Jamestown News - May 24, 2023

Budget presented – not all approve

by Carol brooKs freeLAnce Writer cab1hp@gmail.com

After three special meetings beginning in January to discuss budget needs and wants, the Jamestown Town Council saw a preliminary budget for fiscal year 2023-24 at its April 18 meeting. Town Manager Matthew Johnson and Finance Director Judy Gallman listened to concerns and presented a revised Proposed Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to the Council at the May 16 meeting. There were just some minor changes from the previous draft.

“The recommended budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 totals $14,400,580 for all Town operations, capital improvements, transfers and debt service,” Johnson said.

“This represents a 22 percent decrease from the current amended 2022-23 budget. That

decrease is attributable to fewer capital expenditures expected.

“At the current tax rate, the amount of ad valorem and property tax revenues that are estimated to be approximately $3,187,350,” Johnson added.

In the Water and Sewer Fund, the water rate will increase by approximately 4 percent over the current rate. The Town is doing this to pass on rate increases from the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority and the City of High Point. Jamestown purchases water from both entities.

Sewer rates will increase approximately 30 percent based on the same rate Jamestown pays High Point for sewer treatment. The 2022-23 increase was only 7.59 percent.

“Water and sewer usage fees are projected to bring in approximately $3.99 million in revenue,” Johnson said.

The recommended budget includes a tax rate of $0.585

shoPPinG for a Cause

A special vendor’s market, Shopping for a Cause, is scheduled for June 3 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Jamestown Center, 705 W. Main St. The event is sponsored by Kisses 4 Kate and coordinated by Purple Wagon Events.

A variety of vendors and food trucks will provide a pleasant shopping experience that will not only be fun, but also benefit children with cancer and their families.

Kisses for Kate was started in 2010 in hopes of providing adequate, specially-ventilated housing for 4-year-old cancer patient Kate Thornton, her parents and four siblings. After her death the project continued as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit with proceeds going to support programs for children with cancer and their families.

“A percentage of the sales from Shopping for a Cause will go to Kisses 4 Kate,” said Kat Manzella, executive director of the organization. “Products from

see about toWn, PAGe 6

Jamestown woman suspected of murder in Mexico

by Carol brooKs freeLAnce Writer cab1hp@gmail.com

A Jamestown woman has been accused of a murder in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

The death of 25-year-old Shanquella Robinson happened in October of last year. Reports showed she died “under mysterious causes” less than 24 hours after she and five friends arrived in Mexico. However, a video posted online just after her death appears to show a naked Robinson being beaten by another woman, allegedly Daejhane Jackson, 26, whose last-known address is Jamestown. Someone in the room videoed the assault.

Now, Robinson’s family is demanding Jackson’s extradition to Mexico for trial and met Friday with White House staff to see what could be done diplomatically.

NBC News reported in late-November 2022 that Mexican prosecutors were seeking to extradite Jackson as a suspect. Black Enterprise reported in December 2022 that Jackson was arrested by Interpol in late November. The Robinson family attorneys say there is a warrant for Jackson, but Mexico says there is not.

In April, United States authorities said they did not have enough evidence to criminally charge Jackson or any of the friends involved. The FBI and federal prosecutors announced in April they had completed

see murder, PAGe 2

per $100 of assessed property valuation, $0.10 more than the previous year.

The public hearing on the budget was continued until June 20 when a vote will be taken.

Councilmembers split on new vehicle tax

New this budget year is a motor vehicle tax, estimated to bring in $303,300 at the $0.585 tax rate. After months of discussion this year, not to mention in previous years, two councilmembers opposed the new tax.

“There are valid reasons for the proposed tax increases and the water/sewer rate increases, garbage and stormwater,” said Councilmember Martha Wolfe.

“However, I continue to oppose the motor vehicle fee at this time.

“[The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan] states that around 27 percent of Jamestown population is 65 years or older and 17 percent identify as disabled. The Town does have a revenue stream

in the Powell Bill fund [for street paving], so in light of the inflation that’s affected everyone, but especially those on fixed income, those on disability and single moms and single dads that are raising kids on one income and Child Care is out the roof now … I keep coming back to that human factor and I make a motion to not implement the motor vehicle fee

in the ‘23-’24

City Lake pool to open for Memorial Day weekend

by Carol brooKs freeLAnce Writer cab1hp@gmail.com

Get out your swimsuits, flip-flops, sunscreen and towels. It’s almost time for the High Point City Lake Pool to re-open after three years.

