Northwest Observer / January 21 - February 3, 2021 by pscommunications

Jan. 21 - Feb. 3, 2021

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Summerﬁeld seeks extraterritorial jurisdiction Oak Ridge

IN THIS ISSUE

Stokesdale

Summerfield

Summerfield Town Council meeting .... 6

The town wants to extend its zoning authority two miles beyond its northern, eastern and southwestern boundaries

Oak Ridge Town Council meeting........ 8

by CHRIS BURRITT

COVID-19 stress surfaces ......................2 Fight erupts over redacted legal bills ... 3 Your Questions.......................................... 4 Backlogs delay audit submissions ....... 5

Welcome to our new advertiser ............ 9 NWO Business & Real Estate ..................13 Real Estate Q&A ......................................14 Real Estate News/Briefs ..........................14 NWO Kids’ Korner ................................... 25 Crime/Incident Report .......................... 26 Community Calendar........................... 27 Youth / School News ............................. 28 Student Profiles ....................................... 30 Grins and Gripes .................................... 32 Classifieds ............................................... 36 Index of Advertisers ............................... 39 NWO On The Go / Staycation .............. 40

SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Town Council plans to ask Guilford County to cede zoning control over a twomile-wide band of property so that it can regulate the density of residential development on the town’s borders. The Town Council voted 4-1 during its meeting Tuesday, Jan. 12, to ask the county to approve its request to create an extraterritorial jurisdiction. It would put unincorporated property beyond Summerfield’s northern, eastern and southwestern boundaries under the town’s zoning rules. It would be the first time Summer-

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Parcels Within Buffer 1 Mile ETJ

Town of Summerfield Possible ETJ Limits

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ROCKINGHAM CO. GUILFORD CO.

Stokesdale

1 Mile ETJ

2 Mile ETJ

Summerfield Northern Guilford Middle/High Schools

Oak Ridge

NWHS/ NWMS

Greensboro

The town of Summerﬁeld is considering establishing an extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) in some areas one to two miles outside the town boundaries. If the proposal is approved by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, future development in the ETJ would have to meet regulations outlined in the town’s development ordinance.

Developer eyes water line looping Summerﬁeld One option for extending water from the city of Greensboro to Summerﬁeld Farms Village envisions a line reaching beyond the proposed development We heard from a few of you, but would like to hear from more – have you received a COVID vaccination? If so, have you had any side effects ? Email your responses to patti@nwobserver.com.

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – A proposal by developer David Couch to extend water from the city of Greensboro for the expansion of Summerfield Farms envisions nearly 13.2 miles of water line looping through the town of Summerfield. The line from Greensboro would travel north on Pleasant

Ridge Road to Summerfield Farms, where it would supply water to Couch’s proposed residential and commercial development of 650 acres. It would then follow some of Summerfield’s major roads. The proposal by Couch’s engineering firm is one possibility for supplying water to Summerfield Farms Village, the developer said in an interview earlier this week. Another would follow a shorter route, supplying homeowners and businesses in his proposed development, not the wider area of town, he said. Any plan for running a water line, as well as sewer services,

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COVID-19 stress evident in council’s debate When discussing whether to conduct future meetings in person or virtually, council members weigh safety over return to ‘some normalcy’

related to COVID-19. A more contagious strain of the virus is spreading in the U.S., putting even greater stress on hospitals, he said.

by CHRIS BURRITT

“I’m not scared by anything at all,” McClellan said. “Risk is risk. The risk is acceptable.”

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council members split over the best way to conduct meetings during the COVID-19 outbreak, highlighting how the worsening virus is wearing on town leaders deciding how to perform the town’s business in a safe manner. After nearly 50 minutes of debate during its monthly meeting Jan. 7, the council wound up where it had started – voting on an original motion by Councilman George McClellan; the motion gave members of the Town Council and other committees and boards the option to meet in one of three ways: in person, remotely or using a “hybrid” model allowing for people to attend in person or virtually. “I believe that in times of crisis we have to provide some normalcy,” McClellan said, explaining that offering three options for meetings gives council and committee members leeway, based partly on the recommendations of town staff. “I believe there should be flexibility.” The council met remotely earlier this month for the first time since September as the worsening virus has heightened health risks of public gatherings.

“If you guys are scared by the facts, I’m sorry,” he said. “These are the facts. When the disease is conquered, we can go back to in-person meetings.”

McClellan said Oak Ridge has been relatively unscathed by the virus. Citing statistics from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, he said that, as of Jan. 7, there have been 379 recorded cases and two deaths related to COVID-19 in Oak Ridge’s postal zip code 27310. “Oak Ridge has been blessed with low numbers,” council member Martha Pittman said. “Part of that is a lot of citizens have been doing what they should. But we do have community spread.” She said she supported Kinneman’s motion requiring remote-only meetings, with the possibility that the council may ease the requirement based upon monthly evaluations of virus statistics.

“What degree do we want to be safe?” Pittman asked. “We can be safe, we can be safer and we can be safest. With the current levels of community spread, I think our best option at this point is to be safest.”

Before the council voted on McClellan’s motion, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman offered a substitute motion that would require all meetings to be held remotely, with the council reviewing the requirement monthly.

Kinneman added that not all committee members and town staff are comfortable attending meetings in person.

Kinneman cited statewide and national trends showing record-high numbers of positive cases and deaths

The vote on Kinneman’s motion was 2-3, with the mayor pro tem and Pittman outnumbered by McClellan, Mayor

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Ann Schneider and Councilman Doug Nodine. The council then voted 4-1 favoring McClellan’s motion, with Kinneman voting no. Pittman voted yes after being assured that remote meetings are an option under the plan. “This is a pernicious virus, for sure, but it’s not impossible for us to meet in person,” Schneider said. She pointed out that town staff had installed acrylic dividers separating council members and staff in the council chambers in Town Hall. People who attend the meetings are seated apart from one another, and they wear masks when they’re not speaking, the mayor noted.

“I believe we are more effective as a council when we meet in person,” she said. “These meetings are essential to continuity of government.”

Fight erupts in Summerﬁeld over redacted legal bills by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Town Council member Teresa Pegram said she objects to Town Attorney Bob Hornik’s decision to redact from his invoices the names of people he talks to about the town’s litigation. Hornik said council members are entitled to see the same information as the public. That doesn’t include materials that the lawyer said he considers privileged. The dispute during the council’s meeting last Tuesday, Jan. 12, prompted Councilman Reece Walker to tell Pegram he doesn’t trust her with privileged information about the town. “I don’t trust y’all,” she replied. “Ya’ll withhold so much information from me.” Banging his gavel, Mayor BJ Barnes brought an end to the clash without resolving Pegram’s complaint. “This is over,” Barnes said. Pegram offered a motion requiring that all of the town’s legal bills be left

un-redacted, but no other council member seconded her motion. Walker told Pegram he’d support her motion as long as she was willing to allow information to be redacted from legal bills concerning active litigation. That includes a lawsuit by former mayor Gail Dunham and a second suit by residents Don Wendelken and Dwayne Crawford. Pegram said she wouldn’t agree to Walker’s condition. Hornik said he based his position on redacting privileged information on his understanding of state law related to public records requests. “If my bill says I had a specific conversation with a specific person about a specific topic, I might redact that,” said Hornik, explaining that Dee Hall, the town’s finance officer, removes information at his request. As an elected council member, Pegram said, “I watch the taxpayers’ money that is being spent. How as a

council member can I do my job if the finance person and you are redacting information from legal bills?” Hornik explained that “even redacted bills show all the time we’ve spent and every cent that was charged.” “But why are we being charged?” Pegram said. “That’s what I can’t see.” Town Manager Scott Whitaker also sees the lawyer’s un-redacted invoices, as do Barnes, Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms and council member Lynne Williams DeVaney as part of their duties to review legal bills and write checks to Hornik’s firm. “Why can’t I be privy to it?” Pegram said. “You’re privy to it.” Barnes said he doesn’t scrutinize the invoices, but instead trusts town staff to make sure that Summerfield is charged fairly. Whitaker said he looks at bills closely as part of his job. “We’re in different roles,” he told Pegram.

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JAN. 21 - FEB. 3, 2021

There’s been a lot of construction work taking place at the Stokesdale Fire Department for the past few weeks.

The windows and doors have been boarded up in the front of the building and it looks like work is moving to other parts of the exterior.

What’s going on? Stokesdale Fire Chief Todd Gauldin told us the department had some building damage from water issues that are being repaired; steps are also being taken to prevent further damage in the future. Gauldin explained that water had seeped through the brick, causing the metal plates above the windows and doors to rust. An engineering firm was consulted to determine the best option for correcting and avoiding any further damage. To do that, the metal plates are being cleaned and treated. This work started in November and is the most tedious part of the project. Gauldin explained that existing bricks have to be carefully taken out and replaced around all the windows and doors. Once this work is done, the entire building will be coated with a waterproofing material. Gauldin said he expects the project will be completed by March, but that’s dependent on the weather. The bid for the work totaled about $169,000.

I’ve been trying to keep up with plans for building horseback riding trails on a big piece of land in Summerfield. What’s the latest on that project?

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Stokesdale Fire Department is undergoing repair work for water damage. The Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC) announced last month it had finalized the $575,000 purchase of the property, known as Bandera Farms, on Bunch Road. It consists of 115 acres of rolling wooded land bordered by Interstate 73

to the south and Reedy Fork Creek to the north. PLC put the property under contract early last year and negotiated with the towns of Summerfield and Oak Ridge, the city of Greensboro and Guilford County to help pay for the land. A state

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grant also contributed to the purchase. The property will be developed as a public trails preserve, with as many as 10 miles for horseback riding, PLC said in an emailed statement. The trails will also accommodate runners and walkers, but not cyclists because horses and bikes aren’t necessarily compatible, said Palmer McIntyre, PLC’s conservation planner. The property had been listed as containing 113 acres. A survey found it actually has 115 acres, McIntyre said. The transaction represents the first time that the three municipalities and the county have collaborated jointly on a preservation and recreational project, according to PLC. It said acquiring the property will help protect Greensboro’s drinking water supply while providing a route for the Piedmont Greenway, a proposed 19-mile trail from Greensboro to Winston-Salem. Late last year, PLC hired Destination

by Design, a recreational trails design firm based in Boone, North Carolina, to help create a site plan for the trails preserve. PLC said it will own the property temporarily until it is transferred to the town of Summerfield for permanent ownership and management. At that point, PLC and town officials will seek grant funds to cover the costs for developing the site with parking and trails. They plan to seek a grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker said he doesn’t expect the town to take ownership of the property until “all efforts to get grant funding from PARTF are exhausted.”

