Lenoir Connect, Volume 17, Issue 1, December 2022

It's Christmas time and there are lots of fun things to do in Lenoir including carriage rides, Christmas shows, visits with Santa, and more! Plus, we have a lot of employment opportunities available.

We're Hiring!

Looking for a new job opportunity, or know someone who is? The City of Lenoir has several openings including full-time, part-time, and seasonal. Click the links below to check out job descriptions and salary information. Benefits for full-tim...

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...

Construction work at Harper Ave and Morganton Blvd Tuesday night

Contractors will close a few lanes of traffic at the intersection of Harper Avenue and Morganton Boulevard starting around 6:00 pm Tuesday night, May 30, 2023. Drivers should be cautious and alert while driving through the area.

Direction signs and flaggers will be on site to help direct traffic. Drivers may want to bypass the intersection to avoid possible delays.

Workers are going to remove old sewer manholes in the intersection and patch the road. The sewer lines were abandoned...

Outdoor pool closed for repairs, indoor pool open for recreational swim

The outdoor pool at the Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center is closed for repairs and will not open on Memorial Day, Monday May 29, 2023. The indoor pool will remain open for recreational swimming.

While getting the outdoor pool ready for the summer, staff discovered a leak that must be repaired before opening the pool. Staff are working to get the outdoor pool fixed as soon as possible. Hopefully, the pool will open on or before mid-June. In the me...

City facilities closed for Memorial day, garbage collection affected

Some City facilities will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. The indoor pool at the Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness center will be open. Garbage collection will be affected.

Memorial Day Closings

City Hall, Mulberry Recreation Center, and the Martin Luther King Jr Center will all be closed Monday, May 29, 2023.

Memorial Day Garbage Collection

The Sanitation Division will not operate Monday, May 29. Garbage normally picked up on ...

It's National Public Works Week in Lenoir

It's "National Public Works Week" in Lenoir. This week honors the people who keep our communities clean, build roads, maintain public buildings, and improve the quality of life of residents.

Mayor joe Gibbons read the "National Public Works Week" proclamation during the May 2, 2023, City Council meeting. He presented the proclamation to Public Works Operations Manager Jon Hogan and Vehicle Services Superintendent Beth McMahan.

"...

The Neon Night Ride is back!

Do you like riding bicycles? Do you like riding bicycles? What about glow sticks and foam parties? If so, you don't want to miss the 2nd Annual Neon Night Ride in Lenoir, NC!

The Neon Night Ride will be from 8:00 to 10:00 pm, Friday, June 2, 2023. The event is free and the first 50 people who register will be entered to win a free bicycle light.

The ride covers about four miles on the Lenoir Greenway. It starts and finishes at ...

Council proclaims Peace Officers' Memorial Week

The City of Lenoir Council proclaimed May 15-21, 2023, as "Peace Officer's Memorial Week" in Lenoir. The week pays tribute to local, state, and federal peace officers who died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read the proclamation during the City Council meeting Tuesday, May 16, 2023. He then presented the proclamation to Police Chief Brent Phelps.

"Chief, thank you for all you do and for protecting us every day," Mayor Gibbons said....

Swimming, cheering, & basketball signups still open

There's still time to sign up for swim club, cheer camp, summer basketball, and The Camp at the Lenoir Parks and Recreation Department.

Lenoir Makos Swim Club

Registration for the Lenoir Makos Swim club is open through Friday, May 19, 2023.

The Swim Club is a chance for children to improve their swimming skills and compete in swim meets. George Christas is the swim club coach. The club is o...

It's Celebrate Drinking Water Week in Lenoir!

The City of Lenoir Council proclaimed May 7 to 13, 2023, to be "Celebrate Drinking Water Week" in Lenoir. All societies need fresh, clean drinking water to survive and thrive.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read the "Celebrate Drinking Water Week" proclamation Tuesday, May 2, 2023, and presented it to City Public Utilities staff. 

The Public Utilities Division provides water and sewer services in Lenoir. Jeff Church is the...

Staines hired as next Fire Chief in Lenoir

The City of Lenoir has hired Norman Staines to serve as the next Fire Chief in Lenoir. Staines has 28 years of experience in the fire service, and has been teaching firefighting and public safety for more than 20 years.

The City of Lenoir management team created an extensive process to select the new Fire Chief. Candidates had to complete many steps to make it to the final round of interviews. In round one, the candidates completed written questions. Round two included a...

