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; the concert begins at 6:00 p.m.

The filing period for North Carolina's 2026 municipal elections opened Monday, December 1, 2025 marking the official start of the campaign season for dozens of local offices across Lenoir, Jones and Greene counties. Candidates seeking election to partisan and nonpartisan offices have until noon on Friday, December 19 to file with their respective county boards of elections.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation held a bridge dedication ceremony Friday honoring First Sergeant T. Lee Howell.

Kinston/Lenoir County Parks and Recreation will provide additional transportation for fans traveling to Durham on Saturday, Dec. 13, for the NCHSAA 3A State Championship game. A bus will depart from the Holloway Center at 9 a.m., offering residents a convenient way to support Kinston High School as the Vikings compete for the title.

His future looks as bright as that of any student athlete to come out of Kinston High School in a while, but this week Tyreek Copper isn’t looking much past Saturday.

The Children’s Garden at the Caswell Memorial State Historic Site, maintained by the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lenoir County (EMGV), continues to flourish as a vibrant outdoor classroom for learners of all ages in our community.

When Governor Josh Stein appointed Sonya Stocks Davis to the District Court bench, it was a proud moment for the Kinston/Lenoir County community. I knew Judge Davis' parents before I met her. Her father was Chester Stocks who helped to mold many 4-H youth for decades.  Her mother is Mallie Stocks who broke the mold in community service by serving on so many boards and committees. Their dedication to Kinston must have rubbed off on their daughter.

Neuse Regional Libraries (NRL) is excited to announce that it has been awarded the 2025 North Carolina Public Library Directors Association (NCPLDA) Programming Award for the Teens Lead program.  It is an honor to be recognized at the state level for providing innovative programming to the citizens of Lenoir, Jones, and Greene Counties. The Library will accept the award at the NCPLDA Award Ceremony on December 11, 2026. 

Jonas “J.N” Nathan Hill III, 78, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Greenville Health and Rehabilitation after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and a recent bout with cancer. A viewing will be held at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow in the White Family Cemetery, 1451 Dover Ft. Barnwell Road, Dover, NC.

On December 10th, 2025, Detectives with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, along with Patrol Deputies from D-Shift, served Joseph Byrd, 23, of LaGrange, with multiple narcotic-related arrest warrants.

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pamela (Dean) Lindley Bryant, age 70, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and lifelong caregiver. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 15, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home in La Grange, NC. A service to celebrate Pam’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel.

Jan Waters Mewborn, 64, entered into the loving presence of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at ECU Health in Greenville. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Daly's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. A service celebrating Jan’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary, with Pastor Chris Singleton officiating. Interment will be held in the church cemetery.