Michael Easley, Jr. Sworn In As U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of NC

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Michael F. Easley, Jr. is the newest U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. His nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Nov. 19, 2021 and U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III administered the oath of office last week, according to a press statement.

 “It is an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the Eastern District of North Carolina as United States Attorney,” Easley said in the statement. “I am grateful to President Biden for this opportunity, and I want to thank Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis for their strong support through the confirmation process.”

As U.S. Attorney, Easley is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Eastern District of North Carolina, which includes Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties among the 44 easternmost counties of North Carolina. He oversees a staff of 119 employees, including 58 attorneys and 61 non-attorney support personnel.  The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms and narcotics.  The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

Easley was a partner in McGuire Woods LLP prior to his appointment and was a litigator focused on internal investigations and trial court work in state and federal courts.  He represented businesses and individuals in civil, criminal, and regulatory matters over a wide range of topics, including criminal law, environmental, consumer protection, business torts, professional negligence, government contracting, as well as matters involving financial services and securities.

Easley also has advised clients facing inquiries by the U.S. Department of Justice, North Carolina Ethics Commission, and matters before other governmental regulatory bodies.

Born in Southport, Easley attended the University of North Carolina where he graduated with honors and distinction in political science. He later received his law degree with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

In addition to his work at McGuireWoods, Easley contributed time to various bar and community organizations.  He served as a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of North Carolina.  He was also a member of the Criminal Justice Section Council and the Integration, Equity & Equal Justice Task Force of the North Carolina Bar Association. Mr. Easley also served as a mentor in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Success in Law School Mentoring Program.

Granville Teen Takes State Fair Prize With Her Hereford Cow/Calf Pair

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A Granville County teen is among the winners of the annual livestock competitions held during the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh.

Lillian “Lillee” Bissett, 16, won reserve supreme champion in the cow/calf pair class, according to the final results released recently by the N.C. Department of Agriculture. Jamie Byers of Jonesborough, TN took supreme champion honors in the cow/calf class. Bissett also won Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair class in the Open Beef Cattle – Hereford division.

Bissett’s mother, Pam Bissett, said her three girls all started showing sheep by the time they were 4 years old and then moved to cattle by age 6. “We’ve never missed a state fair,” she said, adding that they participate in regional and national shows.

Lillee Bissett showed the mama cow in the show ring and her friend Mazie Bunn handled the calf for the cow/calf class. The Bissett family operates Grassy Creek Farm in Bullock, NC where they raise Hereford cattle. Bissett said she loves Herefords for their easy disposition.

Like her father and grandfather before her, Pam Bissett has served at the state level for Hereford associations. She currently is a director of the N.C. Hereford Association.

TownTalk: Bishop Works To Help The Next Generation Of Law Enforcement Officers

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Brandon Bishop wants to make sure that the cadets in the basic law enforcement training classes he oversees understand some key concepts about what it means to be a police officer.

Bishop wants the officers-in-training to have the communication tools they need in order to avoid having to use a weapon or other means of force when they’re on duty.

As director of Basic Law Enforcement Training and Law Enforcement Training at Vance-Granville Community College, he brings the experience of almost two decades in uniform with the Henderson Police Department. He was a lieutenant for six years and he holds a degree in social work.

Bishop is implementing some of those “soft” skills into the BLET classes, including courses like “Duty to Intercede,” “Surviving Verbal Conflict,” and “Facilitating Mental Health Training.”

He described the program on Tuesday’s Town Talk with John C. Rose and said tomorrow’s law enforcement officers must be able to interact with citizens – it’s important to be able to talk to people, get to know them and understand them. Basic communication skills are a must-have to achieve the goal, he said.

Most folks who pursue law enforcement as a career are service-oriented people, he said. Helping people and helping to make a difference in their communities are just part of a profession that provides “the integrity and status they’re looking for,” Bishop said.

Obviously, police officers are charged with enforcing the law, but through effective communication, law enforcement officers also can help people make good choices.

(VGCC PHOTO) – VGCC Basic Law Enforcement Training Class 112 graduates included, in front (from left), Jose Angel Deleon and Jennifer Quick; and in back (from left), Reed Danehy, Kameron Gregory, Regina Andranowska and LeDrevion Richardson; not pictured: Kaleb Evans

“We try to get them to understand that we all need to get along,” Bishop said. “The best way to do that is to help each other through our problems. I try to teach our cadets that we’re more there to help people solve their problems than to solve them for them.”

It’s not all theory and lecture in the program, Bishop said. The cadets use a firearms simulator, which he describes as a giant, 3-D video game, that trains cadets and agency officers in the use of force options. It’s a way to reinforce what they’ve learned in the classroom about communication, which can de-escalate a situation before it gets out of hand. The goal is “to alleviate our use of force incidents and injury to officers and others they are dealing with,” Bishop said. It gives cadets a chance to see exactly what they may face on the street.

