Neuse News' top stories from November 2018
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. Damien Locklear named next Kinston Fire Department Chief
by Junious Smith III
Damien Locklear was named as the new fire chief for Kinston Fire & Rescue to start work after current Chief Don Crawford retires Dec. 31. Locklear has worked in the fire services for 14 years, most recently as an assistant chief for Cumberland Road Fire Department and captain for the City of Fayetteville Fire/Emergency Management Department.
#4. Downtown La Grange welcomes new restaurant
by Jon Dawson
The new Dos Marias Grill and Cantina opened in La Grange in November, featuring traditional Mexican dishes, a bar and a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant, owned by husband and wife Oscar and Sonia Mojica, is named for Oscar’s mother and grandmother, both of whom Oscar credits with his success.
Oscar is currently a personnel manager at Family First Support Center in Mount Olive, previously serving in the military, selling insurance, and teaching English as a Second Language. Dos Marias Grill and Cantina is the Mojicas’ first restaurant venture and is located at 131 S. Caswell St.
#3. Suspected explosive device located near North Lenoir High School
by Neuse News
While investigating the larceny of an ATV, sheriff’s deputies discovered an abandoned vehicle containing a suspected homemade explosive device just down the road from North Lenoir High School. The deputies closed off the area and requested assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation bomb squad, who rendered the device safe. North Lenoir was put on lockdown as a result of the discovery while the sheriff’s office and NCSBI agents searched the school property.
#2. Lenoir County election results have been delayed indefinitely
by Bryan Hanks
This November saw midterm elections deciding important positions across federal, state and local levels of government, but Lenoir County residents had to wait a little bit longer for the results to come in.
Technical issues with one-stop votes led to the Lenoir County Board of Elections shutting down on election night to await State BOE representatives to help resolve the discrepancies.
#1. Pedestrian struck and killed in Pink Hill
by Catherine Hardee
Pink Hill resident James Lynwood McCandless Jr. died after being struck by a car on N.C. 11 near the Hwy 55 restaurant in Pink Hill. The driver was Wilbur Pierce Mintz III, and at the time of the story, no charges were anticipated to be filed against him.