Mekaela Muck
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Articles by Mekaela Muck
Elizabeth City man arrested on burglary charges
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WNCT) — Law enforcement officers with the Elizabeth City Police Department arrested a man on burglary charges. On October 12, officers received a report concerning larceny at a residence on Second Street. Officers reportedly viewed surveillance footage that showed a man removing items from the front porch of the residence and from a pickup truck. On October 13, officers received a report involving a breaking and entering at a residence on East Broad Street.
Elizabeth City man arrested on burglary charges
Elizabeth City man arrested on burglary charges Thu, October 15, 2026 at 2:22 PM EDT ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WNCT) -- Law enforcement officers with the Elizabeth City Police Department arrested a man on burglary charges. On October 12, officers received a report concerning larceny at a residence on Second Street. Officers reportedly viewed surveillance footage that showed a man removing items from the front porch of the residence and from a pickup truck.
Pitt County Cultural Arts & Recreation to host Trails & Treats event
Pitt County Cultural Arts & Recreation to host Trails & Treats event Thu, October 15, 2026 at 1:11 PM EDT PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) -- Families and community members are invited to attend a Trails and Treats event on Saturday, October 17. The event is being hosted by the Pitt County Cultural Arts and Recreation at the Alice F. Keene District Park and aims to celebrate Great Trails State Day. Children and residents are invited to enjoy the outdoors while celebrating Halloween.
Pitt County Cultural Arts & Recreation to host Trails & Treats event
PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Families and community members are invited to attend a Trails and Treats event on Saturday, October 17. The event is being hosted by the Pitt County Cultural Arts and Recreation at the Alice F. Keene District Park and aims to celebrate Great Trails State Day. Children and residents are invited to enjoy the outdoors while celebrating Halloween.
NC Department of Military and VA Secretary to speak at rural community resource event
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WNCT) — The Eva Clayton Rural Food Institute is set to host a free conference for small farmers, residents, educators, policymakers and more. Rural Roots Exchange: A Community Conversation and Resource Event will be held at The Impact Center NC in Rocky Mount on October 21. The event will include information sessions on technology’s growing role in farming, market access, federal and state benefits programs and more.
Craven Community College names kitchen and patio after local benefactors
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) — Officials with Craven Community College are honoring the Hinkin Family by naming the Volt Center Kitchen and a new patio after them. Dr. Tim and Linda Hinkin donated $2.4 million to the college after their passing in 2024. It was the largest individual private donation in the college’s history. Due to their generosity, the college was able to build the Timothy and Linda Hinkin Memorial Patio behind the Corporate Training Center.
NC Department of Military and VA Secretary to speak at rural community resource event
NC Department of Military and VA Secretary to speak at rural community resource event Thu, October 15, 2026 at 11:05 AM EDT ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WNCT) -- The Eva Clayton Rural Food Institute is set to host a free conference for small farmers, residents, educators, policymakers and more. Rural Roots Exchange: A Community Conversation and Resource Event will be held at The Impact Center NC in Rocky Mount on October 21.
Craven Community College names kitchen and patio after local benefactors
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) — Officials with Craven Community College are honoring the Hinkin Family by naming the Volt Center Kitchen and a new patio after them. Dr. Tim and Linda Hinkin donated $2.4 million to the college after their passing in 2024. It was the largest individual private donation in the college’s history. Due […] NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) -- Officials with Craven Community College are honoring the Hinkin Family by naming the Volt Center Kitchen and a new patio after them.
Craven Community College names kitchen and patio after local benefactors
Craven Community College names kitchen and patio after local benefactors Thu, October 15, 2026 at 10:39 AM EDT NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) -- Officials with Craven Community College are honoring the Hinkin Family by naming the Volt Center Kitchen and a new patio after them. Dr. Tim and Linda Hinkin donated $2.4 million to the college after their passing in 2024. It was the largest individual private donation in the college's history.
