Lenoir Connect, Volume 16, Issue 3, November 2021

The holidays are here and there are lots of fun things to do in Lenoir including hunting elves, carriage rides, a parade, and more!

City News

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Lenoir Connect, Volume 16, Issue 2, August 2021

Events continue in August in the City of Lenoir, NC, with concerts, cruise-ins, and races. Come do more in Lenoir!

Caldwell County Farmers Market

Saturdays from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm | 902 Harper Ave (behind the County Office building)

The Caldwell County Farmers Market began in 1979 and is the longest running market in the area. The CCFM is a producer only market. Find ou...

Lenoir Connect, Volume 16, Issue 1, July 2021

Events are back and fun things are happening in the City of Lenoir! Check out Lenoir Connect for news and updates and information on things to do this month in Lenoir. #DoMoreInLenoir

Events

Caldwell County Farmers Market

Saturdays from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm at at 902 Harper Ave behind the County Office building | The Caldwell County Farmers Market began in 1979 and is the longest running market in the area. The CCFM is a producer only mark...

Be prepared for flooding, power outages

The latest storm tracker update predicts that Tropical Storm Ian is headed for western North Carolina tomorrow. The storm could bring heavy rain and wind that might cause flooding and power outages in Lenoir and the region.

City of Lenoir staff is preparing to respond as needed. 

Public Utilities staff is checking generators to keep water and sewer service running. Public Works and the Fire Department are testing chain saws and getting prepared to clear or close City...

Due to pending storm, NC Brass Band cancels concert

Due to the inclement weather forecast for tomorrow evening brought about by Hurricane Ian, the North Carolina Brass Band has elected not to travel to Lenoir for its scheduled concert.

Several band members are from Georgia and South Carolina as well as coastal areas in North Carolina, and the approaching hurricane/tropical storm is of great concern to the band members.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, declared a State of Emergency due...

Christmas parade application online

Want to be a part of the 2022 City of Lenoir Starry Night Christmas parade? The application is now online.

The Starry Night Christmas Parade happens on the first Friday in December in Downtown Lenoir, NC! This much-loved holiday tradition features high school bands and dancers, and numerous community groups and businesses enter floats. Plus, Santa visits every...

Wood, Fire, Smoke Festival coming to Downtown Lenoir

If you like barbecue, artisan crafts, steel creations and fall weather, you're going to love the Wood, Fire, Smoke Festival in Downtown Lenoir, North Carolina.

The Wood, Fire, Smoke Festival is happening from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in the lots between Hog Waller Stage and the Golden Cardinal Gallery (old William's Produce building) in Downtown Lenoir. Church Street and Boundary Street will b...

National Night Out is next month in Downtown Lenoir

The City of Lenoir Police Department will host National Night Out in Downtown Lenoir Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022.

National Night Out is an annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

This year's event will include live music by Darren Bryant, Patrol Vehicle Best...

Free brass band concert at The Campus at Historic Lenoir High School

Did you know that Lenoir High School's 100-year anniversary is this year? To celebrate that milestone, the North Carolina Brass Band will perform a free concert at the LHS auditorium Friday, Sept. 30.

The North Carolina Brass Band (NCBB) is a 28-member ensemble composed of brass players and percussionists. The band includes symphony orchestra musicians, leading soloists, chamber music professionals, jazz artists, brass and percussion professors at univ...

Tomorrow's City Council meeting canceled

The City of Lenoir Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, has been cancelled due to not having a quorum. The next City of Lenoir Council meeting will be Oct. 4, 2022.

The Committee of the Whole will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at City Hall.

Council meeting agendas are online at www.cityoflenoir.com/councilagendas. 

Council honors Patriot Day in Lenoir

The City of Lenoir City Council commemorated Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, to be Patriot Day in the City of Lenoir during the recent City Council meeting.

Patriot Day occurs on September 11 each year in memory of the people killed during the September 11 attacks in 2001.

"The September 11 attacks, also called 9/11 attacks, [were] a series of airline hijackings and suicide attacks committed in 2001 by 19...

Council honors Caldwell Rotary Club

City Council congratulated the Caldwell Rotary Club on its 40th anniversary during the Council meeting Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, and thanked Caldwell Rotary for the club's many positive impacts to the community.

Mayor Joe Gibbons presented a resolution on behalf of Council to Caldwell Rotary Club member and Councilman Ralph Prestwood. The resolution highlighted many of the club's important programs during the past four decades. (The resolution is below.)...

City mountain biking trail provides off-road adventure

There's a three-plus mile mountain biking trail tucked away here in Lenoir. It's a great place to learn how to ride, and it's just a few miles from downtown.

The Zacks Fork Mountain Biking Trail is located in the wooded area around the Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center. The trail is purpose built for mountain bikes, but all users are welcome to use the trail. Most riders access the trail from the northeaster...

City Hall and recreation centers closed Monday, garbage pickup affected

City of Lenoir City Hall and recreational facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, in observance of Labor Day. Garbage pickup will be affected.

Holiday Garbage Collection

Sanitation will not operate Monday, Sept. 5.  Garbage that is normally picked up on Monday will be collected Wednesday, Sept. 7.  All other household garbage pickups will remain on a normal schedule. There will ...

New sculptures on display in Downtown Lenoir

Did you know that there are a dozen pieces of outdoor sculpture on display in Downtown Lenoir, and most of them are for sale? The rotating art collection is part of Tucker's Gallery, a partnership between the City of Lenoir and the Caldwell Arts Council.

Local residents created Tucker's Gallery more than 15 years ago. The gallery is named for the town’s historical Tucker family, who settled in the area in 1797. The Tucker Family barn was located near the Caldwell Arts Council and served...

City awarded $500K grant for new splash pad, other amenities at aquatic center, soccer complex

The City of Lenoir was recently awarded a $500,000 grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) to build a new splash pad and make other improvements at the Lenoir Aquatic and Fitness Center and Lenoir Rotary Soccer Complex.

The grant requires a local match, so the City will spend another $500,000 on the project, bringing the total investment to just over $1,000,000.

In addition to the new splash pad, which will replace the kiddie pool, the grant money will be used to build an...

Stormwater project underway at J.E. Broyhill Park

Contractors have started building a new stormwater feature at J.E. Broyhill Park. The Regenerative Stormwater Conveyance will slow down rain water at the lower end of park and reduce erosion.

Stormwater runoff has been an issue in J.E. Broyhill Park for many years. Parts of the park stay wet due to poor drainage, and the stream bank at the southern end of the park is eroding.

The City of Lenoir partnered with the local Cooperative Extension Off...

Lenoir Police restart bike patrols around the city

Officer Steve Moulton has been making rounds around town for the past few months on two wheels instead of four, thanks to the Lenoir Police Department's efforts to refresh the Bike Patrol program.

The department has had certified bike patrol officers on the force since Moulton started the program back in the early 2000s. But often, it's difficult for officers to switch from patrolling in a car to patrolling on a bike and vice-versa.

This year, Polic...

Dysart-Kendall American Legion Post 29 recognizes Officer and firefighter of the year

Dysart-Kendall American Legion Post 29 recognized Lieutenant Scott Brawley as Firefighter of the Year and Sergeant Martin Crisp as Police Officer of the Year during the regular City Council meeting Tuesday night, Aug. 16, 2022.

Post 29 started the Firefighter and Officer of the Year to recognize local emergency services members and thank them for their contributions to keep the community safe. Post 29 also recognizes the Sheriff's Deputy of the Year and the Emergency Me...

Fall baseball registration ends Friday

Registration for City of Lenoir Parks and Recreation fall baseball ends this Friday, Aug. 19, 2022. The league is open to boys ages six through 13 years old.

Skills assessment for fall baseball starts next week. Teams usually practice twice a week until the regular game season, which starts in mid-September. Then teams generally play one game a week through the end of October.

"It's about a six-week regula...

Swanson Road closed to through traffic next week

Swanson Road in the Joyceton area of Lenoir will be closed to through traffic all next week. Public Works staff are replacing a storm drain across the road.

The storm drain, located at 413 Swanson Rd., is old and needs repair. The road will be closed at that location from 8:00 am Monday, Aug. 15, 2022, to Friday, Aug. 19, weather permitting. Drivers will not be able to cross this section of road while staff a...

City opens four, new outdoor pickleball courts

In celebration of National Pickleball Day, the City of Lenoir Parks & Recreation Department opened four, new outdoor pickleball courts today at Mulberry Recreation Center.

In 2018, staff opened three indoor pickleball courts at Mulberry Recreation. Due to local demand the growing popularity of the sport, Parks & recreation Director Kenny Story recently installed four, new outdoor courts.

"Pickleball is the number on...

Finance receives Certificate of Achievement from GFOA

The City of Lenoir Finance Department received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 31st consecutive year from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).

The GFOA presented the award to the City for its most recent comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) - Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Fiscal Year Ended June 30 2021 (PDF). An impartial panel judged the CAFR to meet the high standards of the pr...

Council honors Dysart-Kendall American Legion Post 29

The City of Lenoir City Council honored members of the Dysart-Kendall American Legion Post 29 Tuesday night and recognized the post's 100-year anniversary.

Mayor Joe Gibbons, on behalf of City Council, read and presented a resolution (see below) to Post 29 Commander Irv Eurto and post members Wayne Mihelich, Mike Mizak, and Bill Oxford. Mr. Oxford is a former American Legion National Commander. Mayor Gibbons...

City extends condolences to family, friends, coworkers of Matt Powell

City of Lenoir staff extends our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the family, friends, and coworkers of Matt Powell, who recently passed away.

Matt, 33, passed away unexpectedly Friday, July 29, 2022. He worked for the City's Parks and Recreation Department and has been a loyal and dedicated employee for the past 15 years.  He will be greatly missed by his fellow employees, the City of ...

Harambee Arts Festival starts this Saturday

The totally free, multi-day, and always fun Harambee Arts Festival starts this weekend at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Lenoir.

