Jarvis Dante Perry, Suspect in Vance Co. Murder, Found in Oxford

Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow told WIZS News that as of 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2019, Jarvis Dante Perry was in custody.

Perry is a suspect in a shooting case in Henderson.

According to an earlier press release from Chief Barrow, Saturday, February 9 around 2 a.m. in the 400 block of Charles Street, shots were fired into a vehicle occupied by Ileana Jones, age 37, and two others.

Ileana Jones was struck by the gunfire and later succumbed to her injuries at a medical facility.

Barrow said Wednesday afternoon that Henderson Police received “reliable information that he was located in Oxford. We went and swore out a search warrant for the location in Oxford.”

Barrow said, “Our guys went over there, got up with Oxford PD, and went and executed the search warrant, and took him into custody without issue.”

Wednesday night, Barrow issued the following press statement, “Today, the 13th day of February, the Special Operations Division of the Henderson Police Department developed information that Javius Dan’te Perry was located in the apartment complex on Hillside Drive, Oxford NC. Agents contacted Oxford Police Department and ascended on this location, taking Javius Dan’te Perry into custody. Perry was brought back to Henderson for questioning and will be taken to the Vance County Jail after his appearance before the Magistrate.

“The Henderson Police Department is grateful for the assistance and support received from the SBI, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the Oxford Police Department, and especially the family of the victim.”

Story of ‘Two Races, One Family’ to Come ‘Home’ to Granville County

-Press Release, Granville County Government 

What started as two separate genealogical research projects – one by a woman of primarily African ancestry and one by a man of European descent – eventually intersected when a DNA match connected the two, leading them back to Granville County.

The story of the ancestral search of Pamela Williams of Virginia and James Wilson of South Carolina has been presented in educational programs at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh and twice at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation of Williamsburg, VA.

On Saturday, February 23, the story will come “home” to Granville County during a program in celebration of Black History Month.

Pamela Bagley Williams and James Wilson pose in front of the 1760’s Wilson home in Granville County. Photo courtesy Granville County Government.

“Two Races, One Family” will be presented at 1:30 p.m. at the Richard H. Thornton Library as Ms. Williams describes the journey that led to finding her ancestor “Henry,” a Granville County slave prior to the Civil War. What she had not counted on, however, was finding a modern-day relative, James Wilson, who had also been researching his own family tree.

Through online genealogical research, as well as through centuries-old documents and court records, both Williams and Wilson followed leads to an 1842 court case involving the intestate estate of Robert Burton Wilson (James’ 4th great-grandfather) which listed 28 slaves. One of these slaves was Williams’ second great-grandfather “Henry,” along with his mother “Hanah,” who would have been Williams’ third great-grandmother.

Through DNA testing in 2016, it was determined that Williams and Wilson had a common paternal ancestor, which made them distant cousins.

The February 23 presentation at the Thornton Library will include the story of Williams’ and Wilson’s personal ancestral journeys, focusing on Williams’ traditional and online genealogy research, Wilson’s ancestry research and family tree development, and the DNA testing that brought the two researchers together.

The presentation will also bring to light the cultural norms of the period and an insight into the slave/master relationships of tobacco plantations during the Colonial/Antebellum era.

The 1760’s Wilson home in Granville County. Photo courtesy Granville County Government.

A retired Probate Specialist from the Spotsylvania Circuit Court (VA), Pamela Williams – a native of Granville County and a 1977 graduate of J.F. Webb High School – is a paralegal employed with Herndon Law, P.C.  in Glen Allen, VA. She has 20 years experience in ancestry research and preservation and has spoken at numerous conferences on genealogy and the importance of court records and historical documents in researching ancestral heritage.

James Wilson, who began his genealogical research as a hobby, is Chief Performance Officer for a North Carolina 100 company. He grew up on a plot of land that was once owned by his 5th great-grandfather John Wilson, who was one of the early European settlers in Granville County in the 1760s. Today, James lives in Greenville, SC.

Wilson’s daughter, Dr. Jamie Wilson, provided the cultural context of the research conducted by both Williams and her father. Dr. Wilson holds a Ph.D. in U.S. History and is an adjunct professor of history at the University of South Carolina. She is considered an expert on antebellum slavery.

