Raleigh, N.C. - The state’s seasonally adjusted September 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from August’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.4 percent.
Murphy Introduces Legislation to Improve VA Research & Care Delivery
Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., introduced the VA Research Reform Act, legislation to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs’ research ecosystem to improve the efficiency and transparency of care delivery.
Lenoir County death notices
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
Help Wanted: Instructional Designer
The Instructional Designer collaborates with faculty and the Director of Online Learning and Faculty Development to design and enhance courses for increased engagement and student success.
Help Wanted: Director of Library Services
The Director of Library Services provides leadership and vision for the library. The Director is expected to represent the library within the community, offer programs to students, develop collections that meet the needs of faculty and students, provide budgeting information, and manage all library staff, facilities, and services.
Help Wanted: Public Safety Specialist
The Public Safety Specialist provides advanced administrative and clerical support to the Director of Emergency Medical Science and the overall Public Safety Division to ensure effective and efficient daily office operations. This position also manages the admissions process for prospective public safety students. The Public Safety Specialist reports to the Director of Emergency Medical Science.
Help Wanted: Data Analytics & Improvement Strategist
The Data Analytics & Improvement Strategist is responsible for collecting, querying, analyzing, and transforming institutional data into actionable insights that drive continuous improvement in student experience and achievement.
Obituary: Catherine Stanley Turnage
Stanley Turnage, 94, peacefully went home on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Goldsboro Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home. A graveside service to honor Catherine will be held at Fairview Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Danny Rollins officiating the service.
Lenoir County Farmers Market update for Saturday, December 13, 2025
The Lenoir County Farmers Market, located at 100 N. Herritage Street, will be open Tuesday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Happy Holiday Appetizers!!
Bring in the holidays with your “tribe” of friends and family with some delicious and “mostly” healthy Holiday appetizers. Your guests will scoop up these tasty starters to give you energy to make to the big day!!
New Lenoir County corporations
The following businesses were registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State:
Event: A Queen Street Christmas
You’re invited to the 24th Annual Christmas Concert, A Queen Street Christmas, at Queen Street United Methodist Church
Join us Saturday, December 13, or Sunday, December 14 for an unforgettable evening of music and celebration. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; the concert begins at 6:00 p.m.
UPDATED: Current list of 2026 Primary candidates for Lenoir, Greene and Jones Counties
The filing period for North Carolina's 2026 municipal elections opened Monday, December 1, 2025 marking the official start of the campaign season for dozens of local offices across Lenoir, Jones and Greene counties. Candidates seeking election to partisan and nonpartisan offices have until noon on Friday, December 19 to file with their respective county boards of elections.
First Sergeant T. Lee Howell Bridge dedication ceremony held in Kinston
The North Carolina Department of Transportation held a bridge dedication ceremony Friday honoring First Sergeant T. Lee Howell.
Parks and Recreation offering community extra transportation for Kinston’s State Championship game
Kinston/Lenoir County Parks and Recreation will provide additional transportation for fans traveling to Durham on Saturday, Dec. 13, for the NCHSAA 3A State Championship game. A bus will depart from the Holloway Center at 9 a.m., offering residents a convenient way to support Kinston High School as the Vikings compete for the title.
For Kinston High receiver, state title quest caps a record-setting season
His future looks as bright as that of any student athlete to come out of Kinston High School in a while, but this week Tyreek Copper isn’t looking much past Saturday.
Where Heirlooms & History Meet the Garden in Our Community
The Children’s Garden at the Caswell Memorial State Historic Site, maintained by the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lenoir County (EMGV), continues to flourish as a vibrant outdoor classroom for learners of all ages in our community.
Evelyn Dove Coleman: Sonya Stocks Davis Is a Wise Judge
When Governor Josh Stein appointed Sonya Stocks Davis to the District Court bench, it was a proud moment for the Kinston/Lenoir County community. I knew Judge Davis' parents before I met her. Her father was Chester Stocks who helped to mold many 4-H youth for decades. Her mother is Mallie Stocks who broke the mold in community service by serving on so many boards and committees. Their dedication to Kinston must have rubbed off on their daughter.
Neuse Regional Libraries: Programming of the Year Award
Neuse Regional Libraries (NRL) is excited to announce that it has been awarded the 2025 North Carolina Public Library Directors Association (NCPLDA) Programming Award for the Teens Lead program. It is an honor to be recognized at the state level for providing innovative programming to the citizens of Lenoir, Jones, and Greene Counties. The Library will accept the award at the NCPLDA Award Ceremony on December 11, 2026.
Obituary: Jonas “J.N” Nathan Hill III
Jonas “J.N” Nathan Hill III, 78, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Greenville Health and Rehabilitation after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and a recent bout with cancer. A viewing will be held at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow in the White Family Cemetery, 1451 Dover Ft. Barnwell Road, Dover, NC.