As Thanksgiving arrives and the Christmas season begins, the Magic Mile Media, Neuse News and partner teams reflected on gratitude in their own words. Their responses show the range of personalities behind the work, from heartfelt to humorous.
Kristy Kelly: Bracing for the worst, gave me the best
If I had judged the year by how it began, I would have written it off before it even got started. January dragged me into 2025 while I was sick, exhausted, and quietly wondering if my body was about to fail me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. Nothing felt steady. Nothing felt hopeful. I thought I was bracing for the worst year of my life.
Humphrey awarded 'Jobs Champion' designation from NC Chamber
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Chamber named Representative Chris Humphrey (R – Lenoir, Greene, Jones) a ‘Jobs Champion’ in its 2025 How They Voted report. This annual report details state legislators’ voting records on bills identified as critical to preserving and enhancing North Carolina’s position as the #1 state in the U.S. for business. Representative Humphrey was recognized as a Jobs Champion for voting with the Chamber’s Jobs Agenda 90% of the time during the 2025 legislative session.
City of Kinston postpones swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials
The City of Kinston has postponed its swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials. The ceremony was originally scheduled for December 2 but has been moved to December 16, according to the city’s public information officer.
Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D.: Updates from Washington D.C and eastern North Carolina
Updates from Washington D.C and eastern North Carolina.
Bob Brinson Announces Campaign for Re-Election to the North Carolina State Senate
NEW BERN, N.C. — Today, North Carolina Senator Bob Brinson formally announced his campaign for re-election to the State Senate, pledging to continue championing strong communities, responsible governance, and the values of Beaufort, Craven, and Lenoir counties.
UNC Health Lenoir teammates collect more than 5,000 pounds of food during annual Feastival of Foods drive
On November 21, UNC Health Lenoir hosted its annual “Feastival of Foods” food drive, continuing a long-standing tradition of supporting local families during the holiday season. Teammates from across the hospital united to collect more than 5000 pounds of food for Lenoir County residents facing food insecurity.
Obituary: William “Billy” Dean Elmore
William “Billy” Dean Elmore, 52, of Deep Run, passed away on November 24, 2025, at ECU Vidant Medical Health Center in Greenville, NC.
Label Shopper Opens in Kinston Across from Walmart
Shoppers looking for national brands without the big-box price tag now have a new destination. Label Shopper has officially opened its doors in Kinston at 4150 W. Vernon Avenue, in the former Badcock Furniture location across from Walmart.
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 restaurant inspections
The following restaurant inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department:
Obituary: Troy Eason
Troy Eason developed a love for some of his favorite things early in life. The family will receive friends for a time of fellowship and sharing memories on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 3:00 until 5:30 p.m. at Rouse Farm, 4579 Eason Road, La Grange, NC 28551.
Obituary: Jimmy West Sutton
Jimmy West Sutton, 82, entered into the joy of his salvation on Monday morning, November 24, 2025. A service of love and remembrance will be held by the graveside at the Sutton Family Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The family will receive friends following the service.
UPDATE: Board dismisses election protests against Moore and Lipford
The Lenoir County Board of Elections dismissed the protest filed against Kinston Mayor-elect Kareem Moore on Monday night after the protestor failed to appear for the evidentiary hearing. In a separate hearing, the board voted 3–2 to dismiss the protest against Council-elect Les Lipford. Two board members voted that the protest met the required standard, but the motion to advance it failed.
The Looking Glass Marketplace brings new life to a La Grange landmark
LA GRANGE — A historic storefront long known as The Men's Den has been revived as a new small business hub in downtown La Grange. The Looking Glass Marketplace, owned by Heather Watson, opened in early October and has already grown into a bustling destination for antiques, vintage goods, and handmade art from across eastern North Carolina.
LCPS 1st Nine Weeks Honor Roll/Principal’s List
Lenoir County Public Schools is proud to recognize students who made their schools’ Principal’s List and Honor Roll in the first nine weeks of instruction this school year. Congratulations to everyone who has been named!
Mike Parker: Take Time to Be Thankful
The lyrics of an old hymn once common in churches were written by William D. Longstaff in 1882. “Take Time to Be Holy” emphasizes the importance of spending time in prayer and communion with the Lord. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I think we also need to “Take Time to Be Thankful.”
Lenoir Hospital Foundation Hosts Successful Golf Tournament
The 2025 Lenoir Hospital Foundation Superball Golf Tournament was a huge success. On October 16th, 25 teams enjoyed a sunny, cool day of golf at the Kinston Country Club.
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
Help Wanted: Assistant Registrar - Continuing Education
The Assistant Registrar - Continuing Education assists the Registrar - Continuing Education in ensuring that all classes within the division follow the State Board of Community Colleges Code (SBCCC) and other system office policies and program guidelines.