U.S. Department of Justice

Michael East Confirmed as US Marshal for NC’s Eastern District

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina comments on the confirmation of Michael East to serve as United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina:

“Today the United States Senate has confirmed President Trump’s nomination of Michael East to serve as United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina. I can think of no one better to take up this important position.

Mike East served the people of this State as an agent of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for 28 years. There he worked as a member of the Child Fatality Task Force Prevention Team, the Crisis Negotiation Team and as Special Agent in Charge of the Financial Crimes Unit. He led investigations focused on public corruption, violent crime, drug crimes, economic crimes and many others.

More recently he has served in my office as our first Forensic Investigator in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force where he has focused on the financial side of drug trafficking investigations. He has, likewise, played a key investigative role in our ability to prosecute heroin and opioid overdose death cases. Mike has also provided critical training and assistance to law enforcement all across the State of North Carolina, around the United States and overseas.

Mike is well-suited to lead the men and women of the United States Marshals Service here in the Eastern District. The Marshals Service provides critical investigation services in a range of cases, secures our courthouses and other federal facilities, supports federal and state prosecutions through warrant enforcement, and plays a key role in the seizure, forfeiture and disposal of property used by defendants to facilitate their criminal activity or property which is the proceeds of that activity.

Mike East will be an outstanding United States Marshal. President Trump has made an outstanding choice and I look forward to working side-by-side with Marshal East and the Marshals Service he will now lead.”

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s webpage at https://justice.gov/usao-ednc. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC.

Faith Dove

New Covenant Christian Center Looking for a Music Minister, Keyboard Player

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-Information courtesy New Covenant Christian Center

New Covenant Christian Center, located on Salem Road just east of Oxford, is searching for a music minister and keyboard player.

If you are interested, please contact Pastor Zelton Hunter, Sr. at 252-915-0121.

Kerr Lake Caregiver Retreat to Offer the ‘Overwhelmed’ a Break

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Harvey Holmes, family caregiver specialist, and Laura Yeatts, aging projects coordinator, with the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging, were on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the organization’s upcoming Kerr Lake Caregiver Retreat.

The retreat will be held on Kerr Lake at Satterwhite Point, 6254 Satterwhite Point Rd. in Henderson, on Friday, June 7, 2019, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

According to Holmes, the retreat is a chance for family caregivers in the Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person County areas to enjoy soothing activities, including chair yoga exercises, games, painting and more.

“Caregivers tend to be some of the most overwhelmed and overburdened individuals in the world,” said Holmes. “This retreat gives them a much-needed break from the stress of their caregiving duties.”

There is no cost to attend the retreat. Lunch and on-site respite care will be provided. Participants are asked to dress comfortably as it is an interactive, outdoor event.

Registration is required by Friday, May 31. To register, please call Holmes at (252) 436-2040 or email hholmes@kerrtarcog.org.

In discussing the pressure that caregivers often face, Holmes cited an AARP Public Policy Institute report that indicated the average US caregiver is a 49-year-old woman who works outside the home and spends an additional 20 hours per week in her caregiving role – the equivalent of an additional part-time job.

Holmes mentioned former first lady Rosalynn Carter’s famous quote about caregiving in order to sum up the importance of the role: “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”

To hear the Town Talk interview with Harvey Holmes and Laura Yeatts in its entirety, including additional Kerr-Tar Agency on Aging updates and upcoming events, click here.

SHP Urges Motorists To Plan Ahead For Memorial Day Travel

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-Press Release, NCDPS

With an estimated 37.6 million motorists taking to the roadways, as reported by Accident Lawyer Dennis and Paul Grossman, this Memorial Day weekend, the State Highway Patrol is encouraging drivers to plan ahead before traveling.

Regardless of the intended destination, an increase in motor vehicle travel is expected which may lead to congestion on major interstate, US and NC highways. With this in mind, troopers will be out in full force to monitor driver behavior in an attempt to reduce collisions that occur from high speed, impaired and distracted driving, and lack of seat belt use. Using the Vision Zero approach, law enforcement officials hope to report zero fatal collisions throughout the holiday weekend.

