We continue to monitor the potential for heavy rain, flooding, and severe thunderstorms across parts of ENC on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Parking area at Brock Mill Pond to close during improvements
Jones County officials announced that the parking area across from Brock Mill Pond will be temporarily closed over the next several weeks while construction work is underway.
Lenoir County women plead guilty in $187,000 COVID fraud case
Two Lenoir County women have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud in a COVID-era rental assistance fraud case involving more than $187,000, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
NCDOT explains tall grass along Lenoir County highways, upcoming mowing restrictions
Tall grass along some Lenoir County highways has drawn complaints from residents as students return to school and traffic increases near local campuses, but state transportation officials say new mowing restrictions and favorable growing conditions have contributed to the higher vegetation.
Back to School season is here and Guardian ad Litem is seeking Volunteers!
As children head back to school, many are returning facing challenges that they should not have to carry alone. Every child deserves to start the school year feeling safe, seen, and heard.
National Weather Service monitoring potential for flooding, severe weather Friday
NWS: We are monitoring the potential for heavy rain, flooding, and severe thunderstorms on Friday, August 28, 2026.
La Grange pauses utility disconnections during billing system upgrade
The Town of La Grange said no utility service disconnections will occur while the town completes upgrades to its payment and utility billing system.
Obituary: Linda Rouse Rice
Mrs. Linda Rouse Rice, 78, of Leesburg, Georgia, formerly of Grifton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Willson Hospice House.
Faith Forward with Pastor Jason McKnight: Why do bad things happen to good people?
The nine-year-old boy sat in my office. He’d made an appointment to ask a few questions. His mom and little brother were with him. I tried to make them all as comfortable as possible, joked about a few things, and said, “well, hit me with it, man!”
North Carolina's July Employment Figures Released
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.