Northwest Observer / Oct. 20 - Nov. 2, 2022

seeks water tank, line study

walks away from crash 3

Bye, bye, bamboo

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE– A thick stand of bamboo in Oak Ridge – a source of fishing poles over the decades – is gone.

Ridge

Oct.

art that soothes the

Business & Real Estate

Over the past week, a contractor hired by Sam Anders, the owner of nearly 4.7 acres at N.C. 150 and Linville Road, cut and pulled up the rambling grove of bamboo, as one of the first steps in redeveloping the property.

Anders, an Oak Ridge accountant and the town’s finance officer, plans to build an office for his accounting practice. Standing in the way –at least until

...continued on p. 4

A field behind the historic Moore house at the corner of N.C. 150 and Linville Road in Oak Ridge that has long been obscured by bamboo was recently cleared. Sam Anders, the new property owner, plans to have an office building constructed on the site for his local accounting firm.

Appraisal of Laughlin school advances town hall exploration

Summerfield’s mayor said he continues to talk to Guilford County Schools and county commissioners about the town possibly buying the property

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – The town of Summerfield has gotten an appraisal of the historic Laughlin school, as part of its exploration of buying and renovating the property for a new town hall.

“We continue to go through that

After abandoning plans last May to move forward with building a new town hall, the Town of Summerfield continues to explore the possible purchase of Laughlin Development Center.

process,” Mayor Tim Sessoms said in an interview last week. He added “there is nothing definite” yet about

whether town leaders will offer to buy the Laughlin property from

File

Photo by Yvonne Truhon/NWO

Council seeks engineering study of water tank, line

Hiring a consultant to conduct a study is the next step in town’s pursuit of a more reliable water supply for firefighting and drinking by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council is moving forward with its exploration of erecting a 250,000-gallon tank and filling it with water from Forsyth County.

The council voted 5-0 during its Oct. 6 meeting to authorize the hiring of a consultant to conduct an engineering study laying out steps to build the tank and line, while securing a letter of commitment from Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Utilities to supply water to Oak Ridge.

The council embraced the recommendation of the town’s Water Advisory

Committee, which favored piping water to an elevated tank over other options presented by consultant Wooten Co. In a study reviewed by the council three months ago, Wooten also raised the possibility of tapping groundwater and placing 30,000-gallon above-ground tanks around town.

Town leaders are exploring options as part of the town’s long-term development of Oak Ridge’s municipal water system. As a first step, the system requires developers of new subdivisions with at least 30 lots to turn over deeds of community wells to the town.

In the longer term, installing a tank or tanks and lines is aimed at improving the reliability of Oak Ridge’s water supply, first to help firefighters and later to supply drinking water.

Despite the council’s unanimous vote earlier this month, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman said a presentation by Brian Hall, vice chair of the Water

Advisory Committee, failed to explain adequately its recommendation for a tank supplied by water from Forsyth County.

“I would have liked to have had a lot more background on the justification” for the committee’s recommendation, Kinneman said. He said he favors improving the town’s water supply, but “I didn’t hear why this solution is better than the other solution.”

As an example, Kinneman said he would like to know how much maintaining a water tank and trunk line would cost, and how homeowners drawing water from private wells would be encouraged to tap into the system.

Hall and council member Spencer Sullivan, who serves as the council’s liaison to the Water Advisory Committee, responded to Kinneman.

“Getting a reliable source of water into this town is really important,” said Hall, explaining that some homeowners

Virtual Care from Your Home

All LeBauer HealthCare practices are o ering virtual care appointments with your provider through a video visit. In-person appointments are also available.

Connect with the healthcare provider that you know and trust from the comfort of home. Virtual appointments are billed to your insurance just like your regular o ce visits. Schedule your appointment at lebauer.com or call your provider’s o ce today.

suffer from an inadequate supply and poor water pressure from private and community wells.

A reliable source of drinking water “becomes a differentiator for our town,” Hall said.

Elevating water in a tank behind Oak Ridge Fire Department on Linville Road would provide a pressurized supply of water to fire tanker trucks, as well as sprinkler systems in commercial and school buildings and churches, he said.

In addition, an elevated tank would supply water to the fire department’s planned training facility, per Sullivan.

Hall and Sullivan said the engineering study will provide a roadmap for the steps Oak Ridge should follow, based upon its ability to pay for the system.

“The primary goal is a municipal water system” that may take 10 to 20 years to develop, Sullivan said. The

lebauer.com

town will rely upon the consultant “to develop the order in which we should proceed.”

Combined, an appropriation of $1.1 million from the state General Assembly and $3.265 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds would pay for the elevated tank and a portion of the water line, Sullivan said. The state legislature may be willing to pay for the rest of the line, he added.

“We have to think about the future,” council member George McClellan said. A reliable water supply “is essential for the long-term interests of our town.”

“I think it is important that we continue taking incremental steps,” council member Martha Pittman added. “It’s only smart for us to start working toward finding a long-term solution. Requesting a study, to me, is the next step.”

Pilot walks away after crashing small plane in the Cardinal

The pilot of a small airplane that crashed Oct. 6 in the Cardinal neighborhood in northwest Greensboro walked away with only a few scrapes. The house the plane crashed into sustained damage, but no one on the ground was injured.

by CHRIS BURRITT

NW GREENSBORO – Veteran pilot

Wesley Parker survived the crash of his small airplane Thursday, Oct. 6, with a few scrapes and surprise “that I walked away from it.”

The blue-and-yellow biplane crashed between two houses on Birkdale Drive in the Cardinal subdivision about 4:20 p.m. after its engine sputtered and finally died, Parker told WFMY TV 2 in an interview Oct. 7. The pilot of 50 years was returning to Piedmont

Triad International (PTI) Airport after performing a short test flight, he said.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. Airport police and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting responded to the scene, along with Greensboro police and fire, PTI said in a news release quoted by local news organizations. Flights at the airport were not affected.

No one on the ground was injured.

Snap Fitness Oak Ridge is here to support the fitness efforts of everyone at every level. We offer a 24/7 gym experience, personal training, group classes, and we are now offering massage therapy!

Contact us at (336) 643-5501 and be on your way to healthy living. You deserve it. Use the QR code to book your massage appointment today!