Similarly, a driver training simulator allows for cadets and experienced officers as well the chance to get initial training or a refresher on driving vehicles to avoid obstacles all the way to driving in pursuit or other emergency situations. “It’s as close to real-life situations as possible, without the inherent dangers,” Bishop said.

During his time with the Henderson department, he was primarily assigned to the patrol division. He also was a supervisor for the Street Crime unit and the interdiction team and spent 15 years on the department’s tactical team – a team he helped to create and on which he worked all positions, including team commander.

And now, he’s helping guide cadets and prepare the next generation of law enforcement officers to deal effectively with the communities they will serve and protect.

“It’s a challenging career, but it’s a rewarding career,” he said.

The next class is scheduled to begin Jan. 18, 2022 and will wrap up in mid-May. Interested in learning more? Contact Bishop at bishopb@vgcc.edu or phone 919.738.3263. Visit www.vgcc.edu to see more about the BLET program.

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Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Those Wanting CV-19 Vaccine Can Get CV-19 Vaccine

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The bottom line on CV-19 vaccine is if you want a shot you can get a shot, including first and second doses as well as boosters and for children age 5 and older.

As Granville-Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison explained in a weekly email she publishes, “You can come in any day of the week to either location of the health department from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to receive any CV-19 vaccine being offered – first doses, second doses, booster doses, and even pediatric doses are all available. Only Pfizer is authorized for kiddos, but we have all three types available – Pfizer, Moderna, and J & J depending on what you are eligible for and interested in. Come see us.”

Harrison continued that the data are abundantly clear that getting vaccinated is much safer than not getting vaccinated. She cited a report from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and wrote that “unvaccinated individuals are five times (or 564%) more likely to get COVID-19 as vaccinated individuals.”

She said the next page of the NCDHHS report said that “unvaccinated individuals are 25.30 times (or 2,530%) more likely to die of COVID-19 as vaccinated individuals.”

Lastly, she wrote that it’s important to get a flu shot.

NC Forest Service

Forest Service Urges Residents To Hold Off Burning Yard Debris, Leaves

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There’s a slight chance of rain early next week, but local forest service officials are encouraging area residents to hold off burning those leaves or other yard debris until the area has had some good rainfall.

It’s fall wildfire season and the area has been put in the abnormally dry to moderate drought category, according to N.C. Forest Service County Ranger Rob Montague. Local fire departments and the forest service have responded to 24 fire calls in Vance and Granville counties so far in November, according to information from the local forest service office.

“Due to limited rainfall, falling leaves adding dry fuel to the ground and dry conditions, the N.C. Forest Service urges citizens to be cautious with campfires and when burning yard debris,” according to the statement.

The fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December, the time of year when people do a lot of yard work that may include burning leaves and yard debris. The leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina is debris burning. When left unattended, debris fires can escape and start wildfires. Most of the recent fires started from debris burning or discarded wood stove ashes.

There are many factors to consider before burning debris. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents to contact their local county forest ranger before burning debris. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help ensure the safety of people, property, and the forest. The local number for Granville and Vance counties is (919) 693-3154. To find contact information for other offices, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.

For people who choose to burn debris, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

  • Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulch instead.
  • Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
  • Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
  • Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
  • Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
  • Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
  • Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out.

Burning agricultural residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time.

Before doing any burning in a wooded area, seek input and technical advice from County Ranger Rob Montague at 919.693.3154.

Granville County Logo

Ontic Launches Expansion At Creedmoor Plant

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An aerospace engineering company that provides thousands of products to customers worldwide has announced plans to almost double their existing footprint in southern Granville County.

Ontic launched “Project Sunrise” this week, setting in motion a major commitment to expand their facility on E. Lyon Station Road in Creedmoor. The three-phase expansion will nearly double the office space and production capacity, according to information from Granville County government.

Ontic staff, joined by representatives from across the county, had a groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting to mark the occasion. Local partners include Granville County government, the Town of Butner, Granville County Public Schools, Granville County Chamber of Commerce, and Vance-Granville Community College.

Ontic’s President and CEO Gareth Hall noted how critical the work of local elected leaders and staff was to move this project forward. “It’s clear how important local leadership is to make momentous events like ‘Project Sunrise’ happen,” he said. “We work with a lot of governments around the world, and the cities and counties ready to foster smart growth are obvious from the start. The work and support of elected officials and staff from Granville County Government and the Town of Butner definitely made this project possible.”

In just a few years, the Granville County facility has grown from just more than 50 employees to more than 100. Once “Project Sunrise” is complete, the local workforce and production capacity likely will double again. “We are looking for exponential growth in Granville County, not just small incremental gains,” explained Hall. “Granville County has the local infrastructure in place to help us achieve this goal.”

