Oxford Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison on Gun and Drug Charges

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Press Release —  Department of Justice, Eastern District of NC

An Oxford man was sentenced yesterday to 169 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Quantities of Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine, Cocaine Base (Crack), and Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Jaleel Duncan, 29, was a passenger in a car that was the subject of a traffic stop by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) in Oxford, North Carolina. When the car stopped, Duncan jumped and ran from the vehicle carrying a bag. An ALE agent chased Duncan through a neighborhood and saw him throw several items from the bag as Duncan ran. Duncan then threw the entire bag over a fence. ALE agents eventually apprehended Duncan and recovered the bag, which contained a loaded 9mm pistol and marijuana. Along Duncan’s flight path, agents found heroin laced with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and quinine, as well as quantities of cocaine, cocaine base (crack), and marijuana. On February 2, 2021, Jaleel Duncan, pled guilty to the charges.

G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, and the Oxford Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-202-M.

South Granville Rotary Busy With Projects, Fundraiser

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The Rotary Club of South Granville County has been busy lately with projects and fundraisers.

Buy a duck for the June 5 “Rubber Duck Race” and you could win a vacation package, a round of golf, an iPad, gift cards and more, according to club President Angela Allen.

“Buying a duck can support the local and international service projects on behalf of the club,” Allen stated. The race will be at 10 a.m. at West Point on the Eno. It is not necessary to be present to win, she added; winners will be contacted if not present.

On May 7, the club distributed more than 100 “care packages” to senior adults at the Creedmoor Recreation Center. The packages were filled with snacks, personal hygiene, household, and entertainment items collected and donated by club members and others in the community. Allen offered a special thank you to Christian Faith Center, Altec, CertainTeed, Southern Snow Company, First Horizon Bank of Oxford, KARTS, ACIM and The Help Center.

The club participates in other community projects throughout the year, including providing meals to homebound seniors, building and maintaining “Little Free Libraries,” and donating items for children in foster care. The club also provides electrical systems and vocational skills to underserved communities overseas, Allen added.

For more information on the Rotary Club of South Granville County and its projects, please contact Allen at 919.725.6486 or angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy Grants Available To Support Downtown Revitalization; Submit by May 31

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Local non-profit organizations in the community still have time to submit grant proposals to a Duke Energy program poised to give $500,000 to help downtown communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hometown Revitalization Grant program (click the link for details) is designed to award non-profit/small business partnerships in 20 communities in North Carolina grants of $25,000 that can be used to help small businesses pivot and continue to succeed as changes to “business-as-usual” practices have been implemented because of pandemic restrictions.

Applications are due May 31; funding decisions will be made in July and announced in August.

Whether modifying physical spaces, improving e-commerce site for online sales or purchasing specific items to comply with public health measures, the grants will be administered by the non-profit agency in the form of a small business support microgrant program, according to information from Tanya Evans, district manager for Duke’s local government and community relations. The microgrants will range from $500 to $2,500. The non-profit may use up to $2,500 of the $25,000 for administering the microgrants.

The small business support awards also may be used to reimburse small businesses for expenses already incurred. The programs must be started by Sept. 30, 2021 and the award recipients must announce the recipients by Nov. 30.

Churches and governmental agencies may not apply for the grant, neither fraternal nor lobbying groups, according to the website. Please visit Hometown Revitalization Grant program for details about the program and submitting a proposal.

(Duke Energy-Progress is an advertising client of WIZS.  This is not a paid ad.)

Memorial Day Event To Honor Fallen Heroes In Service To Their Country

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The Memorial Day holiday is a welcome day off for many, shortening the week by a day for many workers and schoolchildren. On this Memorial Day, May 31, Kindred Hospice in Oxford is offering a way for area residents to honor those whose lives have been lost in service to their country.

The public is invited to submit applications to have names included on the “Walk of Remembrance” that will be open all day on May 31 at Hix Recreation Complex in Oxford. Remembrance signs with the names of those being remembered will be posted along the walking trail at the recreational complex, located at 313 E. Spring St., Oxford. The deadline to submit “Fallen Hero” applications is Friday, May 28, said Britany Wilson of Kindred Hospice.

The Fallen Hero stories are a way to honor and remember the sacrifice of fallen military, fire, EMS and law enforcement members, she said.

Wilson said the Walk of Remembrance is for any veteran who has died, not just those who died in active duty.