Lenoir receives bicycle helmet grant from NCDOT

The City of Lenoir has received a second bicycle helmet grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The City will give away the helmets during the Lenoir Bicycle Festival happening in June.

The City received 100 helmets from the grant last year, and will receive another 100 helmets this year. The free helmets are a mixture of toddler boys and girls and small, medium, and large sizes in red, yellow, and blue. 

City staff will give awa...

Downtown streets closing for Gravity Games

A section of Main Street and Ashe Avenue in Downtown Lenoir have been closed in preparation for an event tomorrow. More streets in downtown will close starting around 5:00 pm today, Friday, April 28, 2023.

Event staff are setting up for the 2023 NC Gravity Games, which will be tomorrow, Saturday, April 29. Main Street is already closed from Ashe Avenue to West Avenue in Downtown Lenoir. Ashe Avenue is closed from Church Street to Ridge Street.

Starting at 5:...

10th Annual North Carolina Gravity Games this Saturday

The 10th Annual North Carolina Gravity Games is this Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in Downtown Lenoir. The free, action-packed event is fun for the entire family.

The North Carolina Gravity Games is a landmark STEM-education festival and racing extravaganza. Students use science, technology, engineering and math to build and race their own gravity-powered cars. The races take place on Ashe Avenue in Downtown Lenoir...

Compost giveaway/sale this Saturday

The City of Lenoir will hold a leaf compost giveaway/sale this Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The compost is free to the public if they shovel and load it themselves. The compost is $5.00 a scoop, if City staff loads it. It's a really big scoop.

The compost center is located at 825 Fairview Drive at the old sewer treatment plant behind Kick's radio...

K9 Uwais retires from duty

Lenoir Police Department K9 Uwais retired from duty last night, Tuesday, April 18, 2023. City Council thanked Uwais for his years of service to the City.

The Police Department purchased Uwais, a German Shepherd, in December 2019 from a kennel in Durham. He was born and raised and trained for his duties here in the US.

"We're at the point in K9 Officer Uwais' career where medically ......

Temporary traffic pattern change at Harper Ave and Morganton Blvd

There will be a temporary traffic pattern change at the intersection of Harper Avenue and Morganton Boulevard in Lenoir tonight, Tuesday, April 18, 2023. Drivers should be cautious and alert while driving through the intersection.

Contractors need to close a few lanes of traffic in the intersection to fill some old, abandoned sewer manholes. 

Workers will close the inside lanes of the intersection starting around 7:30 pm. The two center lanes on Harper Avenue and Morganton ...

City adds pickleball at MLK Jr. Center

City of Lenoir Parks & Recreation staff have added three indoor pickleball courts at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. Lenoir now has six indoor and four outdoor pickleball courts for residents and visitors.

Parks and Recreation Director Phil Harper said that striping the three new courts at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center was pretty easy, and it brings more activities to the facility.

"All we had to do was stripe the courts in the gym, and buy three mo...

It's National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Mayor Joe Gibbons and City Council proclaimed April 9 to 15, 2023, to be National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Lenoir. Mayor Gibbons presented the proclamation to Police Chief Brent Phelps and City Telecommunicators last week.

Telecommunicators answer 9-1-1 calls and dispatch police, fire, and first responders to emergencies in the community. This week honors telecommunications personnel for their commitment, service, and sacrifice.

"These men and women are on the other end...

Hospital Avenue closed for tree removal

A section of Hospital Avenue is currently closed due to the threat of a tree falling across the road. Duke Energy has been called in to clear the tree, which is currently touching a power line. A detour is available around the area.

City staff were notified today, April, 10, 2023, of a tree leaning toward Hospital Avenue. Staff located a section of a large pine tree that appeared to have snapped at the base and was leaning toward Hospital Avenue.

"The only thing holding the tree ...

Police Department brings back second-in-command, promotes new captains

The City of Lenoir Police Department has brought back the position of Major, and promoted two officers to the rank of Captain. Police Chief Brent Phelps restructured the department earlier this year to strengthen the chain of command.

The Lenoir Police Department is comprised of three divisions - Criminal Investigations, Patrol, and Support Services - and each division has a captain in charge. Prior to the change, if Chief Phelps was out-of-town, at a conference, on vacation, etc., he ...