Photos courtesy of Josh Nelson

OUR TEAM

Patti Stokes, editor/publisher

Laura Reneer, marketing manager

Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant

Rene Collins, administrative assistant Yvonne Truhon, graphic designer Leon Stokes, IT director

Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz and Tom McCoy, distribution

Chris Burritt, staff writer; Helen Ledford, Lily Pierce and Annette Joyce, contributing writers

HOW TO REACH US email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions @ nwobserver.com phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006 office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 hours: vary, so please call before dropping by

TO ADVERTISE? Contact us at (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 display: advertising@nwobserver.com classified: classifieds@nwobserver.com

Independently owned & published by

BYE, BYE BAMBOO

from

now – were bamboo trees, some wispy, some thick but all tenacious and tough to kill. Getting rid of the bamboo required two steps: bringing down and hauling away the trees and then scraping the roots out of the ground, Anders said in a recent interview.

While the origin of the bamboo isn’t entirely clear, Dana Sigmon, a former owner of the property, recalled that Oliver and Evie Edwards planted the trees to block the view of their outhouse. The couple lived in the historic Moore house at the corner of Highway 150 and Linville Road.

The trees “have been there over 60 years,” said Bud Blaylock, who grew up across Linville Road from the bamboo stand. “My grandfather Tom Blaylock used to get one every now and then for fishing poles.”

Blaylock and Sigmon recently recalled the history of the bamboo in posts on the Old Oak Ridge, NC, Facebook page.

Vote early now through Nov. 5, or on Election Day, Nov. 8

NW GUILFORD COUNTY – Early voting for the Nov. 8 mid-term election opens Thursday, Oct. 20, at 15 locations throughout Guilford County and will continue daily through Saturday, Nov. 5 – except on Saturday, Oct. 22, and Sunday, Oct. 23, when there is no early voting at any site.

In northwest Guilford, early voting sites are at Bur-Mil Club, 5834 Bur-Mil Club Road, Greensboro, and at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, Oak Ridge.

During the early voting period, voters can vote at any of the early voting sites, regardless of their assigned precinct.

Citizens who are not registered to vote may register at early voting sites during the early voting period, provided they are a U.S. citizen, are 18 years of age or will be by the election, and can provide proof they have lived in Guilford County for at

least 30 days prior to the election. After registering, the newly registered voter can immediately vote at that same site.

On Election Day, Nov. 8, citizens must vote at their assigned precinct. Polls will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

For a list of early voting sites and early voting dates/times, info about what you need to register to vote, candidates, a sample ballot and other voter information, visit www.guilfordcountync.gov/ our-county/board-of-elections.

PLANE CRASH

from p.

The plane was badly damaged and caused damage to one of the houses, which was unoccupied. The crash damaged a fence and siding, broke a window and crushed the air conditioning condenser unit.

Two blocks away, neighbors Josh Nelson and Nick Morton were standing outside and talking when they heard the plane passing overhead.

from

“We heard this loud noise coming and it didn’t sound good,” Nelson said in an interview earlier this week. “Then the engine just went silent. We saw it nosediving and heard a dull boom like a car crash.”

Morton called 911 as the pair drove around looking for the crash. When they found it, emergency personnel had arrived. The pilot was standing in the driveway, Nelson said.

“There was no smoke or fire,” he said. “It was an odd afternoon.”

Derek Mobley is committed to making the Northwest a great place for families.

DEREK MOBLEY for County Commissioner

Democrat District 3 Your Voice. Your Government.

Derek's Pledge to the People of District 3

I will represent you through responsible, effective, and active leadership on the Board of Commissioners. This means showing up with your needs in mind, following through on my commitments, and responding frankly to your questions (even when we disagree).

more

Derek Mobley will always go the extra mile to support our students, schools, and teachers.

Derek Mobley believes in a government that protects our common interests.

Derek Mobley will value and respect our first responders.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Derek Mobley

voted

6

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

reported by CHRIS BURRITT

From left, Scouts Jacob Claspell and his sisters Sophia and Lindsay lead the Pledge of Allegiance at Oak Ridge Town Council’s Oct. 6 meeting in Town Hall.

OAK RIDGE – Mayor Ann Schneider called the monthly meeting in Town Hall to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Martha Pittman and Spencer Sullivan present.

Mike Carr, pastor of Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, offered the invocation. Scouts Lindsay and Sophia

Claspell and their brother, Jacob, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The sisters belong to Scouts BSA Troop 219 (girls) and Jacob belongs to Troop 600 (boys).

ANNOUNCEMENT

Change of meeting location. Due to early voting taking place in the council’s chambers Oct. 20 – Nov. 5, Schneider

and HOW they voted:

Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Martha Pittman and Spencer Sullivan voted on the following items during the council’s Oct. 6 meeting:

Reappoint Larry Stafford as representative for the town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (south) on the Planning and Zoning Board

Approve the town’s match of the $11,069.48 the Special Events Committee raised in the third quarter for the Veterans Honor Green

Approve schedules for retention of town records

Seek a proposal for engineering services and recommendations for proceeding with two components of the town’s municipal water system – a water tank and a water line from Forsyth County

Hire Hill Studio to provide bid assistance and construction administration for renovation and expansion of the Farmhouse Community Center

Approve spending $22,400 for consultant McGill Associates to perform additional work at Heritage Farm Park

said the council’s Nov. 3 meeting will be held in the family life center of Oak Ridge First Baptist Church at 2445 Oak Ridge Road (N.C. 150).

PUBLIC SAFETY

Sheriff’s Office. Cpl. J. Swaringen reported the sheriff’s District 1 office responded to 191 calls in Oak Ridge in September, including some vehicle break-ins in the Linville Oaks neighborhood. He urged homeowners to place their valuables out of sight and lock their cars, as well as consider installing security cameras on their property.

McClellan suggested the sheriff’s office assign a deputy to Tarleton Drive to discourage speeding by parents dropping off their children at Oak Ridge Elementary School in the mornings.

Oak Ridge Fire Department. Chief Ken Gibson said the department responded to 78 calls last month, including 33 emergency-related incidents, six vehicle accidents and one vehicle fire. Personnel obtained 847 hours of training.

Firefighters ran nine calls related to Hurricane Ian, which produced heavy rain and winds that knocked down some trees and power lines, Gibson said. Crews tried to discourage motorists from driving over downed utility lines by blocking the roadway with orange cones and fire tape.

After returning to the scene, firefighters discovered the cones and tape had been removed by a motorist or motorists who drove over the lines, Gibson said.

Photo by Chris Burritt/ NWO

In the future, the chief urged drivers to avoid a potentially hazardous situation by turning around at the cones and finding another way.

“We don’t put those out for your inconvenience,” he said. “ ey are there for a good reason.”

MANAGER’S BUSINESS Reappointment

 5  0 to reappoint Larry Stafford as representative for the town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (south) on the Planning and Zoning Board.