Applications are available at the Kindred Hospice office, located at 136 Roxboro Rd. The office is open Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Wilson at 919.609.3403 to learn more.

Completed applications may be delivered to the Kindred Hospice office, or submitted by email to Britany.wilson@kindredhospicecare.com or mail to:

Britany Wilson

Attn: Fallen Hero Story

P.O. Box 70

Oxford, NC 27565

GCPS Considers School Closings at May 17 Work Session

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The fate of a couple of school campuses may become clearer during a work session of the Granville County Board of Education next week.

The work session will be held Monday, May 17 at 4:30 p.m. at the Mary Potter Center of Education. The purpose of the meeting is to hear a first draft of staff presentations on studies regarding the reorganization of schools, according to Dr. Stan Winborne, assistant superintendent of operations & human resources and public information officer for GCPS. Members of the public are invited to view via livestream. Join at https://live.myvrspot.com/st?cid=MDhkZj.

The school board is considering several different options that include closing schools and consolidating campuses in the southern end of the county. Wilton Elementary and Creedmoor Elementary are being looked at for possible closure. Also being studied is closing Granville Central High School in Stem and repurposing the campus to house either South Granville High School or G.C. Hawley Middle School.

Seating at the work session is limited for those who attend, and all participants will be required to wear face coverings, undergo health screenings before entering the building, and follow social distancing protocols.

Mary Potter Center of Education is located at 200 Taylor St., Oxford, NC.

GAP Phase III Complete; 11 More Acres For Tennis, Volleyball, Other Activities

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Granville Athletic Park’s Phase III is finished and now open to the public, adding tennis courts, open green space, sand volleyball pits and more to the GAP’s existing ball fields, walking trails and splash park.

“We are extremely excited about this expansion,” said Granville County Board of Commissioners Chair Sue Hinman. “As we are able to get outside more and enjoy the many recreational opportunities across the county, we invite our residents and visitors to come out enjoy the new tennis courts, playground equipment and other features, as well as all the other amenities already available at the GAP,” she said.

The newest section of the park uses 11 additional acres of land the county bought in 2013, bringing to 80 the total number of acres that comprise the park.

In addition to the tennis courts, green space and volleyball pits, there is an easily accessible and inclusive playground, a fitness station, a picnic shelter and designated areas for cornhole boards. There are plans to add nine holes of disc golf as well, according to a statement from county public information officer Lynn Allred.

The goal of this project is to encourage healthy activity and to provide a safe, appealing and functional outdoor environment for residents and visitors to the area, according to Allred.

Expected use of the tennis courts includes scheduled tournament play for athletic associations and tennis clubs, as well as access for practice and casual community enjoyment. Groups, teams and individuals can now reserve one of the six tennis courts and be put on the GAP’s calendar for specific dates and times. Call 919.693.5240 to learn more or to reserve a court.

Planners used results from a 2015 countywide recreation survey to choose how to outfit the addition. The creation and construction comes from grant funding from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF, $300,000), the National Parks Service Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF, $250,000), the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA, $50,000) and the U.S. Tennis Association’s USTA Southern ($20,000).

County leaders will have a ribbon cutting to officially dedicate the Phase III addition to the GAP is scheduled for Saturday, July 24, at 9 a.m. The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony, which will be held in conjunction with Granville County’s 275th anniversary celebration at the park’s sheltered sports pavilion area and amphitheater.

Granville Athletic Park is located at 4615 Belltown Road in Oxford. Visit www.granvillecounty.org to learn more.

 

“Quittin’ Time” On Thursday Afternoons in Downtown Oxford

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Looking for something a little different to do after work on Thursdays in May and June? Check out Oxford’s “Quittin’ Time” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s a time to wind down, stroll through downtown and sample small-plate fare and libations from a variety of restaurants.

Participating downtown establishments are Uptown 101, Milano’s, Oasis, Harvest, The Orpheum, The Hub, Tobacco Wood Brewing Company and Strong Arm Baking and Kitchen.

Oxford’s Downtown Economic Development Corporation is a sponsor of the event, said director Mary Yount. “But this was the ‘brainchild’ of Julia Blaine of Strong Arm Baking and Kitchen,” Yount told WIZS News.

The idea is to visit the participating restaurants, have a taste of food and a beverage, then move along to the next location.

“We wanted to bring an event to downtown Oxford that encouraged walking around, spending time in the downtown area, dining outside and visiting all restaurants to offer support as we come back to full life after a year of COVID,” Blaine told WIZS News.