It’s coming,

it’s coming... 2021

That probably won’t occur in 2021, Whitaker told the Northwest Observer in an email, because qualifying for PARTF grants can be “a slow process” spanning multiple years, if municipalities get any money at all.

Backlogs delay audit submissions by PATTI STOKES

STOKESDALE/SUMMERFIELD – An unsigned draft audit is as much as Rex Rouse said he could provide until he has received minutes from several Stokesdale Town Council meetings. Rouse, a partner with the accounting firm Rouse, Rouse, Penn and Rouse, LLP, presented the draft audit at the council’s Jan. 14 meeting; the presentation was on the council’s Dec. 10 meeting agenda, but a few hours before that meeting began the council learned the presentation would have to be postponed because the accountant was still waiting for meeting minutes. Municipalities with fiscal years ending June 30 normally have until Oct. 31 to submit their annual audit to the state’s secretary of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Because of COVID-19’s impact on local governments, the N.C. Dept. of State Treasurer extended this year’s deadline to Jan. 31. Meanwhile, Stokesdale Town Clerk Alisa Houk is pushing through a months-long backlog of audio recordings to document finance-related discussions and votes from council meetings. Last month the council approved Houk working from home one day a week to focus on completing them.

Houk reported at the Jan. 14 meeting she had made progress, but still needed to complete September, October, November and December meeting minutes. Houk has previously told the council meeting minutes were backlogged due to pandemic-related challenges, a higherthan-usual number of council meetings, budget meetings and closed sessions over the last several months, and to the deputy clerk being out for several weeks this fall while recovering from surgery. Until a few months ago, the town clerk also served as the town finance officer. Stokesdale is the only northwest Guilford County town with its own municipal water system, which Houk is also involved with. Other municipalities in the county are also pushing the Jan. 31 deadline. As of Jan. 20, Guilford County, Sedalia, Gibsonville, Summerfield and Whitsett had not submitted their audits to the LGC. Summerfield Finance Officer Dee Hall said her financial work for the annual audit was completed in August, but the Whitevillebased firm the town contracted with to perform this year’s audit has experienced COVID-related issues that required staff to be quarantined several times, creating a Theis still Northwest Observer backlog that the firm wading through.

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JAN. 21 - FEB. 3, 2021

SUMMERFIELD town council

Jan. 12 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor BJ Barnes called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms and council members John O’Day, Lynne Williams DeVaney, Teresa Pegram and Reece Walker present. The council limited attendance to the meeting in Summerfield Community Center due to public gathering restrictions related to COVID-19. The deliberations were livestreamed on the town’s Facebook page, where a recording is available for viewing.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Limited Town Hall access. Town Manager Scott Whitaker urged residents to conduct business with town staff by email and phone to reduce contact during the coronavirus outbreak. Staff placed a box at the front door of Town Hall for people to drop off and pick up documents. Board of Adjustment volunteers. The Board of Adjustment is seeking volunteers to serve as members, Whitaker said. Urban archery season. Deer hunting on private land inside of town limits runs Jan. 9 through Feb. 14 under the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s urban archery season, Pegram said. Hunters aren’t allowed on town property and they must follow all state regulations, including obtaining a license and getting permission from landowners to hunt on their property.

PUBLIC SAFETY, COMMITTEE REPORTS Summerfield Fire District. The Fire District reported it responded to 103 calls in December, including 53 EMS-related calls and 24 related to fires. Firefighters installed 23 child safety seats while the district provided fire prevention and public education to 70 adults and 100 children.

JAN. 21 - FEB. 3, 2021

Sheriff’s Office. First Lt. Jeremy Fuller reported the sheriff’s District 1 office handled 94 calls in Summerfield in December. Deputies responded to 24 burglar alarms, two larcenies, one burglary of a business and one burglary of a residence.

PUBLIC COMMENTS  Don Wendelken, administrator of the Summerfield Scoop Facebook page, asked whether the estimated $3.5 million cost for the new town hall will be the actual cost. Whitaker said expenses for technology and furnishings for the building may push costs higher. Such costs may materialize as the design and construction determine functional details of the project, he said. “I’m not going to sit here and promise you that every part of this building, this project will be done within a $3.5 million budget, even though that’s our projected budget,” Whitaker said. Pegram joined Wendelken in asserting that coronavirus-related restrictions on public gatherings have reduced transparency by town staff in planning for the new town hall. They voiced the same criticism during the council’s meeting in December.

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms and council members John O’Day, Lynne Williams DeVaney, Teresa Pegram and Reece Walker voted on the following items during the Jan. 12 town council meeting. Mayor BJ Barnes was present, but in Summerfield the mayor votes only to break a tie.

 5  0: Appoint former mayor Mark Brown to the Historical Committee while naming former committee member Sam Schlosser as an ex-officio member

 4  1: Participate (Pegram opposed) in the Piedmont Discovery mobile app that provides local information about parks, trails and recreational areas

 5  0: Instruct Town Manager Scott Whitaker to get additional estimates for replacing the roof on Summerfield Community Center  5  0: Resume discussions about the possible creation of the Summerfield Tomorrow Committee during the council’s Feb. 9 meeting  4  1: Instruct (Pegram opposed) town staff to contact Guilford County officials about Summerfield’s interest in creating an extraterritorial jurisdiction on its border with the county

 5  0: Recommend 10 legislative goals for the North Carolina League of Municipalities

“We have town business that needs to be conducted,” he said. “The public that I’ve been talking to expects us to do our job. Why not continue to do the town’s business?”

“We’re doing way too much business that is not essential,” said Pegram, urging the council to delay construction of the new town hall until the virus has passed. “To me, we’re not being transparent enough.” Barnes disagreed, telling Pegram the end of the outbreak is uncertain.

Whitaker and Barnes reiterated that town leaders have informed the public about planning for the new town hall. The council discussed and then appropriated $500,000 for architectural and construction services in the fiscal year that started July 1. It then sought applicants and hired an architect and construction manager for the building.

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“We’ve been very transparent about this whole project,” Whitaker said.

town when it applies for grants, Barnes said. Pegram didn’t explain her nay vote.

U.S. 220 tunnel art

Summerfield Community Center roof

Art students at Northwest and Northern Guilford high schools plan to paint murals inside the 117-foot-long pedestrian tunnel underneath U.S. 220, according to Paul Lambrecht and Bill King of the town’s Trails and Open Space Committee. Students from the two schools prefer to work together on the murals instead of working separately, Lambrecht said. They plan to paint one side of the tunnel this spring and the other side in the spring of 2022, he said. “It will be awesome for the kids to get involved and make something positive happen in a world where not much positive is happening right now,” Sessoms said. The cost for paint, brushes, rollers and other supplies is projected at $3,500. Barnes said donations may help cover the costs, which aren’t earmarked in the current budget.

MANAGER’S REPORT Historical Committee appointments

 5  0 to appoint former mayor

Mark Brown to the Historical Committee while naming former committee member Sam Schlosser as an ex-officio member. Schlosser recently moved to Greensboro, requiring him to give up his membership on the committee. He wants to remain active in an ex-officio capacity, Whitaker said. Brown’s term runs through July 2022, while Schlosser will serve until July 2023.

Piedmont Discovery mobile app

 4  1 (Pegram opposed) to participate in the Piedmont Discovery mobile app that provides information and links about parks, trails and recreational areas in Guilford County. Whitaker recommended that Summerfield take part in the program, which is free to the town. DeVaney said the app will be especially useful to families moving to Summerfield. Participating may help the

 5  0 to instruct Whitaker to get

additional estimates for replacing the roof of the Summerfield Community Center now that the town has taken ownership of the building and the surrounding 16.8 acres that contains the core of the town’s park, lake and parking lots. Three estimates for replacing the roof and soffits, installing gutters and other repairs totaled $13,889, approximately $19,000 and $25,245, according to Whitaker. The council had authorized the manager to spend roughly $9,000 for roof repairs, prompting him to seek instructions on how to proceed. The motion removed the spending restriction on Whitaker and authorized him to contract for the roof repairs.

Summerfield Tomorrow Committee

 5  0 to resume discussions

about the possible creation of the Summerfield Tomorrow Committee during the council’s Feb. 9 meeting. DeVaney and Barnes said they support the creation of a committee of residents that, according to DeVaney, would help town leaders decide “what we want our town to look like tomorrow – in five years, in 10 years, in 25 years, in 50 years.” (See related article on p. 34.) Pegram, Sessoms, O’Day and Walker expressed reservations, questioning whether the committee would have a specific mission to dictate its responsibilities and whether it would require funding by the town. How committee members would be selected is also unresolved.

Zero attendance for town hall rezoning Whitaker said an open house Monday, Jan. 11, to discuss the town’s request to rezone 13.4 acres on U.S. 220 for the new town hall drew no attendance from citizens. The town is seeking to rezone the tract from residential (RS-30) to

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JAN. 21 - FEB. 3, 2021

OAK RIDGE town council

Jan. 7 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor Ann Schneider called the monthly meeting to order with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Doug Nodine and Martha Pittman participating remotely. The meeting was recorded and livestreamed on the town’s Facebook page and its YouTube channel. Gary Blackburn, who served on

Oak Ridge’s first town council, offered the invocation. It was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Alexandra Santiago, a member of Boy Scouts of America girl-led Troop 219 which meets at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church. Santiago and two other troop members, Selby Chipman and Caroline Ruppel, are among the first girls in the U.S. to attain the rank of Eagle Scout.

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Doug Nodine and Martha Pittman voted on the following items during the Jan. 7 council meeting.

 5  0: Appoint Stuart Mease to the Finance Committee and Michael Bell to the Board of Adjustment  5  0: Renew the town’s memorandum of understanding with Guilford

County regarding stewardship and management of the Cascades Preserve

 4  1: Approve (Kinneman opposed) a policy allowing three options for

meetings of the Town Council and town committees and boards under COVID19 public gathering restrictions

 2  3: Enact a policy recommending remote meetings for the council and committees (the motion failed, with Kinneman and Pittman voting in favor)  5  0: Instruct the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to recommend one or more names for the Whitaker property park

 5  0: Approve the first reading of a proposed ordinance to renew the town’s waste collection franchise agreement with GFL Environmental Services

PUBLIC SAFETY

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Sheriff’s Office. First Lt. Jeremy Fuller reported the sheriff’s District 1 office responded to 53 calls in Oak Ridge in December. Of those, 38 calls related to burglar alarms; another related to a theft from a house and another to a theft from a vehicle at Town Park. In early January, deputies investigated break-ins of two vehicles parked at Town Park where two suspects broke out windows to steal purses, Fuller said. All three incidents were “smash-andgrab” thefts in which motorists had left valuables in plain view, Fuller said. He urged motorists to place belongings out of sight and, even better, remove them from their vehicles before parking at Town Park or other public places. Deputies have once again placed signs at Town Park advising people to protect their possessions. Oak Ridge Fire Department. Chief Ken Gibson said the department handled 58 calls last month, including 32 EMSrelated calls. Firefighters completed 181

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hours of training in December. The department responded to a house fire on North Bunker Hill Road Jan. 3; the family made it out of the house safely, but was displaced, Gibson said.

