Northwest Observer l Jan. 16-22, 2020 by pscommunications

Jan. 16 - 22, 2020

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Council mulls offer of Summerfield Community Center property Summerfield leaders weigh benefits and liabilities of owning ‘this valuable community asset’ by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Town Council is evaluating whether to accept an offer to deed the town nearly 17 acres containing Summerfield Community Center and Summerfield Community Park. The board of Summerfield Community Center Inc., owner of the property on Centerfield Road, offered in Septem-

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

Summerfield Community Center Inc. is offering to deed the town of Summerfield 17 acres on Centerfield Road that include Summerfield Community Center and Summerfield Community Park. ber to deed the land to the town. Town Manager Scott Whitaker discussed the

IN THIS ISSUE News in brief.......................................... 2 ORYA president removed from P&R board ...3

proposal for the first time publicly during the council’s meeting Tuesday, Jan. 14.

Student Profiles .................................... 12 Crime/Incident Report ........................... 14

by CHRIS BURRITT

Calendar Events ................................... 15

OAK RIDGE – For the third time since October, Oak Ridge resident Rita Lewandowski plans to urge the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to incorporate a horse trail into long-range plans for Town Park.

Stokesdale Town Council meeting ............ 6 High School Sports ............................... 10

Grins and Gripes................................... 16 Classifieds ........................................... 19 Index of Advertisers .............................. 23 NWO on the Go! ................................... 24

...continued on p. 8

Horse enthusiasts rallying to show support for horse trails on park property The draft master plan for Town Park doesn’t include an equestrian trail, forcing horse enthusiasts to garner support for the idea as quickly as possible

Your Questions ....................................... 4

“We just want to start the conversa-

In her previous two presentations late last year, Lewandowski was essentially the “Lone Ranger” in her quest. As she returns to the P&R board this Thursday evening, Jan. 16, she’s rounded up the support of a

growing number of horse enthusiasts who favor the creation of a riding trail along the perimeter of 58 acres on Linville Road slated for the park’s expansion.

“We’re trying to play catchup and get the community involved,” Lewandowski said in an interview earlier this week. Her proposal for a horse trail on the grassy tract that Oak Ridge bought from Frank Whitaker Jr. in 2018 isn’t part of the town’s development of a master plan for Town Park. The process is nearing its end as the council evaluates the draft of the plan prepared by consultant McGill

...continued on p. 18

NEWS in brief

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An article in our Jan. 9-15, 2020 issue misstated Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker’s practice of sending town business-related emails to town council members. Whitaker actually said that he does not always include

Creating a ﬁve-year capital improvement plan will be focus of meeting OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council will hold a special called meeting Thursday, Jan. 23, 2 p.m. at Oak Ridge

The total is $155,721.93, according to Dee Hall, the town’s finance officer.

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Town Hall, 8501 Linville Road. The purpose of this meeting is for the council to create its annual Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which will tentatively determine which projects and initiatives are funded in the next five fiscal years. This meeting is open to the public.

Final tally for Rotruck-related lawsuits totals $155,721 SUMMERFIELD – After fighting in court for more than a year and a half, Summerfield has received what it believes are the final bills for lawsuits related to former town council member Todd Rotruck.

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“I sometimes email one, two or more council members, depending on the subject,” he said. “Not all emails were relevant to the mayor or all members.” The Northwest Observer regrets the error.

Council to hold special called meeting Jan. 23

by CHRIS BURRITT

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every council member in his emails.

Three lawyers billed Summerfield $7,139.70 in December, with virtually all of the charges related to Superior Court Judge David Hall’s dismissal of a lawsuit by residents Dwayne Crawford, Don Wendelken and Danny Nelson. They claimed the town and four council members had unlawfully spent taxpayer money for the defense of Dianne Laughlin, who was appointed in October 2018 to fill Rotruck’s seat on the council. “Hopefully that will be the end of it all since the last case was dismissed by

the court in December,” Hall said in an email earlier this week. The total for the town’s defense in last year’s suit brought by Crawford, Wendelken and Nelson was $51,723.93, Hall said. Nelson, a mayoral candidate in the Nov. 5 election, withdrew from the suit in October. The bulk of the town’s legal defense bills related to litigation with Rotruck. He first sued the town in May 2018, after the Guilford County Board of Elections had ruled he had not established permanent residency in Summerfield, making him ineligible to serve on the council four months after taking office in December 2017. Rotruck said in October he was giving up his legal fight to retain his council seat after an unfavorable ruling by the North Carolina Court of Appeals left him the option of appealing to the

...continued on p. 4

Vote by council removes ORYA president from P&R board ORYA President Tom Collins said the move ‘certainly seems punitive’ while town staff and council members defend the decision by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – A vote by Oak Ridge Town Council last week removed Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA) President Tom Collins from the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The vote during the council’s Jan. 9 meeting reignited campaign rancor that had subsided after the Nov. 5 election.

candidate Van Tanner, the council approved expanding the P&R board by two seats and dedicated one of the seats to ORYA’s president.

the finance committee and the council to consider the association’s funding requests for next fiscal year. Mayor Ann Schneider said she wants to organize a youth athletics subcommittee “to take a fresh look at youth athletics in Oak Ridge and how we might adjust our support to better serve our residents, if possible.”

“Some of the things they’ve been trying to do seem to be very retaliatory,” Collins said in an interview after last week’s meeting, referring to the council’s vote that removed him from the P&R board. “It certainly seems punitive.”

The council voted 5-0 to amend the town’s parks and recreation ordinance in two ways: It said ORYA’s representative on the P&R advisory board doesn’t necessarily need to be the organization’s president. Second, the amendment said all P&R board members and alternates must be legal residents of Oak Ridge.

Tensions have resurfaced as the council is considering ORYA’s request for an additional $12,000 in funding and subsidies to cover expenses incurred by its teams when playing on Oak Ridge Town Park fields. Run by volunteers, ORYA is a nonprofit organization that regularly uses the park facilities under an annual agreement with the town.

Its adoption led to the immediate removal of Collins, a Summerfield resident. In March of last year, before Collins had aligned himself with council

The council voted last week to extend its 2019 user agreement with ORYA until June 30, the end of the town’s fiscal year. The extension will allow town staff,

The mayor proposed the subcommittee consist of two council members plus Town Manager Bill Bruce and Terry Lannon, the town’s parks and recreation director. They would talk to P&R board members, ORYA board members and families and town staff to propose recommendations for improving youth athletics, Schneider said. Collins attended the council meeting and during the period set aside for reports from community organizations, he talked about ORYA’s activities. During the period set aside for public comments, he didn’t comment on the council’s plans to assess youth athletics in Oak Ridge or its amendment of the ordinance that removed him from the P&R board. Councilman Doug Nodine asked Bruce and Town

...continued on p. 17

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I heard Don Wendelken, administrator for the Summerfield Scoop Facebook page, has requested one and a half months of town business-related emails and was told by Town Manager Scott Whitaker he has to pay $487.89 to receive them.