Matching funds  5  0 to approve matching of the $11,069.48 raised by the Special Events Committee in the third quarter for the Veterans Honor Green.

Earlier, the council pledged to match up to $34,000 in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. It also agreed to match a $50,000 state grant.

Fundraising by the committee in the quarter ended Sept. 30, coupled with the town’s match, totals $22,138.96. That brings overall contributions for the proposed veterans’ site in Heritage Farm Park to $145,983.70, according to a memo from Sandra Smith, assistant town manager and town clerk.

“We’re getting “closer and closer” to the goal of $200,000 for the veterans’ site, committee Chair Patti Dmuchowski said later in the meeting.

Records retention  5  0 to approve schedules for retaining records, such as documents related to code enforcement and municipal taxes, as required by state law. In addition, the council adopted a retention policy for records pertaining to federal COVID-19 financial relief received by Oak Ridge.

Smith stressed to the council that, as clerk, she “never gets rid of any records unless we come to you and ask permission.”

NEW BUSINESS Engineering study of water tank and lines

 5  0 to seek and retain a

consulting firm to prepare a written proposal to provide engineering services and recommendations for proceeding with two components of the town’s municipal water system – a water tank behind the fire station on Linville Road and running a line to bring water into Oak Ridge from Forsyth County.

As part of the process, the council also plans to seek a letter of commitment from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities to supply water to Oak Ridge.

Even though he voted to proceed with engineering work, Kinneman told Brian Hall, vice chair of the Water Advisory Committee, he wanted to know more about the committee’s “nuts and bolts” deliberations leading to its recommendation for an engineering evaluation of a water tank and water line. (See related article on p. 2.)

Farmhouse Community Center  5  0 to hire Hill Studio, a Roanoke, Virginia-based design firm, to provide bid assistance and construction administration for renovation and expansion of the Farmhouse Community Center.

The approval of the $17,500 contract with Hill Studio advances plans for restoring the historic Redmon house at Linville Road and Lisa Drive in Town Park. Earlier this year, town leaders decided to name the 1930s-era house the Farmhouse Community Center, reflecting plans to convert the structure into a public meeting place for clubs, parties and other events.

The council also authorized town staff to advertise the project for bids.

“I’m glad we’re at this point of moving forward,” McClellan said. While the cost of the renovation isn’t yet definite, he added, “It’s overall a worthy project.”

Soliciting bids for the project will clarify actual costs, according to Schneider. Earlier, the council earmarked $455,000 in the current fiscal year’s budget for the project.

An appropriation of $305,000 in federal pandemic relief funds – approved by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners in August – and a state grant for

on p. 8

OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL

$75,000 will help cover project costs.

Heritage Farm Park update

 5  0 to approve the expenditure of $22,400 for consultant McGill Associates to perform additional work at Heritage Farm Park.

McGill plans to revise construction drawings for the park to accommodate the use of a new primary well and secondary well as water sources for the park, per a memo from Town Manager Bill Bruce. Earlier, the town abandoned a plan to use an existing well after a drawdown test determined the source was inadequate for use in the new park.

McGill estimated completion of engineering work and approval by regulatory agencies will take about eight weeks, according to Bruce. At that point, the town can seek bids from contractors for the project, he said.

Later in the meeting, finance officer Sam Anders said rising interest rates means the town will pay an interest rate

from

exceeding 3% to borrow for development of the park. About a year ago, the town had expected to secure a rate of less than 3% for the park.

Even so, Anders said, “Historically speaking, it’s still going to be a relatively good rate.”

He added that two banks, Truist and Piedmont Federal, are prepared to resume negotiations with the town to provide financing for the park.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 Derek Mobley, a Democratic candidate for the District 3 county commissioners’ seat, said he supports the careful spending of proceeds from the sale of school bonds. He added that he favors the extension of broadband access to rural areas of the county and the expansion of municipal water services for economic development.

COMMUNITY UPDATES Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee.

Committee member Mike Kimel reported the committee is hosting a ceremony celebrating the opening of the Headwaters Trail this coming Friday, Oct. 21. Starting at 2 p.m., it will be held in picnic shelter No. 2 at Town Park.

Brent Lorenz, executive director of Friends of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a statewide organization, will be the keynote speaker. After the ceremony, volunteers will guide hikes of the trail.

Later in the meeting, Kinneman said Oak Ridge “is on the map because of our trails.”

Special Events Committee. Chair Patti Dmuchowski said the town’s Veterans Day ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, at the Town Park amphitheater.

Light Up the Night festivities are planned for Saturday, Dec. 3, with more than 1,300 luminaries plus a fireworks show being among event highlights, Dmuchowski said.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Co-chair John Browning reported the committee is preparing for a “bigger and better” Music in the Park series next year after wrapping up this season with performances by two bands earlier this month.

Historic Preservation Commission. Chair Debbie Shoenfeld reported the commission is continuing to edit and review its book about historic properties in Oak Ridge.

Kinneman told Shoenfeld that Preservation Oak Ridge, the nonprofit that owns the historic Ai Church, would like to meet with the commission to discuss ways the two preservation groups can

NORTHWEST

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

(336) 643-8984

collaborate on projects.

Oak Ridge Youth Association. Randy Collins, ORYA’s community relations director, said the association is hosting the Halloween Terror Trail at Town Park this coming Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22, and the following Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29. Proceeds will go to Backpack Ministries.

COUNCIL COMMENTS



“There is a lot going on here,” said Sullivan, explaining he’s impressed by projects such as the development of Heritage Farm Park and the Veterans Honor Green. Those efforts wouldn’t be possible without volunteers, he noted.

The councilman also expressed his appreciation for the work of first responders during Hurricane Ian.

 Pittman said volunteerism in Oak Ridge goes far beyond the work of committees and scheduled activities.

“There is a lot of work that goes on that doesn’t get recognized,” she noted.

 McClellan also expressed his appreciation to volunteers for “doing a fabulous job” on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Heritage Day and other activities.

 Kinneman said WiFi is “up and running” in Town Park after a contractor installed equipment at the concessions stand and the two picnic shelters.

 Schneider thanked the three Scouts who led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The mayor added that Oak Ridge United Methodist Church has agreed for its family life center to serve as an alternative site for next year’s Music in the Park series in the event of rain. Details of the arrangement are still being worked out, she said.