PUBLIC HEARING

The council conducted a public hearing related to a request by Bryan and Tammy Gardner to rezone nearly 25 acres northwest of Oak Ridge from RS-40 (Residential) to agricultural. No one spoke against the request by the Gardners, who own the property on Warner Road east of Happy Hill Road in Oak Ridge’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. It is part of 87 acres on which the couple lives. About five years ago, Bryan, a builder, planned to construct houses on the property. At his request, the council rezoned the property from agricultural to residential. The couple has now decided they don’t want to build houses on the land, Tammy told the council, so they were requesting to return the residential zoning

...continued on p. 10

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OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 8 to agricultural, a move backed by the town’s Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board. The period for public comments remained open for 24 hours after the public hearing. As a result, the council delayed its vote on the rezoning request until a special called meeting Jan. 11. At that meeting it voted 4-0 (Nodine was absent) to approve the request. During the regular monthly meeting, Mike Stone encouraged the council to consult with the P&Z board on ways to encourage property owners to seek rezoning of their property to the classification of RPD (Rural Preservation District) instead of agricultural. Such zoning encourages the preservation of rural scenic vistas, Stone said, while acknowledging it may lack the financial incentive of a lower tax burden with agricultural zoning.

MANAGER’S REPORT  5  0 to appoint Stuart Mease to

the Finance Committee and Michael Bell to the Board of Adjustment.

 5  0 to renew the town’s memo-

randum of understanding (MOU) with Guilford County regarding stewardship and management of the Cascades Preserve. The preserve, which is a park owned by the county, is located northwest of Oak Ridge and serves as the starting point of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail through town. Bruce recommended renewal of the

MOU, which he said is “substantially the same” as the agreement adopted by the two jurisdictions in 2014. It is effective for another five years and doesn’t obligate the town to additional spending for management of the park, according to the manager. “It’s a gorgeous walk in the woods,” Kinneman said, echoing other council members who said the proximity of the preserve to Oak Ridge is a valuable asset to residents.

Redmon house Bruce told the council he’s negotiating with a consulting firm with expertise in historic preservation to advise town leaders on renovating the Redmon house. The town’s budget for the fiscal year ending June 30 appropriated $20,000 for architectural services related to restoring the historic farmhouse on Town Park property at Linville Road and Lisa Drive. A consulting or architectural firm would assist a subcommittee – consisting of town staff and members of the Parks and Recreation (P&R) Advisory Board and the Historic Preservation Commission – in deciding how to renovate the structure for community meeting space. The town’s five-year capital improvement plan earmarks $200,000 for restoring the Redmon house. However, the council has allocated only $20,000 so far. Bruce didn’t identify the firm with

which he’s negotiating, except to say it’s based in Roanoke, Virginia. He said he expects the subcommittee to recommend the hiring of a firm to the council in the next month or two. Restoring the house would be “a waste of taxpayers’ money,” Nodine said, partly because there’s already meeting space in Town Hall. He said he believes renovating the structure would “double” the projected cost in the long-term spending plan. Oak Ridge has already spent about $10,000 on interior demolition and environmental remediation of the house, Planning Director Sean Taylor said. Schneider countered Nodine’s view, saying she believes the council needs to demonstrate leadership in finding new uses for historic properties. Restoration of the Redmon house, which is located in the historic district, would create an attractive entrance to Town Park while preserving part of the town’s history, she said.

“It’s an everyday farm house that dates back to the 19th century,” the mayor said. “Even though it’s not an opulent mansion like Oakhurst or some of the other jewels, it’s an integral part of the historic fabric of our town. It’s just as important in many ways as some of the outwardly more impressive structures in Oak Ridge.” Strategic plan work session

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The Northwest Observer •

Bruce said the council will hold a work session at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, to discuss and possibly update the town’s 2018 strategic plan. It’s not yet been decided whether the meeting will take place in Town Hall or be conducted remotely, the manager said.

NEW BUSINESS

Preservation, conservation easements Ron Simpson and Debbie Shoenfeld presented an overview of the Conservation Easement Committee’s final draft report that outlines steps for preserving open space and Totally local since 1996 historic structures with easements.

Protecting a structure with a preservation easement would prevent its demolition or significant alteration of historic features, according to the report. A conservation easement would limit or prohibit development of land, such as subdividing property for houses. The preservation easements would be voluntary for owners, said Simpson, who chairs the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board. Organizations such as the Piedmont Land Conservancy and Preservation North Carolina would hold the easements and charge property owners fees to ensure that terms of the easement are upheld. “Easements remain in place in perpetuity and are difficult, if not impossible, to remove,” the report said. Encouraging easements can help preserve Oak Ridge’s identity as “a rural crossroads community,” said Shoenfeld, who chairs the town’s Historic Preservation Commission. The committee, which recommended several actions by the council between now and the end of the current fiscal year June 30, suggested it should be established as “a longer-standing or standing committee” to continue exploring the use of easements. The report outlined a five-year plan for encouraging the use of easements. It recommended setting aside money in Oak Ridge’s budget – starting with $20,000 next fiscal year – to help property owners defray costs for establishing easements. Easements could be useful as “a very strong tool in our toolkit” for preserving the historic and rural characteristics of Oak Ridge, said Pittman, echoing support by several other council members. Nodine said he was wary of imposing essentially irrevocable restrictions on property on the chance that circumstances may change. “We would sort of be trapped,” he said.

COVID-19 meeting rules

 4  1 (Kinneman opposed) to approve a policy allowing three options for council meetings and town committees and boards under COVID-19 public gathering restrictions ordered by Gov. Roy Cooper. (See related article in News Briefs.) In advance of its monthly meetings, the

council will decide whether to gather in person, conduct business virtually or use a “hybrid” model allowing council members and staff to attend in person or remotely. Kinneman voted against the motion, saying he preferred the council and committees meet remotely until coronavirus restrictions are eased. He offered a motion to enact that policy, but it failed on a 2-3 vote (Pittman also voted in favor of Kinneman’s motion).

Naming of Whitaker property

 5  0 to ask the P&R board to recommend one or more names for the park that’s being developed on the Whitaker property. Improvements on the 60-acre tract behind Town Hall property on Linville Road over the next few years will include multi-purpose fields, a playground and a walking trail. The council asked the board to seek input from the public in recommending possible names for the park. It wants to hear from the board in the next two or three months. Waste collection agreement

 5  0 to approve the first reading of a proposed ordinance to renew the town’s waste collection franchise agreement with GFL Environmental Services (formerly Waste Industries). “We get very, very few complaints” about GFL’s service, Bruce said. He added that the company resolves complaints quickly and that it didn’t seek a rate increase in 2021. Several council members concurred that most

residents are pleased with the company’s service. Extension of the three-year agreement through March 31, 2024, required approval of the first reading, followed by a second reading during the council’s meeting Feb. 4.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 Barbara Engel, a member of the Twelve Oaks homeowners association, told the council that rerouting of Oak Ridge Elementary School traffic through the Twelve Oaks and Plantation Oaks subdivisions is causing problems for homeowners. “The residents are not happy about it,” Engel said, explaining that some parents are turning around in the streets and driving on lawns. Complaints arose when students returned to Oak Ridge Elementary Jan. 5. COVID-19 precautions, such as taking students’ temperatures before they enter the building, have slowed down the drop-off and pick-up of children, leading to increased traffic in Twelve Oaks and Plantation Oaks. The sheriff’s office had recommended routing traffic through the neighborhoods to reduce the number of vehicles on N.C. 150 in front of the school, according to Principal Penny Loschin. In an email to the council, Loschin said school officials asked parents to respect property owners as they drive through the neighborhoods. She also asked for the community to be patient as officials work out the traffic pattern.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

Special Events. Chair Patti Dmuchowski said the committee plans to start raising funds soon for the veterans’ memorial, estimated to cost $125,000. It is proposed for the Whitaker property. She added that the committee has narrowed down the list of possible names for the memorial. Mountains-to-Sea Trail. A report by co-chairs Bill Royal and Anne Steele indicated volunteers plan to complete construction of a bridge crossing a tributary of the Haw River this month. The bridge connects two sections of the trail under construction northwest of Oak Ridge.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

 McClellan praised the work of the Special Events Committee, which organized the Light Up the Night display of luminaries in Town Park, and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee for its trail construction.  Pittman expressed thanks to health care and emergency workers, law enforcement, teachers, town staff, restaurant operators and retail workers for their efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak.  Schneider and other council members expressed condolences to Town Attorney Michael Thomas after the death of his NEW Lomother. cation With no further comments, the meeting in Kernerscouncil vilp.m. le was adjourned at 9:43

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14 Real Estate Q&A receives 14 Stone Fellows Award rising prices loom 15 Shortages, for homebuyers into 2021

16 Business Is Booming

Grading of Bi-Rite parking lot, first tenant in 300-acre industrial park is underway; Bi-Rite set to open in May

Developer seeking support for Summerfield Farms Village; opponents circulating petition

industrial park 16 300-acre getting first tenant

David Couch, owner of Summerfield Farms on Pleasant Ridge Road, said his proposal for Summerfield Farms Village provides for the preservation of rural vistas on his property such as this one. Some opponents of Couch’s proposal have formed a group called “Stand up for Summerfield,” set up a Facebook page, and are gathering signatures on a petition that they hope will discourage elected officials from approving plans for the proposed development. As of this writing, Couch has not formally submitted any development plans.

REAL ESTATE Q&A I noticed real estate signs at the Nationwide office on U.S. 158 in Stokesdale. What happened to the company? What’s going on with the property? The Stokesdale-based Nationwide office combined forces with Hiller Ringeman Insurance Agency based in Summerfield about 2 1/2 years ago. The staff in Stokesdale remained the same, and most continue to work with Hiller Ringeman. Angel Cook recently retired, so is no longer with the agency.

