Northwest Observer / Jan. 20 - Feb. 2, 2022

Jan. 20 - Feb. 2, 2022

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since November1996

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Fourteen down, 10 to go Northwest Guilford High School’s PTSO continues seeking sponsors for its Mobile Makeover project which involves renovating 24 mobile classrooms on campus; to date, 14 have been adopted

by PATTI STOKES Twenty-four mobile classrooms on Northwest Guilford High School’s campus will be open to visitors on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 29. The school’s PTSO (Parent, Teacher, Student Organization) is hoping the community will take the opportunity to view the mobile units that were intended to be temporary when placed there over two decades ago, but have become permanent fixtures.

...continued on p. 28

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Northwest High School’s PTSO launched the Mobile Makeover project last fall in hopes of gaining sponsors for the renovation of 24 mobile classrooms that have occupied the school’s campus for over 20 years.

Another day, another lawsuit The latest in a series of lawsuits related to the removal of Summerfield council member Todd Rotruck from office in 2018 claims town council members acted improperly

by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – Just when it seemed the town of Summerfield and some of its past and present council members could continue enjoying a break from lawsuits, another one surfaced last week. As with several previous suits filed against the town and others in the last 3 ½+ years, the latest one relates to former council member Todd Rotruck, who served on the council from December 2017 to April 2018. He was forced to vacate his seat after Guilford County Board of Elections determined he

We didn’t ask for Dianne to get any money for personal use. ... This is just more aggravation and chaos, and they’re trying to keep the town from moving forward… If I could just ask them one question, it would be, ‘Teresa, Danny, what are you really looking for here?’”

Dena Barnes, former council member, mayor, mayor pro tem did not permanently reside in Summerfield and therefore could not vote in Summerfield, making him ineligible to serve on the council.

...continued on p. 39

IN THIS ISSUE Council weighs options for new town hall... 2 News in brief ....................................................... 3 Your Questions ................................................... 4 Oak Ridge Town Council meeting ................ 6 Summerfield Town Council meeting ............ 8 Stokesdale Town Council meeting.............. 10 Welcome to our new advertiser................... 14 NWO Business & Real Estate .......................... 15 How many bedrooms in quadplexes? ...... 16 A new direction: Career changers .............. 18 No wintertime lull in home sales .................. 22 NWO Kids’ Korner ............................................ 26 Youth Sync ........................................................ 27 Community Calendar ................................... 30 Crime/Incident Report ................................... 31 Grins and Gripes ............................................. 32 Classifieds ......................................................... 35 Index of Advertisers......................................... 39

Council weighs cost options for new town hall

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – After cutting costs for the proposed new town hall, Summerfield Town Council is talking about adding back some of the building features that were either eliminated or reduced in the effort to keep the project costs as close to the budgeted amount as possible.

Artist rendering courtesy of Creech & Associates

The latest rendering of Summerfield’s proposed town hall shows an 8,000+-squarefoot building, reflecting the town council’s decision last spring to reduce the original building design by about 950 feet in an effort to cut projected construction costs. The town’s Finance Committee has expressed concern that the building’s smaller size, which resulted in the elimination of some features, may fall short in meeting the community’s needs for the next 50 years.

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The council discussed this topic – but took no action – during its meeting Jan. 11 after Mayor Tim Sessoms said the Finance Committee “expressed some concern that now the project may not be a sustainable 50-year building.”

When the council decided last year to develop a new town hall, members agreed they wanted to construct a building that would accommodate growth of town staff and Summerfield’s population and demand for public space over the next half a century. It set a budget of $3.5 million.

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Rising construction costs pushed the project over budget, leading to a reduction of about $790,000 in costs with the elimination of about 950 square feet from the original 9,000-square-foot design, Town Manager Scott Whitaker told the council. Among the changes, the redesign narrowed some hallways, reduced the size of some rooms and eliminated a bathroom and storage space, he said.

With those changes, the project is estimated to cost $3.87 million, or $370,000 over budget. Expenses related to restoring those features could possibly increase the cost of town hall to $4.5 million, councilman John O’Day said.

If the council were to decide to restore the items, it would increase costs in two ways, Whitaker explained.

It would bring back the cost of those features, while requiring the reworking of construction documents at additional expense.

The council plans to decide how to proceed in coming weeks. Whitaker said he expects project manager Samet Corp. and architectural firm Creech & Associates to present final construction documents and a final price tag during the council’s meeting April 12.

If the council decides to proceed with the project, it could go out to bid later in April with construction possibly starting in July, Whitaker said.

The Finance Committee believes that incurring additional expenses now would be cheaper than spending for the possible addition of space

or other improvements years down the road, according to Dee Hall, the town’s finance officer.

However, O’Day and Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney questioned how the cost reductions would prevent the town hall from serving the long-term needs of Summerfield. The redesign didn’t shrink the size of the council chambers or reduce the number of conference rooms or offices for future staff, according to DeVaney.

“What makes that not a 50-year building?” she said.

“I still think it is a good building,” O’Day said.

NEWS in brief

Oak Ridge getting ‘Charlie Brown Christmas tree’ tower

by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – A wireless communications tower standing 180 feet tall and camouflaged as a pine tree is AT&T and Verizon’s answer to poor cellular phone service at Oak Ridge’s busiest intersection.

Oak Ridge Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously during its Dec. 16 meeting to give conditional approval to a site plan submitted by Charlotte-based Communications Tower Group for construction of a “monopine tower” and associated equipment on a wooded tract near the gymnasium at Oak Ridge Military Academy.

At 180 feet, the tower will be taller than surrounding trees measuring “roughly 65 feet and 116 feet” in height, according to a report prepared by Sean Taylor, Oak Ridge’s planning director.

Board members Ron Simpson and Patti Paslaru questioned whether the tower would stick out like a fake among real trees. Dale Finocchi, representing the applicant, said the tower will be

located about 1,300 feet from the intersection of N.C. 68 and 150, making it essentially invisible from those roads.

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Taylor said the tower will be located on sloping terrain, narrowing the height discrepancy between the tower and some of the shorter trees. The tower’s location in Oak Ridge’s scenic district and the public and institutional zoning district requires that it be camouflaged, according to the staff report.

“It’s still going to look like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree,” board member Larry Stafford said.

Conditional approval of the site plan hinges on a technical review by town staff.

The tower will enable AT&T and Verizon to plug “the big gap in coverage right there at all four corners of the intersection,” said Taylor, referring to Highways 68 and 150.

“If you’re anywhere over there, you don’t have any service,” he said. “It is weird that our busiest place in town has the least coverage.”

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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

Photos by Patti Stokes and Chris Burritt/NWO

North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to begin a road improvement project in Oak Ridge this September; improvements, which are slated to take up to two years to complete, will include building crosswalks and upgrading stoplights at the N.C. 68 and N.C. 150 intersection (above). In conjunction with this and as part of its streetscape plan adopted in 2019, Oak Ridge will share the cost of streetscape improvements including the installation of sidewalks along N.C. 68 from its intersection with N.C. 150 south to Linville Road (below).

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I thought Oak Ridge was going to build more sidewalks along N.C. 68 in the commercial district. When is that work going to start?

Back in 2019, Oak Ridge Town Council adopted a streetscape plan to improve the appearance of Highways 68 and 150, as well as increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The plan calls for new sidewalks, street lamps, benches and trees along the roadways

in the vicinity of the intersection of N.C. 68 and N.C. 150.

When we spoke to Sean Taylor, Oak Ridge’s planning director, for an update on the project, he told us its start is dependent upon the timing of road improvements planned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Once the improvements get underway, they are projected to take about two years to complete.

NCDOT plans to build two roundabouts, replacing a stoplight at N.C. 68 and Linville Road while building a traffic circle between Oak Ridge Marketplace on N.C. 150 and the entrance to

... continued on p. 14

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OAK RIDGE town council

Jan. 6 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor Ann Schneider called the monthly meeting in Oak Ridge Town Hall to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Doug Nodine and Martha Pittman present.

Maggie Muelker, president of the Kernersville auxiliary of Holy Cross Columbiettes, a Catholic women’s organization, offered the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Later in the meeting, Muelker, an Oak Ridge resident, presented two boxes of snacks her group collected for the staff at Guilford County Sheriff’s District 1 office.

PUBLIC SAFETY Oak Ridge Fire Department. Firefighter Ryan Karpik reported calls and other statistics for the department in December and all of 2021.

Firefighters handled 812 calls in 2021, with fire damage totaling $527,000 and property damage estimated at $3.5 million, Karpik said.

The department responded to 46 fires, including 27 building fires, and 409 rescue calls which included 353 medicalrelated calls, 54 vehicle wrecks and two other rescue calls.

The department responded to 81 calls in December; eight were firerelated and 36 were medical-related, Karpik said. Personnel obtained 655 hours of training.

Sheriff’s Office. The District 1 sheriff’s office did not provide a December activities report for Oak Ridge.

PUBLIC HEARING  5  0 to approve a resolution

authorizing Town Manager Bill Bruce to file an application seeking state regulatory approval for Oak Ridge’s plan to construct Heritage Farm Park and borrow for the project via an installment financing agreement.

The vote followed a public hearing for the council to get citizen feedback on plans for expanding Town Park. No one spoke for or against the project or financing arrangements.

Seeking approval from the North Carolina Local Government Commission advances the town’s plans for constructing Heritage Farm Park on 62 acres behind Town Hall on Linville Road.

Nodine asked how borrowing for the park would impact Oak Ridge’s financial position. Finance Officer Sam Anders said the town would remain “on

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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. 6 meeting:

 5  0: Approve a resolution authorizing Town Manager Bill Bruce to file

an application seeking state regulatory approval for Oak Ridge’s plan to construct Heritage Farm Park and borrow for the project by means of an installment financing agreement

 5  0: Reappoint John Jenkins, Stuart Mease and Jim Harton to the Finance Committee

 5  0: Authorize the purchase of a zero-turn lawn mower and a baseball infield grooming machine at a cost of $35,639.10  5  0: Approve the addition of Red Fox Drive and Red Fox Court to the system of secondary roads maintained by the state transportation department  5  0: Transfer $14,291 of Veterans Honor Green contributions to the restricted fund, and give $12,838.13 in matching funds to the project

 5  0: Approve the addition of a part-time Parks and Recreation position

for a weeknight custodian

 5  0: Approve an instrument of combination for a 58-acre tract and a

4-acre tract that comprise Heritage Farm Park solid financial footing” after borrowing.

Finance Committee.

Anders is negotiating loan terms with Truist Financial. The council voted unanimously in October to start lining up financing and a general contractor for the estimated $3.63 million project. After appropriating $855,000 for the park in this fiscal year’s budget, the council anticipates borrowing about $2.75 million and possibly more if materials and labor costs rise.

Park equipment

Borrowing is “probably the most fiscally responsible path forward” for constructing the park, Pittman said. Schneider described the plans as “completely solid financially” while McClellan said the park will create “a legacy” for town leaders.

Bruce said the town may seek bids to secure a general contractor in late January, with construction hopefully getting underway in the spring.

MANAGER’S REPORT Board reappointments

 5  0 to reappoint John Jenkins,

The Northwest Observer •Stuart Totally local since 1996 Mease and Jim Harton to the

 5  0 to authorize the purchase of

a Gravely Pro Turn 672 zero-turn mower at a cost of $15,692.24 and a Sand Pro 3040 at a cost of $19,946.86 for baseball infield grooming, grading and other tasks.