Loving care for pets and their families Wendy Camp, DVM 1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-8984 www.nw-animal-hospital.com

Full-service medicine, surgery and dentistry Surgical and therapeutic laser

STOKESDALE town council

Oct. 13 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES

Mayor Mike Crawford called the monthly council meeting in Stokesdale Town Hall to order at 7:03 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy and council members Jimmy Landreth and Tim Jones were present (councilman Jim Rigsbee was absent), as were the town clerk, deputy clerk, finance officer, attorney and about 20 citizens and community representatives. Following the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, Rev. Jerry Walker offered an opening prayer.

The meeting agenda was approved after moving one item further down on the agenda list.

PROCLAMATION

Crawford read a proclamation in support of recognizing November as Family Court Awareness Month.

“The month of November provides an excellent opportunity for our town of Stokesdale to demonstrate its support in recognizing the importance of a family court system that prioritizes child safety and acts in the best interest of the child,” per the proclamation.

Councilman Jimmy Landreth asked who added this proclamation to the agenda (Crawford said he had done so) and what group was sponsoring the awareness month.

Councilman Tim Jones said he had firsthand knowledge of parents abusing their children and Landreth said he supported the concept but felt the council should have more information about an organization before declaring a proclamation in support of its initiatives.

“We read about organizations getting money and not spending it properly,” he explained.  4  0 to approve the proclamation, per Jones’s motion, pending Town Clerk Dale Martin confirming the organization’s legitimacy.  3  1 to approve Oct. 14, 2021 meeting minutes (Jones opposed, explaining he didn’t feel it was appropriate for him to vote to approve them since he wasn’t on the council at the time of that meeting).

4  0 to approve minutes from the Sept. 8, 2022 meeting.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Randy Southard, Stokesdale Fire Department’s deputy chief, reported the department responded to 85 calls for service in September; 37 were medicalrelated; 11 were fire-related; and 37 were miscellaneous.

Southard said this week was the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week (NFPA –National Fire Prevention Association – has sponsored the public

observance of Fire Prevention Week since 1922 and it is observed every year during the week of Oct. 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on Oct. 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage).

Southard said this year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week is “fire won’t wait, plan your escape.” Home fires burn much faster than in years past, he noted, saying it used to take five to seven minutes and is now down to about two minutes.

Southard also advised everyone to have smoke alarms installed throughout their house, test them periodically, and replace them about every 10 years. And if an alarm does go off in your house, “get out,” he advised.

Jones asked where information about fires burning faster could be found and Southard directed him to NFPA.org.

Jones then asked if Southard could provide a copy of the fire department’s budget and Southard said one was available at the fire station for anyone to review.

Patrick Tillman is Endorsed by Prosperity High Point for Guilford County Commissioner

Invested In Updating Our Schools for Students and Teachers

Prioritized School Safety to Keep Students Safe at School Advocated for Responsible Spending on The School Board and Will Do the Same as Our County Commissioner

Patrick Tillman - A Proven Leader for Northwest Guilford County

ADMINISTRATIVE

Town Clerk Dale Martin reported the number of water meters installed, applications for new water service, water meters on hold by builders and water meters in stock, and said 707 water customers were billed in September.

Martin said Jorge Ortega, the county’s director of Animal Services, recently met with Mayor Crawford and town staff to discuss animal control services

and the animal shelter.

Justin Snyder, a senior planner with Guilford County Planning Department, has replaced Oliver Bass as the town’s planner contracted through the county, Martin said.

Deputy clerk Robbie Wagoner watered the soccer fields twice in the last week, Martin said, and he also obtained a new map of streets in Stokesdale and a map showing areas of contamination.

Following up on Jones’s request last month, Martin said 24-inch x 30-inch copies of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, state constitution and Bill of Rights could be purchased online for as little as $45.95 each.

Stokesdale Town Hall will be a voting site on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.

FINANCIALS

Kim Thacker presented financial

overviews for the General and Water Enterprise accounts and noted past-due balances (90+ days) on active water accounts total $941.97 and $5,067.62 on inactive accounts.

Audit. When asked if the town is on track for the annual audit, with an Oct. 31 deadline, Thacker said she sent documentation on Sept. 6 to the accounting firm conducting the audit ... continued on p. 12

| (336) 299-9171

8500

At A New Dawn Realty, our team is passionate about serving the needs of our local community. We strive to offer top-notch service and have always been willing to go the extra mile to achieve our clients’ best interests.

Our team combines exceptional energy and experience, and you’ll feel confident you made the right decision if you allow us to assist you! Visit our website or Facebook page to view our clients’ testimonials.

Road,

Todd Harmon

and after reaching out a second time she received a confirmation the firm has what it needs to move forward.

Friends of Stokesdale. Thacker said that recently, at the mayor’s request, she had reviewed financials which FOS provided in 2019 when the nonprofit organization requested and received funding from the town for a mural to be painted on the side of a downtown building.

After reviewing the original numbers FOS provided and comparing them to expense receipts, Thacker said she determined $2,729.83 – or 59.8% – of the $4,532.19 the nonprofit received directly related to the mural; the rest, she said, was used for T-shirts, refreshments, music and other expenses related to the mural dedication ceremony, which was outside of the proposed budget the nonprofit presented to the town.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

 Josh Myers introduced himself as the Guilford County Soil and Water Conservation district supervisor and vice chair of the county’s five-member Soil & Water Conservation District Board.

Myers gave an overview of the services provided by the conservation district, which he said has been around for over 85 years and brings together technical experts and private landowners to provide sound conservation practices for agricultural and nonagricultural land and protect natural resources.

“We understand development is important, but we would also like to see sustainability for the land we have left,” Myers said. He encouraged the town to use the conservation district’s available resources.

 Michael Stys, assistant principal of Stokesdale Elementary School,

requested the town fund a deputy to direct morning traffic during the first week of school.

NEW BUSINESS

Presentation: request for funding. Stokesdale Elementary principal Allison Bennett told the council she grew up in northwest Guilford County, her grandfather was born in a house across from Stokesdale Elementary, and she graduated from Northwest High School.

Bennett then asked the council to consider funding a deputy during morning hours of the first week of school to help commuters, bus drivers and parents dropping off their children as they adjust to the new school year’s traffic flow.

With almost 500 students at the school and another 140 houses in a new development underway near the school, Bennett said traffic on U.S. 158 was continuously increasing.

An off-duty “Tier 3” deputy is paid $60/hour, and works a minimum of three hours, Bennett said – so, the cost

would be $900 for the week. She said she had hoped to fund a deputy this past August out of the school’s budget, but her annual budget had been cut by $9,000; fortunately, thanks to an anonymous donation, the school was able to secure a deputy in August.

Landreth said he was irritated that neither Guilford County Schools nor the sheriff’s office is willing to fund a deputy to direct traffic during the first week of school.

