Northwest Observer I March 21 - March 27, 2019 by pscommunications

March 21 - 27, 2019

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Sheriff Danny Rogers, predecessor BJ Barnes clash over transition Danny Rogers tells Summerﬁeld Town Council ‘papers were destroyed, computers were taken out,’ prompting a denial by Barnes backed up by an internal county audit by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Guilford County Sheriff Danny Rogers told the Summerfield Town Council last week that former Sheriff BJ Barnes and others on his staff impeded his transition into office by shredding documents and removing computers. “When we came in, we didn’t have

interview last week, Barnes, a Summerfield resident, said, “Long and short of it, he got himself elected to a position that he doesn’t know anything about. He’s trying to cover his tracks.”

Danny Rogers

BJ Barnes

any way to start other than starting from ground zero,” Rogers told the council at its March 12 meeting. “What do I mean ground zero? Papers were destroyed. Computers were taken out. So we had nothing, we had no information, didn’t know where to start.” Barnes, defeated by Rogers last November after serving as sheriff for 24 years, denied Rogers’ claims. In an

An internal audit by Guilford County released last week found that neither Barnes nor his staff wrongfully destroyed documents or removed computers ahead of Rogers taking over the Sheriff’s Office in early December. After the new sheriff raised concerns, Guilford County’s Internal Audit Department investigated four complaints by him: the disposal of documentation needed by his administration, the removal of computer equipment, and the use of external storage devices by the departing sher-

by PATTI STOKES STOKESDALE – By far the majority of Stokesdale Town Council’s votes at the March 14 monthly meeting were split 3-2, with Bill Jones and Tim Jones being outvoted time and time again. Throughout the almost four-hour meeting, the

Your Questions ..........................4 Calendar Events .......................6 Celebration/Welcome ............7 Crime/Incident Report .............8 NWO Business & Real Estate ....9 Business/Real Estate Briefs ....10 Long-neglected Summerfield Square welcomes new tenants

...continued on p. 26

Council grapples with expenditures, investments, procedures Council members often split on how to handle town business matters

IN THIS ISSUE

A Kotis Properties’ worker drives a Bobcat into the vacant space at Summerﬁeld Square where Golden Antiques will soon relocate from Stokesdale. Workers removed ﬂoor tiles as part of refurbishing the space............12

two men expressed frustration over fellow council members’ decisions to allocate funds for items ranging from picnic tables to park maintenance, and how to proceed on other town business matters.

Summerfield Town Council ....20

Emotions escalated early in the meeting, beginning with the period designated for Finance Officer Alisa Houk (also the town clerk) to give a financial update.

Classifieds ...............................27

...continued on p. 2

Student profile.........................23 Grins & Gripes .........................24 Index of Advertisers ...............31

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Due to long-term health issues, Philip Pulliam, who had served as the town’s part-time budget officer since 2016, took a leave of absence in early December; during a Dec. 20 special called meeting the council voted to hire Stokesdale-based accountant Kimberly Thacker as a temporary contract employee for an estimated 45-50 hours at a total cost of $4,500 to clear out a backlog of financial records and help install the 2019 version of QuickBooks. Thacker was sworn in Jan. 10 as the town’s temporary budget officer.

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“That gives us time to figure out what we’re doing,” Mayor John Flynt said the following day. Besides not having someone performing the budget officer’s duties for part of last year, Houk is still in the process of manually updating financial transactions from last year into the new version of QuickBooks; meanwhile, a combined actual-versusprojected budget report for the last quarter of 2018 and 2019 to-date has not been available. At the March 14 meeting, Bill Jones expressed exasperation at not having “a complete financial statement in six months” and said, “We’re getting bits and pieces.” Echoing Bill Jones’ frustration, Tim Jones motioned to again hire a financial professional to get the town caught up on its financial recordkeeping. “This has been going on for five or six months,” Tim Jones stated. “I’m very frustrated. This is no way to handle municipal money. We have to make sure we are handling the citizens’ money properly and are not violating any statutes regarding expenditure of municipal money.”

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In a follow-up conversation with the Northwest Observer, Houk explained

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...continued from p. 1

that until last fall the town had conducted its financial recordkeeping by “old school” methods, with manual entries and a calculator. When a decision was made last fall to upgrade from a 2012 version of QuickBooks to the 2019 version of the financial software, steps were taken to move the financial records online and sync them with the town’s online bank account records. That was a big step forward – except, “anything done in QuickBooks prior to December is still in the old, manual-entry QB program,” Houk said. “To get the actual-versus-projected budget from July 2018 (the beginning of the new fiscal year) to match up, we have to manually move everything to the online system,” she explained. “When Mr. Pulliam left, it took about two months to get a replacement for him. I had worked with him, but I didn’t write checks and work with the budget. We had to figure out his filing system, because things that made sense to him didn’t necessarily make sense to us. It was very time-consuming. Kim Thacker and I worked two and a half weeks solid just getting everything ready to go online with what was current, manually setting up every single account we have and then getting the online banking set up.” Houk said all of the financials are available for council review, but the financials from the last quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019 have not yet been merged into the same report. Responding to Bill and Tim Jones’ concerns over the town’s financial state, Mayor John Flynt told them two representatives with the N.C. Treasury Department had met with him and Houk last month for about two and a half hours, during which time the Treasury reps asked several questions

and reviewed the town’s budget and separation of duties. The town was given a “clean bill of health,” Flynt assured them. Subsequent motions were both made and withdrawn as council members debated possible solutions for getting the town’s financial recordkeeping up to date. Finally, Flynt turned to Bill Jones and said he would withdraw his second to a motion on the table and give Jones the chance to come back next month with a written proposal from a financial professional to help get the town’s recordkeeping in order. “We’ll leave it in your hands,” Flynt told Bill Jones. About five minutes later, Flynt’s motion to transfer town funds from SunTrust to a cash sweep account with the Bank of Oak Ridge was rejected by Bill and Tim Jones, with the latter saying, “In the absence of a financial spreadsheet I’m just not comfortable voting because I can’t see where money is being transferred from one account to another.” Bill Jones followed suit, saying, “I vote no, for the same reason.” The motion carried 3-2. Council member Frank Bruno’s authority was questioned next, after he made a motion to approve an annual contract with Beaver Outdoor Solutions in the amount of $845 per week for the 38-week growing season to mow, trim, blow debris, weed, aerate, prune, and provide other services to maintain the town hall and park property. “When did we authorize Frank to spend money?” Bill Jones asked, to which Bruno responded he had been appointed to chair the town’s Property Committee following Bill Jones resigning from the chairman’s position last year. The town has been spending about $11,000 a year to have its property

mowed and Jones said he wouldn’t approve spending $30,000 or more per year to maintain town property. He later added, “But you all have three votes to do anything you want to do – that’s been proven.” Weighing in on the matter, Tim Jones asked, “We can’t find the money to hire an accountant and we’re going to spend this kind of money?” to which Flynt replied, “We’ve got the money … we can’t find anyone at the rate you want to pay.” Bruno’s motion was approved 3-2, with Bill and Tim Jones opposed. Bruno’s subsequent motions to approve a proposal for engineered wood fiber safety material for the park’s playground borders in the amount of $5,582; a $3,868.62 proposal for permanent molded borders in the park’s volleyball area; and $15,227.89 for picnic shelter tables and benches and mats for underneath the swings and slide were approved 3-2, with Bill and Tim Jones opposed.

