Your Questions

www.nwobserver.com

/northwestobserver

@mynwobserver

@northwestobserver

OUR TEAM

Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant Rene Collins, administrative assistant Yvonne Truhon, graphic designer Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz and Tom McCoy, distribution Chris Burritt, staff writer; Helen Ledford, Lily Pierce and Annette Joyce, contributing writers HOW TO REACH US email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions ... @ nwobserver.com phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006 office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 hours: vary, so please call before dropping by WANT TO ADVERTISE? Contact us at (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 display: advertising@nwobserver.com classified: classifieds@nwobserver.com

Independently owned & published by The Most Trusted Hearing Care ExpertsinthePiedmontTriadArea

“This is advanced "Thisisadvanced hearing healthcare HowWeCanHelp hearinghealthcarewith soul and heart!" with soul and heart!” Pediatricandadult audiologicalservices Expertiseonalllevelsof hearingtechnologyand assistivedevices SpecialityinCochlear Implantevaluations, deviceselection,and programming Tinnitusassessmentsand individualizedcounseling Earwaxremoval TheMostTrustedHearingCare ExpertsinthePiedmontTriadArea Hearingaidrepairs (336)295-1867 529CollegeRoad,SuiteB,Greenboro,NC27410 www.aimhearing.com

"Thisisadvanced How We Can Help hearinghealthcarewith soulandheart!" Pediatric and adult audiological services Expertise on all levels of hearing technology and assistive devices Specialty in Cochlear Implant evaluations, device selection, and programming Tinnitus assessments and individualized counseling Earwax removal Hearing aid repairs TheMostTrustedHearingCare (336)295-1867 ExpertsinthePiedmontTriadArea529CollegeRoad,SuiteB,Greenboro,NC27410 www.aimhearing.com

I was wondering whose responsibility it is to clean up the trash on the corner of Linville Road and N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge, next to Bojangles. It is quite an eyesore in such a beautiful community.

We received this question in early November, and since that time volunteers with Oak Ridge Lions Club have picked up trash in this area. While it is ultimately NCDOT’s "Thisisadvanced hearinghealthcarewith soulandheart!" responsibility to clean up the litter along state-maintained roadways, many local volunteers assist in this effort by participating in the state’s HowWeCanHelp Pediatricandadult audiologicalservices Expertiseonalllevelsof hearingtechnologyand assistivedevices SpecialityinCochlear Implantevaluations, deviceselection,and programming Tinnitusassessmentsand individualizedcounseling Earwaxremoval Hearingaidrepairs The most trusted hearing care experts in the Piedmont Triad area (336)295-1867 (336) 295-1867 529CollegeRoad,SuiteB,Greenboro,NC27410529 College Road, Suite B, Greensboro www.aimhearing.com www.aimhearing.com

Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge Lions Club Oak Ridge Lions Club members volunteer to pick up trash along Linville Road four times a year as part of NCDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program. Shown here, club members gather at the home of Carolyn Brown (front row, far left) on a brisk morning in November to collect trash. Donning orange vests and armed with large trash bags and gloves, the group picked up about a dozen large bags of trash along the sides of Linville Road.

Adopt-A-Highway program and The Lions Club’s most recent quaragreeing to pick up trash in a desig- terly trash pick-up day was Nov. 20, nated area four times each year. and they collected several bags of trash along Linville Road, including fast-food bags and cups, liquor bottles, many plastic water bottles, remnants of a vehicle that appeared to be from an accident, and a torn-up red plastic gasoline container. Again, ultimately NCDOT is responsible for roadside litter cleanup and our tax dollars are used to pay for the crews to do the clean-up, but thanks to many businesses, Scout groups, individuals and nonprofits, NCDOT’s cleanup job along several state-maintained roads in our area is lessened. Wouldn’t it be nice if the responsibility for cleaning up the trash could go right back to the people who discard it along the road in the first place?