April is Fair Housing Month in Lenoir

Mayor Joe Gibbons and City Council proclaimed April 2023 to be Fair Housing Month in Lenoir. Mayor Gibbons presented the proclamation to Lauren Hart, a member of Catawba Valley Association of Realtors, on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

"I just want to say, on behalf of the Catawba Valley Association of Realtors, that we appreciate your continued commitment to fair housing," Hart said. "For so many, it means reduced barriers to homeownership which is life altering. So, tha...

City facilities closed for Good Friday

City Hall and recreational facilities will be closed this Friday, April 7, 2023, in honor of Good Friday. Garbage collection will be affected.

In addition to being closed Friday, the Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center will be closed Saturday, April 8, as well. Click the following links to see the normal schedules for the City's recreation facilities -  Lenoir Aquatic & Fit...

Families asked to clear items not in vases at Blue Ridge Memorial Park

Staff at the Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir are asking that family members clear grave markers of all items not in vases before Monday, April 3, 2023.

Cemetery staff will start mowing the Blue Ridge Memorial Park property in April. Items stuck in the ground near graves such as wreathes, flower pots, solar lights, etc., impede mowing and weed eating at the cemetery. When items are placed outside of the g...

Easter Egg Hunt tomorrow at Mulberry Recreation Center

The City of Lenoir's annual Easter Egg Hunt is tomorrow, April 1, 2023, at the Mulberry Recreation Center.

The egg hunt starts at 10:00 am sharp, and participants have to bring their own baskets. The event ends at noon. In the event of rainy weather in the morning, staff will hold the egg hunt inside the Mulberry Recreation Center at the same time. 

In...

Council welcomes German exchange students, recognizes WPSCA

The City of Lenoir Council welcomed a group of German exchange students and recognized the 30-Year Anniversary of the Western Piedmont Sister Cities Association during the Council meeting Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

Twelve German students and two chaperones are currently staying in Lenoir as part of the German American Partnership Program (GAPP). Sascha Sanderlin, a German and Spanish language teacher at Hibriten High School (HHS), manages the program here in Lenoir....

Downtown Lenoir wins Main Street award, Liquid Roots owners honored as Main Street Champions

Downtown Lenoir recently won another North Carolina Main Street Award for Best Economic Recovery Initiative, and the owners of Liquid Roots were honored as Downtown's 2022 Main Street Champions.

The City's Main Street Department received the 2022 Award of Merit in the Best Economic Recovery Initiative for staff's "Pivots, Participation, & Patronage (PPP) with Digital Platforms Initiatives" program during the N.C. M...

Hannah Williams hired as Planning Director

The City of Lenoir has hired Hannah Williams as the new Planning Director. Williams has been working in the City Planning Department for more than five years, and has served as Interim Planning Director since January this year.

City Manager Scott Hildebran said Director Williams is very familiar with the city’s planning efforts and current projects and has the skill, ability, and connections to be a successful department director.

“Hannah has worked with the C...

Council honors Fire Chief Ken Hair, Director Kenny Story, and Police Lt. Chris Mills

The City of Lenoir City Council honored retiring Fire Chief Ken Hair, retiring Parks & Recreation Director Kenny Story, and retiring Police Lieutenant Chris Mills during a City Council meeting last month.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read and presented Lt. Mills' retirement resolution first during the regular Council meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. After reading the resolution, Mayor Gibbons gave Lt. Mills a Key to the City of Lenoir.

Lt. Mills started servi...

Youth baseball and softball registration ends Friday

Registration for City of Lenoir youth baseball and softball ends this Friday, March 10, 2023.

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...

Google and Betabox Learning launching STEM Tour at Martin Luther King Jr. Center

Google is teaming up with Betabox Learning, a leading provider of mobile STEM labs, to launch a STEM tour of North Carolina school districts. The kick off will be Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the City of Lenoir's Martin Luther King Jr. Center.

The Saturday event will take place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Kids will get to participate in various interactive activities and experiments including coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, and 3D printing. The first 300 attendees will get free food fr...

Phil Harper hired as next Parks & Recreation Director

The City of Lenoir has hired Phil Harper to serve as the next Director for the City's Parks & Recreation Department. Harper was born and raised in Lenoir, and he has more than 24 years of experience in the Parks & Recreation field.

Candidates had to complete a multi-step interview process, which included completing a written exercise and budget exercise, giving a community presentation, and completing a formal interview. City Manager Scott Hildebran said management had several great...

City seeking input on Downtown Master Plan

The City of Lenoir will hold several community engagement meetings in March to gather ideas and get public feedback for the City's new Downtown Master Plan.

