RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning for 81 counties effective 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3. The statewide ban on open burning went into effect March 28 due to hazardous forest fire conditions, and the ban remains in effect for 19 counties across the state.
City leaders used the 45th annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse as the backdrop to recognize local student-athletes, presenting keys to the city to the Kinston High School football and basketball teams.
The 45th annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse returned to downtown Kinston with competition, crowds and a full slate of cook teams competing in the Hog Happenin’ cook-off.
A proposed residential subdivision near Banks Elementary School would bring 76 single-family lots to a 46.83-acre tract in the Falling Creek area, according to a preliminary plat provided by Lenoir County staff.
Across North Carolina, and especially in small rural districts, teachers and school leaders are facing a level of uncertainty and strain that is becoming unsustainable.
BBQ Fest on the Neuse will return to downtown Kinston May 1-2, bringing barbecue, live music, vendors, carnival rides, family activities and the Hog Happenin’ BBQ Cook-off back to the city’s downtown district.
Lenoir County Public Schools welcomed local and state leaders Monday morning for its Legislative Breakfast, an event focused on district progress, priorities and continued support for students and staff.
Kinston will host its first Juneteenth parade this summer, with organizers inviting residents, churches, civic groups, businesses and community organizations to take part in the downtown celebration.
At G.I. Joel’s Living History Museum, Veterans, friends and families gather on Saturday morning March 28, 2026. The day before to observe National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2026. G.I. Joe’ s had advertised Pizza with a Vietnam War Veteran, “It is a day specifically set aside to pay tribute to the more than 2.7 million Americans who served in this war, along with 9 million who served on active duty during that era.
Former Gov. Roy Cooper brought his U.S. Senate campaign to Kinston on April 23, telling supporters at the Kinston Community Center that rising household costs are driving his bid for federal office.
Returning to school can feel overwhelming, especially when life is already full of responsibilities. Upcoming LCC graduate Lisa Ball’s story is an inspiring reminder that it is never too late to invest in yourself and pursue your goals. For anyone who wonders whether they can balance family, work, and college, Lisa shows that with determination and support, it is possible to keep moving forward and create new opportunities.
Lenoir County commissioners approved two actions Monday tied to a $403,000 repair project for the Hugo Tower, part of the county’s emergency communications system.
Lenoir County commissioners voted Monday to move forward with the design phase of a proposed shell building in the Highway 70 Industrial Park, approving a reimbursement resolution and a design services contract with Jackson Builders Inc.
Lenoir County commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding Monday to create a city-county demolition program aimed at addressing blighted commercial properties along major corridors through Kinston and Lenoir County.
Jones County native brings municipal governance and community development expertise to Eastern North Carolina foundation
A month-long narcotics investigation conducted by the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of a 35-year-old Lenoir County man on multiple felony drug distribution charges.
Dana Williams King cherished wife and sister, devoted mother and loving Nana, went to live eternally with her Lord and Savoir, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the age of 69. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Garner Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with a graveside service immediately following at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
Rachel Elizabeth Harper, 84, peacefully passed from this life on Friday, May 1, 2026. A Graveside Service to honor Rachel’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Wayne Memorial Park, 2925 US 117, Dudley, NC 28333.
On Thursday evening, April 23, Sandra and I spent a delightful three hours watching students and staff at North Lenoir High School bring “Oklahoma!” by Rogers and Hammerstein to life on stage.
Neuse Regional Libraries is proud to announce The ENC Oral History Project, a growing collection of recordings dedicated to preserving the history and community identity of Eastern North Carolina.
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
A meeting will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. May 21, 2026, at the Jones County Board of Education, 320 West Jones St., Trenton, NC 28585.
RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning for 81 counties effective 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3. The statewide ban on open burning went into effect March 28 due to hazardous forest fire conditions, and the ban remains in effect for 19 counties across the state.
If you put 6 people around a table and assign a discussion topic, how many differing responses and opinions might arise? One of my in-laws sent me a link to a radio podcast he participates in sponsored by Ray-Mart in Kinston. It proved to carry a lively and sometimes surprising exchange.
The Foundation Board is seeking an energetic experienced executive to lead the newly created Foundation. This 20-hour per week position requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
The Foundation Board is seeking an energetic experienced executive to lead the newly created Foundation. This 20-hour per week position requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
As a member of the Lenoir County Public Health Department, you can make an impact! The Health Department is seeking candidates for a Public Health Nurse Supervisor.
The Adjunct Industrial Systems Technology Instructor is responsible for teaching skills necessary to train Industrial Systems Technology students to work in industry. This individual will provide quality and industry standard instruction through the use of seated, online, and lab courses at the Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Center.
The Adjunct Industrial Systems Technology Instructor is responsible for teaching skills necessary to train Industrial Systems Technology students to work in industry. This individual will provide quality and industry standard instruction through the use of seated, online, and lab courses at the Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Center.
Dana Williams King cherished wife and sister, devoted mother and loving Nana, went to live eternally with her Lord and Savoir, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the age of 69. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Garner Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with a graveside service immediately following at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
Rachel Elizabeth Harper, 84, peacefully passed from this life on Friday, May 1, 2026. A Graveside Service to honor Rachel’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Wayne Memorial Park, 2925 US 117, Dudley, NC 28333.
Robert Lee “Bob” Cato, 82, passed away on April 22, 2026, at his home. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, 2:00 PM, at Westminster United Methodist Church in Kinston, North Carolina. A visitation and reception will immediately follow in the fellowship hall.
Richard Glenn Penuel, 78, was welcomed into his Savior’s embrace on Monday, April 27, 2026. Glenn was born in Wayne County on October 20, 1947, to the late Edgar and Mildred Howell Penuel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his four siblings.
Julia Biggs, 91, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026. A service of love and remembrance will be held by the graveside at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Gabe Mitchell officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Dunn-Carolyn Aycock Sullivan, 92, victoriously entered into the Church Triumphant on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. A service of love and remembrance will be held at New Hope Church of God at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026 with Rev. David Brooks, Rev. Charlie Asby, and Rev. Gerald Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange.
Jo Ann Abbott-Dail, 86, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, at Crystal Coast Hospice House. She was born on December 4, 1939.
Kenneth “Ken” Eugene Davis, 78, passed away peacefully at Kitty Askins Hospice Center on Thursday, April 16, 2026. A memorial service to honor Ken’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at La Grange United Methodist Church with Rev. Linda Grider and Rev. Ken Helms officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
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