 4  0 to have town staff draft a resolution requesting Guilford County Board of Education and/or the sheriff’s office provide resources to fund a deputy to direct morning traffic at Stokesdale Elementary during the first week of school.

If funding for a deputy isn’t secured, the council agreed to discuss the issue during budget deliberations next spring.

As a follow-up, Jones said the town will continue prompting NCDOT to come up with a solution to the traffic

... continued on p. 47

since 1996

Touch-A-Truck returns!

Photos by Kelli Jessup/NWO

After being on hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID, Summerfield’s “Touch-ATruck” event returned to Summerfield Athletic Park on Saturday, Oct. 8, much to the delight of hundreds of young explorers who enjoyed touching, climbing onboard and “driving” a wide variety of big and little vehicles. In photo at top left, Vulcan Materials employees pass out giveaways to children who visited their table; as in past years, the company also provided and grilled hot dogs for everyone who attended. Town Manager Scott Whitaker said the event was a “huge success.”

SUMMERFIELD town council

Oct. 11 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by CHRIS BURRITT

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted:

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

How Big Can Your Future Be?

The opportunities this world presents are boundless. Your financial plan can be, too.

What can you do with your life? Anything you want. If you have the right plan … and a financial partner that knows how to turn plans into reality.

Like First Citizens Wealth Management. We’re part of America’s largest family-controlled financial company. And we bring a long-term perspective to helping people understand what they want from their future – and how to get it. First Citizens Wealth Management. Forever First.®

firstcitizens.com/wealth

SUMMERFIELD – Mayor Tim Sessoms called the monthly meeting in Summerfield Community Center to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Jeff Davis, Janelle Robinson, Reece Walker and John Doggett present.

DeVaney offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Touch-A-Truck. Town Manager Scott Whitaker said the Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, Oct. 8, was “a huge

success.” He thanked Vulcan Materials for providing and grilling hot dogs (free to everyone who attended), as well as town staff for helping organize the event and people who brought vehicles for children to inspect.

Later in the meeting, Jane Doggett said the event was “fabulous” with “hundreds of darling little children running absolutely wild” touching vehicles and blowing horns. Councilman Doggett, who is Jane’s son, also thanked volunteers.

on p. 14

INVESTMENTS | INSURANCE | RETIREMENT

Your investments in securities, annuities and insurance are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency and may lose value. They are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by any bank or bank affiliate and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

First Citizens Wealth Management is a registered trademark of First Citizens BancShares, Inc. First Citizens Wealth Management products and services are offered by First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC; First Citizens Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, an SEC-registered broker-dealer and investment advisor; and First Citizens Asset Management, Inc., an SEC-registered investment advisor.

Brokerage and investment advisory services are offered through First Citizens Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/ SIPC. First Citizens Asset Management, Inc. provides investment advisory services.  Bank deposit products are offered by First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC.

SUMMERFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

...continued from p. 13

Tree lighting. Whitaker said the annual holiday tree lighting is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19.

Meeting date change. Whitaker reminded council members that their next monthly meeting has been rescheduled from Tuesday, Nov. 8 – the date of the general election –to Thursday, Nov. 10, because the community center where council meetings are normally held is a polling place.

Committee volunteers needed. Whitaker encouraged residents to apply to serve on the town’s boards and committees. The Board of Adjustment, Planning Board, Finance Committee, Founders’ Day Committee, Historical Committee and Trails and Open Space Committee need regular members or alternates, per a post on the town’s Facebook page earlier this month.

New tablecloths. Sessoms thanked Sarah Tibbetts, the new town clerk, for

purchasing black cloths for the folding tables in the community center where council and committee members sit during meetings.

“This really dresses up the place,” the mayor said. “She’s here just a month and she’s changing the world.”

Pre-meeting meal. Robinson prepared soup for council members and others to eat before the meeting. Sessoms said he’s going to fix food – possibly chili – for the council’s November meeting while DeVaney plans to bring dessert.

Sessoms said he hopes the allure of a free meal may help increase attendance at the meeting.

Triad Honor Flight. Walker said he planned to accompany Summerfield resident and veteran John Dye on Oct. 12 for the Triad Honor Flight, when 97 veterans would fly free-ofcharge to Washington, D.C., to visit war memorials.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Summerfield Fire District. The fire department reported it responded to 123 calls in September, 35 of which were fire-related, 58 were EMS-related and 30 were miscellaneous. Firefighters installed 26 child safety seats.

The department urged people to use caution when burning outdoor fires. It also recommended that homeowners prepare and practice a fire escape plan from their homes and install smoke alarms and test them monthly. Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s District 1 office reported it responded to 255 calls in Summerfield last month, resulting in 16 formal case reports; 30 of the calls were related to suspicious activity, 41 were related to traffic incidents and one was a residential burglary.

The sheriff’s office is also investigating the Sept. 27 breaking and entering of Highway 220 Tobacco and Vape at 4446 U.S. 220 North.

A vehicle break-in occurred last month at the Anna Long Marshall

Wayside parking lot on U.S. 220, which provides access to the A & Y Greenway. Motorists were reminded and urged to keep purses and other valuables out of sight when their vehicles are unattended.

PUBLIC COMMENTS



Gail Dunham urged town staff to post minutes of meetings on Summerfield’s website as soon as possible. In response, Whitaker said the minutes “are online when they should be.”

Dunham said some residents are reluctant to serve on town boards and committees out of concern that Sessoms might call and “berate and insult” them.

In response, Sessoms said he’s “never called one citizen in this town and been ugly or in any way berating to them. And that includes you, when you called and were ugly and berating to me.”

When Dunham persisted in speaking from the audience, Sessoms said “your time is up” three times before asking her if she would like to leave.

“Are you going to throw me out?” she asked.

“The sheriff will if you don’t be quiet,” he responded.

CLOSED SESSION

The council took no action after emerging from a closed session to discuss a possible real estate transaction.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Land use plan. Council members Davis and DeVaney were assigned to meet with the town’s Land Use Plan Steering Committee to discuss revisions to the draft of the long-range planning document.

The council and the Planning Board reviewed the plan on Sept. 26 at a joint public meeting; the board is also going to assign one of its members to the steering committee.

In their Sept. 26 meeting, some members of the council and the board expressed concern about incorporating language regarding subsidized housing and sewer services in the final document.

Following the receipt of committeerecommended revisions, the board and the council plan to gather feedback on the plan in separate public hearings, according to Whitaker. Codifying ordinances. The council instructed Whitaker to find out how much a vendor would charge to improve on how town ordinances are made accessible to the public.

