Northwest Observer l Oct. 24-30, 2019 by pscommunications

Oct. 24 - 30, 2019

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Opinions, info on proposed half-acre lots widely varied Town Council election politics enﬂame a draft proposal to allow two houses per acre in downtown Summerﬁeld by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Sean Dwyer told Summerfield Town Council members in September that two houses per acre would be allowed on more than

500 acres in the town’s core.

calculations to arrive at his estimates.

A month later, he and fellow council candidate Priscilla Olinick increased their estimates to more than 600 acres. Then during a forum last week for candidates in the Nov. 5 election, Olinick reduced the number of acres to 326.

The changing acreage illustrates the candidates’ efforts to “cause doubt or concern” among voters, said BJ Barnes, a candidate for mayor who is running against Danny Nelson, an ally and running mate of Dwyer and Olinick. ‘“Misleading’ is the proper term for what the other side is doing.”

“If the acreage that will be subject to two units per acre has now been reduced to 326 from 625, that is a good thing,” said Dwyer, citing information from town staff and some “back-of-the-envelope”

Oak Ridge candidates differ on density in town core, municipal water system – and more Doug Nodine said he favors minimum lot sizes as big as four acres while Martha Pittman supports half-acre lots in the town core by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Disagreements over the size of lots for new houses in Oak Ridge highlighted differing views during a forum last week for candidates running for Town Council. A proposal for the creation of a municipal water system for new subdivisions with 30 or more lots sparked disagreement between Doug Nodine and George McClellan, the two incumbent council members seeking reelection. Martha Pittman, Van Tanner and Mike Stone are also running for the council for a total of five candidates seeking three seats in the Nov. 5 election. Mayor Spencer Sullivan isn’t seeking reelection. As per

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INSIDE! IN THIS ISSUE Your Questions .................................. 4 News in brief ..................................... 6 Calendar Events .............................. 10 Crime/Incident Report ...................... 12 Local Election Guide ........................ 13 Meet the Oak Ridge Candidates ........ 14 Meet the Summerfield Candidates ..... 17 Meet the Stokesdale Candidates ....... 24 Candidate Endorsements .................. 28 High School Sports Highlights ........... 29 Student Profile................................. 31 Grins and Gripes .............................. 32 Letters/Opinions .............................. 34 Classifieds ...................................... 35 Index of Advertisers ......................... 39 NWO on the Go! .............................. 40

Barnes belongs to a block of candidates collectively running as “Summerfield Proud.” They include

...continued on p. 2

Candidates agree on ‘no manager,’ ‘no property tax,’ disagree over town’s role in downtown Stokesdale ‘The government needs to stay out of downtown,’ Randy Braswell said, while some other candidates support partnerships to improve and revitalize the area by CHRIS BURRITT STOKESDALE – Revitalizing downtown Stokesdale is worth pursuing, Town Council candidates said. However, they differed on how involved the town should be in those efforts. “I think the government needs to stay out of downtown,” Randy Braswell, a former council member seeking election, stated at a candidates’ forum at Stokesdale Town Hall last Monday, Oct. 21. “Let

...continued on p. 8

OPINIONS VARIED

...continued from p. 1

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OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

incumbent councilmen Reece Walker and John O’Day, along with Lynne Williams DeVaney and Tim Sessoms, a former Summerfield mayor. On the other side are five candidates running collectively as “Voices for Summerfield.” Besides Nelson, Dwyer and Olinick, they include council candidates Rich Schlobohm and Dana Luther. The Voices’ candidates said they’re opposed to higher density housing in Summerfield, including a proposal under review by the Zoning Board to allow two houses per acre in the downtown core to encourage the development of moderately priced housing. The up-and-down estimates by Dwyer and Olinick for exactly how many acres would be zoned for two units per acre have drawn criticism from Walker and O’Day. Basing estimates on draft documents still being debated by the Zoning Board is guesswork, the councilmen said. They fear it may mislead voters who don’t understand that final adoption of zoning for higher density in the town core is numerous steps away and, in the end, may not be approved by the council. “It serves them politically,” Walker said in an interview last week. “They want to jump up and down and say that we want to do this. But in reality we’re talking about 50 homes under this type of zoning.” In emails earlier this week, Dwyer and Olinick said they based their estimates for acreage proposed for two units per acre on the latest information that town staff has provided the Zoning Board. The board has been reviewing the unified development ordinance (UDO), a set of proposed regulations for governing development in Summerfield, for the last several months. The lack of a town core district map until earlier this month led to confusion about precise boundaries and acreage, according to Olinick. Olinick and Walker agreed the latest estimate of 326 acres for two units per acre

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

along Summerfield Road isn’t accurate either. That’s because it includes property owned by Guilford County Schools and the Town of Summerfield that wouldn’t be available for residential development. “Regardless of the final acreage, what the people of Summerfield need to understand is that the next council will determine what future development looks like in Summerfield,” Olinick said. Walker and the other Summerfield Proud candidates said they oppose high density residential development. Walker lives with his family on Summerfield Road in an area where he said two houses per acre are allowed. He said during the candidates’ forum last week that he would support that level of density in “a well-controlled, well-defined area” in downtown Summerfield. “Citizens have a right to know that the Proud candidates are in favor of two units per acre regardless of the final acreage,” Olinick said. During the council’s Oct. 8 meeting, Dwyer pointed out a vote by Walker and O’Day three years ago in support of town staff’s recommendation for creation of a planned development (PD) zoning district. It would allow higher density housing mixed with commercial establishments. Walker and O’Day said they voted for the resolution to start the process for the council to consider adding the PD district as a text amendment to the town’s zoning ordinance. It was tabled before requirements of state law, such as gathering residents’ comments in a public hearing, ever took place. “I thought it was a good idea to bring it forward to start the process and get public scrutiny,” O’Day said. The topic became highly divisive in 2017, leading the council to establish a committee to review the UDO and make recommendations for updating it. The committee unanimously approved its recommendations before turning the UDO over to the Zoning Board in May 2018. It will eventually go the council for final consideration. “The document is in process,” O’Day said. “It will be vetted.”

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OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant Rene Collins, administrative assistant Yvonne Truhon, graphic designer Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, Marian Roberts, distribution Chris Burritt, staff writer; Helen Ledford, Meredith Barkley, Lily Pierce and Annette Joyce, Ask contributing writers

I noticed that campaign signs in the windows of some stores in Summerfield Square on U.S. 220 have gone up and then down. I’ve heard rumors that some business owners were told they would be boycotted if they displayed signs for opposing candidates, so they took them down. Can you find out if that’s true?

We visited Summerfield Square last week, stopping About Our Vacation Watering first at Downtown Bicycle & Works and Downtown BMX, two bike Summer Container Garden Services! shops that share the same space. Campaign signs for BJ Barnes, John email: info • celebrations • photos O’Day and Tim Sessoms were in the communitynews • realestatenews window. calendarevents • grinsandgripes

support the development of Summerfield’s trails. He said the opening of the U.S. 220 pedestrian tunnel and sidewalk in August has brought cyclists to Summerfield and generated some business for his shop. Though construction is five years away, the extension of the Atlantic and Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway will extend the trail northward from Greensboro through Summerfield. North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail will follow the greenway, drawing hikers from across the state in addition to local cyclists. “We’ve started the trails; we need to finish the trails,” French said. “I have to look at what’s best for the community as it relates to my business.” Theresa Sanchez, owner of Town and Country Barber Shop, said she placed campaign signs for Barnes and

O’Day in her window. While she was out of the shop, a supporter of the five Voices for Summerfield candidates dropped off a sign to display in the window. Sanchez said she removed the Voices for Summerfield sign because she doesn’t know the candidates. After the owner of another business told her that posting signs for Barnes and O’Day “would hurt your business,” she took down their signs as well. “I know them and I like them,” Sanchez said of Barnes and O’Day. Displaying their signs is “what I could do for my friends.” David Chaidez, Sanchez’s son who also works in the barber shop, said he believes politics in Summerfield have become more divisive since the 2017

...continued on p. 6

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Owner Adam French said he had taken the signs down temporarily when he took a photograph of his storefront. Afterwards, he put the signs back up because, he said, the three candidates

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Bo (left) and Riley have been missing from Flintrock Farm in southern Rockingham County since Oct. 10. Two $1,500 rewards (one for each horse) are being offered for information leading to their safe return.

by CHRIS BURRITT REIDSVILLE – The owners of two horses missing for two weeks from Flintrock Farm in southern Rockingham County are offering $1,500 rewards for information leading to their safe return. If the horses are returned, the owners aren’t interested in “asking questions” or pursuing criminal charges in the event the horses had been stolen, said Judy Jones, the mother of Morgan Jones who owns Bo, one of the missing horses. “We just want them back.” Bo is a blackish quarter horse gelding with a white blaze on his face and a white sock on his right hind leg. He has a freeze brand on the left hip with the letters “NK.” Riley, owned by Joanne Gray, is a brown Belgian gelding with a blond mane and tail. He also has a white blaze on his face.

Bo and Riley have been missing since Oct. 10 when wranglers at Flintrock Farm on U.S. 158 near Summerfield discovered that 15 horses had escaped through an open pasture gate at the back of the farm. Thirteen of the horses were recovered, leading to a search for the missing horses by volunteers on foot and horseback, trackers with dogs, drones, paragliders and airplanes. “We are so grateful for all of the support,” Jones said in a telephone interview earlier this week. “But all these days later, there’s no sign of them.” The reward of $1,500 is for each horse “for information leading to their safe return,” Jones said. Bo and Riley are listed with NetPosse, a nonprofit organization that helps owners search and recover

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...continued on p. 6

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OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

HORSES

...continued from p. 5 missing, stolen and lost horses. If you find the horses, call the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office at (336) 634-3066 or (336) 634-3232. It’s unclear how the horses escaped from the pasture. “Horses are pretty ingenious,” Jones said. “If one of them messed with the gate for long enough, it probably could have opened it.” While it’s possible that thieves opened the gate with the intent of stealing horses, it’s more likely “they’ve been taken since the herd got out, not intentionally taking from the pasture,” Jones said. Horses have a herding instinct, leading to the possibility that Bo and Riley wandered up to a farm with other

YOUR QUESTIONS

horses, Jones said. If they were stolen, the thieves may try to sell them at auction, prompting volunteers to provide information about the horses to local auction houses and attend the auctions. “They could be 20 miles or more away,” Jones said, prompting searchers to expand their initial search area with a radius of five miles. She urged hunters to look for them. “It’s a needle in a haystack.”

Ribbon cutting held Oct. 19

to learn more and help To view information about the missing horses, search Google for “NetPosse, Riley and Bo.” NetPosse encourages people to print flyers describing the horses and post the information in their communities.

...continued from p. 4

election. “It wasn’t as nasty last time,” he said. Kevin Murray, owner of the Jumping Bean coffee drive-through, posted signs for all five Summerfield Proud candidates, Barnes, O’Day, Reece Walker, Lynne Williams DeVaney and Tim Sessoms. All are customers, said Murray, recalling that a longtime customer stopped patronizing his business in 2017 because he had put up a sign for Sessoms, who ran for mayor against Gail Dunham. Dunham won the election. “What does buying coffee have to do

with politics?” Murray said. “You can buy coffee from me even if we disagree.” Murray, Sanchez and French don’t live in Summerfield so they can’t vote in the Nov. 5 election. As business owners, they said they’re dismayed by the political rancor in town. No one has gone as far as threatening to boycott their businesses over their signs, they said. Even so, Chaidez said, “It’s almost as though something was brewing, that things might get worse.” “You can’t even put a sign in your window,” Sanchez lamented. “Now that’s the topper.”

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NEWS in brief

OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

Photos by Chris Burritt/NWO

Summerﬁeld Town Council member Reece Walker (front, left) and Jane Doggett, chair of the town’s Trails and Open Space Committee, lead a ceremonial walk from the pedestrian tunnel under U.S. 220 and along the sidewalk that leads to Summerﬁeld Road. About 30 people attended a ribbon cutting for the pedestrian tunnel underneath U.S. 220 and connecting sidewalk last Saturday, Oct. 19. The opening of the tunnel Aug. 30 allowed walkers, runners and cyclists on the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway to continue northward to Summerfield Road in Summerfield. The North Carolina Department of Transportation began construction of the tunnel in 2012 as part of the widen-

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

ing of U.S. 220. In June, the Summerfield Town Council approved construction of the $174,084 sidewalk running from the western end of the tunnel about 700 feet to Summerfield Road. “Trails open up pieces of land that otherwise the average citizen wouldn’t see,” Rep. John Faircloth (R-District 62) told the group Saturday. As Summerfield’s representative in the General Assembly, Faircloth helped secure state funding for the tunnel.

OAK RIDGE FORUM

ent circumstances is “part of a healthy community and a community with a future,” McClellan said.

the Town’s charter, council members will elect a mayor from among themselves during their monthly meeting Dec. 12.