Martin County Sheriff’s Office working to deescalate active shooter
by: Mekaela Muck Posted: Oct 15, 2026 / 09:42 AM EDT Updated: Oct 15, 2026 / 09:42 AM EDT MARTIN COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — The Martin County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents that there is an active shooter in the area of Manning Road and Brown Road this morning. An individual has barricaded himself inside a residence in the area and is shooting at law enforcement officers. The sheriff’s office advises people to stay away from the area.
Martin County Sheriff’s Office working to deescalate active shooter
Martin County Sheriff’s Office working to deescalate active shooter Thu, October 15, 2026 at 9:42 AM EDT MARTIN COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) -- The Martin County Sheriff's Office is alerting residents that there is an active shooter in the area of Manning Road and Brown Road this morning. An individual has barricaded himself inside a residence in the area and is shooting at law enforcement officers. The sheriff's office advises people to stay away from the area. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc.
South Central High School to host 22nd Annual Youth Arts Festival Original
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — South Central High School will host the 22nd Annual Youth Arts Festival this weekend. The festival will be on October 17, from 10 am to 4 pm, at South Central High School. Visual, musical and theatrical art booths will be featured at the festival. Attendees can also enjoy performance-based activities such as puppet-making, storytelling, music and interactive theatre. In 2025, more than 5,000 people attended the festival. The festival is free for the public to attend.
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office joins Operation Crash Reduction campaign Original
LENOIR COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office announced that it is participating in the Operation Crash Reduction campaign. Law enforcement agencies across North Carolina are joining the Governor’s Highway Safety Program state-wide campaign. Throughout October 12-18, deputies will increase traffic enforcement efforts throughout the county. They will focus on speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving and other behaviors.
Nash County man arrested on felony drug trafficking charges Original
NASH COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Law enforcement officers with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Rocky Mount man on drug charges. On October 12, detectives with the Narcotics Division, Community Action Team and Patrol Division finished an investigation into the distribution into the distribution of illegal narcotics in the county. Deputies found their suspect, Desmie Deon Hardy, at a residence in Rocky Mount. They searched the home and arrested Hardy.
Pitt County offers discount Uber rides through new program Original
PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Pitt County is reminding residents of their rideshare program. The Pitt Area Transit System (PATS) Rideshare pilot program aims to make local transportation more affordable for residents in Winterville and Ayden by offering discount Uber rides. Through financial support from the Pitt County Transit Innovation Fund, PATS gives eligible riders a voucher that will reduce out-of-pocket costs for qualifying trips.
Kinston police arrest Virginia fugitive Original
KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) — Law enforcement officers with the Kinston Police Department arrested a Snow Hill man wanted in Virginia. Officers received information on October 12, regarding a stolen car that was seen in the area of Hill Farm Road and Highway 70. Officers found the car at Murphy’s Express. The suspect drove away once officers arrived. The driver, 29-year-old Randell Smith, stopped the car on Wheat Swamp Road, where he was then arrested.
Partnership for Children to host 9th Annual Touch a Trunk for Treats event Original
LENOIR COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — The Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties are hosting a family-friendly event in Kinston on Halloween. The 9th Annual Touch a Trunk for Treats event will take place on Saturday, October 31, from 10 am to 12 pm at Grainger Stadium. Officials are inviting the community to have fun and celebrate Halloween while learning about resources available to them.
Pitt County honors two local companies with Industry of the Year awards Original
PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Pitt County celebrated National Manufacturing Week by presenting two local businesses with awards. The 32nd Annual Existing Industries Reception was held at Hilton Greenville on Tuesday, October 6. Officials with Pitt County Economic Development hosted the event to show appreciation for local industries during National Manufacturing Week.
Partnership for Children to host 9th Annual Touch a Trunk for Treats event
Mekaela Muck Tue, October 13, 2026 at 11:02 AM EDT 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google LENOIR COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) -- The Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties are hosting a family-friendly event in Kinston on Halloween. The 9th Annual Touch a Trunk for Treats event will take place on Saturday, October 31, from 10 am to 12 pm at Grainger Stadium.