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Because of COVID-19, both offices have been closed to the public since last March. At the end of 2020, Hiller Ringeman decided that two offices weren’t needed in the northwest area and made the decision to permanently close the Stokesdale office. A notice on the door of the former Stokesdale office at 8311 U.S. 158 states that anyone who needs to make a payment should call (336) 643-6311. The now vacant property is zoned for commercial use and includes the approximately 1,200-square-foot building and two acres of land. It’s priced at $460,000 and is being marketed by Greensboro’s Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Yost and Little Realty.

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REAL ESTATE NEWS/BRIEFS

Stone recipient of Fellows Award Dawn Stone, founder and coowner of A New Dawn Realty, recently received the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association’s (GRRA) Fellows Award, which recognizes members who have provided outstanding and consistent service to the association.

Stone is quick to point out that her success belongs to God, and also expresses gratitude for her son and her support network of staff and family. “My faith is so strong, I don’t ever worry about how things will turn out,” Stone said.

“I really enjoy what I do,” Stone became a Realshe added. “I love people tor in 1999 and has been and I love helping them. a member of both the Dawn Stone Buying a home is one of the GRRA and the Rockingham County Association of Realtors for over most important decisions an individual or family makes. I’m honored to be two decades. During her time as a part of the process.” Realtor she has served on both association boards and as president of the Along with the GRRA Fellows Rockingham County association. Award, Stone has been the recipient of numerous other awards including Stone opened her own real estate the GRRA Ronald J. Smith President’s firm in 2002 and the following year Award, two-time Realtor of the Year was joined by her son, Phillip Stone, who is now a co-owner of the business. in Rockingham County and the GRRA Realtor of Distinction Award every year Throughout the economic ups and downs and even the pandemic, A New for the last four years. Dawn Realty has continued to thrive.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

A resident of Stokesdale, Stone has

two adult children and two grandchildren. She volunteers for mission work through her church, Ellisboro Baptist Church, and is a member of the Madison-Mayodan Rotary Club.

When she has free time, she enjoys being outdoors “playing in the dirt,” and lists working with flowers, spending time with her animals and mowing as some of her most relaxing pastimes.

Shortages, rising prices loom for homebuyers into 2021 by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – House buyers in northwest Guilford face a double whammy in the new year – a shortage of homes for sale and higher prices for listings on the market. Sellers are frequently weighing multiple offers for their houses, according to real estate agents. They predict that demand for housing, spurred by historically low interest rates, will remain strong, while the dearth of listings will crimp sales. “It’s a good market, but there’s hardly anything at any price range to buy,” said Jan Cox, a Keller Williams agent in Greensboro. She has one listing, down from about 10 a year ago. “They just sell quickly.” Houses listed for less than $250,000 may attract 10 to 15 offers, according to Nicole Gillespie, an agent for RE/MAX Realty Consultants in Greensboro. Competition is especially keen in northwestern Guilford County where more expensive houses are also getting multiple offers, she said. “With interest rates so low, we have many more buyers who feel comfortable making a purchase,” Gillespie said. Despite higher prices, the lower rates give buyers more buying power, she said. Buyers paid more for houses in Oak Ridge and Summerfield in the fourth quarter. The average sales price climbed 23 percent to $489,228 compared to $397,836 a year earlier, according to the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association (GRRA), citing

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statistics from the Triad Multiple Listing Service. The latest quarterly figures for Stokesdale weren’t available earlier this week. The housing shortage in Oak Ridge and Summerfield was also evident in the fourth quarter. The inventory of homes for sale sank 51.1 percent to 66 from 135 a year earlier, GRRA reported. The supply of houses dwindled to 1.6 months from 3.8 months.

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The COVID-19 outbreak has contributed to the shortage of houses. Some potential sellers are unwilling to open their houses to buyers, due to the health risks of the virus, agents said. Others are waiting to see whether the end of the pandemic and stronger economic recovery may create even more demand for their houses. Rising prices for lumber and other supplies have prevented some builders from starting new houses, especially smaller contractors still recovering more than a decade after the housing downturn in the Great Recession. The coronavirus exacerbated some trends. Nationally, aside from a drop in new home construction over the past 10 years, an increasing number of house buyers entered the market “while older generations were choosing to hang onto their homes,” according to an article posted on Zillow.com last year.

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Bi-Rite set to open in new location early May STOKESDALE – Grading of the parking lot for the new Bi-Rite Galaxy in Stokesdale is underway as owner David Wrenn prepares to open the grocery store on Ellisboro Road and N.C. 65 (Belews Creek Road) the ﬁrst week of May. Wrenn is planning for 27,000 square feet of selling space, almost four times the size of the nearby 7,500-squarefoot store where he ﬁrst bagged groceries more than four decades ago. The closing of the store on N.C. 158 and Belews Creek Road will mark the end of an era, but Wrenn said, “We’re still going to be Bi-Rite, with added attractions.” He’s expanding offerings of prepared foods with fried chicken and smoked brisket, barbecue, chicken and turkey, while setting up indoor dining with 28 seats and tables outside.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Grading underway for first tenant in 300-acre industrial park ROCKINGHAM COUNTY – Ontex Group NV has begun grading a 43-acre site in southern Rockingham County for its ﬁrst U.S. manufacturing facility. The company, based in Erembodegem, Belgium, is a global producer of diapers and other disposable hygiene products. Ontex is investing $96 million and plans to employ about 400 workers in its 250,000-square-foot factory along U.S. 220 at N.C. 65. The site is about two miles northeast of

Stokesdale and less than five miles north of Summerfield. Ontex plans to start advertising for employees in the second half of 2021 and start operations late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter, according to Ontex official John Fitter. The facility is the first tenant in a 300-acre industrial park being developed by Greensboro-based Carroll Cos.

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Summerfield Farms Village critics ask questions, seek support Opponents say development may lead to four-lane roads in Summerﬁeld. Mayor BJ Barnes calls it unfounded `supposition’ by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Among critics of developer David Couch’s proposal to transform 650 acres around Summerfield Farms with residential and commercial development is a golden retriever named Stan. “No water, no sewer,” the dog says in a post on the Facebook page for Stand Up For Summerfield (SUFS), a group organizing a petition drive to express opposition to Couch’s proposal to extend water and sewer lines from the city of Greensboro to Summerfield Farms. The group joins former Summerfield mayor Gail Dunham, Summerfield Scoop administrator Don

Wendelken and others critical not only of Couch’s proposal, but also of town leaders whom they say favor the developer. According to the SUFS Facebook page, as of earlier this week the petition had collected almost 1,600 signatures. However, group representatives declined to talk on the record about their efforts, instead referring to the petition and commentary on the group’s page. “Greensboro, Guilford County and Summerfield residents all lose while this developer wins!” the petition says, warning that the extension of water and sewer lines may turn Summerfield into “SUMMERCITY” with higher taxes and high-density development leading to congested roads and schools. Despite its reliance upon a dog as its spokesperson, Stand Up For Summerfield criticized elected officials for what it calls a lack of transparency in discussing Couch’s proposal. Limitations on public gatherings related to the COVID-19 outbreak are allowing leaders to meet remotely

and “with little public comment,” the petition says. “Please do not let our leaders push this costly plan through during a pandemic without OUR VOICES being heard!!!” During last week’s meeting of the Summerfield council, Wendelken and council member Teresa Pegram also complained about what they called a lack of public participation in decision making, due to gathering restrictions.

“That’s not how you run transparent government,” Wendelken said. Town Manager Scott Whitaker disagreed with Wendelken. Barnes criticized him for circulating a survey asking questions that the mayor said were misleading. As an example, the survey asked whether residents would want Pleasant Ridge, Brookbank and Lake Brandt roads to go from two lanes to four lanes “to accommodate higher density residential and commer-

cial” development. “A lot of the stuff that you asked questions about (was) all supposition… that’s not been brought up or brought forward by anyone at any time except by you and a few others,” the mayor told Wendelken. He urged residents to call council members and town staff with questions.

“All of these suppositions and all these things that you may read – whether they be on Facebook or in a newspaper or that you hear – it’s just a phone call away to find out what the answer is,” Barnes said, addressing those viewing the meeting. “You don’t need to be listening to things that are not factual.” In an interview earlier this week,

...continued on p. 24

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SUMMERFIELD FARMS VILLAGE CRITICS ...continued from p. 22

Couch questioned SUFS’s credibility.

“They’re hiding behind a dog and won’t even say who they are, even though they want to have a significant impact on our town,” he said. “If you won’t come into the light of day with your displeasure about what I’m doing, how does that qualify you to discredit my proposal?” he asked. During a presentation earlier this month, Couch told Guilford County commissioners he wants “a thorough fleshing out of the details” in meeting with officials of the county, Summerfield and Greensboro to discuss his proposed development, Summerfield Farms Village.

The commissioners voted to explore the feasibility of creating a special tax district to charge property owners in the development for water and sewer services. Earlier this week, Couch said he’s waiting to hear from Greensboro officials about whether they’re willing to meet with him and county and Summerfield officials to discuss his waterand-sewer proposal.

“We expect them to at least explore it,” said Couch, who unveiled his plans for Summerfield Farms Village last September. The developer told the Summerfield council he wants Greensboro to

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extend water and sewer lines to his property. He is asking the county to create the special tax district so that only users of water and sewer services in his development would pay for the utilities. Commissioner Chair Skip Alston said he has heard from some opponents of Couch’s proposal.

“We want to hear from both sides,” he said. Earlier this week, Couch provided details about his proposal. Some addressed questions raised by opponents such as those with SUFS. In a Facebook post last October, the group said the Summerfield council “seems intent on getting a public water and sewer system for Mr. Couch so he can make more money and develop rental properties. The nifty plan is to fool Greensboro into paying up front to construct the miles of water and sewer lines, pumping stations, etc.!” In an email in October, Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan said city leaders “need to insure that we have enough capacity for future growth and that the proposed Summerfield expansion will not come at a cost to Greensboro residents.” Couch maintains that planning is in early stages and dependent upon

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water and sewer services, so he’s reliant upon cooperation from Greensboro and the county. If the two municipalities don’t proceed with the project, Couch told the Guilford County commissioners he may talk to Rockingham County officials. If Couch secures water and sewer services, he’d ask the Summerfield council to rezone his agricultural property for residential and commercial development. Summerfield is required by state law to consider Couch’s proposal based on the town’s comprehensive plan, according to Barnes. If the project advances as proposed by Couch, he said “not one dollar of the county’s revenue or the city’s revenue would be used to bring water from the city of Greensboro.” The city would use utility revenue bonds to extend water and sewer lines to Summerfield Farms, he said, and it would recoup its investment from two sources: charging users double the water and sewer rates it charges city residents, and collecting 25 cents per $100 of property valuation in the special tax district. The bond issuance would include enough money to cover debt payments in the early years and afterwards, and the increasing tax base in Summerfield Farms Village would cover debt service, he said.