Now called the Aquatic Center, the pool has been totally redesigned for its Memorial Day weekend grand opening beginning at 10 a.m. May 27.

The new features appear designed more for children or those with physical disabilities and include a splash pad, lazy river, zero-depth entry with play features, three slides, a vortex and accessible locker rooms. The section near the old gym has an east-

Wildlife protection is not easy

by norma b. dennis freeLAnce Writer ndworddesign@gmail.com

Trying to plan a Field Day for students is always labor intensive, but for Greg Prochnow, physical education teacher at Jamestown Elementary School, the task this year was even more difficult. A killdeer laid eggs on the school’s athletic field and Prochnow had to make sure activities scheduled for the May 19 event were far enough away from the eggs to not endanger them.

The American Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and the Canadian Migratory Bird Convention Act protect killdeer.

The birds do not make

budget year.”

Councilmember Lawrence Straughn seconded the motion, echoing what Wolfe had said and noting the Town supports AARP, people on fixed incomes. The vote was split, with councilmembers John Capes and Rebecca Rayborn voting to keep the motor

Photo by Carol Brooks

Jamestown Public Works employees listen as mayor lynn montgomery reads a proclamation recognizing Public services Week may 7-13.

see budget, PAGe 2

ComPiled by norma b. dennis

Photos by Carol Brooks

daejhane Jackson

Photos by Norma B. Dennis (above) greg Prochnow, physical education teacher at Jamestown elementary school, placed discs around the killdeer eggs to help keep people from walking on them. (top right) the killdeer’s speckled eggs blend with their surroundings.

Stock photo

Killdeer have very distinct markings – a brown back, a bit of orange on its tail, a white belly and two black breast bands. see Wildlife, PAGe 6

budget

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vehicle tax. In a rare occurrence, Mayor Lynn Montgomery was asked to cast the tie-breaking vote. Montgomery voted against the motion, so the tax remained in the budget.

Straughn also presented a motion to remove the $0.10 tax increase since property evaluations mean people are already paying more property tax. This motion died for lack of a second.

Rayborn acknowledged that people are paying more for everything these days but recognized Town staff have pared down the budget as much as possible for this upcoming year.

“I think we have cut as much as we can,” Rayborn said. “Nobody likes an increase but it’s not a frivolous increase by any means but we have to do that to keep the town running.”

Capes agreed with Rayborn.

“In many cases, things have basically doubled in cost,” Capes said referencing recent new structures like restrooms at Wrenn Miller Park. “The constituents want to continue to maintain the level of the services that we provide and the way that we do them and those things are coming at an increased cost. This is something we don’t take lightly.”

The budget discussion can be viewed beginning at the 6.5-minute mark of the May 16 Town Council meeting at www.youtube.com/c/TownofJamestownNC.

in other business

The Town’s Public Works Staff were recognized as a part of Public Services Recognition Week, which was May 7-13.

The Council had the opportunity to review a new Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for the town. The plan identifies potential infrastructure projects, partnerships, policies and programs that will make bicycling and walking in Jamestown more welcoming to people of all ages and abilities. The plan includes bicycle and pedestrian network recommendations, catalyst projects, and an action plan for implementation.

After a brief discussion, the Council unanimously approved adoption of the plan. The full plan, including the appendix as well as comments received from NCDOT, can be found at https://www.jamestownnc.gov/JamestownBikePedestrian.

To ensure the Town is competitive in the marketplace as an employer, the Council unanimously approved the adoption of a Pay Classification Study.

Lamar Lee was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Committee.

The Council approved financing for the purchase of five mowers for Jamestown Park and Golf Course.

The announced closed session relating to attorney-client privilege for 301 Lee St. was removed from the agenda.

west 50-meter competition pool. A new concession area completes the changes.

A vortex pool is an attraction equipped with a method of transporting water in the basin for the purpose of propelling patrons at speeds dictated by the velocity of the moving stream.

