Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce newsletter, The Good Stuff - August 2026
Rep. Greg F. Murphy, M.D.: Updates from ENC and Washington, D.C.
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 here.
Deep Run Man Arrested for Methamphetamine
On August 12 at approximately 8:00 a.m., KPD’s B-Squad conducted a traffic stop on Dr. MLK Jr. Boulevard for a motor vehicle violation.
Obituary: Ray Sinclair Barbre, Jr.
Ray Sinclair Barbre, Jr., passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on August 10, 2026, at The Service League of Greenville Hospice House. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 14, at 1:30 PM at Queen Street United Methodist Church, with Rev. Kim Johnson presiding. Interment will immediately follow at Westview Cemetery in Kinston. The family will receive friends at Kinston Country Club for a reception in Ray’s memory following the graveside service.
F-35 event highlights aviation future in eastern North Carolina
Local, state, federal and industry leaders gathered Wednesday at the Senator Jim Perry Aviation Center for Excellence at Lenoir Community College to highlight North Carolina’s growing role in aerospace, defense and workforce development.
'Comfortable' vibe at Lenoir County Early College helps quell freshman jitters
They are 15 years old and in their final year of high school, already connected to college-level classes and closing in on a two-year college degree. And they are not that different from their fellow classmates at Lenoir County Early College High School.
Art of the Palette pairs visual art with culinary creations in Kinston
The Community Council for the Arts will explore the connection between food and visual art during its free Art of the Palette event from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at 400 N. Queen St.
Obituary: Rev. Billy Gray Sullivan, Sr
The faith believed, taught, and lived by Rev. Billy Gray Sullivan, Sr., 91, led him to his home eternal on Monday, August 10, 2026. Billy was born in Johnston County to the late Larry “Fet” and Melissa Alice Watkins Sullivan on July 14, 1935.
NC House Huddle: Celebrating 250 years of American Freedom
Wednesday morning, House lawmakers gather at the historic North Carolina State Capitol to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Jones County Committee of 100 annual meeting announced
The annual meeting of the Jones County Committee of 100 and the Economic Development Board will be held Thursday, September 17th at the Jones County Civic Center and we would be excited if you could join us.
Former Clerk Accuses Snow Hill of Illegal Water Billing as Board Approves Day Treatment Zoning Ordinance
Snow Hill’s Board of Commissioners opened its Monday evening session with a special closed meeting on economic development and legal advice, then conducted a full slate of public business that featured pointed accusations of illegal utility billing, detailed discussion of a new mental-health zoning ordinance, and routine updates from every major town department
Help Wanted: Administrative Secretary
Neuse Regional Water and Sewer Authority in La Grange is seeking an administrative secretary to perform receptionist, bookkeeping, meeting, reporting and general office duties.
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lenoir County’s Garden Science Investigator Camp Was a Great Success!
The Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Lenoir County (EMGVs) held their week-long summer camp in June, Garden Science Investigators (GSI)! The camp hosted 10 campers, ranging in ages from 8-13, went on field-trips to various places, and most importantly were introduced to a huge variety of horticulture topics. The curriculum utilized was developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (Junior Master Gardener Teacher & Leader Guide, Level One), which aligns with the mission of the NC Extension Master GardenerSM Training Course.
What drivers need to know about North Carolina’s school bus stop law
As students return to class, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles is reminding drivers that passing a stopped school bus is illegal and can bring serious penalties.
Hookerton Board of Commissioners Gathers for First Meeting After Mayor’s Death
The Hookerton Town Hall carried a quieter weight than usual as Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Stocks called the Tuesday, August 4th Board of Commissioners to order. It was the town’s first regular meeting since the death of longtime Mayor Bobby Taylor.
ECU Health, UnitedHealthcare reach new agreement
ECU Health and UnitedHealthcare have reached a new multiyear agreement restoring in-network access across ECU Health for members enrolled in UnitedHealthcare commercial, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans.
Kinston officer injured in head-on crash involving impaired driver
A Kinston Police Department officer was involved in a head-on crash Sunday night at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and J.P. Harrison Boulevard after an impaired driver traveling in the wrong lane struck the officer’s vehicle, according to police.
Mike Parker: The Exchange Reaches Out to Non-Profits
For several months, The Exchange at Hometowne has opened its doors to local non-profits for Bingo fundraising events. Tonya Adams is the woman behind these Bingo nights. As the owner of The Beauty Box and The Exchange, Tonya is a woman on a mission, working to make Lenoir County a better place.
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
University of Maryland Global Campus Announces La Grange, Kinston Spring 2026 Graduates
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) graduated more than 7,300 students worldwide in the spring 2026 term.