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r e n r o K ’ s d i K

Color by Number

Which of pictures 2-10 are NOT a fragment of picture 1?

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CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

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

Jan. 5 | A 62-year-old male was arrested in the 2800 block of Kinsey Court in Summerfield (near Strawberry Road) for assault with a deadly weapon, assaulting a police officer, resisting/obstructing a police officer and being intoxicated and disruptive. Jan. 7 | Two customers of Tractor Supply Company in Oak Ridge reported incidents involving a known offender at about 5:26 p.m.; one customer reported he attempted to pull off her face mask and spit in her face, and the other customer reported he chipped two of her vehicle’s windows by beating the glass with her car keys. Jan. 7 | A 34-year-old female was arrest-

ed in the 700 block of Number Ten Way in Oak Ridge (near Beeson Road) for three criminal summonses, assault on a police officer, two counts of malicious conduct by prisoner and second-degree trespassing. Note: according to N.C. General Statute 14-258.4, “Malicious conduct by prisoner” relates to “Any prisoner who knowingly and willfully throws, emits, or causes to be used as a projectile, any bodily fluids, excrement, or unknown substance at an employee, while the employee is in the performance of the employee’s duties.” The action is considered a Class F felony. Jan. 9 | A resident of the 2500 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge reported being shoved to the ground by her boyfriend, a 23-year-old male; he was

subsequently arrested for possessing a firearm as a felon. Jan. 13 | A Summerfield resident in the 7700 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect punched him in the face five to six times between 4:15 and 5:30 p.m. Jan. 15 | A 51-year-old male was arrested in the 6200 block of Windcrest Drive in Summerfield (near Hamburg Mill Road) for assault on a female and interfering with emergency communication.

DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED

Jan. 8 | A 19-year-old male was arrested at 3 a.m. in the 6500 block of U.S. 158/ Spotswood Road in Summerfield for driving while impaired and also cited for speeding; a 22-year-old male was cited for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance. Jan. 9 | A 47-year-old male was arrested in the 7900 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale for driving while impaired. Jan. 15 | A 57-year-old male was arrested in the 1400 block of Pleasant Ridge Road/N.C. 68 N in northwest Greensboro for driving while impaired.

DRUGS

Jan. 6 | A 45-year-old male was cited in the 7300 block of Summerfield Road/ Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield for speeding and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jan. 6 | A 24-year-old male was arrested in the 8900 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale for possession of a Schedule I controlled substance. Jan. 11 | A 32-year-old male was cited in the 6400 block of U.S. 158/Rumbley Road in Summerfield for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance and a weapons offense. Jan. 11 | A 21-year-old male was cited in the 800 block of N.C. 68 N/Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance. Jan. 12 | A 21-year-old male was cited in the 7900 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance and a weapons offense.

...continued on p. 33

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SATURDAY, FRIDAY, JAN. 23, 29  Drive-thru Cookie Booth | Girl Scout Troop 2469

will host a drive-thru cookie booth Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive, and Jan. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina, 2213 Oak Ridge Road. Cookies cost $5 per box and can be ordered and paid for in advance at bit.ly/2X7ZwM6 for faster curbside pickup. More info: Shavonta Kuecker, shavonta@hotmail.com.

THURSDAY, JAN. 21  Rezoning Open House | The Town of Summer-

field invites Summerfield residents to an informal open house on Jan. 21, starting 5:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road to discuss rezoning property at 7818 Summerfield Road for building a new town hall. More info: www.summerfieldnc.gov; Town of Summerfield Planning Department, (336) 643-8681; or Town Hall, (336) 643-8655.

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TUESDAY, JAN. 26  UDO Draft Open House | The Town of Summer-

field invites Summerfield residents to an informal open house to discuss the Unified Development Ordinance Draft Jan. 26, starting 6 p.m. via Zoom. The meeting can be attended by phone or computer; to access the meeting information, visit summerfieldnc.gov, click “Calendar,” and select the event. More info: Town Hall, (336) 643-8655.

SATURDAY, JAN. 30  Food Pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food pan-

try in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on Jan. 30, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Stokesdale Business Center, 8500 Ellisboro Road. The usual check-in procedure will be followed, and boxes of food will be placed in cars without recipients getting out. To make a financial donation or request emergency assistance, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.  Volunteer Training, Workday | HorseFriends of

NC, a therapeutic riding program, will host a volunteer training meeting and workday Jan. 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Still Water Farm, 7169 Strawberry Road in Summerfield. The training session from 10 a.m. to 12 noon will be followed by a pizza break from 12 noon to 12:30 p.m. and a workday from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Please fill out and bring volunteer forms avail-

able at horsefriendsnc.org/volunteer. Forms will also be available on site for those who need them. Wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes for training, and if you’re staying for the workday, wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. If you are unable to attend this day and time, please email Volunteer Director Sue Parker, sueparker@horsefriendsnc.org, to set up a training session. More info: info@horsefriendsnc.org.

TUESDAY, FEB. 2  Merchants Association | Summerfield Merchants Association invites business professionals who live in or operate a business in Summerfield to a Zoom meeting Feb. 2, 6:30 to 8 p.m. This non-profit organization promotes awareness of local businesses, provides networking opportunities for business professionals, and finds ways to give back to the community. To access the meeting information, email info@ summerfieldmerchant.com.

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT FEB. 4

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JAN. 21 - FEB. 3, 2021

Youth

welcome to ... Sync A regular section in the Northwest Observer focused on our local youth and the adults who positively impact them.

Brown earns rank of Eagle Scout ‘It’s the year of the pencil’ Players, coaches cope with the uncertainty and challenges of participating in high school sports in the midst of a pandemic by MEREDITH BARKLEY

Photo courtesy of BSA Troop 600

For his Eagle Scout project, Jeb Brown, 18, constructed this raised-bed garden at First Baptist Church of Kernersville; the garden will provide church members with the opportunity to grow their own vegetables on small plots. mulched pathway. All garden beds are OAK RIDGE – Jeb Brown, a senior at constructed with treated lumber. Northwest Guilford High School and a member of Scout Troop 600, recently Fourteen volunteers spent more than achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Brown 130 hours on the garden project. Max is the son of Catherine Ann Gardner served as Brown’s and Bill Brown of Oak Ridge, project mentor and Brown’s and the first member of his uncle, Alfred Waters, also profamily to earn the rank of vided guidance. Donations for Eagle Scout. the project came from church For his Eagle Scout members. project, Brown constructed “I chose this project a raised-bed garden at his because my church has been church, First Baptist Church of an important part of my life, Kernersville. and I wanted to give back,” Jeb Brown “The garden serves as a Brown said. “Also, my grandplace for church members to grow their father was a farmer all his life, and his own vegetables on small plots and is also love for nature has inspired my scouting part of community outreach,” Brown journey. I hope my garden brings the explained. “The garden is named First same joy to others that farming brought Fruits, and each bed is named after a to him.” fruit of the spirit.” For more information about Scouts The garden features eight 4-foot x BSA Troop 600, visit www.scoutdude.com. 4-foot traditional beds and two easy-toTroop 600 meets Monday evenings at access standing 4-foot-high beds with a Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church.

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In a year when high school sports have endured uncertainty, delayed and shortened seasons, canceled games, wearing face masks during competitions, frequent temperature checks and few spectators, Northwest Guilford and Northern Guilford have fared pretty well. It hasn’t come without challenges, though, as players and coaches have scrambled to deal with a worsening coronavirus pandemic. Northwest’s volleyball team (16-2) has 704-251-4501

been among the standouts so far, making it to the third round of the state playoffs before losing a close 3-2 match to Providence of Charlotte (17-0) last Saturday. “I’m just happy we were playing,” said Northwest’s Coach Nancy Everett. Her team held its senior night early in the season “because I really thought it (the season) would be canceled.” Among the safety precautions her team had to follow: taking their own balls for warmups at away games and changing out game balls regularly so they could be sanitized. Northern’s cross country teams have also had successful seasons, winning the conference, placing third in the regionals and heading to the state championships. All seven boys’ and girls’ runners won allconference honors, Coach Thanh Ngo wrote in an email. Senior Jack Dingman

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“We just do it because we want to play,” Parrish said. Haley Hackett, Northwest’s girls head basketball coach, said of the face mask annoyance: “These girls understand it’s part of the equipment this year.” She noted that her team started practicing with masks before they were required because they saw it coming and wanted to be prepared. Northwest’s boys team has tried out a couple different masks, said head coach Lee Reavis.

“They’re getting used to it,” he said. “Conditioningwise, it takes a toll on you.” Northern’s girls dealt with an early bout of COVID and the resulting contact tracing, said head coach Kim Furlough, adding all that is behind them now.

“It’s the year of the pencil,” Furlough said of the uncertainty shrouding everything. “Nothing’s in concrete. It can be erased.” Northern’s volleyball team finished at 11-3, which put them third in the Mid State 3A Conference. Their final game was a 3-1 win over conference leading, and until then undefeated, McMichael.

“It was a huge, huge win for us,” said Coach Audrey Hoffman. The 11-3 finish was the Nighthawks’ best in recent years. Ironically, it was also the only team in recent years that didn’t make the playoffs because of the limited number of teams invited due to COVID. She praised the efforts of seniors Aimee Pack with a team-high 106 kills, Bella Wooden with a conference-leading 32 blocks, Cassidy Spencer with a team-leading 246 assists, and libero Olivia Garofola. “I hope we can be a fall sport next year,” Hoffman said, referring to this year’s November-to-January schedule. The season is normally over by early November. Northern’s swimmers won their two early season matches, one of which was conducted virtually. In that one, the teams competed from different pools and compared times to determine where swimmers placed.

“It’s worked out, but it’s been kind of a challenge,” said head coach Mary Caldwell. With only three scheduled meets, she worried some swimmers wouldn’t have enough opportunities to improve times to make regionals. They normally have at least seven meets during a season. Northwest’s swimmers were 1-1 in early season meets. COVID-restrictions forced the team to limit its size this season and, like other swim team competitions, to bar spectators. “Masks must be worn at all times unless in the water,” Coach Jennifer Lovato wrote in an email. “Safe to say, the swimmers do not like this rule but we do the best we can with keeping their masks on and dry.” Sports like basketball and volleyball are limited to 25 spectators and many teams reserve those tickets for parents. Teams like Northwest volleyball managed to expand those numbers by letting some parents volunteer as “essential workers” – line judges, drivers for away games, game bookkeepers and ball sanitizers. “It’s just really weird playing in a gym without many people,” Coach Nancy The Observer Everett said. “It’s just Northwest a different feel.”

