Northwest Observer / June 25-July 15

June 25 - July 15, 2020

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996 Plans to close the Southern States Cooperative store at the corner of Lake Brandt Road and N.C. 150 in Summerfield July 17 have drawn more than 160 comments on the Northwest Observer’s Facebook page. “No! Don’t leave,” veterinarian Sue Thomas of Summerfield Veterinary Hospital wrote. Some customers lamented the loss of the store that supplies them with animal feed, farming and gardening products, while others praised and criticized customer service. According to a spokesperson for the Richmond, Virginia-based company, the store closing is not related to COVID-19, rather to the store not yielding a profit in any of its 14 years of operation.

Pandemic takeaways In this issue and future issues, we’ll continue to share our readers’ feedback on their experiences during the coronavirus pandemic and the perspectives they’ve gained from it Scott Whitaker, Summerfield town manager:

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Legislation would give $3.4 million to northwest Guilford towns Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Stokesdale would split the regional water study funds in a bill recently passed by both chambers of the state’s General Assembly.

by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale are moving closer to getting their share of $3.4 million in state appropriations to spend on water-related projects.

IN THIS ISSUE

www.nwobserver.com

Oak Ridge passes budget 4-1 .............. 2 Zoning Board recommends denial ...... 3 Your Questions .................................... 4 Town, ORYA finalizing agreement........6 News in brief ........................................ 7 Stokesdale Town Council meeting ....... 8

Both chambers of the N.C. General Assembly have given unanimous approval to legislation that would divide among the three towns the money left over from the feasibility study of a regional water system for northwest Guilford County.

“This is phenomenal news,” Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider said in an interview earlier this week.

All three towns are engaged in water projects for which the money could be spent.

The legislation awaits the signature of Gov. Roy Cooper after the House of Representatives concurred

...continued on p. 19 Crime/Incident Report ........................14 NWO Kids’ Korner.................................15 Grins and Gripes .................................16 Bits & Pieces .........................................17 Letters/Opinions ..................................18 Classifieds ........................................... 20 Index of Advertisers ............................23

“My takeaway is the importance of a national umbrella approach to danger. While the roles of federal and state government are debatable, the pandemic exposes the flaws of not following an organized and unified response to major health risks. Instead of a national approach, states have somewhat chosen their own paths. While that might sound good if one favors individual state rights, it produces dismal results in a mobile nation of people traveling between State A and State B. Our interconnectedness is on full display during a pandemic.”

Brady Young, chief retail banking officer for Bank of Oak Ridge: “Overall, the pandemic has been a very stressful time for all of us and worldwide, there have been many negative consequences.

“That said, I feel there have been several positive consequences, which I try to focus on. I have seen my kids talk, exercise and play more together (with limited

...continued on p. 11

The Northwest Observer will not be published

Thursday, July 2 or Thursday, July 9

Our staff wishes you a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday!

We’ll be back in print July 16

Oak Ridge Town Council approves budget by 4-1 vote

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council approved a $2.47 million budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, earmarking $900,000 to start development of the Whitaker property as an expansion of Town Park.

Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan and Martha Pittman voted in favor of the spending plan during a special called meeting this past Monday, June 22. Councilman Doug Nodine voted against the budget because it appropriates money for 2.5% pay raises for town staff.

“We ought to be setting a better example,” Nodine said in an interview after the meeting, reiterating his earlier view that even though he appreciates the work of town employees, increasing their pay isn’t appropriate at a time when companies have laid off

workers and reduced wages during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Increasing pay for Oak Ridge employees mirrors plans by 28 municipalities in the Piedmont Triad region, according to Schneider. She cited a recent survey by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council which found that 60 percent of the municipalities plan to give pay raises to employees next fiscal year, with the average increase totaling 2.5 percent.

In Oak Ridge, the mayor said, town staff has “gone above and beyond” over the past year overseeing several major projects while continuing to run town operations and offer services to residents during the coronavirus outbreak.

The 2.5% increase in employee pay will cost $10,500, or less than half of 1 percent of the budget, Schneider pointed out during the council’s meeting June 4. Council members have met remotely since the coronavirus outbreak, using the Zoom software application to adhere to public gathering restrictions.

Oak Ridge’s property tax rate will remain unchanged at 8 cents per $100 of assessed property value in the fiscal 2020-21 budget.

The town forecasts an 8% decrease in revenues next year compared to the current year, primarily because the COVID-19 outbreak has forced business closings and/or limited operations and reduced the town’s projected sales tax revenue.

The town plans to offset lower revenue by deferring some discretionary capital projects and eliminating increases in some operating expenses.

As a result, revenues are projected to exceed operating expenses by $303,554 next year.

Monday’s meeting lasted 11 minutes. Before voting to approve the budget, council members offered brief comments about the plan, reinforcing their earlier viewpoints. There was no period for public comments, since residents had an opportunity to offer their opinions about the budget during two earlier public hearings.

Due to the July 4 holiday week, Oak Ridge Town Council will meet next on July 9 – the second rather than the first Thursday in July. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and be conducted via Zoom. Visit www.oakridgenc.com for a link to connect to the meeting.

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Zoning Board recommends denial of Birkhaven rezoning

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – By unanimous vote, Summerfield’s Zoning Board is recommending denying a request by developer Rob Jessup to rezone nearly 46 acres abutting Birkhaven from agricultural to RS-40 (Residential) for construction of 27 houses.

planner Chris York’s recommendation in favor of rezoning the property at 3016 Rear Oak Ridge Road. Board Chairman Dick Feulner was absent from the meeting.

Despite York’s conclusion that the request “appears to have overall consistency” with the town’s comprehensive plan, board members said they were concerned that additional traffic on Birkhaven Drive, the only entrance/exit road into the subdivision, may impede fire trucks and other emergency vehicles responding to calls.

Several homeowners who spoke during the meeting and submitted comments by email expressed concerns about traffic, not only on Birkhaven Drive Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO but also on streets Ethan Creed, an engineer for developer Rob Jessup, calculates through the neighthe acreage that would be set aside for open space in Jessup’s borhood where proposed housing development as he answers questions from families walk, run Zoning Board members June 22. and cycle. Trucks The board’s recommendation now hauling heavy equipment during goes to the Summerfield Town Counconstruction of houses over the next cil for a final decision when it meets several years would congest streets, July 14. In an interview after the board’s residents said. vote this past Monday, June 22, Jessup, “Now we’re talking about the owner of RMJ Builders, declined to say potential to add another 30 homes,” how he plans to proceed. homeowner Ray Hagemann told the The 5-0 vote by Vice Chairman Jeff Davis and board members Trudy Whitacre, Ryan Moats, Kathy Rooney and Scott Henson went against town

Zoning Board. “You’re going to add a minimum of another 60 cars in the neighborhood.”

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JUNE 25 - JULY 15, 2020

3

your QUESTIONS www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver

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Above, Summerfield planner Chris York and Gary Brown, chair of the town’s Historical Committee, talk in early June after workers relocated the old railroad tool shed to Summerfield and Rhondan roads.

(Right) Rain and slippery red mud complicated the relocation of the old railroad tool shed, forcing (left to right) workers Aquilla West, Herman Messner and John Futrell to use a winch and chain to pull the trailer underneath the structure.