Curious about something?

email your questions to:

Opponents of Couch’s plans voiced their concerns during a series of meetings. In August, citing “divisiveness in the community,” the developer paused his efforts but said he’d return with a new plan. He withdrew his application for a text amendment to the town’s development regulations that would allow higher density housing and has yet to unveil a new proposal.

FEBRUARY

Back to school, finally

Now Thru January 19!

Get 4 FREE 10 oz. Boneless Pork Chops

with purchase of $60 or more, while supplies last.

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE AND ORDER ONLINE AT SOUTHERNFOODS.COM

Weekly Specials

DEC 30 - JAN 19

Certified Angus Beef New York Strip Steak Certified Angus Beef T-Bone Steak $13.99/lb. $11.99/lb.

Nearly a year after the COVID-19 outbreak abruptly forced the closing of schools, middle and high school students in Guilford County were given the option of returning to in-person classroom instruction two days per week.

The phased resumption of in-person classes provided relief to students who had endured the challenges of remote learning and limited interactions with friends and teachers.

Remote learning remained an option for students. Not all students were eager to return to the classroom, especially after settling into the routine of remote learning and finding ways to socialize with friends outside of school. New Summerfield town hall

Certified Angus Beef Tomahawk Steak

$21.99/lb. Black Angus Ribeye Steak $14.99/lb. Cheney Brothers Farms Butter, Salted/Unsalted $3.00/lb. Joyce Farms Chicken Tenders, Raw $3.39/lb. Perdue Honey BBQ Chicken Strips $4.66/lb. Calamari Tubes & Tentacles, Cleaned, 2 lb. $18.00 each Lobster Tail, Warm Water, 6 oz. $12.50 each Elk Medallions $17.00/lb. Blount Soups, Baked Potato, Lobster Bisque & More $12.00 each

OPEN: MONDAY-THURSDAY, 8AM - 5PM, FRIDAY 8AM - 6PM CLOSED: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 336.545.3664 | 407 WESTCLIFF ROAD, GREENSBORO

Located near I-40 & Hwy 68, in Industrial Park behind Embassy Suites. All items available while supplies last. All major credit cards accepted.

Summerfield Town Council got its first look at the initial renderings of a proposed new town hall as planning for the $3.5 million project advanced. As construction costs soared, town leaders worked with Creech & Associates, the project’s architect, and construction manager Samet Corp. to reduce expenses for the single-level building. Despite its pledge to spend no more than $3.5 million, the council voted 3-2 in November to proceed with final planning for the project, although it’s estimated to exceed the original budget by about $272,934. The town’s Finance Committee is evaluating how to pay for the town hall – cash, borrowing or a combination of The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 both – if the council decides to proceed with construction. Lawsuit appeal dismissed

The North Carolina Court of Appeals dismissed an appeal of an earlier ruling related to a lawsuit filed by three Summerfield residents against the town and some council members in 2019.

Town leaders said they hoped the ruling would bring an end to a series of lawsuits related to former councilman Todd Rotruck. He was removed from Summerfield Town Council after the Guilford County Board of Elections determined he had not established permanent residency in the town.

In an opinion, appeals court Judge Jefferson Griffin wrote that Don Wendelken and Dwayne Crawford had not shown proper standing to “bring their claims as alleged and therefore failed to state a claim for which the court could provide a remedy.”

Danny Nelson withdrew from the lawsuit in 2019 during his campaign seeking election as Summerfield’s mayor. The suit argued the town unlawfully spent taxpayer money for the legal defense of council member Dianne Laughlin, appointed to replace Rotruck.

APRIL

Horse show returns

The Oak Ridge Easter Horse Show made a comeback, ending an eightyear hiatus of the event with deep roots and a rich history in the community.

Steeple Hill Farm in Summerfield hosted the show, revitalized with volunteers led by Oak Ridge native Isaac Bennett. He said he refused to listen to naysayers who doubted the show could be revived.