Suspect arrested after Windsor break-in
BERTIE COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) -- A Windsor man was arrested Friday morning on felony breaking and entering charges. Law enforcement officers with the Bertie County Sheriff's Office arrived at the area of Tony Lane in Windsor on October 9, after receiving a report of a breaking and entering. After investigating, deputies located 42-year-old Larry Williams and arrested him for felony breaking and entering and felony larceny (stealing) after breaking and entering.
Suspect arrested after Windsor break-in Original
BERTIE COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — A Windsor man was arrested Friday morning on felony breaking and entering charges. Law enforcement officers with the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the area of Tony Lane in Windsor on October 9, after receiving a report of a breaking and entering. After investigating, deputies located 42-year-old Larry Williams and arrested him for felony breaking and entering and felony larceny (stealing) after breaking and entering.
Human remains found in Jacksonville identified as missing man Original
ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — The North Carolina Medical Office has identified the human remains found in Jacksonville on October 3. An autopsy revealed that the deceased individual is 30-year-old Tyler Lee Ragon. Ragon was reported missing on September 9 to the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators reported that Ragon was last seen alive on August 4. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective R.
Goldsboro Police Department continue to search for Tra’sond McNeil Original
GOLDSBORO, N.C. (WNCT) — The Goldsboro Police Department is continuing to look for information on the disappearance of 22-year-old Tra’sond Marquail McNeil. It’s been almost one year since McNeil disappeared on November 8, 2025. It was reported that McNeil went missing from the 600 block of Sherard Court in a blue car driving south on U.S. 117 toward Dudley. He was last seen wearing a black shirt with a red design, light blue jeans and blue-and-white sneakers. He is about 5’10 and weighs 160 pounds.
Onslow County Schools hosts Businesses Assisting in Educating Students ceremony Original
ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Onslow County Schools hosted its annual Businesses Assisting Schools in Educating Students (BASES) recognition ceremony. On Friday, October 9, about 200 local businesses and organizations celebrated their investments in the school system. During the 2025-26 school year, businesses donated almost $350,000 and more than 2,350 volunteer hours.
Sunday schedule for Swansboro’s Mullet Festival cancelled Original
SWANSBORO, N.C. (WNCT) — The Town of Swansboro is cancelling Sunday’s Mullet Festival activities. The 72nd Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival will proceed on Saturday, October 10. The schedule for the day may be modified. Sunday’s festivities are cancelled due to potentially hazardous weather, including thunderstorms, rain and high winds. Town officials stated that safety is their top priority. The 2025 Mullet Festival was cancelled due to impending coastal storms.
Sunday schedule for Swansboro’s Mullet Festival cancelled
Hurricane Isaias has rapidly intensified into a hurricane before making landfall in the southeastern U.s. on Friday as a Category 2 hurricane. Events all over the Gulf coast from Tallahassee to Nashville could be impacted by the dangerous hurricane.
1st flu-related death of the season reported in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the first flu-related death of the 2026-27 season. An adult located in the central part of the state died during the first week of October due to flu-related complications. No additional details will be released about the deceased in an effort to protect the privacy of the family. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of how serious the flu can be,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai.
Marine aircraft crashes in eastern North Carolina Thursday Original
BLADEN LAKES STATE FOREST, N.C. (WNCT) — An aviation mishap involving a U.S. military aircraft occurred near Bladen County, North Carolina on Thursday morning. The aircraft, an MV-22B Osprey, belonged to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 and was based out of Marine Corps Air Station New River. Marine Corps Spokesperson, 1stLt Cailin Altonen, reported that four personnel were inside the aircraft at the time of the crash and are receiving medical care. The incident is under investigation.
First flu-related death of the season reported in NC
First flu-related death of the season reported in NC Thu, October 8, 2026 at 1:27 PM EDT RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the first flu-related death of the 2026-27 season. An adult located in the central part of the state died during the first week of October due to flu-related complications. No additional details will be released about the deceased in an effort to protect the privacy of the family.