The area that was originally a pavilion, then later a gym, has been remodeled into a Meeting and Event Center with offices. It opened in January of this year. It is available for corporate retreats, business meetings, baby or bridal showers, awards ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, banquets, parties and more. The center may be rented in person or by phone at 336-883-6045.

A new parking lot on the side opposite the pool on what was the lawn added 75 spaces.

The original pool opened in 1935.

“The age of the pool and deferred maintenance necessitated the renovations,” Lee Tillery, High Point Parks and Recreation director, said in 2021. “The pool liner and maintenance system are old.”

All that remains of the original pool is the stone shower at the southern end near West Main Street.

The pool closed the summer of

the investigation and would not be pursuing criminal charges. However, Newsweek magazine said in April the FBI does not consider the case was officially closed.

The murder has received national and international coverage, but very little in the Triad area, where Jackson supposedly lives. The Jamestown News could not determine where Jackson is presently residing.

Those who traveled with Robinson said she died of alcohol poisoning but there are conflicting autopsy reports from Mexico. The first found that Robinson died from severe injuries to her spinal cord and neck and possible intoxication. However a second autopsy

2020 during the Covid 19 pandemic, then stayed closed the next two years for construction. Originally scheduled to re-open in 2022, the delay was caused by construction and supply chain problems.

The City of High Point approved a $9.5 million bond referendum for the renovations in November 2019. The final figure was nearly $20 million.

The park is located in High Point but actually has a Jamestown address on West Main Street. The city purchased land along both sides of West Fork Road – presumably Penny Road – and what is now East Fork Road in

murder

in the U.S. – performed in November – found no injuries to Robinson’s spinal cord and subsequently ruled the cause of death as undetermined. ABC News reported the autopsy said the cause of death was swelling of the brain.

Robinson’s attorneys blame the FBI for waiting for Robinson to be embalmed before having the second autopsy done in the U.S.

The mixed group of six men and women, all friends, took a vacation trip to Mexico on Oct. 28, 2022. All but Robinson came back alive after the incident, including Jackson.

The death is being considered femicide in Mexico. The U.S. recognizes the killing of a woman because of her gender as a global problem, but there is not a femicide law in the States.

the 1920s to create a city water supply reservoir. It was the first major city park in the state. The pool was the largest in the Southeast. The park offered the opportunity for work for the unemployed during the Depression. The Civil Works Administration (CWA), and later the Works Progress Administration (WPA), were part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal plan to provide work to idle laborers. More than $300,000 federal funds were given to construct the park and it was completed by CWA workers.

“Under federal law in Mexico, people can face up to 60 years in prison if convicted. The difference between homicide, or unlawful killing, and femicide varies from state to state in Mexico,” according to NBC, noting nearly 95 percent of femicide cases in Mexico go unpunished. “If you commit a crime of femicide, there’s really not that much of a chance for you to get convicted for it. And that’s one of the reasons why we see that rates are still very, very high.”

Newsweek spoke with Jacques Hartmann, a professor in Law at the University of Dundee, Scotland, about the complexities of extradition.

“There is no general obligation to extradite in international law and an obligation to extradite must therefore be established in

a treaty,” Hartmann said. “Mexico and the U.S. have long had such a treaty. The first extradition treaty was established in 1892. This treaty was superseded by another treaty from 1978, which was amended in 1997.”

He added that within that treaty, murder remains the first extraditable offense, so would apply in this case but the chances of Jackson being extradited were slim.

Attorney Sue-Ann Robinson (no relation to the victim) representing the Robinson family traveled to Mexico in April and learned the country has sent an extradition packet to the United States. She and other attorneys believe there are too many “red flags” related to the murder not to continue the investigation.

Photo courtesy City of High Point the original pool and pavilion.

Coffee Break

Sudoku & Crossword Answers

Situated in the City of Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.

Being all of Lot 6, of Abbott Oaks at Lake Jeanette Subdivision as shown on map thereof recorded in Map Book 139, Page 30 of the Guilford County Public Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2101 Abbott Drive, Greensboro, North Carolina.