In an attempt to discourage impaired driving on both roadways and waterways, SHP has combined forces with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Law Enforcement Division, participating in the annual On the Road, On the Water campaign. The campaign will be conducted throughout the weekend with an intense focus on removing impaired motorists who are operating boats and motor vehicles.

Motorists are encouraged to follow these suggestions:

  • Expect Delays – research routes in advance to include secondary routes, detours and possible road closures.  This can be done by visiting www.DriveNC.com
  • Monitor Speed – speeding is still the top contributing factor to vehicle collisions.
  • Wear Seat Belts – seat belts must be worn in both front and back seats if available.
  • Avoid Road Rage – use patience when driving and avoid other motorists who may contribute to road rage situations.
  • Don’t Drive Distracted – avoid any distraction(s) while driving that reduces your ability to drive safely.
  • Collision Reporting – motorists involved in a property damage collision are asked to remove their vehicles from the roadway to the shoulder or emergency strip. Motorists involved in injury-related collisions should immediately contact 911 or *HP (*47) for emergency assistance.
  • Reporting Dangerous Drivers or Other Emergencies – motorists are encouraged to dial *HP or 911.

For non-emergency information, motorists are requested to contact the local SHP office and avoid using *HP or 911.  A list of local district offices can be obtained by visiting www.NCDPS.gov.

 

Granville Athletic Park Reaches 15-Year Milestone

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

On May 21, 2004, Granville Athletic Park (GAP) was dedicated to the citizens of Granville County after a hard-fought battle to keep out a hazardous waste incinerator. Fifteen years later, the GAP is now the area’s largest recreational area and environmental preserve, serving as a “third home” for thousands of residents and visitors.

What happened to change the intended use of this site is the result of many concerned people – from near and far – coming together to make a difference in their community.

In 1989, North Carolina joined a five-state compact that would commit the state to site and build five hazardous waste incinerators for a private company called ThermalKEM. In May of the following year, the list of 18 potential locations had been narrowed to two sites – one on the Rowan/Iredell County border and one near Oxford in Granville County. Land for the incinerator site totaled 580 acres off Belltown Road, which was combined from nine different landowners.

A protestor stands her ground at the Belltown Road site that was once considered for a hazardous waste incinerator. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)

When Granville County residents learned of the plan to locate the toxic waste incinerator in their area, they took action. In addition to multiple local protests, Oxford attorney John Pike secured a loan from Adams Tobacco Company to purchase the 48-acre Ellok Jones farm, one of the tracts of land in the middle of the 580-acre proposed incinerator site. Pike then sold $5.00 ownership shares of the newly-acquired farmland to approximately 8,000 people, most from Granville County but some from as far away as the Soviet Union and South America. The intent was to make it so difficult to negotiate with the large number of shareholders that the state would eventually abandon the project. The idea worked. Facing multiple lawsuits and the publicity that resulted, the state was deterred from their original plan.

In March of 1999, a partnership was forged between Jonesland Environmental Park, Inc. and Granville County. According to the deed between the two partners, 48.28 acres of the land was to be used for recreation and environmental park purposes;  the forestland was to be preserved in a natural state (no clear cutting); the grounds were to be maintained by organic methods defined by the National Organic Standards Board; and the Jones family’s cemetery plot was to be maintained.

On May 21, 2004, the Granville Athletic Park and Jonesland Environmental Preserve were dedicated, with many supportive residents in attendance. The Granville County land that had once been envisioned as a site for the burning of toxic waste is now Granville County’s largest recreational area, covering more than 60 acres as it grows to meet the needs of its residents.

Pictured at the GAP’s dedication 15 years ago are Commissioner Tony Cozart, Carolina Sunrock owner Brian Pfohl, Commissioner Hubert Gooch, Oxford Attorney John Pike, Commissioners Dave Currin and W.E. “Pete” Averette. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)

Due to continued efforts by county staff, local organizations and volunteers, today’s park includes walking trails, baseball/softball diamonds, soccer fields, picnic areas, open play spaces, playground equipment, pickleball courts, a disc golf course, basketball goals, an educational Kids TRACK trail, an outdoor classroom space, a splash pad, a butterfly garden and many more amenities.

