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Two men are facing federal charges as a result of a Lenoir County Narcotic Investigation.
In August, 2025, Kenji Jerkins, 31, and Tyquil Yates, 31, were arrested by the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office as a result of a narcotic investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine throughout Lenoir County. During their arrest, a large quantity of methamphetamine was located.
Jones County breaks ground on new industrial shell building
Jones County achieved a major milestone with the groundbreaking of a new industrial shell building—an important step forward for the county’s economic growth and long-term prosperity.
John Hood: Without Us, the Sun Also Rises
RALEIGH — I’m an early riser. I have been since early adulthood — long, long before any hungry children, or a certain German Shepherd, came along to command my early-morning attention.
Obituary: Betty Rollins
Betty Jean Grantham Rollins, 91, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Betty was born in Wayne County to the late Emma Lee Alphin Grantham Hall and Paul Grantham on July 14, 1934. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, DJ Hall; her husband of 68 years, Benjamin Ennis Rollins Sr.; a son, Leonidas “Lee” Grantham Rollins; her sister, Billie Hail; her brother, Paul Grantham; and nieces, Lea Rollins and Paula Hail.
Arrest Following Hit and Run Investigation
On February 7, 2026, KPD’s D-Squad responded to a hit and run involving a pedestrian and a motor vehicle in the area of Smithfield Packing.
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
Mike Parker: First African American published poet bore name of slave ship
Phillis Wheatley’s name is probably better known by many high school students today than it was during my generation. Frankly, I never heard of Phillis Wheatley when I was cracking the books in my American literature class in 1967. I became familiar with a few of her poems as I constructed my syllabus for Major American Writers at East Carolina – at least two decades ago.
Traffic Stop Leads to High-Speed Pursuit and Arrest
Around midnight on February 6, 2026, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to C Shift conducted a vehicle stop on NC 258 North near Daly Waldrop Road involving a gray Nissan Altima. The vehicle was stopped for a registration violation.
Lenoir County death notices
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
County commissioners honor Christine Maroules with proclamation for 100th birthday
The Lenoir County Commissioners, during their February 5 meeting, issued a proclamation honoring Christine Maroules who will celebrate her 100th birthday on February 8.
2026 Miss Neuse Scholarship Pageant introduces contestants
The 2026 Miss Neuse Scholarship Pageant has introduced this year’s contestants, continuing its mission as a fundraiser supporting young women ages 14 to 17.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Tis the Season for the Daikon Radish
The Daikon radish is a winter vegetable usually sown in mid to late summer and harvested in the cooler months. The Daikon radish can be found in a variety of shapes and colors and boasts a characteristic crispness and snap when served or eaten raw, but totally changes to something more like a potato when cooked. It is said that the Daikon is much milder and less peppery than the familiar red radish.
Lenoir County restaurant inspections
The following restaurant inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department:
KPD: Suspect wanted for hit and run
KPD officers have obtained arrest warrants for Shamiya Cannon, 27, of Lenoir County, in connection to a Hit & Run that occurred on January 30, 2026, in the area of Laroque Avenue.
Obituary: Patti Dupree Alphin
Kinston-Patti Dupree Alphin, 88, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026. Patti was born in Duplin County on April 9, 1937, to the late Clifton Floyd Dupree and Alice Smith Dupree. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Alphin; and a son, David Clifton Alphin.
Traffic Stop on W. South Street Leads to Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Firearm
On February 5, 2026, Kinston Police Department D-Squad officers conducted a traffic stop on West South Street involving 29-year-old Juquan Jackson of New Bern.
Two Arrested Following Search Warrant on Ferndale Lane
On February 5, 2026, the Kinston Police Department’s VCAT team concluded a narcotics distribution investigation involving 24-year-old Sincere Teach. With assistance from KPD’s Investigations Division, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 1100 block of Ferndale Lane.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: The Book I Had to Read
When I was a Freshman in college, one of my professors assigned me a book to read that was not on the Curriculum List.
Town of Pink Hill releases system pressure advisory
The Town of Pink Hill posted the following: Due to a high volume of calls at Town Hall, we would like to provide the following update. At this time, there is no estimated timeframe for completion of the waterline repairs.