Road maintenance

 5  0 to approve the addition of

Red Fox Drive and Red Fox Court to the system of secondary roads maintained

by N.C. Department of Transportation.

Veterans’ site funds

 5  0 to transfer $14,291 of Vet-

erans Honor Green contributions to the restricted fund for constructing the site honoring veterans in Heritage Farm Park. The council also voted to give $12,838.13 in matching funds to the project, bringing the town’s contributions to $34,000 this fiscal year.

Earlier in 2021, the council voted to provide $34,000 in matching funds to the veterans’ site and committed verbally, without voting, to match another

$34,000 in the fiscal year starting July 1. If the council follows through with the additional $34,000, it would consider making catch-up matching of additional contributions to the project this fiscal year, Schneider said.

As of Dec. 31, there is $77,951.87 in the Veterans Honor Green fund.

Later in the meeting, Town Clerk Sandra Smith read an email from Special Events Committee Chair Patti Dmuchowski, who wrote that the committee is now over halfway toward its $150,000 fundraising goal.

New P&R position

 5  0 to approve the creation of a

part-time Parks and Recreation position for a night custodian, at a starting wage of $13 an hour for 25 hours a week.

The employee will be responsible for weeknight maintenance of Town Park athletic fields and recreational facilities, enforcement of park rules and support of recreational programs and events.

Unfilled positions in the Parks and Recreation department have led to a surplus of unspent compensation in this fiscal year’s budget, Bruce said. By using those funds to pay the new employee, the town will hold additional expenses for the new position to about $1,700 through June 30, the end of the fiscal year.

Noting “the tight labor market,” Kinneman asked whether the town would

consider giving Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon latitude to offer more than $13 an hour, which is the starting pay for two groundskeepers on staff.

While “offering more, I think, would create more interest,” Bruce said, “I would encourage council to think about an equity issue with other groundskeepers. It remains to be seen what kind of response we will get” at $13 an hour.

Filling the position will relieve Lannon of 14 years of park closing duties, according to Bruce.

Property combination

 5  0 to approve an instrument

of combination for a 58-acre tract and a 4-acre tract that comprise Heritage Farm Park. The legal step “essentially dissolves the property line between the two tracts and creates a new parcel comprising both tracts,” Bruce told the council in a Jan. 3 memo.

The combination will be recorded with Guilford County’s Register of Deeds and it will ensure that park construction on the property will comply with setbacks and other zoning requirements of the town, Bruce said.

Highway improvements. Survey crews have begun driving stakes to designate property easements in advance of N.C. Department of Transportation’s planned improvements to the N.C. 68

and 150 intersection and surrounding area, Bruce said.

What is expected to be two years of construction – and traffic disruptions – may start late this year, he added.

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Special Events Committee. In an email read by Town Clerk Sandra Smith, Chair Patti Dmuchowski thanked volunteers who participated in Light Up the Night festivities and other events in Oak Ridge.

“It’s going to be a long two years,” Kinneman said, and Schneider added, “We’re going to love it when it’s done.”

COMMUNITY UPDATES Historic Preservation Commission.

Commission member Brian Hall reported the commission approved the construction of a fence at 5919 Billet Road.

Planning and Zoning Board. The board reported it gave conditional approval to a site plan for a communications tower to be built at 2309 Oak Ridge Road, near its intersection with N.C. 68, on Oak Ridge Military Academy property.

Oak Ridge Youth Association. Randy Collins, community relations director, introduced Nick Gervasi, a UNCGreensboro student who volunteers as the director of ORYA’s Teen Youth Leadership Team. The group organizes youth events such as the Halloween Terror Trail and summer camp at Town Park, charity runs and move nights.

(See related article on p. 27.)

Oak Ridge Elementary School. Principal Penny Loschin reported that students and staff are continuing to follow public health protocols amid the surge of the omicron variant of COVID-19.

... continued on p. 34

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SUMMERFIELD town council

Jan. 11 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS offering the invocation. DeVaney led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members John O’Day, Janelle Robinson, John Doggett and Reece Walker voted on the following items during the Jan. 11 council meeting. Mayor Tim Sessoms was present, but in Summerfield the mayor votes only to break a tie.

CONSENT AGENDA  5  0 to approve the consent

 5  0: Approve a text amendment to the unified development ordinance (UDO) while remanding to the Planning Board a section proposing to reduce the number of bedrooms allowed in quadplexes

as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor Tim Sessoms called the monthly meeting in Summerfield Community Center to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members John O’Day, Janelle Robinson, John Doggett and Reece Walker present.

Rev. Larry Kirby, associate pastor of music and senior adults at Summerfield First Baptist Church, discussed the church’s history and mission before

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted:

agenda, which included three items: the meeting agenda, open session minutes of the council’s Dec. 14 meeting and adoption of the state-recommended schedule for retaining and disposing of records that have no further

 5  0: Authorize the town to take over the lighting bill for the U.S. 220 pedestrian tunnel from the N.C. Department of Transportation  5  0: Approve the calendar for planning and approving the town’s bud-

get for the fiscal year starting July 1

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PUBLIC SAFETY Summerfield Fire District. The district reported it ran 113 calls in December, which included 46 fire-related calls, 65 EMS-related calls and 22 other calls.

As safety-related tips, the district recommended residents turn off portable heaters when leaving a room and before going to bed, and using generators only outdoors and not in garages, even if the door is open.

Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s District 1 office responded to 114 calls in Summerfield last month; they included two auto thefts, three larcenies and nine reports of suspicious activity.

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JAN. 20 - FEB. 2, 2022

 Beth Kaplan urged the council not to go along with a Planning Board recommendation regarding requirements in property zoned for open space residential (OSR) and open space mixed use (OSM). If adopted as part of the town’s unified development ordinance (UDO), the recommendation would require that at least 15 percent of open space be comprised of land that is buildable by Summerfield and Guilford County standards.

Designating buildable land as open space would increase the prices of lots The Northwest Observer •for Totally local since new homes, making1996 one of the

goals of Summerfield’s strategic plan – construction of affordable housing – harder to achieve, Doggett said.  Kristen Law, vice president of communications for Northwest Guilford High School’s Parent, Teacher, Student Organization (PTSO), updated the council on efforts to secure contributions of money, materials and labor from businesses and individuals to refurbish 24 mobile classrooms on the school’s campus.

Since kicking off the Mobile Makeover project last month, Law said a large company, a local newspaper publisher, a church and a former student are among those who have agreed to adopt mobile units for renovation.

Sessoms told Law he’d like to understand more about the initiative.

“We have the Summerfield Merchants Association, and those guys are always looking for projects,” he said.

The PTSO has scheduled a Mobile Makeover informational meeting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29, at the high school.  BJ Barnes, who ended his term as mayor last month, applauded Summerfield’s fire department, town staff and council members for their contributions to Summerfield and added that “he’s tickled to death” about plans for the new town hall.

MANAGER’S REPORT UDO text amendment

 5  0 to approve a text amend-

ment to the unified development ordinance (UDO), with the exception of a section proposing the number of bedrooms in quadplexes, or buildings that contain four dwelling units, be reduced from 10 to eight.

The council remanded that section to the Planning Board, which had earlier recommended reducing the number of bedrooms in quadplexes built in open space residential and open space mixed-use zoning districts. Councilman Reece Walker said he wants the board to clarify its recommendation.

Speaking from the audience, developer David Couch expressed concern about limiting the number of bedrooms in quadplexes. Decreasing the number would reduce income for developers, Couch said. In turn, that would force them to eliminate building enhancements that would make structures more attractive, Couch said. (See

related article on p. 16.)

Land use plan. Jesse Day, regional planning director for the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, provided an update about his organization’s creation of a land use plan for Summerfield.

Day focused on population growth projections, based on recently released U.S. Census estimates showing the town had 10,951 residents in 2020.

Population is forecast to grow by about 2,000 people through 2040 – a projection that Whitaker described as “a very low number for 18 years from now.”

The council will provide scenarios for higher growth in the draft of the land use plan it hopes to complete in late February or early March, Day said.

Tunnel lighting

 5  0 to authorize the town

to take over the lighting bill for the U.S. 220 pedestrian tunnel from the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

The decision follows a recommendation by the Trails and Open Space Committee that the tunnel be lighted during the daytime, partly for safety and partly to show off murals painted by local high school students.

At present, the tunnel is lit at night, a cost paid by NCDOT. The state agency agreed for the town to take over the light bill if it wants to light the tunnel during the day, Whitaker said.

Duke Energy’s bill for lighting the tunnel round the clock will total about $72 a month, or $864 for the year, according to Whitaker.

Budget calendar

 5  0 to approve the calendar

for planning and approving the town’s budget for the fiscal year starting July 1.

New lawsuit. Town attorney Bob Hornik said former council member Teresa Perryman and Summerfield resident Danny Nelson have filed a lawsuit against the town, some current and former council members, former

Town Attorney Bill Hill and outside counsel Gray Nelson of the Nelson Mullins law firm.

Similar to an earlier suit, the new litigation claims the town improperly spent taxpayer money for the legal defense of council member Dianne Laughlin, who was appointed in October 2018 to fill ousted Todd Rotruck’s seat until the 2019 election. (See related article on front cover.)

Planning promotion. Brad Rentz, hired as the town’s planning technician and enforcement officer in late 2020, has been promoted to planner, Whitaker told the council; Rentz will retain his enforcement duties.

Rentz “has done a phenomenal job in the absence of a planning director,” said Whitaker, adding that he’s struggling to find applicants to replace Chris York, who resigned as planning manager last September.

Finding qualified planning personnel is a challenge many municipalities

... continued on p. 34

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STOKESDALE town council

Jan. 13 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor Mike Crawford called the monthly council meeting to order at 7 p.m. Pastor Ed McKinney of Stokesdale United Methodist Church led the opening prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Crawford thanked Town Clerk Dale Martin for the council member orientation book she had put together for him and for council member Tim Jones after their election in November.

 5  0 to approve the meeting agenda after adding a discussion item pertaining to past-due water customer accounts.

Public safety. Stokesdale Fire Chief Todd Gauldin reported the department responded to 83 calls in December; 40 were fire-related and 43 were medicalrelated. None of the fire-related incidents resulted in anyone losing property during

the holiday season, Gauldin noted.

On a safety note, Gauldin said one in every seven home fires in the U.S. involves heating equipment, and he advised those who rely on alternative heating sources (such as portable space heaters, kerosene heaters, etc.) to use extra caution.

Meeting minutes. Meeting minutes for Oct. 21, Dec. 9 and Dec. 21 were presented for approval. Jones said since he wasn’t on the council in October, he wasn’t comfortable voting to approve the Oct. 21 meeting minutes and asked town attorney Tom Medlin if he could abstain from voting. Medlin said council members would have to vote on whether to let him abstain, but if they didn’t approve it, his abstention would count as a “yes” vote.  5  0 to approve – in three separate

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WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Mike Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy and council members Jim Rigsbee, Jimmy Landreth and Tim Jones voted on the following items at the Jan. 13 council meeting:

 5  0: Approve minutes from the Oct. 21 and Dec. 9 regular meetings and Dec. 21 special call meeting  5  0: Decrease attorney fees and increase cost of the annual audit by $700 each for this fiscal year  5  0: Replace two HVAC units in Town Hall, based on quote of $20,450  5  0: Authorize staff to notify customers with water bills 60 or more

days past due their water service will be cut off if their account isn’t current by Feb. 7

 5  0: Authorize repair or replacement of exterior lights at Town Hall, at a cost not to exceed $1,300  5  0: Appoint (in nine separate votes) four full voting members and five alternates to the Planning Board

 5  0: Approve 4% cost-of-living salary increase for employees hired before July 1, 2021  5  0: Continue discussion on NCDOT road projects directly impacting Stokesdale citizens

votes – minutes from the Oct. 21 and Dec. 9 regular meetings and Dec. 21 special call meeting; Jones abstained from voting on the Oct. 21 meeting minutes, but his vote counted as a “yes.”