In other action, the council voted: 4-1 (with Tim Jones opposed) to spend up to $1,000 for a concrete base for the town clock and run electricity to it; 5-0 to accept a $4,000 donation from a citizen to cover the balance due on the clock after a state grant for downtown revitalization was applied; 5-0 to set up a training session with Planning Board and Ordinance Review members following the members watching a series of training modules; 4-1 (with Bill Jones opposed) to hire S&ME, at $2,900, to write design/engineer specs, prepare a proposal and meet with vendors submitting bids for repainting the town’s water tank; 3-2 to approve three budget amendments (Bill and Tim Jones opposed); and 5-0 to increase the deputy town clerk’s pay from $14.42 to $15 per hour. Read more coverage of the March 14 council meeting in next week’s Northwest Observer.

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goal of deciding upon a candidate to challenge Dunham.

There’s talk that former Sheriff BJ Barnes may run for mayor of Summerfield. Has he confirmed that? We spoke with Barnes last week and he said he’s not yet decided whether to enter the Summerfield mayor’s race. Mayor Gail Dunham is up for reelection in November, and Barnes said defeating her is the primary reason he’d run. “Summerfield deserves a better mayor,” Barnes told us. At the urging of supporters, he said he’s considering a run for the mayor’s office or possibly seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives or the North Carolina legislature. He said he’s talking to allies in Summerfield with a

“She’s scared to death that I’m going to run against her,” said Barnes, adding that he’s got about $40,000 in his campaign fund to challenge the mayor. “I’ve got many, many, many people in Summerfield who’ve asked me to do it.” “Bring it on,” Dunham told us when we called her for comment on Monday. “Look at his record now.” The mayor was referring to recent claims by Sheriff Danny Rogers, who defeated Barnes in November. Rogers told Summerfield Town Council members last week that Barnes and his staff had shredded documents and removed computers from the Sheriff’s Office in an effort to impede Rogers’ transition into office. Barnes denied the accusations. An internal audit

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“I think there is a real good chance that he may run for mayor,” she said. Dunham said she will announce closer to the July 5 candidate filing deadline whether she will seek reelection in the Nov. 5 election. She said BJ and Dena Barnes ought to “turn the corner” and “enjoy their time at the beach and maybe do some of the things in life that give them pleasure. whatever time Suite 8004With Linville Road, they have left, I wish them well.”

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“The more I hear from the mayor barbourwilliams.c of Summerfield, the farther I’m pushed,” said BJ Barnes, citing the mayor’s criticism of town staff as a mark against her. “To have people treated the way Gail Dunham has treated them is inexcusable.”

“I have nothing to do with town staff,” Dunham told us. “I’m not berating town staff.” She added, however, she disagrees with how Town Manager Scott Whitaker is doing his job.

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Barnes’ wife, Dena, told us this week she’s not running for reelection in November after serving on the Summerfield Town Council for 22 years. If her husband were to win the mayor’s race, he would take office next year as she’s leaving office.

“Our mayor constantly tries to micromanage,” Dena Barnes said.

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Click “community calendar” on the left-hand side Deadline for inclusion in each week’s issue is

ment will sell BBQ March 23, 11 a.m. at its station, 8401 U.S. 158. $8 per plate or per pound; cole slaw $2 per container. For more info and to pre-order, call (336) 643-0790.

 Stop, Drop and Roll 5K | Summerfield Fire Department will hold its fourth annual Stop, Drop and Roll 5K March 30 at Summerfield Fire Department, 7400 Summerfield Road. Sparky’s Dash starts at 8:45 a.m.; 5K begins at 9 a.m. Register online by March 29, 9 a.m. at jonesracingcompany.com/ stopdropandroll5k.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 23

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ervation Commission is taking applications for matching grants up to $2,000 to preserve historic properties in Oak Ridge. Application deadline is March 25. More info and application: www.oakridgenc.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26  MS Self-Help Group Meeting | The MS Be Strong

self-help group will meet March 26, 6:15 p.m. at Main Street United Methodist Church, 306 S. Main St. in Kernersville. The group, which strives to help those with multiple sclerosis to live the best lives they can by sharing information and personal experiences, meets every fourth Tuesday of the month. Those

The Match 5K” will take place April 6, 7:30 a.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive in Oak Ridge. With your support in fundraising as an individual or team, you help more patients afford a transplant, add potential marrow donors to the Be The Match Registry and make more life-saving research possible. More info and to register: http://www. bethematchfoundation.org.

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ing Center, based in Summerfield, will hold a fundraiser Sunday, April 14, 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Farms, 3203 Pleasant Ridge, Summerfield. Stephanie

9 a.m. on Mondays Quayle, CMT’s Next Women of Country’s 2019 Inductee, will be performing. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, live and silent auction. Purchase tickets for $75 each at www.HorseFriendsNC.org/tickets.

UPCOMING TOWN MEETINGS  |Visit oakridgenc.com, summerfieldnc.gov and stokesdale.org for town council, board and committee meeting dates, locations and times.

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Carl and Frances Young happily celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 15. Residents of Summerfield, the Youngs were married March 15, 1959. They have three children: Bruce Young, deceased; Kelly Young and his wife, Nancy, of Summerfield; and Jill Reinhardt and her husband, Charles, of State Road, North Carolina. They also have two grandchildren: Hillary Young of Kernersville and Clayton Young of Colfax.

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CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County ... PROPERTY/VEHICLE THEFT MARCH 13 | At 5:41 a.m. a resident of the 6200 block of Bradford Place Court in Summerfield reported several items were stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked in her driveway; the stolen items included three iPads and a purse containing two rings, a wallet, debit

card, cash and keys to another vehicle parked at the residence, which the suspect subsequently also stole. The incident occurred between 4:30 p.m. March 12 and 5:41 a.m. March 13. Regarding the above incident, Capt. Brian Hall of the sheriff’s District 1 office said the suspects, who

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were later apprehended, had stolen a car in Greensboro and while driving it through Summerfield they appeared to have picked this neighborhood along N.C. 150 at random. “They went to another few houses (in the neighborhood) and tugged on doors of other cars that were locked,” Hall said. “They weren’t interested in busting windows.” Residents are reminded to always lock the doors to their vehicles and remove all valuables.

ARRESTS/CITATIONS MARCH 12 | A 36-year-old male was arrested in the 8600 block of Ellisboro Road in Stokesdale at 2:08 p.m. for a charge of breaking and entering and a charge of communicating threats. MARCH 12 | A 49-year-old female was cited at 9:43 a.m. in the 6400 block of Lake Brandt Road in Summerfield for larceny. The suspect was arrested on March 15 for the larceny charge. MARCH 12 | A 29-year-old male was arrested at 10:02 p.m. in the 8700 block of Warner Road in Stokesdale for multiple charges, including: two charges of failure to appear in court on a felony, breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods,

larceny of a motor vehicle, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, second degree trespassing, and hit and run with property damage. MARCH 15 | A 29-year-old male was arrested at 7:56 p.m. in the 8600 block of Warner Road in Stokesdale for pointing a gun at another person and injury to personal property. MARCH 17 | A 21-year-old female was arrested at 1:57 a.m. near the intersection of U.S. 220 N./N.C. 150 W. in Summerfield for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance and driving with an open container of alcohol. MARCH 17 | A 20-year-old female was arrested at 1:55 a.m. near the intersection of U.S. 220 N./N.C. 150 W. in Summerfield for consuming alcohol under the age of 21, driving while intoxicated, and speeding. MARCH 17 | A 19-year-old female was cited at 9:06 p.m. near the interchange of I-73/U.S. 158 in Summerfield for speeding. MARCH 17 | A 19-year-old female was cited at 9:16 p.m. near the interchange of 1-73/U.S. 158 in Summerfield for

...continued on p. 30

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Golden Antiques will soon be returning as anchor tenant to Summerﬁeld Square shopping center on U.S. 220. Residents hope the store’s return will help revitalize the long neglected shopping center which is very visibly located along the four-lane highway running through the heart of Summerﬁeld.