The ordinances can be viewed in binders in Town Hall as well as on the town’s website, Whitaker told the council in a memo. The ordinances are indexed in both places, but the process isn’t as easy to use “as a full-blown codification” designed by a vendor putting the information online.

In its present form, the ordinance is not as conducive to indexing, Whitaker

said, which makes the town’s approach “lacking from a ‘best practices’ standpoint.”

Strategic planning retreat. The council tentatively scheduled its annual strategic planning retreat for Saturday, Feb. 11, in the community center. Whitaker will arrange for a member of Piedmont Triad Regional Council’s staff to lead the meeting.

Text amendment rules. The Planning Board plans to hold a public hearing during its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24, to gather viewpoints on proposed changes to rules for considering applications for text amendments to the UDO (unified development ordinance).

The council plans to hold a public hearing during its Nov. 10 meeting to hear views on the same topic.

Dog park update. Whitaker said a crew cleared undergrowth and removed some trees from the site of the future dog park near the Summerfield Community Park amphitheater.

Next, town staff plans to get a price for installing a fence at the park, he said.

Staff promotion. Brad Rentz has been promoted from planner to planning manager, Whitaker announced.

COUNCIL BUSINESS

Unsealing of closed session minutes  5  0 to unseal one set of closed minutes at the recommendation of Town Attorney Bob Hornik. He said he authorized the opening of a single set of minutes after reviewing about 10 sets of closed minutes from the past 2 ½ years. Minutes that remain sealed deal with personnel matters and pending litigation, he said.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Hurricane volunteers. DeVaney thanked residents who volunteered earlier this month to remove trees from driveways of elderly residents and others after Hurricane Ian brought heavy rain and wind to the area.

With no further council comments, the meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

ELECT PHIL BYRD Nov. 8 FOR GUILFORD COUNTY SHERIFF

We need a Sheriff:

Who understands the duties and responsibilities of an elected Sheriff. We need a Sheriff with the knowledge, integrity, and experience to successfully lead a staff of 673 members, oversee an operational budget of $70 million, and the responsibil ity of two major jail complexes. The current leadership has failed the employees and citizens of Guilford County.

Why Phil Byrd?

I served 30 years, over half of my life, as a Guilford County Deputy Sheriff. I developed my education, experience, and leadership from the ground up. I began my career as a Detention Officer, working through the ranks of the Sheriff’s Office. I served as a Detective Sergeant for 9 years, Operations Lieu tenant for 3 years, and 10 years as a Captain, commanding 4 separate divisions before my retirement in 2014. I continued my sworn status until December 2018. There are few qualifications to place your name on a ballot for Sheriff. It is up you, the voter, to make sure the candidate possesses the qualifications to lead the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office.

Qualifications:

John Wesley College, B.A. Management & Christian Ethics

● University of Louisville, Advanced Certificate Police Science & Administration ● 22 years N.C. Certified Law Enforcement Instructor ● 15 Years N.C. Certified Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor ● 22 years supervisory and command level experience ● Lifelong resident of Guilford County

What I will do as your Sheriff:

• I will put the law-abiding citizen first.

• I will hold myself accountable to you.

• I will work tirelessly to provide the safety your communities deserve.

• I will place emphasis on making our schools safer for students and staff by building proposals with “facts and dollars” and garnering support from local government and school leaders. Not only will I identify the problems, I will deliver plans to solve the problems.

• I will promote and build the morale of officers.

• I will be fiscally responsible with your tax dollars.

• I will earn the loyalty and respect of my staff based on supportive leadership and my wiliness to lead by example.

Experience matters more than ever!

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT PHIL BYRD SHERIFF

early voting begins

Elect CONSERVATIVE, yet TENACIOUS leaders who will work for “We The People” not the establishment

Alan BRANSON

Guilford County Commissioner At-Large

• Former Guilford County Commissioner, serving as vice-chair and chair

• Third-generation owner of local family trucking business

• The bull stops here. Not a rubber-stamp politician.

Yard art that soothes the soul

Summerfield’s Phillip Cox built a waterwheel in his backyard so he can listen to falling water

Demetria CARTER

Guilford County Board of Education At-Large

• Graduate of George Mason University, Juris Doctorate degree from Duke University School of Law.

• As an attorney for the Federal Government, practiced adminis trative and federal contract law.

• Students and parents, first and always. Education, not indoctrination.

www.jabranson4countycommissioner.com www.demetriacarter.com

Summerfield resident Phillip Cox stands beside his newest backyard creation, a 7-foot-tall, functioning waterwheel. A cross illuminated by solar-powered lights sits atop the structure.

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – For Phillip Cox, retiring earlier this year accelerated the completion of his newest backyard creation – a 7-foot-tall waterwheel.

Next on Cox’s to-do list is the installation of a gazebo near the waterwheel. “It’s going to be nice to sit there and listen to the water,” he said in a recent interview.

night when two lights illuminate the wheel. A lighted cross atop the structure casts a glow. In the darkness, he imagines he’s in the mountains where a rushing stream – not piped water – is creating the sound of tumbling water that muffles the noise of traffic on U.S. 220.

It helps “tune out the road,” said Cox’s wife, Brenda.

Made of treated lumber and metal

Elect Carter for

County Board of Education

Paid for by Branson for Guilford County Commissioner at Large and Committee

As he awaits the installation of the gazebo, Cox enjoys sitting outside at

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Although rising interest rates are credited with the real estate market in northwest Guilford County leveling out, houses such as this one which recently sold on Kandi Drive in Stokesdale are still in high demand, with sellers getting at or very near asking price. Custom homebuilders are also still seeing high demand and strong interest in custom built homes in the $800,000 to $1 million price range.

‘It’s still a seller’s market’

Courtesy photo

new advertisers

Thank you to the businesses, organizations and individuals who advertise in the Northwest Observer and make it possible to provide this community resource at no charge to our readers.

Employee Benefits Marketplace

“Driven by service, not sales”

Marcy Sykes and Jamie Dowdy, co-owners of Employee Benefits Marketplace, have 65 years of combined experience in the insurance industry and started their business in January 2006 after working for a large insurance broker in Greensboro.

“We started our own business to focus on small groups and individuals,” Marcy and Jamie said. “As independent insurance brokers, we represent all major insurance companies. The foundation of our business is Jesus Christ and it is our desire to honor Him in all that we say and do.”

Employee Benefits Marketplace

handles group employee benefits, Medicare supplement and Advantage plans and individual medical, dental, vision and life insurance. For individual medical insurance, the company offers plans with or without subsidies.