I noticed a wooden building surrounded by yellow caution tape sitting at the corner of Summerfield and Rhondan roads near the Summerfield Fire Department.

What is the building and who put it there?

The building was apparently a tool shed for workers at the old Atlantic and Yadkin Railroad depot in Summerfield. It may be the last remaining structure from the depot, according to Gary Brown, chair of the town’s Historical Committee and organizer of the structure’s relocation in early June.

Summerfield resident J.C. Dye donated the building to the town. More than half a century ago, as train service waned and the depot was eventually torn down, Dye’s father, a railroad worker named Clyde Dye, moved the structure to a lot at Dupree Drive and Oak Street, near its new location.

JUNE 25 - JULY 15, 2020

Photos by Chris Burritt/NWO

Working in rain and red mud, a crew worked two days to jack up the shed, back a trailer underneath it and haul it to Summerfield Road.

and repairs to the soffit, Town Manager Scott Whitaker said in an email last week.

Measuring roughly 9 ½ feet by 12 ½ feet, the building is now located near the site of the depot and railroad tracks that once ran through town.

The town plans to place a historical marker near the building, referencing the shed and the depot, Whitaker said.

It is located along the future route of the Atlantic and Yadkin Railway greenway, a trail for cyclists and runners to be built on the former railroad bed.

Considering its age, the shed was in solid condition and survived the short trip. It needs “some joist repair, but nothing too major,”

After that work, it will be placed on a permanent foundation, he said.

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BOARD RECOMMENDS DENIAL ...continued from p. 3 Jessup raised the possibility of routing construction traffic from N.C. 150 to his property along an old farm road. He said he plans to approach the owner of the property with the farm road about acquiring a temporary easement on the road.

into Jessup’s proposed development, Whitacre introduced a motion to deny his rezoning request. It was seconded

by Moats, who said he was concerned about access for emergency vehicles on Birkdale Drive, which runs for half a mile from N.C. 150 into the neighborhood.

Additional traffic “is part of progress,” said Jessup, explaining that his family farmed tobacco in northwest Guilford County on property that’s now better suited for residential development.

“This property pretty much needs a second entrance,” Davis said.

Portions of his property adjacent to Birkhaven are steep and marshy, making it unsuitable for farming. The tract is bisected by electrical lines on towers.

“I understand the concerns of people,” Jessup told the board, adding he’s facing a “not-in-my-backyard” attitude by some homeowners. “We try to be good neighbors and take care of construction traffic,” he said.

Citing the need for a second entrance

He said rezoning the property without requiring an additional entrance would be inconsistent with two policy recommendations for transportation improvements in Summerfield’s comprehensive plan. The first notes that as larger neighborhoods are developed, at least two points of access and egress to through-streets should be planned.

The second recommendation said new developments are required to “mitigate their traffic impacts so as to preserve the traffic-carrying capacity of public roadways.”

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Council, ORYA finalizing user agreement for town park Town council is seeking to quantify and get recognition for its support of the youth association after last year’s election strained relations between the two parties

by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council and Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA) are hashing out details of the annual agreement governing the use of Town Park.

The town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is holding a special called meeting this Thursday, June 25, to review a draft of the agreement. It is the latest step in discussions aimed at quantifying the town’s support of ORYA, the biggest user of Town Park, and mending relations between the two parties.

The town has proposed giving $30,000 to ORYA in the fiscal year starting July 1 to cover costs such as renting fields and burning lights at night in the park, according to Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman. In return, the association would recognize the town as a partner of ORYA in park signs, advertising and email signatures. A council member would also serve on the association’s board as a nonvoting member.

“It just hasn’t been made clear to the residents of Oak Ridge and the people in the youth association how much we support them,” Kinneman told fellow council members last week during a public hearing for the town’s proposed budget. “With this agreement, I think we’re going to be able to rectify that.”

“They are trying to quantify what they give ORYA,” Tom Collins, the asso-

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ciation’s president, said in an interview earlier this week. “We have no problem at all” with the town’s proposal, though some details need to be worked out, he noted.

The negotiations follow increasingly contentious relations last year between the council and Collins, who endorsed Van Tanner in the Nov. 5 council election. The candidate’s platform included criticism of Oak Ridge for spending too little on youth sports. The view drew a rebuke from then-Mayor Spencer Sullivan, Kinneman and council members George McClellan and Ann Schneider, who argued that Oak Ridge has generously supported ORYA over the years.

After succeeding Sullivan as mayor, Schneider called for a review of the town’s relationship with the association.

Early this year, the council created a subcommittee to seek recommendations from residents, including ORYA board members and families, to embark on “a fresh start,” council member and subcommittee chair Martha Pittman told the group’s leaders in an email in February. Kinneman also serves on the subcommittee.

ORYA’s request for additional funding late last year led to increased scrutiny of the association by the council and the P&R Advisory Board. In turn, the council postponed its adoption of the town’s annual user agreement with ORYA. In years past, it has taken effect in January and covered the calendar year.

The agreement will now follow Oak Ridge’s fiscal year starting July 1, allowing the town to quantify its financial contribution to ORYA in its new budget. Since the user agreement wasn’t finalized when the council adopted the 2020-21 budget June 22, the council will need to amend the budget to reflect its contribution to ORYA, Kinneman said.

poor to pay the rich.”

Visit www.Stokesdale.org for a copy of the proposed budgets (on the left-hand side of the homepage, select

NEWS in brief

Council to meet Friday, June 26, to vote on budgets STOKESDALE – Stokesdale Town Council will meet June 26 at 6 p.m. via Zoom to vote on approving the proposed general fund and water enterprise budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

During the June 11 council meeting, Mayor John Flynt said he would not be voting to approve the budgets because they do not provide enough funding for improvements to the town’s park and water system.

Flynt has also voiced strong opposition to redirecting $130,806.96 from

the water enterprise account to the general fund account for shared overhead expenses such as salaries, office space and equipment, accountant and attorney fees necessary for day-to-day operations of the town and for operating the water system.

Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks has also voiced opposition to redirecting $130,806.96 from the water enterprise account to the general fund account for shared overhead expenses, and recently equated it with “robbing the

“Departments,” then “Finance,” then “Financial Documents,”) and for a link to connect to the virtual meeting on June 26.

Planning Board to review two rezoning cases June 25 STOKESDALE – Stokesdale Planning Board will meet June 25 at 7 p.m. via Zoom and hold two public hearings for rezoning applications. The first application, continued from the May 28 meeting, is to rezone the rear 8.09 acres of property at 8118 Haw River Road from AG (Agricultural) to RS-30 (single-family homes, minimum lot sizes of 30,000 square feet).

A second rezoning application is for 93.5 acres at the terminus of

Stay

Peony Drive and Treeline Drive. The applicants, Ted and Connie Lawson and Mark and DeAnne Lawson, are requesting the property be rezoned from AG to RS-30.

Following each public hearing, the Planning Board will vote on a recommendation to the Town Council; the council will then hold a second public hearing for each application at its July 9 meeting before making a final decision.

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STOKESDALE town council

June 11 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Stokesdale Town Council met June 11, 7 p.m. via Zoom; after the meeting agenda and minutes from a March 12 closed session were approved, Town Clerk Alisa Houk gave an update on monthly administrative activities. Working on the town’s finances and draft budget for next fiscal year were a focal point, Houk said; the Consumer Confidence Water Quality Report was submitted to DENR by the June 1 deadline; the park grant application was submitted to the state; repairs were made to the soccer fields, and caution tape placed around them.