12 Long-neglected Summerfield

Square welcomes new tenants

Real Estate Briefs

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Gina and John Childress say most of their 70 vendors will move with them to Golden Antiques’ new location in Summerﬁeld Square next month.

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS

Wilhelm makes ‘10 Best’ real estate professionals list The American Institute of Real Estate Professionals has recognized Summerfield resident/ Realtor Andrea Wilhelm as 2018 “10 Best Real Estate Professionals for Client Satisfaction.”

Andrea Wilhelm

The AIOREP, a third-party rating organization, publishes an annual list

of the Top 10 real estate professionals in each state. Professionals who are selected to the list must pass the organization’s rigorous selection process, which is based on client and/or peer nominations, thorough research and AIOREP’s independent evaluation. Selection criteria focuses on professionals who demonstrate the highest standards of client satisfaction. Wilhelm, owner of The Art of Southern Realty, can be reached at andrea@theartofsouthernrealty.com or (336) 209-8879.

Have real estate news to share? e-mail: realestatenews@nwobserver.com

Thinking about buying or selling a home?

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Summerﬁeld Mayor Gail Dunham (at left) talks to developer Ken Mackovic about his plans for a subdivision on Lake Brandt Road across from James Doak Parkway, as Clark Doggett, an alternate on the town’s Zoning Board, looks at a sketch of the project. About 10 people attended an open house at Summerﬁeld Town Hall Tuesday to learn about Mackovic’s request to rezone nearly 20 acres from agricultural to RS-40 for as many as 14 single-family houses. The town’s Zoning Board plans to consider the request at its meeting next Monday, March 25. The board’s recommendation will be considered by the town council, which may vote on the rezoning at its regular monthly meeting April 9, Town Manager Scott Whitaker said. Public hearings for residents to speak for or against the rezoning are planned at both meetings.

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Stonebridge $569,000 MLS 911845 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Carlson Farms $550,000 MLS 912303 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233

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Woodvale $365,000 MLS 916231 Frances Giamimo 336-362-2605 Brenda Weldon 336-601-5048

Wilson Farms $324,900 MLS 882397 Michelle Porter 336-207-0515

Oak Ridge $283,000 MLS 901995 Susanne McIntire 336-601-5929

Greensboro National Golf Course $99,900 MLS 852711 Jacob Letterman 336-338-0136 Johnnye Letterman 336-601-6012

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©2019 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

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SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Square is stirring, adding a bike shop and planning for the return of Golden Antiques & Treasures as part of the landlord’s plan to fill empty storefronts and renovate the long-neglected shopping center. Gina and John Childress, owners of Golden Antiques, are telling customers they’re moving back to Summerfield Square four years after the center’s management company raised the rent on former owners Kevin and Wendy Golden, prompting them to move their store to Stokesdale. This week, Kotis workers started ripping up old floor tiles as part of a refurbishing step. Adam and Sabrina French opened their bike shop, Downtown BMX and Downtown Bicycle Works, in the center last week in space next to Town and Country Barber Shop. On Monday, David Swift, Kotis’ financial chief, showed vacant spaces to another prospective renter. He said the Greensboro-based developer hopes to lease all of the space in the next few months, setting the stage for a renovation of the center. Tenants are hopeful the flurry of activity will translate into a comeback for what’s often referred to as “the old Food Lion shopping center” or “Dollar General

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shopping center” on U.S. 220 south of N.C. 150. Theresa Sanchez, who owns Town and Country Barber Shop with her son David, envisions the return of Golden Antiques as the center’s anchor store generating walk-in traffic for other tenants. “I’m tired of being one of the only businesses here,” said Sanchez, pausing between customers in the shop she’s operated for 19 years. “Maybe people will stop calling it an eyesore.” From its faded sign on the highway to crumbling asphalt in the parking lot, Summerfield Square is a long way from fulfilling what Kotis calls “the unique opportunity to not only create something new, but also to set a standard for all who come after you.” The property listing on the developer’s website goes on to read, “The sky is the limit here!” Aside from developing and leasing commercial real estate and serving on UNC’s Board of Governors, CEO Marty Kotis builds restaurants across the southeastern United States. Locally, they include Pig Pounder Brewery and Burger Warfare on Battleground Avenue in Greensboro. They’re located along a stretch near Wendover Avenue that Kotis dubbed Midtown, a cluster of commercial buildings he’s remaking into an entertainment hub. “Beautifying commercial buildings and endearing them with long-lasting quality are high priorities for him,” reads an article about Kotis on the company’s website. Kotis didn’t return phone calls to his office this week seeking comment on his plans for Summerfield Square, nor did his father, Bill Kotis. Swift, the financial chief, declined to discuss plans other than to say he’s meeting with prospective tenants for the Summerfield center.

Home will be similar to rendering

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Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

“It’s a perfect spot for us,’’ said Adam French, who recently moved Downtown BMX and Downtown Bicycle Works to Summerﬁeld Square from downtown Greensboro. Dating back to 1983, the roughly 45,100-square-foot center with two facing strips of storefronts lost Food Lion as its anchor in 2000 when the supermarket moved across U.S. 220. It struggled for nearly a decade until Golden Antiques took over the space. In recent years, the widening of U.S. 220 eliminated one of three entrances to the center where the barber shop, Dollar General and Kim School Tai Kwon Do are the most visible tenants because they actually have signs over their doors. The center lost one of its longest-term tenants, Summerfield Family Chiropractic, in 2016 when the practice moved to a new building nearby at Summerfield and Auburn roads. One hub of shopping center activity is the Jumping Bean, where Kevin Murray is starting his eighth year as owner of the drive-by coffee hut. He remembers cars crowding the parking lot in front of Golden Antiques. Its return “is going to be good for Summerfield Square and the town of Summerfield,” he said. As the center draws new tenants, it has the potential to become “the Oak Ridge Commons of Summerfield,” said

Murray, referring to Oak Ridge’s primary shopping center at N.C. 68 and 150. The owners of Golden Antiques and Downtown BMX and Downtown Bicycle Works said they’re eager for fresh starts at Summerfield Square. “Have you heard the news? We’re moving,” Gina Childress said as she rang up a purchase by a long-time Golden Antiques customer from Eden last weekend. Almost all of Golden Antiques’ 70 vendors plan to relocate to the store’s new location in Summerfield, Childress said. One of them is Judy Phetteplace, who rents a 10- X 12-foot booth selling repurposed furniture. “It’s a great family atmosphere,” she said. Childress and her husband, John, bought Golden Antiques from Kevin and Wendy Golden in January 2017. Kevin died unexpectedly in April of that year. Recently, an ownership change in the Stokesdale building rented by Golden Antiques prompted the couple’s decision to move to Summerfield, Gina said. In a Facebook post last week, she

...continued on p. 30

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What features in outdoor space are homebuyers asking for? Don Mills Builders “When homebuyers come to our Parade homes, they love the EZE-Breeze porch which keeps out the pollen Annette Mills and the bugs,” said Annette Mills, referring to an enclosure of sliding vinyl panels and screens. “It keeps the temperature more constant so even when it is a little chilly outside, it feels terrific in your room. When you open the EZE-Breeze windows, it can be a little bit warmer or a little bit cooler. If you’re using your outdoor fireplace on the porch, you’ve got fresh air coming in. “Aside from the enclosed porches, we also build outdoor grilling patios. People love to grill. “This year we have a neighborhood near Bur-Mill Park called Woodrose. We bought the neighborhood specifically to maximize a family’s access to the great outdoors – they have access to a swimming pool, a golf course and driving range and 23 miles of walking trails for

free. You can just walk across the street with your golf clubs or pool towel.”

