Connect Lenoir, Volume 14, Issue 5, November 2019

We have a lot happening this Christmas in the City of Lenoir!

Thanksgiving and Christmas Closings

Thanksgiving Closings

• City Hall will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, for Thanksgiving. The Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Center, and Mulberry Recreation Center will al...

Connect Lenoir, Volume 14, Issue 4, October 2019

Smoking In The Foothills Festival, Halloween events, MORE in LENOIR! There's a lot happening in City of Lenoir.

Upcoming Events

We have some great events coming to Lenoir. Visit the Notify Me page to subscribe to event reminders.

Smoking In The Foothills BBQ Competition & Festival

The Smoking In The Foothills BBQ Competition & Festival is this weekend, Oct. 18...

Connect Lenoir, Volume 14, Issue 3, August 2019

The City opened a new fire station. The Carolina Tattoo & Arts Gathering is this weekend and we're getting a Great Places Award. Plus, the Sculpture Celebration will be back Sept. 7.

Upcoming Events

We have some great events coming to Lenoir. Visit the Notify Me page to subscribe to event reminders.

Carolina Tattoo and Arts Gathering

The Carolina Tattoo and Arts Gathering will be held Friday, Aug. 30, through Sunday, Sept. 1 at 1001 West...

Connect Lenoir, Volume 14, Issue 2, July 2019

We have a new website! New notifications! And a lot of events happening this summer!

New Website and Notify Me

If you haven't noticed, we have a new website for the City. We launched the site July 15, 2019. One great feature of the site is "Notify Me." Now, you can sign up to receive a text or email as soon as we post updates to ...

Police start false alarm reduction program

The City of Lenoir Police Department is launching a voluntary alarm registration program to help reduce the number of false alarm calls in the city.

City of Lenoir Police Capt. Couby Stilwell said sending officers to false alarms takes up time that could be spent patrolling the city or answering other legitimate calls. He hopes the new Alarm Reduction Program will help reduce false alarm calls and hel...

City Attorney appointed to NLC FAIR Committee

City Attorney T.J. Rohr has been appointed to serve on the National League of Cities (NLC) 2020 Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) federal advocacy committee.

The FAIR committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC’s federal policy positions on issues involving national economic policy, general financial assistance programs, liability insurance, intergovernmental relations, census, municipal...

Thank you to everyone working during the holidays

Although many City facilities will be closed during Christmas and New Year's Day, there will still be plenty of City employees patrolling the streets, responding to emergencies, picking up trash, and keeping the water running.

City of Lenoir City Hall and recreational facilities will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24, through Thursday, Dec. 26, in celebration of Christmas and Wednesday, Jan. 1, in celebration of New Year's Day. During both weeks, the Sanitation Division will collect W...

Luminary Display postponed

Due to the forecast for 100% chance of rain tomorrow, the Luminary Display at Blue Ridge Memorial Park is postponed to Friday, Dec. 20.

Every December, City staff make and light thousands of luminaries to display on the graves at Blue Ridge Memorial Park to honor families whose loved ones are buried in the cemetery.

Lighting generally starts around 4:30 p.m., and the Luminary Display start...

Fire Chief recognizes Officer and Deputy

Fire Department Chief Ken Hair presented plaques of appreciation to Lenoir Police Department Corporal Joe Hamrick and Caldwell County Sheriff's Office Deputy Paul Exon Tuesday night, Dec. 3, 2019, for their lifesaving efforts during a recent house fire.

Deputy Exon was the first to arrive on the scene of the house fire on Bradford Mountain Road in the early morning hours of Nov. 16. Deputy Exon was driving near the home when he heard the call for the fire. He immediately drove to the location. Deputy Exo...

Holiday Safety Tips

Lenoir Police Detective Stella January shared some holiday safety tips with Communications Director Joshua Harris.

Click here to watch the Holiday Safety Tips video on YouTube.

If you see something, say something. Call the City of Lenoir Police Department at 757-2100 to report suspicious behavior. Call 911 if you have an emergency or see someone committing a crime.

Have...

City rededicates fields at Lenoir Optimist Park

Mayor Joe Gibbons officially rededicated two baseball fields at Lenoir Optimist Park earlier this week in honor of two founders of the Lenoir Little League Program.

The baseball field farthest from Mulberry Street was rededicated in honor of W.D. "Dave" King. The other field was rededicated in honor of Harold Beach. Mayor Gibbons and City staff held the rededication ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2...