Phase III of the GAP’s expansion is to begin soon, which will include tennis courts, fitness stations, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, an all-inclusive play area, a sound garden and other additions.

Granville County Government has been observing the 15th anniversary of Granville Athletic Park with an online “Fifteen Day Countdown” and will soon be introducing “Fifteen for 15,” which details 15 sponsorship/giving opportunities to kick off this milestone celebration. More details will be coming soon.

For more information about Granville Athletic Park, contact Management Analyst Charla Duncan at charla.duncan@granvillecountygovernment.org. To reserve specific time periods for field play, picnic shelters, etc., contact Raymond Allen, Granville County’s Parks and Grounds Director, at 919-693-3716.

Local Youth Ages 4-12 Needed for Competitive Football League

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

The 2019 East Wake Football League is a competitive football league for youth of Vance, Warren, Franklin and Granville counties.

Participants will learn the skills and rules of football. Team tryouts will be conducted and participants will be placed on teams by coaches. In order to be on a team, participating youth must attend tryouts.

Schedules will be developed by the East Wake Football League and games will be played on Saturday afternoons. Participants will travel to local communities to participate in games.

Registration will be held June 3 – August 4, 2019, at the Aycock Recreation Center, 307 Carey Chapel Rd., Henderson.

Cost is $40 for both in and out-of-county participants. Participants may be eligible for the fee waiver program.

Age levels include:

Flag Football – Ages 4 – 6

Mini Mites – Ages 6 – 8

Mighty Mites – Ages 9 – 10

Pee Wee – Ages 11 – 12

Age will be determined as of August 1, 2019.

For more information or to inquire about the fee waiver program, please contact Steve Osborne at (252) 438-2670 (sosborne@ci.henderson.nc.us) or Victor Hunt at (252) 430-3408 (vhunt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Postponed ‘Brides on Wheels’ Tour & Vendor Show Now Set for This Sunday!

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Angela Allen, director for the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the second annual “Brides on Wheels: Bridal Tour & Vendor Show” taking place Sunday, May 26, 2019.

Originally scheduled for April 14 and postponed due to bad weather, this Sunday’s event will offer an opportunity to take a scenic tour on a “bridal bus” to learn more about wedding ceremony/reception locations and available resources in Granville County.

“This event gives brides and their guests an opportunity to ride on a limo bus to view four different venues, including Granville County’s own Cedar Grove Acres, Vino Oasi, Carlee Farms and Thorndale Oaks,” said Allen.

The bridal tour will depart the Clarion Inn and Suites located at 913 MLK Ave. in Oxford, NC at 1 p.m. and will return at approximately 6:20 p.m.

The Clarion Inn will also be the site of a public vendor show to be held in the ballroom from 12 until 4 p.m.

Event Schedule:

11 a.m. Early admission for brides that have booked bridal tour and early access to vendors at Clarion Inn, Oxford

(Vendor Show will be held from 12 – 4 p.m. for the general public)

1 p.m. Lifestyle bus departs from Clarion Inn, Oxford

1:15 – 2:15 pm Carlee Farm (Oxford, NC) https://www.carleefarm.com/

2:30 – 3:20 p.m. Vino Oasi (Stem, NC) https://www.vinooasi.com/

3:40 – 4:40 p.m. Cedar Grove Acres (Creedmoor, NC) https://cedargroveacres.com/

5:10 – 6:10 p.m. Thorndale Oaks (Oxford, NC) https://www.thorndaleoaks.com/

6:20 pm – Lifestyle bus returns to Clarion Inn, Oxford

Participants who purchase the $25 combo ticket for the tour and the vendor show will have a sneak-peek opportunity of the vendors’ wares in the Clarion ballroom beginning at 11 a.m. This combo ticket also includes a goodie bag filled with items from participating vendors. Seating on the bus is limited; however, tickets are still available.

Tickets for the vendor show only are available for $10.

“We really want to showcase all of the wonderful things we have right here in Granville County to offer brides and anyone who wants to put together a special event,” said Allen. “We want to coin ourselves as being close to Raleigh, Durham and other points in the Triangle area. With only a 30-60 minute drive, you really will feel like you are getting away for your wedding.”