When does Summerfield charge for filling Public Records Requests, and when are the requests filled at no charge? Don Wendelken, who requested electronic copies of one and a half months of town business-related emails Nov. 15, finds himself in the same position as Gail Dunham. Late last year, she asked

for all town business-related emails during her two-year term as mayor, prompting Whitaker’s reply that he’d provide the emails to her as long as she pays $9,400 for staff time to review the documents and remove confidential, non-public information.

Earlier this week, Wendelken said in an interview that as a Summerfield taxpayer he’s entitled to the emails free of charge.

Whitaker told Wendelken and Dunham earlier this month they’d be required to pay half of the costs before town staff would begin working on their requests. In an email to the Northwest Observer last week, the manager said the town’s “public records policy and state law allow the town to charge a special service charge related to extraordinary requests.”

Whitaker said his decision to charge Wendelken and Dunham for copies of town business-related emails didn’t relate to their criticism of him.

Dunham and Wendelken have often criticized Whitaker’s handling of town affairs. Last year, Wendelken and two other Summerfield residents filed a lawsuit against the town and four council members that wound up costing the town over $51,000 in legal defense fees.

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“The focus is on town policy and whether the request will require ‘extensive use of IT resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance,’” Whitaker said in an email earlier this week. “The requester isn’t the focus.”

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“Let’s take the personalities out of it,” he said. “Let’s do what is right. My plan is not to pay for them.”

Starting in March 2018, Summerfield paid then-Town Attorney Bill Hill and Gray Wilson, of the Nelson Mullins law firm, for handling legal matters related to Rotruck. Hill, who departed as town attorney in November, sent a final bill for $425.50 in December. His replacement, Bob Hornik, billed Summerfield $560 for legal services last month while Wilson charged the Town $6,154.20, Hall said.

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STOKESDALE town council

Jan. 9 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor John Flynt called the monthly regular council meeting to order at 7 p.m. and an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance were said.

ing the crime data for December. In a follow-up email, Fuller reported the District 1 office had 81 calls for service in Stokesdale last month.

Approval of Minutes. Councilman Jimmy Landreth said that during the audit presentation at the Dec. 12, 2019 meeting, former council member Tim Jones noted the town’s general fund actual expenses exceeded budgeted expenses by over $56,000 last fiscal year and asked the auditor by what percentage the town was allowed to go over budget. To that, Rex Rouse of Rouse, Rouse, Gardner and Rouse, responded, “Not anything.” “I feel that needs to be in there (the minutes),” Landreth said, also noting the amount over budget recorded in the minutes was incorrect.

On a safety note, he encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities.

 5  0 to approve the Oct. 10 and

Nov. 14 meeting minutes as presented, and Dec. 12 minutes with noted addition and correction. Separately, the council also approved the Dec. 19 special call meeting minutes.

PUBLIC SAFETY District 1. Lt. Jeremy Fuller of the Guilford County sheriff’s District 1 office welcomed the new council members and said his office was still compil-

“Citizens living in a neighborhood know best who belongs in their neighborhood,” Fuller said. “Give us a call, no matter how small you think it is. If the little hairs on the back of your neck stick up, pay attention. It’s usually right.” Fire Department. Stokesdale Fire Chief Todd Gauldin said his department responded to 79 calls for service last month; 37 were fire-related and 42 were medical-related. On a safety note, Gauldin urged residents to be mindful of distractions when cooking and if a small kitchen fire does happen, 1) put a lid over the fire and cut the heat off and 2) if in doubt, close the doors, leave the house and call 911.

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BOARD/ADMIN REPORTS

Town Clerk Alisa Houk said staff has been working with Spectrum the last few months on installing a new phone system using fiber-optic lines. Duke Energy will be installing new LED lights, which will be brighter, safer and more cost-efficient, inside and outside Town Hall, at the concession/ restroom building in the town park and the pole lights in the parking lots, for about $13,900; the company will also install more energy-efficient thermostats inside Town Hall. The water specifications are being updated, and Deputy Clerk Priscilla Hunsucker led efforts to prepare 1,500 park surveys that were to be mailed Jan. 10.

Events Committee. Chair Frank Bruno said the Christmas parade in December was one of the largest on record. From the over $1,400 generated in net revenue, Bruno recommended four groups each receive a $100 donation: Northwest Guilford marching band, Oasis Shriners, Oak Ridge Military Academy and Bethany Community School band. Bruno said a spring festival is planned Saturday, May 2, in the town park; the weekly farmers market will start back up May 6 and run through Oct. 28; the 9/11 ceremony will be held at Town Hall Sept. 11; a 160th anniversary celebration for Green Pond (original name for Stokesdale) will be held Sept. 19; the Christmas tree lighting will

be Nov. 22 and the Christmas parade will be Dec. 12. The Events Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall; volunteers are appreciated, as are suggestions for how to improve the events.

 5  0 to approve the Events Committee’s recommendation to donate $100 each to four groups who participated in the parade and additionally, to Friends of Stokesdale, for their help with the parade. FINANCIALS

Budget Officer Kim Thacker gave an overview of the town’s financial transactions as of Dec. 31, 2019, and provided current asset, liability and investment figures, including $2,548,473.29 in CDARS.

CITIZEN COMMENTS  Jimmy Greene said he had served as chair of the town’s Ordinance Review Committee until the council made the committee inactive. “For many months we turned in some things that we had spent a lot of time on,” Greene said. “I don’t know where they are. To my knowledge, nothing has happened. We were a legitimate committee and we deserve to have the things we turned in looked at and dealt with. I request that you deal with them.” Greene said over the years the ad hoc committee had turned things over for council review that were ultimately approved, but to date hadn’t been

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“If we go through the process and they never get on our ordinances, we might as well be shut down … which we have been,” he said. Flynt asked Greene to provide a copy of council-approved ordinance changes and assured him the ordinances would be updated accordingly. Council member Jimmy Landreth said he had also served on the Ordinance Review Committee and it wasn’t “gone.” “You did a good job of being chairman,” he told Greene. “We’ll get it going back.”  Kathy Bunthoff, speaking on behalf of Friends of Stokesdale (FOS), said the group seeks to highlight the downtown’s “distinctive character and its potential as a location for new businesses interested in maintaining and cultivating Stokesdale’s small-town atmosphere.” With a large industrial park on the horizon to the north of Stokesdale, where there is water and sewer service, Bunthoff said FOS foresees “substantial influence on our town’s growth in the coming years” and welcomes the opportunity to work with the council to address the need for sewer service in the downtown area that would make business opportunities more sustainable. The group has compiled a brochure entitled, “The History of Stokesdale, The Early Years” and copies are available in downtown area stores and Town Hall. FOS is also interested in bringing the historic train depot back to the downtown area and hopes to raise money for that effort through donations and grants. Joe Thacker, president of FOS, said the group has T-shirts for sale and operates from an office at 8410 U.S. 158,

where members meet the first Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks suggested Thacker consider something that’s done in Wilmington, where money is raised by placing plaques on historic buildings. Council member Jim Rigsbee suggested the town reference FOS on its Facebook page and add the group’s meeting dates on the town’s website. Landreth asked if FOS was considering a mandatory historic district downtown and Thacker said no, property owners would participate on a voluntary basis. Currently, the group is concentrating on the area from the funeral home to Vaughn Street, where several buildings are over 100 years old.  Eileen Thiery noted the $195,000 asking price for the historic train depot, located in Madison, includes the two acres it rests on; since the land is likely more valuable than the depot building, she suggested an offer to purchase the building only could be made.