The festival starts at 11:00 am this Saturday, July 30, 2022, with a Family Fun Day.

Family Fun Day activities will include a sketch artist, face painters, a bungee trampoline, climbing wall, a train ride, foam cannon, food, a book bag giveaway, and more. ...

Council honors Central Barber Shop centennial

The City of Lenoir City Council recently honored Central Barber Shop for the business' centennial celebration and thanked Terry and Alan Hall for building their business in Downtown Lenoir.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read and presented a resolution to Alan Hall during the City Council meeting Tuesday, July 19, 2022. Mayor Gibbons also gave Mr. Hall a framed City of Lenoir flag. Central Barber Shop has been operating in Downtown Lenoir since May 1922....

Jump Street Drive Band Music Festival this weekend

Come to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center this Saturday, July 23, 2022, and enjoy the free Jump Street Drive Band Music Festival. Four bands will be performing blues, jazz, R&B, soul, and funk!

The lineup for the night includes LaRhonda "Toni" Carlton from Lenoir, and the Groove Masters Band, Reggie Graves & Jazz Theory, and Bryan Anderson, all from Charlotte. 

In addition to the music, staff will be giving away door prizes...

Mayor presents Independence Day resolution to local DAR members

Mayor Joe Gibbons read and presented an Independence Day resolution today, Saturday, July 2, 2022, during a Fourth of July Celebration held by the Tucker's Barn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

The Tucker's Barn DAR members held the event at the Caldwell County Charters of Freedom in Downtown Lenoir. The celebration included the reading of the resolution by Mayor Gibbons (full text below), readings from President George Washington&a...

Weekend events in Lenoir

A free movie night, a fun run, fireworks, and more! Check out the events happening this weekend in Lenoir.

Movie Night in Downtown

Come watch Sing 2 at the Downtown Lenoir stage tonight, Friday, July 1, 2022. Sing 2 is the second movie that is part of this year’s Summer Music Madness Series. The movie starts at 9:00 pm. Bring a comfy chair and grab so...

Two Lenoir Parks & Recreation teams win tourneys

The Lenoir Rockies 10U baseball team and the Lenoir Blue Hurricanes 10U softball team recently won their respective championship games in the Foothills Athletic Association summer tournaments.

The Blue Hurricanes beat the Granite Falls Bruins 10 to 5 during their championship game held Thursday June 16, 2022, in Morganton. The Rockies beat the formerly undefeated Sawmills Reapers 7 to 3 during their championship game the same day at the Mulberr...

Fire Department receives improved rating

The City of Lenoir Fire Department recently earned a Class 2 rating from the NC Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM). Lenoir Fire joins the 3.9% of fire departments across the state with a rating of Class 2 or better.

The rating is based on scores for the fire department (50%), the city's water supply (40%), and emergency communications (10%). State inspectors look for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communication...

July 4th fireworks and closings

The City of Lenoir Fireworks show will be Monday night, July 4, 2022, at the Lenoir Optimist Park across from Mulberry Recreation Center. The outdoor pool will be open from 1:30 to 5:30 pm for recreational swim.

July 4th Fireworks

The Optimist Park will be closed all day Monday, July 4, while the fireworks show is being set up. Mulberry Street in front of Mulberry Recreation Center will be closed around 4:00 pm Monday.

Waterlife Church's July 4th Celebration will b...

Main Street receives 2022 Main Street America Accreditation

The City of Lenoir Main Street Department has been designated a Main Street America 2022 Accredited program. This accreditation status is Main Street America’s top-tier recognition.

“We are proud of our North Carolina Main Street programs that have met the criteria for National Main Street Center,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “North Carolina’s economy depends on the thr...

Movie night and Juneteenth events this weekend

The City of Lenoir is hosting a movie night on the square this evening, and Juneteenth events start tomorrow at The Campus at the Historic Lenoir High School.

Summer Madness Series

The Downtown Lenoir Summer Madness Series continues Friday night, June 17, 2022, with a free showing of Encanto. Bring a comfy chair and blanket to the square and watch Encanto with your friends and neighbors! The movie starts at 8:30...

Neon Night Ride draws large, glowing crowd

More than a hundred riders came out earlier this month for the first Neon Night Ride on the City of Lenoir Greenway.

Community Engagement Coordinator Matthew Anthony organized the event to celebrate World Bicycle Day. The ride was held on Friday June 3, 2022, and one goal of the event was to highlight the City's greenway.

"The Neon Night Ride had an amazing turn out...

City hires Public Utilities Operations Manager

The City of Lenoir has hired Dr. Jeffrey Church as the first Public Utilities Operations Manager in the new Public Services Department.

As Operations Manager, Dr. Church will be responsible for the day-to-day activities of the Public Utilities section of Public Services. Public Utilities is responsible for providing water and sewer services to City of Lenoir and Town of Hudson residents, ...

Council honors CCC&TI Cobras Baseball Team

The City of Lenoir City Council honored the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) Cobras Baseball Team Tuesday night and congratulated them on an amazing 2022 season.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read and presented a resolution to Athletic Director Jeff Link during the regular City Council meeting, June 7, 2022. 

"We have a long baseball history in Caldwell County. We have champions in Little League, Senior League, &...

City hires Public Works Operations Manager

The City of Lenoir has hired Jonathan Hogan as the first Public Works Operations Manager in the new Public Services Department.

As Operations Manager, Mr. Hogan will oversee the day-to-day activities of the Public Works section of Public Services. Public Works is responsible for sanitation and solid waste collection, the Recycling Center, streets and right-of-ways, building mainte...

Council honors Mac Martin

The City of Lenoir City Council honored long-time Planning Board Member Mac Martin Tuesday night and thanked him for his many years of service to the City.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read and presented a resolution to Mr. Martin during the regular City Council meeting, June 7, 2022. Mr. Martin has served on the City of Lenoir Planning Board since 2005. Mayor Gibbons also gave Mr. Martin a City flag framed with two Ci...

Thomas promoted to Public Services Director

Radford Thomas is being promoted to director of a new department at the City of Lenoir, the Public Services Department.

Public Services will consolidate Public Utilities and Public Works into one department. Public Utilities provides water and sewer services to city residents, the Town of Hudson, and several other water and sewer utilities in the county. Public Works handl...

1st Neon Night Ride happening Friday

The first ever Neon Night Ride in Lenoir is happening this Friday, June 3, 2022, at the Lenoir Rotary Soccer Complex on Zacks Fork Road.

The event will start at 8:30 pm at the soccer complex. Staff will have a couple thousand free, 8-inch and 22-inch glow sticks for participants who need some extra neon glow on their bikes. There will be water available on site and cookies donated by Chick...

Outdoor pool opens tomorrow

The outdoor pool at the Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center (LAFC) will be open tomorrow, Saturday, May 28, 2022, from 1:30 to 5:30 pm for recreation swim. The slides will be closed.

Parks and Recreation Director Kenny Story said staff are waiting on the North Carolina Department of Labor to inspect the slides.

"The state inspectors are supposed to come Tuesday, so hopefully the slides will be open the following weekend," Sto...

City receives second, larger $500K EPA grant

The City of Lenoir has received its second Brownfield Assessment grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this time for $500,000.

Lenoir received its first EPA Brownfield grant in 2018 in the amount of $300,000. The City used those funds to perform assessments on several commercial and industrial properties around town. Brownfield assessments are the first step to safely clean up an...

First Lenoir Bicycle Festival a success

The first Lenoir Bicycle Festival was a success according to volunteers and participants who brought their bikes to Downtown Lenoir and road around on our streets.

The festival was held this past Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 10:00 to 3:00 pm. About 300 people attended the event including kids, parents, and younger and older adults.

The festival offered a free ride lane around Downtown on Main Street, West Avenue, Chu...

Registration still open for youth summer basketball

Registration is still open for both City of Lenoir youth summer basketball leagues.

The deadline to sign up for the co-ed J.H. Jones Summer Basketball League is tomorrow, May 19. The J.H. Jones league is open to boys and girls ages 8 to 12. Players must turn 8 years old on or before May 23. Games are played at the Martin Luther King Jr. ...

Finance director receives Local Government Finance Officers certification

City of Lenoir Finance Director Donna Bean was recently certified as a Local Government Finance Officer by the North Carolina Government Finance Officers Association.

Finance Director Bean achieved the certification after completing more than 150 hours of instruction from the UNC School of Government and passing exams related to the courses of study. The five core courses are Introduction to Local Government Finance, G...

Registration still open for summer swim club

Registration is still open for the City of Lenoir Summer Swim Club. Summer Swim Club will help participants become better swimmers and learn more strokes. The club will also compete in swim meets.

"If your child can doggy paddle and swim in the pool, but they need help to learn different strokes like the backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, this program will teach them those strokes," said Mikayla Gayheart, Senior Aquatic Specialist a...

Lenoir makes more greenway connections

City of Lenoir Public Works staff recently made two more greenway connections near the Lenoir Rotary Soccer Complex. The connections increase access to the greenway in the area.

Last week, Public Works staff paved a section of greenway that connects the westernmost parking lot at the soccer complex to the greenway. The new section is about 425 feet long and goes south from the parking lot and intersects with the current ...

City wins communications awards

The City of Lenoir recently won two Excellence in Communications Awards from North Carolina City and County Communicators (NC3C).

Lenoir won second-place in "General Composition – Writing" for the article “Single-family homes going up in Lenoir.” The City also won second place in "Social Media – General Use on a Single Platform&...

Raffles, prizes, and a backwards bicycle coming to the Lenoir Bicycle Festival

The Lenoir Bicycle Festival is next Saturday and the event planners have some fun activities on the schedule including the Impossible Backwards Bicycle Challenge.

The Lenoir Bicycle Festival will be from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Downtown Lenoir. 

Festival activities will include a free-ride lane around downtown, obstacle courses, a time trial course with five age brackets and prizes do...