Planning Board, May 28 meeting.

A public hearing scheduled for the board’s May 28 meeting was postponed at request of the applicant, who seeks to rezone the rear 8.09 acres of 8119 Haw River Road from AG to RS-30 (single-family homes, 30,000-square-feet minimum lot sizes).

After reviewing a site plan for a proposed 3,826-square-foot dental office on an outparcel in Kings Crossing Shopping Center, the board

approved it with eight conditions that must be met.

Events Committee. On the committee’s behalf, Houk reminded everyone of the farmers market held in Stokesdale Town Park every Wednesday, 4 to 7 p.m., through October.

The committee is working on plans for the annual 9/11 service to be held Sept. 11, and is seeking volunteers for a 160th town anniversary celebration Sept. 19, beginning at 10 a.m.

The committee will meet Wednesday, July 1, 4 p.m. in the town park.

Property Committee. Councilman Jim Rigsbee said bids are being sought for cutting down a questionable tree on town property; Bermuda grass on the soccer fields is coming in; the playground areas are still closed, per social distancing restrictions.

FINANCE REPORT

Houk, also the town’s finance officer, reported the town has $2,567,807.16 in CDARS invested with the Bank of Oak Ridge; combined

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JUNE 25 - JULY 15, 2020

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor John Flynt, Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks, and council members Derek Foy, Jim Rigsbee and Jimmy Landreth voted on the following items during the June 11 council meeting:

 5  0: Approve March 5 budget workshop minutes  5  0: Approve March 12 closed-session minutes  5  0: Postpone voting on proposed changes to internal control policy  5  0: Postpone voting on Foy’s recommendation to require a vote of the council before authorizing one-time expenses of more than $500

 5  0: Establish a capital reserve fund in the water enterprise account  3  2: Approve (Flynt and Hooks opposed) a proposed Overhead Alloca-

tion Method for costs associated with operating the town’s water system

 5  0: Write off $2,599.92 in bad debt from unpaid water bills  5  0: Authorize Total Computer Solutions to immediately install a firewall, for about $1,500

with checking account balances and other investments, that brings the town’s total general fund assets to $2,877,499.87.

In the water enterprise account, the town has $495,472.48 in CDARS invested with the Bank of Oak Ridge; $454,447.16 in the Fidelity Bank checking account; $45,033.73 in savings and $522,348.05 in an N.C. Capital Management Trust money market mutual fund, for total assets of $1,531,713.30.

Mayor John Flynt noted the town anticipates receiving large utility tax and ABC sales tax distribution checks which will be recorded as fourthquarter revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30.

OLD BUSINESS Internal controls. This previously tabled topic was brought forward again by Councilman Derek Foy, who recommended no citizen or vendor be given a key to Town Hall without a vote of the council and no person other than staff and council members be given a town email account without

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

a vote of the council.

After discussion, the council agreed to compile a list of every citizen and vendor who should be approved for a key to Town Hall and vote on it at a future meeting.

Foy also recommended reducing the payment amount for a one-time expense that can be authorized without a vote of the council, from $2,500 to $500.

“The real spirit of this is to hone in on spending,” he said.

To that, Flynt responded, “I think it’s bullcrap,” saying approving Foy’s recommendation would mean that every unanticipated expense – such as for repairing a water line – that exceeds $500 would require a special called council meeting.

Further, Flynt said he didn’t understand why some of the council members seemed so opposed to spending money on park improvements, expanding the water system, etc.

 5  0 to postpone voting on Foy’s payment reduction recommendation until further discussion.

Previously approved meeting minutes. Per a request to correct minutes from three council meetings, all approved by a previous council, Flynt deferred to Town Attorney Tom Medlin. Medlin said if an error was discovered which the council felt was worthy of being corrected, the council must decide how to proceed.

Flynt then asked Medlin if one council could vote to modify or correct meeting minutes approved by another council.

“Three of the members on the council at that time have gone, so would have no ability to comment on it, and the three new members wouldn’t have any idea because they weren’t at the meeting,” Flynt said.

Councilman Jimmy Landreth said he had asked for this item to be placed on the agenda, and had since verified minutes from one of the meetings were correct. He said minutes from the March 2019 and August 2019 meet-

ings, however, contained errors, and previous council members had asked for corrections which were not made.

“I believe after listening to these (meeting audio recordings), the minutes are incorrect,” Landreth said. “I’ll take it as far as I need to. I would think council wants the minutes to be correct.”

Flynt argued the appropriate time to request corrections to meeting minutes was before a council voted to approve them. “If someone had a problem, they could have brought it up at that time,” he said.

The items debated concerned a proposal from MBD Consulting Engineers for overseeing the town’s water tower painting project, and a citizen comment recorded in the meeting minutes which Landreth said had not been made.

“I’ll get the clip from the (meeting) audio and if you want to listen to it, you can. If you don’t, that’s fine,” Landreth said.

Houk requested proposed changes to

the minutes be submitted to her in writing, and after receiving she would re-listen to the meeting audio recording to confirm whether corrections were needed.

Planning Board. At Landreth’s request, Council discussed how Planning Board members are appointed and transitioned from alternates to fullvoting members. Houk explained that those wishing to serve on the board must first complete a training course, after which they would be eligible to serve as an alternate, and in order of tenure, to a full-voting member when an opening became available.

Landreth said someone had recently transitioned to a full-voting member of the board without a vote of the council, to which Flynt, Houk and Hooks all maintained that the council votes on appointing alternates to the Planning Board, and from there, the board votes on when to transition them to a full-voting member.

Landreth said the council had

voted on transitioning him from a Planning Board alternate to a full-voting member and others should have been voted on the same way.

When asked for legal advice, Medlin clarified that the question he needed to research was whether an alternate can be moved to a full voting position on the Planning Board without a vote of the council.

 5  0 to establish a capital

reserve fund in the water enterprise account for depositing developers’ water system impact fees.

Overhead Allocation. Foy presented a “Proposal for Overhead Allocation Budgeting Procedure,” with formulas for splitting overhead expenses such as salaries, office space and equipment, accounting and attorney fees between the town’s general fund and water enterprise accounts.

Through much of the subsequent discussion, Flynt, Foy and Kimberly

...continued on p. 10

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JUNE 25 - JULY 15, 2020

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TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 9

Thacker, the town’s contracted licensed accountant, debated whether directing $130,806 from the water enterprise account to the general fund was 1) a reimbursement for shared expenses, as Foy and Thacker maintained, or a transfer, as Flynt claimed; and 2) why it was justified to direct money from the water enterprise account into the general fund account.

“You can keep bleeding the water enterprise funds as long as you want to,” Flynt said, “but I think it says, ‘we really put this as a low priority’ … I think you’re sending a bad message to the town, that ‘We don’t give a damn about the water system.’”

Arguing that the general fund account should not be subsidizing the water system, Foy said, “The majority of our residents aren’t on the water system. We need to get the water system to stand on its own.”

Dipping into general fund reserves for the first time in 30 years to balance the budget is okay, Flynt countered.