Kingsbury also said he was confused by Republic Services’ new every-otherweek recycling schedule, and it took him several weeks to get a larger recycling can. Regarding the number of officers patrolling the area, Flynt said District 1 is not the only one short of manpower and law enforcement officers are working extraordinary hours. “Unless someone publicizes it and people start understanding what has happened, I’m not sure it will change. The sheriff’s department doesn’t report to the county commissioners,” Flynt said. At this, council member Derek Foy said he’d like to see the average response time as a way of gauging how the shortage of deputies has impacted the town. Council member Jim Rigsbee suggested the sheriff’s representative be prepared to answer questions about this

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 Steve Kingsbury noted Jan. 9 was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, then said he believes there are far fewer officers patrolling in District 1 now.

“In October the sheriff’s office was down about 92 officers,” Kingsbury said. “I’m not seeing more patrol cars up here… We’re paying our tax dollars in northwest Guilford County, but I don’t think we’re getting what we are paying for. I put it all on the desk of the current sheriff. I would work on a committee, guided by the town, to look into the statistics. Are they being reassigned from District 1 to another district?”

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tion” to determine whether the town wants to own the property and take on liabilities and costs for maintaining it, Whitaker told the council. He explained he waited until now to discuss the offer so that newly elected council members would be seated. The council made no decisions about the offer during its meeting. It plans to discuss what council member Reece Walker described as “a great opportunity” for the town during its annual strategic planning retreat Feb. 1. If the town accepts the offer, it would gain ownership of “this valuable community asset” in the center of Summerfield, Whitaker said. The town leases the property on which it has developed the community park, one of two parks the town operates, with walking trails, a fishing pier on the lake and an amphitheater for summer concerts. The town also rents the community center for council meetings and other functions and the building is a polling place during elections. The property owner is a nonprofit organization that bought the tract from Guilford County in 1955, according to Whitaker. As part of the deed, the county has a right of first refusal, meaning it could take ownership of the property. Town staff is waiting to hear from the county whether it wants ownership, Whitaker said. The town has more resources to maintain the property than Summerfield Community Center Inc., according to Eric Long, president of the organization’s board. “It seems like the town needs the space,” Long told the council. “That’s part of our thinking.” If Summerfield takes the property, Summerfield Community Center Inc. wants the town to honor its agreements with groups including the Grange and VFW that use the community center. The owner would turn over the approximately $13,500

it has in bank accounts to be used for building repairs, according to Whitaker. Saying she “grew up in this building,” council member Teresa Pegram questioned whether town staff would want to assume “property management” duties of renting space to groups. She said she’d oppose hiring additional employees to maintain the property. “Those are very valid questions that would have to be part of the considerations of any final decisions you make about the property,” Whitaker told Pegram. Although it’s a renter of the property, the town already takes on some responsibilities – such as hiring a contractor to mow and maintain the grounds – that would typically fall on the owner, Whitaker said. “We cut the shrubs, but we won’t fix the faucets and the roof and shingles,” he said. As the owner, the town would possibly be required by county inspectors to upgrade the community center to meet current handicap accessibility and other requirements, Whitaker said. The town needs to assess whether the building needs other improvements as well, council member John O’Day said.

“Every time we take property, there’s a liability that goes with it, of course,” Mayor BJ Barnes said. “But again, it’s such an integral part of what Summerfield is that it’s something of value for us to retain, don’t you think?” “I think we should do everything possible to keep this building in the community,” said Jane Doggett, chair of the Town’s Trails and Open Space Committee. If owned by Summerfield, the community center could possibly figure into planning for permanent meeting space for the town, according to Whitaker. “There are a lot of interested parties here,” he said. “We will keep the conversation going.”

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Nighthawk wrestlers (32-3, 1-0) having best season in school’s history by MEREDITH BARKLEY For the first time in its history, state title murmurs are making their way around the Northern Guilford wrestling program. “Don’t know how far we’ll get in that,” Coach Justin Harty

said of the Nighthawks’ post season prospects. “But we should make a deep run.” This season’s team “will be the best” the 13-year-old high school has ever fielded, he said.

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Northern Guilford wrestlers, 32-3, are having the best season in the school’s 13-year history. Northwest Guilford wrestlers, despite losing several team members to graduation and for other reasons, are also having a successful season and are 27-1 thus far.

Thus far, the Nighthawk wrestlers are 32-3 overall, 1-0 in the Mid State 3A Conference. Their only losses have been to two 4A teams, including rival defending 4A state champs Northwest Guilford, and a strong 2A team – Foard of Newton – which Harty says may be the best in the state. The Nighthawks have yet to lose to a team in their 3A classification. “We don’t want to be a ‘one-anddone,’” the coach said of this year’s team. “We want to build a really good foundational sport.” A relatively young team, the Nighthawk wrestlers are comprised of

eight seniors, one junior, two sophomores – and 15 freshmen. Harty said he expects another 10 middle school wrestlers will join next year. “Our freshmen are doing awesome,” he said, pointing especially to Garrett Benfield at 126 pounds, Cohen Beane at 113 pounds and Kory Paschal at 106 pounds. Others who have also had good seasons, he noted, include seniors Heath Gonyer at 138 pounds, Jacob Barlow at 220 pounds and Max Benfield (Garrett Benfield’s older brother) at 132 pounds. All three qualified for the state tournament as individuals last season.

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Coach Ron Bare is pleased with the way his defending state champ Northwest Guilford wrestling team has performed so far this season.

