Obituary: James Alan "Jimmy" Smith, Jr.

James Alan "Jimmy" Smith, Jr., of Kinston, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will be held Friday, October 2nd, 9 AM, followed by the funeral service, 10:00 AM, at First Baptist Church in Kinston, North Carolina. A graveside service will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

Obituary: Jasper (Jack) Louis Phillips, Jr., MD, FACS

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Jasper (Jack) Louis Phillips, Jr., MD, FACS, on September 25, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories. A funeral service will be conducted by Pastor John Robert Harris at Edwards Funeral Home on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Private burial will follow.

Obituary: Beverly Kennedy Alston

In Loving Memory of Beverly Kennedy Alston July 3, 1946 – September 25, 2026 Beverly Kennedy Alston of Kinston, age 80, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026. Born on July 3, 1946, to the late Rozelle and Alyne Kennedy of Richmond, VA.

Public Notice: Lenoir County WIC Program

The Lenoir County WIC Program is a federally funded supplemental nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and health/community referrals for eligible women, infants and children (up to age 5 year). You may qualify even if you work or receive other types of assistance. Take the first step.

Multi-Agency Patrol Leads to 116 Charges, Five Arrests in Lenoir County

On the evening of Friday, September 25, 2026, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reduction Team hosted a GHSP Saturation Patrol with partnering agencies across eastern North Carolina. During this event 43 law enforcement officers from twelve agencies, including Deputies, Officers, and Troopers, focused on dangerous driving and motor vehicle violations throughout Lenoir County. During the five-hour operation, 116 charges were issued with 67 warnings given.

State Employees Credit Union awards scholarship to LCC students

State Employees Credit Union recently awarded the SECU Foundation “People Helping People” Scholarship to Lenoir Community College students Rylee Brewer of Nashville and Willow Gardner of Kinston. The $5,000 scholarship, awarded to students who embody the credit union’s membership philosophy, provides $1,250 per semester for each semester they are enrolled full time at LCC.

Obituary: Coleen Patricia Baker McKivergin

Coleen P. (Baker) McKivergin, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, daughter, and sister, passed away on September 13, 2026, at the age of 94 in Kinston, North Carolina. A graveside service will be held at Lindenwood Cemetery Chapel in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.