“Providing something for future residents because they would want it is not what I’m about,” Tanner said. “We moved here because we expected a certain style of living. We need to be more concerned about the current residents. Higher density lowers property values.”

...continued from p. 1

“We need to be pushing toward having lower density,” Nodine said during the forum last Thursday, Oct. 17. Sponsored by the Northwest Observer, the forum at Oak Ridge Town Hall drew more than 50 people, and a live feed on the newspaper’s Facebook page has had over 1,100 views to date. Construction of houses on minimum lot sizes of about one acre is required by the town’s RS-40 zoning classification. Nodine said he favors looking at “a new zoning ordinance that would allow maybe one house per two acres or one house per four acres as a standard.” Oak Ridge’s land use plan recommends the allowance of construction of two units per acre in the town core, which encompasses residential areas around the town’s main intersection at N.C. 68 and 150. McClellan and Pittman said they support the recommendation as a means to provide options for young families and empty nesters who can’t afford or don’t want to maintain an acre of land. Providing for residents with differ-

Stone concurred, saying “we’re not in the position in Oak Ridge to create low-priced housing based on the land availability. So really, we should be focused on how to keep Oak Ridge Oak Ridge. And Oak Ridge is rural.” Pittman countered that “two homes per acre is not high density” and said she supports the density as long as it’s restricted to the town core, as recommended by the Town’s land use plan. If the council wants to amend the plan to impose lower density, Pittman said it should create a committee of residents to seek community input, as the council did before adopting the current plan in 2016. A proposal by Mayor Sullivan last May for the town to create a municipal water system for new subdivisions served by community wells has gained the backing of Town Council members, except for Nodine. He reiterated his opposition during last week’s forum,

sharing the views of Stone and Tanner that taxpayers would end up paying for startup costs for the system and possibly expensive repairs of community wells. “There is nothing that’s going to be added to us but liability,” said Tanner, echoing skepticism by others in the community. McClellan said current users of community and private wells wouldn’t be required to tap into a municipal system. As proposed, it would be funded by user fees after initial startup costs covered by tax dollars. The Town Council and town staff are engaged in due diligence to determine the pros and cons of establishing a water system, Pittman said. “This is not a done deal,” she said. “This is still in the investigation and development stage. Condemning something that is in this early stage is short-sighted.” The candidates answered questions on a range of other topics. They generally favored spending more money to expand and improve Town Park facilities for the benefit of families and Oak Ridge Youth Association sports programs. An ongoing survey asking people for their recommendations for park improvements should guide spending, they said. The candidates also said they would

oppose raising Oak Ridge’s taxes from the current rate of 8 cents per $100 of property valuation. Stone said he favors reducing the town’s fund balance of nearly $3.5 million as of Sept. 30 to about $1 million, roughly equivalent to the town’s annual operating expenses. “To have $3.5 million in our coffers, we could probably have lower taxes and still do everything that we need to do,” Stone said. Tanner said the current tax rate is a “little high.” He said he favors reducing the rate, especially before Guilford County reappraises property in 2022. Nodine said he also supports cutting taxes. More than $1.8 million of the fund balance is committed to capital projects, leaving almost $1.5 million unassigned. Spending all of that money would be “financially imprudent” and create the risk that the council would need to raise taxes in the event of unexpected expenses, McClellan said. Pittman said she favors maintaining a reserve “… just like you save for a rainy day.”

want to watch? A recording of the Oak Ridge candidates’ forum can be viewed at Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver.

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STOKESDALE FORUM ...continued from p. 1

private enterprise do their thing. To take tax dollars down there, I don’t see the benefit.” Newcomer Jim Rigsbee said the town could improve the downtown area with benches and more sidewalks, while Frank Bruno, an incumbent councilman seeking reelection, said the Christmas parade, the clock recently erected on U.S. 158 and a mural hand-painted on the side of a privately owned building that pays tribute to the Town and its history illustrate the town’s commitment to downtown. As one way of offering town assistance without spending tax dollars, the town should seek grants for refurbishing downtown and helping small businesses, suggested Mark Nadel. “If we’re going to let nature take its course, it is going to turn into a big pile

of rubble,” he said. Seven candidates are seeking three council seats in the Nov. 5 election. Incumbents Tim Jones and Frank Bruno are joined in the race by newcomers Jimmy Landreth, Derek Foy, Braswell, Rigsbee and Nadel. The three elected candidates will serve four-year terms. All of the candidates participated in the forum sponsored by the Northwest Observer; about 45 people attended the forum in person and others watched a live recording via the newspaper’s Facebook page. The candidates agreed that previous councils have managed the town’s finances properly, generating a cash reserve of more than $860,000 over the past six to eight years, while investing in improvements at Town Park. The town has no property tax, and the candidates unanimously said they saw no need for one in the near future (if ever).

OAK RIDGE

“Basically we have in the bank about $450 for each man, woman and child in Stokesdale,” Jones said. “We are an atypical town.”

“It’s so important to have that kind of financial position because our largest asset is our water system,” Foy said. “If anything were to deteriorate over the years, it’s important that we have liquid assets to make those repairs.” The candidates praised the quality of Stokesdale Elementary, Northwest Guilford Middle and Northwest Guilford High schools. Landreth suggested that “a bus load or two” of Stokesdale Elementary parents go to a meeting of the Guilford County Board of Education and demand a larger share of funding be directed to the school. Each year the town spends money on needed technology for the elementary school due to a shortfall of funding by the county. All the candidates agreed they’re against hiring a town manager who would take over day-to-day duties from council members such as ordering mulch for the playground and supervising maintenance of town property. Paying a salary to a manager would erode the town’s reserves, Foy said.

“We need to keep our hands-on experience,” Landreth said. Rigsbee suggested the town consider hiring an employee “somewhere in between a manager and a maintenance person” who could learn the basics of the town’s water system and possibly write grant applications.

OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

“When I put my name in the hat to do this, I knew part of this role was to divide and conquer when taking on some of these routine matters,” Foy said. “Council needs to be able to balance managing routine matters and long-term strategy.” Serving as a council member is a “foot-washing job,” Jones added. Candidates agreed the town needs to provide training and support for staff.

“More important, there needs to be respect for people who work in this office by everyone, all Town Council members,” Nadel said. Looking ahead, several council members said they favor further improvements to Town Park. Nature and horseback riding trails and basketball and tennis courts are possibilities, some said. The council needs to update the town’s land use plan that governs residential and commercial development, said Foy, noting that it hasn’t been revised for more than a decade. Bruno suggested the town seek funds for expanding the municipal water system. Rigsbee and Braswell said the town needs a backup plan for the water system in the event of unforeseen events that interrupt the supply of water.

“This water system is a monster,” Braswell said.

want to watch? A recording of the Stokesdale Town Council candidates’ forum in its entirety can be viewed at Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver.

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 Fall BBQ | Pleasant Ridge Community Church

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

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ENTER TO WIN BY NOV. 1  Christmas at Maple Glade | Raffle tickets are

on sale now for a chance to win a private tour and dinner for four on Dec. 5 at historic Maple Glade on the campus of Oak Ridge Military Academy; visit oakridgenc.com for details. Proceeds go toward restoring historic buildings on the academy’s campus. More info: Debbie Shoenfeld, (336) 643-2504.

THURSDAY, OCT. 24  Historical Preservation | A meeting focused on

the historical preservation of downtown Stokesdale will be held Oct. 24, starting at 7 p.m. at 8410 U.S. 158, Suite D. More info: (336) 708-0334.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCT. 25-26  Terror Trail | Oak Ridge Youth Association’s Teen

Leadership Team invites kids in sixth grade and up to join them for a “spooky and frightful time with your friends” along a Halloween Terror Trail in Oak Ridge Town Park (6231 Lisa Drive, Oak Ridge) this

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Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is $2, or two cans of food to be donated to a local shelter.

SATURDAY, OCT. 26  Yard Sale | Stokesdale United Methodist

Church will host a yard sale Oct. 26, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 8305 Loyola Drive. Enjoy ham and sausage biscuits, baked goods and all kinds of treasures. More info: Pat Gentry, (336) 312-1585, or pgentry4@triad.rr.com.  Art & Pottery Show | The semi-annual “Keep It

Local” art and pottery show will be held Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the home of Will and Leanne Pizio, 2409 Oak Ridge Road. Purchase holiday gifts from 20 local artists including jewelry makers, soap makers, potters, painters and more. Also, enjoy live music, cupcakes and popcorn. Bring six cans of food

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OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

will host its annual fall BBQ to raise money for missionaries on Oct. 26 at 1826 Pleasant Ridge Road in Greensboro. BBQ costs $9 per pound; a meal for a family of four costs $15. Take-outs are available from 12 noon to 2 p.m., and the sit-down meal takes place at 3 p.m. More info: (336) 708-4000 or pchatcher@bellsouth.net.  Ghost Stories | Renowned author and storyteller

Cynthia Moore Brown of Summerfield will host “Ghost Stories in the Graveyard” Oct. 26, starting at 2 p.m. at Greensboro History Museum, 120 Summit Ave. Enjoy spooky yet family-friendly tales to celebrate Halloween at this free event. More info: (336) 339-3847.  Great Pumpkin Event | Merchants of Oak Ridge

will host its annual Great Pumpkin Event Oct. 26, 3 to 5 p.m. at Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center. Kids (and parents) – don your costumes and trick-or-treat with shopping center tenants and other local Merchants of Oak Ridge business and organization members set up in the shopping center. Enjoy live music, a pet and human costume parade (with prizes), and more! See ad on p. 3 for more details.

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or pay $5 to participate in the Art Hunt. More info: Leanne Pizio, (336) 337-6493.

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Oak Ridge

Thanksgiving Parade & Light Up the Night Event Sat., Nov. 23 | 3:30 - 6:30 pm Rain date: Sat., Dec. 7 | 3:30 - 6:30 pm

Visits with Santa Bob Holiday Market with vendors, food trucks & more Lighting of luminaries, town tree & community trees Music by ORE Colts Chorale

WANT TO BE IN THE PARADE? Register by Fri., Nov. 15

Businesses, clubs, churches, families & individuals can register. Floats, vehicles of all kinds (trucks, tractors, golf carts, cars, bicycles), horses, dogs, performers & musicians all welcome!

Purchase a Community Tree or Star! Deadline: Fri., Nov. 1 | Quantities Limited!

Businesses, clubs, churches, families & individuals can purchase and assemble a lighted wire tree or star for display in the park Nov. 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dec. 31 with a sign featuring your name & logo. Assembly Workshop: Tues., Nov. 12, 6-8 pm, Town Hall.

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OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

Oct. 18 | Sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic incident at 9:34 p.m. in the 8300 block of Spotswood Road in Summerfield (near where I-73 and U.S. 220 converge) and discovered a family fight in progress; a 20-year-old male was arrested and charged with assault on a 28-year-old male and assault by strangulation on a 20-year-old female; the 20-year-old female was arrested for assault on the 20-year-old male. A 48-year-old male and 79-yearold female were also present. Oct. 20 | A 39-year-old male was arrested at 12:51 p.m. in the 5500 block of Gray Leigh Drive in Oak Ridge (off Stafford Mill Road) for assault on a female.

COUNTERFEIT

Oct. 15 | An employee of Walgreens in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect paid with a counterfeit $10 bill on Oct. 14 sometime between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

DRUG SEIZURES/VIOLATIONS

Oct. 10 | Law enforcement officers seized 939 grams of marijuana which was valued at $46,950 at the FedEx Ship Center on Old Oak Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro; a second shipment of three grams of marijuana valued at $150 was seized at the same time. A third shipment of 2,336 grams of marijuana valued at $116,800 was also seized that day. Oct. 14 | Sheriff’s deputies responded to a narcotics violation at 12:30 p.m. at Northwest Guilford High School and seized eight pieces of drug paraphernalia along with marijuana and other narcotics. Oct. 17 | A 46-year-old female was arrested at 9:44 p.m. in the 4000 block of Battleground Avenue (near the intersection with Horse Pen Creek Road) for

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possession of a Schedule I controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

EMBEZZLEMENT

Oct. 19 | A 54-year-old male was arrested at 11:51 a.m. in the 7900 block of Lester Road in Stokesdale (off N.C. 68 North) for embezzlement.

THEFT

Oct. 15 | Exxon on U.S. 220 in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect stole 17 lottery tickets around 3:45 p.m. after her credit card was declined; the tickets had a combined value of $190. Oct. 17 | The sales manager at Brookbank Auto Exchange in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect stole a pickup truck from the vehicle lot on Oct. 16 between 2 and 3:26 a.m.; the truck is valued at $26,807. Oct. 17 | The owner of Wilson’s Grocery in Summerfield reported a known suspect stole a Bud Light valued at $1.29; a warrant was taken out on the suspect. Oct. 21 | A person in the process of moving to the 7700 block of McAdams Court in Greensboro (near Northwest Guilford High School) reported an unknown suspect stole three boxes of winter clothing from the residence between Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. and Oct. 16 at 12 a.m.; the combined value of the jeans, dress pants and sweaters was estimated at $900.