“We’re certainly not going to have a tax,” he said. “If you want to be a town, we’re going to have to do some things. I’m not opposed to spending money out of (general fund) reserves because I think we’ve done some really good things. We’ve resealed our parking lot and built another (picnic) shel-

ter. I think people recognize we’re not wasting money. We have $4.5 million in the bank. I’m going to vote against this and the budget because I think we don’t have enough money in there.”

 3  2 (Flynt and Hooks opposed)

to approve Foy’s proposed Overhead Allocation Method.

 5  0 to write off $2,599.92 in bad debt from unpaid water bills.

Salary increases. When discussing whether to give Houk and Deputy Clerk Priscilla Hunsucker salary increases next fiscal year, Councilman Jim Rigsbee said his concern with doing so was with the timing and the method.

“I’m not opposed to a biggerpicture discussion or a one-time bonus, but not a reoccurrence,” Rigsbee said.

Foy expressed concern about the perception of the town giving a raise “at this time.”

“I’m grateful the town has been able to operate (during the pandemic) and we’ve been able to offer our fulltime staff members a full-time salary,” Foy said.

Flynt argued that employees must be paid what the competition is paying for the same job.

“Our two employees are extraordinary,” he said. “Consider what the competition is paying and what they are worth. I don’t want to lose our employees.”

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At Rigsbee’s suggestion, the council agreed to revisit the topic prior to Christmas.

Sentry Watch. Council agreed to table discussion on a proposal to purchase a camera to capture license plate numbers while confirming whether it is a high-res camera or license plate reader.

Archiving social media posts. Houk said a town clerk class she attended last November focused one whole day on record retention, including emails, website, and any kind of social media posts. Archive Social has developed a program that will save those records to prevent them from being deleted or manipulated; the cost for archiving Facebook posts is $2,388.

 5  0 to purchase archiving software from Archive Social.

 5  0 to authorize Total Com-

puter Solutions to immediately install a firewall (computer network security system), at a cost of about $1,500.

CITIZEN COMMENTS  Mark Nadal suggested the town not use social media for official correspondence with citizens.  Mary Jordahl asked if former town council member Frank Bruno still has a town-issued email account and was told no.

10

JUNE 25 - JULY 15, 2020

 Addressing Nadal’s recommendation, Foy said he hated to spend $2,400 on archiving software for social media communication, but “This archiving thing is real and the premise of having an archiving tool for social media is important.”

Foy noted that when he was running for office last fall, he wrote an editorial based on information he obtained from the town’s March 19, 2019 meeting minutes that pertained to painting the water tower.

“After listening to that (meeting) tape, I have verified the minutes are not accurate,” Foy said. “I regret writing that editorial with misinformation.”  Landreth thanked those who reach out to him and offer advice.

“I try to bring things before the council,” he said. “I look forward to Tom (Medlin, town attorney) getting back with me … and I think council should vote (on Planning Board members).

COUNCIL COMMENTS  Stokesdale “is a tax-less town and I think we do an outstanding

The meeting was adjourned at 9:51 p.m.

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 Rigsbee thanked the citizens who are “interested in what the town is doing.”

 Flynt announced there would be a budget meeting June 15 via Zoom, then said, “I’m still a big proponent of not taking money from the water system. But, it’s the will of the board.”

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PANDEMIC TAKEAWAYS ...continued from p. 1 fights). The bicycles have been dusted off and ridden for the first time in years. Our family is cooking more, eating together and spending quality time together. For that, I’m forever grateful.

“I’ve seen people appreciate each other more; appreciate the freedoms that many men and women have fought to defend; and appreciate the sacrifices we are all making to keep things positive and moving forward.

“I hope this devastating virus leaves us quickly. I hope the human race and our economies recover quickly. Most of all, I hope we remember the positives that have come from this and continue them for many generations.”

Debbie Sivret, Northern Guilford High School PTSA president: “First, I think everyone has been caught off guard by this virus with increased anxiety, increased fear and uncertainty. It has grounded many people and made them realize the value of friendship, family, essential workers, being healthy, and the freedoms in our world.

“However, I know the response has been very diverse. I have some friends who are so fearful that they are super isolated, and then I have some who have been careful, but they are still socializing in smaller groups and traveling a little. As time has gone on, many have become much more relaxed and are increasing their outings, socializing in bigger circles and becoming more relaxed with the CDC guidelines.

“Overall, I think many are still being careful, but trying to live and get back to a modified ‘normal.’ I work in the healthcare field and have been exposed to COVID-19 directly, but taking the precautions has limited my risk.

“I have seen so many different issues with this pandemic. I am the

president of Northern Guilford High School’s PTSA, the president of First Lutheran’s Church Council, a physical therapist in the healthcare system and a mother of four who all have been very affected in several ways.

“As PTSA president, I have had to witness many parents and students grieve as they missed prom, concerts, travel, traditional graduation and parties, team sports that they love and many who are in the midst of trying to be recruited for college.

“My son, a rising senior at NGHS, missed most of his lacrosse season last spring and faces a high risk of having his senior-year soccer season changed significantly or cancelled. He missed all college tours this spring that were set up, creating unknowns for his senior year and college plans.

“My oldest daughter is in physician assistant’s school at Campbell and in her intense classroom year where she is trying to learn all that is needed for her upcoming rotations this July. This same daughter was supposed to get married earlier this month at Summerfield Farms and now has had to postpone it until this fall, with more unknowns about whether we will need to postpone it again due to another wave of the virus.

“My second daughter just graduated with her master’s in education, and we had to celebrate her success with a virtual celebration in May. She is planning to work as a fourthgrade teacher in the Guilford County Schools’ system.

“I am saddened that her first teaching experience will be so different, with such an unknown as to what the school year will even look like. This summer she is spending many hours each day on her computer while teaching elementary students with a reading clinic via Zoom.

“My third daughter, a rising junior in college, had summer internship programs cancelled with a big shift in her expected summer plans and job. She goes to UNC-Charlotte and for her second year in a row, she was unable to end her spring college semester in a positive way. Her first year was affected by the UNC-Charlotte shooting and this year ended with the virus, resulting in online learning from home.

“Instead of gathering, my church and our PTSA have had to do many Zoom leadership meetings, worship via Facebook Live and interact electronically. It has not been ideal, but it has allowed us to continue with necessary business in our school and faith communities.

“My PTSA had so many awesome plans this spring, from a mental health program to big award celebrations, that didn’t occur due to the virus and circumstances.

lenged with pay cuts, furloughs and job losses. Some have been sick or had loved ones sick and even die because of this pandemic.

“I have witnessed so many amazing acts of kindness and concern from my community, my family and my church.

It gives me hope and keeps me positive. I have seen many volunteers step up to help.

“Since April, I have helped the Interactive Resource Center feed hundreds of people (100-150 people at a time) in our community facing food insecurity.

When I’ve gone on SignUpGenius.com to seek food and volunteers, the requests are filled so quickly because so many are eager to help.

“I have seen school administrators, teachers and parents work hard to make our senior class feel so special and celebrate their success via signs, seniors being adopted via Facebook, seniors being celebrated on social

“I know many are financially chal-

...continued on p. 12

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platforms, and our principal riding bike laps around the high school in honor of every senior graduating.

“Our PTSA worked hard to still celebrate our staff and placed ‘Awesome Teacher/Staff Lives Here’ signs at each person’s house and sent gift cards and thank-you cards to every teacher and staff member during Staff Appreciation Week.