Created as a way to promote Granville County as a tourism destination, Allen said the bridal event boosts the local economy, promotes local vendors and makes both residents and nonresidents alike aware of what the county has to offer.

“When a wedding venue is booked, we are bringing in people and their guests for a weekend. That can be anywhere from 100-250 people staying in hotels, going to downtown restaurants and shopping at local businesses. We are cultivating a whole economic segment all of its own,” Allen said.

Tickets are still available through Event Brite (click here) or will be available at the door the day of the event.

For more information about the bridal tour or the vendor show, visit https://www.visitgranvillenc.com or contact Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen by phone at 919-693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Angela Allen in its entirety, including additional conversation regarding tourism in Granville County, please click here.

NC Dept of Agriculture

State Vet Encourages Livestock Owners to Vaccinate Before Peak Rabies Season

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

Summer is peak rabies season and State Veterinarian Doug Meckes is encouraging North Carolina livestock owners to consider having their animals vaccinated against the disease.

“This year we have seen a rise in the number of reported rabies in livestock at seven cases,” Meckes said. “Last year the state had three cases reported for the entire year. Horses, cattle and goats are naturally curious animals, which puts them at risk for a bite if a rabid animal gets through their fence line.”

Rabies is transmitted primarily in saliva through a bite. Livestock infected with rabies usually appear depressed, have a lack of appetite; difficulty eating, drinking or swallowing; profuse salivation; blindness; head-pressing; circling; vocalization; fever; strained defecation; increased sexual excitement or activity; limp tail, anus, or tongue. Constant yawning, itching or nibbling may be a sign of rabies, too. Rabies can be associated with neurological problems such as incoordination, decreased muscle tone and reflexes, shifting lameness, or partial-to-complete paralysis. Horse owners should be aware that rabies can often mimic symptoms of colic in horses.

The incubation for rabies is between two weeks and six months. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.

Other ways to protect yourself and animals:

  • Do not feed or attract wildlife to your yard or try to capture wild animals.
  • Call your local animal control if you notice a nocturnal animal out during the day and demonstrating strange behavior such as no fear of humans or aggressive behavior.
  • If you hunt, use gloves while skinning animals, particularly when handling nerve tissue or organs.
  • If you are scratched or come into contact with the saliva of an animal you suspect was rabid, seek medical attention immediately.

Livestock owners should discuss with their veterinarians the risk of rabies in their area and preventive vaccinations.

VGCC Graduates 15 Cadets in 108th Basic Law Enforcement Training Class

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Fifteen cadets graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program at Vance-Granville Community College in a ceremony held May 14 in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus. After passing the state certification exam, all are authorized to work in any law enforcement agency in North Carolina.

Above: On front row, from left: graduates Kevin Allen, Taylor Inscoe, Zachary Long and the college’s interim director of Law Enforcement Training/BLET, Glen Boyd; on second row, from left: graduates Maggie Cabiness, Jonathan Kearney, Jeremy Moore, Zachary Workman and Seth Hodge; and on back row, from left: graduates Gina Chappell, Daniel Allen, Michael Bader, Andrew Spitzer, Jake Coleman, Sabrina Hoyle and Emma Britt. (VGCC Photo)

Honored as members of VGCC’s 108th BLET class were: Emma Carey Britt and Andrew Ronald Spitzer, both of Butner Public Safety; Jeremy Dale Moore and Zachary Lance Workman, both of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office; Jake Matthew Coleman and Sabrina Edward Hoyle, both of the Henderson Police Department; Seth Thomas Hodge of the N.C. Division of Parks & Recreation; Daniel Marquis Allen, Michael James Bader and Gina Christine Chappell, all of the Oxford Police Department; Kevin Ward Allen, Taylor Nicole Inscoe and Zachary Thomas Long, all of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office; Maggie Rena Cabiness and Jonathan Shawn Kearney, both of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

The class was exceptional in at least two major ways. First, all 15 cadets who began the program successfully graduated, marking a rare 100-percent completion rate for the rigorous 16 weeks of training. Second, each member of the class was employed by a law enforcement agency by the day of their graduation.