They’re 27-1 overall and 2-0 in the Metro 4A Conference. But with lots of talent lost to graduation and for other reasons, Bare worried early on how he’d fill some of the

weight classes. That remains a concern, he said, but everything’s clicking so far. “We’re doing a good job,” he said. “We have plenty of experienced people. It’s just getting them in the right places. It’s worked out for us.” One reason: some guys have really stepped up, he said. “We had a few guys who improved quite a bit from last year,” Bare said. “It’s those unknowns.” Still, he said shoring up all 14 weight classes has been a challenge. “We had a lot of places where we’re thin, don’t have a lot of experience,” Bare said. He’s had some pleasant surprises, though. Perhaps the biggest: freshman Drew Pepin, who has distinguished himself in both the 113-pound and

120-pound weight classes. “He’s done a really good job,” Bare said. Veterans Riley Edwards, a junior at 126 pounds; James Joplin, a junior at 132 pounds; Lake Price, a senior at 138 pounds and Matthew Heras, a junior at 145, have each turned in strong performances, he said. Edwards, Joplin and Price qualified for the state tournament as individuals last season. Looking at the conference, Bare figured Ragsdale (20-6, 1-0) would give his Vikings their toughest match, and Page would be a close second. His team defeated Page 52-30 earlier in the month and squares off at Ragsdale on Thursday. “They’ll be tough,” Bare said. “It’ll be a battle. It’s one of those (matches where) you can throw the records out the window.”

NWHS coach inducted into National Wrestling Hall of Fame by MEREDITH BARKLEY Northwest Guilford’s longtime wrestling coach Ron Bare now has another accolade for his already lengthy resume – Hall of Fame. Bare was introduced as a new inductee into the National WresCoach Ron Bare

tling Hall of Fame - North Carolina Chapter before his team’s Jan. 8 match at Metro 4A Conference foe Page. “It’s a great honor,” Bare said during an interview. The induction ceremony will be in Chapel Hill this May. Since taking over as Northwest’s head wrestling coach in 1995 Bare’s teams have had an overall record of 488-109. Last year’s team won the 4A state title and he was named the 2019 NCHSAA Toby Webb Coach of the Year.

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JAN. 16 - 22, 2020

Student Profiles brought to you by

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

NORTHERN GUILFORD

is up by 4:15 a.m., dressed and out the door by 4:30 a.m., practices from 5 to 7 a.m., then hurries home and gets ready for school.

Abby Schoppa, swimming by MEREDITH BARKLEY

A year-round swimmer, Schoppa swims for two teams besides Northern. The overlap between the teams’ seasons makes for some tight scheduling. During summers she swims for the Community Swim Association’s Bur-Mil Marlins. During winters she’s a Nighthawk swimmer. And all year she swims for Swim GSA (Greens-

To those who complain about getting up for school: consider Abby Schoppa’s routine. The Northern Guilford swim team co-captain

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So how does she manage to make all that fit together? “For GSA I have practice once or twice a day and for Northern I practice once or twice a week,” she said of her winter schedule. “And I go to all the meets. It keeps me very busy.” Somehow it all works. She’s been all-conference and academic allconference since her freshman year. Last year she was the Mid-State 3A Conference’s female MVP. “I love the whole atmosphere with swimming,” said Schoppa, who has been swimming competitively since age 6. “It’s very much both an individual and team sport,” she said. “My older cousins were swim-

mers,” she explained of her earlier motivation to take up the sport. “I tried out and I loved it. So, I’ve been doing it ever since.” Schoppa has committed to swim for Georgia Southern University next year, where she plans to focus her studies on either exercise science or nursing. Her favorite subject areas at Northern: science and math. “I like having definite answers for things,” she said. “I like solving problems and learning about scientific things – specifically biology this year.” She’s a member of Northern’s Beta Club and National Honor Society. She’s also a volunteer coach with summer league swim teams through the BurMil Marlins and works with children at

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olmstedorthodontics.com Westover Church in Greensboro. “I volunteer in the preschool Sunday School rooms every Sunday, where I work with 3- and 4-year-olds,” Schoppa said.

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Thomas Hoffman, swimming by MEREDITH BARKLEY Thomas Hoffman had never swum competitively before last year – his sophomore year at Northwest Guilford. In fact, he’d never participated in any sport competitively. But after

deciding to try out for the school’s team, to his surprise he made it. Not only that, he ended up winning allconference honors.

he is “one of the most coachable kids I’ve ever had. He just came out and did amazing. One of those natural swimmers.”

“I have a bunch of friends who are swimmers, and I was a lifeguard,” he explained. “So I decided to try out. I figured the worst that could happen is I would get cut. If I made it, I made it.

In competition, Hoffman swims the individual 200 freestyle and the 100 freestyle. He’s also part of the 4x100 freestyle relay team.

“So here we are. It worked out pretty well for me.” And he discovered he loved the sport. “It’s been a lot of fun,” said Hoffman, a junior. “A lot of people don’t like all the back and forth. But there are so many technical details, which gives me something to work on. I love that aspect of it.” Coach Jennifer Lovato notes that Hoffman is still learning, but she says

“I kept pushing myself harder and harder,” Hoffman said of last year. “I went all out in practice and gradually improved. I learned a lot of my technique from YouTube.” Until he took up swimming, the most physical exercise he ever got, Hoffman said, was backpacking with the Boy Scouts. His troop did training hikes to prepare for longer hikes and he’d also run a mile or two to stay in shape. Hoffman, who recently earned Eagle Scout, spent part of two sum-

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

mers at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, where he did lots of hiking. He sees a link between what he’s learned from scouting, which he loves, and his new-found sport of swimming. In scouting, where he’s a senior patrol leader, he’s learned the importance of honesty, leadership and teaching, he said. He’s been able to apply those lessons this year as his swim team’s co-captain. “None of that would have been possible without scouting,” he said of his swim team leadership and teaching duties.

JAN. 16 - 22, 2020

McDonald’s robbed at gunpoint

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Jan. 10 | A female minor in the 5200 block of Northwest School Road in Greensboro reported she had been assaulted two separate times, on Jan. 6 and Jan. 8. Jan. 12 | A 37-year-old female in the 8500 block of Fulp Road in Stokesdale (off Belews Creek Road) reported at 12:47 a.m. a known suspect had headbutted her in the face and punched her in the back of the head; no injuries were evident.

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had their faces covered. “The scene was processed for evidence and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office is working with surrounding agencies to identify the suspects in this case. At this time, the investigation is ongoing and no further details will be released,” Fuller wrote in an email to the Northwest Observer.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Jan. 11 | A 21-year-old male was cited at 2:23 a.m. in the 8300 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance (less than a half ounce of marijuana). Jan. 11 | At 12:40 a.m. in the 8300 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale, a 29-year-old male was arrested for posses-

sion of a Schedule I controlled substance (heroin), two Schedule II controlled substances (methamphetamine and cocaine) and a felony amount of a Schedule VI controlled substance (about 4.5 ounces of marijuana); sheriff’s deputies seized a digital scale and six cell phones, and the man was also charged with intent to manufacture/sell drugs.