“Families are spending quality time together – cooking, playing, dancing, and talking more than ever! Prior to COVID, so many parents and families got so caught up with work, obligations, sports and activity conflicts that family time and dinners had really suffered.

“I have to admit, I have loved having my family together more. My husband has not traveled since March (he typically travels most weeks); I’ve enjoyed having my two college-aged girls home again. Two of my children adopted 8-week-old puppies from local rescue programs.

“I am definitely a positive and ‘cup half-filled’ person, and although my family has had many upsets and suffered financially with pay cuts, decreased income and less work, I am so thankful and blessed for what we do have – resources, support and care from wonderful friends and church community and most importantly, our health and hope for the future (vaccines, treatments).”

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“The pandemic has made me realize what is truly of value. For example, I used to think that going to the movies on Saturday afternoons with my husband was fairly important to my happiness and I would get irritated if he needed to work on a Saturday afternoon to finish a customer’s project.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

“Now I realize how petty that was, and how it has been much more special to have a husband take time to help me with housework during the time that it wasn’t safe for my cleaning lady to come here. I have learned to be entertained more by the birds at the feeder and the flowers blooming here and around town than by spending money on overpriced popcorn at the movies! I have even finished a few books after I decided to turn off the TV! “On a negative note, I have been disappointed by the reaction of friends and neighbors to one another – i.e., the judgmental attitude even about whether or not someone is wearing a mask.

“I have a facial nerve condition that makes it tough to tolerate anything touching my face, so I choose to go out only when I can tolerate wearing a mask. I also know people who have panic attacks from the feeling of having something over their face. As long as they are considerate with social distancing, it doesn’t freak me out at all that someone isn’t using a mask, as I know not everyone has someone who can do their errands for them like I usually have, on days when I cannot tolerate wearing one.

“So when you see someone without a mask, don’t assume they are just being inconsiderate. It could be there is a valid reason they cannot tolerate one for more than a moment or two.

“As for social distancing, when we see folks close together, they may all live under the same roof.

“I found that watching and analyzing what everyone else was doing didn’t help me in any way, so I have decided to concentrate on what I am doing, not on decisions others are making.

“This morning, reading that some-

“I wish the pandemic would make people realize how fragile life is, and that when we have valuable people working for the Town of Oak Ridge, we should treat them well and appreciate them. Our town can afford raises, so there is no need to withhold them.”

Sandra Smith, Oak Ridge resident and town clerk “There was so much no one knew about this virus at the onset. How was it transmitted? How contagious was it, really? And how sick would people actually get?

“Although I was below the age where getting the virus was a serious concern, I worried about others in my circle – my mother, a family friend’s 4-year-old, and a co-worker’s child with major respiratory issues.

“Like others, my family grew weary of distancing and staying home. On Saturday, June 13, we gathered for a joint birthday party for my mom and daughter and a Father’s Day celebration. Immediate family. Outdoors.

Six feet apart. That next Friday, my husband had a runny nose and sore throat, and the next day I did too. We were outside a lot and figured it was allergies.

“By Sunday, we were both coughing. Then on Monday evening, June 15, my husband got a low-grade fever. That’s when we became concerned this was more than just allergies.

“After coughing all night, I went to work the next morning wearing a mask and immediately explained the circumstances to my boss. We decided I

should wear the mask, close my office door, and, as soon as possible, pack my computer and head home.

“While waiting for the doctor’s office to return my call, I took the CDC’s self-assessment. Later, the nurse called and asked more questions, then advised us to get tested for COVID-19 – even though we didn’t know if we had been exposed.

“We scheduled tests at Summerfield’s CVS, self-administered them in the parking lot, dropped them in the collection bin, and began our 2- to 4-day waiting period.

“While I worked from home, we were both feeling somewhat sick. I never ran a fever (my husband’s lowgrade fever continued), but the cough, sore throat and body aches/fatigue continued. We weren’t seriously ill – but who knows how coronavirus feels?

I recently heard of some local people who tested positive but were asymptomatic.

“After two days I had not received the promised emails from CVS with directions on retrieving our test results, so I called the national hotline. After several attempts and holding for 35 minutes, they assured me the emails were sent. The unempathetic woman on the phone suggested I send an email, which someone would attempt to answer in 48-72 hours.

Instead, I contacted my employer’s IT manager who found the emails that, like me, had been quarantined.

“I anxiously looked up the results.

Both my husband and I tested negative!

“Our brush with COVID-19 was over – at least this time. But I’m playing it safe. If I’m wearing a mask, it’s not a political statement. I don’t want to go through this experience – as anticlimactic as it was – again.”

share your takeaway Send it to editor@nwobserver.com for possible inclusion in a future issue.

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one wrote to the Observer criticizing our town council for wanting to give the promised raise to our hard-working town staff, and reading that one council member thought they shouldn’t have a raise due to the times we are in – what kind of stingy hearts are in our town?

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13

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ...

ASSAULT/AGGRAVATED ASSAULT June 15 | A 46-year-old female in the 2900 block of Oak Ridge Road reported a known suspect pushed her to the ground; the incident occurred around 9 p.m.

The Northwest Observer will not be published

June 18 | A 40-year-old male in the 8400 block of W. Harrell Road in Oak Ridge reported a known suspect pointed a handgun at him; the incident occurred around 9 p.m.

Thursday, July 2 or Thursday, July 9

June 20 | A 29-year-old man at Food Lion on N.C. 68 in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect chased him in a vehicle while he was in his own vehicle and rammed him with his car several times; the incident occurred around 10:49 p.m.

We’ll be back in print July 16

June 22 | A 28-year-old female in the 8300 block of Wrights Farm Lane in Summerfield (off U.S. 158) reported a known suspect bit her right cheek; the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m.

June 22 | A 56-year-old male in the 1700 block of N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge reported a known suspect held a handgun to his head in a dispute over money owed to the suspect.

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ATTEMPTED BURGLARY June 19 | An employee of Gastown on U.S. 220 N in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect attempted but failed to break through the glass in the front door of the convenience store with a blunt object; the at-

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tempted burglary occurred sometime between June 18 at 9 p.m. and June 19 at 7 a.m. and resulted in $500 worth of damage to the door.

COMMUNICATING THREATS June 18 | A 23-year-old female in the 7700 block of Summerfield Road reported an unknown suspect made threats to her via cyberspace between 1 and 3 a.m.

DRUGS June 22 | An 18-year-old male was cited at 1:30 a.m. in the 5400 block of Centerfield Road in Summerfield for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of alcohol by a minor and driving with an open container of alcohol.

THEFT / ATTEMPTED THEFT June 15 | A resident of the 2900 block of Sandy Ridge Road in Colfax reported an unknown suspect entered his son’s unlocked vehicle between June 14 at 10 p.m. and June 15 at 8:33 a.m. and stole $300 in cash from a wallet.

June 17 | The sheriff’s office received a report of a known suspect attempting, but failing, to steal a Bobcat excavator worth $35,000.

The excavator was parked in a lot in the 8800 block of Colgate Road in Stokesdale (off Belews Creek Road); the attempted theft occurred sometime between June 16 at 7 p.m. and June 17 at 8:40 a.m.

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JULY FOURTH WORD SEARCH

r e n r o K ’ s Kid DID YOU KNOW...

• July Fourth, also known as Independence Day, celebrates the day the United States declared independence from Britain.