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“We meet homebuyers who love the outdoors and those who hate the outdoors,” Rich and

Kathy Dumas told us. “Those who love the outdoors are doing fire pits, patios, grilling areas, sitting walls, etc. We are currently doing two Parade houses with amazing outdoor features. “One house has an EZVue enclosure next to a deck with an outdoor kitchen and sitting bar. (EZVue is another brand of porch enclosures.) The second house has an open heated and cooled sunroom that leads to a beautiful fire pit and sitting wall with landscape lighting. “People who are not as much into

nature and the outdoor world are doing EZVue enclosures with fireplaces so they can enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of their bug- and pollenfree porches.”

couple house contracts right now that include pools. “The option for salinization over chlorination in the water makes pool maintenance easier. Some people who are installing pools are also buying covers that are fully automated. You hit a button and it opens and closes over the pool. It holds up to 1,000 pounds, so you can walk on it. No trash or debris gets under the cover into the pool.

Walraven Signature Homes “Screened porches are obviously a big draw,” Matt said. “We are also doing a lot of outdoor living spaces with technology such Matt Walraven as televisions and speakers under screened porches.

“You’re going to spend $60,000 to $80,000 on a vinyl liner pool, so another $10,000 to $15,000 on a cover is a moot point. Most people we talk to call it a safety cover. It keeps your children safe.”

“People like spaces that flow from inside their homes to enclosed porches. In some of our higher pricepoint homes, we’re installing accordion doors that open up and collapse into the walls. They’re heavy duty and strong. They create free-flowing spaces for dinner, relaxing and entertaining.

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SUMMERFIELD town council Tuesday, March 12 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor Gail Dunham called the monthly council meeting to order. Mayor Pro Tem Dena Barnes and council members John O’Day, Teresa Pegram, Dianne Laughlin and Reece Walker were present, as were Town Manager Scott Whitaker, Finance Officer Dee Hall, Town Clerk Lance Heater and Town Attorney Bill Hill. Rev. Marti Reed Hazelrigg, pastor of Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the introduction of council members and town staff. The council approved the meeting agenda, meeting minutes from Jan. 25-26 (council’s annual retreat)

and Feb. 12 monthly council meeting, and a budget amendment.

ANNOUNCEMENTS  Council member Reece Walker announced Linda Southard, longtime and former chair of the town’s Historical Committee, has been selected as grand marshal for the Founders’ Day Parade. She has given “years and years of service” to the town, Walker said.  Dunham thanked the Historical Committee for sponsoring two workshops last month led by Northwest Guilford High School history teacher Ray Parrish. The mayor said she attended a

work session March 8 for officials of field Farms on Pleasant Ridge Road Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Stokesdale on Sunday, April 14. Participants can and Guilford County to discuss a log onto the district’s Facebook page proposed regional water system. (See for free tickets. related article on p. 1 of the NWO’s The district is planning a kids’ sumMarch 14-20 issue.) She said mer fire camp on June 24-28 a major focus of the for rising third- through meeting was to ensure NEXT MEETING fifth-graders. Applicaa system, if built, Tuesday, April 9 • 6:30pm tions for 24 spots would be “selfare available at Summerfield Community Center funding.” Station 9 on Sum5404 Centerfield Road Walker asked merfield Road or the mayor to CONTACT YOUR TOWN can be printed make it clear (336) 643-8655 from the district’s at the group’s clerk@summerfieldnc.gov Facebook page. next work session www.summerfieldnc.gov Sheriff’s Office. that Summerfield Jeremy Fuller, first is “not committed to lieutenant and assistant spend any monies at this commander of the sherpoint.” iff’s District 1 office, said his staff Later in the meeting, Town Manresponded to three residential burglarager Scott Whitaker said officials ies and four larcenies among 126 calls attending the work session asked for service in Summerfield last month. consultant Timmons Group to provide Some warrants have been issued for more conservative estimates for how the burglaries, he noted. many people would tap into a regional The district’s average response water system and how much water time in northwest Guilford County they would use. declined to “about eight minutes and 30-something seconds” in February EMERGENCY SERVICES Fire District. Asst. Chief Jenna Daniels from “a little over nine minutes” in January, Fuller said. reported Summerfield Fire District responded to 21 fire-related calls, 55 EMS-related calls and 20 other calls in February, and firefighters installed 10 car seats.

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The district’s fourth annual Stop, Drop and Roll 5K walk/run is scheduled for Saturday, March 30. Participants can register at jonesracingcompany.com. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact the district or visit its Facebook page for more info. Proceeds from the 5K will be split among Summerfield Firefighters Charitable Corp., Summerfield Elementary School and Summerfield Charter Academy. Firefighters will make chili to serve after the walk/run. Daniels said the district will also hold an Easter egg hunt at Summer-

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

He urged residents to be on the lookout for those posing as door-todoor salespeople. Residents should lock their garage and house doors when they go outside to do yard work and they should call 911 if they’re suspicious about individuals who approach their home to sell something, Fuller said. “Sometimes they’re legitimate, sometimes they’re not,” he said. Fuller then introduced Sheriff Danny Rogers and members of his command staff. During his remarks, Rogers said the destruction of papers and removal of computers in the sheriff’s office forced him to start from “ground zero” when he took over in January. In a follow-up interview, former sheriff BJ Barnes, who is married

to Summerfield Councilwoman Dena Barnes, said Rogers’ claims were false. (See related article on p. 1.)

COMMITTEE REPORTS Historical. Chair Gary Brown said the committee asked him to prepare a summary of research conducted to determine whether the Saunders Inn on N.C. 150 at Deboe Road can be salvaged. He said he plans to provide the summary to the town council and David Couch, owner of the crumbling historic inn. Brown described the duties of the committee “to correct some apparent misunderstandings in the community” about its objectives. For instance, he took issue with an email circulated by Dunham in which she said the committee “is now working for restoration of the Saunders Inn.” Brown told the council the email is “incorrect.” (See related news item on p. 3 in the NWO’s March 14-20 issue.)

Walker asked Dunham to correct her email and she replied, “Sure.”

Trails and Open Space. Chair Jane Doggett said committee members plan to participate in the Founders’ Day parade and they are working on activities for the tent they will have at Founders’ Day. Founders’ Day. Whitaker said preparations for the 23rd annual festival scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18, are “progressing well.” Visit www.summerfieldnc.gov and select the “Parks & Rec & Events” tab at the top of the homepage for more info about Founders’ Day.