THEFT

Jan. 11 | Johnson & Lee reported an unknown suspect stole $2,100 worth of shingles from a residential construction site in the 5400 block of Rambling Road in northwest Greensboro (near Alcorn Road) sometime in the night between Jan. 10 and Jan. 11. Jan. 12 | A 37-year-old female in the 7900 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale reported two known suspects stole her vehicle while she was inside a gas station; her vehicle was later found at Bobby’s Friendly Towing in Greensboro.

VANDALISM

Jan. 8 | A resident of the 4900 block of Auburn Road in Summerfield (off U.S. 220 N) reported an unknown suspect drove through his yard and over his septic tank between Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. and Jan. 8 at 7 a.m.; the estimated damage was unknown when the incident report was generated.

mark your

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THURSDAY, JAN. 16

 Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club, a non-profit

organization that helps people who are sight- or hearing-impaired, meets Jan. 16, starting 6:30 p.m. at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge. More info: Danny Yanusz, (336) 643-6424.

TUESDAY, JAN. 21  Kiwanis Club | The Kiwanis Club of Northwest

Council will hold a special called meeting Jan. 23, 2 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall. The purpose of this meeting is for the council to create its annual Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which will tentatively WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22 determine which projects and initiatives are funded  Historical Preservation | Preservation Oak in the next five fiscal years. This meeting is open to Ridge, a non-profit organization working to restore the public. and maintain historical structures in the town, will For committee and board meeting dates in meet Jan. 22, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale, visit Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. More info: Doug www.oakridgenc.com, www.summerfieldgov.com and Nodine, (336) 209-1999, or visit the group’s website at www.preserveoakridge.org. www.stokesdale.org.

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JAN. 16 - 22, 2020

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.

GRINS to...  Oak Ridge residents Danny and Linda Yanusz for facing such an enormous amount of health challenges with incredible grace, humor (when possible) and determination. Your story in last week’s Northwest Observer touched and inspired me deeply.  The new Domino’s in Oak Ridge. They offer some pizza topping combinations that rival any pizza I’ve ever had, even in Italy. Wow!  The Northwest Observer for joining in on the “Great War Against Christmas” by sporting “Jolly Holidays” shirts! We won the battle, but the war rages on! Editor’s note: I realize the writer is being facetious, but it seems this is a deli-

cate subject and for those who might take his/her words seriously, please be assured neither myself nor any of my staff members intended to engage in a war against Christmas by wearing sweatshirts that read “Jolly holidays” in the staff picture appearing on the back cover of the Dec. 19, 2019-Jan. 8, 2020 Northwest Observer. We simply wanted a light-hearted sentiment on our shirts that would span the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period, when our staff takes a two-week break from weekly deadlines and feels a little extra … well, jolly. By the way, we’ve had these shirts/ sweatshirts for the last three years and since they only get worn in December, I suspect you’ll see them when they come out of the closet again next year. Take offense if you must, but truly, no offense is meant and we are not

Sports do not build character, they reveal it. – John Wooden

BASEBALL SOFTBALL SOCCER BOYS LACROSSE GIRLS LACROSSE

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

trying to make a statement about the religious meaning behind Christmas.

horse trail and the rebirth of the Oak Ridge Horse Show!

 The business owners and professionals who have agreed to serve as officers of Merchants of Oak Ridge this year, and to those who served us well in 2019.

 Jonathan Fowlkes and his staff at Tire Max in Stokesdale. I live in Florida, but they know me on sight and take very good care of me. Always positive, supportive, and honest. Highly recommended for the best possible car care!

 Tom Collins, Oak Ridge Youth Association president, and all the volunteers who pour in lots of hard work and dedication to the association.  The Town (Oak Ridge) for listening to the citizens and bringing horse activities back to Oak Ridge. Editor’s note: Just to clarify, the town of Oak Ridge hasn’t made any decisions in response to citizens’ request/ proposal to hold a horse show on 58 acres of town-owned property purchased from Frank Whitaker in 2018, or to incorporate horse trails into the park’s master plan which is in the development stages.  (Oak Ridge council member) Doug Nodine for his support of the Horses of Oak Ridge and their quest for a

 Staff at Stokesdale Town Hall for sweetly hanging the kids’ recycled bottle birdhouses in the trees at the park (but please take them down before the rest of them fall and add to even more litter in Stokesdale!).

GRIPES to...  Those who park on Northwest School Road to pick up your middle schoolers. You are not special. Pick them up early if you are in a hurry – you are creating a safety hazard for yourself and everyone else.

...continued on p. 18

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...continued from p. 3

Attorney Michael Thomas to explain how the proposed amendment came to be. “Is there some problem?” Nodine asked. “This was instigated by discussions” which brought to light that Collins lived in Summerfield, Bruce said. “It was back and forth of staff,” Thomas added. Bruce said amending the ordinance would bring the P&R board in line with other town boards and committees that require members to be Oak Ridge residents. Council member Martha Pittman said “it is fair” for all boards and committees to be governed by the same membership rules. “Doing it this way, we make ourselves consistent that all voting members must be Oak Ridge residents,” she said. “Oak Ridge is best served by its citizens representing them.” Nodine offered a different view, saying in an interview after the meeting that amending the ordinance “did seem a little petty” in that it removed Collins from the P&R board after the ORYA president had endorsed Tanner, a critic of the council.

“Don’t you think it’s like Chicago politics?” Nodine asked, referring to the city’s history of tough, partisan politics. Posting on Nextdoor, the social networking platform, Tanner called the council’s actions “a staged attack on the youth association. Its purpose was to punish the youth association, and its president.” Others posting responses on Nextdoor seemed divided on whether they agreed with Tanner’s views. Tanner was appointed as ORYA’s community relations director in January 2019; nine months later, at the Oct. 3, 2019 council meeting, he announced he was resigning from his position on the youth association’s board, citing what he said were political attacks against him that were harming the association. Before and after his resignation from ORYA’s board, Tanner openly criticized the council for what he considered its lack of support for youth athletics in Oak Ridge. The claim drew rebukes from Mayor Spencer Sullivan,

Since 2008

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan and Schneider, who took over as mayor in December after Sullivan had not sought reelection. As he was leaving the Jan. 9 meeting, McClellan approached Collins and told him (referring to his removal from the P&R board), “your day is done. Had you not sent those letters out during the campaign that personally attacked me, we might be having a different conversation. You will get no help from me.” “My day is not done,” Collins responded. “George, I don’t ever need to talk to you again. It does not affect my life at all.” A second unanimous vote by the council also put greater scrutiny on ORYA. The council adopted a policy setting guidelines for nonprofit agencies and organizations, including the youth association, seeking funds from the town. Bruce said the policy is similar to ones used by other municipalities that fund or subsidize nonprofits for community projects. He said the need for the policy came to light during the P&R board’s discussions with ORYA, seeking money from the town in its user agreement for Town Park this year. According to the policy, the organization must provide a statement from a

In an email earlier this week, McClellan apologized to Collins for “my heated words” after the council’s meeting. “For the record, I have in the past always been a supporter of ORYA,” the councilman said, adding that he hopes to continue his constructive relationship with the organization.