• On June 7, 1776, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and Richard Henry Lee made a motion for the 13 colonies to declare independence.

• Thomas Jefferson drafted the original Declaration of Independence, and then Congress made revisions.

• The Declaration of Independence was originally adopted on July 2, 1776, but it was revised and the final version was made official two days later, on July 4, 1776.

• Fifty-six men representing the 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. Edward Rutledge was the youngest signer at 26 years old, and Benjamin Franklin was the oldest, at 70.

• The Declaration of Independence was first read to the public in Philadelphia, where it was celebrated with ringing bells, including the Liberty Bell, all night long.

• The Liberty Bell has not been rung since 1846, for fear of cracking the historic bell. Instead, it is tapped 13 times every Fourth of July.

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 Restaurant and store employees who continue to protect others by wearing masks and gloves, recognizing that asymptomatic does not mean disease-free. COVID-19 has a 14-day incubation period, and senior citizens, high-risk individuals, still need to shop safely.

 Oak Ridge Town Councilman Doug Nodine, who doesn’t seem to realize scientists were correct about: >100,000 deaths, the virus being highly contagious, social isolation being effective at preventing spread, masks being effective at preventing spread.

 People wearing masks. You are an example of those who take others into consideration during a time when inadvertent sneezes could hurt a neighbor, friends, family and the total stranger passing you in the aisle.

Thank you for your selflessness.

 The nurse who called me selfish for not wearing a mask in Food Lion.

Stop judging. I don’t wear one due to low blood pressure and anxiety disorder. Leave us non-mask-wearers alone!

 Summerfield Fire Department, for your continued service during this difficult time!

You’re invited to join us!

Bring a lawn chair, have a seat and prepare to be blessed!

 Owners of businesses from the smallest to the largest who are struggling through a stressful time and trying to stay afloat for their sake and their employees’ sake. You are essential to our economy, and we are cheering for you!  Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughn for having the courage to issue an emergency proclamation requiring face masks in the city limits of Greensboro.

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JUNE 25 - JULY 15, 2020

 Summerfield Town Council (majority) for voting to move forward on a new town hall and meeting space.

We’ve been talking about this for over 15 years – let’s do it!

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 Carolina Squatters. It is not cool, looks terrible, and not safe. BTW, straight pipes were cool once, not now. Please stop cruising Oak Ridge Road and revving them up. Everyone except the handful of you driving these trucks is clowning you.

Editor’s note: For those ignorant, as I was, of what a “Carolina Squatter” is, my internet search revealed that the Carolina Squat, or Cali Lean truck trend which emerged in California, involves elevating the front of a truck while either lowering the rear end, or leaving it as is. According to one internet source, “The front end of the truck is higher than the rear so that when you hit a jump at a high speed the rear hits first. It reduces the chances that your truck will nose dive and crash when hitting hills fast and going airborne.” There appears to be much

debate about whether this trend is safe or good for the truck.  The employees at Wendy’s in Oak Ridge on June 19 who were not wearing masks or gloves or following other COVID-19 guidelines.  The Oak Ridge firemen shopping in Lowes Foods on June 22 not wearing facemasks, even when the sign on the door clearly requests that you do.  The Starbucks barista who covered my beverage with his ungloved, unwashed hands touching the lid, moments after his fingers were in the

Outside the The following reader-submitted GRINS and GRIPES express opinions about state and/or national topics, and have been separated from the local grins and gripes as a courtesy to those who do not want to read others’ opinions on state and/or national political and other non-local topics in a local newspaper.

GRINS to...

 Brave politicians like Gov. Cooper who understand long-term public health is more important than a week’s worth of dollars. Jacksonville will regret their decision... ICU beds are already full and hosting a packed convention in the middle of a pandemic is irresponsible.  93-year-old Opal Lee, marching across America to gather signatures to influence Congress to make Juneteenth a national holiday. Former slaves in Texas didn’t realize they were freed until June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.  John Bolton, former diplomat and national security advisor. Thanks for taking notes, for being brave enough to weather the criticism (“slings and arrows”) that is coming your way, and for speaking out to balance the record!

cash drawer. Even before coronavirus, that was unsanitary. Now it endangers customers – duh!  The person complaining about Summerfield firemen not wearing masks in the grocery store. We know our first responders’ priority is our safety.

BITS & PIECES

DOLLEY MADISON RED HAT CHAPTER

 BJ Barnes’ statement that “nothing will protect you better than... your own common sense...” Clearly this depends on people having common sense. The past few months of botched COVID-19 response has proven common sense to be something many people lack.

…

GRIPES to...

 Last week’s political griper – get your facts straight. Cooper never denied the RNC a convention in Charlotte. He just refused to be bullied when Trump demanded coronavirus assurances or exceptions months before one could safely predict August conditions.  Republicans claiming to be the pro-life party. Life doesn’t stop at birth.

Implementing protections for our weak and vulnerable against COVID-19 is a pro-life move. Stop making this political, and start acting pro-life.  Our president. I will not honor or cross party lines for a misogynist who denigrates women, tweets insults daily to his opponents, lies (Ukraine), and doesn’t know that Finland is an independent country.  Those who deny the science that proves how viruses spread, something that has been known for more than 100 years.  Grandstanding leftists who advertise their saintliness by erecting homemade signs in their front yard, amid their forest of Toyotas and Hondas.

Do they really despise America so much that they can’t bring themselves to buy American? Once?

Photo courtesy of Dolley Madison Red Hat chapter

Due to all the recent rainy weather, the Dolley Madison Red Hat chapter had to change their plans to meet June 18 at Summerfield Community Park. Thanks to Golden Antiques owner Gina Childress working with them on short notice, they were able to meet instead at the antique and treasures’ mall in Summerfield. Red Hat club members shown in photo are: Julie Tiska, Susie Hopkins, Deni Dumford, Betty Jane Derosiers, “90th Birthday Lady” Betty Lashley (front row, third from left, wearing red jacket and a scarf), Doris Hartsfield, Donna Ferguson, Billie Tillman, Elizabeth Garrison and Paula Camp. “This was the first meeting since January and the group wanted to have a surprise 90th birthday party for our member, Betty Lashley,” Red Hat Club member Paula Camp wrote in an email to the Northwest Observer. “After a delicious picnic lunch, the afternoon was free for shopping at Golden Antiques, with the masks on again and social distancing restrictions in place.”

Even in this unsettling time,

There’s still so much to

CELEBRATE

We’ve got 26,000 readers ready to cheer you on in all life’s big events Let’s CELEBRATE together!

Interested in a celebration ad?

Call or email Laura for details.

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

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JUNE 25 - JULY 15, 2020

17

The Northwest Observer will not be published

Thursday, July 2 or Thursday, July 9

We’ll be back in print July 16 In the meantime, you can

COUNT ON US

to keep you connected Stay informed about local news and happenings at:

/NorthwestObserver

Serving Northwest Guilford County since 1996 direct-mailed to 12,000+ homes 1,400 copies for free pickup online 24/7 • 13,950+ followers on Facebook Contact us to begin your

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LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your editorials (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com

mail: Opinions, PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 Include your name, a daytime phone number where you can be reached and name of community in which you live.

Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.