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was voted by coaches as the male conference runner of the year and finished fourth in the region. As of Jan. 20, Northern’s boys basketball team was undefeated at 5-0, and Northwest’s girls were also undefeated at 4-0. Northern’s girls were 4-1 and Northwest’s boys were 3-1. “Everybody wears a face mask (on the court as well as on the sidelines),” said Northern’s boys head basketball coach, Kellen Parrish. They also have their temperatures checked and a North Carolina High School Athletic Association-approved questionnaire to fill out before practices and games, he added.

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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.

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Kam Pegram, senior Sport: volleyball by MEREDITH BARKLEY Kam Pegram, who has played three sports at Northwest Guilford, is focused on volleyball her senior year. She’s also spending much of her non-school time as a front-line worker helping folks survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

Doesn’t leave time for much else, she said. For 15 to 20 hours each week she helps fill online grocery orders at the Harris Teeter on Skeet Club Road in High Point. That puts her in regular contact with folks who either can’t shop in person or won’t risk it. “It makes me feel good about myself that I am helping other people,” Pegram said. She started her job last May, soon after the virus was becoming more widespread in our country and taking with it all semblance of normal life. “I was going crazy staying at home,” she said. “So, I said, ‘I’m going to go get a job.’”

She’s able to work her hours around school and volleyball, her favorite sport. She’s also played basketball and softball, but got “worn out” on those sports, she said. Not so with volleyball. “Ever since freshman year, it’s been fun to go to,” Pegram said. She’s a defensive specialist, hanging out on the back row and feeding the ball in to play makers. “You are the one who creates the offense,” she said of her role on the team. Coach Nancy Everett credits Pegram with being a “good leader on and off the court.” Pegram heads to Appalachian State next year to study physical science. Her career goal is to become a chiropractor. As an athlete, she’s had some first-hand experience with the profession. “The constant wear and tear” on her body, she said, left her with back pain. Her chiropractor was able to relieve the pain without resorting to drug therapy.

“Once I started going to the chiropractor, my movement started coming back and I wasn’t in as much pain,” Pegram said. She talked with her chiropractor about the profession and he offered to let her shadow him so she could learn more. “I want to help people and not have to use medicine to do that,” she said.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Hadley Osborne, freshman Sport: swimming by MEREDITH BARKLEY

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Hadley Osborne recalls once being so scared of swimming that the prospect of it brought her to tears.

Youth Sync

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That motivation kicks in at 4:15 a.m. on the days Hadley has GCY swim practice, which lasts from 5 to 7 a.m. Her mom drives her to and from practice. Swimming competitively is a commitment. She practices six days a week – six for GCY and one with Northern’s team. So, there is one day a week she’s practicing with each team. She figures she swims about four miles during practices. “I do enjoy doing it,” Hadley said. “I get tired, but then something comes up and reminds me how much I love swimming.” COVID-19 has had some impact on her sport. Swimmers have to maintain their distance from each other, some meets are virtual (teams compete at separate locations and compare times) and there are no spectators. For some GCY meets, Angela watches her daughter compete via a computer link. Hadley’s year-round routine of practices and competitions take up so much time she has little left for other activi-

ties. She’s an avid reader, though, and volunteers to help elementary school students improve reading skills. “I do like helping little kids like that,” she said. Her favorite subject: biology.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Bella Wooden, senior Sport: volleyball by MEREDITH BARKLEY Northern Guilford senior Bella Wooden has developed into a standout performer during her three years of playing competitive volleyball. She was named to the Mid State 3A All Conference team after last season

and heads to Utah State next year to play for the Aggies. “I have a lot of family out here and I’m from the West,” Wooden, a volleyball middle blocker, said by phone during a recent visit to the Logan, Utah campus. “I like Utah a lot.” Utah State is an NCAA Division 1 school in the Mountain West Conference. Wooden, who stands 6 feet, 4 inches tall, played basketball her freshman year, then started playing volleyball during her sophomore year. She’d played recreational league volleyball in elementary and middle schools. “My mom just really wanted me to give it a chance and I did,” she said. As it turns out, she enjoyed playing volleyball more than basketball, and stuck with it. Wooden said she’s attracted to “the adrenaline of playing in the moment. You have to put everything out there

...continued on p. 39

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 Summit Church in Oak Ridge for the beautiful ball lights in the large tree on N.C. 68. I travel to work in the dark, and sometimes return home in the dark, and I love seeing that beautiful lighted display!  Oak Ridge Youth Association and Oak Ridge Military Academy for making the right decision to require masks at basketball practices and games.  The nice gentleman who paid for my dinner when I was in New York China Restaurant in Stokesdale on Christmas Eve. Thank you so very much. I will try to pass it on.  All those who still have Christmas lights up. They bring so much cheer and beauty during the times we are going through. Thank you!  The breathtaking joy of classical music, removing you temporarily from this vale of tears with its ethereal heartstopping beauty. I recommend 89.7FM (WCPE) if you can receive it.

GRIPES to...

 The person who equated not wearing a mask to drinking/driving. How stupid. It’s about compliance and control! We all survived just fine before the “pandemic.” Stop being brainwashed by MSM. Liberties don’t end where your fear begins.  High school teachers pushing political agendas in class after recent current events. These class discussions were widespread and should not occur. It’s not your job to tell students what to think, nor should you be creating false narratives!  The person who “cut” my Trump flag down in my yard... and you wonder why people rallied in Washington? We are sick of self-righteous left-wingers. You can’t cut Trump out of my heart!

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 China Gourmet in Oak Ridge for continuously not being able to accept credit cards. Do you want to stay in business? There are even homeless people who can accept payments on a cell phone these days!  NWO editor and anyone else who sees racism in things like the blue-lined flag. Look what all those false accusations of racism have done to our country. Editor’s note: In my note last week about the blue-lined flag, I stated facts about it – and I will repeat those facts. Fact: It originated decades ago as a way of showing support for law enforcement – I will add now that for many, that is still the intent of flying the flag. Fact: Some have since come to see the blue-lined flag as a symbol of racism. Nowhere in my editor’s note did I state how I feel personally about the blue-lined flag.  People moving into a quiet, peaceful neighborhood who disturb that peace with their loud vehicles and ATVs. We hear you every time you come and go!  Those who walk/run in the dark, back turned to traffic and in dark clothes. I would be devastated if I hit you. Please wear something light-colored and reflective so you’re more visible – and walk facing traffic so you see approaching cars.  Rio Grande for charging for tomatoes and sour cream on tacos. $1 extra per taco for a dollop of sour cream and tomatoes? I don’t know any other Mexican restaurant that charges extra. Not a fan of nickel and diming. Editor’s note: Pepe Silva, owner of Rio Grande, confirmed the restaurant charges $2.50 for a regular taco with beef and cheese and $3.50 for a taco supreme, which comes with lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream.

Outside the

…

The following reader-submitted GRINS and GRIPES express opinions about state and/ or national topics, and have been separated from the other 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...

 Minneapolis salon owner Flora Westbrooks, outraged that city officials receive a nice pay raise after her business was one burned down during “peaceful” liberal protests last summer. Her livelihood’s destroyed, but city employees get theirs – and more. Government greed...

GRIPES to...

 Those who assaulted America’s democracy. These people who injured police officers who were defending our Capitol are the same individuals flying their “blue-lined flag” next to their tyrannical Trump signs. This proves what your un-American flag really means.  The NC Congressional representatives who support bogus claims and conspiracy theories

that fueled the pro-Trump terrorists assaulting our Capitol. They deserve expulsion and will live in infamy in U.S. history.

CRIME/INCIDENTS

 The media for one-sided reporting of the Capitol riots. I was there with a million-plus peaceful citizens who were amazingly kind to each other. The Capitol was breached by thugs and a million citizens’ safety was compromised to do that.

Jan. 18 | A 44-year-old male was cited in the 1500 block of N.C. 68 N/Linville Road in Oak Ridge for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance.

...continued from p. 26

FRAUD

Jan. 6 | An employee of Tractor Supply Company in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect obtained property by false pretenses at about 12:18 p.m.  Gov. Roy Cooper, who wants to get rid of disability scholarships. I have high-functioning Jan. 11 | A resident of the autism and a scholarship helps my parents pay 2700 block of Kinsey Drive in Summerfield (near Strawberry Road) for me to go to Lionheart Academy, where I feel much more comfortable and have friends. reported an unknown suspect used her identity information to file for Editor’s note: To learn more about this issue, unemployment benefits sometime search online for articles about the North before Jan. 7. Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program and the governor’s position on it.  Nancy Pelosi, for wasting time and money by impeaching President Trump again, just days before he left office. Couldn’t our representatives find something more constructive to do?

 Nancy Pelosi. I don’t recall Newt Gingrich holding a news conference to sign impeachment papers. It appears President Trump jilted her pretty good. “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”

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THEFT

Jan. 5 | A member of Northwest Baptist Church on Edgefield Road in northwest Greensboro reported an unknown suspect entered their

church van and stole $400 worth of items between Dec. 29 and Jan. 5. Jan. 5 | A Stokesdale resident at the Oak Ridge Town Park reported an unknown suspect had broken the passenger side windows and stolen purses from two vehicles. Jan. 18 | A resident of the 8600 block of Bull Road in Colfax (off N. Bunker Hill Road) reported an unknown suspect stole $960 worth of firearms from his vehicle.

UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

Jan. 9 | An employee of Get Wet Marine in Colfax reported a known offender was given permission to use a company vehicle but did not return it when instructed to do so.

WEAPONS

Jan. 12 | A 58-year-old male was arrested at 1:30 a.m. in the 400 block of S. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax for possession of a firearm as a felon.

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JAN. 21 - FEB. 3, 2021

SUMMERFIELD TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 7

Do you own a historic property in Oak Ridge? Apply now for a Historic Heritage Grant! The Historic Preservation Commission is looking for small-scale, high-impact grant projects to help preserve the historic properties that are at the heart of our community.

Grants of up to $2,000 will be

awarded to maintain and preserve the exteriors of historic properties in Oak Ridge. Owners must cover at least 50% of project costs.

What’s important?

How do I learn more?