The Downtown Master Plan will establish goals for redevelopment and improvements in Downtown Lenoir during the next 10 years. The plan will likely recommend changes and additions to public infrastructure such as sidewalks, common areas, lighting, and stre...

City Council extends condolences to family of Senator James T. Broyhill

The City of Lenoir City Council extends condolences to the family of Senator James T. Broyhill, who passed away Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at the age of 97 years old.

Statement from City of Lenoir Council

"We were sad to hear of the passing of Senator James Broyhill, and we extend our condolences to his family and close friends. Senator Broyhill was a pillar of Lenoir, Caldwell County, and North Carolina. He starte...

The Leprechaun Leap is March 18

The Leprechaun Leap 5k &10k, the first yearly footrace sponsored by the City of Lenoir, is next month. Registration is open for the race, so sign up soon to get the early bird rate.

The Leprechaun Leap will be Saturday, March 18, 2023. Both the 5k and 10k races start and finish at the Lenoir Rotary Soccer Complex, located off Zacks Fork Road. The route follows the City of Lenoir Greenway. A 5k run covers 3.10 miles and a 10k run is 6...

Show some love to local businesses

This February, let our Downtown businesses know how much they are loved and appreciated with Love Letters for Local.

City Main Street staff have declared that February will be “LOVE LOCAL” month in Downtown Lenoir. Residents are encouraged to write a love letter to a Downtown business and drop it off in one of the Love Letters for Local boxes located at the entrance to ...

Celebrate Black History Month in Lenoir

Staff at the City of Lenoir Martin Luther King Jr. Center will host several Black History Month events in February. The kickoff is Saturday, and all events are free to the public.

Concert and Vendors

The Place Church Praise Team out of Charlotte will put on a concert Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. In addition to great music, attendees can visit several vendors that will be on site including Mee Mee&...

Council honors Capt. Brian Smith and Lt. Brett Ingram

The City of Lenoir City Council honored retiring Police Captain Brian Smith and retiring Lieutenant Brett Ingram during a City Council meeting last week.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read and presented retirement resolutions to Capt. Smith and Lt. Ingram during the regular Council meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. Family members and dozens of fellow officers attended the meeting to show their thanks and support.

"...

Swimming, lessons, lifeguard course, kayaking at the Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center

City staff are hosting lifeguard classes, swimming lessons, and kayaking practice at the Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center in February. Recreational swim is increasing next month, too.

Swimming lessons are available for four to 12 year olds starting in February and going through April.

Swimming lessons are six days spread over two weeks, Tuesday through Thursday each week. Daily lessons last a minimum of 30 minutes. Staff use the America...

City installing lights at Mack Cook Stadium

Contractors have started installing new lights at Mack Cook Stadium in Downtown Lenoir. The lights will help the city bring more events to the location and build on improvements to The Campus at the Historic Lenoir High School.

City Council approved the project in August last year. The City was able to raise all the funds for $213,522 project via grants and private donations.

"The new lights will allow the City to hold evening events including sports games, concerts, communi...

Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration

City of Lenoir Parks & Recreation staff are hosting a Martin Luther King. Jr. Day celebration Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Lenoir.

The celebration, "Reclaiming the Dream," will start at 3:00 pm. The event will feature keynote speaker Rev. Charlie Rivens and will include a reading of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, music, poems, and more. Check out the...

Know who to call for City services

Have a question about a garbage pickup, a utility bill, or water and sewer service? Phone numbers to get in touch with City of Lenoir staff about various City services are located on the Contact Us page on the website.

City of Lenoir staff are available to answer questions during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. City Hall is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. The Public Services Department (garbage, streets, water, sewer, storm drains) is open from 7:30 am to 4...

Santa Claus bringing free toys to the MLK Jr. Center tonight!

Santa Claus is bringing lots of toys to give away tonight at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Lenoir. The doors open at 4:30, and the first 100 children ages 4 to 12, will get a free toy.

Martin Luther King Jr. Center Director Lester Whittington said that Toni Carlton will sing Christmas songs, and the children will get to visit Santa and pick a free toy based on their age. 

Toys include games, dolls, basketballs, footballs, remote...

Christmas and New Year's closings

City Hall and recreational facilities will be closed Friday, Dec. 23, through Tuesday, Dec. 27, in celebration of Christmas, and Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in celebration of New Year's Day. Garbage collection will be affected.

The Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center will also be closed Saturday, Dec. 31.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Holiday Garbage Collection

Generally speaking, when a garbage collection day falls on a holiday, pickup for that day will be moved to Wednesday...