WEAPONS

Oct. 21 | A 72-year-old male in the 7600 block of Alcorn Road in Greensboro (near Northwest School Road) reported a known suspect illegally discharged his weapon in violation of County Ordinance 11.1; a 39-year-old male was arrested at 4:58 p.m. for discharging a weapon in violation of a county ordinance.

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2019 A guide to your town council candidates in northwest Guilford County

Cast your ballot early ... Old County Courthouse (Blue Room) 301 W. Market St., Room 108, Greensboro Washington Terrace Park 101 Gordon St., High Point Thursday, Oct. 24 – Friday, Oct. 25 • 8am-5pm Saturday, Oct. 26 – Sunday, Oct. 27 • 10am-5pm Monday, Oct. 28 – Friday, Nov. 1 • 8am-5pm •••••••••• Bur-Mil Club 5834 Bur-Mil Club Road, Greensboro Deep River Recreation Center 1529 Skeet Club Road, High Point Jamestown Town Hall 301 E. Main St., Jamestown Friday, Oct. 25 • 10am- 6:30pm Saturday, Oct. 26 – Sunday, Oct. 27 • 10am-5pm Monday, Oct. 28 – Friday, Nov. 1 • 10am- 6:30pm For wait times at the One-Stop Early Voting Locations, visit www.guilfordearlyvoting.com.

or on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 5 • 6:30am-7:30pm You must vote in your assigned precinct. To find out where it is, visit www.ncsbe.gov and look under Voter Tools on the bottom left of the page, then select Polling Place Lookup. For more election and voting info, contact Guilford County Board of Elections at (336) 641-3836 or visit www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/board-of-elections.

CONTENTS Oak Ridge candidates

Summerfield candidates

Stokesdale candidates

Candidate endorsements

MARTHA PITTMAN

MEET THE OAK RIDGE CANDIDATES Since this is an odd-numbered election year, it is a municipal election only. In Oak Ridge, there are ﬁve candidates running for three open town council seats; each elected council member will serve a four-year term. The mayor of Oak Ridge is elected from among his or her fellow council members every other year (following a municipal election) and sworn into office at the December meeting.

As co-chair of the Oak Ridge MST committee, I know firsthand what it is like to work with Town Council and citizen volunteers towards a common goal. For the last 20 years, I have been a practicing CPA working with businesses and individuals as a trusted advisor. The problem-solving and analytical skills that I possess will make me an effective council member. Citizens and council have developed zoning ordinances and various land use, historic preservation and strategic guidelines. We need to enforce these guidelines to effectively manage growth so that we preserve the historic and rural character of our hometown. I will advocate for the preservation of open space and natural areas that are a part of our rural heritage.

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I support providing a wide variety of recreational opportunities for youth, adults and families. And I value the partnership that Oak Ridge has with ORYA. As the park master plan is developed, I believe that it should balance the needs of all residents and preserve green space. I support the development of a financially self-sustaining town water system to ensure safe, reliable water for citizens and for public safety. I advocate for a fair and balanced budget, healthy financial reserves, smart capital spending, and a low tax rate. But this election is about more than zoning, parks, water and tax rates. It’s about responsive leadership, building community and working together. I want to engage with citizens to manage our growth and preserve

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all the things that make Oak Ridge special. At the same time, we must prepare for the future and the challenges ahead. A 19-year resident of Oak Ridge, I am a lifelong volunteer and have served as an officer with numerous organizations. I am married to Benny Pittman and have three grown children and two grandchildren.

DOUG NODINE (has served on Council since 2015) After completing graduate school in 1972, I moved to North Carolina to work with the City of Raleigh Planning Department. I later came to Greensboro to work with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 1980 I went to work in private real estate and have since been involved with a variety of retail, office, resort and historic projects. In 1990 I started an industrial service company specializing in the sale and repair of electronic controls; this business serves numerous manufacturing facilities through the USA, Europe and South America. My wife, Cathy, and I moved to Oak Ridge in 2003. After volunteering to serve on the Town of Oak Ridge’s Planning and Zoning Board, I had the privilege of being appointed to the board in 2006 and was elected board chairman in 2010; I continued to serve as chairman until my election to the Oak Ridge Town Council in 2015. After a number of Oak Ridge residents expressed concern over the disrepair of the historic church at the intersection of Alcorn Road and N.C. 68 North, I along with a small

group of other Oak Ridge residents formed Preservation Oak Ridge Foundation. I was elected as the foundation’s president in 2007 and continue to serve in that role. The primary goal of this group has been to restore the Ai/Fairview Baptist Church.

VAN TANNER My wife, Gina, and I are 25-year residents of Oak Ridge. Gina is a former teacher and together we own and operate an agency that serves adults with disabilities, while also caring for three school-aged grandchildren. We started a coffee shop in 2003 (Pure Desire), where Bistro 150 is located. I previously headed the HOA of Ashton Park. My early Oak Ridge political involvement helped lead to the founding of Merchants of Oak Ridge Association, of which I am currently a member.

oversight and concern for tax expenditures was disturbing. And like others, the recent move toward high-density* showed what happens with voter complacency. Without voter involvement we will lose our village-style lifestyle. Plus, as a business professional, it has become apparent that Oak Ridge could use professionals in its decision-making process. As a grandparent parenting school-age children, Oak Ridge needs a voice to represent families with children. (*Editor’s note of clarification: in 2017 the Oak Ridge Town Council unanimously adopted an updated land use plan which allows two units per acre in the area designated as the town core.)

MIKE STONE (served one term on Council, 2013-17)

I have a vibrant business history which includes being the founding CEO of five Guilford County companies, employing hundreds of employees. Gina and I have worked in ministry as youth and senior pastors. This year I volunteered on the board of Oak Ridge Youth Association and as assistant director for the annual RidgeFest event in Oak Ridge which is co-sponsored by Merchants of Oak Ridge and the Town of Oak Ridge.

I am a former Town Council member and former vice-chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Eagle Scout. I am an active volunteer with Oak Ridge Military Academy, RidgeFest, Oak Ridge Commons’ Cruise-In and a member of Preservation Oak Ridge. Professionally, I operate a large manufacturing company with 200plus employees in Greensboro.

For 25 years I have delegated my concerns for Oak Ridge to others. However, since becoming involved in RidgeFest and the Youth Association, I can no longer delegate that responsibility. These concerns finally moved me to action when I was hired by the town council to oversee problems with their paving contracts. The lack of

Oak Ridge is a desirable and growing community, yet there is a constant theme from current residents to preserve natural areas and open vistas and maintain a rural feel for our town. I grew up in this area and I am probably the only candidate who has actually worked on local tobacco farms. I remember the agricultural

and rural lifestyle we had and understand why this is so appealing. I believe we can achieve the balance we all want by enacting low-density standards for future development and limit unnecessary subdivision connections. Our most valuable asset is the town park and I fully support recreational opportunities that benefit all families in Oak Ridge. Citizens have expressed their ideas for the park’s future improvements and that includes passive elements for hiking, horseback riding and scenic vistas as well as active elements such as multi-purpose fields for sports and group activities. There

are no competing priorities in these desires. All of this is achievable as we listen to one another’s ideas and work together to plan for our future. I bring a fresh business perspective to the town’s leadership. I manage an operational budget that is 10 times larger than the Town’s, so I understand fiscal responsibility. I will make sure that our fund balances are used wisely and allocated to the projects that citizens desire and that we provide open and transparent information about how our tax dollars are spent.

...continued on p. 16

E l e c t George

McClellan

Oak Ridge Town Council

Paid for by Committee to Elect George McClellan

Election Day r be Novem th 5

I love Oak Ridge and am committed to making it an even better place to live for all residents. I believe in small, efficient town government and in keeping property taxes low. I deeply appreciate the support you have shown by electing me to two terms on the Town Council, and hope I have earned your vote to continue serving.

Fiscal Responsibility • Public Safety Recreational Opportunities Balance Preservation and Growth Visit us on Facebook at

Councilman George McClellan

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OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

MARTHAPITTMAN

MEET THE CANDIDATES GEORGE McCLELLAN (has served on Council since 2011) I’ve been married to Katherine McClellan for 29 years and have been a financial advisor since 1987. We are members of Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, where I serve as an usher.

OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL Remaining faithful to our rural heritage while forging connections to our future.

AS A MEMBER OF THE OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL, I WILL: • Listen and respond to all Oak Ridge residents’ questions and concerns. • Use my 20 years of experience as a CPA to ensure sound ﬁscal policy. • Plan for the future of Oak Ridge to ensure livability and safety for our citizens. • Protect the rural and historical character of our town through strict but fair enforcement of existing guidelines. • Encourage the preservation of open space and natural areas. • Do the work necessary to make informed and common-sense decisions.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE:

• 19-year resident of Oak Ridge, married to Benny Pittman, mother of three, and proud Grandma. • Co-chair, Oak Ridge Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee. • Active volunteer serving through Kiwanis Club projects, as club advisor to the NWHS Key Club, and other community events.

CONNECTIONS CREATE COMMUNITY

Please vote for Martha Pittman on Tuesday, November 5th. www.facebook.com/MPittmanOakRidge mpittman55@hotmail.com

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT MARTHA PITTMAN

OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

I’m seeking my third term on Town Council. Before being elected in 2011, I had the honor of serving on our Historic Preservation Commission and later on our Finance Committee. I’m one of the founding members of Preservation Oak Ridge and served as its first president. I’m currently a member of the Merchants of Oak Ridge and Oak Ridge Lions Club. I want to continue serving on Town Council because I love Oak Ridge. I believe in efficient, limited town government and low property taxes. I have voted for eight balanced budgets,

...continued from p. 15

without raising taxes. During my first term I served as Council liaison to our Pedestrian Committee, which developed the Pedestrian Plan that has led to the construction of new sidewalks along Oak Ridge and Linville Roads. These sidewalks are already being heavily used by residents and school children. I’ve also advocated for the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Oak Ridge. Since 2015 I’ve voted to reduce our property tax rate. I also voted to purchase 62 acres to preserve open space and expand our park. In order to develop additional recreational opportunities for residents on this site and in our park, I supported funding a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Each year, I’ve worked to develop our annual Capital Improvement plan and, in 2018, I helped develop our town’s first Strategic Plan and citizenled Streetscape Vision Plan. These documents will ensure our town maintains the small-town, rural and historic character that we all love. It has been a real honor to serve you on our Town Council and I’m asking for your vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

As of Oct. 21, 2019, the Town of Oak Ridge has registered voters. Of these, 1,039 are registered as Democrats; 2,579 registered as Republicans; 25 registered as Libertarians; and 1,717 unaffiliated.

5,360

TIME TO VOTE!

Watch video coverage of your town’s candidates’ forum at www.Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

Then be sure to take your informed opinions to the polls on Nov. 5, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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BJ BARNES MAYORAL CANDIDATE, 2-year term

MEET THE SUMMERFIELD CANDIDATES Two candidates, BJ Barnes and Danny Nelson, are running for mayor in the upcoming election; the mayor in Summerfield serves a 2-year term and does not vote on issues except in the case of a tie. Two candidates, Dana Luther and Tim Sessoms, are running to serve the remainder of the four-year term Todd Rotruck was elected to in 2017. Rotruck vacated his seat under protest four months after he was sworn into office. Dianne Laughlin was appointed to serve in his place until the upcoming election. Six candidates, Rich Schlobohm, Reece Walker (incumbent), Priscilla Olinick, Lynne Williams DeVaney, John O’Day (incumbent) and Sean Dwyer, are vying for three other open seats on the council, all for four-year terms. Among the key topics addressed at a candidates’ forum on Oct. 14 were residential and commercial density, water for fire safety, council decorum, budgeting, and the lawsuits filed against the Town by Rotruck and by three Summerfield residents, including mayoral candidate Danny Nelson, which have cost taxpayers over $100,000 in legal fees to defend.

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My experience in government is my greatest asset. I served as sheriff of Guilford County for 24 years and ran an award-winning sheriff’s office known and respected across the nation. I was responsible for 650 employees and an annual $64 million budget. I also served as a commissioner on the North Carolina State Emergency Response Commission representing sheriffs and citizens across the state. I was appointed by two different governors to serve on the Governors Crime Commission because they respected my integrity and professionalism. I was selected by my fellow

sheriffs to serve on the Sheriffs Education Training and Standards Commission and as co-chair of the legislative committee for the N.C. Sheriffs Association. In these positions I worked with legislators in crafting laws that would protect and serve our citizens. I’m running for mayor because I was asked by citizens who were sickened by the unprofessional demeanor of the present mayor and her “inner circle,” some of whom are now running for mayor and council. I believe Summerfield would be better represented by people who have shown a history of working in a positive, professional way for our citizens, not in a divisive manner, and who have not sued our town or supported folks who have cost our town over $100,000 in legal fees. I believe in low density to preserve

...continued on p. 18

Be an informed voter:

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OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

MEET THE CANDIDATES P R...continued E S EfromNp. 17T

6TH ANNUAL

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our rural charm and a Unified Development Ordinance to assure everyone knows and plays by the same rules. I believe in personal wells and septic and any developer needing water or septic should pay for it themselves. I believe in helping the fire department establish water sources to protect our families.

stic tive

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent my life serving others. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m blunt, honest, fair and I love calling Summerfield home. I would appreciate your vote.