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Martin reported on the number of new water meters sold in December, applications for transfer of service and number of 8-1-1 calls, and said six old meters had been replaced with new ones that can be read when driving by versus a meter reader having to get out of their vehicle; 665 water customers were billed for December water usage.

New council member info has been submitted to various agencies and updated on websites. Ethics training for new council members, which is required, will be offered in April.

A person with the state who will be working with the town on the water plan it approved last month recently stopped by and introduced himself, Martin noted.

At the request of Councilman Jimmy Landreth, Martin agreed to email meet•ing Totally local since members 1996 after minutes to council

they are approved; approved minutes are also posted on the town’s website.

Martin requested permission for herself and the two deputy clerks to work on organizing files on a Friday afternoon and a Saturday when Town Hall is closed. Landreth suggested combining this project with a community shredding day, which was further discussed but no decisions made.

Jones said he recalled the town approving a document retention policy several years ago. Martin said the state approved revisions to the policy in October and they will be on the February agenda for council review and adoption.

Events Committee. Councilman Derek Foy thanked everyone who participated in and sponsored the Christmas parade and accompanying events on Dec. 11.

Property. Councilman Jim Rigsbee said he contacted the town’s landscaping company about clearing the parking lot at Town Hall after the snow storm that was predicted to hit on Jan. 16. The company charges $125/ hour for parking lot and sidewalk clearing and $1/pound for ice melt.

Financial report. After reporting

activities and balances in the town’s general fund and water enterprise accounts, Finance Officer Kim Thacker requested permission to increase the lineitem amount for the town’s annual audit in the general fund and decrease budgeted attorney fees for this fiscal year by the same amount.

the mural on the end wall. The parking lot is owned

by Matt Moorefield with MCM Resources, who has purchased and renovated several units in the building.

The couple said they have several years’ experience in the restaurant business; they hope to transition their business, Brewed Awakening, to a storefront when a unit in the historic building becomes available.

Makeover” project, which involves renovating 24 mobile classrooms that have been at the school for decades. Community support for the project is needed, and there will be an open house at the high school Saturday, Jan. 29, from 10 to 11: 30 a.m. to allow community members to view the mobile units and learn how they can support the renovation project. For more info, visit www.NWHSPTSO.org.

fiscal year from $50,000 to $49,300 and increase the amount budgeted for the annual audit from $13,200 to $13,900.

Carey Price said he had reached out to the town planner to confirm the mobile truck/trailer would not be in violation of any zoning ordinances, but had not yet received a response; Martin offered to follow up with the town planner.

OLD BUSINESS

 5  0 to decrease attorney fees for the current

CITIZEN COMMENTS  Abbey and Carey Price shared their plans to operate a coffee/specialty drink truck or trailer in the parking lot beside the historic downtown building with

gems in

 Rigsbee said Kristen Law, a volunteer with Northwest High School’s PTSO, is helping facilitate the “Mobile

HVAC system. Continuing discussions from the November and December 2021 meetings, council again reviewed a proposal from Stokesdale Heating & Air Conditioning to replace HVAC units in the town clerk’s office and the council chambers with two York

... continued on p. 12

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bringing the local news

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County since November1996

www.nwobserver.com

this year; Oak Ridge’s plan was presented earlier old loin size, since an architectural after an 8-year hiatus; after 60 years in its service. last spring changes, including a reduction and personal customer gone through design Horse Show returned the Oak Ridge Easter proposed town hall has his same friendly greetings a site to honor veterans; From left, Summerfield’s David Wrenn continues is raising funds to build corner, where owner new space around the Special Events Committee Bi-Rite moved into a cation in downtown Stokesdale,

Looking back on development COVID-19 disruptions, topped debates and elections eld, the news in Summerfi last Oak Ridge and Stokesdale year. Here’s a month-by-month of the key breakdown of some … local issues we covered

compiled by CHRIS

JANUARY

BURRITT

Summerfield Farms

expansion

David owner and developer Summerfield Farms for residential and commerCouch pursued his plans in Summerroughly 1,000 acres cial development of to by his lawyer, Tom Terrell, field in a presentation

say ‘no’ NW Guilford mayors mandate to reinstated mask yet for local towns, No mandate in place vote Jan. 13 will but commissioners countywide to consider adopting approved, it would mask mandate; if same day go into effect the

by PATTI STOKES and

CHRIS BURRITT

Oak Ridge and mayors of Summerfield, NW GUILFORD – The members oppose of their town council Stokesdale say the majority mask mandate Guilford County’s indoor the reinstatement of ...continued on p. 24

Board of Commissioners. the Guilford County on the county, which Couch’s proposal relies property tax district to charge would create a special Summerfield development owners in the proposed to the develservices. According for water and sewer extend of Greensboro would oper’s plan, the city to his property in Summerfield. water and sewer lines

...continued on p. 6

IN THIS ISSUE

Adobe Stock photo

Guilford County commissioners, acting as the county’s Board of Health, will meet Jan. 13 to consider adopting a countywide mask mandate for those 5 and older when inside public buildings and businesses.

2 News in brief ..............................

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

9 Pets & Critters ............................ friends .. 10 Attracting feathered 13 Adoptable Pets ....................... ........... 14 Community Calendar .......... 15 Crime/Incident Report 19 Youth Sync...............................

Grins and Gripes ....................22 27 Classifieds ............................... ............... 31 Index of Advertisers NWO On The Go .....................32

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STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 11 units, at a total cost of $20,450.

Since the town would be spending well over $10,000, Jones suggested getting a second bid; Rigsbee said the council had planned to stay with Stokesdale Heating and Air Conditioning to assure consistency, since the company replaced an HVAC unit in Town Hall in December 2020 and another last July.

 5  0 to accept Stokesdale Heating and Air Conditioning’s quote, per the company’s letter dated Oct. 11, 2021, to replace two HVAC units in Town Hall at a cost of $20,450 and to request warranty details.

Delinquent water accounts. Continuing a discussion from last month’s council meeting regarding delinquent water bills, Jones noted every bill the town sends out includes a statement showing past-due amounts.

“With COVID, I think the town froze all these collection activities,” Jones said. “Now we have all these past-due balances… we can’t continue this service. What are we waiting for? Our obligation is to the town.”

Foy noted the decision to take no action on past-due water accounts was in response to a mandate of the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

“But that has been lifted,” he added.

Council then discussed what notification customers with past-due bills should receive before disconnecting their water.

It was agreed that under normal circumstances no additional notification is needed, but since the town has not discontinued service for anyone with pastdue bills because of COVID, a one-time attempt will be made to notify customers before cutting off their water.

“It’s appropriate to say, ‘this has passed,’ and we’re now starting our regular collection efforts,” town attorney Tom Medlin confirmed.

“Over the years we’ve let people slide, so giving someone a few weeks (notice) shows good will,” Landreth said. “I won’t vote to just cut someone’s water off.”

12

JAN. 20 - FEB. 2, 2022

 5  0 to have Medlin confirm that municipalities are within their right to disconnect water on delinquent accounts and then have staff send a letter to customers whose water bills are 60 or more days past due notifying them their accounts must be brought current by Feb. 7 or their water service would be cut off.

“I want to emphasize this is not something we wanted to do,” Mayor Crawford said.  5  0 to authorize Blaney Elec-

tric to repair or replace exterior lights at Town Hall, at a cost not to exceed $1,300.

 4  1 (Landreth opposed) to continue discussion on Audio & Light’s proposal to install an HDMI input on a wall in council chambers to the Feb. 10 meeting.

Planning Board appointments

 5  0 (in nine separate votes), to

appoint Randy Braswell and Chris Sumner to a two-year term on the Planning Board; Ronald Southard and Jimmy Greene to a one-year term; and Bruce Angel, Michael Threatt, Mark Nadel, Stewart Hommel and Curtis Gentry as alternates.

Cost-of-living increase. Noting “inflation is a very real thing right now,” Foy motioned to approve a 4% cost-of-living increase for all staff hired before July 1, 2021.

“This is not tied to performance, but I’m impressed by town staff for great performance,” said Foy, who was joined by other council members in commending town staff for a job well done.

 5  0 to approve Foy’s motion, with the pay increase to take effect Jan. 21.

Alternative water source. Jones and Crawford said they met with representatives of Rockingham County recently to discuss possibly working with that county to provide a secondary water

source to Stokesdale.

Jones said overall, the meeting had gone well, but technical issues did come up; Crawford echoed there were some “stumbling blocks,” but agreed the discussion was productive.

Jones suggested the next step might be a consultation with North Carolina Rural Water Association.

Landreth emphasized that future discussions will be shared with the public and citizen input will be invited and encouraged well before the town invests any money on securing a secondary water source.

NCDOT matters. Landreth said he had requested this item be put on the meeting agenda after receiving a letter from an attorney referencing North Carolina Department of Transportation’s U.S. 158 Bypass project, and talking with others with questions about the status of the project.

“We really don’t know what’s going on… we need to know where they (NCDOT) stand – dates and so forth,” Landreth said. “And I think we need to do it as a council. The attorneys are sending out these big packets and it’s a little scary… This isn’t just about me – I’d like to see citizens and the council informed.”

Jones confirmed the letters citizens are receiving from attorneys are solicitations to represent them in NCDOT eminent domain cases.

According to www.ncdot.gov, the U.S. 158 (Reidsville Road) Improvements project – #R-2577 – entails widening 18.8 miles of U.S. 158 to multiple lanes from U.S. 421/Business 40 in WinstonSalem to U.S. 220 in Guilford County. The project has been funded for $110 million.

Jones said when he had previously served on the council, an informational meeting about the U.S. 158 Bypass project had generated the largest turnout from citizens that he had seen.

“Our citizens certainly care about this issue,” Jones confirmed. He added former mayor John Flynt and former mayor pro tem Thearon Hooks told council members at that time that they had met with NCDOT representatives about pending road projects, but had not shared any information about what they learned.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 Council members said there are

several road projects that should be on Stokesdale’s radar, including the U.S. 158 Bypass; the intersection at Angel Pardue Road and U.S. 158/Athens Road; and the widening of N.C. 68 and N.C. 65.

Rigsbee agreed to see if an NCDOT representative can attend the council’s Feb. 10 meeting and give an update on planned road projects that will directly affect Stokesdale citizens.

Town clerk Dale Martin said former mayor John Flynt had participated in the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), which operates under the Greensboro Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Stokesdale’s fire chief and deputy chief were asked if anyone from NCDOT had communicated with the fire department about pending road projects. Chief Gauldin said no, and offered to reach out to the person from Emergency Services who attends the TAC meetings to see what information he might have.

“We just want to be open and transparent so we can answer questions from citizens,” Landreth emphasized, noting surveying work is underway for the N.C. 65/N.C. 68 widening project (R-5823), from N.C. 65 in Stokesdale (southernmost intersection) to U.S. 220/ I-73 in Rockingham County.  5  0 to continue this agenda item.