The annual Easter weekend horse show is back on the calendar for April 15-16, 2022. Water on towns’ wish lists

Leaders in Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale put water as one of their top priorities for spending their share of $104 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds appropriated to Guilford County.

Skip Alston, chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners,

asked mayors from across the county to identify projects for which they’d use funding from the American Rescue Plan. The interest in water projects in northwestern Guilford County aligned with Alston’s desire to spend to improve water and sewer services countywide to enhance public safety and economic development.

MAY

North Carolina’s top fire officer

Jenna Daniels, assistant chief for Summerfield Fire Department, was named Fire Officer of the Year for 2021 by the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs.

Daniels was the first firefighter in Summerfield and the first member of her family of firefighters to win the honor. The award was based on the recommendation of Summerfield Fire Chief Chris Johnson. Jumping Bean on the move

After more than nine years selling coffee, fruit smoothies and pastries through the sliding window of a small orange building on wheels, Jumping Bean owner Kevin Murray was forced to relocate his business from Summerfield Square Shopping Center.

The center’s owner, Kotis Properties, informed Murray in an April 20 letter that it was terminating his long-term month-to-month lease, citing “planned changes in the center.”

Murray moved the Jumping Bean to the parking lot of Greensboro Performing Arts on Summerfield Road in July, and recently said his business is doing better than ever at its new location.

JUNE

Big spending on projects

As the town councils in Summerfield and Oak Ridge prepared their budgets for the new fiscal year, they decided to tap their towns’ reserves to help pay for major projects.

Summerfield’s budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 appropriates $3.32 million from the town’s fund balance for development and construction of the new town hall. In Oak Ridge, the budget draws $712,623 from the town’s reserves to help cover capital investments, including initial development of Heritage Farm Park.

Stokesdale Town Council approved a $100,000 capital outlay for the town’s park. Tragic farewell

Hundreds gathered at Oak Ridge Town Park to mourn and share memories of two 19-year-olds killed in an alcohol-related traffic accident.

Zach Williamson, a graduate of Northwest High School’s Class of 2020, and Jeff Jones, a graduate of Southwest High School’s Class of 2020, died after the vehicle in which they were riding crashed on Williard Road in Oak Ridge. Jacob Stevens, the driver, and passenger Tavis Williamson, both graduates of Northwest High School, sustained injuries that were non-life threatening.

Stevens was charged with numerous counts including underage drinking, driving while impaired and two counts of felony death by motor vehicle. Oak Ridge’s water system

Oak Ridge Town Council voted to hire Envirolink Inc. to operate a municipal water system, advancing more than two decades of efforts to supplement homeowners’ private wells and community wells in subdivisions.

The town is seeking state environmental approval for creating the water system, which initially would serve new subdivisions with at least 30 lots. Homeowners who get water from private wells won’t be required to hook up to the municipal system, according to town officials. Veterans’ site kicks off campaign

A donation of $10,000 kicked off efforts to raise money for Oak Ridge’s new site honoring military veterans. The gift by Bernard and Anna Walraven will help volunteers, led by the town’s Special Events Committee, raise $150,000 for the Veterans Honor Green. ...continued on p. 8

Virtual Care from Your Home

All LeBauer HealthCare practices are now offering virtual care appointments with your provider through a video visit! appointments with your provider through a video visit!

To control the spread of COVID-19, we are scheduling virtual visits as an alternative to in-person office visits. Connect with the healthcare provider that you know and trust from the comfort of home. Virtual appointments are billed to your insurance just like your regular office visits. To schedule a virtual visit, please call your provider’s office today! please call your provider’s office today!

lebauer.com

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Call today for an appointment with one of our providers!

our family caring for yours

Earlier, Oak Ridge Town Council committed to providing $68,000 in matching funds over two years for construction of the site in Heritage Farm Park.