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certified public accountant or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirming its nonprofit status as a tax-exempt organization. It also must provide a statement that it will not “directly or indirectly participate, or intervene in, political campaigns for or against any candidate for elective public office,” as required by the IRS for tax-exempt groups. Third, the organization must provide a statement that it is capable of complying with financial and performance requirements of town-contracted activities. McClellan asked whether the town could require a financial audit of a nonprofit. Town Attorney Thomas said he wasn’t sure whether such a requirement could be enforced other than by saying, “if you don’t give it to us, we’re not renewing this relationship.” “I’m not picking on any particular organization,” McClellan said, “but it just seems like it would be somewhat responsible if we’re subsidizing them with taxpayer money.”

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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JAN. 16 - 22, 2020

GRINS & GRIPES

HORSES AT PARK?

 McDonald’s in Oak Ridge for allowing criminals to rob you at gunpoint the morning of Jan. 7. Didn’t you show them the door sticker that prohibits firearms in your restaurant? Or is that sticker only applicable to law-abiding customers?

Associates. In a survey last year, McGill asked residents their preferences for new parks and recreational facilities, such as jogging trails, a splash pad and additional athletic fields.

...continued from p. 16

 The train going through Colfax for its much louder horn, compared to others in the past. We faintly heard it in Oak Ridge before, now it sounds like it’s in our backyard!  Rockingham County planners for approving a Dollar General in a residential area and directly across from a school. Someone needs lessons on how to appropriately grow a county. Let’s hope the commissioners make a smarter move.  My neighbors who complain about nothing. Misery may love company, but company doesn’t reciprocate!  Those who think we need more ballfields or a splash zone in a town park when the town council says we need a water system because we have a water crisis. Don’t these features take a lot of water?  Gail Dunham (former Summerfield mayor). I am so tired of your mess, your combative attitude, the way you treat our town staff, your requests for huge amounts of data, your threats to sue the town, and your hatred of our town manager.  Our new mayor in Oak Ridge for trying to turn us into Summerfield with all this drama! Power trip, much?!?

...continued from p. 1

A horse trail wasn’t among options offered in the survey, even though the strategic plan adopted by the council two years ago listed investigating “the feasibility of incorporating equestrian uses into park designs” as a town policy. The omission of horse activities from the draft master plan pushed Lewandowski into action. A lifetime horse rider, she’s trying to muster enough support from horse enthusiasts to persuade the council to fold her ideas into its deliberations about future parks and recreation activities. “I want to see commitment” beyond the initial enthusiasm for a horse trail, council member Martha Pittman said during last week’s organizational meeting of Horses of Oak Ridge, a group started by Lewandowski and her mother, who is also named Rita. The Horses of Oak Ridge Facebook page the mother and daughter created in November has attracted about 270 members. Comments on the page show broad support for establishing a horse trail in Oak Ridge and for bringing back

the Oak Ridge House Show, another of Lewandowski’s ideas. Similarly, a post last week on the Northwest Observer’s Facebook page about Lewandowski’s efforts drew more than 90 comments from people who said they’d like to see a horse trail and horse show in Oak Ridge. The group’s organizational meeting at Town Hall last Thursday, Jan. 9, drew more than 40 people to hear Lewandowski’s plans. She said she’s talking to the Piedmont Saddle Club in Colfax about the possibility of holding a horse show there as soon as October. The show would return on a smaller scale than the original Oak Ridge Horse Show that ended in 2012 after raising money for local organizations and charities for 68 years. Unlike the previous show that featured spectator events like bull riding and mutton busting and drew financial sponsors such as Wrangler, the new event would focus on what’s known as Gymkhana, a series of equestrian competitions such as barrel and flag racing attractive to children as well as adults, Lewandowski said. It would operate along the lines of Oak Ridge’s Canine Capers, an annual event with “just-forfun” competitions such as tail wagging and cookie eating. The horse show would also offer demonstrations of draft pulls, drill teams

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and other activities requiring highly skilled horses and riders, she said. Councilman Doug Nodine told the Horses of Oak Ridge meeting attendees last week he thought staging a horse show on the Whitaker property is a possibility. “I don’t see why that couldn’t stand for a horse show at some point,” he said. Considering the horse show would take place outside of Oak Ridge, at least initially, Mayor Ann Schneider asked Lewandowski what role she thinks the town should play in the event. While the town wouldn’t necessarily be formally involved with a show occurring outside of town limits, it could possibly support the efforts, Schneider said. “The main thing we need from you guys is the verbal support,” Lewandowski said. She believes her group could organize the horse show while raising enough money for improving an already-existing loop trail on the Whitaker property and building a gravel area for riders to park their trucks and trailers. “The more education you can provide people who don’t understand horses, the better,” Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman told Lewandowski. “You want to get people at least to the neutral point” so they’re open to hear pros and cons about horses. After adjourning the Horses of Oak Ridge meeting, Lewandowski walked across the Town Hall lobby to attend the council’s regular monthly meeting. During the period for citizen comments, Lewandowski told the council her group “would like the permission and support of the town to start an exploratory committee to decide the future of both the horse show and horse trails in Oak Ridge.” Lewandowski hopes her group can hold an open house in Town Hall this March to answer residents’ questions about horses and discuss the group’s plans. It would be similar to earlier information sessions about the town’s proposed water system, proposed highway roundabouts and other major initiatives, she said. “We are hopeful that the Town Council will support the opportunity to bring back this important part of our heritage,” Lewandowski said.

want to learn more? Visit Horses of Oak Ridge’s Facebook page, or email Rmel9287@gmail.com.

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

THE EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE PROS

Service that is more than just a Repair

www.EuroHaus.pro•336.891.3876 6716 US Hwy 158•Stokesdale

Just 1/4 mile off I-73

 EMPLOYMENT

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

INDEX Auto Sales & Service ............19 Employment .......................19 Lost & Found.......................19 Save the Date......................19 Home Services .............. 19-21 Misc. for Sale .....................21 Misc. Services .....................21 Misc. Wanted ......................21 Pets & Animal Services ....... 22 Real Estate ......................... 22

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, Volkswagen, Mini and Porsche. 32 years experience. (336) 337-0669.

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Place your ad online. www.nwobserver.com.

FOUND: STUNT DRONE in Summerfield, in the Spotswood Road area. Please email avarush@triad.rr.com. DELIVERY PERSON. PS Communications, publisher of the Northwest Observer, is seeking an extremely reliable, conscientious part-time person to prepare our weekly newspaper and five annual/ semi-annual special-focus publications for direct mail and deliver them to post offices in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale on Thursdays, and fill our news boxes and racks throughout northwest Guilford County on Thursdays and Fridays. C0

NEED HELP?