Speaking as leader of the class, Cadet Seth Hodge thanked all the graduates’ family members and friends in attendance for their support. He added that the class had learned a great deal about teamwork. “We as a group of strangers decided on this path together, and we were tasked to complete our first major hurdle in our careers together,” Hodge said. Learning to trust one another, he said the team had then become a family. “And no matter where our lives take us from here, no matter the badge or uniform we wear, I want you to always remember just what we are: family,” he added.

VGCC Campus Police Chief Sean Newton, representing the program’s many instructors, was chosen by the cadets as the keynote speaker for their graduation. He congratulated the cadets on the completion of “a long, hard journey.”

Newton reminded the new law enforcement professionals that they would be taking an “oath of honor” to uphold and protect the Constitution, their community and their agency.

“The first thing you will uphold is the Constitution,” Newton said. “You’re taking an oath to protect the rights of all people of our state and country: the victims of crimes, the general public, and those accused of crimes. In my opinion, there is no greater responsibility than this.”

Second, they will pledge to uphold their community. “I cannot stress enough how important it is to embrace and include the community in your law enforcement efforts,” Newton said. “We’ve seen a reported breakdown between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Some of it is unfortunately true, while some may be exaggerated by social media or certain biases. Regardless of the reason, we must, as members of the law enforcement community, constantly strive to better these relationships.”

Finally, he said, graduates will swear an oath to the agencies they serve. “I would like to add all law enforcement officers in general to that category,” Newton said. “Always remember, you won’t be the only officer judged by your actions; every other officer in the country will be, too. No other profession is scrutinized as much as law enforcement, and rightfully so.”

The police chief called on graduates to think carefully about the words in their oath and remember them as they start their careers. “How you embrace these words will determine how successful your career will be,” Newton said.

Glen Boyd, interim director of Law Enforcement programs and BLET at VGCC, presented awards to several students. Kevin Allen took home the Academic Achievement Award for having the top grade average in the written tests each cadet must pass. Seth Hodge earned the Physical Fitness Award for scoring highest in the various fitness tests the cadets undergo during physical training. Michael Bader won the “Top Gun” Award for having the highest accuracy score in firearms qualification.

For more information on the BLET program, contact Glen Boyd at boydg@vgcc.edu.

Reminder: Granville’s First ‘Alive After Five’ of 2019 Set for May 23

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— Information courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s 16th year of Alive After Five events will begin Thursday, May 23, from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. in Oxford’s downtown parking lot at Littlejohn and Gilliam Streets.

This year’s entertainers will be a band which began in 1958, 61 years ago, the incredible Embers featuring Craig Woolard.

The Embers boast numerous albums and single releases that span decades and continue to exhibit top quality showmanship, musicianship and professionalism.  Having been inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame, The Embers are honored to carry the moniker of North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music. They have traveled the country and the world and have performed for every event imaginable, from the highest dignitaries to the hottest back yard frat parties.

The Embers were also honored to travel throughout South Korea to perform their Christmas special “Christmas with the Embers” on American Military Bases for America’s troops in December of 2007 and 2008. They were awarded Military Coins of Excellence for their distinguished service.

The Embers are widely considered a musical marvel and have laid the groundwork for what has become known as “Beach Music” in the Carolinas, Virginias, the Gulf Coast region of North America and every beach in between. They are a true musical tradition that many Americans have listened to from childhood to adulthood. The Embers consider the genre of Beach Music as “music with a memory” and have been creating lasting memories since its inception in 1958. Simply put – Heart and Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Feel Good Music.

Today, touring is commonplace for The Embers, who regularly boast an average of 225 shows per year. They also embark on a cruise each year for their friends and fans to various locations throughout the Caribbean. And don’t miss their Christmas shows – perfect to get you in the mood for the holiday season!

The Embers are truly one of the finest entertainment experiences of our lifetime. Come to their show on May 23, and they will put JOY in your step, LOVE in your heart and BEACH MUSIC in your soul!”

Additional Alive After Five events include:

Thursday, August 15, THE ATTRACTIONS Band will be entertainers for the second concert in Creedmoor in the VanNess Chevrolet parking lot, 107 West Lyon Street, Creedmoor.

Completing the season will be Jim Quick and Coastline Band in Oxford on Thursday, September 12.