The state’s seasonally adjusted July 2026 unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, remaining unchanged from June’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.1 percent.
Obituary: Joseph Oliver Stilley
Joseph Oliver Stilley, 76, passed away peacefully at his home on August 23, 2026. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., At Chinquapin Chapel Church in Trenton with Pastor Paul Milner officiating. A private burial will follow.
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Domestic Violence Incident; Stolen Firearm Recovered
On August 22, 2026, Deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office responded to an address in Pink Hill regarding a reported domestic assault. The original caller advised Communications that a firearm may be inside the residence.
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Stolen Motorcycle
On August 22, 2026, at approximately 11:20 p.m., deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office C-Shift responded to the area of Woodington Middle School in reference to a reported stolen motorcycle.
Kinston police report fentanyl, firearm and larceny arrests in weekend recap
Kinston police reported multiple weekend arrests involving a firearm with an altered serial number, fentanyl and marijuana seizures, larceny, and cocaine-related charges from Aug. 21-24.
Severe Storms Possible Monday Afternoon with Damaging Winds, Flooding and Isolated Tornado Risk
Please ensure you have multiple ways to receive warnings and communication even after you head to bed.
Lenoir County restaurant inspections
The following inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department:
Lenoir County Transit proposes fare increases and service reductions
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. to receive comments on proposed fare increases and service reductions for Lenoir County Transit.
Jones County Community Closet receives statewide innovation award
Jones County has received a 2026 Civic Excellence in Innovation Award from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners for the Jones County Community Closet.
Mike Parker: Shots before ‘The Shot Heard ‘Round the World’
Three years ago, the N.C. State Master Gardeners started the Lenoir County Children’s Garden near the museum at the Richard Caswell Memorial at 2612 West Vernon Avenue in Kinston.
From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson, August 19, 2026
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and staying connected with the latest news from District Nine and our efforts in the General Assembly.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Healthy Eating
A Kinston friend mentioned in a sermon that the old fellow gout messes with him sometime. Years ago a retired nurse, Prudie Joseph, suggested that I get some cherry juice to give my father for his bout with gout. It proved to be a magic elixir. Of course, he didn't want to drink the unsweetened kind as recommended. So he drank the better tasting one. Still it helped.
Economic Development Region Earns Gold Award for Innovative Workforce Development Partnership
The NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region has received a 2026 Gold Award for the Regional Industries & Manufacturing Expo (RIME), a collaborative workforce development initiative that connects Eastern North Carolina students with employers, training opportunities and rewarding careers close to home.
Lenoir County death notices
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
New Lenoir County corporations
The following businesses were registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State:
Lenoir County Farmer's Market update August 22, 2026
This Saturday's vendor lineup includes TJ Designs, Holy Granola, B&B Eggs, TC Smith, Robin's Nest, Julie Babbin, Christi Luv, and Rodney the Pork Skin Man.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Bell peppers, a rainbow of color
Bell peppers are in season from July through September and are plentiful at local farmers markets and roadside stands. Bell peppers make a delicious addition to summer salads, pizzas and pasta dishes. They are available in a variety of colors, with green, yellow, red and orange among the most popular.
Lenoir County Man Arrested Following Larceny/Fraud Investigation
On August 11, 2026, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office received a report involving a computer that had been reported stolen. Detectives with the General Investigations Division began investigating the incident.
Two Arrested for Selling Stolen AC Parts to Lenoir County Scrapyard
On August 6, 2026, detectives with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office General Investigations Division were notified by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office of an incident involving an air conditioning unit that had been stolen in Greene County and subsequently scrapped at a metal recycling facility in Lenoir County.
KPD: Public Statement on Panhandling and Park Enforcement in the City of Kinston
The City of Kinston is committed to maintaining safe, welcoming public spaces for our residents, visitors, and businesses. Over the past several months, we have seen a noticeable increase in panhandling, including incidents of aggressive solicitation, particularly in our downtown business district and city parks.