Turkey Tuesday is next week at the MLK Jr. Center

The 6th Annual Community Turkey Tuesday is next week at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Lenoir. City Councilmembers Crissy Thomas and Rev. Ike Perkins are still taking donations for the event, and there is a slight change to the start time.

This year, Turkey Tuesday will be held Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019. At 3:00 p.m., volunteers will give away the first 50 turkeys to seniors and people with special needs. The giveaway for the general public will start at 5:00 p.m.

Councilmember Perkins said the...

Holiday events start tomorrow

Downtown Lenoir is kicking off the holidays tomorrow with Light Up Lenoir, and the Downtown Lenoir Christmas Tree Festival is this weekend.

Light Up Lenoir

Light Up Lenoir is an annual holiday event where local students and other groups decorate dozens of Christmas trees in Downtown Lenoir. This year's event is Thursday, Nov. 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Downtown Lenoir.

Local businesses...

City rededicating fields at Lenoir Optimist Park

The City of Lenoir will rededicate the baseball fields at Optimist Park Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, to honor W.D. "Dave" King and Harold Beach.

Staff will hold the ceremony at 1:30 p.m. at the park.

Little League started in Lenoir in 1952. Dave King and Harold Beach were founders of the league, and served as officials. Mr. King also coached. The first four teams were the Optimist Club team, Kiwani...

Cerik and Mato retire from Police Department

K9s Cerik and Mato retired from the City of Lenoir Police Department Tuesday night, Nov. 12, 2019. City Council thanked the animals and handlers for their service. The dogs will spend their retirement living with their handlers and families.

Police Chief Brent Phelps said Cerik and Mato have been valuable members of the department and will be missed.

"I’m proud of the work these two handlers have put in with these two K9s," Chief Phelps said.  "and I&rsquo...

Pedestrian bridge on site for greenway extension

An 18-wheeler pulled into Lenoir yesterday carrying an 80-foot pedestrian bridge. The bridge will span Lower Creek as part of the greenway extension Google is building along Morganton Boulevard.

The bridge will sit on two concrete abutments on either side of Lower Creek in front of the Google Data Center. It will connect the greenway extension that starts at the intersection of Harrisburg Drive SW and Lynhaven Drive, crosses Lower Creek, and runs...

Public Works creates new leaf collection schedule

Leaves are finally starting to fall in the City. To help residents plan their yard work, the Public Works Department has created a leaf collection schedule.

Public Works Director Jared Wright said the schedule will help keep staff on track. It also will give residents an idea of when crews will be in their neighborhood to pick up leaves.

"We get a lot of calls every fall from people asking when leaves wil...

Registration still open for basketball and wrestling

Registration is open through Friday, Nov. 8, 2019 for youth basketball and wrestling offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Registration for Junior League Basketball will be open through Friday, Dec. 6.

The winter basketball league is held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center and Mulberry Recreation Center. The league is open to boys and girls ages 4 to 15 years old. The league...

Public Works Director gives greenway update

Public Works Director Jared Wright gave an update Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, on a new section of greenway his department is currently paving in the city.

The new section is known as the Rail Trail. The Rail Trail is the old railroad that runs through town from Morganton Boulevard north to Sealed Air located on NC 90. 

This year, the City Public Works Department will pave a section of the Rail Trail...

Smoking In The Foothills starts tomorrow in Downtown Lenoir

Come to Downtown Lenoir tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 18, to kick off the Smoking In The Foothills BBQ Competition & Festival!

The Smokey Barrel Beer & Beverage Garden opens at 5:00 p.m., and Andrew Massey & the Midnight Americans will start off the night's music on the Downtown Stage at 5:30 p.m. The People’s Choice Chicken Wings Competition starts at 6:00 p.m....

Community shows support for Fire Station 3

At least 100 local residents visited City of Lenoir Fire Station No. 3 Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, during an open house hosted by the Fire Department.

Fire Chief Ken Hair said he was amazed by the turnout and thankful to see so much support from the community for the new station.

"I think the event went very well," Hair said. "A lot of residents told me, 'We’re glad you guys are ...

Lenoir Fire Department hosting open house at Station 3

To kick off Fire Prevention Week, the City of Lenoir Fire Department is hosting an open house at Fire Station 3 Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

"The Lenoir Fire Department would like to invite you to come see our new station that will serve the City of Lenoir with a focus on the Lower Creek area of our City," Chief Hair said. "You can also meet some of the firefighters that serve h...