PUBLIC COMMENTS  Beth Kaplan said she was “really disappointed” that Dunham hadn’t yet fulfilled public records requests for the mayor’s town business-related emails sent and received via her various personal email accounts, which include gdunham@aol.com and

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“You shouldn’t have run for mayor,” Kaplan said. “I’m still doing fine here,” Dunham said. Kaplan also asked Dunham to add her to the email distribution list for a town-related newsletter the mayor periodically sends out. Later in the meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Barnes also asked Dunham to add her to the email distribution list and Councilman Walker asked that all council members be added to the list.  Dwayne Crawford said he wanted to revisit discussion at the council’s February meeting regarding legal expenses. He said he disagreed with comments Town Attorney Bill Hill made at that meeting in response to Danny Nelson distributing copies of a section of North Carolina’s general statutes that supported his opposition to the use of taxpayers’ dollars to defend council member Dianne Laughlin, who was sued by former council member Todd Rotruck. Crawford said Hill stated the statute Nelson cited isn’t applicable to Rotruck’s suit naming Laughlin and that it was “absolutely laughable” to say the town can’t defend a sitting council member in litigation.  Following up on Crawford’s comments, Danny Nelson also spoke and took issue with Hill’s comments. “The word ‘laughable’ kind of hit on me,” Nelson said.

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...continued on p. 22

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MARCH 21 - 27, 2019

TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 21

the council adopted a new statemandated schedule for the retention and disposition of town documents and recordings. In response to questioning by Dunham, Whitaker said the town keeps audio recordings of meetings for six months. Video recordings of meetings remain indefinitely on the town’s Facebook page, Town Clerk Heater said. Whitaker then provided an update on three projects:

U.S. 220 from the pedestrian tunnel under the highway northward to Summerfield Road. Estimated construction cost is $98,030 and engineering fees $30,500, he said. Those combined costs are less than the $150,000 authorized by the council, Whitaker noted, adding a retaining wall along the sidewalk will not be necessary, which helps hold down the sidewalk cost. Construction of a shelter at Summerfield Athletic Park should be completed by the end of June, Whitaker said.

Town staff is evaluating three concepts by engineering firm Freese and Nichols Inc. for the design of parking lot improvements at Summerfield Community Park.

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Whitaker said he instructed Freese and Nichols to proceed with a proposed 600-foot-long sidewalk along

She said when she looked recently, she discovered that minutes from a closed session in Nov. 10, 2014, and

 Council member Pegram said she’s concerned about information “that’s on our website and what’s not there.”

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of Dunham’s request.

two closed sessions on April 10 and April 30, 2007, were missing.

 Before the council voted to enter into closed session, Walker asked Dunham and Pegram whether they had signed non-disclosure agreements stating they wouldn’t share info about discussions that took place in closed session. Both said they had not signed agreements.

“How do we know they are missing?” Walker said. “I don’t think I’ve ever gone on a witch hunt for minutes.” “It’s not a witch hunt,” Pegram responded. “I want to know if we have in this Town Hall all the documents that we are supposed to have.” Whitaker said although he doesn’t have the original minutes from the 2014 closed session, he does keep copies of all minutes, including those from 2014, under lock and key in Town Hall. He said he found them “in three minutes.” It’s possible that previous town staff may have put minutes from the two closed sessions in 2007 in storage or on CDs, Whitaker added. Pegram said she was also concerned when she learned that an amendment to the town’s charter in 2008 wasn’t immediately recorded after the legislature approved it.  Dunham requested that Town Clerk Heater notify council members by email when draft minutes from council meetings are posted on the town’s website.  Councilman O’Day told the mayor she was engaging in “micromanagement” of town staff because minutes are posted within 10 days of meetings. Given the 10-day requirement, Whitaker said he “doesn’t see the purpose”

“You’ve held progress in the town hostage, and we haven’t had a closed session for quite some time,” said Walker, urging council members not to record the session secretly. O’Day said the council had adopted a policy last June that members wouldn’t record closed sessions without permission of the council. The discord stemmed from Dunham’s posting on YouTube last year a portion of her recording of the council’s closed session on April 23, 2018. The mayor reiterated her view that she had posted the recording after O’Day had misrepresented what transpired in the session. O’Day said he spoke truthfully about the meeting. “I would like to have it videotaped in there,” said Pegram, referring to closed sessions. The council then voted to go into closed session to discuss a possible real estate transaction. After half an hour, the meeting was reconvened and no additional action or discussion took place before it was adjourned at 9:11 p.m.

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Your smile has waited long enough. New smile, new you! Matthew J. Olmsted, DDS MS Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Suite CC (336) 441-7007

olmstedorthodontics.com STUDENT PROFILES Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Savannah Tuhro, art by STEWART MCCLINTOCK Freshman Savannah Tuhro, a student in Kathryn Sayani’s art class at Northern Guilford, enjoys observing the world around her and then using her artistic skills to recreate it. “I love to be free with art and I really like to draw what I see. I like doing contour drawings of hands,” Tuhro told the Northwest Observer. “I’ve done my best work so far with pencil and paper, but I enjoy acrylic paint, which is what I have the most experience with. I’ve learned so much from Ms. Sayani and I’m really looking forward to the next three years and gaining as much knowledge as I can about all the different styles of art.” Turho is a member of Northern’s Battle of the Books Club; her favorite books she and club members have read so far have been “Stalking Jack the Ripper” by Kerri Maniscalco and “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie.

“I really enjoy mystery books,” she said. Tuhro also was a member of Northern’s JV volleyball team this year, where she played the outside hitter position, and enjoys playing Junior Olympic volleyball for Carolina Spike Force Volleyball Club. Although only a freshman, Tuhro already has her sights set on attending the University of Missouri after high school and taking pre-med classes, then furthering her studies so she can

become either an anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist or pharmacist.

On a side note… Q: What is your favorite food? A: “Chinese food.” Q: Do you have a favorite movie? A: “A Silent Voice.” Q: Favorite book? A: “‘Airman’ by Eoin Colfer.” Q: Favorite musical genre or artist? A: “I like country music, and I really like Toby Keith and Brad Paisley.” Q: Favorite celebrity? A: “I like Chris Hemsworth, especially in his role as Thor. He’s a really good actor.” Q: Do you have a role model? A: “My mom. She’s such a great lady. She works really hard to take care of all of us and has helped and supported me with volleyball, art and anything I wanted to take up.” Q: Do you have any pets? A: “I have a gray tabby cat named Jupiter.” Q: Where would you go on a dream vacation?

A: “Japan. There’s so much culture there.” Q: What would you leave in a time capsule for people 100 years from now to find? A: “Just basic things – you never know what the world will forget. And simple things that describe me, like a crochet needle and a volleyball.” Q: What is something we all could do to make the world a better place? A: “Interact a lot better with each other, meet new people and be open to embracing other cultures.” Q: What’s something unique about you that many people may not know? A: “My mom calls me a Renaissance girl. I like to go antique shopping and I like to crochet, but I also like animé (computer animations originating from, or associated with, Japan) and video games.” Q: Would you share one more thing about yourself with our readers? A: “Although I always think everything needs to be perfect, it’s never going to be in life or art and we have to embrace the imperfections.”

Over 250 children in Guilford County will go to court alone Become a Guardian Ad Litem and advocate for an abused or neglected child

(336) 412-7580 | volunteerforgal.org

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MARCH 21 - 27, 2019

GRINS and GRIPES A+

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 AOC (Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez) – she rocks! She may be radical, but her Green Deal needs to happen. We are killing the earth. If radical measures are not implemented soon, we will all be gone. Poisoning your own food and water is suicidal and stupid.  Van Denton, the best weatherman by far, for talking to us intelligently and giving us insights that others fail to provide.  Town of Oak Ridge for considering roundabouts. They are a much better solution for traffic than stop lights.