“I’m thrilled to have Ontic in Granville County, and I know that this is the right place for them to expand their footprint in the United States,” said Granville County Economic Development Director Harry Mills. “Ontic has already proven they are ready to Grow with Granville, and today’s announcement only solidifies their commitment to making sure there are career opportunities for our current and future residents.”

Ontic is a global leader in aerospace engineering, providing thousands of products for customers in the aircraft industry worldwide. In addition to their Granville County location, Ontic has additional facilities in Chatsworth, California; Plainview, New York; Cheltenham, United Kingdom; and Singapore.

TownTalk: Holiday Happenings In Granville County

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‘Tis the season for Christmas parades, chats with Santa, and holiday shopping. Granville County is gearing up for events all across the county, and Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen said there’s something for everyone, from Creedmoor to Grassy Creek and everywhere in between.

Allen spoke with John C. Rose and Bill Harris on Wednesday’s Town Talk and rattled off a list of  events sure to keep folks entertained while getting into the Christmas spirit.

Here’s a rundown of activities and events:

  • Nov. 19-20 – 12 noon to 6 p.m. – The Barn at Vino will host Jimbo’s Fall Backyard Barbecue Competition fundraiser to benefit Wreaths Across America. The competition features 25 teams that will be vying for top honors in grilling chicken, ribs and more. Visit The Barn at Vino’s Facebook page or Eventbrite page to register to be a people’s choice judge. There will be music and entertainment throughout the day.
  • Harvest, a farm-to-table restaurant in Oxford, is taking orders for Thanksgiving. From whole meals to individual items to take home and bake or to reheat, visit the restaurant’s Facebook page or find it on Instagram to place orders by Nov. 19
  • Strong Arm Baking in downtown Oxford is taking orders through this weekend for pickup next week or arrange for a porch drop.
  • Saturday, Nov. 20 – Falls Lake Academy vendor fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 20 – Carolina Cotton in downtown Creedmoor will host a holiday Sip and Shop. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Drinks, snacks, door busters and door prizes offered.
  • Friday, Dec. 3 – Lighting of the Greens in Oxford at 6:45 p.m. followed by Oxford Christmas parade at 7 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 3 – Christmas in the Park, town of Butner. Children can visit with Santa from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Christmas music will follow and the town’s Christmas tree will be officially lighted at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Butner Christmas parade
  • Friday, Dec. 3 – City of Creedmoor’s tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. at the new community center. Student choirs will be performing and Santa will drop by.
  • Saturday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. – Creedmoor Christmas parade
  • Sunday, Dec. 5 – The Barn at Vino will host “Cocoa with Santa” from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children will get a chance to take a photo with Santa, decorate Christmas cookies and more during this 4th annual event. Additional vendors will be on hand to add some holiday shopping opportunities.
  • Saturday, Dec. 11 – Carlee Farms Holiday Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa and his elves will be at the market, along with more than 30 vendors in this fundraiser event to benefit the Stem Volunteer Fire Department and EMS. A silent auction and a toy drive are just some of the activities.
  • Saturday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. – Grassy Creek Christmas parade
  • Dec. 11 – 13 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Delrayno Baptist Church’s annual live nativity called “Back to Bethlehem.” There is no cost to participate, but donations are accepted. Enter from Delacroix Street across from Granville Medical Center to begin the drive-through event.
  • Saturday, Dec. 11 – The Orpheum in downtown Oxford is having a holiday gala to benefit the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford. Black tie and fancy dress is encourage for this event; a noted mixologist will be on hand to craft cocktails for this event.
  • During the month of December, the Oxford Arts Center is having several classes for participants to create holiday décor. Visit their Facebook page and the Eventbrite page to learn more and to register.

The website visitgranvillenc.com has details about these events and more.

 

School Board Approves One-Time Bonus Payments For GCPS Employees

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The Granville Board of Education approved one-time bonuses totalling more than $1 million for almost 900 permanent, full- and part-time employees of Granville County Public Schools, as well as additional bonuses for bus drivers.

The board decided on the retention bonuses at a work session held Monday. The bonus pay – projected to cost $1.1 million – comes from federal COVID relief funds. Permanent, full-time employees will get a one-time bonus payment of $1,000, and permanent part-time employees will get a one-time bonus of $600.

In addition, bus drivers will get an additional $250 for driving a morning, afternoon or regular double route, according to information from the school district.

Bonuses will be paid on Jan. 14, 2022. To be eligible for the extra payment, workers must be employed with the school district as of Nov. 1, 2021 and must continue to work through the end of the school year.
All eligible employees must complete an opt-in form agreeing to the terms of the bonus.  The superintendent, associate superintendent, assistant superintendent and executive directors will not receive the bonus payment.