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BREWS & BARRELS FOR BELLE DISTILLED SPIRITS

DANNY NELSON

MAYORAL CANDIDATE, 2-year term My roots in Summerfield are deep. My family of seven settled here in 1954 as farmers. I am a Vietnam veteran, having proudly served my country as a

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After Summerfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incorporation in 1996, I became aware of Greensboroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan to annex a large area that included my home. Along with family, friends and neighbors, we organized a large-scale effort that resulted in our voluntary annexation into Summerfield. In the late â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s I co-chaired the committee overseeing the renovation of the Brittain building from the beginning to its dedication as Summerfield Town Hall. Along with many others, I donated countless hours, machinery and materials to this project. I have been heavily involved in other voluntary projects including construction phases of the Veterans Me-

morial in Country Park and as committee co-chair for the design, fundraising and construction of the Veterans Memorial in Summerfield Community Park. My wife, Rebecca, and I have been married 53 years. Rebecca also has a history with the town and served as our first paid town clerk, making her Summerfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first employee. Along with two friends and other volunteers they planned, organized and held the first Summerfield Foundersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day. Our volunteer time and efforts represent an investment of over 20 years to projects that have benefited the community. Now, with much thought, consideration, and with support from others, I am asking you to vote for Danny Nelson for your mayor of Summerfield â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a vote to bring us together for the common good!

COUNCIL CANDIDATES (2-year term)

PRESENTED BY

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DANA LUTHER

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member of the U.S. Army. I joined the Greensboro Fire Department in 1969 and retired as fire captain after 30 years of dedicated service.

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I am a mother, wife and business owner. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and have been a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) since November 1993. In anticipation of having a family and due to the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly rated schools, low taxes, rural charm, and beautiful open spaces, my husband and I built a house in Summerfield in 2000. My professional career has included working for a variety of companies and performing all tasks within an organization from the entry level to the running of the entire organization. In order to have a more flexible schedule for my family, I decided to start my own CPA firm which allows me time to volunteer at my childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school and

The Northwest Observer â&#x20AC;˘ Totally local since 1996

In September 2005, The Town of Summerfield became one of my clients when I was hired as the contract finance officer. Upon the resignation of the town manager in 2011, the Town Council approached me, and I agreed to become the interim town manager and finance officer while continuing to work with my CPA firm clients. I held the dual roles until the hiring of the current town manager in June 2012, and then I moved back into my role as finance officer. I resigned from the Town effective February 2013. Beyond February, I volunteered additional time to help organize Town records and assist the new finance officer and staff. I bring a very unique perspective having worked for the Town for over 7 Â˝ years. I am not a politician, and I have no hidden agendas. I am a citizen greatly concerned about the future of Summerfield during what I view as

...continued on p. 20

Who is FOR “Voices for Summerfield”? In a Sept. 30 community update emailed to a select group of citizens from mayorgail@yahoo.com, Mayor Gail Dunham wrote, “…On a personal note it is timely to introduce the five NEW candidates with experience that will well serve Summerfield: The REAL Keep Summerfield Rural Team! Learn more at their Facebook: Voices for Summerfield…”

During the Public Comments period of the Oct. 8 Summerfield Town Council meeting, Todd Rotruck, who served on the council just four months before being declared ineligible to serve because he didn’t actually live in Summerfield, urged voters to support Voices for Summerfield. This is the same Rotruck whose failed lawsuit has cost the town $117,000.

If you like what you’ve had the last two years and want more of the same, join Mayor Gail Dunham and Todd Rotruck in supporting their choice.

If you want a postive change in direction, vote SummerfieldProud.com BJ Barnes

Tim Sessoms

Reece Walker

John O’Day

PAID FOR BY ELECT BJ BARNES COMMITTEE

Lynne Williams DeVaney

MEET THE CANDIDATES a defining period for our Town’s future. I will work hard to ensure residents’ voices are heard and tax dollars are spent wisely.

TIM SESSOMS (served as Mayor 2013-2015) I am a graduate of UNC-G. My wife, Heather, and I have been married for over 35 years; she is a phenomenal piano player and also teaches math at Northwest High School. Heather and I have lived in Summerfield for 20 years. We have a large family with a lot of kids and grandkids, and we enjoy spending time with them; we also look forward to our summer beach trip, when all 30 of us go and stay in one house! Some of my past jobs include working in the family plumbing, heat-

COUNCIL CANDIDATES (4-year term)

...continued from p. 18

ing and air conditioning business, and in various churches in the areas of music, youth, or visitation of sick people and shut-ins. Heather and I also ran a group home for children in the custody of the Department of Social Services. I have coached all levels of soccer and football up through high school ages. Currently I am the founder, CEO and managing partner for CRG, a staffing and consulting business started in 1994 that employs close to 500 people in the U.S. and Latin America. I am also a former mayor of Summerfield. While I served as mayor we lowered taxes and protected open space but perhaps most importantly, we provided a professional, civil and transparent form of government that welcomed people’s input. As my background indicates, I have a love of people and enjoy serving to help bring happiness and security to others. We love our little town and all its people, and I would welcome the opportunity to once again represent them on the town council.

PRISCILLA OLINICK My ties to Summerfield go back over 60 years. I was fortunate to be raised here and to attend Laughlin, Summerfield Elementary and Northwest Middle and Senior High. In 2016, my husband and I fulfilled a dream and purchased my grandparents’ home here where we are blessed to be raising our fifth-generation Summerfield family. This is my home place, I love this town and its people. I am committed to the preservation of the lifestyle that Summerfield provides us. My intentions to serve are genuine with no ulterior motives, and to move forward in a prudent and responsible way. I became involved in local politics when the proposed Planned Development (PD) was being considered in early 2017. Since then I have attended many town meetings and have served

as a member of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Committee. Through the years I have researched and educated myself on the issues we are facing. I want to help lead Summerfield into the future with respect for our rural heritage, to preserve our environment, and make sure that you, the residents, are the first priority. I support: our current overall low density; no municipal water system; low taxes; limited government; historical preservation; residents over special interests; thoughtful and respectful leadership; public participation; creative problem solving; and equal treatment for all. To learn more about my positions and public record, visit my website: http:// priscilla4summerfield.com. I promise to listen with a fair and open mind, and work hard for you. Together we can make a difference and I hope you will join me in the process of coming together and moving Summerfield forward in a positive and productive way. I respectfully ask for the opportunity to serve the great people of Summerfield and humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 5.

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REECE WALKER, incumbent (elected to 4-year term in 2015) I am running for re-election to the Summerfield Town Council because I care about Summerfield. I have spent most of my life working for the wellbeing of Summerfield. From volunteering to my first job, I have always tried to give more than I have taken from our great community. As an adolescent and into my teen years I was active with the Summerfield Youth Council, where we were responsible for events like the Christmas tree lighting, the Haunted Trail in the community park, Founders’ Day activities, and much more. While in high school I worked for the Summerfield Recreation Association (SRA) setting up the ballpark concession stands and unlocking the gym for basketball games. When I was not volunteering or working for the SRA I was working on a farm here in Summerfield. A few years later, I started to volunteer with the Summerfield Fire Department, which is where my passion for helping our community was expanded. I was hired as a full-time firefighter a few years later. I am currently a lieutenant with the department, and I love my job. For the last four years I have been responsible for putting together the Founders’ Day parade and coordinating nearly 50 volunteers to help. I married my high school sweetheart, whom I have known ever since we attended Summerfield Elementary School together. Marrying another Summerfield native, there was no debate about where we wanted to start

our family. Our son was born in April 2018. I want to protect our town so he can have some of the same life experiences I had growing up here. I have worked with many neighbors on both sides of issues for common-sense solutions to problems. I believe in well-controlled and smart development along with a strong set of ordinances. I know that with your support, we can work together to make Summerfield the great place we all know it can be!

RICH SCHLOBOHM I have been a resident of Summerfield at my current address for 29 1/2 years, and have lived in North Carolina for 43 years. I moved to Summerfield after building my house on land that I owned. We moved here for the open spaces, good schools and low taxes. I am a graduate of Central Connecticut State University. I was employed with the Greensboro Fire Department and retired as a fire captain after 30 years of service with the City of Greensboro. While with the fire department I worked in firefighting, fire inspections, fire investigations, public information and public education. I attended the National Fire Academy and participated in the City of Greensboro career development courses. I have been married to my wife, Jane, for 39 years. She is retired from Guilford County Schools. We have raised our three children in Summerfield and they attended Laughlin Primary, Summerfield Elementary and Northwest Middle and High Schools. We have five grandchildren, three of whom live in Summerfield with our daughter and her husband. My chil-

dren were all involved in Summerfield Recreation Association, which I was active in for many years. After retiring I worked for a period of time as a part-time employee for the Town of Summerfield Parks and Recreation Department. I believe my varied experience and ability to work with many different people has prepared me for the position of Town Councilman. I am not a politician and will work hard to represent all of the residents of Summerfield with a fair and open mind to all views. I ask for your vote on Nov. 5.

JOHN O’DAY, incumbent (elected to 4-year term in 2015) I was born in New Jersey to a military family, and have lived across the country. I eventually landed in central Pennsylvania, where I earned my degree in computer science.

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OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

MEET THE CANDIDATES While living in Pennsylvania I served communities in a variety of positions from historic societies in Gettysburg, to Appalachian Trail clubs. My wife and I were attracted to Summerfield’s rural character and infrastructure to raise our daughter. We’ve lived in the Polo Farms community since early 2011. My son, a former Marine, lives with his family in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Since moving to this area I’ve been involved in our community, first as a volunteer, and then as an elected official. As a member of the Town Council the last four years, I’ve been part of significant accomplishments for our community. We’ve maintained the lowest tax rate and best fund balance ratio in North Carolina. We have no debt, and $13 million in assets. We

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have solved safety issues in our parks by improving parking. Recently we opened the Greenway tunnel under U.S. 220 by connecting a sidewalk to Summerfield Road. Going forward, I am committed to keeping taxes low. I do not support a municipal water system. Instead, I pledge to work with our Fire District partners on the best way to keep our community safe. Our Unified Development Ordinance must be completed with continued citizen input along the way. We need strategic planning to determine town property usage, as well as additional park improvements. I support the A&Y Greenway extension in Summerfield, with state and federal funding. Professionally, I consult with health plans throughout the country recommending operational improvements

based on strategic vision. I have managed many projects with multimillion-dollar budgets and constrained timelines. Simply put, I know how to get things done. I ask for your vote Nov. 5.

LYNNE WILLIAMS DEVANEY I am a Summerfield native and a proven award-winning leader. I have been elected president nine times over 14 years to multiple local nonprofit boards of directors including PTA, PTSA and Summerfield Recreation Association. I started fundraisers at Summerfield and Northwest Guilford Middle School, earning

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$40,000 and $25,000 respectively for their programs. I procured 12 new sponsors totaling $4,775 for Founders’ Day. While working alongside volunteers, coaches and community leaders, my dedication to the people of Summerfield has only deepened. My passion is contagious, and my commitment is unwavering.

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ful volunteer work. I’m devoted to a united Summerfield and will empower community members to engage and become involved. As a member of our Town Council I will, without exception, make informed decisions. I support local businesses. I firmly believe in low taxes. I support water for firefighters to protect Summerfield citizens. I will passionately advocate for a united community that will promote, improve and nurture our wonderful town. While looking toward the future needs of Summerfield citizens, I want to keep and preserve our quaint community feel – hence, “moving forward while preserving the past.” Through a sound, respectful and balanced approach, I am driven to represent all Summerfield citizens to their benefit. Summerfield, be heard now! On Nov. 5, vote Lynne Williams DeVaney and Summerfield Proud!

SEAN DWYER Summerfield has been our home since 2002. We relocated to North Carolina in response to a career opportunity offered by my employer, the Remington Arms Company. We fell in love with the Town’s unspoiled beauty and its rural charm. Its bountiful open space, low taxes, small government, and highly rated Northwest schools sealed the deal for us! We put down roots and became part of the community. I managed my son John’s soccer team while my wife, Rita, was a volunteer tutor at Northwest Middle and Northwest High schools.

Over a 35-year career I held many positions at Remington, starting as a technician in the R&D Lab and ending as the Chief Technical Officer reporting to the CEO. I retired in 2013 and since then have contributed my time and energy to our neighborhood by serving on committees and the Henson Farms HOA Board for four years (three years as president). I have a record of being committed to obtaining the best value for the residents. I have worked hard to ensure that our balance sheet is strong and that we are transparent in our spending and long-term planning.