Mayor proclaims "Celebrate Drinking Water Week" in Lenoir

On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Joe Gibbons proclaimed the week of May 1 to 7, 2022, as “Celebrate Drinking Water Week” throughout the City of Lenoir.

Mayor Gibbons presented the proclamation to Public Utilities Director Radford Thomas Tuesday, May 3, 2022, during the City Council meeting.

City of Lenoir Public Utilities staff operate the City’s water treatment plant 24/7/365. Staff at the plant produces...

Mayor Gibbons selected as Chair of NC Mayors Association

Mayor Joe Gibbons has been selected as Chair of the NC Mayors Association Board of Directors and will serve a one-year term helping to lead the organization and its 11-member board.

The NC Mayors Association (NCMA) is an affiliate organization of the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM). NCMA provides a platform for all the state’s mayors to work together on goals of cities and towns and the challenges they face. ...

Mayor proclaims International Firefighters' Day in Lenoir

On behalf of the City of Lenoir City Council, Mayor Joe Gibbons proclaimed Wednesday, May 4, 2022, as “International Firefighters’ Day” throughout the City of Lenoir.

Mayor Gibbons presented the International Firefighters' Day proclamation to Fire Chief Ken Hair Tuesday, May 3, 2022, during the City Council meeting.

International Firefighters' Day is observed each year on May 4. The public is encourage...

Council honors Telecommunicators

City Council and Mayor Joe Gibbons honored the City's telecommunicators last month with a proclamation naming April 10 to 16, 2022, as "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week" in the City of Lenoir.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read and presented the proclamation to Police Chief Brent Phelps during the City Council meeting held Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Read the full proclamation below.

The City of Lenoir Police Department generally employees eight full-time and ...

Finley Avenue to be paved tomorrow

Contractors will be paving Finley Avenue from Main Street to Arlington Circle tomorrow and Friday. Drivers traveling the area should expect delays.

Finley Avenue will not be closed during paving, but travel will be reduced to one lane. 

Contractors expect to start paving tomorrow, Thursday, May 5, 2022, and hope be finished with the project by end of day Friday, May 6, barring any unforeseen ...

City staff clean up Lenoir during Litter Sweep

About 35 City staff, including the Mayor and a Councilman, picked up dozens of bags of litter Wednesday, April 20, 2022, during the City of Lenoir Spring Employee Litter Sweep.

City staff have been participating in Litter Sweep every spring and fall the past few years. In addition to staff from City Hall, Fire, and Police, Mayor Joe Gibbons and Councilman Jonathan Beal and his wife and daughter helped pick up trash along several...

Compost giveaway #2 this Saturday

The City of Lenoir is holding another leaf compost giveaway this Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The compost if free if you load up your bins or trailers yourself. It's $5 a scoop to have City staff load your trailer.

The compost area is located off Fairview Drive behind the Caldwell County Animal Shelter.

The rain date will be April 30.

After ...

Get your tickets for Rejoice! A Celebration in Song Community Event

The Freedman Cultural Center is presenting "Rejoice! A Celebration in Song Community Event" this Saturday at The Campus at the Historic Lenoir High School in Downtown Lenoir. Tickets are $10 per person and are presale only.

Mayor Pro Tem Crissy Thomas, who is helping to organize the event, said the concert and performances will represent a diverse group of people from across the City.

"We’ll have choirs, we’ll have soloists, and some dancers. We&r...

Bicycle festival coming to Downtown Lenoir

Planning is underway for a new event in 2022, the Lenoir Bicycle Festival.

The Lenoir Bicycle Festival will be from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Downtown Lenoir. Festival activities will include a street ride around downtown, obstacle courses, time trial, safety and maintenance classes, The Impossible Backwards...

Council and staff cut ribbon on Hotel Street

City Council and staff held a ribbon cutting to officially open Hotel Street yesterday, April 6, 2022.

Hotel Street connects Linkside Court to Hibriten Drive. The road was paved in January and the fence between the road and the golf course was completed in February.

During high traffic, it can be difficult to turn left onto Wilkesboro Boulevard when leaving...

Mayor proclaims April to be Fair Housing Month

City of Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons proclaimed April 2022 to be Fair Housing Month in Lenoir during the Council's regular meeting Tuesday night.

Mayor Gibbons read and then presented the proclamation on behalf of City Council to Lauren Hart with the Catawba Valley Association of Realtors.

PROCLAMATION FAIR HOUSING MONTH

WHEREAS, April 11, 2022 marks the 54th anniversary of the passage of the U.S. Fa...

Section of Lower Creek Drive to be closed again

A section of Lower Creek Drive will be closed again this Saturday. Contractors are installing a water line connection to the new Kattz Corner apartments.

Lower Creek Drive NE between Eastover Circle NE and Tywood Street NW will be closed to through traffic starting at 7:00 am, Saturday, April 9, 2022. Contractors hope to have the road back open by 2:00 pm in the afternoon, barring any unforeseen problems. ...

Master Gardeners hosting free gardening program

The first First Saturday in the Garden program is tomorrow, Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the Unity Park Community Gardens in Lenoir.

Local Master Gardeners and volunteers will present a free education program to the public the first Saturday of every month through October. The program runs from 8:00 to 11:00 am. The First Saturday programs will follow this schedule:

• 8:00 am - Get your h...

Easter Egg Hunt next Saturday

The City of Lenoir Easter Egg Hunt will be Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Mulberry Recreation Center. The hunt is open to kids 10 and younger.

There will be games including a sack race, egg and spoon race, raw egg toss, and coloring station. Staff also plan to give out door prizes including Easter baskets, gift cards and items donated by sponsors.

The Easter Egg Hunt will be in three age groups -...

Compost giveaway this Saturday

The City of Lenoir leaf compost giveaway is this Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The compost if free if you load up your bins or trailers yourself. It's $5 a scoop to have City staff load your trailer.

The compost area is located off Fairview Drive behind the Caldwell County Animal Shelter.

After turning off Fairview Drive, follow the p...

Parks & Recreation seeking community input

The City of Lenoir Parks and Recreation Department is seeking community input through a brief survey.

The survey is online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/LenoirRecSurvey. 

The survey asks questions such as "How far do you live from a park?", "What recreational activities do you participate in frequently?", and  "How wo...

Families asked to clear graves before mowing season

Staff at the Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir are asking that family members clear grave markers of all items not in vases before Friday, April 1, 2022.

Mowing season at the cemetery runs from April 1 to October 30. Items stuck in the ground near graves such as wreathes, flower pots, solar lights, etc., impede mowing and weed eating at the cemetery. Such items not in vases make it difficult for staff to m...

Paving on Beall Street tomorrow

Contractors plan to pave Beall Street from Harper Avenue to Holly Court tomorrow, Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Residents have been asked to not park on the street.

Contractors milled Beall Street last week in preparation for repaving. Milling removes the top layer of asphalt. 

Staff have already placed door hangers on homes on the street notifying residents and asking them to not park on the street. Any cars...

No parking on Beall Street Thursday

Contractors will be milling a section of Beall Street Thursday morning, March 24, 2022, and residents have been asked to not park on the street that day from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

In order to pave Beall Street, workers have to take off the top layer of road. That process is called "milling." Workers will be milling Beall Street from Harper Avenue to Holly Court. 

Staff have already placed door hangers on homes on ...

Duke Energy clearing rights-of-way around Lenoir

Duke Energy has started clearing rights-of-way along some of their electrical lines in Lenoir and Caldwell County. The work should be done by the end of the month.

"We have a responsibility to deliver power safely and reliably," said Robin P. Nicholson, Duke Energy District Manager, Government and Community Relations. "Trees around our lines are a major contributor to customer outages, so we must trim...

Police Dept. recognizes female staff during Women's History Month

In honor of Women's History Month, the City of Lenoir Police Department wants to recognize and thank the female staff who help the department succeed in enhancing public safety and improving the quality of life in Lenoir.

Currently, women occupy 14 full-time and seven part-time positions in the Police Department including Patrol Officer, Crime Scene Investigation, Emergency Communications, Evidence Technician, Crime Analyst, Records Personnel, and Secretary to the Chief of...

Leprechaun Chase back for round two

Downtown Lenoir's Leprechaun Chase Scavenger Hunt is back for round two, and the game starts today. It's free to play, so don't miss your chance to win!

The City of Lenoir Main Street Department organized the first Leprechaun Chase Scavenger Hunt last year as part of a pandemic pivot to new and different events. The chase was very popular, so staff decided to bring it back again in 2022.

"We had more ...

Section of Lower Creek Drive closed Saturday

A section of Lower Creek Drive will be closed this Saturday morning and afternoon. Contractors are installing a water line connection to the new Kattz Corner apartments.

Lower Creek Drive NE between Eastover Circle NE and Tywood Street NW will be closed to through traffic starting at 7:00 am, Saturday, March 12, 2022. Contractors hope to have the road back open by 2:00 pm in the afternoon, barring any unforeseen problems....

Lifeguard certification classes available

The City of Lenoir Parks & Recreation Department is offering two lifeguard certification classes this month and next. Students must complete the pretest for the first class by tomorrow.

Parks & Recreation staff are offering lifeguard certification classes March 11-13 and April 18-20. Students who successfully complete the course may be offered employment with the Lenoir Aquatic and Fitness Center.

Participants must be 15 years old on ...

Youth baseball and softball registration ends Friday

Parents have until Friday, March 11, 2022, to sign their kids up for City of Lenoir youth baseball and softball.

The City Parks & Recreation Department offers t-ball for young boys and girls and various baseball and softball leagues for older children. Parents can register their kids for the following leagues:

• Co-Ed 4- to 5-year-old t-ball
• Boys 6- to 8-year-old co...

Grand Manor Receives Rural Economic Development Grant

The North Carolina Department of Commerce announced that Grand Manor Furniture is a recipient of the Rural Economic Development Division Building Reuse grant award.