 HOME SERVICES

 LOST & FOUND

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

M 100

Y 100

M 100

Y 100

K 100

K 60

PLEASE NOTE: this is a very physical job; you must be able to lift and pack over 220 bundles of newspapers into postal containers holding about 400+ papers each and load and unload them for postal delivery. Must have excellent driving record and work reliability track record. Must also be professional in appearance and demeanor and positively represent our company as you visit local businesses to ﬁll up our news boxes and racks.

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

CLEANING $25 off! MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING. Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407. CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873. CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838.

 SAVE THE DATE MOUNT PISGAH WEEKDAY SCHOOL open house. Join us on Wednesday mornings in February between 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. to tour the preschool and register for the 2020-2021 school year.

Got

stuff? Sell it here in the

classifieds submit your ad at

Average 9 to 10 hours per week, two to three weeks per month (will alternate weeks with our longtime delivery person): Thursdays, from about 6:45 a.m. to about 12:45 p.m.; Fridays and Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to about 10:30 a.m. Pay: $16.50/ hour. Interested applicants should email qualiﬁcations, work experience and work references to patti@nwobserver.com and conﬁrm that you are physically able to undergo strenuous lifting.

The Northwest Observer • Totally since 1996 The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal since 1996

•Weekly/bi-weekly/monthly •Deep/move-in, move-out •Post-construction/airscrubber •Odor remediation

Focus on what matters most We’ll handle the rest 336.897.0928 maidright.com/greensboro

STEPHANIE'S CLEANING SERVICE. 10 years exp. (336) 423-2239. AMERICAN MAID. All your housecleaning needs. Weekly/biweekly/as needed. Call for your free estimate. (336) 409-4554. THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN INC. For a one-time clean or bi-weekly, I can ﬁt your schedule. Licensed, bonded and insured. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

ELECTRICAL Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486. BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.

continued on p. 20

JAN.1616 - 22,2020 2020 JAN. - 22,

19 19

 HOME SERVICES

Need an electrician? Call BLACKMON ELECTRICAL, INC. Free est. Comm. & res. Licensed & insured. Call (336) 430-5018.

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.

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint, landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764.

WILSON SEPTIC PUMPING & REPAIR. Family owned since 1972. Mention you saw this ad in the NWObserver for a discount. (336) 643-6427.

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157.

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

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. FREE EST. Lic./Ins. 40+ yrs experience. All phases of tree work. Lots & natural area thinning and cleanup. Large shrubbery jobs, chipping. Oak Ridge. Please call (336) 643-1119.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES 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. 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. 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 HOME REPAIR. Please see display ad on page 15.

Your business should be here! Let us introduce you to our readers. Call Rene' at (336) 644-7035 to ﬁnd out how we can help you! 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.

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

BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647.

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS WILSON SEAMLESS GUTTERS, newconstruction, repairs, replacement, leaf guards. Free estimates. (336) 420-0200.

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981. SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE, oﬀering complete lawn maintenance services & bush hogging. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875. 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.

Get the news when it happens! Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt. available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035.

CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com.

GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, ﬁll dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150.

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

20 20

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected for 23 years . . . and counting!

DELIMA LAWNCARE. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. Commercial & Residential. (336) 669-5210. FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete tree removal & trimming. Storm damage clean-up. Landscaping & hardscaping. Insured. Taylor, (336) 458-6491.

MASONRY 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. MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com. SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS T'S HOME REPAIRS. Improvements and repairs without breaking the bank. Free quote. Call Trevor at (336) 543-4375.

JAN. 16 -The 22, 2020 Northwest Observer Totally local since 1996 NorthwestThe Observer • Totally local•since 1996

STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, aﬀordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block ﬁll, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089. CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior and exterior. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. (336) 669-5210. PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

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

(336) 931-0600

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

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

 HOME SERVICES 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.

PRESSURE WASHING

 HOME SERVICES

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Bathroom and kitchen

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

PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873. GUTTER CLEANING & HOUSE WASHING. Premier power washing, 100 % satisfaction guaranteed. (336) 420-0666.

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981.

In print every January and online year-round at nwobserver.com

 MISC. FOR SALE

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.

H & L Grading, FIREWOOD FOR SALE. $250 per dump truck load delivered locally. (336) 543-7867.

Have something to sell? Place an ad online at

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION Licensed & insured NC Gen. Contractor #72797

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

Like us on Facebook and keep up with all the news! 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.

Jam-packed with valuable info for northwest Guilford County residents

12th annual edition coming soon!

 HOME SERVICES

0 2 0 2 th nn 12 a

dition ual e

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.

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. PREMIER CONSTRUCTION for all your remodeling/renovation needs. (336) 430-9507.

ROOFING BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION ROOFING. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. Financing available as low as $59 per month. Free Estimates. In business since 1979. (336) 362-6343. CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 268-1908. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469. PREMIER ROOFING, LOCALLY OWNED. Catering to all your roofing needs. Call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments.

 MISC. FOR SALE SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373. by hed publis

SEASONED FIREWOOD. $80/pickup truck load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615.

The Northwest Observer • Totally 1996 The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal sincesince 1996

 MISC. SERVICES

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Gated access with 24/7 available here camera surveillance We carry moving & shipping supplies

(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale

 MISC. WANTED FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, ATVs, generators, power washers, chain saws, mini-bikes, go-carts, grills & metal items, etc. (336) 689-4167. FABRIC NEEDED for Sew to Sow Ministry to make dresses for girls in Kenya. Cotton fabrics work best, any amount. Also need buttons, ribbon, lace trimming, elastic and thread. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155. SEWING MACHINES NEEDED for Sew to Sow Ministry to make dresses for girls in Kenya. If you have a gently used, working sewing machine you would like to donate, please call Beth, (336) 644-8155. $$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328.

NWO On The Go photos! Where do you take your NWO? Share your vacation pics with our readers! Email your photos to photos@nwobserver.com.

continued on p. 22

JAN.1616 - 22,2020 2020 JAN. - 22,

21 21

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.

 REAL ESTATE

WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC.

LAND FOR SALE

HOME FOR RENT

HOMES FOR SALE

LOTS, LAND, ACREAGE Gorgeous property! Nothing else like it! Wooded, open and water. Creeks and pond. 4 acres up to 23 acres. You choose. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

TOWNHOUSE, 2BR/2BA with loft; fantastic location near Saint Paul on Horse Pen Creek Road, $1,100. Please call (336) 392-1454.

