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.
All in Politics
One-stop early voting for Lenoir, Jones and Greene Counties
On October 14, 2021, a One-stop early voting period begins for November municipal elections. In Lenoir County, One-Stop voting sites include Fairfield Recreation Center, La Grange Frink Alumni Association Culture Center, and Teachers Memorial Gym. In Greene County, the location is the Snow Hill Fire Department. In Jones County, early voters will vote at Jones County Board of Elections.
Governor Cooper signs bill into law
Governor Cooper signs bill into law
Governor Cooper signs bill into law
Governor Cooper signs house bill 531 into law.
Governor Cooper Proclaims October as Disability Employment Awareness Month
Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month, stressing the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
New laws protect visitation rights for nursing home residents and clergy
Two new laws in North Carolina will protect visitation and religious rights for patients and long-term care residents during emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Cooper encourages faith leaders to help strengthen community vaccination efforts
Faith leaders from all religious backgrounds can be trusted figures in their communities. Their word can go a long way in encouraging people to talk with doctors and understand that these vaccines are safe and effective. The NC DHHS Healthier Together team is working with houses of worship to sponsor their own vaccine clinics.
BJ Murphy: LCPS Chairman Bruce Hill Admonishes Parents for Contacting Him
At the September 13th Lenoir County Public Schools board meeting, Chairman Bruce Hill admonished the public on when it’s appropriate to contact a school board member. He cited a chain of command, the need to go straight to the source, and emphasized the school board’s primary goal is to be policymakers. However, Mr. Hill seemingly chastises parents, guardians, and stakeholders for attempting in any type of way to hold school board members accountable. In an eye-opening statement, Mr. Hill says about the school board, “[we] aren’t as versed in education” and “we as board members we don’t know what goes on at the schools.”
Two candidates enter the Lenoir County Sheriff's race
With more than a year before mid-term elections, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s race is already heating up. Jackie Rogers announced his candidacy for Lenoir County Sheriff via a press release and posts on Facebook Monday evening. Neuse News reached out to Sheriff Ronnie T. Ingram and confirmed his intent to run in the 2022 mid-term election.
In 2018 Ingram ran unopposed, therefore the November 1, 2022 general election will present the community with a competitive race.
Treasurer Folwell Praises 38 Entities for Moving from Stress to Success
In a sweeping success story for local governments around the state, the Local Government Commission (LGC) has removed 38 entities from its Unit Assistance List (UAL), a monitoring device that flags and tracks local governments and public authorities battling financial and governance challenges.
Social Security Board of Trustees: Combined trust funds projected depletion one year sooner than last year
The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined asset reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2034, one year earlier than projected last year, with 78 percent of benefits payable at that time.
Governor Cooper signs criminal justice reform bills into law
Governor Roy Cooper signed three criminal justice reform bills into law today, House Bill 436: Support Law Enforcement Mental Health, House Bill 536: Law Enforcement Duty to Intervene and Senate Bill 300: Criminal Justice Reform. These bills align with recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice (TREC).
Governor Cooper signs executive order expanding access to Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for COVID-19
Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order to make it easier for North Carolinians to access treatment for COVID-19. The Executive Order authorizes and directs State Health Director, Dr. Betsey Tilson, to issue a statewide standing order to expand access to monoclonal antibody treatment, which if taken early can decrease the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The Order will be in effect through November 30, 2021.
Lenoir County Quickly Resolves Finance-Related Issues of Concern
Lenoir County quickly resolved a number of finance and bookkeeping issues, prompting the Local Government Commission (LGC) to remove the county from a state list for government entities battling financial and governance issues.
Mayor of Pink Hill passes away Friday morning
The Town of Pink Hill is in mourning at the loss of its mayor, Carol Sykes. Sykes has served as mayor of Pink Hill since 2009.
“I've known Mayor Sykes and her family for many years,” said Rep. Chris Humphrey. “She and her husband raised two super-smart daughters in Pink Hill. She was kind but firm. You didn't have to question where she stood on an issue. If she was your friend, she would help you in any way possible.”