COUNCIL COMMENTS  Landreth congratulated Foy and the Events Committee for a great job on the annual Christmas parade last month.

He also thanked town staff for the job they do and said, “I sleep pretty good at night knowing you all are there.”  Jones echoed Landreth’s praise for a well-organized parade and joined other council members in again expressing appreciation to town staff. He then said he’d had discussions with others about a potential countywide sales tax increase and another school bond, and wondered if the town might pursue having a private company open a charter school in Stokesdale.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m.

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Bouquet Boutique is a floral partner for “June’s Bouquets,” a program through Cone Health that allows nurses to hand deliver a beautiful bouquet with a note to a grieving mom before she leaves for home.

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On a personal note: Gillis grew up in Greensboro and graduated from Southeast High. Her children attended Summerfield Elementary and Northwest Middle and High Schools.

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YOUR QUESTIONS

gradually with the road improvements,” Taylor told the Northwest Observer.

Oak Ridge Commons shopping center.

DOT also plans to build crosswalks and upgrade stoplights at the N.C. 68 and N.C. 150 intersection.

The streetscape plan calls for extension of sidewalks on both sides of N.C. 68 from the stoplight at N.C. 150 south to Linville Road. Sidewalks are already in place in front of shopping areas along N.C. 68.

...continued from p. 4

NCDOT plans to start its work in September 2022, leading to the possibility that Oak Ridge will proceed with streetscape improvements in 2023, according to Taylor.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local work since Oak Ridge’s “is1996 going to be done

Oak Ridge is sharing the costs of the streetscape improvements with NCDOT. The town’s capital improvement plan appropriates $250,000 in the budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2022, and another $150,000 in the next fiscal year.

22

No wintertime lull Adobe Stock photo

In the real estate world it’s still a favorable sellers’ market, spurred on by a low inventory of available houses and interest rates that remain low but will likely be rising this spring. Houses in Oak Ridge and Summerfield sold for an average of $480,000 in 2021, up 14.6% from a year earlier, while rising 8.4% to $346,840 in Stokesdale, according to the Triad Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

many bedrooms 16 How in quadplexes?

Town council asks Planning Board to clarify its recommendation

new direction 18 AFrom auto technician to truck driver, and dental hygienist to Realtor/broker

Estate News 24 Real Gordon Hardware,

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How many bedrooms in quadplexes?

Town council asks Planning Board to clarify its recommendation to reduce the number of bedrooms allowed in four-unit buildings

residential and commercial development. Since then, town leaders have considered ways to tweak and clarify the document.

by CHRIS BURRITT

As an example, the amendment updated the definition of multifamily dwellings, such as apartments – which aren’t allowed in Summerfield, according to the UDO.

SUMMERFIELD – Debate over housing density has shifted to the number of bedrooms allowed in quadplexes, spurring developer David Couch to criticize a Summerfield Planning Board recommendation.

Summerfield Town Council discussed a proposed text amendment to the unified development ordinance (UDO) during its meeting Jan. 11.

Adopted by the council last June, the ordinance updated rules governing

Town Manager Scott Whitaker presented to council a proposed UDO text amendment with changes suggested by the Planning Board and town staff.

By unanimous vote, the council approved the amendment, except for a section recommended by the Planning Board that the number of bedrooms in quadplexes in open space residential and open space mixed-use zoning districts be reduced from 10 to eight.

“The Planning Board got focused

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Limiting the number of bedrooms in quadplexes would limit income for developers, Couch said. That, in turn, would require developers to eliminate enhancements to buildings that would make them more attractive.

Speaking from the audience, Couch, owner of Summerfield Farms, asked, “What was their intent? Why would they want to regulate the number of bedrooms in the only multi-family building that will ever be allowed in Summerfield under the current ordinance?”

“Everyone wants nice things on buildings here,” Couch said, “but they don’t want to give us the revenue with which to pay for the nice things.”

The suitability of land to handle sewage should determine the number of units, according to the developer.

“If you assume that you have the septic capacity for a three-bedroom unit or four three-bedroom units, which would be 12 bedrooms, why then would we limit the income box to eight?” he asked.

Expressing concerns about fair housing, Couch hinted at his earlier position that preventing higher density development may lead to housing discrimination litigation against the town.

The council remanded to the Planning Board the section dealing with the number of bedrooms in quadplexes, buildings that contain four dwelling units. Councilman Reece Walker said he wants the board to clarify its recommendation.Quick Lube no

Couch added that building under those limitations would fuel those who oppose his plans to develop his roughly 1,000 acres in Summerfield.

“So we have to take all the nice things off the buildings and go to an ugly building,” he said. “So everyone continues to throw arrows into our backs and say, ‘No multifamily. We can’t have that because it’s ugly.’”

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From auto technician to truck driver, and dental hygienist to Realtor/broker Burned out from their long-term careers but not ready to retire, Stokesdale couple headed in new professional directions as they approached their 60s

by ANNETTE JOYCE Jim and Debbie McDonald met when they were sophomores at Northwest Guilford High School. After graduation, Debbie enrolled at Guilford Technical Community College and became a certified dental assistant. Jim, who had worked at a local service station while in high school, worked there a few months longer before taking a job as an automotive technician with Bill Black Cadillac in downtown Greensboro.

Jim and Debbie later married and spent the next

41 years in their chosen fields. While Jim worked for the same company the entire time, Debbie periodically took time off to be with their three daughters – Jaymi, Erin Haleigh and Addi. Even so, she maintained her certification and began working full-time again as the girls grew older.

As they approached their 60s, Jim and Debbie recognized they were burned out in their respective professions and wanted to go down a different path before they reached retirement age.

For Debbie, working in the dental field was somewhat of a family tradition.

“My mother was a dental assistant, and my daughter is a dental hygienist,” she said. “I loved working with people and feeling like I was helping somebody, but it’s very taxing on your body to sit in one position for several hours at a time, and I didn’t like messing

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

After spending 41 years in their respective professions, Jim and Debbie McDonald embarked on second careers. with a lot of chemicals (because it affected) my asthma. I felt like it was time I did something else.”

Jim also found his body was beginning to rebel

...continued on p. 24

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Danie Walr home build throu

Walraven Signature Homes has earned a reputation for building beautiful, custom homes while not only meeting, but exceeding their homebuyers’ expectations.

Uncertainty surrounding the pandemic which stretched into its second year in 2021 resulted in an extraordinarily strong year for local custom homebuilders such as Walraven Signature Homes (WSH). In fact, the locally owned company had one of its best years yet, thanks in part to interest rates remaining low and homeowners being motivated to build sooner rather than later out of concern for ever-increasing building material prices and labor shortages.

“We’re very busy and finding strong demand in all the markets we serve,” said Matt Walraven, who owns the Oak Ridgebased company with his wife, Danielle. “We’ve strengthened our work force through the addition of several key employees and shored up our administrative area. Home inventories remain tight while potential clients reach out to ask for meetings to discuss their dream home.”

In the midst of the many challenges and uncertainties related to COVID-19, Danielle’s days are full with overseeing administrative work and design consulting for the company’s robust list of customers.

“We are intent on giving our clients the most pleasant building experience possible.

That has been a hallmark of Walraven Signature Homes and we are committed to maintaining and adding to the joy of building with us,” she said.

In 2021, WSH gained an even better appreciation for the importance of excellent communication with clients.

“We have always prided ourselves on a good flow of information with those who build with us,” Matt said.

Brought to

omes “Couple great project management that hits key construction dates with good communication and quality – that’s how you keep clients happy,” Matt emphasized.

Still, he’s not naive to the fact that this coming year has several unknowns which have yet to sort themselves out.

elle and Matt Walraven, owners of raven Signature Homes, seek to fulfill eowners’ dreams by giving each home they d their full attention, and offering flexibility ughout the building process.

“Higher inflation and the promise of several rate hikes by the Fed, something we haven’t seen in years, will impact our market. How quickly and significantly is not yet determined. We have orders on the books that certainly promise another good year, but interest rates and inflation will come into play later in the year,” he acknowledged.

WHS builds throughout the Triad area, with a particular focus in northwest Guilford County where access to excellent schools, a highway infrastructure that provides easy access to the PTI Airport and other towns and cities, and a healthy job market make the area ideal for the prospective custom homebuyer.

“We have demand all around the Oak Ridge and Summerfield area, as well as beautiful developments in and around Greensboro,” Danielle said, adding the company is seeing growing demand around Burlington and other areas of Alamance County.

He also stressed the importance of using superior subcontractors who have demonstrated high-quality work and are committed to excellent communication skills.

WSH is not only grateful for the healthy home-building market, but even more so for the many clients who have put trust in the company’s homebuilding skills. While bracing for the unforeseen challenges that may lie ahead, the company expects 2022 to be another signature year.

“You will not find a better group of people to build your house”

Call us today to talk about building your dream home

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No wintertime lull So far this year, Northwest Guilford real estate agents report brisk demand among homebuyers spurred by the prospect of higher interest rates in the tight housing market

makes sense for sellers, according to agents interviewed earlier this week.

by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Strong demand for housing isn’t taking a breather during the traditionally slow winter months, according to real estate agents who said the likelihood of higher interest rates is intensifying competition among buyers for a limited number of houses.

“It usually slows down in January and February, but it’s been wide open,” said Tim Atkins, an agent with Allen Tate Realtors in Oak Ridge. He’s scheduled eight closings this month.

Agents at A New Dawn Realty in Stokesdale have set more than 20 closings this month, “probably our busiest January,” according to Phillip Stone, who owns the real estate company with his mother, Dawn Stone.

Waiting until springtime to list housing no longer

“If they went ahead and listed, it would be a great time for them to sell, even better than the spring,” said Allen Tate Realtor Maureena Shepherd in Oak Ridge.

“There is a very strong buyer market for all segments of the market, even in the million-dollar price point.”

Adobe Stock photo

The potential for interest rates to rise this spring is intensifying competition among buyers for a limited number of houses. Realtors say the market usually slows down in January and February, but it’s been “wide open” so far this year.

Edginess over rising rates is increasing frustration among buyers already vexed by the lack of houses for sale, extending into 2022 what some Realtors describe as an imbalance in the housing market. It favors sellers who are getting more than asking price for their homes, while spurring some prospective buyers to quit looking after losing out to other bidders.

“In the past 18 months, the sellers have been really happy, but the buyers have been frustrated,” said Keller Williams Realtor DeDe Cunningham.

Earlier this week, Cunningham listed an Oak Ridge home as “Coming Soon,” meaning it will become available to potential buyers for showing Feb. 4. The nearly $600,000 listing quickly got six appointments, based upon an exterior photograph and a description of the house, she said.

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“I still see pent-up demand and a lack of inventory,” Cunningham said.

An increase in mortgage rates by half a percentage point this year, as some experts predict, may slow the appreciation of housing prices, helping restore balance between buyers and sellers, according to the National Association of Realtors.

“Slowing price growth will partly be the consequence of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve,” Lawrence Yun, the association’s chief economist and senior vice president of research, said last month.

Yun cited a survey of more than 20 U.S. economic and housing experts in forecasting that annual median home prices will increase by 5.7% – slower than appreciation in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale last year.

Houses in Oak Ridge and Summerfield sold for an average of $480,000 in 2021, up 14.6% from a year earlier, while rising 8.4% to $346,840 in Stokesdale, according to the Triad Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

“It seemed like we saw price increases every month mainly for one reason: lack of inventory,” Stone said.

