your QUESTIONS www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver
OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant Rene Collins, administrative assistant Yvonne Truhon, graphic designer Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution Chris Burritt, staff writer; Helen Ledford, Meredith Barkley, Lily Pierce and Annette Joyce, contributing writers
HOW TO REACH US email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions ... @ nwobserver.com phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006 office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 hours: M-Th 9am-noon (or by appt.)
WANT TO ADVERTISE? Contact us at (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 display: advertising@nwobserver.com classified: classifieds@nwobserver.com Independently owned & published by
Are there still plans to return the historic train depot to Stokesdale? Yes, Friends of Stokesdale is preparing to seek nonprofit status so the volunteer group can pursue its goal of buying and returning the historic train depot to town. As of last month, the group was completing its application to the IRS for designation as a 501 (c) (3) taxexempt, charitable organization, said Kathy Bunthoff, a member of Friends of Stokesdale, which is dedicated to preserving and reviving Stokesdale’s historic downtown area. The designation allows donors to take tax deductions on their contributions to nonprofit organizations. It would allow Friends of Stokesdale to “actively ask for financial support from individuals and businesses,” said Bunthoff, adding the group also plans to seek government grants. Since its incorporation last year, Friends of Stokesdale has been trying to raise money to buy the historic train depot and bring it back to Stokesdale. It’s been located on U.S. 220, south of Madison, since the late 1970s, when retired carpenter Sam Heffinger bought it for $500 and moved it from downtown Stokesdale. “It’s a really big goal, especially for a group our size,” Bunthoff said. “But the depot is available. The opportunity is just so incredibly clear.” The depot is now owned by Mary Hunter, who tried to sell the property at public auction in September 2019. After it drew no bidders, Friends of Stokesdale members began talking among themselves about purchasing the depot and returning it to Stokesdale.
File Photo
Friends of Stokesdale hopes to raise enough money to purchase the historic train depot that has been located in Madison since the late ‘70s and return it to downtown Stokesdale. said she still wants to sell the depot and would like to work with Friends of Stokesdale if the group can raise money to buy it. His mother didn’t return a voicemail message seeking comment. During the auction last year, auctioneer Jeff Eanes said the tax value of the depot and its two-acre tract was $183,722, the lowest price for which
OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2020
If Friends of Stokesdale were able to raise enough money, buying the building would be the first of several steps, according to Bunthoff. The group would need to find downtown property for the depot and arrange for it to be moved from its present location.
Protect your business and your wealth with legal services from a trusted advisor Estate Planning and Administration, •• Specializing in Corporate and Business Law including Wills, Trusts, for LLCs, S-Corps, C-Corps,and andProbate Partnerships •• Commercial Corporate and Business Law Real Estate Transactions • LLC’s • Civil Litigation • Partnerships • Tax Planning and Preparation • Tax Planning, Advice and Preparation •• Estate Planning and Administration Real Estate including Wills, Trusts, and Probate
• Civil Litigation
“I protect clients, their families, “I help my my clients achieve their best and their businesses, now and outcomes in business and personal in the years”ahead.” legal matters.
Scott K. Tippett Attorney at Law
Admitted in Georgia, North Carolina, and U.S. Tax Court. DRC Certified MediatorSuperior Court
Hagan Barrett PLLC | 300 N Greene St, Suite 200, Greensboro, NC 27401 336.232.0650 | www.haganbarrett.com
James Hunter, Mary Hunter’s son,
4
it would have sold if any bids had emerged.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
