As she nears three years at the helm of UNC Health Lenoir, Dr. Crystal Hayden says her work is guided by a simple conviction: people in rural communities deserve the same standard of care patients expect anywhere else.
While I've stepped back from day-to-day editorial decisions, I've shifted my focus to growing our news portfolio, expanding our high school sports coverage into Wayne County, and delivering stronger video and social media services to our clients. That work continues, and today I'm excited to share a couple of updates that I believe will improve your experience across all of our platforms.
Sarah Sever has been named interim director of libraries for Neuse Regional Libraries, stepping into the role following Melanie Morgan’s departure.
In recent years, public trust in institutions, including law enforcement, has been strained. People have every right to ask hard questions of the government. But no community is better off when disagreement turns into harassment, threats, or assaults on public servants.
Neuse Regional Libraries is rolling out a slate of programs tied to America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Melanie Morgan, who has led Neuse Regional Libraries since November 2018, has been selected as the next director of the New Hanover County Public Library system, according to a New Hanover County announcement posted Thursday, Feb. 19. Morgan is scheduled to begin the new role March 31.
The North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region is pleased to announce the hiring of Gracie Herring as its new Marketing and Communications Manager.
A tense exchange between Felicia Solomon, Chris Suggs, and Don Hardy defined the final Kinston City Council meeting before the swearing-in of Kareem Moore, Les Lipford and Sammy Aiken, following the certification of the municipal election results.
flyExclusive has confirmed that it plans to relocate fewer than 100 employees from Kinston to Raleigh over the next six months.
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 5 approved a budget ordinance amendment related to the settlement of a lawsuit stemming from the renovation of the county administration building, with county officials repeatedly emphasizing that taxpayer dollars were not used.
LATEST NEWS
As she nears three years at the helm of UNC Health Lenoir, Dr. Crystal Hayden says her work is guided by a simple conviction: people in rural communities deserve the same standard of care patients expect anywhere else.
The Lenoir County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are expanding their annual plant sale this year with an added Friday evening sale ahead of the group’s traditional Saturday event.
The Private School Meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2026 at 3:30 p.m - 5:00 p.m. with Georgia Maready, EC Director. If interested in attending the meeting please call Michelle Sutton at 252.527.1109 by Friday, April 13, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to consult with private schools and parents of parentally-placed private school students as well as home schooled students
The ENC Renaissance Faire is scheduled for April 11 and 12 at the Lenoir County Fairgrounds, 401 Fairgrounds Road in Kinston. Organizers say the event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and will feature vendors, performers, food and attractions tied to a Renaissance festival theme. Ticket information and event details are being posted through the faire’s official website and social media pages.
On April 4, 2026, at approximately midnight, deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office C-Shift conducted a driver’s license checkpoint in the area of the 500 block of NC Highway 903 South.
Barbara Mitchell Grady, age 83, of Kinston, peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at UNC Health Lenoir. Visitation will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Howard and Carter Funeral Home in Kinston. Funeral service will follow at 12 pm with Rev. Danny Barrow officiating. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery in Kinston.
Lenoir Community College’s Omicron Rho Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa recently held its spring induction.
The Jones County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet Tuesday, April 7, with an agenda that includes updates on public health, social services, recreation planning, tax matters and a proposed fire protection service district.
The Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce’s latest “The Good Stuff” newsletter features a packed lineup of spring events, including youth livestock competitions, community fundraisers, classes, festivals and business activities happening across Lenoir County in April and May.
Janis Mae Oliver, 96, passed away peacefully at her home on April 2, 2026, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be private.
Greene County commissioners are scheduled Monday to consider adopting an updated Comprehensive Transportation Plan that would guide transportation development in the county for the next 10 years.
Kinston City Council is expected to consider awarding the city’s electric division tree trimming and right-of-way maintenance contract to Xylem Tree Services.
Get ready for a day of friendly competition, big energy, and community fun—Lenoir County Young Professionals will host a community kickball tournament on April 25 at Fairfield Park at 10:30 AM, inviting local businesses, organizations, and community members to step onto the field for an unforgettable day of connection and competition.
The Private School Meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2026 at 3:30 p.m - 5:00 p.m. with Georgia Maready, EC Director. If interested in attending the meeting please call Michelle Sutton at 252.527.1109 by Friday, April 13, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to consult with private schools and parents of parentally-placed private school students as well as home schooled students
News | Columns | Classifieds | Matters of Record | Obits | Sports
HELP WANTED
Candidates work involves enforcing the Animal Control Ordinance and North Carolina State Law that pertains to rabies control, animal cruelty and vicious animals. Must be able to communicate effectively with citizens of the County and City regarding complaints concerning animal bites, strays, nuisances’ animals etc.
As a member of Emergency Services with Lenoir County Government, you can make a difference! The Emergency Medical Services Division is seeking candidates for an EMS Captain.
As a member of Emergency Services with Lenoir County Government, you can make a difference! The Emergency Medical Services Division is seeking candidates for an EMT Community Paramedic. T
As a member of Planning and Inspections with Lenoir County Government, you can make a difference! Lenoir County Government is seeking candidates for a Planning and Inspections Director. Candidates are responsible for directing a department responsible for land use planning, development, zoning, building code enforcement, community development, and permitting functions for the County.
As a member of the Lenoir County Finance Office, you can make a difference! Lenoir County is seeking candidates for the Finance Director. The purpose of this position is to administer the process for the receiving, disbursing, and accounting of revenues and expenditures for the County. Work involves supervision of the budget, purchasing, accounting, collections, billing, cash investments, and payroll operations.
OBITUARIES
Barbara Mitchell Grady, age 83, of Kinston, peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at UNC Health Lenoir. Visitation will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Howard and Carter Funeral Home in Kinston. Funeral service will follow at 12 pm with Rev. Danny Barrow officiating. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery in Kinston.
Janis Mae Oliver, 96, passed away peacefully at her home on April 2, 2026, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be private.
Myra Gail Lee Quinn, 66, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. Born in Lenoir County on November 30, 1959, she was the daughter of the late Robert David Lee and Elizabeth Smith Edmundson.
Margie Croom Coley, 72, passed away on Saturday, March 28, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina, after a long and fierce battle with cancer. A private service will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. 930-B Wellness Dr, Greenville, NC 27834.
Annette Lowery Daughety, 75 of Kinston passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Visitation will be held at 10:00 on April 4, 2026, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 at Shady Grove Church on Middle Road in Kinston. Internment will take place at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston at 3:00. Pastor Greg Dickerson and Tim Nichols will preside.
Bobby Carroll Dail, 74, passed away early Sunday morning, March 29, 2026. Bobby was born in Lenoir County to Grace Sparrow Dail and the late Roy Lee Dail Jr. on December 24, 1951.
Funeral Services will be held 2 PM Wednesday, April 1st, at the Chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with Pastor Jerry Pike officiating. Interment will follow at the Snow Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends in the hour prior to the service from 1:00 – 1:50 PM at the funeral home and other times at the Cullipher residence.
Ralph Osborne Creech, 79, went to be with his Lord on Friday afternoon, March 27, 2026. A service of love and remembrance will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Rouse Funeral Home with Rev. Deborah Sutton and Rev. Robert Flynn officiating (casual dress welcomed). Committal will follow at Snow Hill Cemetery.