Added Cunningham, “Sellers have seen great appreciation over the past couple of years. They’re still going to see appreciation, but it’s not going to go up at astronomical rates.”

She predicted that price increases are “going to be a little slower and hopefully a little less drastic. A little more balanced market is always a great place for buyers and sellers,” she said.

The National Association of Realtors forecast the 30-year fixed mortgage rate will increase to 3.5%, lower than the 4% rate before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic nearly two years ago.

“As long as rates are below 5%, there

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will still be strong demand,” Atkins said.

He added, however, that an uptick in rates may help restore normalcy to the market.

Last year, houses in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale sold for slightly more than asking price while they remained on the market for 31 days or less, according to the Triad MLS. “There is such a low inventory because the houses that are coming on the market are selling so quickly,” Atkins said. “Owners are selling now because they know they can get top dollar for their houses.”

At the same time, some Realtors said they’re seeing signs of caution among buyers as prices have risen.

“We feel like the market is going to continue to be very strong, but we are starting to see buyers being a little more selective whereas they may have been more impulsive in the past,” said Jason Smith, senior vice president of Smith Marketing Inc., which he owns with his mother, Betty, and brother Jeff.

The trend is especially noticeable among buyers of higher-priced houses, Smith said.

“If you have a house in the $200,000 to $300,000 range and you put it on the market, you’re probably going to get 10 to 15 offers,” Smith said.

But for people buying and building houses in the $1 million range, he said, “they’re trying to find the builder and the site they want. They are being a little more selective than in the past when they said “‘we’d better jump on it.’”

Even so, rising mortgage rates are motivating some buyers, Smith and Shepherd confirmed.

“Usually a tick up in interest rates will increase sales because people on the fence will get off the fence to try to catch the low rates,” Smith noted.

“It will make a difference in their monthly payment,” Shepherd added. “I don’t want anybody to jump the gun, but if they’re thinking about buying in 2022, they need to start looking now. They need to be prepared to pull the trigger.’’

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JAN. 20 - FEB. 2, 2022

23

Gordon Hardware, Martin house attracting buyer interest

A NEW DIRECTION

by CHRIS BURRITT

from the physical demands of his job.

SUMMERFIELD – Over the years, Summerfield leaders have discussed possible uses for the two vacant structures the town owns at the intersection of N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road. Renovating the Gordon Hardware building at 7722 Summerfield Road for a new town hall was once considered, but plans were scrapped after the town received cost estimates.

Now, the former hardware store and the historic Martin house are attracting interest from potential buyers, according to Town Manager Scott Whitaker.

The future use of the two buildings and Town Hall, which is across the street, are uncertain as the Town Council finalizes plans to build a new town hall nearby, on the corner of N.C. 150 and U.S. 220.

Summerfield bought what is known as the Brittain Building at 4117 Oak Ridge Road (N.C. 150) in 1998 and,

thanks in large part to donations of labor and materials from community members and businesses, renovated it for what has since served as its town hall.

In 2014 the town purchased two tracts totaling about 16 acres which are often referred to as “the Gordon property;” the Gordon Hardware building is on the smaller of the two tracts.

Across the street, at 4118 Oak Ridge Road, stands the Martin house, which the town purchased the following year.

In an email earlier this week, Whitaker said he’s seeking from the council “further direction regarding our three intersection buildings as we get closer to having a new town hall. The town continues to have interest in the two that are currently vacant and I’d like a firm plan sooner rather than later.”

The council may discuss the topic during its annual strategic planning retreat Jan. 29, the manager said.

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...continued from p. 18

“I was just worn out,” he admitted.

While he said his problems weren’t with his former employer – “I enjoyed working there and they were always good to me” – like his wife, he knew it was time to make a move.

For Debbie, becoming a real estate agent was a perfect second career.

After completing the 75-hour course required by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission and then passing the state exam to get her provisional license, she began tackling the 90-hour post-licensing course to become a broker. She’s now a Realtor/broker with Keller Williams Realty in Kernersville and loves it.

Debbie said she relishes the idea of meeting new people and helping them reach their goals – whether that’s selling their home or finding their dream home.

She also feels switching careers at this stage of life sets an example for her children.

“As a mother, I want my daughters to know that it is never too late in life to pursue your passions or your dreams,” she said.

Instead of working on vehicles, Jim wanted to be behind the wheel and decided driving a tractor trailer would be right up his alley. To get his certification as a truck driver, he signed up with Werner Enterprises, a nationwide longhaul trucking company, for cross-country driver’s training.

After completing his training, Jim was on his own and covered a territory in the Southeast. That’s when he discovered the aspects of the job that he didn’t like. He was spending every week on the road, coming home for a 34-hour period before he had to go back out again.

Spending so much time away from Debbie was hard, as was being away from their daughters and their four young grandchildren.

As the lone driver in the truck, Jim had no one to talk to during the day; it was even worse at night, when he was alone in the cab of his truck because he was required to park it after 14 hours of driving and wait 10 hours before getting back out on the road.

After about three months, Jim decided driving a truck across the country wasn’t for him. However, he didn’t give up on the things he enjoyed about the job, he just modified his plan. He’s currently seeking a job that “takes me in and back the same day so that I can be home,” he said.

Despite the setback, Jim believes he made the right decision and would do it again. Knowing that finances might be lean as he and Debbie embarked on new careers, especially in the beginning, they paid off their mortgage and their other debts. They’ve also given themselves time to adjust to the newness of their situation.

Both agree the best advice for anyone wanting to transition to a different career is to “take a chance.”

“Life is short,” Debbie said. “Pursue your dreams and take time for yourself.”

He and his trainer were on the road for seven weeks, during which time Jim said they went to 37 different states and hauled everything from furniture to wool.

Jim emphasizes people need to be willing to look at their situation and, if things aren’t working out, change direction and try other options.

“I always wanted to see the United States and this was a great way to do it,” said Jim, who is happy to pull out his phone and show off some of the sights he’s seen. “I really enjoy driving the truck.”

The couple adds that their faith in God has also played a major role in giving them the courage to move forward with their plans.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

“We prayed a lot about it and gave it to the Lord,” Debbie said.

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DIFFERENCES

DId�you�snow?

How much do you know about snow in North Carolina?

See if you can determine which of the facts below are true and which are false.

True or false? North Carolina averages 5 inches of snow a year (but this amount varies across the state).

True or false? A massive storm system in 1993 which became known as the “Storm of the Century” greatly impacted North Carolina.

True or false? The "1993 Storm of the Century" left Greensboro with 10 inches of snow and Mount Mitchell with 30 inches of snow.

True or false? Greensboro averages the most snowfall in February.

Check pg. 35 for the answers.

Youth

welcome to ...

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

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Youth association offers opportunities beyond sports ORYA’s Teen Leadership Team offers skills training, leadership experience for high school students while providing activities for the community

(L to R) Leaders of Oak Ridge Youth Association’s Teen Leadership Team are Eric Stout, Andrew Komuves, Caitlyn Annunziato and Nick Gervasi, the program’s director.

by CHRIS BURRITT

at Northwest Guilford High School. As participation in the group waned, Gervasi and four classmates who are now seniors at the school – Eric Stout, Caitlyn Annunziato, Monica Rashkov and Elizabeth Degnon – have emerged as leaders. They’ve tapped friends and rebuilt the group to a core of about 15 youth.

Last March, as Gervasi was preparing to graduate from high school, ORYA President Tom Collins asked him to take over as director of the program. Knowing that he planned to attend UNC-Greensboro and would remain close by, Gervasi eagerly accepted the opportunity to stay involved with the group.

OAK RIDGE – As a child, Nick Gervasi played on an Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA) baseball team. He’s still involved with the organization as a freshman at UNC-Greensboro, but not on any of its numerous sports teams.

The 18-year-old Oak Ridge resident is director of ORYA’s Teen Leadership Team. The volunteer group serves two functions: helping high school students develop leadership skills while creating activities other than sports for young people.

“I had so much fun when I needed service hours,” he said. “I like to help out the kids who need it.”

Gervasi’s involvement with ORYA’s baseball program as a youngster also motivated him.

“It’s such a good opportunity for those not involved in sports to make friends, to gain confidence in their ability to lead and to create good ideas for their community,” Gervasi said in an interview last week.

“As somebody who played sports for all of my under-teen years, I was friends with kids who didn’t like sports and they didn’t have much to do,” he said. “Having this option is an all-around amazing experience.”

A few days earlier, Oak Ridge Town Council members applauded Gervasi after his introduction by Randy Collins, ORYA’s community relations director.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

“It’s not just sports; it’s about community,” Collins told the council, adding he hopes more youth will learn about the leadership program and sign up as volunteers and participants in its events.

The activities in Oak Ridge Town Park range from 5K runs to summer camp to the Halloween Terror Trail

in October. The youth have also sponsored e-sports competitions for video gamers.

Over the past three years, the events have raised more than $4,000 for cancer, nutritional food and other charitable causes, according to Gervasi.

He began volunteering on the Teen Leadership Team as a way to earn service hours when he was a sophomore

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Gervasi appreciates that planning events taps his creativity. And it’s fun.

As an example, last fall he and others organizing the Terror Trail in Oak Ridge Town Park created special effects which included a fake guillotine they built out of wood for one of the scenes.

“I’ve always loved the creative aspect of having a job,” Gervasi said. “I’m not one to sit down in an office

...continued on p. 29

JAN. 20 - FEB. 2, 2022

27

Youth Sync

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14 DOWN, 10 TO GO ...continued from p. 1

The units are in need of some tender loving care – and lots of it. That’s where Melissa Stallings, the high school’s PTSO president, and the organization’s board of directors hope the community will pitch in. Last fall they launched the “Mobile Makeover” project to solicit community stakeholders’ help by encouraging them to “adopt” a unit entirely, or contribute to its renovation. The average cost to renovate each unit is between $10,000 and $15,000.

Stakeholders can contribute in various ways, including: • Cover a mobile unit’s renovation cost and do or coordinate the renovation work • Cover the cost of renovating a mobile unit • Make a donation toward covering the cost of renovating a mobile unit • Perform/oversee the renovation of a mobile unit • Partner with another business, individual or group to adopt a mobile unit

While the needs of each unit vary, most have this in common – new roofs.

“The roofs are critical to this entire project because of the water factor,” Stallings said. Some of the units also need new gutters. And exterior painting.

On the inside, most are long overdue for new carpet and for many, new subfloors. One unit needs a new commercial-grade sink and toilet.

And although not considered critical, updates to other interior classroom features, including design, would be appreciated by the teachers who spend their days in those classrooms.

Stallings and PTSO board member Kristen Law have kicked into high gear to raise awareness for the PTSO’s initiative. Hundreds of letters have gone out to local builders, Realtors and other business owners and professionals as well as healthcare facilities, churches, business associations and other nonprofits. Law recently attended meetings of local town councils to present the Mobile Makeover project and explain how community stakeholders can contribute. She and Stallings have also been on the phone answering questions and seeking support.

The open house on Jan. 29, they hope, will give

people a bird’s-eye view of why parents are taking matters into their own hands and seeking the community’s help in renovating the mobile classrooms.

Stallings and her board are encouraged by the response they’ve received so far – 14 of the units have been “adopted,” putting the PTSO over their goal’s halfway mark.