“We are so incredibly grateful for our dedicated employees,” said Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean. “We know how difficult things have been for our educators recently, and we wanted to find a way to reward those who continue to be loyal to GCPS.  While they deserve far more, we are pleased that we can direct a portion of the federal COVID funds allocated to our district for this important effort. We hope this modest bonus will be received along with our sincere gratitude and appreciation for our excellent employees.”

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Oxford Lands Fla.-Based Frozen Foods Facility, Adding 24 Jobs

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A Florida-based frozen food company has chosen Oxford as the site for a production facility that is expected to bring 24 jobs to the area. Gov. Roy Cooper’s office made the announcement Monday and said the company will invest $5.7 million to relocate a production facility.

Meel Corp, a frozen food company based in Miami, will create 24 new jobs in Granville County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $5.7 million to relocate a production facility in neighboring Granville County.

Meel Corp supplies healthy frozen foods through its own brand and private labels. For more than 40 years, the family-owned business has sourced, developed, processed and packed organic and conventional fruits, vegetables, and frozen convenience products. Meel’s expansion to North Carolina will include a state-of-the-art packing and cold-storage facility and will continue to source some products from North Carolina.

“We are glad to welcome Meel Corp to North Carolina,” Cooper said in a press release. “Our state has the best business climate, the hardest working employees, the agricultural legacy, the central east coast location and the great quality of life that will make this company successful here.”

“We’re beyond excited about our move to North Carolina.  With the supply chain plagues and labor issues that surfaced after COVID, North Carolina represents an ideal geographical location for us – bringing us closer to our national customers and their delivery points,” said Michael Iaslovits, President of Meel Corp. “Our company name – MEEL is an assembly of the first letters of our family members – we’re happy to bring our family business to North Carolina, where we will hire new employees and expand our family!”

Although wages will vary by position, the average annual salary for all new positions is $48,500 and will create a potential payroll impact of nearly $1.2 million per year. Granville County’s average annual salary is $42,326.

“North Carolina is a national leader in food and beverage processing,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Meel’s decision proves that North Carolina has a winning recipe for success – a strong supply chain, transportation infrastructure, and a diverse pipeline of talent, that we’re committed to further developing.”

A performance-based grant of $50,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Meel’s relocation to North Carolina. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment.  All One NC grants require matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“This is a great economic development win for our community and the entire state,” said N.C. Representative Larry Yarborough. “We appreciate Meel and every partner on the local and state level that helped recruit the company to our region.”

“Granville County continues to attract successful food processing companies,” said N.C. Senator Mike Woodard. “The people of Granville County welcome these new jobs and are eager to support the company’s continued growth here in North Carolina for many years to come.”

Joining the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina were key partners in the project that included the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Vance-Granville Community College, Kerr-Tar Council of Governments, Granville County, Granville County Economic Development, Granville County Chamber, Granville County Public Schools, the City of Oxford, and the NCWorks Career Center Oxford.

NC Coop Extension

Tobacco Growers Vote Nov. 18 On Whether To Continue Check-off Program To Fund Research

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Update 11-19-21

Paul McKenzie, agriculture agent for Vance and Warren counties, said the results will be available the week of Nov.22.

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Area tobacco growers join others across the state this week to vote whether to continue a self-assessment of 10 cents per 100 pounds of flue-cured and burley tobacco sold to support tobacco research and education.

The vote will take place on Nov. 18, and Paul McKenzie, agriculture agent for Vance and Warren counties, said a two-thirds vote in the affirmative will mean that the check-off program will be good until 2027.

The check-off program started in 1991 and allocates more than $200,000 annually to tobacco-related research and extension projects at N.C. State University. State law requires a referendum be held every six years.

“This referendum is important to the future of tobacco production in North Carolina,” said Sonia Murphy, president of the N.C. Agricultural Foundation and state check-off coordinator. “Federal funding for tobacco research ceased in 1994, and state support has declined in recent years due to state budget reductions.

“I encourage tobacco growers to vote on this important check-off,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “A two-thirds majority of votes is needed to pass the assessment, so be sure to cast your vote.”

Funds from the check-off are allocated by the N.C. Tobacco Research Commission, whose membership includes the Commissioner of Agriculture, the N.C. Farm Bureau Federation president, the N.C. State Grange president, the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina president and the chairman of the N.C. Tobacco Foundation.

Ballots will be available for tobacco growers at county extension offices on Nov. 18.  Contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension office for specific information regarding polling locations and times.

Vance County Extension – 252.438.8188.

Granville County Extension – 919.603.1350

Warren County Extension – 252.257.3640

Franklin County Extension – 919.496.3344