Local barbecue competition offering thousands in prize money

Can you cook? Can you smoke meat? Do your friends and family's mouths start watering when you invite them over for ribs and brisket? Then you might have a shot at winning the grand prize at the Smoking In The Foothills Professional BBQ Competition.

The Smoking In The Foothills Professional BBQ Competition is part of the Smoking In The Foothills festival, which will be Oct. 18 and 19, 2019, in Downtown Lenoir. The competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) and is a State Cha...

Come kayak at the aquatic center

The indoor pool at the Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness is open for kayaking practice again. For only $5 per person, you can bring your kayak, practice your rolls, and try out your new gear.

The indoor pool will be open for kayaking Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm through Oct. 30, 2019. There are six more practice sessions left this year.

There will NOT be an instructor available, and you have to BYOK! (Bring your own kayak.)

For more informati...

Don't get scammed

If someone calls you and says you've won a big prize, but to claim your prize, you have to send the caller some money, that's a scam.

If you get a letter saying you’ve won the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes, but to collect your prize, you need to deposit a check and then wire some money to pay for fees or taxes, that's a scam.

If someone calls from the IRS and says you o...

Police hosting block party for National Night Out

Come hang out with local police officers during National Night Out Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019, in Downtown Lenoir.

National Night Out is a nationwide event that promotes police and community engagement. During the event, residents can meet local police officers, ask questions, and learn about the police department.

The City of Lenoir Police Department hosts a downtown ...

Council approves resolution supporting 2020 Census

Earlier this month, the City of Lenoir City Council approved a resolution supporting the 2020 Census. Council committed to helping the Caldwell County Complete Count Committee get a full count of city residents.

Council approved the resolution during the Sept. 3, 2019, regular meeting. After approving the resolution, Mark Lastoria, Partnership Specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau, gave a presentation on the goals of the 2020 Census.

Lastoria said the main goal o...

Christmas Parade application available online

Christmas is a few months away, but a lot of folks are already feeling the holiday spirit. They're in luck, because we just posted the application for The City of Lenoir Starry Night Christmas Parade!

The theme this year is "The Stars of Christmas." Who are the shining stars of your holidays? If you like, choose your favorite star or stars and decorate your float in their honor. Maybe it's the Three Wise Men, Rudolph, Jimmy Stewart, or the Hi...

City employees pick up litter during NC Litter Sweep

More than 30 City of Lenoir employees hit the streets today, Sept. 18, 2019, to pick up litter around Lenoir.

Staff from City Hall, the Fire Department, Police Department, Public Utilities, and Public Works picked up about 50 bags of trash.  A crew on Greenhaven Dr NW also found a car bumper. It wouldn't fit in a trash bag.

The crews cleaned up litter on ...

Mayor proclaims Constitution Week in Lenoir

Today, Sept. 17, 2019, Mayor Joe Gibbons proclaimed Sept. 17-23, 2019, as “Constitution Week” throughout the City of Lenoir.

The Tucker's Barn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution led a ceremony at the Charters of Freedom in Downtown Lenoir. The ceremony included reading of the Preamble of the Constitution, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the National ...

City upgrading water meters, improving water system

This fall, the City of Lenoir will start a project to upgrade all the water meters in the city and improve the city's meter reading system.

The City will replace all the old water meters with new, highly-accurate smart meters. These smart meters will send usage data to City Hall through a wireless network. This technology is known as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).

Public Utilities Dir...

Ralph Prestwood joins City Council

Ralph Prestwood officially joined the City of Lenoir City Council Tuesday night, Sept. 3, 2019. Judge Robert Brady performed Prestwood's Oath of Office shortly after the start of the Council meeting.

Prestwood fills a vacant seat on Council created earlier this year when T.J. Rohr resigned. Rohr stepped down to become City Attorney in February. Since Prestwood is running unopposed in November, Council decided last month to go ahead and appoint him to ...

City, Google building more greenway in Lenoir

The City of Lenoir and Google are working on projects that will expand the greenway in the city. The new sections will connect more places in town and provide more opportunities for residents to go for a walk or bike ride.

Earlier this month, Google started construction on a section of greenway along the company’s property on Morganton Boulevard. 

The Google greenway extension will start at the intersection of Harrisburg Drive SW and Lynhaven Drive. The pa...

School Resource Officers prepare for a new school year

City of Lenoir School Resource Officers (SROs) have spent the past several weeks getting ready for the new school year. Community Resource Officer Scott Kanupp said the schools in the city are well prepared.