Former council’s transgressions will be revealed I wrote a letter to the editor of the Northwest Observer which ran in the May 21, 2020 edition. As most readers know, the editor chose to run a rebuttal which was longer than the original letter I wrote. I do agree with one comment she made. The 2020 Northwest FINDER which contained her original attempt to blame council member Tim Jones and myself for all the problems of past council, is indeed published by PS Communications rather than the Northwest Observer as I had stated in the letter.

I sent Patti Stokes several documents which I contend prove her comments to be in error. I did not get anything but an acknowledgement of receipt. I wish to state that I stand by my original letter published in the May 21, 2020 edition. Just recently, facts have come to light which prove a comment she published about

Tim Jones and myself concerning the water tank painting bid were in fact not true. I had asked her to correct it when it came out and she refused to look into the matter.

There will be much more information coming to light about the former town council and how they spent money and failed to properly conduct town business. No doubt this letter will result in more comments from the editor.

I thought my service to Stokesdale Town Council ended a year ago when I moved. I served 7 ¾ years on council prior to moving, and although Mayor Flynt refused to acknowledge my service, I feel there are some who appreciated my service. We always had a balanced budget!

William Jones KERNERSVILLE

This space available for

YOUROPINIONS Send your letters and opinions Serving northwest Guilford County since 1996 to editor@nwobserver.com

direct-mailed to 12,000+ homes • 1,400 copies for free pickup

( MAXIMUM WORD online 24/7 • 13,925+ followers COUNT on Facebook 350 ) Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days

18

JUNE 25 - JULY 15, 2020

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

LEGISLATION

...continued from p. 1 with an amended version of the bill earlier this week, according to Sebastian King, former policy advisor for Rep. Jon Hardister (R-District 59), who sponsored the bill with Rep. John Faircloth (R-District 62). King is now running for the state Senate District 27 seat against incumbent Democrat Michael Garrett.

If the governor signs the legislation, King said, the funds would be available to the three towns relatively quickly. That’s because they’re left over from a previous appropriation, not ensnared in the current budget shortfall caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he explained.

Leaders in Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale have been eyeing the state funds since last year after balking at the estimated price tag for a regional water system. In late 2019, each of the town councils passed resolutions asking the legislature for a third of the unspent funds.

As proposed in 2018 by consulting firm Timmons Group, a regional system would cost more than $50 million and require mandatory hookup by potential users. Initially, they would pay an estimated $90 a month, or roughly twice what residents of subdivisions in northwest Guilford County pay for water from community well systems.

Timmons charged $175,000 for its report assessing the feasibility of establishing a water system for Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Stokesdale and unincorporated areas of northwestern Guilford County. That left unspent about $3.4 million of the $3.6 million appropriated by the General Assembly for evaluating the possibility of creating a regional water authority, Jeff Phillips, vice chairman of Guilford County Board of Commissioners, said in an interview last September.

The pending legislation requires that the towns spend the money on “water infrastructure projects.” If not spent or encumbered by June 30, 2022, the towns would be required to give the funds

back to the Office of State Budget and Management and the money would revert to the state’s general fund.

In Oak Ridge, the funds could possibly defray costs of a municipal water system currently being evaluated by town staff and the council.

Town leaders haven’t yet formally discussed how the funds might be spent, according to Mayor Schneider. She said the council may decide to create a water advisory board led by residents to evaluate the topic and offer recommendations to the council.

The money could possibly help Oak Ridge establish a “modest water system,” if the council decides to pursue the option, Schneider said.

The water system the town is evaluating would operate community wells serving new subdivisions with 30 or more lots. Existing homeowners wouldn’t be affected by the municipal system because they’d continue to draw their water from private and community wells, according to the proposal.

In Summerfield, the Town Council is revisiting a 2016 study that outlined options for supplying water for fire protection in the Summerfield Fire District. Earlier this year, town staff asked the Wooten Group, the Raleigh-based consultant that conducted the study, to update costs for installing water tanks.

The state funds could help pay for tanks and lines and other measures “for additional safety for fire protection,” Mayor BJ Barnes said in an interview earlier this week.

Stokesdale operates its own water system and could use the state appropriation to cover costs for increasing water pressure and making other improvements as residential development accelerates, Mayor John Flynt said in January.

In an interview earlier this week, Flynt said the council hasn’t discussed how it might spend state funds. He said he didn’t want to discuss possible uses for the appropriation until Gov. Cooper signs the legislation and “we get the money in the bank.”

6805 FEGAN ROAD, SUMMERFIELD

Exceptional waterfront home is ready for new owners. Custom-built home is delightfully bright w/spectacular views inside & out plus upper and lower decks! Chef’s kitchen adjoins oversized breakfast room, shares 2-sided FP with great room. Fabulous master BR on main w/tray ceiling overlooks pond, accessible by sliding door. Master BA w/jetted tub; separate shower has dual heads & European hand wands w/pulsating spray. Private WC includes bidet, double sinks & heat lamps. Spacious upstairs bedrooms. $639,000

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Wa t e r

f r on t H

ome !

Nicole E. Gillespie, SPS REALTOR®/Broker

RE/MAX Realty Consultants 336.210.3895 cell 1.800.965.1893 efax www. NicoleGillespieRealty.com

JUNE 25 - JULY 15, 2020

19

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

Luxury Service.

Southern Hospitality.

THE EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE PROS

Now offering courtesy pickup and delivery

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX Auto Sales & Service ........ 20 Employment .................... 20 Public Notice ................... 20 Yard Sales ....................... 20 Home Services ........... 20-22 Misc. Services .................. 22 Misc. for Sale .................. 22 Misc. Wanted .................. 22 Pets & Animal Services .... 22 Real Estate ...................... 22

20 20

 PUBLIC NOTICE

 HOME SERVICES

THE LIBERTY WESLEYAN CHURCH Annual Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

ELECTRICAL

 YARD SALES

6716 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale Just 1/4 mile off I-73 EuroHaus.pro | 336.891.3876

YARD SALE. Saturday, June 27, 7am-1pm.

5904 Beckenham Way, Oak Ridge. Large variety of items! Everything must go!

SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470.

COMMUNITY YARD SALE! Saturday, June 27, 8am-12pm (later if needed).

3903 Mattingly Ct, Browns Summit, NC.

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.

CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002.

 HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. A/C Spring checkup, $49.99.

Call (336) 382-3750 or (336) 268-6768.

CLEANING

 EMPLOYMENT

THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN LLC. With the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be a little overwhelmed. I would like to offer my cleaning services at a discount. Licensed, bonded, and insured. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

LEAD TEACHER/STAFF POSITION open in childcare center. Credentials required. Assistant staff position open in childcare center.

Experience preferred. (336) 643-5930.

MAGIC MAIDS, LLC. Fully insured and bonded. Free estimate. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or one-time. Move-in or move-out.

Call Patty, (336) 932-0245.

NEED RELIABLE EMPLOYEE for water well drilling company in Oak Ridge. Experience in drilling or water pumps is helpful. Good pay.

Benefits include health insurance. Must have good driving record and ability to get a Class B CDL. Call (336) 451-9776.

MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223.

SELL TOP-QUALITY CBD PRODUCTS. Incredible incentives available for early preferred customers and affiliates. Please call (336) 937-3289.

HELP WANTED. Affordable Home Repair.

Must have license and clean criminal record. Call (336) 564-8256.

