The Kinston Police Department and the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office have officially merged KPD’s Violent Crime Action Team with the Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, effective this week.
Local Artists and College Students Transform Community Trash and Found Materials into Art
The smART Gallery will host the closing reception for "Neuse Reuse," a unique community art exhibition featuring trash-terpieces created entirely from discarded materials and litter collected during local cleanups. The event will take place on Thursday, September 24 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the smART Gallery, located at 210 N. Queen St.
Snow Hill Board Untangles Utility Billing Dispute, Advances Grant Projects and Sidewalk Contract
The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners spent much of its September 14, 2026, meeting working through a months-long dispute over how the town billed residents for a new water and sewer rate, even as members pushed forward on a full slate of infrastructure work, from grant-funded well repairs to a new sidewalk contract, and accepted an award for the town's drinking water protection efforts.
Kinston council advances sewer, housing projects and appoints new city manager
The Kinston City Council on Tuesday approved a $3 million grant application for the Washington Avenue sewer rehabilitation project, advanced housing and public safety funding and, after a closed session, unanimously appointed Jon Mendenhall as the city’s next manager.
KPD/LCSO Narcotics Task Force assists with compliance checks
Detectives with the Kinston-Lenoir Narcotics Task Force recently assisted the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, Probation and Parole, with compliance checks at multiple residences throughout the City of Kinston and Lenoir County.
Kinston Toastmasters to celebrate 75 years with Sept. 19 community event
Kinston Toastmasters Club 962 invites the community to celebrate its 75th anniversary at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library, 510 N. Queen St.
Queen Street Church to celebrate 25th annual Christmas concert
Queen Street United Methodist Church will celebrate its 25th annual “A Queen Street Christmas” concert with three free performances Dec. 11-13.
Kinston City Council names Jon Mendenhall city manager
The Kinston City Council announced Tuesday night that Jon Mendenhall, who recently concluded a six-year tenure as Eden’s city manager, will serve as Kinston’s next city manager.
Lenoir County School Board backs Woodington grant effort in 6-1 vote
The Lenoir County Board of Education voted 6-1 Monday to move forward with seeking a $52 million state grant to replace Woodington Middle School, following debate over whether the district should explore a different grade configuration before pursuing the project.
Bucklesberry, Back in the Day: Hickory Grove Church (21)
A significant turning point in the life of Hickory Grove Church was the December 1884 pastoral call to Rev. William Ellis Swain of the Methodist Protestant Church (M.P.C.) Conference. In his 1929 book that traced the history of the M.P.C. Conference, Dr. Olin B. Michael, Th.D. affirmed, "The Hickory Grove people had come to us [the M.P.C. Conference], under W. E. Swain's pastorate."
Kinston selected for federally funded electric-vehicle charging station
Kinston has been selected for a new electric-vehicle charging station as part of a $14.4 million statewide investment announced by the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Kinston License Plate Agency Temporarily Closed for Ownership Transition
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles’ license plate agency (LPA) in Kinston is temporarily closed through Sept. 18 to allow for contractor ownership transition. The contract for the previous owner expired on Sept. 11.
Lenoir County deputies arrest suspect after vehicle theft, armed standoff
On September 11, 2026, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Jones County Sheriff’s Office regarding a suspect who had stolen a vehicle and fled the scene with a small child. Deputies immediately responded to an address in La Grange, where the suspect, Austin Riggs, a resident of Lenoir County, had barricaded himself inside a residence.
NCDOT to host small contractor outreach event in Kinston
The North Carolina Department of Transportation will hold an outreach event in Kinston for small contractors interested in working with the agency.
Mike Parker: DAR Sponsors History Essay Contest
Although students increasingly rely on AI for schoolwork, an old-fashioned American History Essay Contest encourages young people to think creatively about our nation’s history and see it in a new light.
Help Wanted: Adjunct Office Administration/Medical Office Administration Instructor
The Adjunct Office Administration/Medical Office Administration Instructor is responsible for providing quality instruction to Office Administration/Medical Office Administration students through the use of seated and/or online courses to promote successful completion of degree requirements.
Lenoir County restaurant inspections
The following inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department:
Cormya Baker of Kinston Named to the Summer 2026 Dean's List
Cormya Baker, of Kinston (28504) was named to the Summer 2026 Dean's List at Georgia State University.
Lenoir County death notices
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
Help Wanted: Adjunct Office Administration/Medical Office Administration Instructor
The Adjunct Office Administration/Medical Office Administration Instructor is responsible for providing quality instruction to Office Administration/Medical Office Administration students through the use of seated and/or online courses to promote successful completion of degree requirements.