Buddy Ritch, former mayor of Kinston, passed away Monday evening, leaving behind a significant legacy of community service. O.A. “Buddy Ritch was 95. He served as mayor from 1985-1997 and for a fourth term from 2005-2009.
All tagged mayor
BJ Murphy: Beyond the Keyboard - 4 Ways to Make a Difference in Elections
We’re finally here - Election Day! As many people vented their frustrations about national, state, and local politics on social media this election (and I’m sure it’s not over, gahhhhhh), it’s common to see heated debates, complaints, and accusations aimed at politicians and the government. However, real change doesn’t come from being a keyboard warrior—it comes from taking action.
BJ Murphy: The Evolution of Neuse News - Five Years of Local Impact
As I stroll down Queen St., looking back on the five-year journey of Neuse News, I'm struck by the crucial role we've come to play in our community. When we embarked on this venture, we were simply a group of friends, concerned by the glaring absence of local news reporting and community relevance. We noticed a lack of accountability for public officials and a lack of accessible information for our neighbors. In starting Neuse News, we didn't claim to be seasoned journalists or skilled videographers. Through our publication, social media presence, website, newsletter, and breaking news text alerts, we've aimed to counteract the decline of corporately-owned print news and provide a trusted news source for our community.
BREAKING NEWS: Pink Hill Mayor resigns
According to a post on the Pink Hill News Facebook page, Pink Hill Mayor Mike Hill has resigned.
Former Kinston Mayor Johnnie Moseley passed away over the weekend
On May 14, 2022, former Kinston Mayor Johnnie Moseley passed away at the age of 79. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time according to Mills Funeral Home.
Moseley served two terms as Mayor from 1997 to 2005 and was the first African American in that role. He served as mayor during the devastating effects of Hurricane Floyd and during the West Pharmaceutical explosion. He also was on Kinston City Council from 1985 to 1997 before becoming mayor.
The city’s water reclamation facility is named the Johnnie Moseley Regional Water Reclamation Facility because of his work post-Hurricane Floyd to build a facility out of the flood zone.
Chris Suggs: Let's talk about money
Although there hasn’t been any public discussion regarding it, once again, there is an increase in pay for the mayor and members of the council being proposed in this year’s budget. This isn’t to say that the increase isn’t justified, my concern is that once again potentially controversial items are being presented in the budget that haven’t been formally discussed. Whether it’s the more than $100 million annual operating budget for the city, or a $6.3 million allocation from the federal government, each line item deserves thorough inspection and candid conversations about how they align with our priorities — especially one that has proven time and time again to ruffle feathers.
I’ve expressed my desire with the mayor and members of the council for us to have dedicated meeting time to talk about our city budget and finances, but aside from Councilwoman Felicia Solomon, the other members of our board haven’t shared that desire.
Letter to the Editor: We are fed up with crime
The people of Kinston/Lenoir county are fed up with crime and random shootings that haunt this city.
Letter to the Editor: Ian “Joey” Solomon for Felicia Solomon for Mayor
More than anything else, Kinston needs a leader that is OF the people, for ALL people, and believes in the POWER of people. I can speak to this with authority, because I have witnessed it all my life. Help the city of Kinston thrive, help the city of Kinston accelerate the will to revive, by electing Felicia Solomon Mayor.
Letter to the Editor: Elijah Woods for Felicia Solomon for Mayor
As we approach Tuesday, November 2nd, my thoughts continue to grow about the results of the City Council and especially the Mayoral elections. The office of mayor is considered the chief political office in city government. The importance of this role cannot be taken lightly. This letter is not a personal indictment against Mayor Hardy, the man, but an expressed uneasiness about his leadership skills and concern about his judgement which impacts us all as citizens of Kinston.
Election 2021: BJ Murphy interviews mayoral candidate Jeffrey Warren
Neuse News publisher BJ Murphy sat down with mayoral candidate Jeffrey Warren to discuss his bid to become Kinston's Mayor and issues facing the City of Kinston. They discussed the two requests for mayor and council pay increases, department head vacancies, how to help small businesses struggling to find employees, and more.
Election 2021: BJ Murphy interviews mayoral candidate Zac Holcomb
Neuse News publisher BJ Murphy sat down with mayoral candidate Zac Holcomb to discuss his bid to become Kinston's Mayor and issues facing the City of Kinston. They discussed the two requests for mayor and council pay increases, department head vacancies, how to help small businesses struggling to find employees, and more.
Election 2021: BJ Murphy interviews Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon
Neuse News publisher BJ Murphy sat down with Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon to discuss her bid to become Kinston's Mayor and issues facing the City of Kinston. They discussed the two requests for mayor and council pay increases, department head vacancies, how to help small businesses struggling to find employees, and more.
Watch: Pastor Jason McKnight interviews all four Mayoral candidates
In a special to Neuse News, Grace Fellowship Church Pastor Jason McKnight and his Encounter Grace podcast recently interviewed all four candidates running for Mayor of Kinston. Here are all four video interviews.
Obituary - Carol S. Sykes
PINK HILL - The Honorable Carol S. Sykes passed away on Friday, August 26, 2021 at N.C. Heart and Vascular Hospital in Raleigh. A celebratory Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31 at the home of Leigh Turner (aka Turner Beach) at 105 Bill Sutton Road in Pink Hill. To encourage social distancing please bring your lawn/beach chair and happiness in your heart for a life well-lived.
BJ Murphy: If not you, who?
I am more concerned about the next four years for Kinston today than I was four years ago.
The impasses we face with the City of Kinston pose significant challenges for our community’s future, and we need leaders to step up at a time such as this. The mayor’s seat and two councilmembers’ seats are up for grabs, and the $10 filing fee period ends on Friday, July 16th at 12:00 pm.
Now is not the time to complain. Now is not the time to critique. Instead, if you feel led to run or compelled to serve your community greater than your role today, here is your opportunity to influence or shape the change you desire.