Winterville woman arrested on drug charges Original
PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Law enforcement officers with the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office issued a warrant for a Winterville woman during their investigation into the sale of illegal narcotics in the county. On October 6, detectives arrested 35-year-old Jakita Denise Fleming. Fleming was charged with possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver cocaine, maintain a dwelling/vehicle for controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Flying Biscuit Cafe signs agreement for new Greenville site Original
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — A new breakfast restaurant is making its way to town. Viren Patel, a franchise operator, is bringing The Flying Biscuit Cafe to Greenville. This will be the brand’s first restaurant in eastern North Carolina. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch only, closing at 3 pm. “My daughter is the one who pointed out that we live in the South and this is Southern breakfast done right,” said Viren Patel, Flying Biscuit Café franchisee for Greenville.
New Bern Parks and Rec to host public input meeting Original
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) — New Bern Parks and Recreation will host a public input meeting on the development of Martin Marietta Park. The meeting will be held on Thursday, October 22, from 4-6 pm, at the Martin Marietta Park Lake Shelter. Parks and Rec staff will speak on potential amenities and improvements for the next phase of park development. “Community input is an important part of planning for the future of Martin Marietta Park,” said Kari Warren, Director of Parks and Recreation.
Kinston minor arrested on attempted murder charges after shooting Original
KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) — Law enforcement officers with the Kinston Police Department arrested a 15-year-old attempted murder charges. On October 7, officers arrived at a residence on Charlotte Avenue after they received a report of a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers found a 15-year-old who had been shot in the leg. A second shooting was reported at St. John Apartments while officers were investigating the first report.
Kinston Police Department’s K9 Kilo recovering after emergency surgery Original
KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) — Officials with the Kinston Police Department have announced an update on their K9 that broke his leg during a school demonstration. K-9 Kilo breaks leg during school demonstration K9 Kilo is recovering from emergency surgery after he landed wrong on his leg during a demonstration at Contentnea-Savannah School on October 6. Kilo was transported to NC State from Five Oaks Animal Hospital for his surgery.
Pitt County Animal Services to host 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat event
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Pitt County Animal Services is set to host its 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat. On Saturday, October 17, from 1-4 pm, the animal shelter will open its doors for a free, family-friendly event. Guests are invited to dress up, grab a candy bucket and spend time with dogs from the shelter. No personal pets are allowed as there will be plenty of adoptable animals there to meet. Pitt County Animal Services is located at 4550 County Home Road in Greenville.
Pitt County Animal Services to host 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat event
If your pet has been waiting all year for an excuse to parade around town dressed as a pumpkin, October is finally delivering. PetSmart is bringing back its in-store Halloween celebrations this month, complete with trick-or-treating, photos and treats. This year, however, dogs and cats won’t be the only animals getting some attention.
Pitt County Animal Services to host 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat event
Mekaela Muck Thu, October 8, 2026 at 8:41 AM EDT 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) -- Pitt County Animal Services is set to host its 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat. On Saturday, October 17, from 1-4 pm, the animal shelter will open its doors for a free, family-friendly event. Guests are invited to dress up, grab a candy bucket and spend time with dogs from the shelter.
Greenville woman charged with drug trafficking Original
PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Law enforcement officers with the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Greenville woman on drug charges. On October 5, deputies finished an investigation into the sale of drugs in Pitt County. Janna Dinee Hales, 48 years old, was charged with trafficking heroin/opium, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hales was already at the Pitt County Detention Center on other charges.
Town of Windsor and Animal Shelter face fine for failing inspection
WINDSOR, N.C. (WNCT) — The Town of Windsor is being fined $1,300, according to documents submitted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division. According to official documents, the Windsor Animal Shelter failed to allow an AWS Program Specialist perform a facility compliance inspection twice. The specialist attempted to inspect the shelter on September 16 and 17. They reported that the shelter was closed both days and that no one was present.