The City of Lenoir Police Department and Caldwell County Schools partner to provide three full-time SROs in Lenoir. Officer Matt Spears serves as the SRO for Hibriten High School.  Officer Mitchell Foust is the SRO for William Lenoir Middle Schoo...

Litter Sweep is next month

Gather your friends and neighbors together and help keep Lenoir clean next month during Litter Sweep.

Traditionally scheduled for the last two weeks of April and September, Litter Sweep is the N.C. Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) biannual statewide roadside litter removal initiative. The next statewide Litter Sweep will be Sept, 14-28, 20...

Save time with automatic bank drafts or pay online

Do you want to save time, save gas, and save a trip? Set up an automatic bank draft for your water bills, or pay online.

The City of Lenoir offers Automatic Bank Drafts and Online Payment options for customers at no charge. That’s right, it’s free, and it’s easy.

Bank drafts are probably the simplest and most convenient way to pay water and sewe...

City dedicates new Fire Station No. 3

About 100 people gathered on the lawn of Fire Station No. 3 Monday afternoon, Aug. 12, 2019, to dedicate and officially open the new station.

Located at 1015 Wilkesboro Blvd. NE, Station No. 3 is the City of Lenoir’s third fire station. Station No. 3 will house one fire engine, four fire fighters, plus a battalion chief. The new firehouse will provide faster response to the eastern pa...

Kick of the school year at the Back to School Splash Bash!

What better way to start off the school year than with a pool party at the Lenoir Aquatic and Fitness Center!

Come to the Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm for the Back to School Splash Bash! You can swim, splash, cool off, and celebrate getting back to school.

Admission is free for 2 year olds and under, $1.00 for 3 t...

Post 29 recognizes Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year

American Legion Post 29 recognized Chaplain Jason Hines as the 2019 City of Lenoir Firefighter of the Year and Sgt. John Howard as the 2019 City of Lenoir Police Officer of the Year during the City Council meeting Tuesday, July 16, 2019.

Police Chief Brent Phelps and Fire Chief Ken Hair both said it is difficult to select just one officer and firefighter to be honored every year.

“This year, we chose Sgt. John Howard for his extensive work in the opioid conspiracy case that we ha...

Lenoir’s “Across the Grain” Named Great Public Art

Whether it’s a mural-filled downtown, a sculpture park, or artistic bus stops, great public art makes you feel at home in a community.

The "Across the Grain" art installation in Lenoir is an imaginative nod to Caldwell County history. It embodies the importance of story-telling in community art installations.

Great Public Art is something you know when you see it. These installa...

City adds more paved trail to greenway

The City of Lenoir Public Works Department recently added more paved trail to the city greenway system.

Last week, the Street Division paved the greenway access trail that connects the parking lot at Wilson Athletic Park to the greenway. The access trail is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible and provides another connection to the greenway syst...

Independence Day Celebration

Bring your family and friends to Mulberry Recreation Center Thursday for the July 4th Celebration. You can enjoy water slides, games, fireworks, and more.

The celebration will start at 5:00 pm. The fireworks will start around 9:30 pm.

Lucky Pocket will perform a variety of songs from the 1960’s to today. Buy a $10 armband for unlimited access to the inflatables and waterslides. There also will be a...

Charters of Freedom dedication next week

The Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights – those are the founding documents of the United States known as the Charters of Freedom.

Soon, residents of Lenoir and Caldwell County will have their very own Charters of Freedom right in Downtown Lenoir. 

Come to the Caldwell County Courthouse Wednesday, July 3, 2019, and help dedicate these pages of our history. The dedication cere...

Pottery classes at Lenoir High School

Did you know that you can throw, finish, and fire pottery in Downtown Lenoir?

Caron Baker teaches a pottery class on Monday’s at the Lenoir High School Gym.

“You do not have to be artistic to become a potter,” Baker said. “You just need a willingness to learn and get your hands dirty.&rdqu...

Martin Luther King Jr. Events

The City of Lenoir Parks & Recreation Department is hosting several Martin Luther King Jr. Day events this month.

Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast

Saturday, January 18, 2020, 9:00 AM @ Martin Luther King, Jr. Center

Join Keynote Speaker Mrs. Leslie McKesson from Morganton, NC, during the 6th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast at the City of Lenoir Martin Luther Ki...

Holiday Safety Tips

Check out these holiday safety tips from Lenoir Police Detective Stella January.