GRIPES to...  The pickup driver barreling out of CVS left on March 14, onto

on the

150 West. You went into the left turn lane but proceeded straight through the intersection and almost hit me. You are the reason we are getting roundabouts.  Simple-minded people whose attempts to refute the advantages of roundabouts boil down to “Ya, boo, sucks! We don’t understand them.” Please borrow a brain and try to understand that they allow traffic to proceed unhindered, never fail, and last forever.  The home builder who is making my neighborhood roads a muddy mess and not cleaning up their work area.  Those who think their morals should rely on what they live in or on – i.e., mobile home parks and dirt roads are made to disrespect by speeding. At some point you must decide to be a decent human with morals!  To the girl working in the local grocery store deli who put on gloves then touched everything else, then cut/ touched our deli meat with the same gloves on. Yuck! That’s not how you’re supposed to do it!

GO? so is NWO!

read our

e-edition

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MARCH 21 - 27, 2019

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With

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SHERIFF, PREDECESSOR CLASH ...continued from p. 1

tiate that “vital documents were disposed of.” It said that “it appears that these documents were personal in nature” or were “duplicates of official County documents held elsewhere.”

iff and his staff to retrieve departmental information. The fourth complaint was redacted, or blacked out, in a copy of the audit released this week by Robin Keller, clerk to the Guilford County Board of Commissioners.

Computers for Rogers’ command staff were removed to assist with the installation of new and updated machines, following practices of the Sheriff’s Office, according to the audit. It said that “all information on these computers was and remained secure.”

“They came up with the fact that there was no validity to anything he said in that meeting the other night,” said Barnes, who said he was questioned as part of the audit. “Here’s the bad part,” he said. “I knew what the internal audit said before (Rogers) made those statements. He knew what the internal audit said before he made those statements. But yet he still made those statements.”

The audit said it couldn’t substantiate Rogers’ concern that county information was taken by Barnes or his staff. It confirmed the former sheriff and one of his staff members “used thumb drives to remove personal information from their work (county) computers.”

Max Benbassat, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office, didn’t reply to an email and phone message this week asking when Rogers learned about results of the audit.

The audit also found 27 highcapacity thumb drives were received in the Sheriff’s Office during the transition. However, it couldn’t determine how those devices were used or where they’re located.

Chad Muhlestein, the county’s director of internal audit, delivered the report to County Manager Marty Lawing along with a letter dated March 13, a day after Rogers spoke in Summerfield. Muhlestein’s letter refers to his department’s “findings and recommendations for the recently completed review of concerns raised by Sheriff Rogers.”

A statement by Benbassat to the news media last week said “there was some miscommunication between the Sheriff’s Department and Internal Audit that resulted in a failure of the auditors to completely explore the situation.”

The audit said it couldn’t substan-

compassionate

personal caring responsive

Auditors didn’t visit the Sheriff’s Office to examine files, Benbassat said. He added the Sheriff’s Office “is currently working to clear up the miscommunication issue and provide the audit department with the facts it needs to properly investigate further.” In a subsequent statement to WFMY TV, the CBS affiliate in Greensboro, Benbassat said “the audit speaks for itself.” It goes on to say that Rogers respects Barnes and appreciates his service. “The issue is that they made the transition as difficult as possible for the new sheriff, and it’s become personal,” Benbassat said. “Now our goal is to move forward and work. We don’t want this to be a thing that we’re discussing for the next few months.” Barnes said he believes Rogers addressed the Summerfield Town Council last week at the invitation of Mayor Gail Dunham. Barnes’ wife, Dena, serves as the council’s mayor pro tem. “The reason he was invited to come up there was to make these statements, in my opinion, to embarrass me and to embarrass Dena,” said Barnes, who is considering running for Summerfield mayor in November. Dunham is up for reelection. (See related article on p. 4) Dunham said she received a telephone call from Rogers Monday, March 11, asking whether he could speak at the town council meeting

the next evening. An hour before the 6:30 p.m. meeting, Dunham said Rogers called her to confirm that he was coming. “I have never instigated any public speaker,” Dunham said in a telephone interview this week. “I have never invited any public speaker. This is the truth. I swear on my grandmother’s Bible.” Dunham said she told Rogers in their phone conversation that “we look forward to seeing you” and she thanked the new sheriff for coming to Summerfield as he prepared to speak. “The people of Summerfield rely on our county sheriff for law enforcement,” Dunham said in the interview. “We need to do everything we can to work with Sheriff Danny Rogers.” She said Barnes and his wife took his loss to Rogers “really hard, and it’s really a shame that he (Barnes) wasn’t professional and said congratulations.” Barnes said he offered Rogers “assistance for a smooth transition” the day after the election. “I’m not going to let this sheriff who got elected because of the Democratic Party and its get-out-the-vote effort sully my reputation or cause problems in areas that don’t need to have problems caused in,” Barnes said. “I’ve got almost 35 years of blood, sweat and tears dedicated to the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office.”

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MARCH 21 - 27, 2019

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AUTO SALES & SERVICE

SAVE THE DATE

2008 HONDA PILOT EXL. AWD, silver, 160K, XM radio, third row. Extra clean and nice. $10,500. (336) 643-3582.

#thenext56days, FREE INTRODUCTION MEETINGS AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. Do you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, low energy, over overweight, can’t sleep, acid reflux? It’s time to take control of your health! Come hear about our program, THE NEXT 56 DAYS. FREE introduction meetings will be held at the following locations and times: Tuesday, April 2, at Giadas Trattoria, 210 N. Main Street, Kernersville. Tuesday, April 9, Countryside Village, 700 U.S. 158, Stokesdale. Both meetings will have assessments beginning at 5:30pm; the intro begins at 6pm. Tuesday, April 16, at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive, Stokesdale. Assessments begin at 9am and the intro begins at 9:30am. Instructed by Tina Combrinck-Graham, Daniel Bar Barnett and Linda Stout. Food samples, fun and prizes! www.thenext56days.com or call (336) 686-7274 for more info.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMERFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT STOP, DROP & ROLL 5K, Saturday, March 30. Sparky's Dash starts at 8:45am and 5K starts at 9am at Summerfield Fire Department, 7400 Summerfield Road. All proceeds benefit Summerfield Firefighters Charitable Cor Corporation, Summerfield Elementary School and Summerfield Charter Academy. Online registration deadline is March 29, 9am. To register visit jonesracingcompany.com/ stopdropandroll5k.

EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR We specialize in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo, Mini and Porsche. 32 years experience. Knight Import Specialty Service, 4559 US Highway 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669.

EMPLOYMENT Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

FULL-TIME POSITIONS available at local landscaping company. Plumbing & construction experience preferred. Send resume to creativegardenspaces@gmail.com. PART-TIME weekend outdoor labor needed. Good pay. (336) 644-1174.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION, Saturday, April 6, 1-5pm, "Free Eco-Fun for Everyone!" Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Road, Greensboro. All free!

NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -12:30pm

INDEX

Auto Sales & Service ................... 27 Employment ............................... 27 Homecare Available .................... 27 Save the Date ............................. 27 Yard Sales ................................... 27 Home Services ....................... 27-29 Misc. for Sale .............................. 29 Misc. Services.............................. 29 Misc. Wanted .............................. 29 Pets & Animal Services ................ 29 Real Estate.................................. 29

Carson Dellosa Education is now hiring SEASONAL WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATES for June, July and August. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Great pay and flexible hours. Perfect opportunity for students. Conveniently located off Pleasant Ridge Road at 657-A Brigham Road, Greensboro. Please contact human resources for a tour at (336) 808-3225.

HIRINGWe? can help! nwobserver.com

HOMECARE AVAILABLE SENIOR CARE PROVIDER AVAILABLE Will take to dr. appts., companionship, light meal prep., errands, hygiene, assist in daily care/activities to help you live comfortably at home. Great references! (336) 898-1130.