The $400,000 grant will assist the company with renovations to the vacant Thomasville Furniture plant in Lenoir.

“We appreciate the partnership and support from the NC Department of Commerce, Caldwell County Commission and EDC and the City of Len...

Water line break on US 321

City of Lenoir Public Utilities staff are currently working to repair a water line break on US 321 in front of Burger King. Several businesses are affected and will be without water for several hours.

Public Utilities staff are on scene and should have the water line repaired by 11 pm, barring any unforeseen issues.

The businesses affected include Burger King, Hannah's Bar-B-Q, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Nara Express, and Aldi.

Update: Staff r...

Do you heart a local business? Send them a valentine.

The City of Lenoir Main Street Department is sponsoring a Love Letters for Local campaign this month. Staff are asking residents to grab a pen and piece of paper and take a few minutes to show their love for small businesses in downtown.

How it works:

• Write a love letter for a Downtown Lenoir business during the month of February. Visit the Love Local page for a list of businesses.
• Make sure to include the BUSINESS NAME on the outside of your letter or envelope.
• Drop it in one of our special...

Council selects Kent Greer to fill vacant seat

The City of Lenoir City Council selected Kent Greer to fill the vacant seat on Council Tuesday night, Feb. 1, 2022. The vote was unanimous.

Mr. Greer will fill the vacant seat left by former Councilman Ben Willis, who resigned to take a job with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments. 

Council announced the vacancy during its Jan. 4 meeting and asked interested residents to submi...

City honoring black American firsts in Lenoir and Caldwell County

In celebration of Black History Month, the City of Lenoir will honor black American firsts that happened here in Lenoir and Caldwell County via several social media posts throughout February.

The first post of this series was published today and features Thomas Scott Jr., the first student to integrate Lenoir City Schools. According to the news article, "On Sept. 3, 1964, Thomas A. Scott, Jr., walked into Lenoir High School as the first b...

Sign up for WaterSmart before a leak catches you by surprise!

When the ground freezes and thaws over and over, there's a better chance for water line breaks. Sign up for WaterSmart today to get notified of possible water leaks!

When the ground freezes, it can expand. When it thaws, the dirt around water lines can contract leaving gaps around the line. If the ground freezes and thaws enough, water lines can shift and break. City staff work hard to repair broken lines on the City ...

City Council honors Ben Willis

The City of Lenoir City Council honored Councilman Ben Willis last week during the Jan. 18, 2022, City Council meeting. Councilman Willis is resigning from the Council at the end of the month.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read a resolution honoring Councilman Willis' service during his 10 years on City Council and then presented Councilman Willis with a key to the city.

"Thank you to Ben for all of his service on the council and across the st...

City Council honors Sgt. James Moore

The City of Lenoir City Council honored retiring Police Sergeant James Moore Tuesday night, Jan. 18, 2022, during the City Council meeting.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read and presented a resolution to Sgt. Moore honoring his years of service to the City of Lenoir. Mayor Gibbons also gave Sgt. Moore a Key to the City.

"It’s bitter sweet. We hate to see Sgt. Moore leave our department after so many...

City facilities opening on delay Wednesday

Due to expected icy conditions on the roads tomorrow morning, City Hall and Parks & Recreation facilities will open at 10:00 am Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022.

Be sure to sign up for Notify Me and CodeRED to stay up-to-date on service notifications and emergency alerts.

Notify Me informs subscribers about information posted to the City website such as upcoming events, news, service alerts, youth sports, and more....

Tuesday garbage collection postponed

Due to road conditions this morning, Tuesday's garbage route will be collected this Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, weather permitting. Staff still plan to collect Monday's route tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 19.

All other household garbage pickups will remain on a normal schedule.  There will be NO bulk collections this week.

For more information about trash pickup, click the following link, Garbage Collection. 

City of Lenoir Garbage Routes

Click ...

Are you ready for snow? City prepping for winter weather.

Weather forecasters are saying snow is likely this weekend. City staff is prepping to respond, and residents should take precautions as well, including moving vehicles off the streets if it does start snowing.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg office, "Confidence continues to increase for a significant winter storm across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia Saturday afternoon through Sunday night. Please continu...

Martin Luther King Jr. Day closings and info

City of Lenoir City Hall and recreational facilities will be closed Monday, Jan. 17, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Garbage collection will be affected.

Garbage Collection Schedule

Sanitation will not operate Monday, Jan. 17. Garbage normally picked up Monday will be collected Wednesday, Jan. 19.  All other household garbage pickups will remain on a normal schedule. There will be NO bulk collectio...

Gardeners grow thousands of pounds of produce at Community Gardens

Gardeners working the beds at the Unity Park & Community Gardens pulled and picked more than 5,000 pounds of produce last year, and much of that was donated to the community.

Garden Coordinator David Horn said production at the Community Gardens in 2021 totaled 5,137 pounds of produce. Gardeners grew 2,996 pounds in the private beds, 1,164 pounds in the Community Share beds, and 977 pounds in the demonstration beds. For refere...

Council recognized for HOME program, Foothills Veterans Stand Down

The City of Lenoir City Council was recognized Tuesday for the City's involvement in the Unifour Consortium HOME Program. Three councilmembers were recognized for participating in the recent Foothills Veterans Winter Stand Down.

Anthony Starr, Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) Executive Director presented Council with the Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award. The award is given by the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and honors NADO members for th...

Job openings with the City of Lenoir

The City of Lenoir has several job openings available for anyone looking for a new opportunity or a change in career.

The City is looking to fill the following positions:

• Auto Mechanic in the Vehicle Services Division of Public Works
• Custodian at the MLK Jr. Center in Parks & Recreation
• Equipment Operator in the Cemetery Division of Public Works
• Patrol Officer i...

Notice of vacancy on the Lenoir City Council

Notice is hereby given that the Lenoir City Council is seeking interested individuals to fill a vacancy on the City Council created by the resignation of Councilman Ben Willis.

The successful candidate will be formally appointed by City Council at their regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, and will serve until Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

Any potential candidate should submit a letter of interest outlining qualificat...

City, contractors working to repair water line break

City staff and contractors are working today to repair a break on a 20-inch water main that has caused low pressure in certain parts of the city.

Public Utilities staff detected the break early Monday morning and found the break Monday night. The break is located on a 20-inch main that runs under Lower Creek between Quest4Life and Harrisburg Drive SW. 

The line is the primary feed for the F...

Christmas closings, garbage collection, and Christmas tree pickup

City Hall and recreational facilities will be closed this Thursday, Friday, and Monday, Dec. 23, 24, and 27, in celebration of Christmas. Garbage collection will be affected.

Garbage Pickup Schedule

Sanitation will not be operating on Friday, Dec. 24 or Monday, Dec. 27. Garbage normally collected on Friday, Dec. 24, will be picked up this Wednesday, Dec. 22. Garbage normally collected on Monday, Dec. 27, will be picked up Wedne...

Renovations continue at the Lenoir High School Auditorium

City Council recently approved more renovations at the Lenoir High School Auditorium. The improvements will help the City rebrand the venue as The Campus at the Historic Lenoir High School and bring more events into Downtown Lenoir.

Council approved the first round of improvements in January this year. Phase one included gutting and rebuilding two bathrooms on the lower floor of the facility. The new bathrooms will only be used during events at the auditorium. Phase one also included...

State and local burn bans lifted

The N.C. Forest Service lifted the burn ban affecting Caldwell County and the region effective at noon Monday, Dec. 13. The City of Lenoir also lifted the local burn ban at the same time.

"Following the Forest Service’s recommendations, we are also rescinding the City of Lenoir’s open burning ban," Fire Chief Ken Hair said. "We will go back to normal operations in accordance with the City of Lenoir’s Code of Ordinances on op...

Council approves bid to replace sewer line

The City of Lenoir City Council approved a bid to replace more than 3,800 feet of sewer line that runs from Mayflower Seafood Restaurant to the Lenoir Golf Club parking lot.

Public Utilities Director Radford Thomas said the project will replace an old 12-inch sewer pipe with a new 20-inch pipe. The section between Mayflower Seafood Restaurant and the golf course is one of the City's main sewer lines. The project will...

Council members swear oaths of office, Thomas reelected as Mayor Pro Tem

Councilmembers David Stevens, Crissy Thomas, Ike Perkins, and Jonathan Beal swore their oaths of office Tuesday night, Dec. 7, 2021, during the regular City Council meeting. Councilmember Thomas was reelected to serve another term as Mayor Pro Tempore.

Councilmembers Stevens, Thomas, Perkins, and Beal were all reelected during the November municipal election and will serve another four-year term on the City of Lenoir City Council.

Caldwell County Magistrate Greg Cornett administered the oath of office to...

Walking Park closed today, tomorrow, and Monday

The T.H. Broyhill Walking Park will be closed today, Wednesday, Dec. 8, tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 9, and Monday, Dec. 13, 2021.

A property owner adjacent to the park is cutting down trees near the park entrance, so the  road is closed for safety.

The Walking Park will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Dec. 10 through 12.

Commonly referred to as the "Walking Park,&q...

Luminary display postponed to Dec. 17

Due to the current dry conditions and the state and local burn bans, the Luminary Display at Blue Ridge Memorial Park will be postponed to Friday, Dec. 17.

If the weather doesn't cooperate, and the City doesn't get substantial rainfall that will lift the burn bans before Dec. 17, staff will reschedule the event sometime in January 2022.

Every December, City staff make and light thousands of ...

Howard promoted to Police lieutenant

John Howard has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the Lenoir Police Department Patrol Division.

"I am honored to announce that John Howard has accepted promotion to the rank of Police Lieutenant," Police Chief Brent Phelps said. "This was an extremely competitive process in which all the candidates did an outstanding job.  I ...

Foothills Performing Arts giving free Christmas shows in Downtown Lenoir

The City of Lenoir is hosting a Foothills Performing Arts (FPA) production of two Christmas shows next week at The Campus at the Historic Lenoir High School in Downtown Lenoir. And, as an early Christmas present, the shows are FREE!