Follow us on Facebook for updates! facebook/northwestobserver

JUNE JUNE25 25--JULY JULY15, 15,2020 2020

PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210.

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

DECORATING EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411.

The Observer • Totally local since 1996 TheNorthwest Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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.

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

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES 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.

FIX YOUR MOWER! Service and repairs. Spring specials. "We do it right." Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681.

OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR See display ad on page 14.

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.

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.

Your business should be here!

Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

GRADING / HAULING

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.

ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.

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.

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

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

DTW GRADING & HAULING, INC. Offering complete bobcat services and hauling.

Fill dirt, asphalt millings, stone and more.

Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212.

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

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

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

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles. Complete lawn care maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 32 years. (336) 362-5860.

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

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

TRACTOR SERVICE. Experienced and local. Bush hogging and garden tilling.

Mike, owner/operator. (336) 486-9837.

HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448.

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

Like us on Facebook and keep up with all the northwest-area news!

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates.

Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157.

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic./Ins. 40+ years experience.

All phases of tree work. Lots & natural area thinning and cleanup. Large shrubbery jobs, chipping. Oak Ridge. Call (336) 643-1119. Hire a local with references.

 HOME SERVICES

SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE, offering complete lawn maintenance services & bush hogging. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086.

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.

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.

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

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.

WILSON SEPTIC PUMPING & REPAIR. Family owned since 1972. Mention you saw this ad in the NWObserver for a discount.

(336) 643-6427.

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

(336) 931-0600

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

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.

PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. 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

COX POOL SERVICE. Openings, closings, routine maintenance, weekly service. No contracts, free estimates! (336) 327-5122.

CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING. Affordable, dependable. Please call anytime for free estimate. (336) 706-0103.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

EAST COAST PRESSURE WASHING & LAWN SERVICE. Soft washing, surface cleaning of driveways and patios. See us on Facebook. (336) 207-3625.

TWO TEENS to do your yard work. Hard workers and cheap rates. Please call or text: (336) 423-9334.

EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456.

ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875.

DELIMA LAWNCARE. Commercial & Residential. Free estimates. (336) 669-5210.

PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor.

We service all systems. Free estimates.

(336) 644-1174.

FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete tree removal & trimming. Storm damage clean-up. Landscaping & hardscaping. Insured. Taylor, (336) 458-6491.

STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com.

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

HOUSE SOFT WASHING, roof soft washing, pressure washing. Check out our 5- star reviews online! Please visit our website, MartinsPressureWashing.com.

continued on p. 22

JUNE2525 - JULY15, 15,2020 2020 JUNE - JULY

21 21

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. SERVICES

 REAL ESTATE

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

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.

FAT RABBIT FURNITURE REFURBISHING. Furniture restoration, repair or refurbishing, (indoor or outdoor, antiques and more).

For our rating, pictures of our work and reviews, check us out on Google. Please give us a call today! (336) 816-3641.

HOMES FOR SALE

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

AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION INC. Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements.

Licensed & insured. Short wait list.

NC General Contractors. (336) 225-7478.

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 41 yrs. exp. (336) 362-6343.

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.

Services TM Construction , INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Feature walls

(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell Licensed & insured NC Gen. Contractor #72797

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 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.

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.

Your business should be here!

Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

ROOFING 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.

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We finance.

Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343.

 MISC. SERVICES

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

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

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, ATVs, generators, power washers, go-carts, mini-bikes, golf carts, 4-wheelers, etc. (336) 689-4167.

Oak Ridge – Offered at $579,000 Private setting, lush landscaping & in-ground pool in this former model.

Patio spa, 3-car garage & pool house.

4,100+ SF, 4 BR, 4 ½ BA

Nancy J. Hess

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

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC. Bonded & Insured. Follow us on Facebook. Call or text (336) 339-6845.

CLASSIC SOUTHERN CHARM

 REAL ESTATE LAND FOR SALE LAND. Large tracts. Rockingham County and Summerfield. Want social distancing?! Only three 10-acre tracts left. If 10 acres isn’t enough, one 25-acre parcel remains. Perfect for a mini-estate, laying hens, and a garden too. Hurry, this land won’t last! Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Henson Farms – Offered at $675,000 Charmer with wrap-around rocking chair porch & side screened porch overlooking masterful landscaping.

Chef’s kitchen, master suite with fireplace, neighborhood pool & tennis.

4,800+ SF, 4 BR, 4 ½ BA

Nancy J. Hess

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

We Help Everyone!

SELLERS & BUYERS

Selling or Renting?

Locally owned & operated

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350.

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance

Like us on Facebook and keep up with all the northwest-area news!

6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

22 22

PERFECT STAYCATION!

JUNE JUNE25 25--JULY JULY15, 15,2020 2020

Reach all of northwest Guilford County right here! Classifi eds are just $4/line,

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

The Observer • Totally local since 1996 TheNorthwest Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

and can be placed online at www.nwobserver.com.

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Please support

our advertisers,

and tell them where you saw their ad.

Without their partnership, the Northwest Observer could not be free to you, our readers!

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

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE EuroHaus ........................................ 20 Piedmont Truck Tires Inc. .................13 Tire Max .............................................9 Vestal Buick GMC Inc. ......................19

BUILDING & REMODELING

Old School Home Repair ..................14 ProStone, Inc. ...................................12 Rymack Storage ...............................22 Stokesdale Heating & Air....................6

LEGAL SERVICES Barbour & Williams Law ...................11

MEDICAL CARE / SUPPLIES

TM Construction Services .................22

LeBauer HealthCare .........................12 Wake Forest Baptist Health.................3

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Guardian Ad Litem .............................8

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Summerfield Fire Department ............5

Olmsted Orthodontics ......................15

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

ORUMC Concert ..............................16

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ..............14 King’s Crossing Animal Hospital .......14 Northwest Animal Hospital ...............10

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

REAL ESTATE

EVENTS

Southern Foods ..................................7

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES BEK Paint Company .........................21 Eanes Heating & Air ...........................2 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery16

Stay

...to the following new advertisers who have recently joined us: Carlos & Son Painting GrowinGreen Inc. Henson Forest Hammer Heads Swim Team MG12 LJ Custom Homes Quality Oil Southern Foods The Wright Stuff

A New Dawn Realty .........................22 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway .....22 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX .................19

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS Oak Ridge Youth Association .............4

distant but

...and to these advertisers who have renewed their partnership with us: BEK Paint Company King’s Crossing Animal Hospital Oak Ridge Chiropractic

|since 2009 |since 2014 |since 2008

...and welcome back:

Eagle Family Medicine at Brassfield Mosquito Squad Edgefield Plant & Stone

We appreciate the businesses, churches, individuals and nonprofits that, through their advertising, make it financially possible to provide this local news source

not disconnected /NorthwestObserver

Contact us for advertising information (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 | advertising@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JUNE 25 - JULY 15, 2020

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PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 • (336) 644-7035

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by ps published

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From maintaining & improving your home to a slice of life in the northwest

published

ns municatio by pscom

annual

annual

Featuring home-grown stories about fitness and healthy living

a tribute to high school seniors in northwest/northern Guilford County

foot Meet the s e schedule 2019 gam results on and coaches 2018 seas cheerleaders s and drum majors Meet the ctor band dire Meet the

annual

An in-depth preview of the Northern and Northwest High School football seasons

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