Now I would like to do more, and offer my time and talents to Summerfield and her residents. I believe that the combination of my corporate experience, the business skill set I have acquired, as well as my leadership within Henson Farms, provides me with a strong resume for Summerfield Town Council. If you share my vision of maintaining our current overall low-density zoning, limiting commercial development so as not to impact residential neighborhoods, and keeping government small, while spending your money wisely and keeping your property tax rates low, then please vote Sean Dwyer on Nov. 5.

As of Oct. 21, 2019, the Town of Summerfield has registered voters. Of these, 1,591 are registered Democrats; 3,679 are registered Republicans; 62 are registered Libertarians; 1 is registered with the Constitution Party; and 2,610 are unaffiliated.

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OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

FRANK BRUNO, incumbent

MEET THE STOKESDALE CANDIDATES seven

three

Stokesdale Town Council has candidates running for open seats in the upcoming election; all three elected candidates will serve a four-year term. Key issues addressed during a candidates’ forum on Oct. 21 were whether the Town’s five council members should continue to be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Town or consider delegating some of these responsibilities to a town manager or administrator (no candidate was in favor of hiring a town manager). The only northwest Guilford County without a property tax, all seven candidates said the Town has a healthy fund balance and saw no need for a property tax in the foreseeable future. Protecting and expanding the Town’s municipal water system was another key topic, as was whether the Town should find ways to partner with and support businesses wanting to contribute to the revitalization of the downtown area. Missed the candidates’ forum? Watch it at Facebook.com/Northwest Observer.

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(ﬁrst elected in 2011 and reelected in 2015) I moved to Stokesdale in 1991 to raise my family and enjoy the small town atmosphere, the friendly people, and the quality of life Stokesdale has to offer. As a council member for the past 8 years I have strived to protect these qualities of our town and looked after them for our citizens. In those 8 years I am proud to say that our town council has been able to control expenses while not cutting back on any needs of the town, and added over $860,000 to our savings. I volunteer with the March of Dimes, Alzheimer’s Association, Epilepsy Association, Red Cross, Salvation Army, police and firefighters’ organizations, and numerous veterans’ and patriotic events. I am proud of what we have accomplished in Stokesdale with the partnership of our community and business leaders. I helped start the Stokesdale Business Association, worked with the Stokesdale Elementary School on various projects to help the school obtain the technology they need to compete with other schools in Guilford County, added a town library with computer access for the public, helped design the town’s new website, worked to enhance our park with a swing set, improve our soccer fields, add a new shelter, repair the volleyball courts, add a shade canopy over the playground, add new benches, re-surface the walking trail, and upgrade our playground area so the entrance is ADA compliant; and organized and planned various events in downtown and at the town hall and park including commu-

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

nity days, an annual 9/11 ceremony, the farmers market, our 30th anniversary celebration, and taking over last year as head of the Parade Committee to ensure our annual tree lighting and Christmas Parade continues. If elected, I will continue working to improve our town while controlling expenses with no property tax.

MARK NADEL My wife, Deb, and I relocated to Stokesdale in 2017 because we wanted a community that fostered good old American family values and a safe place for folks to live and raise their families. I am a firm believer in supporting those in our town who support us, and I have met with many local business owners. Small businesses are the way this country evolved and supporting them is the lifeblood of any town. Over the last two years I have become very involved with town leadership. I am a member of the Events Committee, Ordinance Review Committee as well as an alternate member of the Planning Board. My experience includes volunteering in the military amateur radio service for the U.S Air Force, as well as volunteering for the Nassau County, New York veterans’ agency. In addition, I was president of one of the largest public service organizations in the United States amateur radio service, as well as a communications officer at Ground Zero supporting first responders during those terrible days after Sept. 11, 2001. After retiring I went back to work with the Nassau County New York Police Department as a civilian employee. I am an open-minded individual who is always willing to listen to those

around me as well as respect those with opposing ideas in order to make the important decisions that will benefit our community. If elected, I will have an open-door policy and commit to working as a team member for all those in Stokesdale. We reside in a wonderful town with an incredible future. I look forward to becoming a part of the town leadership to make our home the best it can be.

DEREK FOY After moving to Stokesdale in 2013, I became involved in the community through the Stokesdale Parks and Recreation nonprofit organization. I met many wonderful families while serving four years on the board of directors.

Our local nonprofit youth organizations strengthen the foundation of our community. I believe supporting our youth should be a town priority. For Stokesdale, I envision modest investments with our local nonprofit youth organizations ultimately yielding immeasurable positive returns. Common sense, honesty and decency are attributes Stokesdale needs from elected officials. Astute decision making comes with perspective and balance. If elected to serve Stokesdale, I recognize the necessity of balancing citizen wants and governing with fiduciary responsibility. Effective council members must operate in two realities: managing the routine matters of the present while being mindful of shaping our future. My rational and consistent decision making approach will benefit our town. I believe extending our water system and improving our town park are key strategic initiatives for Stokesdale.

Preserving our town’s character and historical assets become instrumental as we grow. Community events foster citizen engagement and a feeling of pride in Stokesdale. Given the town’s low overhead structure, Stokesdale is positioned to meet these initiatives while continuing to avoid a town property tax. I am grateful for the support from my wife (Rachael), son (Marshall, age 9), and many friends in the community. I work in operations management and know the value of listening to diverse groups of stakeholders across an organization. I listen with an open mind. I graduated from Northwest Guilford High School in 1997. I earned my bachelor’s degree from N.C. State (’01) and master’s degree in Business Administration from Elon University (’15) while working full-time. I am committed, dutiful, eager to serve, and enthused to make a positive impact for Stokesdale.

TIM JONES, incumbent (elected to ﬁrst 4-year term in 2015) “I am a 59-yearlifelong resident of Stokesdale, elected to Town Council in 2015. See previous bio online at nwobserver.com; click on previous issues, then look for “Northwest Observer 2015 Election Guide” page E-21. I favor limited Town government, and do not support a property tax or excessive spending that may lead to one. I support the protection of citizens’ civil rights and property rights. If reelected I will work to restore financial accountability including monthly, accurate “Budget vs Actual”

...continued on p. 26

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MEET THE CANDIDATES & “Cash Disbursement” reports, and will advocate for timely and accurate Public Meeting Notices, Town Meeting Agendas, and Town Council Meeting Minutes. In light of the fact the Town has a limited budget to support a water system, park, and Town Hall, staying within the budget matters. I will advocate for reduction of high spending limits approved on Aug. 9, 2018, by Bruno, Hooks, Flynt. I will work to establish a “Procurement Policy” and restore the former

...continued from p. 25

“Vendor Policy” to protect the Town from business referral networks that Council members may belong to (reference previous unauthorized No-Bid contract for $24,400 for tree removal work in October 2018). Currently eight Town vendors are members of the same business referral network. I will work to restore access to the Town attorney for all council members, not just the mayor, and reduce Town Council pay. I do not support using public funds to install water lines for developers. I voted against the

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$65,000 Lester Road water line extension. As a side note, I intend to find out why Town Hall has or needs six TVs. I will need help. Please vote for Randy Braswell and Jimmy Landreth. Long live the Constitution and our Republic!”

JIM RIGSBEE I was raised in Kernersville and am the youngest of four children; I am a twin, born to the late Jimmy and Peggy Rigsbee. I attended Glenn High School and obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Western Carolina, and then later attended Methodist University and received a master’s degree in justice administration. I have completed several prestigious leadership programs including N.C. State’s Administrative Officers Management Program, FBI LEEDA Command Institute, and the West Point Leadership Course. I currently serve as a lieutenant with the North Carolina Highway Patrol and have a combined 27 years of law enforcement experience. I’m married to Beth Rigsbee, a fifth grade teacher at Stokesdale Elementary, and we have three children, Tori, Cole and Julia. I am a member of the Kernersville Masonic Lodge and Greensboro Shriners Club, where I work diligently to support the Shriners Hospital for Children. I am passionate about our youth and their influence on the community. I volunteer with Scout Troop 103 as an adult leader and also with the Oak Ridge Youth Association, Stokesdale Elementary School and the North

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Carolina Troopers Association. Running for Stokesdale Town Council is my first attempt at public office. As a resident of Stokesdale and customer of the town’s water system, I am concerned about the sustainability and growth this system will experience in the future. I would like to work with others on the board in a cohesive manner to ensure the water system is affordable, as well as being sensitive to individual property owners’ rights. If elected, a primary goal of mine is to develop a strategic plan for Stokesdale that involves getting input from the citizens. I am a proven leader who loves my community and I want to ensure it continues to be attractive for both families and businesses alike.

JIMMY LANDRETH I grew up on a small tobacco farm, have lived in Stokesdale the better part of 60 years, and I never plan on leaving. I attended Stokesdale Elementary, Northwest Middle and High schools, Rockingham Community College and a short stint at UNCG. My wife, Karen, and I have been married for 32 years. Karen works at Stokesdale Elementary and is also a hair stylist at Hot Heads Salon here in Stokesdale. We have three sons, JP (Kelli), Kevin (Paige) and Brian (Ellie), and four grandchildren. My working life has included being a service station owner, bar owner and over-the-road truck driver, and working in auto dealership sales, finance and management. I’ve owned and operated Landreth Auto Sales since 1987 and just turned it over to

my son, JP, the first of October. Karen and I ran the PTA basketball program along with lots of wonderful volunteers for five years. I’ve coached or helped coach over 30 sports teams through PTA basketball and Stokesdale Recreation Association baseball programs and Oak Level Baptist Academy. I have served on the Town of Stokesdale’s 158 Bypass Committee, Ordinance Review Committee and Planning Board. I’ve loved growing up, living and raising a family in Stokesdale. If elected I will work with all members of council as an independent voice to keep Stokesdale free of a property tax and a limitedservices town, and will respect private property rights and keep the budget as lean as possible. If these stances appeal to you, please consider me for Council. I would also appreciate you considering Tim Jones and Randy Braswell as your other candidates (see their bios). Although we don’t always agree,

they have both agreed to have open conversation in public instead of in the back rooms of Town Hall. You can hold me to that.

RANDY BRASWELL (served on Council 2011-13; served as Mayor 2013-17) Born in North Carolina in 1959, I am a graduate of Nashville Technical (’79). I have been married for 39 years; my wife and I have three children and four grandchildren. I have been a business owner and resident of Stokesdale for 39 years. During that time, I have served as Stokesdale’s mayor pro tem for two years and as mayor for four.

I volunteer with Stokesdale Good Samaritan Ministries, Stokesdale Community Garden, and Stokesdale Parks and Rec (parent volunteer). I work hard and appreciate others who do the same. My family’s roots are centuries deep in North Carolina, so I love a tobacco field, antique farm equipment, hunting, fishing and playing in the dirt. I will be fine with a headstone that just says “Christian buried here.” Politically, my beliefs are pretty simple: Follow our Constitution, abide by our state’s general statutes and conduct business by the code of ethics. I will seek value before voting to spend our reserves and require

transparency from Town Hall. I have six years experience at Town Hall and will hit the ground running. I don’t like drama, grandstanding or the current quid-pro-quo method of running our government; I will be a “no monkey business” Councilman you can count on. Stokesdale is a special place without a property tax, and my goal is to keep it that way. I’m not seeking office to create myself a part-time job or looking for personal gain but to give back to a community that has been a great place to raise a family. Please vote for Braswell, Landreth and Jones on Nov. 5.

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Stokesdale has registered voters as of Oct. 21, 2019. Of these, 763 were registered as Democrats; 1,937 registered as Republicans; 19 registered as Libertarians; 1 registered with the Green Party; and 1,344 were unaffiliated.

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candidate ENDORSEMENTS

Vote for ... Danny Nelson

(Summerfield mayor) Long-time Summerfield resident Danny Nelson knows a lot of people and a lot of people know just what kind of man Danny Nelson is. Honest to a fault, generous and humble and never a disparaging remark for anyone who may not share his point of view. Danny doesn’t seek praise or the spotlight. Giving of himself comes naturally. When the present town hall was given to the newly incorporated town of Summerfield, Danny donated countless hours of his time and labor to renovate the 100-year-old-plus building. At the first town fishing event it was Danny, at his own expense, who cleared the banks around School House Lake of briars and poison ivy to make it possible for the children to fish safely. Danny was one of the driving forces to help raise money and supervise the building of the Summerfield Veterans Memorial. Danny Nelson will always step up to the plate when the town needs him and the town needs him now. Summerfield needs a man of Danny Nelson’s character and integrity as our mayor. Robert and Alicia Flowers, SUMMERFIELD

John O’Day

(Summerfield Town Council) John O’Day has been a very active member of our community, serving first on the Trails and Open Space Committee before winning his seat on Town Council. While serving on Town Council, John has been an advocate for maintaining a low tax rate, a citizen-driven Unified Development Ordinance that aligns with our Comprehensive Plan, and limited government – and very personal and important to me, he has strongly supported the Town’s trails and

OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

open space plans that have resulted in a multi-million-dollar 80/20 grant from the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the opening of the pedestrian tunnel under U.S. 220. The Town needs John’s positivity and business expertise to keep moving forward for the next four years. Please vote for John O’Day. Jane Doggett, SUMMERFIELD The writer is chair of Summerfield’s Trails and Open Space Committee.