Town of Windsor and Animal Shelter face fine for failing inspection
Town of Windsor and Animal Shelter face fine for failing inspection Tue, October 6, 2026 at 10:06 AM EDT WINDSOR, N.C. (WNCT) -- The Town of Windsor is being fined $1,300, according to documents submitted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division. According to official documents, the Windsor Animal Shelter failed to allow an AWS Program Specialist perform a facility compliance inspection twice.
Local nonprofit hosting online fundraiser to spay/neuter homeless cats Original
ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Paws 4 Purpose, a Sneads Ferry-based nonprofit that supports the Onslow County Shelter, is raising money to help reduce the local homeless cat population. Fix the Felines is an online raffle that aims to raise money for spaying and neutering feral cats in the community. All proceeds from the raffle go to fixing cats in Onslow and Pender Counties. The raffle is open until Friday, October 9, at 5 pm.
Local nonprofit hosting online fundraiser to spay/neuter homeless cats
7 hours ago Goldsboro mother speaks out after 16-year-old son is killed in shooting www.youtube.com on YouTube • 7h WRAL News is hearing from a local woman whose teenage son was killed in a shooting. 16-year-old Zaki Wallace was shot to death in Goldsboro on Monday.
The Haunted Carwash brings Halloween attraction to Greenville Original
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — A new way to celebrate Halloween is making its way to Greenville. The Haunted Carwash is an immersive drive-through car wash that is simultaneously a Halloween attraction. The carwash began in Southern California in 2020 and now its bringing its services to the East Coast for the first time. On Friday, October 23, Scrub Brothers Car Wash in Greenville will transform into the spooky Halloween attraction.
Emergency exercises to cause traffic delays near Camp Lejeune Original
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (WNCT) — Visitors around Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River and Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune can expect traffic delays as exercises will be conducted on October 7 and 8. Enhanced force protection measures will be in place on October 7 at the Wilson Boulevard and Sneads Ferry Gates from 9 am to 3 pm. The Camp Johnson and Tarawa Terrace Gates will be closed during that time.
Kinston Police Department search for suspect in weekend shooting Original
by: Mekaela Muck Posted: Oct 5, 2026 / 10:03 AM EDT Updated: Oct 5, 2026 / 10:03 AM EDT KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) — Law enforcement officers with the Kinston Police Department are investigating a shooting that occurred on October 3. Officers responded to a report of a shooting victim on East Highland Avenue on October 3. Once they arrived, they found 29-year-old Marvelous Foy Jr. suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Foy was taken to ECU Health for treatment. The investigation is ongoing.
Kinston Police Department search for suspect in weekend shooting
(NewsNation) — Two law enforcement officers are expected to survive after they were shot Friday in Lenoir County, North Carolina, about 75 miles east of Raleigh. Officers received a call around 11 a.m. local time about a man shooting at cars on Jonestown Road, according to Lenoir County Public Information Officer Amadeeth Stroud. Officers subsequently responded to the scene and attempted to get the man out of his home.
New Bern woman arrested on child abuse charges Original
CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Law enforcement officers with the Craven County Sheriff’s Office arrested a New Bern woman on child abuse charges. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office received a report of child abuse from the Craven County Department of Social Services on October 2. It was reported that a 6-year-old had their tooth knocked out and showed multiple visible injuries. The child was taken to Carolina East Medical Center for treatment.
New Bern to host 36th Annual Ghostwalk Original
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) — New Bern is celebrating its 36th Annual Ghostwalk this October. Ghostwalk is a family-friendly event that showcases the ghosts, spirits, specters and ordinary people of New Bern. Local volunteer actors will tell stories and legends of real historical characters and events at thirteen ghost sites, including Cedar Grove Cemetery. This year’s theme is “Voice of Freedom, Tales from 250 Years”. Attendees can also enjoy a low-cost meal at local historic churches.
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