To date, those who have committed to adopting a unit are: Blue Ridge Companies, JP Monroe LLC, PS Communications/Northwest Observer, Oak Ridge Youth Association, Samet Corporation, Granville Homes, DH Griffin Companies, D.R. Horton, Brian Carroll/Carroll Construction, Allen Tate (Oak Ridge and Green Valley Road, Greensboro offices), LJ Custom Homes partnering with Maureena Shepherd & Associates/Allen Tate, Wolfe Homes, and individual donors.

Stallings said she’s been both touched and excited by the support the Mobile Makeover project has garnered so far. Just last week she talked to a northwest Greensboro resident who teaches in a mobile classroom at Southwest High School. With her husband’s help, the teacher renovated her classroom and helped renovate another one as well. She’d like to help do the same with a mobile classroom at Northwest High School, where

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28

JAN. 20 - FEB. 2, 2022

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Youth Sync her children will one day attend.

For Tom Collins, president of Oak Ridge Youth Association, being involved with the Mobile Makeover project is a “no-brainer” and aligns with the association’s goals to contribute to the community.

“We’ve worked hard over the years to have money in the coffers and we want to be able to do things for the community,” Collins said in an interview.

“A few years ago, we got involved with paying off the school lunch tickets (for Oak Ridge Elementary School students).

That was the first time since I had been involved with the association that we did something like that. You’d be surprised at how many times things like that have come up since then.

“We were looking for these types of opportunities, and then when Melissa (Stallings) called, to me it was a nobrainer,” Collins continued. “I was like, ‘Yes, we have money in our account that we can put toward that.’”

But the commitment to adopt a mobile unit wasn’t made by Collins alone.

“It was a unanimous decision of our board,” he said. “We have the same mindset, and most of us are going to put our kids into Northwest High School.

And, we truly believe in the leadership of Melissa. If she says something is going to get done, it’s going to get done.”

That’s the kind of community

support that’s encouraging, and spurs Stallings and her board members on to get the last 10 mobile units adopted so renovations can be completed this summer when school isn’t in session.

As they continue to seek sponsors for the remaining 10 mobile units, Stallings said the PTSO board is shifting some of its focus to “getting the everyday family to start making those donations. That will be Jane and John Smith donating $100, or $500, or more.”

The open house scheduled for Jan. 29 was originally set for Jan. 22 but rescheduled because of another pending winter storm this weekend.

Weather and COVID permitting, Stallings and her board members plan to be on campus on the 29th to greet visitors who come to tour the mobile units and share more details about the project.

want to learn more, attend, or help?

To learn more, or to donate to the Mobile Makeover project, visit www.nwhsptso.org. The open house on Jan. 29 at Northwest High School, 5240 Northwest School Road, Greensboro, will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Park in the student parking lot beside the group of mobile units.

Stallings also invites anyone interested in adopting a unit to call her at (336) 601-2836.

That’s ‘V’ for Vikings (and ‘C’ for champions)!

Photo by Shelli Craig Photography

Annlee Grayson, a junior, participated on Northwest Guilford High School’s 11-member varsity cheerleading team in the 2021 NCHSAA (North Carolina High School Athletic Association) Cheerleading Invitational last month in Raleigh.

After scoring 89.1 to win the Small Varsity Non-Tumble D1 Division, the Vikings went on to win the coveted Carolina Cup, the award for the varsity squad (regardless of division) posting the highest rated performance in the traditional competition – out of 132 teams. They’ll head to Orlando, Florida, next month to compete in nationals for the first time in the school’s history. Look for an article about the Viking cheerleaders in our Feb. 3-16, 2022 issue.

MORE THAN SPORTS

...continued from p. 27

building working on a computer for hours.

I prefer hands-on learning.”

That attitude dovetails with the mission of the Teen Leadership Team.

“Participating teens get to be involved with the strategizing, planning and execution of these events,” ORYA

says on its website, noting these volunteer experiences offer opportunities that go far beyond the traditional ones that come with playing sports.

want to participate?

To learn more about ORYA’s Teen Leadership Team, visit orya.org and select “Teen Leadership Team” from the “Home” tab at the top of the homepage.

Weddings • Family Gatherings • Special Events Concerts • Photoshoots • Holidays

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JAN. 20 - FEB. 2, 2022

29

mark your

calendar

MONDAY, JAN. 24  Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club, a non-

profit that helps people who are sight- or hearing-impaired, participates in the state’s Adopt-A-Highway program and contributes to various other causes, will meet Jan. 24 at the Oak Ridge Room, 2205 Oak Ridge Road (next to Bistro 150). Come at 6 p.m. to socialize and if desired, order dinner or a beverage – the business meeting runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info: Frank Kelleher, president, (336) 327-7786 or frankxk95@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 25

 Food pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food pantry will open for those in need of food on Jan. 29, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Stokesdale Business Center, 8500 Ellisboro Road in Stokesdale. For more info, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.

sion is a donation of non-perishable food items. Hot cocoa will be served, and each food item brought earns a ticket for raffle prizes. Participants are asked to pre-register. To learn more, view a list of needed food items, or to pre-register, visit the club’s Instagram account at @families4familiesnwgso1, or contact Kara Dell, (336) 410-1543.

 Mobile Makeover open house | Northwest High

TUESDAY, FEB. 1

School PTSO invites business owners, individuals, elected officials and other community stakeholders to an open house and “adoption” event for revamping the 24 mobile classrooms that have been on the school’s campus for over two decades. The open house is scheduled for Jan. 29, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Northwest High School, 5240 Northwest School Road, Greensboro. To learn more about this project and ways to contribute to it, visit www.nwhsptso.org, or call PTSO president Melissa Stallings at (336) 601-2836.  Hot cocoa fun run/walk | NWHS Families4Fami-

 Blood drive | The Summit Church in Oak

Ridge will host a Red Cross blood drive Jan. 25, 12 noon to 5 p.m. at 1420 N.C. 68 North in Oak Ridge. To schedule an appointment, visit www.thesummitchurch.net/event/blood-drive.

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(336) 644-2741 office (336) 644-2743 fax

Your pet’s one-stop shop

lies Club, which works in partnership with Interactive Resource Center of Greensboro to help homeless people in our community, will host a fun run/ walk, starting at 2 p.m. at Northwest High School, 5240 Northwest School Road, Greensboro. Admis-

 Merchants Association | Summerfield Merchants Association, a nonprofit that fosters connectivity between local business professionals and seeks ways to collectively contribute to the community, invites Summerfield-based business professionals to its monthly meeting Feb. 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn more at summerfieldmerchant.com, or contact info@summerfieldmerchant.com.

THURSDAY, FEB. 3  Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will meet Feb. 3, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. The meeting will be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel and a link will later be posted on the town’s Facebook page. Visit www.oakridgenc.com for a meeting agenda. More info: (336) 644-7009.

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phone: (336) 644-7033 fax: (336) 644-7038

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

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

RUNAWAY ANIMAL

damaged the vehicle.

Jan. 10 | Law enforcement officers responded to a report of a dog that ran away after a citizen fired a handgun in the 8200 block of Spotswood Road in Summerfield (off U.S. 158).

Jan. 11 | A resident of the 8200 block of Kandi Drive in Stokesdale (near N.C. 68 N) reported an unknown suspect entered two unlocked vehicles in the driveway, a 2012 Jeep Wrangler and a white 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus; the suspect damaged the Audi.

ASSAULT Jan. 11 | A woman in the 1400 block of N.C. 150 W in Summerfield reported a known suspect assaulted her.

ATTEMPTED THEFT Jan. 10 | A citizen whose vehicle was parked at Oak Ridge Commons on N.C. 68 N reported an unknown suspect attempted to steal parts from his gray 2005 Honda Element but only

COMMUNICATING THREATS Jan. 9 | A resident of the 2900 block of Rivers Edge Road in Summerfield (off Witty Road) reported an unknown suspect sent her threatening text messages.

DWI/STOLEN VEHICLE Jan. 9 | A 57-year-old male was arrest-

ed at 4:10 a.m. in the 7900 block of U.S. 158/Purgason Lane in Stokesdale for driving while impaired; a few days later, officers discovered the vehicle the man had been driving, a white 2021 Chevy Express, was stolen.

FRAUD Jan. 9 | A resident of the 7600 block of Wallingford Road in northwest Greensboro (off Northwest School Road) reported an unknown suspect on the internet defrauded him of $4,000.

PROPERTY SEIZED Jan. 13 | During a traffic stop in the 4500 block of U.S. 220 N/Auburn Road in Summerfield, officers seized a piece of paper folded with duct tape, a straw and a clear glass pipe that they suspected had been used as drug paraphernalia.

THEFT Jan. 6 | A citizen parked at Rick Murphy Golf Academy & Practice Center on Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest

Greensboro reported that sometime between 12 noon and 1:10 p.m. an unknown suspect stole the license tag off his vehicle.

Jan. 6 | A resident of the 2500 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect stole a catalytic convertor worth $700 from his vehicle.

Jan. 11 | A resident of the 8500 block of Springbirch Terrace in Stokesdale (near N.C. 68 N) reported multiple guests at the residence had items stolen from their unlocked vehicles between Jan. 10 at 8:30 p.m. and Jan. 11 at 6:50 a.m.; among the items stolen were a beard trimmer, a medical pouch and a Bluetooth speaker.

Jan. 12 | A student at Northwest Guilford Middle School in northwest Greensboro reported an unknown suspect stole white Apple phone accessories worth $130.

...continued on p. 33

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JAN. 20 - FEB. 2, 2022

31

We offer one guarantee: 100% customer satisfaction 32

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 The hardworking crew with Duke Energy and their subcontractors for working around the clock to get our power restored when the windstorm blew through our area earlier this month!  Bistro 150 for supplying coffee for our wonderful teachers and staff at Oak Ridge Elementary, and for always supporting the school!  The kind lady who shared some chicken with me after she purchased a large box at Bi-Rite. That was very generous of you and I’m grateful!  The man in the Nissan Murano who paid for my order last Saturday (Jan. 15) in the Oak Ridge McDonald’s drive-through. It turned my bad day into a good one. I paid it forward to the folks behind me. Thank you!  The nice man who paid for my propane tank exchange at the Citgo in Stokesdale on Saturday (Jan. 15). I will pay it forward! It is great to know there are still great people in this – crazy world today.

(336) 668-0091 • 312 S Regional Rd, Greensboro

 The three men who helped push my Kia through the snow on Sunday evening. I made it home thanks to your selflessness. You are amazing and I cannot thank you enough!

www.piedmonttrucktires.com

 All those who helped clear our neighborhood streets after the snowstorm on Sunday.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 Duke Energy for the extremely slow response in restoring power to the business district of Stokesdale on Jan. 3 after the heavy winds. Just about every business in town was without power for three days. Pitiful!  The level of customer service at the BB&T in Oak Ridge. New employee was expected to handle too much and took care of inside customers first, making me wait way too long in the drive-through to get a check cashed. I miss the former employees!  Town of Oak Ridge for making Happy Tails remove their expensive fence that looks better than the buildings it’s hiding, but ignoring the two eyesores across the street. I guess it’s okay to have a dilapidated abandoned warehouse.  Those who complain about fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Between that day and Independence Day, it’s two nights a year, folks. Relax a little, will ya?  Oak Ridge officials for not supporting a mask mandate earlier this month, hurting local businesses by driving people to shop and eat in Greensboro where it’s safe. It’s public safety, not an individual choice.

