10. Kinston Police: Wednesday attempted murder and shots fired investigations underway

According to two press releases from the Kinston Police Department, on October 30, 2019 officers with the Kinston Police Department were on patrol when they heard shots fired near E Bright St. and S East St. Officers responded and began searching the area. Shortly after, officers were dispatched to a call of a gunshot victim on the 1300 block of Pollock St. Upon arrival officers located a 19-year-old black male with a gunshot wound to the leg.

9. Jones Senior principal to accept new position, Tod Morgan to take over next month

Jones Senior may be getting a new principal, but won’t be losing the old one. Bryce Marquis is taking on a new position as the director of educational programs in Jones County. Marquis, who started the year as Jones Senior’s principal, will maintain his position until early November, as he makes the transition. Marquis’ replacement is a familiar one at Jones Senior — Tod Morgan. Although this is Morgan’s first head principal position, he served as an assistant principal at Jones Senior, along with Pamlico County Middle School.

8. Black bear spotted in Kinston

Residents on Darby Avenue in Kinston had an unusual visitor Wednesday. An approximately 200-pound black bear was first spotted walking north on Darby Avenue toward Plaza Boulevard around 7:45 Wednesday morning.

7. Sons of late UNC Lenoir Health Care nurse carry scholarship legacy

A nurse’s death in 2004 led first to the creation of a nursing scholarship in her name. Fifteen years later it inspired one of her sons, Jared, to become a bone-marrow donor to help a stranger combat a type of blood cancer, the disease that took his mother’s life. Cindy Alphin Jones was a respected and beloved nurse at what was then known as Lenoir Memorial Hospital. When she died she left behind her nine-year old twin sons and husband. Today, her grown sons, husband and brother still meet each year at the hospital where Cindy worked, now UNC Lenoir Health Care, to present the Cindy Alphin Jones Memorial Scholarship administered by the Lenoir Hospital Foundation.

6. Kinston to get axe-throwing company by January

Kinston will have an “axe-citing” time in the near future. The Ironclad Axe Throwing Company is in the process of construction on W. North St. and is projected to be finished by January. Shawn Stengele, one of the owners of the New Bern-based “Beary The Hatchet,” said the Ironclad will be created in a similar manner for Kinstonians.

5. Lenoir County restaurant inspections

The following inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department: El Norteno. Bethel Christian Academy, UNC Lenoir Healthcare, Ruby Tuesday, Chef and The Farmer, Cafe at Lenoir Memorial and The Peach House.

4. South Lenoir student takes horse to school after missing the bus

Autumn Bright wasn’t going to be late to school. On Thursday, the South Lenoir freshman missed the bus and with limited options, took “Throwback Thursday” to another level by riding her horse to school. Bright said her family has owned horses since she was two years old and she was adept at traveling with the animal.

3. Bender, Paige Jr. hired to key positions in Jones County

Jones County Manager Franky Howard is grateful the Board of Commissioners added positions for an economic development director and recreation department director back into the budget this year. Howard didn't look far to fill the spots. Welcome home, John Bender and Eldridge Paige Jr. A pair of county natives, Bender will serve as the economic development director, while Paige Jr. promises not to "get out-worked" at the recreation department.

2. Jones Senior to forfeit final five games of 2019 football season

Jones Senior’s 2019 season is officially over. A message from the Jones Senior Facebook page stated “Trojan fans, we regret that we have to cancel the remainder of our 2019 football season due to injuries and a lack of players. We feel this decision is best for the safety and welfare of our student athletes while also taking into consideration the opposing teams and their schedules. We have appreciated your support and look forward to football in the coming years at Jones Senior.”

1. Lenoir County deputy arrested for DWI, child abuse

A Lenoir County deputy was arrested for driving while intoxicated, along with child abuse Monday morning. Karen Lee, 33, was charged with a DWI, open container and reckless driving by state troopers in Craven County. Lee, who serves as a school resource officer at E.B. Frink Middle School, was also charged with three counts of child abuse after officers said her three children were found home in Cove City under no supervision.