“Unlike many insurance brokers, we are driven by service, not sales,” Marcy and Jamie said. “We are available to our clients 24/7/365.”

The two women are founders of the Triad Professional Christian Women (PCW) chapter, are both involved in their churches, and volunteer with organizations such as Relay for Life.

On a personal note: “We don’t have much leisure time but when we do, we enjoy spending it with our families, going to the

Trusted Brands Quality Service

lake, the pool, or the beach,” they said.

Marcy has an adult daughter, one grandson and two dogs. Jamie is married, has two adult children, three grandchildren, a cat and a dog.

Jamie was born and raised in Summerfield and moved to Oak Ridge over 20 years ago. In years past, you may have seen her at the gym or the ballfield cheering on her children. She and her husband, Steve, were very involved in Oak Ridge Youth Association for many years and served as softball and baseball directors.

into separate companies, Casey formed CJ Builders, with Commie overseeing the administrative side of the business and Casey overseeing the construction side. Just as with Johnson & Lee, CJ Builders focuses on building quality custom homes, and occasionally, detached garages.

“We are a father-and-son team that brings a hands-on approach to building,” Casey said. “CJ Builders’ mission is to provide the highest quality workmanship possible. We succeed at this because of our subcontractors and our commitment to a solid work ethic.”

Casey currently serves on Greensboro Builders Association’s board of directors.

Individual Medical Insurance & Medicare

See ad on p. 6

(336) 685 9397 | c: (336) 253 1104

CJ Builders Inc.

jamie@ebm4you.com

www.ebm4you.com

Business owner: Casey Johnson “Hands-on builders, solid work ethic”

Until recently, Casey Johnson worked with his father, Commie Johnson, building custom homes with another father-and-son team under the company name Johnson & Lee LLC, which was founded in 2005. When the two teams decided to branch off

On a personal note: Casey has a young son, Cooper, and lives on the “family compound” in Stokesdale where his two sisters’ families, his parents and his grandmother also live.

In his spare time, Casey loves to ride side-by-side ATVs in West Virginia and also enjoys coaching his son’s baseball and basketball teams.

JAMIE F. DOWDY Independent Insurance Broker

ad on p. 25

Ask about special financing

`It’s still a seller’s market’

Due to rising interest rates, houses in northwestern Guilford County are taking longer to sell. Even so, prices are still rising by ANNETTE JOYCE and CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Over the past three months, the sale of houses in northwestern Guilford County has slowed, leading to an increase in inventory. But when homes are selling, they’re selling for more.

That’s the upshot of the third-quarter sales data from the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association (GRRA) that reflects what real estate agents are seeing as they market homes in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale.

“It’s still a seller’s market,” said Keller Williams Realtor DeDe Cunningham. “But it’s shifting back to a

more reasonable market. The buyer has some wiggle room.”

Earlier this year before mortgage rates began climbing, the competition for houses was fierce, with buyers competing with one another and in many cases, offering far above asking price for the most popular houses. Even now, the lack of supply of housing has pushed prices higher, but third-quarter data shows a softening of the market.

In Oak Ridge and Summerfield, the number of closings dropped 19.1%, from 131 a year earlier to 106 in the three months ended in September, according to GRRA. Over the same period, closings in Stokesdale sank 29.6%, from 71 to 50.

The supply of housing increased 7.1% in Oak Ridge and Summerfield in the third quarter, from 1.4 months a year earlier to 1.5 months, while in Stokesdale the supply rose 20%, from 1.5 months to 1.8 months.

“Home inventories have started to rise, giving buyers more options due to higher interest rates,” Hilburn Michel, GRRA’s president, said in a statement earlier this week. “However, home prices remain stable with fewer multiple offer situations. We expect the market to continue to slow as higher interest rates puts pressure on housing affordability.”

In a report earlier this week signaling weakness in the housing market, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that homebuilding nationwide declined more than expected in September, according to the Reuters news agency. The number of new groundbreakings for single-family homes tumbled to the lowest level in more than two years.

Housing starts dropped 8.1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.439 million units last month. Data for August was revised down to a rate of 1.566 million units from the previously reported

Nov. 8

Michelle brings 30 years of experience in leadership, public education and business. She is ready to serve Guilford County families, businesses and communities on day one.

Economy - Fight in ation, lower taxes and create economic growth.

Public Safety - Support our police and rst responders. Safe streets for all.

Education - Improve student reading, writing and math, teacher pay and parent voice and choice.

Custom homebuilder Don Mills says demand for houses selling for more than $1 million is strong and doesn’t appear slowed by rising interest rates. Mills has this house under construction in the new Pemberley Estates subdivision on N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge.

1.575 million units. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast starts coming in at a rate of 1.475 million units.

Earlier this month, due largely to the higher mortgage rate environment, Fannie Mae lowered its U.S. forecast for total single-family home sales in 2022 to 5.64 million in 2022, down 18.1% percent from 2021, and 4.47 million in 2023, an annual decline of 20.8%.

The combination of high inflation, monetary policy tightening, and a slowing housing market “is still projected to tip the economy into a modest recession” in the first quarter of 2023, according to Fannie Mae.

For the most part, the housing market is withstanding economic pressures, according to some local builders we spoke with.

“We are still building, but interest rates have caused a slowdown,” said Don Mills, who owns Don Mills Builders with his wife, Annette. In the northwest area, demand for custom built homes in the $1 million range remains strong, he said.

Prices locally are still rising, with the median price for houses in Oak Ridge and Summerfield climbing 16.2% to $575,000 in the latest quarter from $495,000 a year earlier, GRRA said.

In Stokesdale, prices jumped 29.7% to $450,000 from $346,840 over the same period.

Earlier this week, Jason Smith, co-owner and vice president of Smith Marketing Inc. in Summerfield, received a call from an out-of-towner looking for a new custom built house in northwest Guilford for less than $700,000. Options are few, he told her.

“It’s hard to find a custom home under $700,000 in this area,” Smith said.

“There are some resales, but only a few.”

According to Cunningham, some buyers are betting that prices will keep rising and rates will level out or decline, so they’re buying now and planning to refinance to a lower rate later.

The cost of waiting could be more than the cost of buying now and refinancing, she explained.

Even so, rising interest rates are compounding the lack of affordability for some buyers. In many cases, higher interest has boosted monthly payments by hundreds of dollars.

Back in January, when the 30-year fixed mortgage rate was around 3.5%, the buyer of a $500,000 house who put down 20% paid nearly $1,800 a month

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

from p. 21

in principal and interest on the remaining $400,000 balance. With rates currently around 7%, the monthly payment is about $2,650.