• Focus on preserving historic property

• Visit www.oakridgenc.com

• Appropriateness and urgency of proposed work • Positive impact on our historic community

• Call Town Hall at (336) 644-7009 • Attend an information session Monday, February 22, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall (8315 Linville Road)

Application deadline: March 30 Oak Ridge Historic Preservation Commission Promoting historic preservation in Oak Ridge (336) 644-7009 | www.oakridgenc.com

JAN. 21 - FEB. 3, 2021

The Northwest Observer •

general business (GB). The Zoning Board will consider the request during its Jan. 25 meeting. If the board decides on a recommendation, the council may consider it during its Feb. 9 meeting, Whitaker said.

Proposed crosswalk Town staff is seeking the help of the North Carolina Department of Public Transportation (NCDOT) in deciding where to place a crosswalk at the southern end of Summerfield Road for cyclists, walkers and runners, Whitaker said. The town wants a crosswalk to improve safety for people crossing from a parking area on Summerfield Road to the sidewalk running along U.S. 220. The sidewalks leads to the pedestrian tunnel under the highway.

COUNCIL’S REPORT

Extraterritorial jurisdiction

western boundaries. (See FC article.) It would be the first time Summerfield were to establish an ETJ, which would allow Summerfield to apply its zoning rules in the area, Whitaker said.

Legislative goals

 5  0 to recommend 10 legislative goals for the North Carolina League of Municipalities to pursue during the upcoming meeting of the state’s General Assembly. Securing federal and state aid for municipalities to offset revenue lost due to the COVID-19 outbreak is one of the goals. Redacted town attorney bills Pegram said she opposes Town Attorney Bob Hornik’s decision to redact the names of people he talks to about Summerfield litigation in his invoices to the town. For the ensuing discussion, see related article on p. 3.

 4  1 (Pegram opposed) to instruct Closed session town staff to contact Guilford County officials about Summerfield’s interest in creating an extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) on its northern, eastern and south-

The council entered a closed session to discuss legal matters. When it reconvened in public session, it took no action before adjourning at 10:15 p.m..

Tomorrow may never come for Summerﬁeld committee Mayor BJ Barnes and council member Lynne Williams DeVaney face pushback on proposal for new advisory committee by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – A proposal to create the Tomorrow Committee to advise town leaders on immediate needs and longrange planning is creating disagreement among Town Council members. Some council members question whether the proposal, which is backed by Mayor BJ Barnes and Councilwoman Lynne Williams DeVaney, would overlap the responsibilities of other committees, such as the Zoning Board, and the council itself. After debating nearly an hour during Totally since 1996 its Jan.local 12 meeting, the council voted to

continue discussions about the committee during its next meeting Feb. 9. The issue of committee purpose and member selection was left undecided. “After listening to this conversation, this has brought no unity to our council,” Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms said. “I’m not sure how it could bring unity to our community.” The topic was initially discussed during the council’s annual strategic planning retreat a year ago. As proposed, each of the six council members would select two residents to serve on the committee. DeVaney envisions the committee advising town leaders on planning and zoning issues, and it would keep town staff and council members informed about immediate needs, such as a park bench needing repair, while helping

DEVELOPER EYES WATER LINE ...continued from p. 1

shape Summerfield’s long-range Sessoms said the new complanning in areas such as recremittee “would almost be like a ation, roads and sidewalks. mini council. I don’t see the clarity from Greensboro is tentative. Extending the “It would visualize what we want around this.” utilities would require the cooperation of Sumour town to look like tomorrow, in He suggested instead creating merfield, the city of Greensboro and Guilford five years, in 10 years, in 25 years, an ad hoc committee to review and County. In the end, the city of Greensboro in 50 years,” she said. possibly revise the town’s 11-yearwould approve the final alignment of a water old comprehensive plan. Establishing the committee line, Couch said. would encourage more resident Council member Teresa Pegram Couch’s proposal for developing his involvement and help explore future said she initially supported the property would require rezoning approval by projects, Barnes said. proposal for the new committee the Summerfield Town Council. A rezoning and liked that each council member If, as an example, a group of application has not yet been submitted to the eht gnSummerfield icudortnI could select two members. However, town. residents suggested change build WAtennis P REcourts, GIT the LAcommittee YORINU a proposed .ecna mrofto rethe p hordinance gih-artlU Exactly where a water line would run would regulating committees says could investigate costs and other .ERIT 2 NOSAES LLA ZTG members .ecirp hgih-artlcouncil u eht tuodepend htiW partly upon technical considerations, would evaluate candidates project particulars. such as water pressure. Regardless of its route, nosaes“I -llasee ecnathis mrofrcommittee ep hgih-artlu rieas ht dbeing etadpu sah layofor rinUthe Tomorrow Committee. ,teiuq a dna efildaert gnitsal-gnol srevird yadyreve gnivig ,erit the line would have to connect Greensboro’s .ecadvisory irp elbadroffcommita na ta edir elbatrofmoc “Why are we not followmore akin to an water supply in two places, creating a loop to ing exactly what we said at the tee,” the mayor said. ytnarraw elim-000,05 a yb dekcaB generate sufficient pressure for water flow in retreat?” Pegram asked. Such involvement risks bogging Summerfield, Couch said. Councilman John O’Day down the efforts of existing comA line through Summerfield would allow answered that he wants the oppormittees, Councilman Reece Walker for the installation of fire hydrants widely Walker tunity to review applicants. said, adding concerns that the new across town, while supplying water to Couch’s agreed, saying he’d favor appointing committee might lack focus. proposed shopping center on N.C. 150, he members to the Tomorrow Com“I think your vision is spot on,” said. mittee in the same way the council Walker told DeVaney. “I don’t know evaluates and selects candidates for In conversations with officials in the three that this is the best way to accomother committees. municipalities since announcing plans for plish it.” ®

moc.seritlayorinU

Summerfield Farms Village last September, Couch has shared some details about his proposal. He has raised the possibility of extending a water line from Summerfield Farms to businesses along U.S. 220. The developer hasn’t mentioned publicly his proposal for looping the line through Summerfield. If the proposed line winds up being built as proposed by Couch’s engineer, it would follow this course: Once reaching Summerfield Farms, it would continue north on Pleasant Ridge Road to Summerfield Road. Turning left (or northwest), the line would follow Summerfield Road to the stoplight at N.C. 150, at Town Hall, Couch said. It would again turn left (or west), onto N.C. 150, until reaching Brookbank Road at the site of the developer’s proposed shopping center. The line would follow Brookbank Road southwest until it dead-ends into Bunch Road, Couch said. It would then turn left (or southeast) on Bunch Road until turning right (or south) on Northwest School Road. At that point, it would tie into city water lines at Northwest Guilford middle and high schools.

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JAN. 21 - FEB. 3, 2021

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX

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. SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955. CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002.

 EMPLOYMENT HOUSEKEEPER / MAID / PCA / CNA. $11-$12 per hr. starting salary, plus beneﬁts. Full-time. Planned raises to $12.50 in 3 months. Maid 2 Glimmer, (336) 441-8388. CHILDCARE CENTER looking for dependable substitute teacher. Experience preferred but not required. Must have negative TB test and background check through NC DCDEE. (336) 643-6140.

Auto Sales & Service ........ 36 Employment .................... 36 Home Care Available ....... 36  HOME CARE AVAILABLE Public Notice ................... 36 Save The Date................. 36 Estate Sale ...................... 36 HEALTHCARE, INC. Home Services ........... 36-38 Quality In-Home Staffing Misc. Services .................. 38 Nurses/CNAs/Aides Licensed & Insured Misc. For Sale .................. 38 Misc. Wanted .................. 38 Dignityhealthcarenc.com (336) 298-7248 Pets & Animal Services .... 38 Real Estate ...................... 38 Serving all your healthcare needs with pride and dignity

DIGNITY

36 36

JAN. JAN. 21 21--FEB. FEB. 3, 3, 2021 2021

 PUBLIC NOTICE

 ESTATE SALE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Oak Ridge Planning & Zoning Board and Town Council will hold separate public hearings to consider a request to amend the Oﬃcial Town of Oak Ridge Zoning Map. The Planning & Zoning Board and Town Council may also consider requests for subdivisions and other matters. Any zoning decision of the Oak Ridge Planning & Zoning Board is forwarded as a recommendation to the Town Council.

ESTATE SALE. Estate of Carrie S. Hiatt. Sat., Jan. 23, 8am-4pm. 1124 Peabody Road, Colfax. Sale items include tools, books, furniture, housewares, jewelry and appliances.

Planning & Zoning Board will meet Jan. 28, at 7pm, at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, or virtually on Zoom. Check Facebook; website, oakridgenc.com; or call Town Hall, (336) 644-7009, to conﬁrm location. Town Council will meet Feb. 4, 2021, at 7pm, at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, or virtually on Zoom. Check Facebook; website, oakridgenc.com; or call Town Hall, (336) 644-7009, for location. PUBLIC HEARING: RZ-21-01: AG (Agricultural) to CZ-RPD (Conditional Zoning-Rural Preservation District). Properties are located on the south side of Bunch Rd., approx. 1,460 feet east of Oak Ridge Rd., and adjacent to Oak Ridge Lake subdivision, Canter Cove subdivision and Allred Family Trust subdivision, all being in Oak Ridge Township. Being all and portions of Guilford County Tax Parcels 163077 (approx. 45.46 acres) owned by Bonnie Mills Trust, 162726 (approx. 12.5 acres) owned by Albert and Tonia Mills, 162660 (approx. 28.87 acres) owned by Lisa Faye Honeycutt Joyce, 163062 (approx. 9.1 acres) owned by Lisa Honeycutt Joyce, and 163115 (approx. 1.75 acres) owned by Albert Bradley Mills. Properties are located in Greensboro (GW-III) Watershed, Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone. All citizens will be given an opportunity to be heard at these meetings. Ron Simpson, Planning & Zoning Board Chair Ann Schneider, Mayor

 HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Will your furnace work this season? Call (336) 382-3750 or (336) 268-6768.

CLEANING PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210. 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. 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. ANNASARAH'S CLEANING. Excellent references. Trustworthy. Family owned business. Free estimates. (336) 543-3941. MAID-2- SHINE. Excellent ser vice, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223.

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. BLISSFUL ART & FRAMING. SHOP LOCAL! Framing, gifts, graphic design. 4533 Hwy. 220 N., Summerﬁeld. (336) 298-4502.

 SAVE THE DATE

ELECTRICAL

I HEART LOCAL ART VALENTINE'S SHOW, February 6-7. www.eventeny.com/events/ i-heart-local-art-valentines-show-998.

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

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

 HOME SERVICES

Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? It's generator season. Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486.

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.

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

MASONRY

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

CLOCK DOCTOR. Free house calls for sick clocks. (336) 643-9931 or (336) 392-4124.

FLOORING

GRADING / HAULING

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.