What’s next, optional speed limits and stop lights?

 The driver of the white Lexus SUV who picks up your son after school in the middle of Northwest School Road. There is a parent pick-up line which is much safer.  Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge for hiking up the cost of wood bundles after the (wind) storm earlier this month.

Before the storm they were $6.99.

You’re taking advantage of people who actually need wood to stay warm.  All who buy gas, and then gripe about the high price. But thank you for the purchase – you are paying for my retirement through the dividend checks I receive, and I could not be more pleased.

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 Guilford County Commissioners for reinstating a useless mask mandate on the downslope of the latest surge.

They prove it’s just theatre. If it was vital to wear masks, why would they wait a week to vote on it? Will not comply; enough!

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(336) 295-1867 Summerfield reported between Jan. 12 529 College Road, Suite B, Greenboro, NC 27410 529 College Road, Suite B, Greensboro at 4:45 p.m. and Jan. 13 at 10:11 a.m. www.aimhearing.com an www.aimhearing.com unknown suspect stole $1,050 worth of items including one 3-foot copper line, six 3-inch copper light fixtures and one 3.25-inch 10-foot gas line.

WEAPONS/STOLEN VEHICLE Jan. 6 | Officers responded to a weapons offense in the parking lot of Summerfield Village on U.S. 220 N and seized a green/black Glock handgun and 16 gold bullets; a red 2018 Dodge Charger that had been stolen was also recovered at the scene.

It’s coming...

022

Pediatric and adult audiological services

flag. We all know it’s a signal for “no quarter given” (take no prisoners) and a threat of violence. Really – grow up!

CRIME/INCIDENT REPORT ...continued from p. 31 Jan. 13 | A resident of the 8300 block of Wrights Farm Lane in Summerfield (near U.S. 158) reported between Jan. 10 and Jan. 13 an unknown suspect smashed a window to gain entry to the residence, then stole $3,550 worth of items including a man’s and a woman’s orange/black HarleyDavidson leather jacket, a cash box containing coins, a black HP laptop, a black handgun and unopened Amazon packages.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JAN. 20 - FEB. 2, 2022

33

SUMMERFIELD TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ...continued from p. 9

share right now, Whitaker noted.

Closed session. The council recessed the meeting and went into a closed session to consult with the town’s attorney. According to the agenda item, the closed session was “to address the amount of compensation and other material terms of an employment contract as provided under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(5).” After reconvening, no action was taken and the council did not elaborate on its discussion in closed session.

Development fees. The council instructed Whitaker to revise the structure of fees it charges for reviewing and processing rezoning applications for large-acreage projects such as one being proposed by developer David Couch.

The council concurred with Whitaker’s recommendation to continue charging $1,000 for staff’s initial review of rezoning applications while eliminating additional per-acreage charges early in the review process.

The fee will also cover costs for mailing notifications to nearby property owners about rezoning requests.

For later, labor-intensive duties such as site plan reviews by staff and

outside engineering studies, Whitaker proposed the town negotiate fees as part of development agreements for individual projects.

The council revisited the topic after Couch asked the town last summer to reduce its rezoning application fee as he planned to develop about 1,000 acres, including the residential and commercial expansion of Summerfield Farms.

For rezoning requests of more than five acres, Summerfield currently charges an application fee of $1,000 for the first acre and another $200 for each additional acre. That would amount to approximately $201,000 for reviewing and processing a rezoning application for Couch if he were to proceed with his development plans.

COUNCIL BUSINESS Donations. DeVaney said the town plans to formalize the process for people to make tax-deductible donations for a flag display, landscaping and other features at the new town hall not covered by the town’s proposed project plans.

Finance Officer Dee Hall recommended donation forms state that gifts will be spent at the discretion of

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JAN. 20 - FEB. 2, 2022

the council, rather than for purposes specified by donors. In that way, the town won’t be required to spend contributions in ways that don’t align with plans for the town hall, she said.

Town Hall update. Sessoms said the Finance Department has recommended the town consider borrowing part of what is needed for the new town hall versus drawing down its reserves.

The committee suggested “financing a higher amount for a longer term for the new town hall in order not to deplete the fund balance and take advantage of the low interest rates that currently exist,” Sessoms said.

He said he asked the committee to provide financial projections for the council’s consideration.

The committee also expressed “some concern” about the elimination of square footage and other cost reductions when planning for the town hall, Sessoms said.

According to the committee, cost cuts may detract from the council’s goal of constructing a building that will meet the town’s needs for the next 50 years, Sessoms said. (See related article on p. 2.)

With no further council comments, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT FEB. 3 To place a DISPLAY AD in our next issue, contact Laura:

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ...continued from p. 7

Visitors to Guilford County Schools remain limited to deliverymen, essential personnel and parents by appointment, she said.

COUNCIL COMMENTS  Pittman wished everyone a happy new year and Nodine thanked Mountains-toSea Trail and ORYA volunteers.  Kinneman urged everyone to wear masks whenever uncertain about the vaccination status of those around them.

“We need to use masks when it’s appropriate, whether there’s a mandate or not,” he said. “Masks’ primary purpose is not to protect the wearer but to protect the people around the person (wearing a mask.)

It’s a minor inconvenience to help save someone else.”  McClellan said deciding whether to wear a mask should be up to individuals and not required by an “arbitrary, odious mask mandate.”

“I believe it’s got to be your choice to wear a mask,” he said. “We are a nation and a country rich in history of freedom. If you choose, that’s what freedom is.”  Schneider said she’s heartened that more North Carolinians are getting vaccinated.

“If there is any sort of silver lining in a highly contagious variant, it’s that it’s not as lethal as the last variant and it may be moving the needle in getting people to get vaccinated,” she said.

With no further council comments, the meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

 EMPLOYMENT

 EMPLOYMENT

SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955.

The TOWN OF OAK RIDGE is accepting applications for a part-time Parks & Recreation Night Custodian. 25 hrs./week. $13/hr. Flexible schedule may be required. Applicants must have clean NCDL and be able to pass background check. Applications can be found at oakridgenc.com (click on Employment tab). Candidates should submit application to Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road (M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm) or you can email to tlannon@oakridgenc.com.

CARDINAL MILLWORK & SUPPLY. Now hiring full-time warehouse help to assist in loading and unloading building materials. Also hiring full-time drivers.

Hours are 7am-4pm for both positions.

Email chris@cardinalmillwork.com, or apply at 7620 West Market St., Greensboro. (336) 665-9811.

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

KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair. Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience.

4559 US Hwy. 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669.

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX Auto Sales & Service ........ 35 Employment .................... 35 Consignment Sale............ 36 Save the Date/Sale .......... 36 Home Services ........... 36-38 Misc. Services .................. 38 Misc. For Sale .................. 38 Misc. Wanted .................. 38 Real Estate ...................... 38

 EMPLOYMENT (PART-TIME) NANNY, morning or afternoon, needed for two children in Summerfield. Monday-Thursday with flexibility. Must have clean driving record and reliable transportation. Please send information to info@orchiro.com or call (336) 549-4115.

FULL-TIME NURSE (CNA or higher) needed. Oak Ridge Military Academy. Oncampus housing provided if desired. Competitive salary. Please contact Dr. Wilson, (336) 643-4131, ext. 401.

JERSEY MIKE'S SUBS. Come join our team. Now hiring for all shifts at new location in Oak Ridge. Daytime shifts for full and part-time. Great part-time positions for stay-at-home moms. Opportunity for advancement. Excellent benefi ts & competitive pay. Send contact info to hpizza@triad.rr.com, or text/call (336) 202-6129; ask for Albert.

You may also pick up app. at the store in Oak Ridge Marketplace. Apply now.

MR. APPLIANCE of Greensboro is now hiring appliance repair technicians.

Must have great customer service skills. Experience preferred, but willing to train the right candidate. Paid vacations. Company vehicle. No nights or weekends required. $500 sign-on bonus. If interested, text or call Daniel at (252) 363-1510.

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DId�you�snow?�ANSWER KEY From the Kids’ Korner on pg. 26

TRUE. North Carolina averages 5 inches of snow a year (but this amount varies

across the state).

TRUE. A massive storm system in 1993 which became known as the “Storm of the Century” greatly impacted North Carolina.

FALSE. The "1993 Storm of the Century" left Greensboro with 10 inches of snow and Mount Mitchell with 30 inches of snow.

Greensboro had 5.7 inches of snow and Mount Mitchell had 50 inches of snow!

True or false? Greensboro averages the most snowfall in February.

Greensboro averages the most snowfall in January with an average of 3.1 inches.

December averages 1.2 inches, February averages 2.5 inches and March averages 1.7 inches of snow.

The Northwest Totally local1996 since 1996 The Northwest ObserverObserver • Totally•local since

Come join our team. Now hiring for all shifts at new location in Oak Ridge. Daytime shifts for full and part-time.

Great part-time positions for stay-at-home moms. Opportunity for advancement. Excellent benefits & competitive pay.

Send contact info to hpizza@triad.rr.com, or text/call (336) 202-6129, ask for Albert. You may also pick up app. at the store.

continued on p. 36

JAN. 2020 - FEB. 2, 2, 2022 JAN. - FEB. 2022

35 35

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING

SAVE THE DATE/ CONSIGNMENT SALE

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. CASE # RZ-22-01: RS-30 (Residential, minimum 30,000-square-foot lots) to CZ-LO (Conditional Zoning–Limited Office). The property is at 2201 Oak Ridge Road and is located on the north side of Oak Ridge Road, approximately 940 feet west of the intersection of Oak Ridge Road and NC 68 North in Oak Ridge Township.

Guilford County Tax Parcel #165097 (approximately 1.55 acres), owned by Nelson G. Kerley and Ruth K. Kerley. Greensboro (GW-III) Watershed, and Oak Ridge Historic District Overlay Zone.

B. TEXT AMENDMENTS. Amendments to Section 30-254 and 30-1300 of the Town of Oak Ridge Code of Ordinances to ensure compliance with NC General Assembly Session Law 2021-138, specifically to clarify that violations of a city ordinance may be a misdemeanor or infraction only if the city specifies such in the ordinance.

All citizens will be given an opportunity to be heard at these meetings.

CONSIGNMENT SALE KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE. Fri., Mar. 4, 9am-8pm; Sat., Mar. 5, 8am-1pm. Some items 50% off on Sat. St. Paul's Catholic Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, GSO, www.stpaulskidssale.com.

36 JAN. JAN. - FEB. 2022 2020 - FEB. 2, 2, 2022

HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

CKH ELECTRIC, LLC. Give us a call for your next residential, commercial, or industrial project. Free estimates. Licensed, insured, and BBB accredited. (336) 414-4899.

A-ACTION AIR. Heating checkup, $69.95.

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

CLEANING THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN LLC. Back in business. Spring cleaning is just around the corner. I would like to offer my cleaning services. I do detailed cleaning. Licensed, bonded, insured and vaccinated. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

Planning/Zoning Board Jan. 27, 2022, at 7pm Virtually using the Zoom application (For a link to the meeting, visit oakridgenc.com) Oak Ridge Town Council Feb. 3, 2022, at 7pm Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road

HOME SERVICES

KC CLEANING & PAINTING. Deep, basic, move-in/out clean; interior paint and decks. Free estimates. 20 yrs. exp. (336) 604 -3249.