Dubbed "Christmas on the Campus at the Historic Lenoir High School," this premier event will feature Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells!, The Story of Christmas performed by the Campus Christmas Choir, and musical performances. The show date...

City of Lenoir issues burn ban

The City of Lenoir has issued a burn ban prohibiting all outdoor open burning, including within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling.

The ban is in effect as of today, Dec. 3, 2021, and applies to all open burning regardless of the issuance of a permit, including recreational fires, portable outdoor fireplaces, and outdoor fire pits.

The burn ban is issued under the authority of North Ca...

Mayor Gibbons elected as WPCOG Board Vice-Chair

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) elected Jill Patton, Hickory City Councilmember, as the new WPCOG Board Chair, and Joseph L. Gibbons, Mayor of Lenoir, as vice-chair at the November meeting of the WPCOG Policy Board.

The Policy Board serves as the governing board for the agency.

Mayor Gibbons has served as a WPCOG Policy Board member since 2019 and an Executive Committee Member since 2019. In addition, Mr. Gibbons has served as the Mayor of Lenoir since 2011. Before se...

City honoring frontline and healthcare workers in Christmas parade

A dozen frontline and healthcare workers will serve as the Grand Marshals during the City of Lenoir Starry Night Christmas Parade tomorrow night.

The Grand Marshals will be Dr. Sarah Young - ICU MD, Jerrell Suddreth RN, ICU Manager, and Kelli Ace, Respiratory Therapist, representing healthcare workers; City of Lenoir Police Sergeant James Moore; City of Lenoir Firefighter Cassidy Auton; Caldwell Co...

Blue Ridge Memorial Park luminary display set for Dec. 10

The City of Lenoir Luminary Display at Blue Ridge Memorial Park will be Friday, Dec. 10, 2021.

In December, City staff fill and light thousands of luminaries to display on the graves at Blue Ridge Memorial Park. The purpose of the event is to remember the people buried in the cemetery and to honor their families. Cars fill the cemetery roads for ho...

Hotel Street project underway

Contractors started clearing the Hotel Street connection yesterday. The new section will improve accessibility to several properties in the area.

When the project is complete, Hotel Street will connect Linkside Court to Hibriten Drive. Residents of Linkside Court, the Veridian apartments, and the Hampton Inn will be able to use Hibriten Drive during high traffic times. Rather than turning left dire...

City facilities closed for Thanksgiving

City of Lenoir City Hall and recreation facilities will be closed this Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25 and 26, 2021, in celebration of Thanksgiving. Garbage collection WILL be affected.

Sanitation WILL pick up garbage on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 25. However, staff will not be working on Friday. Friday's garbage route will be collected Wednesday, Nov. 24. All other household garbage pickups will remain on a normal schedule. There ...

Mayor proclaims Small Business Saturday

Mayor Joe Gibbons proclaimed next Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, as Small Business Saturday in Lenoir and encourages all residents to support local businesses this holiday season.

Small Business Saturday, a.k.a. Shop Small Saturday, was started in 2010 to put a spotlight on small business owners and employees. It falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Small Business Saturday has become an im...

Contractors paving streets this week

Contractors started work this week to resurface several City streets.

The City of Lenoir contracted with Maymead, Inc. to pave 13 sections of roads throughout Lenoir. The project is part of the City's annual resurfacing plan to maintain City streets. The paving list below covers about 16,104 linear feet or 3.05 mil...

Fire department rolling out quick response vehicles

The City of Lenoir Fire Department is rolling out three new quick response vehicles (QRVs) next week. Firefighters will drive the QRVs to medical calls, which should reduce response times to health emergencies.

The QRVs are two, new 4x4 Chevrolet 2500 HDs and one Tahoe. All three vehicles can seat up to five firefighters. QRV-1, the red Tahoe with gold lettering is assigned to Station 1 in Downtown Lenoir. QRV-2 and QRV-3 are assigned at Station 2 in Whitnel and...

Veterans Day ceremony in Downtown Lenoir

American Legion Post 29 will host a Veterans Day Ceremony Thursday, Nov. 11, in Downtown Lenoir. The ceremony starts at 11:00 am.

Post Commander Irv Eurto will give the welcome and opening remarks followed by the invocation by Bobby Poarch and the presentation of colors by West Caldwell High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Attendees will sing the Nation...

Police statements on Willow Street shooting

The Lenoir Police Department released the third statement about the shooting yesterday on Willow Street NW. The infant involved is currently in stable condition and is recovering.

Update #2, Nov. 2, 2021, 12:38 pm

The investigation into this tragedy has revealed several facts. Yesterday at approximately 12:00 pm, Anthony Stevenson Jr. arrived at 542 NW Willow St. Lenoir, N.C., the residence of Shantel Harper and infant child that th...

Christmas parade set for Dec. 3

The City of Lenoir is accepting applications to participate in the Starry Night Christmas Parade scheduled for Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The application deadline is Nov. 29.

The theme this year is "Walking In a Winter Wonderland." Are sleigh bells ringing? Is there a snowman in the meadow? Are you snuggling by a fire? Decorate your floats and vehicles with snowy hometown nostalgia.

The parade will start at 6:30 pm an...

City Council extends condolences to family of Allene Broyhill Stevens

The City of Lenoir City Council extends condolences to the family of Allene Broyhill Stevens, who passed away Friday, October 22, 2021, at 99 years old.

Statement from City of Lenoir City Council

"Council was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ms. Allene Broyhill Stevens, and we send our condolences and prayers to Ms. Stevens’ family and friends. Ms. Stevens was well respected in Len...

Youth basketball registration open

The City of Lenoir Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registration for youth basketball, ages 4 to 15 years old.

Registration for boys and girls 4 to 12 years old is open through Nov. 19. Registration for Junior League, ages 13 to 15, ends Friday, Dec. 3.

Bring completed registration forms and the entry fee to Mulberry Recreation Center, 720 Mulberry St. SW, Lenoir. ...

Leaf collection starts in November

The City of Lenoir Public Works Department will start leaf collection in November. Residents will get three pickups between November and January.

Residents should rake leaves into piles behind the curb or ditch line, and remove all bricks, rocks, sticks, or glass. Such items may cause personal injury to employees and damage equipment.

Depending on their location in the City, residents will get one c...

Registration open for Halloween heist game

The City of Lenoir Main Street Department is organizing a Haunted Halloween Mystery Heist in Downtown Lenoir, and the top prize is $1,000!

The game will draw visitors into Downtown and promote local businesses. Main Street Community Engagement Coordinator Matthew Anthony said the Haunted Halloween Mystery Heist is similar to Clue, but players will have to figure out who is planning to steal ...

Boil Water Advisory Lifted

The boil water advisory has been lifted for City of Lenoir, Baton Water Corporation, Caldwell County, Joyceton Waterworks, and the Town of Sawmills water customers.

Customers can resume normal water use as of 10:11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. It is no longer necessary to boil water before ingesting. 

All high turbidity and pressure challenges have been corrected at the Water Treatment Plant and in the distri...

Boil Water Advisory!

Due to low pressure and higher than normal turbidities in the City of Lenoir water system, customers in Lenoir and Caldwell County are advised to boil water for human consumption for at least one minute until further notice.

In addition to City of Lenoir water customers, this advisory covers Baton Water Corporation, Caldwell County, Joyceton Waterworks, and the Town of Sawmills, all of which purchase water from the City of Lenoir.

Water consumers of the City of Lenoir in Caldw...

City Council extends condolences to family of Paul H. Broyhill

The City of Lenoir City Council extends condolences to the family of Paul H. Broyhill, who passed away Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, at the age of 97 years old.

Statement from City of Lenoir City Council

"We were sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Paul H. Broyhill, and we extend our condolences to Mr. Broyhill's family and close friends. Mr. Broyhill was a true pillar of our City and his influence on Lenoir ca...

Lots of kids come out for free ball clinics

The free baseball and softball clinics held at Mulberry Recreation Center this week were a success.

Nearly 70 boys attended the baseball clinic taught by Appalachian State University coaches and players, and about a dozen girls attended the softball clinic taught by Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute coaches and players this week. The Pa...

Section of greenway closed Tuesday morning

Public Works staff plan to close a section of the Lenoir Greenway tomorrow morning to make improvements.

Staff will close a section of greenway between the big and small loops in Lower Creek from approximately 8:00 am to 2:00 pm tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. See the map below for location. 

Staff are installing ditching and drainage pipe in the ...

Council congratulates Fairfield Chair Co. on 100 year anniversary

The City of Lenoir City Council recognized and congratulated Fairfield Chair Company on its 100 Year Anniversary Tuesday night.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read and presented a resolution to Mr. John Beall, Chairman of the Fairfield Chair Company Board of Directors, and Board Member Mr. Stewart Beall during the Sept. 21, 2021, City Council meeting. The resolution thanks the company for its ...

Free baseball and softball clinics next week

The City of Lenoir Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a free boys baseball clinic and free girls softball clinic next week in Lenoir. Appalachian State University and Caldwell Community College coaches and players are instructing.

The Baseball Clinic is open to 2nd through 8th grade boys. It will be held Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 4:30 to 7:00 pm at Mulberry Recreation Center. Appalachian State University coaches and players are instructing the baseball clinic.

The Softball Clinic is...

Mayor & Council proclaim Sept 11 Remembrance and Constitution Week

Mayor Joe Gibbons and City Council proclaimed this Saturday as “National Day of Service and Remembrance” in honor of September 11, 2001, and the following Friday as the start of Constitution Week in the City of Lenoir.

Mayor Gibbons presented the proclamations to Diana Hale and Jeannie Hollar with local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Tuesday night during the City Council meeting.

In the September 11 proclamation, Mayor Gibbons asks that residents dis...

Sculpture Celebration this weekend

The Caldwell Arts Council's 35th Annual Sculpture Celebration will be held this weekend at the T.H. Broyhill Walking Park.