Assessor’s Parcel No: 0057608

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan

without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential

Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property

An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE

c/o Hutchens Law Firm

P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311

Phone No: (910) 864-3068

https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com

Firm Case No: 10043 - 40861

May 24, 31, 2023

dated December 6, 2006, recorded in Book

R 6644, Page 1324, GUILFORD County Registry

Pursuant to an order entered May 11, 2023, in the Superior Court for Guilford County, and the power of sale contained in the captioned Deed of Trust (the “Deed of Trust”), the Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at auction (the “Sale”), to the highest bidder for cash on:

JUNE 1, 2023, AT 11:00 O’CLOCK A.M. GUILFORD COUNTY COURTHOUSE 201 SOUTH EUGENE STREET, GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

the real estate and the improvements thereon secured by the Deed of Trust, less and except any of such property released from the lien of the Deed of Trust prior to the date of said sale, lying and being in Guilford County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows (the “Property”):

Being all of Lot 18, Phase 2, Hidden Forest Subdivision, as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 156, Pages 109 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Guilford County, North Carolina.

Subject to all easements, restrictions and right-of-way of record.

The record owner(s) of the Property not more than ten (10) days prior to the date hereof is Annie B. Lennon.

In the Trustee’s sole discretion, the sale may be delayed for up to one (1) hour as provided in Section 45-21.23 of the North Carolina General Statutes.

A five percent cash deposit, or a cash deposit of $750.00, whichever is greater, will be required of the last and highest bidder. The balance of the bid purchase price shall be due in full in cash or certified funds at a closing to take place within thirty (30) days of the date of sale. The Substitute Trustee shall convey title to the property by nonwarranty deed.

This sale will be made subject to all prior liens of record, if any, and to all unpaid (ad valorem) taxes and special assessments, if

any, which became a lien subsequent to the recordation of the Deed of Trust. This sale will be further subject to the right, if any, of the United States of America to redeem the above-described property for a period of 120 days following the date when the final upset bid period has run.

The purchaser of the property described above shall pay the Clerk’s Commissions in the amount of $.45 per $100.00 of the purchase price (up to a maximum amount of $500.00), required by Section 7A-308(a)(1) of the North Carolina General Statutes. If the purchaser of the abovedescribed property is someone other than the Beneficiary under the Deed of Trust, the purchaser shall also pay, to the extent applicable, the land transfer tax in the amount of one percent (1%) of the purchase price.

To the extent this sale involves residential property with less than fifteen (15) rental units, you are hereby notified of the following:

(a) An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to Section 45-21.29 of the North Carolina General Statutes in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold; and

(b) Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The 11th day of May 2023.

John W. Fletcher III, Substitute Trustee North Carolina State Bar No.: 15503 Fletcher, Tydings, Williams-Tracy & Gott, PLLC 831 East Morehead Street, Suite 255 Charlotte,

Goodbye to Fort Bragg

It is still Fort Bragg.

But only until June 2.

Then North Carolina’s mammoth U.S. Army base will become Fort Liberty.

Still, it will always be Fort Bragg in my memories.

My first experience in a racially integrated work situation was in ROTC summer camp at Fort Bragg in 1961. I was the product of a segregated secondary and college education. It was different at Bragg. Not only were there many Black cadets in my company, but the regular army lieutenant colonel in charge of us was Black. He was a wonderful leader.

by d.g. martin o ne on one

I remember the welcome speech he gave on our first day. He gathered his cadets around. We were scared to death, and he told us the story of Fort Bragg, and how it came to be named for a military leader, a general in the Confederate army named Braxton Bragg. I thought many years later that he must have had to bite his tongue because Bragg had fought to keep Blacks in slavery.

Many of the Black cadets were potentially superior future officers. They prepared me, as the Army of the 1950’s and 1960’s prepared hundreds of thousands of other southern men, for the changes to come in civilian life in North Carolina.

I arrived at Fort Bragg as a White boy

nests but tend to lay their speckled eggs in open grassy areas, fields, golf courses, garages and even on parking lots. Killdeer are slender with a short bill, and long legs, wings and tail. Distinctive markings include a brown back, white belly, and two black breast bands.

“I don’t know, but I think its name could come from its unique cry that is high pitched and somewhat scary sounding,” Prochnow said.

Prochnow was made aware

who had never gone to school with Blacks, never eaten in the same restaurant, never drunk at the same water fountain, never rode in the same section of a bus or a train-and put me right beside some of the best people I ever met (not all my same color). I was never the same.