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Trinity Covenant Church 5200 W. Friendly Ave., GSO Trinity Tots to Teens

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

ANNASARAH'S CLEANING. Excellent references. Trustworthy. Family owned business. Free estimates. (336) 543-3941.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Your company should be here!

Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE "We get you mowing!" Comm./res., all models.

2103 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Call (336) 298-4314, LandTsmallengineservice.com.

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

MCGEE'S HANDYMAN SERVICES. Water-damaged wood replacement, bathroom remodel, decks and much more. Call (336) 423-1259.

“No Job Too Small” Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Painting • Decks and much more! • Insured

Contact us for a free estimate!

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

LOW-COST GARAGE DOORS. Repair and sales. 35 years exp. (336) 207-1003.

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.

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

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.

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

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

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.

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

CLOCK SERVICE. Free house calls for sick clocks. 8103 Windspray Dr., Summerfield. (336) 643-9931.

WILSON

Seamless Gutters

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

Stokesdale

336-420-0200

GRADING / HAULING 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.

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

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

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. Call Bobby Lipstreu, (336) 543-7867.

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

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

S&M SEAMLESS GUTTERS. Install new gutters. Repair and clean old gutters. Free estimates. Fully insured. (336) 587-8223 or (336) 709-5944.

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING 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.

Offer a

home service?

Place your ad:

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.

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. 40+ years experience. Lots & natural area thinning & cleanup, large shrubbery jobs. Seasoned firewood delivered. Oak Ridge. (336) 643-1119.

INTEGRITY TREE SERVICE, LLC. Tree removal, risk assessment, tree pruning, dead wood removal. Competitive pricing.

Fully insured. Owner-operated. Call for free estimate, (336) 210-8310.

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

MASONRY SOUTHERN STYLE Concrete & Landscape. 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.

CONCRETE COATINGS Flake Epoxy Systems Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing Decorative Concrete Overlays Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543 Call for your free estimate

The Northwest Totally local1996 since 1996 The Northwest ObserverObserver • Totally•local since

NEW PHASE CONCRETE. Here for all your decorative concrete needs. Specializing in decorative stamp, stained, epoxy and all other concrete poured finishes as well. Also offering refurbishment of existing stamped concrete. Make your existing stamped look like new again! (336) 399-1474 or (336) 595-4654.

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

JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, outbuildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc.

Also can haul mulch. Call (336) 706-8470.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

working in NW Guilford County since 1999

Residential • Commercial • Licensed & Insured

Available 7 days/week

emergencies, parties, preparing for guests, etc.

Owner: Carlos Ruiz

336.669.5210 ● carlospainting14@live.com

FREE ESTIMATES

LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089.

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

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

continued on p. 38

JAN. 2020 - FEB. 2, 2, 2022 JAN. - FEB. 2022

37

 HOME SERVICES

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

(336) 931-0600

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

PLUMBING SIGNATURE PLUMBING. Local, experienced, clean, and work is guaranteed.

Please call (336) 279-6196.

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.

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. WANTED

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

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We fi nance. Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343.

YARN NEEDED to make children's hats for Samaritan's Purse Shoebox Ministry. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155.

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.

DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Call (336) 268-1908

JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured.

NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.

TM

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

Of The Triad

The Bathroom of Your Dreams in as Little as a Day

(336) 497-0765 NCGC License #84330

www.BathPlanetTriad.com AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION. Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements. Licensed & insured. Short wait list. NC general contractors.

(336) 225-7478.

38

JAN. 20 - FEB. 2, 2022

Your company should be here!

Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

 MISC. SERVICES IDOL INSURANCE. Serving Rockingham and northern Guilford County for more than 100 years. Homeowner, automobile, and commercial. 116 East Murphy St., Madison, NC. (336) 548-6818.

Outdoor living spaces | Fire pits

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

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

Construction Services, INC

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. 40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191.

Licensed & insured

NC Gen. Contractor #72797

tmcsi.net

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION, LLC. 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. Please call (336) 362-7469.

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

PAINTING, DECKS AND MORE. Call Premier Construction for free estimates.

(336) 430-9507.

ROOFING PREMIER ROOFING. Commercial/residential. Providing service for all of your roofing needs. Locally owned. Please call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments.

locally owned & operated 6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale

(336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

MUSIC LESSONS at GPA. Summerfield campus offers private and group instruction in guitar, piano, voice, and drums. Sign up for a 4-class introductory today! Please call (336) 549-2228.

PORTABLE WELDING SERVICE. Welding & fabrication services. Call (336) 908-6906.

 MISC. FOR SALE SEASONED FIREWOOD. Any size load delivered or you pick up. Steve Newman Tree Service. Call (336) 643-1119.

SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $90. Call (336) 686-6373.

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

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

FABRIC NEEDED for Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Ministry to make dresses and skirts for girls. Cotton fabrics work best, any amount.

Also need buttons, ribbon, lace trimming, elastic and thread. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155.

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, go-carts, mini-bikes, 4-wheelers, ATVs, golf carts, and yard equipment. (336) 689-4167. $$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328.

 REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL PROP. TRAILER PARK for sale. Great investment. 16+ acres in a rapidly growing area.

Great rental income with a great return on investment. Loads of growth potential. Rockingham County. $349,900. For information please call (561) 254-4387.

LAND FOR SALE HOMESITE. 6108 Gwynedd Rd, Summerfield. 1.3 acres. Perked for 4 BD. Stunning home presentation. Info on site. $85,000.

(336) 643-7071.

LAND WANTED WANTED: LAND. We buy land! Any shape, size, location considered. Cash money!

Please call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

WE’LL BE WE’LL BE BACK IN 3 BACK FEB. PRINT FEB. 3 DISPLAY AD To place a DISPLAY AD in our next issue, contact Laura:

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

ANOTHER LAWSUIT

fill Rotruck’s seat, and later, voting for the town to pay her legal defense fees, Barnes answered emphatically, “Yes!”

Town attorney Bob Hornik told council members at their Jan. 11 meeting that former council member Teresa (Pegram) Perryman, who lost her bid for reelection in November, and former mayoral candidate Danny Nelson, who lost his bid for election in 2019, filed the latest lawsuit; it’s based on a claim that the town improperly spent taxpayer money for the legal defense of former council member Dianne Laughlin.

“When Todd was removed from office, his seat was vacant,” she said.

“We questioned our attorneys and they all said we could do this. We appointed someone who had served the town before and we tried to carry on our business.”

...continued from p. 1

Laughlin served on the council from 2009-2017 before losing her bid for a third term in November 2017, when Perryman and Rotruck were elected to the council. After serving only four months, Rotruck was ousted, and Laughlin was later appointed to fill his seat until the next election in 2019.

The new lawsuit names these defendants: the Town of Summerfield; former mayor pro tem Dena Barnes and council members John O’Day, Reece Walker and Laughlin (the four council members who voted for the town to pay Laughlin’s legal fees after she was sued by Rotruck for filling his seat on the council); the law firm of former town attorney Bill Hill; and attorney Gray Wilson with Nelson Mullins, who represented the town in other lawsuits filed by Rotruck and his supporters.

According to Summerfield Finance Officer Dee Hall, the town has thus far spent $253,279.93 to defend itself in lawsuits related to Rotruck and his removal from office.

In a conversation with the Northwest Observer earlier this week, Barnes said she was “disgusted and disappointed” by Perryman’s and Nelson’s decision to file another lawsuit.

“How many times do you have to sue somebody, cost the town money and get the same answer?” Barnes asked, referring to several Rotruck-related lawsuits in recent years in which judges have ruled in the town’s favor.

When asked if she’s confident she and other council members acted properly when appointing Laughlin to

The matter has been before several judges and the rulings have been in the town’s favor, Barnes stressed.

“And now poor Dianne Laughlin has a target on her,” she continued.

“We didn’t ask for Dianne to get any money for personal use. Once we’re on the town council, we should be represented by an attorney as we go about our duties. This is just more aggravation and chaos, and they’re trying to keep the town from moving forward…

If I could just ask them one question, it would be, ‘Teresa, Danny, what are you really looking for here?’”

Councilman Reece Walker, also a defendant in the most recent lawsuit, said he’s not as upset at being sued as he is about “the waste of time, money and resources. The question has been answered once, and I would be very surprised if they got a different answer to the same question.”

Walker said he also finds it hypocritical that Perryman and Nelson seem concerned about wasting taxpayer dollars, while lawsuits such as this one have cost the taxpayers over $250,000 to date.

“If they were really concerned (about misusing taxpayer dollars), why wouldn’t they just stop?” he asked.

Demands that Perryman and Nelson have included in their lawsuit are that the defendants repay to the town all money spent in legal fees to defend Laughlin; the defendants pay the plaintiffs’ attorney fees and other expenses associated with this lawsuit; and that “a trial by jury be had in all issues so triable.”

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ACCOUNTING

By the Book Accounting ...................... 11 Carlotta Lytton, CPA............................30 Kimberly Thacker Accounting..............30 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC......... 2

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

Beamer Tire & Auto ............................ 16 EuroHaus ......................................28, 35 Piedmont Truck Tires........................... 32 Tire Max................................................ 9

BANK / LENDING

NFM Lending ...................................... 16

BUILDING / REMODELING

Bath Planet .........................................38 Disney Construction Company.............20 Don Mills Builders ................................ 25 Johnson & Lee LLC.............................. 21 Old School Home Repair.....................36 R&K Custom Homes ........................... 17 Ray Bullins Construction ...................... 19 TM Construction Services ....................38 Walraven Signature Homes ................. 19

CANDIDATE

E.L. Melvin for Sheriff ............................ 5

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Merchants of Oak Ridge ....................... 4 Summerfield Merchants Association...... 8

DENTAL SERVICES

Summerfield Family Dentistry .............. 28

EMPLOYMENT

Jersey Mike’s Subs ............................... 35

EVENTS

Summit Church Blood Drive .................. 2 Trinity Covenant Preschool Sale Reg. ..36

EVENT VENUE

The Gardens at Gray Gables ...............29 When asked to comment for this arti- FLORIST cle, Perryman wrote in an email that she Bouquet Boutique Florist ....................... 2 would like to respond and “let the community know,” but she and Nelson could The Observer • Totally local since 1996 not do so at thisNorthwest time.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Forbis & Dick Funeral Services............. 11

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

Southern Foods ................................... 31

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Elvis Mendoza In-Home Massage........30

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BEK Paint Company ............................38 Carlos & Son Painting.......................... 37 Carpets by Direct ................................... 3 CharCo Concrete Coatings .................. 37 Eanes Heating & Air ............................ 22 Rymack Storage ..................................38 Stokesdale Heating & Air..................... 10 Wilson Seamless Gutters ..................... 37

INSURANCE

Gladwell Insurance Agency .................33

LEGAL SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law ........................ 7

MEDICAL / HEARING

Aim Hearing & Audiology....................33 Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist ..... 14 Atrium Health WFB, Summerfield ....... 24 Health Team Advantage ..................... 13 LeBauer HealthCare............................ 18

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics ......................... 27

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital .................30 Northwest Animal Hospital .................... 6

REAL ESTATE

A New Dawn Realty ............................ 11 Carolina Real Estate Pathways LLC...... 23 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX .................... 26 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ............34 Smith Marketing – Allen Tate Realtors. 19

YOUTH SPORTS / PROGRAMS

Oak Ridge Youth Association ................ 7

JAN. 20 - FEB. 2, 2022

39

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Postal Patron

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

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

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celebrating 25 years of covering northwest Guilford County’s local matters