“Every journey in life leaves a trail,” Williams said of her experience. “Follow the trails and they will lead to the paths of your ancestors.”

The “Two Races, One Family” presentation is open to the public and all interested in learning more about genealogy, the use of historical archives, Colonial plantations, slavery laws in Granville County and how the lives of these two researchers eventually intersected are invited to attend.

For further information about this program, contact the Richard H. Thornton Library at (919) 693-1121.

Granville Vance Public Health Announces Funding Still Available for WIC Program

-Information courtesy Granville County Government’s Facebook page 

UPDATE FROM GRANVILLE VANCE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT:

The WIC program still has funding available, even with the risk of a second (potential) government shutdown. NC eWIC cards will still work at grocery stores that accept WIC benefits.

Call your local WIC office at 919-693-1333 (Granville County) or 252-492-3147 (Vance County) if you have any questions.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Regulators Notify Industry Regarding CBD Products in the Marketplace

-Press Release, N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is sending out letters next week to manufacturers and retailers who sell products containing CBD oil, detailing what is legal to sell in North Carolina.

“Under federal Food and Drug Administration laws, CBD is considered a drug,” said Joe Reardon, NCDA&CS assistant commissioner of consumer protection. “North Carolina state laws mirror federal laws. This means that CBD cannot legally be added to any human food or animal feed that is for sale.”

The product can also not make health claims, including statements that the product may prevent, treat or cure any disease. Failure to comply could result in embargo or seizure of products.

“We are taking an educate before regulate stance with industry,” Reardon said. “We know they may not be aware of the state laws regarding the addition of a drug to a food product. However, we reserve the right to be more assertive, as other states have been, if we need to be in the future. Our main concern is consumer health and safety with any product that falls under our regulatory authority.”

“We also urge consumers to be smart shoppers and ask questions before choosing to purchase any tincture that contains cbd öl or hemp extract. Find out how the product is manufactured, if the company has purity standards and what the potency may be,” he said.

Industry with questions about the regulation of CBD can call the Food and Drug Protection Division, 919-733-7366.

Granville History Museum to Host ‘A Night at the Museum’ on Feb. 13

-Information courtesy the Granville Co. History Museum/Harris Exhibit Hall Facebook page

The Granville County History Museum will host “A Night at the Museum” on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Harris Exhibit Hall in Oxford.

Visitors will have the chance to view the “GRANVILLE GREATS: Footprints in History” exhibit. Also, in celebration of Black History Month, the museum will host a small exhibit on Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughn.

Due to copyright issues, the movie Hidden Figures will not be shown.

Granville County Logo

Granville Co. Animal Shelter Announces Change to Operating Hours

-Information courtesy the Granville County Government’s Facebook page

Beginning Wednesday, February 20, 2019, the hours of operation for the Granville County Animal Shelter will change. Every third Wednesday of each month, the Shelter will be closed for staff development. Animal Control officers will still be on call during these hours.

Regular hours for the rest of the days will remain unchanged – Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

For questions about operating hours, please contact the Animal Shelter at (919) 693-6749.

The Shelter is located at 5650 Cornwall Road in Oxford, NC.

 

 

Thornton Library to Host Free Concert Featuring Buck Meek & ‘Twain’

-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville County Library System provides more than just books and informational resources, serving as a local cultural center with programs scheduled for all ages and backgrounds.

On Thursday, February 21, 2019, the Richard H. Thornton branch will welcome Buck Meek – a musician influenced by blues, jazz and western swing – as well as “Twain,” a longtime artist in folk music circles.

With musical roots in the Texas countryside, Buck Meek was taught to play the guitar by his mother, who showed him chords on an acoustic guitar when he was only six years old.  His first “gig” was booked as a teenager playing rhythm for a local band as his love of music continued to grow.

Meek would later move to New York, where he met and formed a strong friendship with singer/songwriter Adrianne Lenker. The two became a duo and made recordings together while playing their songs at various events and venues as they developed a grassroots following.

Their partnership gradually grew into a band called “Big Thief” which included Lenker, Meek and Max Oleartchic on bass. Together they would play shows and make new recordings with their engineer, James Krivchenia, who later became the band’s drummer.

