The Plaza Kinston Post Office has now regained full counter service, marking the latest step in the facility’s recovery after tornado damage forced its closure in 2023. Former Kinston Mayor Don Hardy announced the update Wednesday, and the U.S. Postal Service location page now lists retail hours for the branch, which had reopened in September 2025 for PO box access only. USPS lists the Plaza Kinston branch at 2433 N. Herritage St. and shows retail hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Joseph Eugene “Gene” Turnage, 91, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Gordon Street Christian Church. The family will receive friends immediately after the service. Burial will follow at a later date in the Trenton Cemetery.

On March 21, 2026, a 33-year-old Pitt County woman was arrested following a narcotics investigation into the distribution of illegal controlled substances throughout Lenoir County.

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.

The Kinston Police Department is launching KPD CONNECT, which stands for Continued Outreach Network for Engagement, Community and Trust, as a new community safety forum series aimed at bringing conversations about public safety directly to residents.

Artists of all ages and skill levels are being invited to capture Kinston on canvas during “Paint the Town,” an outdoor community art event set for Saturday, April 11.

On March 24, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad responded to a two-vehicle motor vehicle crash at the intersection of NC Highway 58 and Cunningham Road.

On March 24, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to Maplewood Cemetery on South Queen Street in reference to a report of a masked male armed with two swords who was damaging headstones.

On March 24, 2026, members of the Kinston Police Department’s VCAT conducted a traffic stop involving 22-year-old Broadus Bratton Jr. of LaGrange.

Neuse Regional Libraries is excited to host Beyond the Page: Creative Voices in the Community, a monthly arts and storytelling series led by Kinston native Celestine Davis. 

Laura “Gaye” Powell, 59, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center after a long health battle. The family will host a memorial service at Christian Chapel Original Free Will Baptist Church in Pink Hill on Saturday March 28, 2026 at 11:00 am. A preceding burial service for family will be held on Thursday March 26, 2026 at 11:00 am at Pikeville Cemetery in Pikeville, NC.

A Lenoir County resident has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after multiple animals were found in severely emaciated conditions.

On March 24, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to McDonald’s on Vernon Avenue in reference to a trespassing complaint. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the store manager, who advised that a male subject inside the business had been asked multiple times to leave but refused.

Sarah Sever has been named interim director of libraries for Neuse Regional Libraries, stepping into the role following Melanie Morgan’s departure.

TRENTON — Community leaders, elected officials and residents gathered Wednesday at the Sen. Harry Brown Center at Jones Senior High School for a discussion focused on Jones County’s needs, strengths and future partnerships.