Something

going on

Tell northwest Guilford County Place your Save the Date online at

PURCHASE TICKETS NOW for Boots & Buckles Fundraiser. HorseFriends Therapeutic Riding Center, which is based in Summerfield, will have a fundraiser Sunday, April 14, 6:30pm at Summerfield Farms, 3203 Pleasant Ridge, Summerfield. Stephanie Quayle, CMT’s Next Women of Country’s 2019 Inductee, will be performing. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, live and silent auction. Purchase tickets for $75 each at www.HorseFriendsNC.org/tickets.

YARD SALES HUGE MOVING SALE, Sat., Mar. 23, 8am, 4906 Leadenhall Rd., Oak Ridge. Furniture, tools, antiques, toys, clothing, household and collector's items.

HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Repair and service. Checkup special $39.95. Call (336) 382-3750.

OAK RIDGE HISTORIC HERITAGE GRANTS! Up to $2,000 available to preserve historic properties in Oak Ridge. Visit www.oakridgenc.com for info and application. Application deadline: March 25. ARE YOU A NORTHWEST GUILFORD HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR? Apply now for the Merchants of Oak Ridge 2019 Scholarship, a one-time award of $2,000 towards college costs. For application and additional info visit www.merchantsofoakridge.com. Application deadline is Friday, March 29, 4pm.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

CLEANING KOONTZ CLEANING SERVICE, serving Summerfield and surrounding areas since 1985. Quality carpet and upholstery cleaning, tile and grouted floors, leather furniture, Oriental rugs. Ask about our hardwood floor deep-cleaning system and finish application. Spring specials. Please call (336) 643-6323 or (336) 392-8802.

... continued on p. 28

MARCH 21 - 27, 2019

HOME SERVICES

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.

DELIMA LAWNCARE. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. Commercial & Residential. (336) 669-5210.

NC FORESTRY MULCHING Land clearing, vegetation management, pasture reclaiming, ATV trails, site clearing, etc. Environmentally friendly without disrupting the soil! Call (336) 362-6181 or visit ncforestrymulching.com.

SOUTHERN CUTS LAWN CARE, complete lawn maintenance services. 13 years experience. Nathan Adkins, (336) 500-1898.

ABOVE & BEYOND Cleaning & Organizing Service. Residential and commercial quality service, affordable rates. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly. (336) 708-8893. Email, abovenbeyondcservices@gmail.com. CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING Includes gutters, pressure washing, chandeliers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. (336) 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com. MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING $25 off! Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407. QUALITY HOUSE CLEANING at an affordable price. 25 years experience. References provided. Call Libby, (443) 253-5263. MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223. THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN INC. For a one-time clean or bi-weekly, I can fit your schedule. Licensed, bonded and insured. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

ELECTRICAL Need an electrician? Call BLACKMON ELECTRICAL, INC. Free estimates. Commercial & residential. Licensed & insured. Call (336) 430-5018. Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486. BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.

FLOORING MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 yrs. exp. Free est., exc. references. Call (336) 215-8842 or visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com.

28 28

MARCH 2121 - 27, MARCH - 27,2019 2019

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707. MOWER DECKS WELDED & REPAIRED. Pickup and delivery available. Call or text Morris at (336) 880-7498. GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & Service Center. All types sold and repaired; comm./res. 9428 NC Hwy. 65, Stokesdale. (336) 548-9286 or (336) 312-3844. GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail. com, (336) 423-8223.

GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150. ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt. available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035.

FIX YOUR MOWER. Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681. AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate, call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE "We get you mowing!" Comm./res., all models. 2103 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Call (336) 298-4314, landtsmallengineservice.com.

OLD SCHOOL

HOME REPAIR /IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”

Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Painting • Decks and much more! • Insured

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

GRADING / HAULING E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282. BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647.

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LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint, landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764. AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING for all your landscaping needs, including irrigation, installation and repair. Call Joe at J. Gibson Landscaping, an Americanowned and operated small business. Built on Capitalism, not Socialism. In God we trust. (336) 419-7236. ATCHISON LAWN CARE. Honest and dependable. Local. Call (336) 486-9837. SEYMOUR'S LAWNCARE AND LANDSCAPING. Call Simon, (336) 314-1068. COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles. Complete lawn care maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 28 years. (336) 362-5860.

TheThe Northwest Observer • Totally local local sincesince 19961996 Northwest Observer • Totally

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic/Ins. 40 yrs. exp. Lots & natural area thinning and cleanup. Large shrubbery jobs, chipping. Oak Ridge, (336) 643-1119. NC FORESTRY MULCHING. Environmentally friendly clearing without disrupting the soil! 5-star reviews. Call (336) 362-6181 or visit ncforestrymulching.com. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981. HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free estimate. Call (336) 669-5448. GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call Joe at 643-9157. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875. FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete landscape maintenance & hardscaping. Tree work. Reasonable & honest. Call Taylor, (336) 458-6491. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com.

MASONRY MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com.

HOME SERVICES

MISC. WANTED

SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.

WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A and listed with Angie’s List. Call (336) 944-6118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com.

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, golf carts, ATVs, generators, power washers, chain saws, bikes, grills, metal and electrical items, etc. (336) 689-4167.

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS

HOUSE SOFT WASHING. Licensed and insured. Spring into clean. Call before March 30 and save $50! (919) 931-0856, MartinsPressureWashing.com.

GRILLS, FIRE PITS, gas logs, heaters, gas inserts, tankless water heaters. General home repairs. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners

(336) 931-0600

BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed

CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior and exterior. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. (336) 669-5210. STILL PERFECTION PAINTING Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089. CINDY’S PAINTING. Interior painting, wall-paper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155. PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

PRESSURE WASHING

PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873.

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

ROOFING. Best prices in town! Shingle and metal roofing. Top-notch quality. Res./comm., licensed & insured. Financing available. Belews Creek Construction, (336) 362-6343.

MISC. FOR SALE 2016 KEYSTONE RV Passport UltraLite Grand Touring, M2920 BH. 30-feet long, 5,400 lbs. empty. Queen size bed and 4 bunks, slide-out, excellent condition. $17,000. Call (336) 643-1230.

RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project.

TRAILER, TESH BUILT. 5X10, 215 R15 Radial, wheel stand & deluxe lights. Springassisted tailgate. $750, (336) 643-3582.

JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.

SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373.

ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 39 years exp. (336) 362-6343. DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050.

ROOFING CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 580-3245.

ELECTRIC FLOOR HEATER with remote for sale. Only used two times. $100. Call (336) 643-5576.

FOR SALE: VECTRA 1650 Light Commercial Home Gym. Space saving, smooth and versatile. Great condition! $2,700. Text or call (336) 508-4345.

HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT. Looking for caring families to share in a cultural exchange by hosting a high school student attending Caldwell Academy. Transpor Transportation and meals included. Receive $1,100 monthly. For more information please contact rarnold@tbiedu.com.

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. PET SITTING WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING. Registered & Insured. Follow me on Facebook! Call or text, (336) 339-6845. KRISTIN'S PET SITTING, dog walking, daily visits, medications, etc. Vet tech experience. (336) 337-8172.

REAL ESTATE HOME FOR RENT CONVENIENT ONE-LEVEL TOWNHOUSE, no stairs, 2BR/1BA, $800, (336) 392-1454.

HOMES FOR SALE RIVER OAKS COMMUNITY!

