By Scott Cole

Publisher’s note: Neuse News began a soft launch on June 13, 2018 and two weeks later began a full digital publication to include the Neuse Newsletter, online stories, and social media links and videos. As we look back at 2018, we’re sharing the top five stories from June through December. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for subscribing. And, thank you for allowing us to help tell our community’s story.



#5 Smith Hardy Photo Album: Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Topsail Beach, New Bern, and Pollocksville

by Smith Hardy

Not surprisingly, the majority of our most widely read articles in September were about the aftermath of Hurricane Florence which devastated the region.

Words, are not enough to describe the damage done by this storm. Photographer Smith Hardy took to the skies in a helicopter to get an aerial view of what happened. The results are gut wrenching. Starting with Pollocksville in Jones County, Smith also flew over our beaches to help show the full wrath this storm inflicted upon us.

See this photo album: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/9/22/smith-hardy-photo-album-atlantic-beach-emerald-isle-surf-city-topsail-new-bern-and-pollocksville

#4 Two confirmed deaths reported from Hurricane Florence in Kinston

by Neuse News

While the vast majority of people survived Hurricane Florence, this storm did take lives, tragically. All in all 30 people were taken by this storm. Two of those lives were from our area.

Read this story: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/9/14/two-confirmed-deaths-reported-from-hurricane-florence-in-kinston

#3 Smith Hardy Photo Album: Duplin County

by Smith Hardy

Kinston native and freelance photographer Smith Hardy documented the hurricane’s damage in nearby Duplin County like no other photographer in our area. He shared his photo album with us in the hopes that more help might come. We believe, based on the number of comments and shares, that we was successful in his mission.

Thank you Smith for sharing your work with our community.

See this photo album: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/9/22/smith-hardy-photo-album-duplin-county-nc

#2 Neuse River at Kinston Water Level Forecasts

by Neuse News

During Hurricane Florence, you trusted us to bring you up to the minute, live, exclusive coverage of what was happening in our area. Using coverage, only matched by broadcast TV stations, we were in the area checking bridges and roads, making remote broadcasts, and letting you know what was safe and what was not.

This article was constantly being updated; sharing with you how high the Neuse River in Kinston was and what impact that would have on you, our readers and your neighbors. You trusted us to keep you safe, and for that we thank you.

Read this story: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/9/12/neuse-river-water-level-1100-am-on-tuesday-sept-12?rq=Water%20level

#1 NY lineman prepares for surgery after Hurricane Florence 

by Junious Smith III

In the days following Hurricane Florence, people came from all over the nation to help. Some were from National Guard units or the Red Cross. Some were from utility companies from across the east coast and south trying to help restore electricity to our ravaged area.

This work is very dangerous and we don’t appreciate that until something tragic happens. Cal Addy, a lineman from New York, came to offer assistance and fell off of a pole while assisting our community. He was grateful for the sincere love that he received while at Vidant Hospital, recovering from his severe injuries.

Read this story: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/9/17/linesman-injured-monday-afternoon