Tap water in Bushtown now safe to drink

The boil water advisory issued yesterday, Dec. 14, 2022, for the Bushtown area in Lenoir has been lifted. Water consumers in Bushtown, as well as affected areas of Caldwell County, can resume normal water use as of 1:41 pm, today, Dec. 15, 2022.

It is no longer necessary to boil your water before ingesting. All leaks and pressure challenges have been repaired in the distribution system, and no bacteria were detected as a result. 

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the last...

Council meeting canceled

Due to scheduling issues, the City Council meeting planned for Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, has been canceled.

The quasi-judicial public hearing scheduled for the proposed Hillhaven Place Subdivision will be held at the next City Council meeting Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the City County Chambers located at 905 West Avenue.

Visit the Notify Me page to s...

Boil water advisory issued for Bushtown area of Lenoir

A water line break around 4:00 am this morning drained a City water tank and left about 300 customers without water in the Bushtown area of Lenoir. Once water pressure returns, those customers will need to boil their water before use.

The affected customers currently do not have water service. They are the only customers who will need to boil water when pressure returns to the system.

"If you don't have water right now, you'll need to boil your water before using ...

Christmas events and activities in Lenoir

There are a lot of things to do in Lenoir this Christmas season including carriage rides, Christmas shows, visits with Santa, and more!

Christmas at The Campus

Join Foothills Performing Arts for "Merry & Bright" during the 2nd Annual Christmas at The Campus in Downtown Lenoir! This free, community show will bring Christmas cheer and song to Downtown Lenoir. Pick up FREE ticke...

Volunteers wanted to help light luminaries

The City of Lenoir's annual luminary display at Blue Ridge Memorial Park will be Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, and staff could use some help lighting the thousands of candles in the luminaries.

Blue Ridge Memorial Park staff have been working for the past couple of weeks to fill about 8,000 bags with sand and a candle. On Friday, Dec. 9, City staff from several departments will sit a luminary on each grave in the cemetery, and lighting will star...

MLK Jr. Center staff seeking donations for toy giveaway

Staff at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center is asking for toy donations to give away during this year's Santa Claus is Coming to Town event held just before Christmas.

"We're looking forward to having this year's event inside," MLK Jr. Center Director Lester Whittington said. "We'll have Santa here, and Toni Carlton will perform Christmas songs. It'll be fun."

Staff...

Sturgis and Edmisten to serve as Grand Marshals in Christmas Parade

The 2022 City of Lenoir Starry Night Christmas Parade is this Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, and the Grand Marshals for the parade will be Mack. W. "Buddy" Edmisten and Samuel T. Sturgis, Jr.

Staff selected Mr. Sturgis and Mr. Edmisten as Grand Marshals to thank them and honor them for giving many decades of service to the City and residents of Lenoir. Mr. Edmisten worked 43 years in the City Public Utilities Department and Mr. Sturgis worked ...

GivingTuesday in Lenoir

Mayor Joe Gibbons, on behalf of City Council, proclaimed Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, as GivingTuesday in Lenoir. GivingTuesday is a day set aside to encourage residents to give back to their community any way they can.

Mayor Gibbons read and presented a GivingTuesday proclamation to Jamie Willis, Executive Director of United Way of Caldwell County, during Council's regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022.

"GivingTuesday is much in the same spirit [of United Way],"...

Shop Small this Saturday in Lenoir

Small Business Saturday is this weekend in Lenoir. Come get your Christmas shopping started and help support local business owners.

Mayor Joe Gibbons, on behalf of City Council, proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, to be Small Business Saturday in the city. Read the full proclamation below. Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by U.S. Small Business Administra...

Turkey Tuesday tomorrow at the MLK Jr. Center

Mayor Pro Tem Crissy Thomas and Councilman Rev. Ike Perkins will be handing out FREE turkeys during the Drive-Thru Turkey Tuesday tomorrow, Nov. 22, 2022, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center.

This is the 8th Annual Turkey Tuesday event. Mayor Pro Tem Thomas, Councilman Perkins, and volunteers will hand out free turkeys to local families in need while supplies last. Turkey Tuesday starts at 5:00 pm.

Residents can drive (or walk) to the Martin Lu...

City facilities closed for Thanksgiving

City of Lenoir City Hall and recreation facilities will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24 and 25, 2022, in celebration of Thanksgiving. Garbage collection will be affected.

