By Scott Cole

Publisher’s note: Neuse News began a soft launch on June 13, 2018 and two weeks later began a full digital publication to include the Neuse Newsletter, online stories, and social media links and videos. As we look back at 2018, we’re sharing the top five stories from June through December. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for subscribing. And, thank you for allowing us to help tell our community’s story.

#5 Allow me to reintroduce myself, my name is…

by Junious Smith III

For years Junious Smith III has blessed our high school gyms and fields covering sports. This Fayetteville native and Cookout connoisseur has embedded himself into the hearts and minds of those in Lenoir County since moving here. In the winter of 2017, Junious started his own online blog, famously known as “The Flourish Post” based off of one of his key mantras “It’s Flourish Season”; it’s a time to shine and produce.  

With Neuse News up and running, Junious is reunited with his former boss/mentor/friend Bryan Hanks in trying to deliver news and content that matters to the community. As a new member of the Neuse News team, Junious is excited about what the future holds and promises to keep flourishing.

Read this column: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/6/12/allow-me-to-reintroduce-myself-my-name-is

#4 Citizens discuss future of Woodmen

by Michelle Taylor

Several years ago, the Woodmen of the World built a workout and community center in the heart of Kinston. Next to it, was constructed the Lions Adventure Water Park; a fun place where local kids can go to escape the summer heat.

During this past year, the Woodmen offered the center and park to the City of Kinston. This town meeting discussed the pros and cons of acquiring the park and what it could mean for the city.

Read this story: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/6/12/open-disscussion

#3 Agriculture rally to be held on Monday

by Michelle Taylor

It’s no secret that a major part of the economy of Eastern Carolina is our agriculture. But over the years, frivolous lawsuits have taken their toll on farmers all across this state.

Rep. John Bell and Eve Honeycutt, an agent for the NC Cooperative Extension Service, share their thoughts on the NC Farm Act of 2018, advocating for Gov. Roy Cooper to sign it, and how that will affect farmers locally.

Read this story: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/6/23/agricultural-rally-to-be-held-for-awareness

#2 Back in the saddle again

by Bryan Hanks

Bryan Hanks returns to the local news scene after a self imposed media exile. Hanks shares his media experiences over the years in Kinston as well as how this city captured his heart. Now, he is probably the city’s biggest cheerleader. He also shares, for the first time publicly, his heartbreaking, yet principled stand in walking away from his career as publisher.

Next, Hanks explains how a conversation with BJ Murphy helped to launch what would become Neuse News. Helping to recruit an all-star team of local talent, Hanks is excited to share his vision of the future for this new endeavor.

Read this column: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/6/13/edited-back-in-the-saddle-again

#1 Kinston’s Damian Dunn to transfer to Georgia for senior year

by Junious Smith III

After playing three years for the Kinston Vikings and helping to lead them to the state basketball playoffs, Damian Dunn is taking his talents to Meadowcreek High School; last year’s state basketball championship in Georgia. There, he will be reunited with Kinston legend John Dawson, an assistant coach at Meadowcreek, and many of his AAU teammates coached by another Kinston legend, Jerry Stackhouse.

Dunn thanks his coaches and the city of Kinston for everything it has given him. He reflects on his time here as well as looking at the bright future ahead of him.

Read this story: https://www.neusenews.com/index/2018/6/25/kinstons-damian-dunn-to-transfer-to-georgia-for-senior-year