A Lenoir County woman has been sentenced to prison following a narcotics investigation conducted by the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit.
Kinston budget hearing turns tense as residents press council on taxes and services
The hearing turned tense when Mayor Kareem Moore ordered one speaker removed after comments directed at Interim City Manager Ralph Clark.
Board of Education honors achievements, approves key items, and welcomes new administrators
The Lenoir County Board of Education met on June 1, 2026, recognizing outstanding students and staff, reviewing summer learning opportunities, and approving several items in preparation for the 2026-2027 school year.
Lenoir County commissioners weigh one-cent tax cut during budget work session
Lenoir County commissioners appear likely to consider a one-cent property tax reduction as they move toward adoption of the county’s FY 2026-27 budget, following a June 1 work session that centered on taxpayer relief, capital projects, school funding, transit costs and long-term financial planning.
Jones County commissioners reject fire district, delay budget decision
TRENTON — The Jones County Board of Commissioners rejected a proposed Fire Protection Service District on Monday after residents and commissioners raised concerns about how the tax would be structured, how the money would be distributed and whether the public had enough information before a decision.
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office confirms use of Flock license plate reader cameras
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office uses Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras along key roadways and travel corridors throughout the county, according to information provided by Capt. Christy M. Smith.
Obituary: James "Jimmy" Liston Pressly
On May 26, 2026, we mourned the passing of a beloved family member, James “Jimmy” Liston Pressly, 77, who was born on March 31, 1949 in Kinston, NC to Mariana Rochelle and Joseph Earl Pressly.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Celebration of the Life of Jimmy, will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 2101 N. Herritage St., Kinston, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in Hamilton Hall at the church.
LCPS Announces Administrative Changes for 2026-2027 School Year
Lenoir County Public Schools is pleased to announce several administrative changes for the 2026-2027 school year. These leaders bring extensive experience, a passion for education, and a strong commitment to student achievement as they step into their new roles.
Brent Heath: Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA) bill
Lenoir County currently has a 3.5% unemployment rate, and the median income is just over $45,000. Legislation is moving through Congress that would hand Washington bureaucrats sweeping new authority over workplace contracts in eastern North Carolina and across the nation. As a conservative, I see this as disastrous, but this bill should gravely concern you regardless of your political affiliation. It will empower union bosses and unaccountable government arbitrators at the expense of workers and businesses alike.
LCSO: Lenoir County Sex Offender Arrested for Registration Violations
On June 1, 2026, Michael Raymond Boucher, 40, of Kinston, North Carolina, was arrested for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements under North Carolina law.
Lenoir County school board questions financial comments during meeting
The Lenoir County Board of Education meeting Monday included pointed questions about the district’s financial condition after board members raised concerns about comments reportedly made to county officials during budget discussions.
Hickory Grove Church (14)
Hickory Grove's Baptist years were well documented by journalist Samuel Ivey (S. I.) Sutton (1834-1904), a Bucklesberry resident and charter member of the Church. His local news column often reported Church happenings that were picked up and carried by other newspaper outlets.
Maysville proposes $1.8 million budget with no tax rate increase
MAYSVILLE — The Town of Maysville’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget would keep the town’s property tax rate unchanged while increasing water and sewer rates, raising several local fees, adding part-time staffing and using fund balance to support operations.
Kinston drug investigation leads to two arrests on crack cocaine charges
On May 30, 2026, at approximately 11:10 AM, the Kinston Police Department's Violent Crime Action Team (VCAT), with assistance from D-Squad officers, concluded an investigation into the distribution of crack cocaine in Kinston.
Kinston traffic stop leads to marijuana, firearms charges
On May 29, 2026, at approximately 8:16 PM, KPD's B-Squad conducted a traffic stop on Highway 11 North for a motor vehicle violation.
Jones County manager proposes budget with unchanged county tax rate, new fire district tax
Jones County Manager Kyle A. Smith has presented a proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget that would keep the countywide property tax rate unchanged while adding a new dedicated fire protection tax.
Practical Hurricane Season Preparation Starts Before the First Storm
Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and for eastern North Carolina, preparation is not just a coastal concern. Heavy rain, flooding, downed trees, power outages, tornadoes and washed-out roads can affect families well inland, even when a storm never makes a direct hit.
Mike Parker: The most important stockpile lies between your ears
I was reading through some of my old columns when I came upon one I had written in January 2011 – my last semester of teaching at Farmville Central High School. I wrote:
Lenoir County beginning teachers recognized 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 May with the Buzzing Bee BT Award.
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds: