Here is a look back at the top 5 articles on Neuse News each month in 2023.

Number 5

Local Restaurant owner arrested for animal cruelty

Fifty-year-old Fernando Montell Hicks, the owner of Beary Smokey Smokehouse, was arrested on May 2, 2023, on felony charges of animal cruelty in Pitt County with a court date of January 24, 2024. He was given a $10,000 secured bond.

Number 4

Sheriff Jackie Rogers in TikTok with unexpected twist caught on camera

Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers appeared in a TikTok. The video shows the sheriff pulling over a car. The driver gets out of the car with his hands up and starts to place them on the car before moving behind the car and pulling something out of his pocket.

Number 3

Winners of the 42nd annual Wil King Hog Happenin’ whole hog cooking competition

The annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse announced its barbecue and sauce winners on Saturday. The categories include Sauce Boss, Natural Source, Backyard, and Professional. The winners each won prize money and cutting boards.

Number 2

NCDOT: Teen Driver Law Changes to Take Effect Monday, May 8

Upon passage of a bill by the North Carolina General Assembly, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles is announcing changes to the graduated driver licensing (GDL) program for teens.

Number 1

Kinston's Paramount Theater to shine again after decades of neglect

An old building will get a new lease on life with the Paramount Project. A collective effort is underway to restore the Paramount Theater to its former glory. The project is currently raising the funds needed to renovate the building.