Summerﬁeld Proud candidates I am extremely pleased to endorse Summerfield Proud candidates BJ Barnes, Tim Sessoms, Lynne Williams DeVaney, John O’Day and Reece Walker in the upcoming Summerfield election. The last two years have been challenging to say the least. Certain “Voices for Summerfield” candidates have stubbornly supported the current mayor during the last two years even in the face of governmental dysfunction and embarrassing, unprofessional public meetings that damaged our wonderful Town’s reputation. Tactics of misinformation and mischaracterization have been employed by certain of these individuals in an attempt to generate fear among residents for election purposes. Certain Voices for Summerfield candidates have also been tacitly party to an unrelenting and highly unfounded attack on our town manager and finance officer even though the Town’s key financial metrics continue to excel under their leadership. Of towns with tax rates, Summerfield boasts the lowest tax rate of towns of like-size in the state of North Carolina. Additionally, Summerfield enjoys the highest fund-balance-to-annualexpense ratio in the state, and has enjoyed exemplary audit results under the current town staff. Clearly our town staff is doing an excellent job and I fear this

administrative stability will be threatened unless the Summerfield Proud candidates are elected or re-elected. This ugliness needs to be stopped immediately by electing the honest, hardworking, professional Summerfield Proud candidates to restore order to the chaos and reclaim pride in our community. I firmly believe the Summerfield Proud candidates possess the requisite experience and leadership qualities to accomplish this goal. Lynne Williams DeVaney has exhibited these leadership qualities consistently in her roles as PTA president of Summerfield Elementary and Northern Guilford schools over the years, as well as through various church programs and activities. Longterm Guilford County Sheriff BJ Barnes and former Summerfield Mayor Tim Sessoms have invaluable and successful experience leading people and organizations. Councilmen John O’Day and Reece Walker were able to move our town forward in a positive manner during the last two years even in the face of the aforementioned dysfunction and chaos. This is an extremely important election for our town. Please vote for the Summerfield Proud candidates on Tuesday, Nov. 5. William “Bill” Triplett, SUMMERFIELD

Braswell, Jones and Landreth

(Stokesdale Town Council) I would like to endorse three fiscal conservatives for Stokesdale Town Council. Tim Jones has fought hard to keep the citizens of Stokesdale apprised of the finances of the town during the last two years, especially the last year or so when few accurate financial records were made available, even to other council members. Randy Braswell has a record of service to the citizens for six years, the last four of which were as mayor. He feels strongly enough about current issues that he agreed to run again. Lastly, Jimmy Landreth is a lifelong resident of Stokesdale who has served for

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

many years on the Stokesdale Planning Board, Ordinance Review Committee and other committees. I believe these three gentlemen will bring order back to an out-of-control purchasing policy, which has seen terrible overpayment for contracts, equipment purchases, etc. I hope every voter will come out in November and allow these men to return transparency and honesty to Stokesdale town government. William “Bill” N. Jones Jr., KERNERSVILLE The writer is a former Stokesdale Town Council member

McClellan, Pittman

(Oak Ridge Town Council) This election, the voters of Oak Ridge have a choice to make. Our candidates have presented two contrasting paths they will follow. One path would have us curtailing even our limited smart growth, restricting housing options and driving prices even higher, catering to special interests, not providing critical infrastructure, wastefully spending our reserves to serve a special group rather than all our citizens, and not maintaining a healthy reserve for unanticipated needs. This approach is both self-serving and short-sighted. Another path continues to build on what we have crafted over the past 20 years, preserving our heritage and building our future. If you are in favor of housing diversity to offer more reasonably priced alternatives for both young families and empty-nesters, supporting our land use plan and strategic plan, protecting our water supply with local ownership and accountability, facilities to serve the recreational needs of all our citizens, a sound fiscal policy to provide for future expanded facilities and healthy but limited financial reserves to protect us, the choice is clear. I will vote for George McClellan and Martha Pittman and urge you to do so as well. They will listen, and they will have your best interests at heart, not their own agenda. Spencer Sullivan, OAK RIDGE The writer currently serves as the mayor of Oak Ridge.

A weekly section in the Northwest Observer focused on our local youth and the adults who positively impact them.

Welcome to

Three players from each school advanced to the regional individuals and doubles competition, and Weidl was the only one to make it any further.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS by MEREDITH BARKLEY

“It was regionals, and the competition (was) fierce,” wrote Northern tennis coach Luster Parker in an email.

TENNIS, Northwest and Northern Northwest Guilford’s Elizabeth Weidl won the MidWest Regional 4A individuals tennis tournament last weekend and advances to the state tournament this weekend for the third time in her high school career. Weidl, a senior, defeated East Forsyth’s Rebecca Gaines (1-6, 6-4, retired*) for the win and the No. 1 seed out of the region. *Gaines complained of an injury and pulled out of the match, Northwest coach Bill Davidson explained. Weidl will be one of four top seeds in the state tournament. “She started a little slow, but she got it together,” said Northwest coach Bill Davidson. “She was playing pretty good at the end.” Both Northwest’s and Northern’s tennis teams lost in the first round of the regionals last week – Northwest to Lake Norman in the Class 4A competi-

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Northwest Guilford’s Elizabeth Weidl, a senior, advances to the state tennis tournament this weekend for the third time in her high school career.

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In the Class 3A competition, his doubles’ team of Rhiana Brownell and Katharyne Mascia, both seniors, lost to the No. 1 seed from East Chapel Hill. “It was hard-fought but not meant to be,” Parker wrote. In individuals’ competition, Northern’s Samantha Townes, a junior, was making her first appearance in postseason play.

FOOTBALL, Northern Northern Guilford’s Will Lenard threw for 377 yards and five touchdowns against conference foe Person County last Friday and the Nighthawks gobbled up 547 yards of total offense, ending a two-game skid with a win on the road. “We’ve struggled the past couple weeks,” Coach Erik Westberg said. “It was a big win for us, getting us in the

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...continued on p. 30

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“She was off to a great start in the first set,” Parker wrote. “Unfortunately, she did not advance beyond the first round. I have her one more year and expect great things from her.” Northwest’s doubles’ team of Madison Bowen and Olivia Gleeson lost in the first round of the 4A competition. After making it to the states her freshman and junior years, Weidl, who was playing in the singles competition, advanced to the state tournament for the third time in her four years at Northwest (in her sophomore year she also earned a spot at the states, but was unable to go because of a conflict, Davidson said). Last year she lost in the second round to the eventual state champ.

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SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS ...continued from p. 29

into the second quarter. At the half, the Nighthawks were up 26-21. “We played well in the first half, just didn’t play well defensively,” Westberg said. Northern took control in the second half, outscoring the Rockets 28-7 during the half and cruising to a 54-28 win. “We picked it up,” Westberg said. “Offensively, we were able to do pretty much what we wanted.” Receiver Michael Frogge, a senior, snagged 10 of Lenard’s passes for

189 yards and four touchdowns, and Brady Mercer, a junior, caught another five for 77 yards. Middle linebacker Tyler Anderson, a senior, had 15 tackles. “The second half we put it all together,” Westberg said. “The defense got some stops, some turnovers.” Next up, the Nighthawks travel Friday to Rockingham County, which is 2-6 overall and 1-3 in the conference. Despite their record, Westberg said, the Cougars are well coached and have good players on both sides of the ball. “We’ve got our hands full,” he said. “We’ve got to be able to get off the bus and put some good football together.”

FOOTBALL, Northwest Grimsley’s lopsided football win at Northwest Guilford last Friday kept the Whirlies atop the Metro 4A Conference as well as the News & Record’s weekly rankings of area teams. “They’re a good team,” said Northwest coach Kevin Wallace. “There’s a reason they’re No. 1 in the area.” Wallace’s young team (2-6, 0-2) has struggled with turnovers and other miscues much of the season. Those kinds of mistakes made it difficult for the Vikings to gain much traction against heavily favored Grimsley, which won 68-35. “Turnovers are killing us right now offensively,” Wallace said. A first-quarter fumble “really hurt us,” he said. Then a second-quarter interception returned for a touchdown helped the Whirlies pile up 26 points during the quarter. Another fumble hurt the Vikings

in the third quarter, when Grimsley (8-1, 2-0) added 20 points. But Wallace was also concerned about some of the decisions skilled players made during the game as well as a rash of dropped passes. He counted five or six that hit receivers in the hands and could have been caught. “We have to catch the ball better,” he said. “We have to make those plays.” The Vikings are on the road the remainder of the season, squaring off first against Ragsdale (3-5, 1-0) this Friday evening. Ragsdale’s Tigers defeated Page at home for its conference win. “They’ve got play makers. They’ve got speed,” Wallace said of the Tigers. After this Friday’s game at Ragsdale the Vikings will take on winless High Point Central Nov. 1 and non-conference Asheboro (1-7) Nov. 8.

youth / school NEWS

NWMS teachers, administrators hit the roof Five Northwest Middle School teachers and administrators hit the roof last Friday evening and remained there through the night as part of keeping a commitment they made to students, volunteers and staff. “We decided at the beginning of the year that we were going to try to raise $20,000 for additional books and teacher instructional supplies for our classrooms,” explained NWMS Principal Ashley Young, who spoke with the Northwest Observer from the top of the school building’s roof on Friday. “Toward the end of the fundraiser we made a deal with our parents, our volunteers and the rest of our staff that if we raised that $20,000, we would come out here and sleep on the roof.” The fundraising goal was not only met, but exceeded (over $21,000 was raised). “Every single student will be impacted, so we’re super excited,” Young noted. So, armed for the chilly night with food and drinks, a small tent, warm clothing, books – and a great attitude – Young climbed on the roof and

e-mail

prepared to stay there through the night with seventh-grade teachers Sadie Daniels (math), Danielle Arnold (science), Meghan Sharp (social studies) and asst. principal John Steger. “A huge thank you to all of our staff, students, families and community for helping us achieve – and exceed – our fundraising goal,” said Melissa Stallings, NWMS PTSO president. “It’s always unfortunate when the state and local governments are too strapped to financially assist our schools. We are grateful that our Viking family stepped forward to help our school purchase new classroom reading sets. These books will benefit many students for years to come.” Stallings encouraged everyone to continue donating to our local schools, saying, “The older the students become, the harder it is to fundraise. The needs within our schools continue throughout the year. Your local PTA/PTOs are always the best option to financially support your student’s education.” See a video of Young and her colleagues on the roof at Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

your youth/school news to: communitynews@nwobserver.com

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

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OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Student Profiles brought to you by

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STUDENT PROFILE compiled by MEREDITH BARKLEY 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 Hope Rackers, cross country After a couple years plagued by injuries, Hope Rackers is determined her senior year running for Northern Guilford will be a good one. “Hopefully I’ll get a full season this time, fingers crossed,” said Rackers,

it what you put into it,” Rackers said. “With running, it’s all about determination and grit. It’s like academics. I put a lot of work into it. It’s pushing myself to the limit, finding where that limit is and breaking it.”

who runs cross country in the fall, indoor track in the winter and outdoor track in the spring.

Coach Thanh Ngo doesn’t have to demand Rackers’ best. She gives it. That’s something a coach can appreciate.

Her sophomore year – her first on the cross country team – she was hampered by a knee injury. She sat out her junior year with a hip injury. Both were growth-related, she said.

“She is now coming back into form in her senior year and expects to make a big splash that has been a long time coming,” he said. “Hope is a quiet worker.”

This year, the infrastructure seems fine, so she’s been putting in the practice time and mileage she figures it’ll take to succeed.

When Rackers is not in school or running cross country she plays piano for her church and does volunteer work with Greensboro Urban Ministries’ soup kitchen and in poor communities.

“I enjoy the fact that you get out of

“It’s eye-opening,” she said. “The first time I was (at the soup kitchen) we witnessed someone having a heart attack. It was hard to see that.” But as she took meals to the homeless and engaged them in conversation, she was struck by how open and grateful they were. “You have a personal connection and feel like you’re making a difference,” Rackers said. Working in low-income communities through Carolina Cross Connections, she has helped build wheelchair ramps, painted, done yard work and helped hoarders clean out their houses. Next year Rackers, who said she built her own bed and desk, hopes to study industrial design in college.

Hiding your smile? We can help! Matthew J. Olmsted, DDS MS Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Suite CC (336) 441-7007

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OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

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GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community? Share your thoughts in

words or less

online: nwobserver.com e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.

 We will not publish Grins and Gripes for or about candidates in next week’s paper – please take your opinions to the polls on Nov. 5.