Bonded & Insured. Follow us on Facebook. Call or text (336) 339-6845. KRISTIN'S PET SITTING/DOG WALKING Professional, insured and experienced. Call (336) 337-8172.

critters

Check out our Pets & Critters section in the first issue of every month

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS

read our (FREE) e-edition online at

nwobserver.com

HOMES FOR SALE LOT FOR SALE

TOWNHOMES IN OAK RIDGE!

2- 4 pm Open Sunday Twin townhomes starting at $275,900 within Oak Ridge town core. Move-in ready units available in spring 2020 or seize the opportunity to pick your floor plan and options! Agent on site Sunday 2-4pm

Nancy J. Hess

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

Kim Wilson

(336) 643-4248

kwilson@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 662-7805

www.ANewDawnRealty.com 7577 Dubach Road, Summerfield

For community updates, breaking news and more, visit:

facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

Amazing location with existing well/ septic and NO HOA. 1.43 acres – build your dream home or possibly divide and build two homes to sell! Call listing agent for options available. $124,500

DeDe Cunningham REALTOR®/Broker NC Licensed Contractor

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

PRICE REDUCED!

3809 Eagle Downs Way Otey Construction does it again! Dramatic vaulted master with freestanding soaking tub, mainlevel office or study, open kitchen great room with large island, second bedroom for guests with adjoining full bath. Turning staircase leads to two very large bedrooms on the second level plus a huge bonus room and another flex space – second office or TV room, playroom or study. Three-car garage! $729,000

...where over 13,500 of your neighbors are connected 22 22

Jake Letterman (336) 338-0136

JAN. 16 -The 22, 2020 Northwest Observer Totally local since 1996 NorthwestThe Observer • Totally local•since 1996

123 Dream Lane 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

Check out NWO Real Estate, our special-focus section in the third issue of each month. To reserve your advertising space, email us at advertising@nwobserver.com, or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 11.

TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 7

issue at the Feb. 13 council meeting, and Flynt said he would send Sheriff Danny Rogers a personal invitation to attend the meeting. Hooks noted the sheriff reports to nobody except the voters, and when approaching the sheriff’s office, the question must be asked, “How can we help you make this better?”  Elizabeth Privette of Ellison Road said she read articles in the Northwest Observer about ideas for bringing the train depot back to downtown, surveying residents on what features they want in the town park, and improving on and expanding the town’s water system. “These are great ideas, but they all have substantial costs,” she said. “What is the vision for Stokesdale? Who is leading the mission, and how is it being managed? Has it been communicated?” she asked. Flynt responded these were the kinds of discussions he’d like to have in council workshops he hopes to get started. “We have about 415 lots that have been approved (for houses), so there are a lot of challenges,” he said. “Some of the things we’ve done in the past 30 years have been reactionary. We need to make some strategic plans. Your comments are well taken.”  Following the period for citizen comments, the council • discussed the auditor’s suggestions for financial record keeping and decided to further discuss them during the budget process this spring; • voted 5-0 to appoint Frank Bruno and 3-2 (Flynt, Hooks opposed) to appoint Tim Jones to the Planning Board; • voted 5-0 to appoint Deanna Ragan to the Ordinance Review Committee; • had a lengthy discussion about required training for Planning Board members; • voted 5-0 to budget $3,000 for a

•

contract grant writer who will also help with upcoming census surveys the town will be required to mail out; voted 5-0 to have the town attorney review a proposal by Kryptic IT Solutions for IT services; voted 5-0 to merge the water/sewer fund into the water enterprise account; voted 5-0 to move $39,000 that had long been designated for Conservation/Open Space/Conservation Rights into undesignated funds; voted 5-0 to write off about 15 bad debt (water service) accounts totaling $137,472 that have been uncollectible for the last 10 years; agreed to seek citizen input on Republic Services before the company’s contract expires June 30 (and make efforts to educate citizens on what is and isn’t recyclable); voted 4-1 (Hooks opposed) to start holding council workshops (open to the public) the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

COUNCIL COMMENTS  Foy said he enjoyed working behind the scenes of the Christmas parade this year, then gave a shout-out to Stokesdale resident Bill Grano, a seventh grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, for being selected as Walkertown Middle School’s teacher of the year. “Our teachers are saints – they have a lot to deal with. Next time you see a teacher, give them a thank you for a job well done,” Foy said.  Landreth thanked those who attended the meeting and who offered suggestions and opinions.  Hooks echoed Landreth’s comments and emphasized how critical it is to receive citizens’ input before the council makes key decisions. He then gave a nod to the late Bill Newman, former fire chief of Oak Ridge, who died unexpectedly earlier in the week.  Flynt said the council workshops may be more “information-friendly” and encouraged residents to attend. The meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m.

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

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

Carlotta Lytton, CPA........................... 15 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC...... 15

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

EuroHaus ........................................... 19 Piedmont Truck Tire Inc........................ 8 Tire Max ............................................... 3

BUILDING / REMODELING

TM Construction Services ................... 21

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Guardian Ad Litem ............................. 13

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES

Oak Ridge Chiropractic ...................... 17

CHURCHES

Oak Ridge United Methodist Church .. 11

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Maidright Cleaning ............................. 19 Old School Home Repair .................... 15 ProStone, Inc. ..................................... 18 Stokesdale Heating & Air...................... 7 Stokesdale Storage ............................. 21

LEGAL SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law ..................... 16

MEDICAL CARE / STUDY

Cone Heatlh ......................................... 5 LeBauer Healthcare ........................... 14 UNCG Adult Cognition Lab .................. 7 Wake Forest Baptist Health .................. 9

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics ........................ 13

DENTISTRY

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Borden Dentistry................................. 10 Summerfield Family Dentistry ............. 15

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................ 15 Northwest Animal Hospital ................... 6

EVENTS

REAL ESTATE

NW Guilford High PTSA ....................... 2

HEALTH & FITNESS

Chris Jessup, Personal Trainer ............. 12 Oak Ridge Youth Association ............. 16

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BEK Paint Company ........................... 20 Budget Blinds ....................................... 2

Coming late January!

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

A New Dawn Realty ........................... 22 Carolina Real Estate Pathways............ 14 Carolyn Cudd, Allen Tate ...................... 6 Dede Cunningham, Keller Williams .... 22 Jake Letterman, Berkshire Hathaway . 22 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway ....... 22 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ................... 11 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ........... 17

020

al edition 12th annu

by published

JAN. 16 - 22, 2020

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

Postal Patron PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 â&#x20AC;˘ (336) 644-7035

PAID

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 ECRWSS

cing, along k the Northwest Observer out dan Destination Arts in Oak Ridge too Springs with rs, as they performed in Disney with 19 dancers and three teache 25. Disney Performing Arts on Nov.

Is there anything better tha n the Northwest Observer at Christmas? Cheryl and Da vid Angel of Summerfield too k their Northwest Observer with them to the Christmas Ma rket in Esslingen am Neckar, Germ any, where they enjoyed tra ditional and medieval markets.

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