Their collaborative work became a collection of songs called “Masterpiece” in 2016.  “Capacity” was recorded in 2017 as the band set out on a North American tour, performing all over the country.

Meek went on to record a new released self-titled solo album, and has scheduled tour dates in locations from California and Oregon on the west coast to Maryland and North Carolina on the eastern seaboard. North Carolina stops include Durham and Asheville, where concert tickets can be reserved in the $10 to $12 range.

Opening for Meek is “Twain.” Mat Davidson, a singer/songwriter in his own right and member of a multi-instrumental band, is a native of Franklin County, VA. Davidson has a long history in folk music circles and served as opening act for “Big Thief” on several occasions. He has performed with groups “Low Anthem” and “Spirit Family Reunion” as well as recorded several self-released albums.

Taking a break from their concert tour, Buck Meek and “Twain” will perform their music at the Thornton Library, 210 Main Street in Oxford, from 6 until 8 p.m. on Feb. 21. This concert is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Adult Services Librarian Ashley Wilson at 919-693-1121. Visit https://granville.lib.nc.us to learn more about the programs and services offered by the Granville County Library System.

 

Volunteers Recognized for Service to Granville County

-Press Release, Granville County Government 

Sam Upchurch, Paul Staley and Dave Pavlus were singled out as a group/team to receive Volunteer Service Awards in the categories of “Beautification” and “County Heritage” for their work with the Tar River Land Conservancy (TRLC). The team devoted many hours of service to TRLC through the construction of hiking trails on the TRLC’s Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area – located near the town of Stem – which will be open in the near future.

Comm. Tim Karan is pictured with TRLC volunteers Dave Pavlus, Paul Staley and Sam Upchurch. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)

Recognition was also given for their efforts in maintaining three miles of trails that opened to the public in 2017. This maintenance entailed clearing trails of limbs and trees following storms, using hand and power tools to keep trails free of brush and grass and picking up litter. The team also helped build new trails by clearing land, removing stumps and obstacles and helping with the construction of wooden bridges.

“Cumulatively, these three men have devoted approximately 320 hours of service to TRLC over the previous 12-month period,” said TRLC Executive Director Derek Halberg in his nomination form. “Their attitudes and hard work have set examples for many other volunteers who have participated.”

Other volunteers who have been mentored by Upchurch, Staley and Pavlus in this project include students, retirees and Scouts who have also devoted time and efforts to help maintain and build new trails at the Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area.

Commissioner Tim Karan made the official presentation at the Feb. 4 meeting of the Board of Commissioners.

Oxford Board to Consider Rezoning Requests, Demolitions at Feb. Meeting

-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 12, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.

Agenda items include:

Consider accepting the annual financial report for FY 20172018.

Consider the issue regarding insurance benefits for retired elected officials.

Consider adopting a resolution requesting the City Clerk to investigate the sufficiency of the annexation petition for the parcel of land adjacent to the Hardees property located on Industry Drive.

Consider calling for a public hearing at the March 12, 2019, Regular Board meeting regarding the amending of the B-1 zoning ordinance.

Consider calling for a public hearing for the March regular Board meeting for a rezoning request from Eddie Caudle to rezone 8 acres of land from R-A to B-2.

Consider adopting a demolition ordinance for the property located at 311 McClanahan Street.

Consider adopting a demolition ordinance for property located at 100 King Street.

Consider approving a subdivision plat which includes subdividing a 3.00-acre tract of land from an existing 10-acre tract. The remaining acreage will create a 7.11-acre tract of land. The zoning for the property is located off of Tobacco Rd.

Award the bid for the WWTP West Sludge Lagoon Rehabilitation.

Re-appoint James Crawford to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Consider appointing Jacalyn Thomas to the Historic Preservation Commission.

To review the full agenda, please click here

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education to Hold Committee Meetings – Feb. 12

-Information courtesy Dr. Stan Winborne, Public Information Officer, Granville Co. Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will hold the following committee meetings on Tuesday, February 12, 2019:

  • Safety Sub Committee 10 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Infrastructure Committee 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Budget & Finance Committee 5 – 6 p.m.

All committee meetings will be held at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina. These meetings are open to the public.