The Sculpture Celebration is Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Walking Park. About 50 sculptors have registered to display their work. El Tacorriendo Food Truck will be on site selling food and refreshments.

After perusing the art at...

City facilities closed for Labor Day, Aquatic Center moving to fall hours

City of Lenoir facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day. Also, Lenoir Aquatic and Fitness Center staff are moving to fall hours this month.

SANITATION SCHEDULE

Sanitation will not operate Monday, Sept. 6.  Garbage normally picked up on Monday will be collected Wednesday, Sept. 8.  All other household garbage pickups will remain on a normal schedule. There will be no bulk pick...

Council members tour water and wastewater plants

Several City Council members took a tour of the City's water treatment and wastewater treatment plants earlier this week to see upgrades made at the facilities.

During the past few years, the City has made millions of dollars in improvements to both plants. City Council has made it a priority to maintain and update the City's water and wastewater infrastructure with the goal of being prepared and plannin...

North Carolina honors City of Lenoir Water Treatment Plant

The N.C. Division of Water Resources honored the City of Lenoir Water Treatment Plant and 63 other plants for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards in 2020.

The division’s Public Water Supply Section awarded the facilities the prestigious N.C. Area Wide Optimization Award, which is part of a state effort to enhance the performance of existing surface water treatment facilities.

Awards are given each year to wa...

Post 29 recognizes Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year

American Legion Post 29 recognized Jonathan Wright and Jesse Massey as the Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year, respectively, Tuesday night during the City of Lenoir City Council meeting.

Wright started working for the City in January 2003 as a Firefighter. He was promoted to Firefighter 2 in 2005 and received his Driver/Operator certification in 2008. Two years later, Wright achieved certification as a Fire Instructor, and in 2012 he rece...

F1 Wagyu beef shop coming to Downtown Lenoir

The 4440 Ranch & Cattle Company is opening a new store in Downtown Lenoir that will sell F1 Wagyu beef raised in Caldwell County. The shop should be open later this year.

The new store will be located at 215 North Main St. It's owned by Madison Bumgarner, his wife Ali, father-in-law Mark Saunders, and brother-in-law Tanner Saunders. The family raises F1 Wagyu beef cattle in Patterson and a couple other places in the state....

City cuts ribbon on T.H. Broyhill Walking Park

The City of Lenoir cut a ribbon and rededicated the T.H. Broyhill Walking Park yesterday with some new improvements.

Earlier this year, the Broyhill Family Foundation donated $100,000 to replace the flooring on the observation deck at the park and to convert the park restrooms into three, single-unit restrooms. The observation deck was finished a couple months ago and t...

Lenoir police car getting new look

Residents might do a double take during the next couple of weeks when a Lenoir Police Department patrol car rolls by. The department is switching to a new color and striping scheme.

The new patrol cars are silver with black trim. The striping on the side of the car is a swoosh that fades from black to silver to black and is outlined in blue similar to the current patrol car swoosh. Underneath the swoosh is the police department patch...

Lenoir Crossing getting renovation and new tenant

The Lenoir Crossing shopping center at Smith Crossroads is undergoing renovations and will have a new tenant in the future - Jersey Mike's Subs.

The shopping center is owned and operated by Venture Properties. Aaron Edwards, Sales & Leasing Manager with Venture Properties, said interest in the shopping center and growth in the market in Lenoir prompted Venture to renovate the buildings and par...

Lenoir Local Episode 4: Policing with Chief Brent Phelps

In the latest episode of Lenoir Local, Joshua Harris talks with Police Chief Brent Phelps about why he got into law enforcement, the Explorers program for teenagers, and what to do when stopped by the police.

Lenoir Local is a City of Lenoir podcast about events, things to do, City services, community interest topics and more. Send questions, tips, or topic ideas to jharris@cityoflenoir.com.

cityoflenoir.podbean.com

Lenoir Connect, August 2021

Events continue in August in the City of Lenoir, NC, with concerts, cruise-ins, and races. Come do more in the Lenoir!

New tractor makes quick work of greenway debris

The City's new Ventrac tractor made quick work of sand and mud on the greenway yesterday during the first test of the broom attachment.

The majority of the greenway is located in flood plain. During heavy rains and storms, sand and mud often wash onto the greenway. In the past, Parks and Recreation staff would have to plow off what they could and then shovel the rest by hand. 

Yes...

Police Dept accepting applications for K9 Academy

The City of Lenoir Police Department is accepting applications for the next Citizen's Canine Academy. The academy starts in September and participation is limited.

During the academy, K-9 officers will instruct participants on basic obedience exercises and help class members address any obedience issue with their dogs. Instructors will not provide aggression/protection training, and no overly aggressive dogs will be...

Section of North Main Street closed this evening

City staff will close a section of North Main Street this evening to perform utility work.

Staff will close North Main Street from Ashe Avenue to West Avenue around 6:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Public Utilities Department workers are installing a new sewer tap for a property owner. The work will take a few hours. 

Drivers ...

Lenoir Local Episode 3: Unity Park Community Gardens

In Episode 3 of Lenoir Local, Joshua Harris talks with David Horn and Ellen Roberts about the Unity Park Community Gardens.

Horn is the Garden Coordinator as well as a Master Gardener. Ellen Roberts is a Master Gardener volunteer who helps keep things growing. Topics include the history of the gardens, how to rent garden beds, free gardening classes, and the new Community Shar...

Free jazz concert at the MLK Jr. Center

Head to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center tomorrow, Saturday, July 24, and enjoy the free Bring Back the Music Jazz concert.

Lexxi, Groove Masters Band, and Reggie Graves and Jazz Theory will perform starting at 6:30 pm. A food truck will be on site and free COVID vaccines will be available from Happy Valley Medical Center.

Bring a comfy chair or blanket and hang out for a night...

It mows, it sweeps, it trims!

The City of Lenoir Parks & Recreation Department purchased a new, 8-wheeled tractor that will help keep grass mowed and the greenway cleared around town.

Parks and Recreation Director Kenny Story said his department purchased the Ventrac 4500Z because it's versatile and able to perform many jobs. 

The tractor currently has a 72-inch finish mower attachment.  Staff are waiting for ...

Police statement on shooting in front of county courthouse

The City of Lenoir Police Department released the following statement earlier today about the shooting incident in front of the Caldwell County Courthouse.

Fact Statement for Immediate Release

Date: July 12, 2021Time: 2:00 PMCircumstance: ShootingLocation: Roadway in front of 216 North Main Street, Lenoir

Victim Information:

Victim #1Travis Lee Webb1211 SW Spainhour St. Apt. #1Lenoir, NC 28645DOB: 11-04-1985 (3...

Lenoir Local: Meet Mayor Gibbons

Communication & Public Information Director Joshua Harris talks with City of Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons about growing up in Lenoir and why he decided to get involved in local government.

Check out previous episodes at www.cityoflenoir.com/lenoirlocal or cityoflenoir.podbean.com.

Police release fact statement on Laurel Place incident

The City of Lenoir Police Department released the following fact statement on the incident that occurred today at 1226 Laurel Pl NW.

Fact Statement for Immediate Release 

Date: June 30, 2021Time: 3:30 pmCircumstance: Death InvestigationLocation: 1226 Laurel Pl. NW      Lenoir, NC 28645 

Summary: On June 30, 2021, the Lenoir Police Department r...

City of Lenoir starts new podcast

The City of Lenoir has started a new podcast to inform residents about news, events, and services. The first episode is available today.

The podcast is called Lenoir Local. Shows will cover a variety of topics including events, things to do, City services, community interest topics and more. Communication and Public Information Director Joshua Harris plans to release a new episode every ot...

Mayor Joe Gibbons selected as Vice Chair of NC Mayors Association

Mayor Joe Gibbons has been selected as vice chair of the N.C. Mayors Association Board of Directors and will serve a one-year term helping to lead the organization and its 11-member board.

The N.C. Mayors Association (NCMA) is an affiliate organization of the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM). The purpose of NCMA is to provide a platform for all of the state’s mayors to work together regarding the major goals and challenges of ...

City adds Main Street Attendant to focus on Downtown Lenoir

There's a new City employee walking around Main Street and West Avenue, and his job is to keep Downtown Lenoir clean and tidy and help out visitors as needed.

Well, Darren Bryant isn't technically a new employee. For the past year, Darren has worked in the Sanitation Division of Public Works. He moved into the Main Street Attendant position June 1, and has been learning the ropes, or rather, the sidewalks, for ...

City cleans up two properties

City staff recently completed cleanup projects on two properties in town.

Workers demolished the houses at 1921 Marigold Ln SE and 510 Harris St. The City owns the property on Harris Street and staff plans to market the land for redevelopment. The City placed a lien for the cost of cleanup on the Marigold Lane property.

Code enf...

Council approves 2021-2022 budget

The City of Lenoir City Council approved the FY 2021-2022 Budget Tuesday night, June 1, 2021.

The FY 2021-2022 General Fund budget totals $18,594,890. The budget includes a 3% cost of living raise for City employees; $590,000 for street paving; $125,000 for greenway paving and planning; $60,750 for code enforcement, demolition, and property clean ...

Council welcomes new K9 Team

City Council welcomed Police Department K9 Handler Jo Lo and his partner Atos during the City Council meeting Tuesday, June 1, 2021.

Atos (pronounced 'a-tos) is the newest canine to work for the City of Lenoir Police Department and Master Patrol Officer (MPO) Jo Lo is the newest handler. MPO Lo has more than 20 years' experience in law enforcement. He has worked for t...

Finance receives Certificate of Achievement

The City of Lenoir Finance Department has for the 30th time received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).

The GFOA presented the award to the City for its most recent comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) - Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Fiscal Year Ended June 30 2020 (PDF). A CAFR is a set of financial statements that contains a wide variety of...

