Ava Privette Cooke, 91, of Kinston, passed away on February 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior.
Man arrested on child human trafficking charges in Jones County investigation
Kaleb Mashke was arrested Feb. 25, 2026, in a joint investigation involving the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the FBI, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Old Friends Left a Legacy
It is simply amazing to me how many old friends have been separated by miles or work but have come back into my life. I even wondered if my family had sent out a message from one of my old address books, but they had not. It is just part of the universe.
Letter to the Editor: Lenoir County School Board Candidate Billy Davis
District 1 has always been home to me. I was raised here. I raised my children here. Today, I am proud to be watching my first grandchild grow up here. The future of our schools matters deeply to me, not just as a candidate, but as a parent, a grandparent, and a lifelong member of this community.
Obituary: Edward Earl Pate
Edward Earl Pate, age 65, passed away Wednesday afternoon, February 25, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. Funeral Services will be held 11 AM Friday, February 27th, at the Chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with Pastor Jeff Hayes officiating. The Committal will be held privately at the Mewborn Cemetery where Earl will be buried with his parents. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to the service from 10:00 – 10:50 AM Friday.
Obituary: Thomas Carol King, Jr.
Mr. Thomas Carol King, Jr., affectionately known as “Tom,” passed away on Wednesday morning, February 25, 2026, at UNC Lenoir Health Care in Kinston, North Carolina, at the age of 76. Funeral Services will be held 2 PM Saturday, February 28th, at the Chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with Pastor Jerry Pike officiating. Committal Services will immediately follow at the Mewborn Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday in the hour prior to the service from 1:00 – 1:50 PM.
Lenoir early voting tops 2,100 ballots through Feb. 25
Early in-person voting in Lenoir County totaled 2,102 ballots cast through Feb. 25, based on daily tallies provided by election officials. With 37,540 registered voters in the county as of the state’s Feb. 21 registration snapshot, that early-vote total equals about 5.6% of registered voters so far.
Letter to the Editor: Respect for law and order is not blind loyalty to a uniform
In recent years, public trust in institutions, including law enforcement, has been strained. People have every right to ask hard questions of the government. But no community is better off when disagreement turns into harassment, threats, or assaults on public servants.
Neuse Regional Libraries announces America 250 speaker series, crafts and summer reading theme
Neuse Regional Libraries is rolling out a slate of programs tied to America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Empowering Lenoir Community College Students: North Carolina Community Colleges and UnitedHealthcare Announce Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program
Lenoir Community College announces its participation in the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program, a new initiative aimed at training the next generation of rural healthcare professionals.
Murphy Applauds Historic Wins & Priorities Highlighted by President Trump in State of the Union Address
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., applauds the historic wins and policy priorities highlighted by President Trump in his State of the Union address to Congress.
Public Notice: Town of La Grange Public Hearing
Town Council of the Town of La Grange will hold a public hearing at the regular Board meeting of the Town of La Grange on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Town of La Grange Town Hall.
Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.: Updates from eastern North Carolina and Washingon, 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.
KPD: Update: Murder Investigation – Guilty Verdict and Sentencing
Today, the Lenoir County District Attorney’s Office delivered closing arguments in the murder trial of Trevor Demitri Akeily Peters. Following deliberations, the jury returned a guilty verdict, finding Peters guilty of First-Degree Murder in the death of Demario Washington.
Kinston High Students Kickstart Healthcare Careers with State Certification
Seven seniors at Kinston High School are entering the final months of high school with an added credential to their names. This fall, they earned their Certified Nursing Assistant credentials through the Lancer Academy, a career and technical education partnership with Lenoir Community College. In a single semester, the group completed the coursework, clinical hours, and state testing required for certification. All seven passed both the written exam and the hands-on skills test.
Obituary: Jerry Lee Drake
Jerry Lee Drake, 84, passed away on February 20, 2026. A private service will be held for family and friends.
Traffic Stop Leads to Narcotics Arrest and Assault Charges
On February 23, 2026, at approximately 11:48 AM, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad conducted a traffic stop on South East Street near East King Street for motor vehicle violations. The driver was identified as 71-year-old Curtis Strayhorn of Greensboro, North Carolina. The passenger was identified as 25-year-old Genesis Jones of Lenoir County.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Full Circle Friends
It is simply amazing to me how many old friends have been separated by miles or work but have come back into my life. I even wondered if my family had sent out a message from one of my old address books, but they had not. It is just part of the universe.
Letter to the Editor: Saturday marks the end of early voting for the 2026 Primary Election
This Saturday marks the end of early voting for the 2026 Primary Election.
Community Council for the Arts Presents Silent Thunder Echoes of Greatness
The Community Council for the Arts proudly presents Silent Thunder Echoes of Greatness, an exhibition of quilted portraits and textile works by nationally recognized artist Dr Eugene Poole. The exhibition opens with a public artist talk and reception on Thursday March 6 at the Community Council for the Arts in Kinston.