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GRINS to…

Company for providing hot dogs and EuroHaus for providing the bounce house.

 StokeRidge Tavern for your outstanding service, relaxed outdoor patio and excellent onion rings! You are not helping my diet, but they are soooooooo good!

 Max Kern for leading two fabulous teams to Guatemala that included students from Northwest High School, WCU, HPU, App State and UNC-G. You are a rock star!

 Van Tanner for his recommendation to live stream Oak Ridge Town Council meetings. This would be the ultimate in transparency, allowing access to everyone from home or work.

 Mayoral candidate Danny Nelson for his tireless work to help with our Summerfield Town Hall renovations, and for his leadership with our beautiful veterans’ memorial in our town park.

 The fabulous Summerfield Elementary staff for your help with morning and afternoon duties to keep the car rider line moving!

 The Northwest Observer for all the time and effort that went into producing the three candidate forums for town councils. I’ve heard a lot of positive comments throughout the community. Great job!

 The Oak Ridge Town Council candidates and homeowners who attended the Riverside Community forum on Oct. 14. Everyone’s vote counts, and we hope the input was valuable.  Realtors Kelly O’Day and Nancy Hess of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and Grinz Orthodontics for sponsoring the recent Movie in the Park events in Summerfield.  Town of Oak Ridge’s Special Events Committee for the hard work and exciting things they’re planning for the upcoming holidays, including the Maple Glade tour, parade, Light the Night, community trees and stars. Also thankful for the support from local businesses!  The great sponsors and participants at Summerfield’s Touch-A-Truck on Oct. 12, especially Vulcan Materials

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 Summerfield Proud candidates Williams DeVaney, Barnes, O’Day, Sessoms and Walker for promising integrity, civility, respect and professionalism. You have a variety of experiences and talents that will enable this town to come together and work for the good of Summerfield.  Rio Grande team – especially Eliot, Jose, Johana and Cesli – for helping us welcome home our college kid during your busy night. She wanted only “the best Mexican food” from Rio!  Priscilla Olinick, town council candidate, for researching the connections with development in our town and for being willing to serve and be a voice for the people of Summerfield.  George McClellan for maintaining strong relationships with Council mem-

bers in neighboring towns and with state representatives and senators on both sides of the aisle – he is always looking for opportunities that will benefit our town.  Sample Anderson, a true WWII hero – and happy (late) 98th birthday on Oct. 22.  Regular citizens who join committees and run for town offices. It’s inspiring to see that a person does not need to be a “career politician” to make a difference and improve their local community!  People who don’t think they committed an act of heroism just because they voted, but actually do the tedious task of research so they can be informed voters.  Northwest Observer editor Patti Stokes, who planned and implemented the Summerfield Town Council candidates’ forum. It was well organized, the timer was efficient, and the questions were timely and addressed concerns of Summerfield citizens.

GRIPES to…

 People who think they don’t have to yield to oncoming traffic when taking a right turn on red, thus forcing me to slam on my brakes so I don’t rear-end them. This seems to have become the norm.  Leaders of Oak Ridge Youth Association for jumping into the middle of the fray between Van Tanner and the Town of Oak Ridge. Please keep the politics out of our youth sports programs!  Tim Jones, who has caused Town of Stokesdale legal fees to increase from $2,600 to over $6,000 monthly due to his petty questions to the town attorney. Grow up and learn to tie your own shoes, Tim.  Van Tanner for not voting in a Town of Oak Ridge election in 16 years. How can you claim to have Oak Ridge’s best interests at heart when you haven’t voted in eight local elections? Actions

speak louder than words.  My neighbor who lets your dog pee on my freshly planted pansies. Please take your dogs to the common area or better yet, your yard! Show some respect – I don’t bring my dogs to your yard!  Guilford County Sheriff’s Office for not letting the residents on our road know if we were safe during their huge presence in our neighborhood last Wednesday night. Dog teams, flying a drone over folks’ homes and yards, and no word. Editor’s note: If you’ll submit a request for information to the Sheriff’s Office and wait patiently for a few days, someone will get back to you with very limited information – at least that’s been our experience since the sheriff’s office enacted a new public information policy earlier this year.  ORYA, Tanner, Stone and supporters for turning Oak Ridge into another Summerfield. This council and other candidates are not against kids or for high-density development. Thoughtful, deliberate use of taxpayer money takes time and input from many. #youwillnotgetmyvoteVan  Summerfield officials (elected and hired) for getting into arguments and taking sides – especially during an election – with citizens on social media. Summerfield needs to adopt a proper code of ethics for social media. The current situation is unacceptable. Editor’s note: We reached out to Town Manager Scott Whitaker to ask what the Town’s policy is about employees engaging with citizens on social media about town-related issues. Below is his response: “Employees are prohibited from engaging in political activity while on duty, but the town occasionally corrects inaccuracies involving public trust (e.g., if town finances, regulations, etc., are misrep-

...continued on p. 39

TIME TO VOTE!

Be sure to take your informed opinions to the polls on Nov. 5, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your letters (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com

e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com

Include your name, daytime phone number and name of community. Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.

Multiple issues should be considered before voting Wake up Summerfield! There is much more than a single issue at hand. When did Summerfield, North Carolina, decline into partisan block voting? Surely there are good candidates in both opposing groups looking to serve Summerfield’s best interests. In the future we face a broad spectrum of very important issues and many complex challenges! Beyond “planned development,” which is admittedly very important, are taxes, fund balance, leadership, ethics, representation outside Summerfield, water and fire safety, Council rules of order, form of government, staff relations, professional respect, etc. Are we bound to sink to the state and federal levels of divisiveness where money speaks the loudest and political parties use scare tactics? Since our last election a single dominant issue rooted in fear led to the operational morass of the Town Council: dysfunction, contention, frivolous lawsuits and an ineligible candidate. And it needs to be pointed out that 7% of eligible voters determined this direction by pluralities of 12 to 19 votes. We can do much better, Summerfield. At the candidate forum on Oct. 14,

there was much discussion about budgeting and “deficit” spending. This led in my opinion to much confusion. Simply put, the town’s fund balance is like your personal savings/rainy day accounts. Operations are your monthly expenses. There is nothing wrong with applying fund balance/savings to offset capital projects, with the proviso the minimum fund balance/rainy day levels are highly maintained. After all, that is what savings are for. The alternative is to raise taxes or reduce services. Neighboring towns would love to have Summerfield’s fund balance ratio. So my message to the voters of Summerfield is to protect your civic right and obligation and be sure to cast your ballot this Nov. 5. Further, study the multitude of issues facing our community and the diversity of candidates. Retribution and/or agenda are not the answer for Summerfield. Lastly, select individual candidates who have demonstrated a primary concern for Summerfield by working across the “aisle” with those of differing opinions, views or opposing agenda for the best of Summerfield.

Proposed municipal water sytem None of our homes or businesses in Oak Ridge could exist without water. This is why the minimum residential lot size has always been approximately one acre. Recently our Town Council approved 48 homes on 29 acres on N.C. 68 with Doug Nodine and Ann Schneider voting against. If our Council is so concerned about water, why was this approved on a 3-2 vote? Several subdivisions in Oak Ridge are now provided water by Aqua, and about 10 years ago Aqua proposed a community system for the Town but backed out when the cost was more than they could justify. The mayor and Council were angered by Aqua’s withdrawal. Now the Town has approved a water system for any new residential subdivision with 30 or more lots which the Town will control. The Town will depend on the same ground water source as we all do. The Town wants

control to shut out Aqua. A new subdivision does not have 30 or more homes overnight and it will most likely take years for this to develop, but the Town will have the cost up front to drill the well(s) and run the water lines with no revenue until residents start buying homes. In addition, the Town would be legally liable for any and all problems. Yes, we need a water source from a river or lake but not what the Town has voted to do – which is what we all depend on today, being water from wells. Except for Doug Nodine, the four Council members voting for this community well system are irresponsible with a vital resource – water. The Town is going to become a utility developer and operator with no experience. The citizens of Oak Ridge will be liable to cover the financial responsibility for all problems and issues with what upside? Jerry Cooke, OAK RIDGE

Be an informed voter:

Watch complete video coverage of your town’s candidates’ forum!

With the greatest of respect for my community, Michael Lopez, SUMMERFIELD

We will not be publishing candidate-related editorials, endorsements, grins or gripes in our Oct. 31 issue. Please express your opinions in the polling booth. Vote Nov. 5!

OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUTO SALES & SERVICE

SAVE THE DATE

HOME SERVICES

KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair, 4559 US Highway 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkeswagon, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience. (336) 337-0669.

Radie Mae Cook ANNUAL MEMORIAL BBQ, Sat., Oct. 26, Pleasant Ridge Community Church, 1826 Pleasant Ridge Rd., Greensboro 27410 (corner of Alcorn & Pleasant Ridge Rds.). Takeouts available 12 noon-2pm. BBQ only, $9 per lb; meal for 4, $15. Sit-down meal, 3pm. All proceeds go to our missionaries. Call (336) 708-4000 for additional info.

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Will your furnance work when it's time? Call (336) 382-3750.

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

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EMPLOYMENT

Gideon Grove UMC ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT on Thurs., Oct. 31, 5-7pm, in the church parking lot at 2865 Gideon Grove Church Rd., Stokesdale. Come by for some safe family fun, fellowship and treats! Call Laura Harrell at (336) 643-6042 for more information.

POLLO PIZZA PASTA Italian restaurant is now hiring cashier and dining room attendant / busboy. Please apply in person at 602 Hickory Ridge Road, Greensboro, NC, on Hwy 68 behind Taco Bell near Hwy 40.

CRAFT SHOW at The Garden Outlet in Summerfield, Saturday, Nov. 2, 9am-3pm. Handmade crafts only, food trucks, lots of fun. 5124 U.S. 220 N, Summerfield, NC 27358. Located behind Gastown.

WOODWORKER needed for full-time woodshop position. Pay depends on experience. No experience is OK if you're willing to learn. Greensboro. (336) 665-9811.

Gideon Grove UMC will hold their annual FALL BAZAAR, Saturday, November 2, from 8am-12n, at the church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Rd., Stokesdale. Ham and sausage biscuits will be served for breakfast. There will be baked goods, crafts, a handmade quilt raffle and many other exciting things to see. Please contact Laura Harrell at (336) 643-6042 for more inforinfor mation.

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DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX

Auto Sales & Service ................... 35

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE. Help wanted. Call (336) 643-9157.

Employment ............................... 35

SAVE THE DATE

Save the Date ............................. 35

Come on out to the KEEP IT LOCAL Art & Pottery Show! Sat., Oct. 26, 10am-4pm, 2409 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. We will have over 20 local artists representing many various mediums. We will have painters, jewelry makers, soap makers, potters, mixed media, wood artists, doll makers and fabric artists. There will be a live band as well as cupcakes and fresh popcorn. Bring 6 cans of food or $5 to participate in the Art Hunt. This show is for everyone, so bring your family and come enjoy community time. We would love to see you there!

Yard Sales .................................. 35 Home Services ...................... 35-37 Misc. for Sale ............................. 37 Misc. Services ............................. 37 Misc. Wanted .............................. 37 Pets & Animal Services ................ 37 Real Estate............................. 37-38

YARD SALES Stokesdale United Methodist Church FALL YARD SALE. Sat., Oct. 26, 7am-1pm. Please join us in the fellowship hall for ham and sausage biscuits, bake sale items and yard sale treasures. Great day of fellowship with your friends and neighbors. ANTIQUE YARD SALE, Sat., Nov. 2, 8am1pm, 8522 Hwy. 65 E., Stokesdale. Get ready for Christmas. Please come.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

•Odor remediation

Focus on what matters most We’ll handle the rest 336.897.0928 maidright.com/greensboro CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. ReferRefer ences. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838. 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. AMERICAN MAID. All your housecleaning needs. Weekly/biweekly/as needed. Call for your free estimate. (336) 409-4554.

ELECTRICAL BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192. Need an electrician?

Call BLACKMON ELECTRICAL, INC. Free est. Comm. & res. Licensed & insured. Call (336) 430-5018. Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486. Reminder: It's generator season!

continued on p. 36

OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

HOME SERVICES

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282.

LAWN CARE AND HOME SERVICES. Free estimates. (336) 601-6420.

MASONRY

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490.

concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022,

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

How about a new patio or fire pit? We can

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. 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. CLOCK DOCTOR. Free house calls for sick clocks. (336) 643-9931 or (336) 392-4124. AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate, call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707. FIX YOUR MOWER. Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681.

OLD SCHOOL

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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. UTILITY TRAILERS WELDED & REPAIRED. Pickup and delivery available. Call or text Morris at (336) 880-7498.

GRADING / HAULING ECO-FRIENDLY LAND CLEARING and drainage. Serving the Triad and surrounding areas. ncforestrymulching.com or call (336) 362-6181. Forestry mulching/drainage work. Insured and professional! Check out our Facebook and Google reviews!

OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647. H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full-service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/ operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, driveways, French drains and much more. (336) 543-7867. 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.

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING www.EAGLEHARDSCAPES.com. Founded in 1981. Patios, outdoor kitchens, landscape design, all your rock needs, pool decks, fountains, room additions, rock walls, retaining walls and more! Please visit our website. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875. DELIMA LAWNCARE. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. Commercial & Residential. (336) 669-5210. AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, work workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com. 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.

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. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint, landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764. DERAS LAWN CARE Grass cutting, pine needles, trimming, leaf blowing. (336) 423-2239. FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete tree removal & trimming. Storm damage clean-up. Landscaping & hardscaping. Insured. Taylor, (336) 458-6491. SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE, offering complete lawn maintenance services & bush hogging. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086. 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. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.

The Northwest Observer 22 years and still counting!! Thanks for your continued support.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MASONR CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone MASONRY www.masonryconceptsgso.com. SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. 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. COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; dry-stack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Call (336) 949-9019. www.colonialmasonry.com.

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, out buildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Call (336) 706-8470. 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

PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186. STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com.

HOME SERVICES

LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089.

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

CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior and exterior. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. (336) 669-5210.

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 39 years exp. (336) 362-6343.

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.

ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981.

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469.

Tell our readers how you can help.

HOME SERVICES

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION for all your remodeling/renovation needs. (336) 430-9507. Call or email Laura for advertising info (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com @nwobserver.com

PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924. 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. FREEMAN PLUMBING - new construction, remodel and repair. For ALL your plumbing needs! (336) 580-4525.

PRESSURE WASHING PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873. PRESSURE WASHING and gutter cleaning. Save $50+ with our fall specials! Visit MartinsPressureWashing.com or call (919) 931-0856.

Tell our readers about your service! Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 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. 30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, vinyl siding and windows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum floors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469.

Services TM Construction , INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Bathroom and kitchen

(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell

NC Gen. Contractor #72797

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION ROOFING

PREMIER ROOFING, LOCALLY OWNED. Catering to all your roofing needs. Call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments.

PULP, pudding, and more. PERSIMMON PULP (336) 816-3441 or (336) 996-3892. SEASONED FIREWOOD. $80/pickup truck load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615. CUB CADET, 24 H.P. 50" lawn mower w/ Kohler engine/hydrostatic. D R leaf & lawn vacuum Pro-XL model. Electric start. Sold as one unit. Both like new! $2,995.00. (336) 202-2662.

MISC. WANTED

BEST PRICES IN TOWN! Shingle and metal roofing. Top-notch quality. Res./comm., licensed & insured. Financing available. Belews Creek Construction, (336) 362-6343.

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, ATVs, generators, power washers, chain saws, mini-bikes, go-carts, most all gas items. (336) 689-4167.

13,500 copies every week! Shouldn't your business be here? Call (336) 644-7035 for info.

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

MISC. SERVICES

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION

Licensed & insured

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.

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 268-1908.

MISC. FOR SALE

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING Registered & insured. Follow me on Facebook. Call or text (336) 339-6845.

www.nwobserver.com Locally owned & operated

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance 6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

MISC. FOR SALE SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373. KNIGHT'S PRODUCE & PLANTS. We have our pumpkins & mums available. Also fresh produce and handmade candles and soaps. 14809 Hwy 158, Summerfield. (336) 708-0585. 2019 Husqvarna GAS MOWER, self propelled, like new, $125; and 2019 Greenworks Pro weed eater, like new, $60. Please call (336) 427-4872.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

REAL ESTATE HOMES FOR RENT OAK RIDGE, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, all appliances, no yard work, private. $800/mo. (336) 669-5233. PROPERTY FOR RENT. 7307 Shadyside Dr., Summerfield. Clean older home. Upstairs 3 BR, bath, & kitchen. Downstairs two BR, bath & kitchen. Rent is $1,050/ month. Deposit required. (336) 688-1773 or (336) 996-4649. Ask for John. 2 BED, 1 BATH, duplex in Stokesdale. $800/month. For info call (336) 549-0501. 2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH house in Stokesdale, Rockingham Co. $650 per month. (336) 646-3096.

continued on p. 38

OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

REAL ESTATE

LAND FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE

1.36-ACRE HOME SITE in Gwynedd, off Bunch Road. $85,000. (336) 643-7071.

SUMMERFIELD – 6 ACRES!

SIMPLICITY AND STYLE!

MUST SEE!

LARGE TRACTS. 4 to 23-acre tracts; open & wooded; creeks & pond. Only 6 parcels

oon! Coming S

remain, so hurry, these will not last and never be duplicated! (336) 430-9507 anytime. 23 ACRES bound by 2 creeks, beautiful hardwoods and some open land. Summer Summerfield address, Rockingham Cty. taxes. Very private & serene. (336) 430-9507 anytime. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! 20 acres off Lake Brandt Road, south of NC 150. Developers & individuals, don’t let this unique tract go by! (336) 430-9507 anytime.

For community updates, breaking news and more, visit:

3807 Eagle Downs Way Artfully designed home with popular open plan. Current yet classic architectural elements. Spacious dining room, bedrooms with en suites. Incredible gathering area in the designer kitchen / keeping room/ great room combination. Designer colors for selected countertops and tiles. A must-see master bath and closet. Enjoy the beautiful private view from back porch. $669,000

Best of both worlds! Secluded custom estate between two neighborhoods! Intelligently designed plan encourages natural flow, flexible living areas and expansion possibilities. Outdoor living and entertaining areas overlook 6 totally private acres. Master & guest suite on main level. Perfect blend of rustic & modern – this home delivers! Offered at $987,000

Nancy J. Hess

Jake Letterman

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

(336) 338-0136

TUCKED AWAY IN SUMMERFIELD!

2187 Meadow Run Drive Freshly painted, new S/S appliances, one owner, breathtaking views from backyard! $349,900

For superior marketing, call Ramilya Siegel CRS, GRI, SRES, Chairman’s Circle Award

( 336 ) 215.9856 rsiegel@kw.com

TOWNHOMES IN OAK RIDGE!

facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver

123 Dream Lane

...where over 13,500 of your neighbors are connected

Privacy and location! 4BR/4BA home in Crosscreek Plantation. Fantastic floorplan allows multiple gathering areas. Master and a second bedroom on the main, third-level suite and lower-level game room. Screened porch on the lower level for entertaining or relaxing. Offered at $350,000

Nancy J. Hess PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

REACH OUT TO

Twin townhomes starting at $274,900. Within Oak Ridge town core. Units are pre-selling now. Seize the opportunity to pick your floor plan and options! Starting at $274,900

Nancy J. Hess

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

IN S OUR DER 26,000 REA

special-focus section. The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Real estate showcase ads in the NWO get noticed! Include a photo and description of your listing, Realtor photo, logo and contact info – all for only $85!

Place your real estate showcase today (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com

To reserve your space in the third issue of each month, email advertising@nwobserver.com, or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 11.

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Please support our advertisers, and tell them where you saw their ad! ACCOUNTING

HEALTH & FITNESS

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC...... 10

Aetna ....................................... 9, Insert

ART / DANCE / KARATE

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Northern Arts / Mike Carr Karate ....... 29

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE EuroHaus ........................................... 35 Piedmont Truck Tire ........................... 32 Tire Max ............................................. 25 Vestal Buick / GMC ............................. 26

BUILDERS / REMODELING TM Construction Services ................... 37

CANDIDATES / POLITICAL

BEK Paint Company ........................... 36 Budget Blinds ..................................... 10 Culligan .............................................. 23 Dr. Johns H2O .............................. Insert Eanes Heating & Air ........................... 27 MaidRight Cleaning............................ 35 New Garden Landscaping .................... 4 Old School Home Repair .................... 36 ProStone, Inc. ..................................... 12 Rymack Storage ................................. 37 Stokesdale Heating & Air.................... 24

BJ Barnes / Summerfield Proud .......... 19 George McClellan, Oak Ridge ............ 15 Martha Pittman, Oak Ridge ............... 16

INSURANCE

CHILDREN’S SVCS. / PROGRAMS

Barbour & Williams Law ..................... 17 Scott Tippett, Hagan Barrett Law ....... 33

Justin Fulp, Farm Bureau Insurance .... 10

LEGAL SERVICES

After School Brilliance ........................ 29 Guardian Ad Litem Program ..............30

MEDICAL CARE

CHURCH

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Central Baptist Church.......................... 5 Oak Ridge United Methodist Church .. 14 Pathways Church ................................ 22 Summerfield First Baptist Church.......... 2 World Bible School ............................. 33

DENTISTRY DeVaney Dentistry ................................ 7 Summerfield Family Dentistry ............... 2

EVENTS Brews & Barrels for Belle ..................... 18 Great Pumpkin Event............................ 3 Oak Ridge Farmers Market .................. 2 Town of Oak Ridge......................... 8, 11

LeBauer Healthcare ........................... 20 Olmsted Orthodontics ........................ 31

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................ 10 Northwest Animal Hospital ................. 39 Westergaard Kennels............................ 6

REAL ESTATE

A New Dawn Realty ........................... 38 Jake Letterman, BHHS Yost & Little ...38 Nancy Hess, BHHS Yost & Little .........38 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ..................... 5 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ...........38

RESTAURANT

Domino’s Pizza ................................... 31

Is your marketing plan

falling down?

Turn over a new leaf – contact us today:

advertising@nwobserver.com or (336) 644-7035, ext. 11

GRINS & GRIPES

...continued from p. 33 resented),” Whitaker wrote in an email. “I’m not aware of any recent instances in which staff have gotten into social media arguments on public pages. Employees do have strong opinions, especially given the direct criticism some have received publicly, but existing policy already provides boundaries. Perhaps the new Council will want a social media policy, but hopefully any such product won’t strip away the ability of staff to communicate accurate information in the face of that which undermines the public’s trust.”  Whoever consistently uprights the yard signs for Danny Nelson and team after the Henson Farms common areas are mowed but doesn’t upright their opposition’s signs. It lacks class and integrity.  Van Tanner for invoking the name of former Mayor Tom Brown in his campaigning. His wife is probably too gracious to ask you to stop. Stop standing behind dead people who cannot confirm or deny your words.  Todd Rotruck. Dude, let it go! To allude there is some conspiracy against you makes you sound like a bad Clinton.  Stokesdale Councilman Frank Bruno for your unbridled, run-away Quid-ProQue (sic) referral train used to hire your BNI network buddies. We know you sponsored Beaver Outdoors into the BNI referral network.  ORYA leadership for getting political and sending negative emails to voters last week smearing Pittman and McClellan.

Shame on you for being manipulated by and aligning with Van Tanner, who creates confusion and a cloud of controversy wherever he goes.  Oak Ridge Town Council candidates George McClellan and Martha Pittman for stating they would support a municipal water system that is totally unnecessary and would not benefit current residents.  Van Tanner for wanting to fill up our parks with ball fields, splash park, skate park, basketball, tennis, pickleball, and Frisbee golf while he runs on a low-density platform. How about low density for our parks and keep open spaces?!  The arrogant mentality permeating our town. Maybe the next town council should erect gates at the town limits to make a gated community instead of a council willing to work to make our town better for present and future citizens.  Randy Braswell for implying during the candidate forum “quid pro quo” is occurring with an existing council member and urging that member to “man up” and resign. You should “man up” and specify a name if this is occurring.  Van Tanner for becoming the Gail Dunham of Oak Ridge and leading the town to become just like Summerfield. Politics of “Me the people” are not wanted here. Oak Ridge is about “We the People.”  Summerfield Town Council candidate Priscilla Olinick who stated at the candidates’ forum that she did not need “Robert’s rules” for town council meetings. Summerfield needs council members who are calm, run orderly meetings and willing to listen to the citizens.

compassionate

personal caring responsive

Wendy Camp, DVM

1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-8984 nwanimalhospitalnc.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

OCT. 24 - 30, 2019

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Drew and Pam Donnell of Oak Ridge celebrated recent graduations in Oracabesse, Jamaica, with family, friends and the Northwest Observer . (L-R , back row) Drew Do nell, Chris Cannada, Solwy nn Hagar, David Williams, Cherry Champion, Christian da, Dakota Cannada and CannaHayden Cannada; (front row ) Diane Bailey, Kristen Canna Pam Donnell and Heidi Ha da, gar.

Caleb Harrell enjoyed a trip Stokesdale residents Mason and parents, Criss and Lindsay Harto Emerald Isle beach with their out on the water where they rell. They spent a successful day caught a few ﬁsh too! “caught” up on the local news and

Stokesdale neighbors and friends Dylan Joyce, Xander Stoltz and Holden Joyce logged in summer reading minutes thanks to the local news before they spent a full day exploring the Museum of Life and Science in Durham.

Where do you take your Northwest Observer? Email your photo to photos@nwobserver.com