January brought a mix of heartfelt community moments and hard-hitting news to the forefront. From the tragic loss of a young boy in Pink Hill to Dan Sale's retirement and the sale of his iconic auto dealership, these stories captured the attention of readers across the region. Kinston High School's lockdown following a fight, a high-profile murder sentencing, and Kristy Kelly's personal column about Kinston's untapped potential also resonated deeply. Explore the stories that shaped the start of the year on Neuse News.

Here are the top 5 stories from Neuse News in January 2024:

LCSO UPDATE: Pink Hill boy dead after accidental shooting

At approximately 9:30 a.m., a 3-year-old boy accidentally shot himself with a handgun inside a residence in the 5500 block of Murphy Road in Pink Hill. The child was pronounced dead at approximately 11 a.m. at UNC Lenoir Health Care in Kinston.
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Dan Sale announces retirement, Sale Auto Mall under new ownership

Dan Sale, owner of Sale Auto Mall in Kinston, announced his retirement and the sale of the dealership. Established in 1986, Sale Auto Mall has been a significant player in the local automotive industry, offering brands such as BMW, Kia, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Ford, along with a variety of certified used vehicles.
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Local authorities respond to fight, pulled fire alarm at Kinston High School

Authorities arrived at Kinston High School after the School Resource Officer requested assistance following a student altercation. Local law enforcement secured the situation, and officers remained on-site to ensure safety. Additionally, someone pulled the fire alarm during the incident.
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Over 20 years sentencing in Kinston's high-profile murder case

On January 3, 2024, Taquan Travontah Jakel Darden pled guilty to the murder of Nathaniel Crawford. Darden received a 240- to 300-month active sentence for the murder, followed by a consecutive 64- to 89-month sentence related to a separate robbery case in the county.
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Kristy Kelly: Why Can't You See the Kinston I See?

In this column, Kristy Kelly reflects on her journey to Kinston, highlighting the town's spirit, potential, and warmth. She discusses the importance of seeing beyond negative perceptions and recognizing the community's positive aspects.
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Make sure to check out these stories and more on Neuse News.