On February 13, 2026, at approximately 8:12 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to the 1800 block of East New Bern Road following a report of a wrong-way driver.
Greensboro couple arrested after officers respond to unresponsive driver
On February 14, 2026, at approximately 4:23 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad were dispatched to a restaurant drive-through on the 900 block of West Vernon Avenue following a report of a subject slumped over in a vehicle.
Wanted Lenoir County man arrested after fleeing traffic stop
On February 13, 2026, at approximately 4:31 p.m., detectives with the Kinston Police Department’s VCAT Unit observed a white Dodge Charger traveling south on Old Snow Hill Road.
Kinston man arrested after stolen vehicle
On February 14, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad were notified of a stolen vehicle in the area of Vernon Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Obituary: Willie James Houston
Willie James Houston, Sr., age 91, of Kinston, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026, at home. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Jackson Heights Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Justin Barnett officiating.
2025 Miss Neuse Lexy Rouse to crown new scholarship pageant winner Feb. 21
The 2026 Miss Neuse Scholarship Pageant has introduced this year’s contestants, continuing its mission as a fundraiser supporting young women ages 14 to 17.
Obituary: Gerald Dwight Simmons
Gerald Dwight Simmons, died at home on Monday, February 2, 2026 in Raleigh North Carolina at age 89. A service celebrating Gerald’s life will be held at Outlaw’s Bridge Universalist Church, 4408 NC-111, Seven Springs North Carolina, 28578, on Saturday, February 21, at 3 PM. A reception will follow the service.
Mary’s Kitchen to host Annual Bingo Night
Mary’s Kitchen will be hosting their annual Bingo Night on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in Moseley Hall of St. Mary’s Church (800 Rountree St Kinston). Doors will open at 5:00. Everyone is invited for an evening of food and fellowship with hot dogs, chips and drinks as well as door prizes and game prizes!
EPIC Center Announces 2026 Walk 4 Life & 5K at Lenoir Community College
The EPIC Center invites the community to participate in its annual Walk 4 Life & 5K on Saturday, April 18, 2026, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at Lenoir Community College. The event is open to all ages and fitness levels and will take place rain or shine.
Lenoir County early voting tops 500 ballots through Monday
Early voting turnout in Lenoir County climbed to 524 ballots cast through Monday, Feb. 16, according to totals provided by the Lenoir County Board of Elections.
John Hood: Fiscal Storm Is About to Hit Us
RALEIGH — You may not be interested in federal deficits, but federal deficits are very interested in you.
Professional Jazz Pianist and Kinston Native Le’Andra McPhatter Returns to the Library this Thursday
In celebration of Black History month, the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library is proud to present a performance by the talented and accomplished jazz pianist Le’Andra McPhatter this Thursday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m.
New Lenoir County corporations
The following businesses were filed with the North Carolina Register of Deeds:
Mike Parker: Attitudes caught, not taught
Is solving our community relations problems an important goal? What do problems with race relations and our city-county rift mean in our everyday world? The answer to the first question is “yes.” The answer to the second question, in a word, is “much.”
Lenoir County death notices
The following is a list of people who have recently passed away in Lenoir County:
Help Wanted: Controller
The Controller will be responsible for oversight of all finance, accounting, and reporting activities. The Controller will lead all day-to-day finance operations and supervise a team of staff members including functional responsibility over accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and purchasing.
Hickory Grove Church (7)
The earliest known reference to Hickory Grove Church of Bucklesberry is a church letter submitted to the Bethel Free Will Baptist (F.W.B.) Conference in 1841. Historically significant, this letter confirms Hickory Grove was organized as a church congregation by that year. Although associated today with the Methodist denomination, the 1841 church letter also provides undeniable proof that Hickory Grove has not always been a Methodist work. Without question, the church's origin is indisputably F.W.B.
Help Wanted: EMT Community Paramedic
As a member of Emergency Services with Lenoir County Government, you can make a difference! The Emergency Medical Services Division is seeking candidates for an EMT Community Paramedic. T
Lenoir County land transfers
The following land transfers were filed with the Lenoir County Register of Deeds:
Help Wanted: Controller
The Controller will be responsible for oversight of all finance, accounting, and reporting activities. The Controller will lead all day-to-day finance operations and supervise a team of staff members including functional responsibility over accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and purchasing.