If you type “Ed Terry The Circuit Riding Preacher” into a Google or YouTube search, you will arrive at a link to a video that features a historic church in Lenoir County: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGn0l7ovnnc
Aaliyah Geralds: Empower Fest
The Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library will be hosting Empower Fest on Thursday, April 2 from 10 am to 2 pm. Empower Fest is an opportunity to empower the people of Lenoir County and beyond by providing access to community resources and programs, while encouraging civic engagement.
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Offers “Special Needs Occupant” Vehicle Stickers
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office is now offering “Special Needs Occupant” stickers to members of the community. These stickers are designed to help first responders quickly identify when a vehicle occupant may have special needs, allowing for a more informed and effective response during emergency situations.
New Lenoir County corporations
The following businesses were filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State:
PUBLIC NOTICE: Notice for Children with Disabilities in Private/Parentally-Placed and Home Schools
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 Road to Halifax: North Carolina’s Path to Independence
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is vital to look back and understand the pivotal roles our own communities and local leaders played in the events leading to the Declaration of Independence.
Snow Hill Primary Terrific Kid awards
Snow Hill Primary gives out a weekly award called "Terrific Kid" awards. Each teacher at SHP chooses a student who has been responsible, shows great character, or has reached a personal goal. On Fridays, these students are presented with an award and are congratulated for their hard work. Below are Snow Hill Primary's Terrific Kid Awards!
Lenoir County teachers honored with Buzzing Bee BT Award
Lenoir County’s Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma recognized outstanding beginning teachers in their third year of teaching in March with the Buzzing Bee BT Award.
Statewide burn ban issued for North Carolina due to hazardous forest fire conditions
RALEIGH - Due to increased wildfire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until further notice.
Obituary: Ralph Osborne Creech
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.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Carrots, a True Symbol of Spring
Finally, Spring is springing, daffodils are blooming Easter decorations are everywhere, and some yummy produce is in season. Carrots are such a symbol of spring and Easter and all things bunnies, so be sure to take advantage of them while they are fresh.
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
KPD: Traffic Stop Leads to DWI and Drug Charges
On March 27, 2026, at approximately 1:15 a.m., Kinston Police Department D-Squad officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for failing to maintain lane control.
Obituary: Samuel Lee "Sam" Turnage
Samuel Lee "Sam" Turnage, 94, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. 🕊️ A memorial service will be held Friday, April 3, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Garner Funeral Home in Kinston, North Carolina, followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place afterward at Wintergreen Cemetery.
KPD says officers cleared in 2025 Manchester Road shooting
The Kinston Police Department is announcing the conclusion of the independent investigation into the officer involved shooting that occurred on July 20, 2025, on the 1300 block of Manchester Road. After a thorough review of all available evidence, including body worn camera footage, witness statements, forensic analysis, and findings from the North Carolina State Burau of Investigation and the Ninth Prosecutorial District Attorney’s Office, it has been determined that the officers involved acted lawfully and in accordance with department policy.
Fifth annual Nell Pittman Day walk-a-thon to honor resilience, support families
The fifth annual Nell Pittman Day Walk-a-Thon and Community Resource Fair will bring the Kinston community together April 25 to honor the life of Nell Pittman while raising support for families facing caregiving challenges.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Stand Up Straight
A prayer partner Minister Linda Greene of New Bern asked me to write about an experience with a flower. A neighbor rang my door bell one day and she and her daughter stood there with a flower to give to me as a a gift. First the flower was a bulb with long roots hanging down already, ready to plant in soil. But it was housed in a beautiful little glass vase to keep it in. So I set it on a table in a room by the window.
Public Notice: Advertisement to bid
Sealed bids for construction of the LENOIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE BUILDING 3 AND BUILDING 13 RENOVATIONS – BUILDING 3, will be received in person, via regular mail by
Plaza post office regains full counter service in Kinston
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.
Obituary: Joseph Eugene "Gene" Turnage
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.