Restaurants have fun creating a different dish every week, she said, offering a style of food they don’t often cook. “It lets chefs get creative without a huge investment,” she noted.  Diners can expect prices between $4-$6 per small plate, with rotating offerings each week.

Blaine said she lived in Spain for three years and that inspired the Quittin’ Time idea.

She described the Spanish custom of tapeo (a combination of tapa – appetizer or snack and paseo – a leisurely walk) as a time when diners trade a big dinner for “a relaxed amble through the streets, snacking and drinking and enjoying their town and community.” Traditionally, lunch is the largest meal of the day and dinner is usually light.

“I loved this part of Spanish culture,” Blaine said. “It is perfect for our current needs of wanting to dine outside, reminding the community about the restaurants in our area, and encouraging folks to spend more time in their downtown – the heart of their town.”

Quittin’ Time continues each Thursday through June 24 in downtown Oxford.

Oxford Preparatory School Inducts 12 Into Order of the Griffins

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Oxford Preparatory School inducted 12 new members into its Order of the Griffins society on Monday, May 10.

Membership is based on a student’s academic performance and their demonstration of meeting the school’s mission of commitment to service, appreciation of the arts and call to leadership, according to Upper School Director Victoria Bradsher.

Rising 7th graders are eligible for membership, Bradsher said.

The new members of the Order of the Griffin will lead the processional for commencement for the year 2020-2021 and will serve as Griffin ambassadors in the coming year – greeting guests at the school, helping with awards ceremonies and serving as a guide for visiting students and their families.

Congratulations to the following students and newest members of the Order of the Griffins:

Tanner Abbott

Grace Allred

Sage Beck

Olivia Burrows

Lauren Carroll

Michael Cox

Carsten Doby

Lilly Hicks

Lily Juntunen

Kaylee Overby

Madelyn Reese

Olivia Smith

Timberlake Wins Art Contest With Tree Theme To Spotlight Arbor Day

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An artist with ties to the area has won a juried art contest in Chase City, VA, held in conjunction with Arbor Day.

Frank Timberlake’s “Persimmon Tree Branch” took top honors in the adult division of the art contest, held at MacCallum More Museum & Gardens to spotlight community support for trees and the town’s arbor canopy.

The subject of the winning submission is located just a few miles from the museum, Timberlake said Monday. “Persimmon Tree Branch is a small stream with looming tall trees,” he said in a written statement to WIZS News. The winning artwork features vibrant orange and yellow foliage covering the branches of a tree alongside a narrow creek, with fallen leaves dotting its surface.

The contest’s theme was “Arbor Day is Every Day in Chase City.” Artists submitted works in various media, from paintings to sculpture, all of which exemplified the importance and beauty of trees.

Timberlake is originally from Stovall and Grassy Creek in northern Granville County and operates Shutter Art Gallery in Zebulon. Visit www.shutterartgallery.com to learn more.

Although the final product looks like a painting it’s actually a photograph, thanks to a process he created called PhoArt. Timberlake begins with a high-resolution photograph, which is digitally manipulated into colorful prints using proprietary software. Each finished print is put on museum-quality canvas and comes on a gallery-wrapped frame.

Timberlake explained that, after struggling with not being able to paint pinpoint realism, he spent several years developing the special process. “Once I did, I asked myself, ‘What am I going to do with this?’” A few months later, the MacCallum More Museum and Gardens offered him a two-month, one-man art exhibit. It opened in January 2017 and Timberlake said he created nine special prints just for that exhibit.  “There’s no question that ‘Persimmon Tree Branch’ is the crown jewel of my Mecklenburg art prints,” he said.  “To return here and to have this work so honored is extremely satisfying.”

There are more than 100 works from a variety of locations and settings viewable on the website, including the contest winner. Timberlake said the limited-edition prints – signed and numbered – can be made in a variety of sizes, from small 8 x 11 canvases to 40-inch x 60-inch canvases.

Acting U.S. Attorney G. Norman Acker, III Recognizes Police Week 2021

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In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina G. Norman Acker, III recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”

“During Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe,” said Acting United States Attorney Acker.  “I want to acknowledge the work performed by federal, state, and local law enforcement, who often face uncertain and dangerous situations without question and without expectation of thanks.  We want them to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.

During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored.  Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19. Here in the Eastern District of North Carolina, two officers died in the line of duty.

Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020.  LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website.

The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.

Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.

To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.