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

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. SMALL ENGINE AND MOWER REPAIR is back at a new location. Welding available. Call or text Morris at (336) 880-7498.

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

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

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

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

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

OLD SCHOOL

HOME REPAIR/IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”

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

(336) 669-7252

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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.

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DTW GRADING & HAULING, INC. Offering a sum of aggregates, including but not limited to: fill dirt, stone, asphalt millings, and crushed concrete. We also offer full bobcat services. Driveways, minor clearing, drainage solutions and snow removal. Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212.

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

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

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. 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. 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. EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456. PECHES LANDSCAPING & LAWNCARE. Tree service, brush cutting & clearing, mulching, landscaping & lawncare, deck, fence and retainer wall building, land clearing, wood chipping and snow removal.. Call John, (336) 451-6941, or call Brad, (336) 453-6180. DELIMA LAWNCARE. Commercial & Residential. Free estimates. (336) 669-5210. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.

Your business should be here! Place your classiﬁed ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

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

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

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, out buildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Call (336) 706-8470. ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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.

continued on p. 38

JAN. 21 FEB. 3, 3, 2021 2021 JAN. 21 -- FEB.

37 37

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. FOR SALE

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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

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

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.

Got stuﬀ? Need stuﬀ? www.nwobserver.com

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

PLUMBING

Wilson Ain’t God Good Septic Pumping & Repair Family owned & operated since 1972

(336) 643-6427

Tank pumping, repairs, clogs, advice – ALL WITH A SMILE! Discounts: mention this ad, veteran, senior citizen, cookies & milk Find us on Google, neighborhood.com, FB

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. BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

PRESSURE WASHING HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING. Martin's Pressure Washing. (919) 931-0856.

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION. N.C. General Contractor with 30 years experience. Specializing in new homes, room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, decks, vinyl siding and windows, painting, tile, laminate and vinyl plank, and remodeling of all kinds. Quality for the Right Price. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469.

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Bathroom and kitchen

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

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

Like us on Facebook and keep up with all the northwest-area news! 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. JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.

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

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

Your business should be here!

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

Let us introduce you to our readers. Call Rene' at (336) 644-7035

or visit www.nwobserver.com to learn more or to place your classiﬁed ad!

38 38

JAN. JAN. 21 21--FEB. FEB. 3, 3, 2021 2021

AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION INC. Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements. Licensed & insured. Short wait list. NC General Contractors. (336) 225-7478.

ROOFING BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We fi nance. Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343. RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A, and listed with Angie's List. Call (336) 944-6118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com. CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 268-1908. PREMIER ROOFING, LOCALLY OWNED. Catering to all your roofing needs. Call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments.

 MISC. SERVICES

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

 MISC. WANTED 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. $$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328. Canvas artist seeks STUDIO SPACE with natural lighting. Stokesdale/Summerﬁeld area. cefrogge@gmail/newlookﬁnishes.com.

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC. Certiﬁed, bonded & insured. (336) 339-6845. wendycollinspetsitting.com.

 REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SPACE AVAILABLE. 350 sq. ft. Located at Haircraft, 2601 Oak Ridge Rd. Separate entrance. Great for nail tech. or oﬃce space. $500/mo. Available now. Call (336) 609-1300.

LAND FOR SALE

Locally owned & operated

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

 MISC. FOR SALE ELECTRIC, ADJUSTABLE HOSPITAL BED with remote. $325, w/ linens. (336) 643-1426.

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

NOW AVAILABLE, SUMMERFIELD'S BEST-KEPT SECRET! Presenting “The Hermitage.” Only 14 exclusive custom homesites for the discriminating buyer, one phase only. These gorgeous 1 +\- acre homesites are the most beautiful building sites in our area. Call (336) 430-9507 today for your personal site visit. LARGE TRACTS, SUMMERFIELD AREA. 3 tracts available: 4+ acres, 11+ acres and 25+ acres. Beautiful property. NO HOA DUES! These won’t last and are priced to sell! Call (336) 430-9507 today for your personal appointment and tour.

STUDENT PROFILES ...continued from p. 31

and do your best.” She discovered she “really liked blocking” and found a home at middle blocker, she said. “It just feels really good to block an attack from the other side.” During the recent COVID-shortened season she led the league with 32 blocks. She also had 86 kills and 24 aces, according to Coach Audrey Hoffman. Wooden has also played for the Piedmont Volleyball club team the past three years. She credited the coaches for both her club and high school teams with helping her develop the skills to play at a high level.

SUMMERFIELD ETJ? ...continued from p. 1

field would be establishing an ETJ, if the Guilford County Board of Commissioners approves the town’s request. Council member Teresa Pegram voted against pursuing the plan. “Guilford County allows for much more density” in residential development than Summerfield, Councilman Reece Walker said in an interview earlier this week. “My hope is that we can control density and control how property near Summerfield is developed.” Limiting the density of housing would ease attendance pressure on Summerfield’s schools, Walker said. Construction of fewer houses in subdivisions would also require a smaller number of wells and septic fields, according to a Jan. 7 memo from Chris York, Summerfield’s planning manager, to Town Manager Scott Whitaker. Summerfield doesn’t need to seek permission from property owners to establish an ETJ, Town Attorney Bob Hornik said in an interview. Establishing an ETJ differs from annexation, which allows municipalities to collect property taxes. In North Carolina, municipalities aren’t allowed to annex land without the permission of property owners. Town staff prepared a map showing the proposed ETJ extending one mile and two miles beyond Summerfield’s borders. It contains a mix of neighborhoods, property under residential development and

At Northern, she’s also involved in the Beta Club and National Honor Society. In addition, she volunteers with Reading Buddies, through which she helps Summerfield Elementary students develop reading skills, and Fun Buddies, through which she works with special needs students. Her family shares its 6-acre “mini farm” with an assortment of animals that include alpacas, sheep, chickens, cats and a dog. She loves the animals and has decided she wants to be a veterinarian. Utah State, she said, should be a good place to prepare for that. “It’s a really big agricultural school,” said Wooden, who plans to major in agricultural sciences.

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By the Book Accounting ...................... 9 Carlotta Lytton, CPA.......................... 27 Kimberly Thacker Accounting............ 27 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC......15

undeveloped land owned by developers, according to York. AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE To the north, the area proposed for Beamer Tire & Auto ...........................11 the ETJ abuts Stokesdale’s town limits EuroHaus .................................... 31, 36 and the Rockingham County line. To the Piedmont Truck Tires ......................... 29 east, the area includes Northern Guilford Prestige Car Wash ............................... 6 middle and high schools on SpencerTire Max ............................................ 35 Dixon Road, as well as large tracts of BUILDING / REMODELING undeveloped land around Lake Brandt Disney Construction Company........... 21 and Plainfield roads, Walker said. Don Mills Builders .............................. 18 Northwest Guilford middle and high Friddle & Company, Inc. .................... 23 schools are located on property southwest Johnson & Lee, LLC............................19 of Summerfield in the vicinity of the town’s Naylor Custom Homes ...................... 20 borders with Oak Ridge and Greensboro. R&K Custom Homes ..........................17 The area contains Northwest School, Ray Bullins Construction .....................19 Alcorn, Edgefield and Pleasant Ridge roads R.S. Dezern Construction .................. 22 “where there is a considerable amount of TM Construction Services .................. 38 existing development,” York said. Walraven Signature Homes ............... 22 Walker said he plans to talk to county commissioners Carly Cooke and Justin CHILDCARE Kidz Station ......................................... 2 Conrad to explain why Summerfield would like to create the ETJ. CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES Limiting the density of residential devel- Oak Ridge Chiropractic ....................... 8 opment may reduce how much Guilford COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS County would collect in property taxes, Oak Ridge Historic Preservation ........ 34 a possible objection by county officials, Stand up for Summerfield...................12 Walker said. On the other hand, establishing the ETJ would free the county from the DENTAL SERVICES responsibilities and costs of providing planSummerfield Family Dentistry ............ 30 ning services for the area, he said. FUNERAL SERVICES “Establishing even a one-mile ETJ bufForbis & Dick Funeral Service .............. 9 fer from the town limit adds a substantial area to Summerfield’s planning jurisdiction GROCERIES / SUPPLIES regulating zoning and development,” York Southern Foods ................................. 33 said in his memo. As a result, it “could mean a considerable addition to the PlanThe Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 ning Department’s current workload.’’

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BEK Paint Company .......................... 37 Eanes Heating & Air ............................ 3 Old School Home Repair ................... 37 Rymack Storage ................................ 38 Stokesdale Heating & Air....................15 Wilson Septic & Pumping .................. 38

INSURANCE

Carlos Gomez – Insure the Triad ......... 4 Gladwell Insurance Agency................ 32

LEGAL SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law .................... 32 Scott Tippett, Hagan Barrett Law ...... 24

MEDICAL CARE

Dignity Healthcare ............................ 36 LeBauer HealthCare.......................... 26 Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surg. ..31 Wake Forest Baptist Health ................. 7

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics ....................... 30

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ............... 27 King’s Crossing Animal Hospital .......... 2 Northwest Animal Hospital .................15

REAL ESTATE

A New Dawn Realty ............................ 9 James D. Coleman Jr. – Land for Sale..14 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX .................. 25 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ...........16 Smith Marketing – Allen Tate .............19

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS

National Flag Football ...................... 28 Oak Ridge Youth Association ........... 10

JAN. 21 - FEB. 3, 2021

Postal Patron Postal Patron

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PRSRT STD PAID U.S. POSTAGE Oak Ridge, NC PAID Permit No. 22 Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

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

ECRWSS

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

ECRWSS

This lacrosse family played some merciless games of family lacrosse at Stokesdale Park, then came together over an issue of the NWO during the Christmas break. Families represented: Apple, Boyd, Cavey, Freeman, Habeeb, Hirvonen, Hogberg, Keene, Keller, Martinez, Overmyer, Parrett, Rigsbee, Saums

The Ramos family of Summerﬁeld took a quick break from a very fun day at the Magic Kingdom over Christmas to catch up on the news back home.

At home or on the go... Send us photos of you with the NWO! We love your photos and so do our readers. Email your high-res photo to

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Northwest Observer / January 21 - February 3, 2021

Articles inside

Index of Advertisers

Youth / School News

Student Profi les

Grins and Gripes

Community Calendar

Crime/Incident Report

Backlogs delay audit submissions

Welcome to our new advertiser

Your Questions

Oak Ridge Town Council meeting

Summerfi eld Town Council meeting

COVID-19 stress surfaces

Fight erupts over redacted legal bills

NWO Business & Real Estate