AUGUST

COVID-19 disrupts start of school year

Our providers have one goal: keeping you and your family healthy. As part of a world-class academic medical center, we have access to a broad range of services focused on high-quality, affordable care. Same- and next-day appointments often available.

Family Medicine–Summerfield

4431 US Highway 220 North Summerfield, NC 27358 336-643-7711 • WakeHealth.edu

ACCEPTING MOST MAJOR INSURANCE

Protect your business and your wealth with legal services from a trusted advisor

• • Estate Planning and Administration, Specializing in Corporate and Business Law including Wills, Trusts, and Probate for LLCs, S-Corps, C-Corps, and Partnerships • Corporate and Business Law• Commercial Real Estate Transactions • LLC’s • Partnerships • Tax Planning, Advice and Preparation • Real Estate • Civil Litigation • Civil Litigation • Tax Planning and Preparation • Estate Planning and Administration including Wills, Trusts, and Probate “I protect my clients, their families, “I help my clients achieve their best and their businesses, now and outcomes in business and personal in the years ahead.”legal matters.”

Scott K. Tippett Attorney at Law

Admitted in Georgia, North Carolina, and U.S. Tax Court. DRC Certified MediatorSuperior Court

Hagan Barrett PLLC | 300 N Greene St, Suite 200, Greensboro, NC 27401 336.232.0650 | www.haganbarrett.com

Positive COVID-19 cases led to quarantines of students and staff in three Summerfield schools that had reopened for the new academic year.

Revolution Academy closed temporarily after just one day of classes, followed by quarantines of the sixth grade at Summerfield Charter Academy and the isolation of five students and one teacher at Summerfield Elementary School.

The disruptions in schools reflected what Guilford County Emergency Services Director Jim Albright called the “deep impact of COVID in this community.” Ambulance service in August recorded its highest monthly volume on record in the county, he said. Future park land in Stokesdale

Stokesdale Town Council agreed to purchase 9.8 acres of land adjoining Town Park on Angel-Pardue Road for $200,000. Council members said the property would be ideal for expansion of the park.

A counter-offer by the seller resulted in the council deciding in September to purchase the property for $214,000.

SEPTEMBER

Bandera Farms Park wins grant

Summerfield won a $500,000 matching grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) for development of Bandera Farms Park for horseback riding and hiking. Summerfield also received a $50,000 grant from the North Carolina Horse Council for development of the park, and it is seeking $100,000 from the state Recreational Trails Program. The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 The Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC) is helping Summerfield seek additional funds, including a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant.

If all of that funding comes through, the town will still need about $650,000 to develop the park, which is estimated to cost $1.79 million, according to Palmer McIntyre, PLC’s conservation planner. Bi-Rite opens new store

Just hours after serving the last customers in Bi-Rite’s store on U.S. 158, owner David Wrenn opened his new store just around the corner. It’s nearly four times as big as the original outlet that operated in downtown Stokesdale for almost 60 years.

The new store offers sit-down dining for customers who buy freshly prepared fried chicken, green beans and other items. One thing hasn’t changed – Wrenn’s practice of greeting customers by name as they enter the store and head out the door.

OCTOBER

TikTok-inspired school vandalism

Social-media inspired destruction and damage of property at Northwest Guilford and Northern Guilford high schools led to punishment of students and restitution for the vandalism.

The students had engaged in an activity on the mobile phone app TikTok that encouraged vandalism and theft. The acts were captured on phone cameras and then shown on TikTok as part of the “devious licks” challenge that gained popularity among students nationwide until TikTok, school administrators and parents took steps to end the misbehavior. Residential rezoning in Stokesdale

Amid rising demand for housing, developer Kevan Combs won approval for the rezoning of nearly 153 acres on Angel-Pardue Road for single-family residential use.

Stokesdale Town Council voted 4-1 to rezone the property from agricultural (AG) to conditional-use planned development residential (C-PD-R). The rezoning stipulated that the property be used only ... continued on p. 25