Obituary: Keith Manning

Keith Edward Manning, 70, was graciously received into the arms of his Savior in the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 30, 2026. A memorial service to honor Keith’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at White Oak Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Bob Smith officiating.

Bucklesberry, Back in the Day: Hickory Grove Church (22)

The first year of Hickory Grove's transition to a new denominational home in 1885 was not without interruption. Fewer than thirty days after the Church voted to align with the Methodist Protestant Church (M.P.C.) Conference, former Baptist pastor Rev. Bushrod Washington (B. W.) Nash, no doubt unhappy, was reportedly back in the pulpit by the end of April 1885. Whether he was invited to preach or requested the meeting is unknown:

Impaired Driver Arrested Following Pursuit on U.S. 70

Impaired Driver Arrested Following Pursuit on U.S. 70. A CRT deputy located the vehicle traveling approximately 20 MPH in a posted 55 MPH zone and observed the driver repeatedly fail to maintain lane control. While attempting to conduct a traffic stop, the driver failed to stop and continued eastbound on U.S. 70.

Local NC Cooperative Extension Agent Win Multiple Communication Awards at the 2026 North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents (NCACAA)

As an agriculture extension agent, you are able to be a part of a state association, The North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agent, or NCACAA. This professional extension association includes county extension educators, agricultural specialists, and 4-H youth development staff working in North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s network.

Obituary: James Alan "Jimmy" Smith, Jr.

James Alan "Jimmy" Smith, Jr., of Kinston, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will be held Friday, October 2nd, 9 AM, followed by the funeral service, 10:00 AM, at First Baptist Church in Kinston, North Carolina. A graveside service will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

Obituary: Jasper (Jack) Louis Phillips, Jr., MD, FACS

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Jasper (Jack) Louis Phillips, Jr., MD, FACS, on September 25, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories. A funeral service will be conducted by Pastor John Robert Harris at Edwards Funeral Home on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Private burial will follow.

Obituary: Beverly Kennedy Alston

In Loving Memory of Beverly Kennedy Alston July 3, 1946 – September 25, 2026 Beverly Kennedy Alston of Kinston, age 80, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026. Born on July 3, 1946, to the late Rozelle and Alyne Kennedy of Richmond, VA.

Public Notice: Lenoir County WIC Program

The Lenoir County WIC Program is a federally funded supplemental nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and health/community referrals for eligible women, infants and children (up to age 5 year). You may qualify even if you work or receive other types of assistance. Take the first step.