When I left that summer, I don’t want to say I was free of racism, but I was a changed person. I rejoiced in the diversity that Army life brought me and the great strength that came from mutual trust and respect. And I knew that the principal beneficiary of the opening of doors of opportunity was me.

If our nation is ever successful in completing its task of erasing racism, intolerance and injustice, the armed forces and particularly the Army and Fort Bragg must be given due credit.

The Army has led the way.

Like many other North Carolinians, I have spent other times at Fort Bragg, including almost two years when I was on active duty, living on Bragg Boulevard.

The most memorable time was on Thanksgiving weekend in 2002 when, as I wrote then, a little after midnight I picked up my son Grier at his Raleigh home, helped carry his heavy gear to my car, waited while he ran upstairs to tell his wife goodbye, get a look at his brand new

W ildlife

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of the killdeer eggs on the field when a parent shared an email from the Jamestown Youth League about the need to relocate its games usually played at JES because of the location of the eggs. When he first checked there were two eggs, and the mother bird made its characteristic move of leading him away from them by running a short distance, flopping down as if hurt, then running again.

Three adult Killdeer have been observed hanging out on

daughter, and then began our drive to Fort Bragg for the beginning of his long journey to the other side of the world. It was raining as we approached Fayetteville, turned off Business I-95, and then on to Bragg Boulevard, passed the house where I lived as a young Army officer, and then passed by the shopping centers, pawnshops, night spots, mobile home lots, car dealerships and the other strong marks of a military town.

Still under the heaviness of the rain, we came on the base, passing through security where my son returned the salute of the guard, a signal that we would soon arrive at the point of formation, where my son and his traveling companions would gather this early morning to begin their trip to Afghanistan.

I will be happy to call it Fort Liberty from now on, but I will always remember what Fort Bragg has meant for me.

D.G. Martin, a retired lawyer, served as UNC-System’s vice president for public affairs and hosted PBSNC’s North Carolina Bookwatch. This column has appeared every week since 1985.

the field and as of May 17 there were four eggs lying in an open spot. Prochnow placed disks around the eggs to keep anyone from inadvertently stepping on them.

During Field Day, he put tall cones around the eggs and his wife sat nearby to make sure the eggs were not disturbed. Although the location of the eggs is somewhat annoying, Prochnow has been able to use the bird to teach students the importance of protecting certain species of animals.

The eggs will take 28 days to hatch and several more weeks for the baby birds to fledge.

“I am not as afraid of people hurting the birds or the eggs, but nature is something else to consider,” Prochnow said. “I have seen a red-tail hawk hanging around and someone saw a snake at the edge of the field. I am not sure if the eggs will make it.”

No doubt Prochnow will be keeping a watchful eye on the situation.

our gift shop and boutique (at 705F W. Main) will also be available for sale.”

Many of the items, such as bags, bowties, journal markers and sunglass cases, are made from market sample materials. There are gowns that have never been worn and some only worn once. Also included are quilts, t-shirt quilts, custom memory bears and more.

In addition to Kisses 4 Kate, vendors will include Root and Rust, Crafting with Diane Marie, Big D’s Woodcrafter, Sweet Mornings Farm, Rachel’s Radiant Rad Nails, Terry’s Creations, Heart and Sew, Tupperware with Trisha, Your Candle Company, Skylar Gourmet Popped Popcorn, Art’s scroll saw and fretwork designs, Pure Wellness Body and Health, Poured Paintings & Creations by Colleen, J Vintiques and food trucks from JJ Cuban and Sugar Shack.

ChoiCe Book and Basket sale

Friends of the Jamestown Public Library will host a Choice Book and Basket Sale June 3 and June 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Choice Books are published in 2020 or later and will be available for $5 each. Themed summer gift baskets will also be available.

The event is cash or check only. All proceeds go to support the Jamestown Public Library.

GCs reCeives national reCoGnition for musiC eduCation

For the sixth year in a row, the NAMM Foundation named Guilford County Schools one of the “Best Communities for Music Education.”

The designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students as part of a well-rounded education.

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational, cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. After two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading than their peers, and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school but to attend college as well.