Girl Scouts donate birdhouses to Community Gardens

Girl Scout Troop 2374 donated 10, handmade and painted birdhouses to the Unity Park Community Gardens Monday, May 24, 2021.

The troop's headquarters is located at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church just across the street from the gardens. The Girl Scouts often visit and Scout Leader Cyndie Feemster said the girls wanted to do something special for the gardens. Garden Coordinator Da...

City reconfigures downtown parking lot

City workers restriped and reconfigured the City parking lot located on the 100 Block of Mulberry Street NW between Mulberry Street and Main Street in Downtown Lenoir.

Staff moved one accessible parking space from the eastern side of the lot to the western side near Main Street, and workers painted no-parking areas in the lot. People who park in the no-parking areas could be towed at their own expense.

The City leases th...

Bloom Blast in Downtown Lenoir

Public Works staff spruced up Downtown Lenoir this past Friday with hundreds of fresh, colorful plants and flowers.

Three Public Works staff planted more than 350 plants and flowers in 21 planter boxes in downtown. Each planter has nine to a dozen new plants that will fill out in the next month or so.

"The Cemeteries Division takes a lot of pride in planting these ...

City Council honors Sgt. Greg Snider

The City of Lenoir City Council honored retiring Police Sergeant Greg Snider Tuesday night, May 18, 2021, during the City Council meeting.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read and presented a resolution to Snider honoring his years of service to the City of Lenoir. Mayor Gibbons also presented a small City of Lenoir flag and coins to Snider.

"We want to say thank you for all that you have done and all...

COVID impact aid still available

Money is still available to help qualifying City of Lenoir residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Payment assistance is only available for current or previous City of Lenoir water, sewer, and solid waste bills and current or previous mortgage/rent payments that are behind due to COVID-19 for people who live inside the City of Lenoir City limits.

Reside...

Recommended budget addresses Council priorities

City Manager Scott Hildebran presented his FY 2021-2022 Recommended Budget to City Council Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

The budget addresses Council priorities determined during the February 2021 retreat and during Council and departmental meetings held during the past year. The top priority of Council for the past few years has been to offer competitive compensation and b...

Education Foundation donates Chromebooks to MLK Center

The Education Foundation, Inc. of Caldwell County recently donated 10, brand new Chromebooks to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center.

Education Foundation Director and City Councilman Ben Willis delivered the Chromebooks to the MLK Center Tuesday, May 11, 2021. The donation comes at a good time for the center. Currently, only four people can use the MLK computer lab at one time due to C...

High-tech sludge dryer up and running

The City's high-tech poop dryer is up and running at the Lower Creek wastewater treatment plant.

In the video below, Public Utilities Director Radford Thomas talks with Communication & Public Information Director Joshua Harris about how the sludge dryer turns wastewater sludge into a dry, ready-to-use fertilizer.

The City of Lenoir City Council ap...

City launches WaterSmart portal for customers

The City of Lenoir's WaterSmart customer portal is live.

WaterSmart gives City of Lenoir Public Utilities customers online access to their water usage data, monthly bills, and more. Customers can access the portal at lenoirnc.watersmart.com. A link to the portal is also on the front page of the City website.

Cus...

City Council recognizes Hibriten Men's Soccer Team

The City of Lenoir City Council honored the Hibriten High School Men's Soccer Team last week during the City Council meeting.

Mayor Joe Gibbons presented a resolution to the team during the City Council meeting Monday, April 19, 2021, and congratulated them on a successful season and for making it to the state championship game. Read the resolution below.

RESOLUTION HONORING HIBR...

Summer ball returning to Walker Stadium

The Old North State League (ONSL) is bringing summer baseball back to Walker Stadium in Downtown Lenoir.

ONSL is the newest summer collegiate baseball league in North Carolina. The league has teams all across the state. Lenoir's team, Lenoir Legends, will play its first home game at Walker Stadium Sunday, June 6, at 7:00 p.m. Click here to see the full sched...

City paving more greenway, increasing access for residents

City staff paved 1.5 miles of greenway during the past couple of weeks bringing Lenoir's total paved greenway to nearly 9 miles. The City's goal is to connect residents to recreation centers via greenway and sidewalks.

Public Works Department crews paved another section of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVNHT) from College Avenue south to Morganton Boulevard last week. Workers also paved a section of greenway from the Lenoir Rotary Soccer complex to S...

City to start reopening facilities Monday

City of Lenoir facilities will reopen Monday with limited access and some restrictions.

City Hall and the Police Department will reopen to the public Monday, April 26, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. Visitors are asked to check their temperature on entry, use the hand sanitizing stations, wear face masks, and social distance while inside any City facilit...

Paving is in the air

The City of Lenoir recently repaved several streets around town and contractors have more to do. The Public Works Department also plans to pave more greenway soon.

Last week, contractors paved Link Place, Peacehaven Place, Lutz Street, and Sherlee Street. Today, contractors are paving Victoria Court and Victoria Lane. They should be finished up in a day or two. Next to be paved is Commercial Court and sections of Un...

City and County helping clean up litter

The City of Lenoir City Council approved a resolution Tuesday night supporting litter cleanup in Lenoir and supporting Caldwell County's first annual "Clean Caldwell Day."

Mayor Joe Gibbons presented the resolution to Caldwell County Commissioner Donnie Potter during the City Council meeting. City staff will pick up litter during the annual City of Lenoir Employee Spring Litter Sweep Day, Wednesday, April 14, 2021. Staff ha...

City staff participating in NC Litter Sweep next month

No one likes a litter bug, and no one likes trash in their community. City staff plans to get out and help clean up Lenoir during the North Carolina Litter Sweep next month.

The 2021 Spring Litter Sweep is taking place April 10-24. Normally scheduled in April and September, Litter Sweep is the N.C. Department of Transportation’s biannual statewide roadside litter removal initiative. Residents throughout the state participate ...

Jesse Plaster named Main Street Champion

Local preservation architect Jesse Plaster was named the City of Lenoir Main Street Champion during the recent North Carolina Main Street Conference.

Plaster has invested a lot during the past several years to renovate and improve several buildings in Downtown Lenoir. His business, J B Plaster Architect, is located at 626 Harper Ave. in downtown - a building that Plaster owns. In addition to being a do...

Downtown Lenoir wins award for building rescue project

The City of Lenoir Main Street Department, architect David Maurer, and his wife Allison Gray recently received a North Carolina Main Street Award for saving the old Stine’s Ice Cream Parlor building in Downtown Lenoir.

Stine’s Ice Cream Parlor was located at 818 Harper Ave. The ice cream shop shut down sometime before the 1960s. The property was used for various purposes during the following decades. 

The Brakefield family owned the building. Their fat...

Single-family homes going up in Lenoir

Contractors are building several new single-family homes in subdivisions across the City of Lenoir, and one local company is building new spec homes for the first time in more than a decade.

Single-family home permits have increased in Lenoir over the past few years. Owners and developers are currently building new homes in Georgetown Estates, Parkview, Powell Park, and Summerhill subdivisions in Lenoir. These are four of nine subdivisions in...

Downtown Lenoir creates digital scavenger hunt with big prizes

Downtown Lenoir's digital scavenger hunt starts next week, and the prizes are no small potatoes.

Sponsored by Smoking in the Foothills BBQ, the goal of the scavenger hunt is to bring people to Downtown Lenoir to explore local businesses and shops. Players will have to read clues and explore downtown to find the answers. Players win points by completi...

HPC members tour historic renovation project

Developer Yorke Lawson recently gave a tour of the Blue Bell apartment project to a few members of the City's Historic Preservation Commission (HPC).

"This is a historic project in more ways than one," Planning Director Jenny Wheelock said. "It's preserving a piece of history, and it’s the first project to be developed under the City’s new preservation ordinance as a local landmark."...

Council sets priorities for 2021

The City of Lenoir City Council set a vision for Lenoir in 2021 during a two-part, virtual retreat last week. Council's top priorities focused on employees, housing, infrastructure, and cleaning up the city.

City Council held their annual retreat during two Zoom meetings. The first session was Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, at 8:30 am and the second session was Thursday Feb. 25, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. The agenda for the sessions is available online at www.cityoflenoir.c...

City receives $250K Recreational Trails Program grant

The City of Lenoir recently received a $250,000 Recreational Trails Program grant to design and build three street crossings along the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVNHT) that runs through downtown.

The total project cost to design and build the crossings is $312,000. The grant is $250,000 and the City is matching the grant with $62,500 in local in-kind funding. 

Part of the OVNHT runs along the old railroad bed through the City of Lenoir fro...

City Council honors Todd Laws and Scott Kanupp

The City of Lenoir City Council honored retiring employees Todd Laws and Scott Kanupp during the Feb. 16, 2021, City Council meeting.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read and presented to both men resolutions honoring their years of service to the City of Lenoir.

Battalion Chief Laws began his career as a firefighter with the City of Lenoir Fire Department in March 1991. He was promoted to 2nd Lieuten...

City Council honors the life of Gary Everhardt

The City of Lenoir City Council recognized the life and accomplishments Gary E. Everhardt Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, during the City Council meeting.

Mr. Everhardt was a Lenoir native. He served as the Director of the National Park Service and Superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and he was a strong advocate of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which runs through Lenoir and Caldwel...

City Hall opening on delay

Due to possible inclement weather, City of Lenoir City Hall will operate on a delay tomorrow. City offices will open at 10:00 am Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021

If the weather disrupts Thursday's garbage collection route, staff will pick up trash later in the day or possibly Friday.

Related: Be prepared for severe weather, Feb. 17, 2021

Be prepared for severe weather

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter storm warning for 7:00 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, through 7:00 p.m. tomorrow night.

Read the storm warning details on the NWS website at https://www.weather.gov/gsp/winter. Rain, freezing rain, and ice have the potential to take down trees and power lines and cut off electricity.

Ready.gov has a lot of tips on emergency preparation and ho...