MISC. SERVICES SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470. ERRANDS AND MORE, LLC. Providing assistance with general errands for families of all ages including senior-care services, transportation to Dr. appts., house sitting, pick-up & delivery service for Rx, meals & groceries. Additional services available. Insured. Follow us on Facebook at Errands and More, LLC. Call Pam at (336) 202-2420.

MISC. WANTED $$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk or wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

8802 Case Ridge Drive, Oak Ridge Beautiful cul-de-sac home in popular River Oaks community. Stunning private master suite, fenced rear yard, outdoor entertaining options and updated cook’s kitchen. $474,500

DeDe Cunningham REALTOR®/Broker NC Licensed Contractor

(336) 509-1923 dedesrealestategroup.com dedecunningham@kw.com

MARCH 21 - 27, 2019

CRIME/INCIDENTS ...continued from p. 8

driving 15 mph over the speed limit. MARCH 17 | A 36-year-old male was cited at 9:25 p.m. near the interchange of 1-73/U.S. 158 in Summerfield for speeding.

4th

Saturday, March 30

Summerﬁeld Fire Department, 7400 Summerﬁeld Road

Sparky’s Dash starts at 8:45am

5K starts at 9am

MARCH 17 | A 19-year-old female was cited at 12:14 a.m. near the intersection of U.S. 220/Scalesville Road in Summerfield for driving 15 mph over the speed limit. MARCH 17 | A 21-year-old female was cited at 12:43 a.m. near the intersection of U.S. 220/Scalesville Road in Summerfield for possession of a

Schedule VI controlled substance. MARCH 17 | A 17-year-old male was cited at 8:25 p.m. near the intersection of Oak Ridge Road/Zack Road in Oak Ridge for driving 15 mph over the speed limit. MARCH 17 | A 16-year-old female was cited at 8:34 p.m. near the intersection of Oak Ridge Road/N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge for speeding.

District 1 Sheriff’s Office 7506 Summerfield Road Main number: (336) 641-2300 For non-emergency incidents: (336) 373-2222 • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/ our-county/sheriff-s-office

Enjoy chili from Summerﬁeld Fire Department after the run

ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, March 29, at 9 am PLATINUM SPONSOR GOLD SPONSORS

SUMMERFIELD SQUARE ...continued from p. 13

Stokesdale Chapel

SILVER SPONSORS Carroll Lawn Care • Troy and Be�y Stantliff NC Night Ligh�ng • Original Triad Door • Summerfield Scoop Reynolds Orthodon�cs • Surface Concepts, Inc. Grease Monkey Kernersville • JRB Communica�ons Brad’s Lawn Service • Summerfield Farms

BRONZE SPONSORS Highway Realty of the Triad • Berico • Family of Paw Paw Bill Thomas Buck Moore Services Hea�ng and AC • Griffin Vacuum Center Dodson & Company Construc�on • Samuel K. Anders, CPA MSA PC Holliday Landscape & Tree, Inc. • Summerfield Feed Mill All proceeds benefit Summerfield Firefighters Charitable Corporation, Summerfield Elementary School and Summerfield Charter Academy

MARCH 21 - 27, 2019

told followers the store will close March 24. Meanwhile, some vendors renting space have marked down merchandise, hoping to sell it so they don’t have to haul it to Summerfield. John Childress said they hope to reopen the store in Summerfield Square in the next few weeks, though the pace of renovations is uncertain. “Right now, it doesn’t look pretty,” Gina said. “But when we open, it will. It will have a vintage, ‘can’t-wait-to-goinside’ feel.” Adam and Sabrina French spent last weekend moving Downtown BMX and Downtown Bicycle Works to Summerfield Square from a shop on South Elm Street in downtown Greensboro. Their business is actually two shops under

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

one roof, with one selling BMX bikes and the other selling Fuji, Breezer and other brands of racing, road, mountain, comfort and touring bikes. Each shop sells online. Adam describes the business as “a genuine, old-fashioned, mom-and-pop, family-owned bicycle shop” selling new and used cycles, tires, helmets and other accessories. It also offers a full range of repairs as well as custom-building and restoration of bikes, he said. Adam said he’s going to do his part to drum up traffic to Summerfield Square, opening his repair shop on Saturdays free-of-charge to young cyclists who want to work on their bikes. He’d love for cycling groups to start and end rides at his store. “It’s a perfect spot for us,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s going to take foot traffic.”

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ACCOUNTING

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

ORTHODONTICS

By the Book Accounting ..................... 32 Carlotta Lytton, CPA, PA ...................... 6 Kimberly Thacker Accounting............... 6 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC...... 26

Merchants of Oak Ridge....................... 2

Nature’s Select ..................................... 3 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery . 20 Old School Home Repair ................... 28 Prostone Inc. ..................................... 24 Stokesdale Heating & Air ................... 22 Southern States ............................ Insert

Olmsted Orthodontics ........................ 23

AUTOMOTIVE SALES/SERVICES Vestal Buick GMC .............................. 24

BUILDERS Builders MD........................................ 13 Dezern Construction Inc. .................... 14 Disney Custom Homes ....................... 14 Don Mills Builders ............................... 15 Johnson & Lee.................................... 17 Lansink Custom Homes...................... 14 Naylor Custom Homes ....................... 16 R&K Custom Homes .......................... 19 Ray Bullins Construction ..................... 18 Walraven Signature Homes ................ 18

DENTAL SERVICES Borden Dentistry................................. 21 Summerfield Family Dentistry ............... 6

EVENTS Greensboro Ideal Home Show............ 12 SFD Stop, Drop, and Roll 5K ..............30

INSURANCE Justin Fulp, Farm Bureau Insurance ...... 6

FUNERAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES/ Forbis & Dick, Stokesdale ................... 32 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Barbour & Williams Law ....................... 4 HEALTH/FITNESS YMCA of Greensboro ........................... 8

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES BEK Paint Company ........................... 29 Budget Blinds ...................................... 6 Carpets by Direct ................................. 7

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................. 6 Northwest Animal Hospital ................ 26 Westergaard Kennels ......................... 22

REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty .......................... 32 Berkshire Hathaway Yost & Little ........ 11 DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams .... 29

Guardian Ad Litem Program .............. 23 Scott Tippett, Hagan Barrett PLLC ..... 21

Hawes Real Estate.............................. 10

MEDICAL CARE

Nicole Gillespie, Remax ........................ 8

Dove Medical Supply .......................... 25 LeBauer Healthcare ............................. 5

KW Builder by Design ........................... 3 Piedmont Rental Homes....................... 6 Smith Marketing ................................. 14

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MARCH 21 - 27, 2019

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Stokesdale Forbis&Dick Funeral Homes

Your full-service funeral home

Your friends and neighbors providing kind, caring service for over years. Stokesdale 8320 Hwy 158, (336) 643-3711 Greensboro 1118 N Elm St, (336) 275-8408 5926 W Friendly Ave, (336) 299-9171

Serving Stokesdale, Greensboro, Oak Ridge & Summerfield • forbisanddick.com

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Anne M. Garner, EA 8304-C Hwy 158, Stokesdale (336) 441-8325 • annegarner605@gmail.com

At A New Dawn Realty, our team is passionate about serving the needs of our local community. We strive to offer top-notch service and have always been willing to go the extra mile to achieve our clients’ best interests. Our team combines exceptional energy and experience, and you’ll feel confident you made the right decision if you allow us to assist you! Visit our website or Facebook page to view our clients’ testimonials.

A New Dawn Realty Tea m ! (336) 643-4248 8500 Ellisboro Road, Suite B, Stokesdale