To receive service alerts and notifications, sign up for Notify Me and CodeRED.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

GARBAGE PICK-UP SCHEDULE

Sanitation will collect Thursday's garbage route on Thanksgiving Day.  However, Sanitation will NOT operate ...

Light Up Lenoir next week in Downtown

Come to Downtown Lenoir Thursday, Nov. 17, for Light Up Lenoir and enjoy music, hot coco, and beautiful holiday lights.

Light Up Lenoir will start at 5:00 pm, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, on the square in Downtown Lenoir. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be available while supplies last.

Santa will be listening to children's Christmas wishes from 5:00 to 7:30 pm, an...

City facilities closed for Veterans Day

City of Lenoir City Hall and recreational facilities will be closed Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, in honor of Veterans Day. Garbage collection will be affected.

GARBAGE PICK-UP SCHEDULE

Sanitation will not operate Friday, Nov. 11. Garbage normally picked up on Friday will be picked up on Wednesday, Nov. 9. All other household garbage pickups will remain on a normal schedule. There will be no bulk collections this ...

Youth basketball registration open

Registration for the City of Lenoir youth basketball league is open now through Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. The league is open to boys and girls, ages 4 to 13.

Practice for the league will be in December, and games will be played in January and February.

There are seven different age divisions in the youth basketball league: 4 Year Old Co-Ed, 5-6 Year Old Co-Ed, 7-8 Year Old Co-Ed, 9-10 Year Old Boys, 9-10 Year O...

Mayor proclaims National Hospice & Palliative Care month in Lenoir

Mayor Joe Gibbons, on behalf of City Council, proclaimed November 2022 to be National Hospice & Palliative Care Month in the City of Lenoir.

Mayor Gibbons read and presented the proclamation to Reverend Curtis Singleton with Amorem during Council's regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022.

"I have served at hospices across the southeast for nearly 15 years. I’ve never seen a community support...

City installs new outdoor lights at Mulberry Recreation Center

If you've driven by the Mulberry Recreation Center at night recently, you may have noticed some bright lights shining on the pickleball and tennis courts.

Staff worked with a local electric contractor to take advantage of a Duke Energy incentive to replace all the lights around the playground, skate park, and tennis and pickleball courts at the center. The contractor installed more than 50 new, 300-watt LED...

City removing old clock tower

The City of Lenoir will remove the old Clock Tower on the Downtown square this week. Staff will store the City Clock until a new tower is designed and built.

The current clock tower has deteriorated and become unsafe. Sections of the façade on the clock tower are cracking and pulling away from the brick underneath, and some of the brick structure is weakening as well. 

City staff attempted to get cost ...

Trunk-or-Treat tonight at the MLK Jr. Center

The City of Lenoir Martin Luther King Jr. Center is hosting a drive-thru trunk-or-treat event at 5:00 pm tonight, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022.

Sponsors will park and decorate cars and hand out candy in bags to visitors as they drive (or walk) through the MLK Center parking lot. 

If it's raining, the event will be held inside in the multipurpose room. Trick-or-treaters can park and walk i...

City paving streets next week

Contractors working for the City of Lenoir plan to pave three streets around town next week.

Contractors will pave Swanson Drive from Norwood Street to Central Drive, Ronquil Park Place, and Stage Street.

The paving company plans to start on Swanson Drive on Tuesday, Nov. 1, weather permitting, and then move to Ronquil Park Place and Stage Street....

City developing new Downtown Master Plan

City staff will soon start developing a new Master Plan for Downtown Lenoir. The Downtown Master Plan will establish a cohesive vision for Downtown Lenoir and guide future development in the heart of the city.

"We are genuinely excited to be embarking on this project," Main Street Director Kaylynn Horn said. "Many surrounding cities and many more across the state have completed one, two, and in some cases, three Downtown Master Plans. Creating ou...

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 2023.

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...

Free App State baseball clinic at Mulberry Recreation Center

Appalachian State University Baseball coaches and players are bringing a free baseball clinic to Mulberry Recreation Center Monday, Oct. 17, 2022.

The baseball clinic is for second to eighth graders and will be from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The clinic is FREE for participants!

"We're looking forward to having App State back at Mulberry Recreation Center ," Athletic Director Katelin Harmon ...

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...

City budget recommendation

City Manager Scott Hildebran presented the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget Recommendation to City Council Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The budget documents are online and available to the public at cityoflenoir.com/budgetproposal.