Find your way in the City of Lenoir

City staff revealed a new wayfinding plan and city-wide brand to City Council earlier this week. The goal is to install signs around Lenoir that promote city amenities and call residents and new comers to "Create With Us."

Staff and Council have been discussing wayfinding for a few years, but one frequent concern was, "What will the signs look like?" In 2019, the Lenoir Tourism Development Authority (LTDA) agreed to fund the wayfinding/brand project. The mission o...

City starts cleanup of old industrial site

The City of Lenoir started cleaning up an old industrial site located at the corner of Virginia Street and College Avenue near downtown. The cleanup is the first step in putting the property back into productive use.

The City contracted with RCI Demolition (RCI) to start removing possible Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) from the Virginia Street site. RCI is working to separate old brick and concrete from the debris piles. Once the materials are separated, RCI will...

Rohr reappointed to 2021 NLC FAIR Committee

City of Lenoir Attorney T.J. Rohr has been reappointed to serve on the National League of Cities (NLC) 2021 Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) federal advocacy committee.

The FAIR Committee is responsible for developing policy positions and leading NLC’s advocacy on issues involving intergovernmental relations including Federalism and unfunded mandates, Census, municipal pensions, municipal bonds and capital finance, tax r...

City gem getting renovations thanks to generous donation

The City of Lenoir will be making some renovations to the T.H. Broyhill Walking Park this year thanks to a generous donation from the Broyhill Family Foundation.

The Broyhill Family Foundation donated $100,000 to replace the wood on the observation deck on the north end of the park and to convert the park restrooms into three, single-unit restrooms, similar to the units at J.E. Broyhill Park. Known as the Walking ...

More multifamily housing on the horizon

Construction is underway on two multifamily housing projects that will add more than 100 new apartments to the City of Lenoir.

Yorke Lawson and Tom Niemann, owners of Blue Bell Lenoir, LLC, are building 46 market-rate apartments in the old Lenoir Cotton Mill/Blue Bell, Inc. plant on College Avenue in downtown. Mark Morgan, owner of MC Morgan & Associates, INC, has broken grou...

Police K9 Axel passes

After providing six years of exemplary service to the City of Lenoir Police Department, and providing his handler and family six years of love and companionship, Police K9 Axel passed away yesterday, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, due to cancer.

Axel was born June 30, 2013, in the Czech Republic and was purchased by the City of Lenoir Police Department in August 2014. Sgt. Zachery Poythress trained Axel from start to finish while the sergeant earned certification as a Comprehensive Polic...

Don't forget about curb-side Christmas tree pickup

The City of Lenoir offers lots of sanitation services for customers, including picking up Christmas trees. Residents can request many of those services on the City website.

The Sanitation Division provides weekly garbage collection, bulk and white goods pickup, yard waste collection, limbs and trimmings pickup, leaf collection, and Christmas tree pickup. The division also manages the City's Recycling Center, located at 1121 ...

New year, new homes in Downtown Lenoir

The new year will bring new places to live in Downtown Lenoir as developers finish up work on two new housing projects in the heart of the city.

Jesse Plaster and Angela Postigo are building five apartments at 1001 West Ave. in downtown, and Steven and Jamie Stewart are working on converting 819 Harper Ave. into a mixed-used building with office space on the first floor and an apartment on the sec...

Luminary display starts tonight

City of Lenoir employees set out roughly 8,000 luminaries Friday morning at Blue Ridge Memorial Park.

The annual Luminary Display at Blue Ridge Memorial Park starts tonight at 6:00 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11, 2020.Every December, City staff and volunteers place thousands luminaries on the graves at Blue Ridge Memorial Park to honor families whose loved ones ar...

Holiday safety tips from the City of Lenoir

Keep your Christmas merry and your New Year happy with a few holiday safety tips.

City of Lenoir Fire Chief Ken Hair said the holidays are always a good time to remind everyone of important fire safety tips.

“According to the National Fire Protection Association, 44% of holiday home fires start when decorations are placed too close to a...

City trims trees in downtown

A professional contractor recently finished trimming dozens of trees in Downtown Lenoir.

"Over the past couple of years, we’ve had some concerns with streetscape trees limiting signal visibility at intersections," Public Works Director Jared Wright said. "By hiring a professional tree trimming contractor, we were able to perfor...

New section of greenway completed at Wilson Park

Public Works finished paving a new section of greenway at Wilson Park, and Parks & Recreation recently sowed the shoulders.

The gate between the parking lot and the new section at Wilson Park will remain closed until staff can install new bollards, however, the public is welcome to use the new section, just mind the shoulders.

Wilson Athletic Park is located at 1010 Powell Rd N...

City Council honors Donald Hall

The City of Lenoir City Council honored retiring employee Donald Hall Tuesday night, Dec. 1, 2020, during the City Council meeting.

Hall started working for the City of Lenoir on Aug. 1, 1980, as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I. In 1987, Hall obtained additional certification to Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II and further certification in 2000 to Wastewater Treatment Pl...

Main Street America puts spotlight on City businesses

Last month, Main Street America interviewed three Downtown Lenoir business owners as part of the Business Spotlight: Women-Owned Businesses on Main Street series.

Main Street America talked with Jennifer Sime, owner of Doodle Bugs; Iris Bender, owner of Taste of Havana; and Heather Bryant, owner of High Country Herbs. Doodle Bugs, located at 106 Main St. NW, is a boutique specializing in children's clothing and gif...

City expanding greenway at Wilson Park

Public Works staff have prepped a new section of greenway at T.H. Wilson Park. Workers plan to pave the new section Monday, weather permitting.

Public Works Street Division staff have already graded the new section and put down stone base. The section will add about 700 feet to the greenway and create a loop around the park. The loop will be just over 3,000 feet or about .56 miles long.

Parks and ...

Warren Harper, City's first African American firefighter, passes

The City of Lenoir extends our condolences to the family of Mr. Warren Harper, who passed away Saturday Nov. 14, 2020. Mr. Harper served as the City of Lenoir's first African American firefighter.

Mr. Harper retired from the City of Lenoir Fire Department in 1999 after 30 years of dedicated service. Fire Department Chief Ken Hair, then an engineer, worked with Mr. Harper for the last seven years of Mr. Harper's career with the City.

"On behalf ...

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

How lovely are your branches!

City of Lenoir staff from several departments put up and decorated the City's 20-foot-tall, 1,000-light, supersize Christmas tree Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2020. 

Public Works delivered and placed the tree on the southwest corner of the square in front ...

Bright lights, big savings

City Building Maintenance staff have spent the last few months installing more than 900 new, LED lights in several City facilities. The LED lights are brighter, more energy efficient, and they are already returning savings.

Public Works Director Jared Wright said the lighting upgrade was a project waiting for the right time and the right price. 

"Earlier this year, we were buying new lights for a couple parks, so we decided to check on prices and possible incent...

Turkey Tuesday canceled this year

Below is a joint statement from Mayor Pro Tem Crissy Thomas and Councilmember Ike Perkins regarding Turkey Tuesday.

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and with all the City of Lenoir facilities closed, Turkey Tuesday, which is hosted at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center has been cancelled. We pray and look forward to giving out Turkeys next year, 2021. Everyone contin...

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

The CDC as well as NCDHHS suggest alternative Halloween activities instead of traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. If residents do choose to trick-or-treat or hand out candy, they should follow the NCDHHS and CDC guidelines below.

Click here to read information from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Click here to read the CDC Holiday Guidelines.

Happy Halloween from the City of Lenoir!

Photo by Daisy Anderson from Pexels

Leaf collection starts in November

The Public Works Department has started collecting leaves in hot spots across the City of Lenoir. All residents will get at least three leaf pickups between November and January.

Residents should rake or blow leaves into piles behind the curb or ditch line. Be sure to remove all bricks, rocks, sticks, or glass. Those items can injure employees and damage equipment.

Residents will get three leaf pickups - one pickup in November, one...

Paving on Mulberry Street starts Monday

Workers will start paving Mulberry Street Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, weather permitting. On-street parking will not be permitted on Mulberry Street during paving. Drivers should expect delays.

Earlier this week, contractors paved Greenhaven Drive from Blowing Rock Boulevard to Arlington Circle and Industrial Court from Morganton Boulevard to Polychem Court. Workers will restripe the lanes on the streets once paving is complete for all three roa...

City Council honors Jeff Hayes and Roger Barlow

The City of Lenoir City Council honored retired employees Jeff Hayes and Roger Barlow Tuesday night, Oct.20, 2020, during the City Council meeting.

Jeff Hayes retired Sept. 1, after 36 years of service with the City. Mr. Hayes started his career with the City of Lenoir in 1984 as a Water Plant Operator. He was promoted to Chief Water Plant Operator in 1989.

Roger Barlow retired Aug. 1, after 30 years ...

Paving project started this week

Workers started a paving project this week, and the first street to be resurfaced was Greenhaven Drive. Greenhaven Drive now offers a smooth ride from from Blowing Rock Boulevard to Arlington Circle.

Industrial Court should be paved this week from Morganton Boulevard to Polychem Court, and Mulberry Street will be paved next week from Morganton Boulevard to College Avenue, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen issues. On-street parking on Mulbe...

City moving forward with some events, canceling others

The City of Lenoir plans to hold some holiday events this year and cancel some others based on Centers for Disease Control and State guidelines.

The City is moving forward with the Downtown holiday light show. Staff plans to place a massive Christmas Tree in Downtown, and the City will also hold the Luminary Display at Blue Ridge Memorial Park in December.

"Due to state and federal guidelines,...

City Council honors Richard Hedrick

The City of Lenoir City Council honored long-time Planning Board member Richard Hedrick Tuesday night, Oct. 6, 2020, during the City Council meeting.

Mr. Hedrick served 23 years on the Planning Board, first as the Extraterritorial representative, then as a regular member. He also was an inaugural member of the Lenoir Historic Preservation Commission. Mr. Hedrick retired off the Planning Board in August...

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