Sorority hosts health program
The Delta Rho Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. held its 12th annual Health Fair July 13 at the First Missionary Baptist Church on Gordon Street. Senior women from churches in Kinston and...
View ArticleLenoir County keeps on smiling / Names in news
Lenoir County keeps on smiling This week’s Lenoir County Smiles recipient, Eartha Mumford, wraps up the eighth year of the program designed to foster “good, friendly service with a Smile.” A...
View ArticleYou take the good, you take the bad…
In life, there is good and the inevitable bad. Life around these parts is no different. So for the 12 people — including my mother who’s obligated to read this word jumble — here are a few of my...
View ArticleKDPS assists U.S. Marshal’s in arrest
With the assistance of the Kinston Department of Public Safety, a fugitive sought by the U.S. Marshal’s office is now behind bars. On Wednesday, officers with the narcotics division of the KDPS...
View ArticleProsecution begins to make case in Hayes trial
RALEIGH – State prosecutors would like the jury to believe Grant Hayes is a monster. After a lengthy jury selection process, they kicked off their case against Hayes this week -- in the murder of...
View ArticleLaRoque attorneys ask for new trial on all counts
GREENVILLE – Stephen LaRoque’s attorneys would like to take it from the top and go again. In a motion filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, attorney Joe...
View ArticleStill standing
When Tharol Branch leased the old Paramount Theatre from the late Ted Sampley in 2008, he was simply trying to own a successful business. Five years later, through many critical comments, violations,...
View ArticleA view from the tracks less traveled
The N.C. Railroad Company was once a booming fixture throughout the state. The historic mode of transportation is regaining interest in Eastern North Carolina. The tracks through Lenoir and Wayne...
View ArticleBanquet to honor ‘unsung heroes’ / Names in news
Banquet to honor ‘unsung heroes’ The Community Excelsior Club of Kinston will honor two Lenoir County “unsung heroes” at is annual recognition banquet set for 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at St. Augustus AME Zion...
View ArticleVoter ID bill demonstrates problem with legislative process
Recently, Gov. Pat McCrory signed HB 589 into law. This law will require voters to produce government-issued photo identification in order to enter the ballot box. Few Tar Heel citizens have a problem...
View ArticleFilling The Frame
Jeremy LeRay picks fresh okra from the plants on his farm in Pollocksville. LeRay farms in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm, meaning people in the surrounding area get access to the fresh...
View ArticleHill wins national volunteer award
Kinston native Kendall Hill was recognized for his efforts in agriculture when he was presented with a Volunteer Service Award. Hill received the award at the annual National Agricultural Alumni and...
View ArticleThe Rise of a Young CEO
When Shawn Wilson was 8 years old, he started an account at Greater Kinston Credit Union without any knowledge of what he would do at the bank 18 years later. Wilson, 26, was recently appointed as the...
View ArticleThe Olympic experience
It was the only thing Lauren Perdue ever dreamed of. Growing up in a competitive swim family, she knew from an early age it was the sport for her. Perdue, a Greenville...
View ArticleLabor Day traditions
Unofficially the last long weekend of summer, Labor Day is a time for many to relax and enjoy a final weekday off from school and work. Everyone has different traditions and ways to spend the weekend....
View ArticleDirector’s service celebrated
Director’s service celebrated On Aug. 2, staff and board members of the Neuse Regional Library System celebrated 40 years of service for Agnes W. Ho, director of libraries. The ceremony included a...
View ArticleSuspect still at large
The Lenoir County Sheriff's Office is warning residents in the Woodington area, as wanted suspect Curtis Darnell Williams is still at large. Lenoir County and Duplin County deputies, along with the...
View ArticleSaying goodbye to legendary Kinston restaurant
(Editor's note: This column was originally published in The Free Press on Oct. 29, 2012) For roughly five years during my high school/college career, I was a table maintenance specialist at The Barn...
View ArticleTaking a look back
As the 50-year reunion of the last graduating class from Adkin High School came to a conclusion at Emmanuel Hill Memorial Free Will Baptist Church on Sunday, Harold Boyd — the 1963 class vice...
View ArticleInto the sunset
W.E. “Billy” Smith retired as Lenoir County Sheriff on March 31 after more than 24 years in the office and 41 years as a law enforcement officer. He won five elections as sheriff – including the final...
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