“As the interest rates have gone up, buyers are finding themselves priced out of the market,” said Phillip Stone, a Realtor and co-owner of A New Dawn Realty in Stokesdale.

Aside from rising rates, homebuyers are also facing higher costs for groceries, gasoline and other necessities.

“People are poorer because of inflation,” Cunningham said. “They’re scared of the economy now.”

Even though some buyers have exited the market or are waiting for rates to retreat, several Realtors said sellers still have an advantage due to lack of inventory.

“We are still in a seller’s market in our area because of the low inventory, although the homes are increasing in value at a slower pace than they had been,” said Gil Vaughan, a Realtor with Keller Williams ONE in Summerfield. “This is mostly due to the escalation of interest rates and buyers getting out of the ‘game.’”

Karen Kimrey, a Realtor with Triad’s Finest Real

Estate in Summerfield, said she’s seeing the strongest seller’s market she’s seen in her 19 years in the industry. Aside from the dearth of inventory, the influx of people moving to the area is keeping sales strong.

Kimrey pointed out that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the total number of housing units for this area grew by 6.7% from 2010 to 2020. That’s about half the rate of growth in the previous decade.

“Our population growth has been outpacing the pace of construction for so long that there is still pent-up demand, especially in an area like ours where we have so many people relocating,” Kimrey said.

Cunningham said the market is regaining normalcy as higher interest rates have cooled the red-hot market emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Generally, houses are staying on the market for longer, sellers are entertaining fewer multiple offers and buyers are putting down less in nonrefundable due diligence fees, according to real estate agents.

“In general, things are in a cooling period,” Stone said.

Starting back in March, when the interest rates were close to zero, the U.S. Federal Reserve began pushing up the benchmark interest rate – the one that influences almost all borrowing costs throughout the economy – to a target of 3 to 3.25%. The rate has not been that high since 2008.

Unlike last spring, sellers are no longer getting multiple offers within three to four hours of their homes going on the market, but it’s still a seller’s market and homes such as this one in northwest Guilford, which recently sold through A New Dawn Realty, are going for top dollar. According to Greensboro Regional Realtors As sociation, the median price for houses in Oak Ridge and Summerfield climbed 16.2% the third quarter of 2022 compared to a year earlier, and 29.7% in Stokesdale.

According to Bankrate, an online consumer finan cial service, as of October 9, this hike translates to 7.06% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and 6.22% for a 15-year fixed-rate.

...continued

Rep. John Faircloth - Working for Northwest Guilford County

Balanced the State Budget and Helped North Carolina Earn a AAA Credit Rating Helped Bring Career Jobs and Brought Economic Development to Guilford County

Increased Education Funding and Educational Choice for students and Families

‘SELLER’S MARKET’

Prosperity High Point PAC. Not Authorized by Any Candidate or Candidates Committee

Committed to Working Alongside Law Enforcement to Keep our Community Safe

Courtesy photo

Ray Bullins,

R&K Custom Homes

Where dreams and lifestyles come together

Rich and Kathy Dumas know a lot about building homes that are not only beautiful but custom designed to perfectly fit a family’s lifestyle.

Since launching R&K Custom Homes in 1992, the Dumases have built more than 500 highquality homes in the Guilford County area while establishing themselves as premier builders with a stellar reputation for customer satisfaction.

At the foundation of R&K’s success is a sincere desire to ensure clients get exactly what they want in their new home while also having an enjoyable experience during the process of its creation.

R&K Custom Homes’ owners Kathy (left) and Rich Dumas have reputation for high-quality homes and superb customer satisfaction.

the home flows properly,” Kathy said.

“We believe it’s vital to give our homebuyers our full attention before, during and after construction,” Rich said.

Before getting a home project underway, R&K team members meet with homeowners to discuss their family’s needs, wishes and best location for their future home as well as their lifestyle and the price range they want to work within.

Rich and Kathy then work closely with homeowners on their building plan – whether that means tweaking an existing plan they have or creating one from scratch – before forwarding it to an architect.

“We walk with them though the process and provide needed guidance to keep them within budget and ensure

“While doing this we’re careful not to influence our tastes into their selections, rather we work to help personalize their home to fit their sense of design and needs.”

The preliminary planning is done onsite, which helps the homebuyer save time and money, Rich noted.

The “onsite” he refers to is the 2,200-square-foot office/showroom the couple added to their Summerfield home which they built five years ago. There, clients can see samples of brick and stone, hardwood flooring and faucets, while also viewing some of the latest design trends the Dumases have incorporated into their own home.

During the 30 years they’ve been in business, Rich and Kathy have developed long-term relationships with their suppliers and subcontractors. They recognize this as critical, as it ensures everyone involved in the

Photo courtesy of R&K Custom Homes

Homes a satisfaction.

homebuilding process understands and shares the same expectations for quality and pride in their profession.

Long after R&K has completed a home, the Dumases make themselves easily accessible to the homeowner for follow-up questions or needs.

“We strive for satis ed customers,” Rich said. “Once we’re done, the homeowner is not forgotten.”

In response to the company’s growth, Rich and Kathy’s daughter, Danielle Weaver, joined the familyrun R&K team in February 2021 to oversee the company’s office.

Jason Long is a long-time employee of R&K who took a brief break from the company to focus on doing remodels, and returned in April 2022 with an abundant amount of new knowledge. He now manages R&K’s daily operations in and out of the field.

“We have a new generation of

young, fresh clientele, and we enjoy working with them,” Kathy said. “With this in mind, Danielle and Jason bring young and fresh ideas, helping us keep on top of our game!”

Paul McMinn and Ryan Roberts round out the R&K team. As field operation manager, McMinn has been with the company since 2012 and has 40 years of experience in the homebuilding business, working in it from the ground up.

“Paul makes your vision happen in the field, from dirt to completion,” Kathy said.

Roberts, the all-important “punch expert,” works with clients to make sure all the construction details meet the company’s expectations.

“He handles the day-to-day punch lists, inspection completions and warranty work, a critical part of maintaining the quality work R&K is noted for,” Rich said.

“We and our team are dedicated to turning ideas and visions into reality,” Kathy said. “Our long-term relationships with our homeowners, referrals and the many repeat buyers are a testimony to our commitment to helping you achieve the home of your dreams.”

Quality Craftsmanship

CJ Builders is a three-generation family builder o ering a wide range of services in a wide range of areas.

Casey today to talk about building your next next custom home.

To be developed at last?

Greensboro-based developer Carroll Cos. has acquired 62.4 acres on Fleming Road that about 15 years ago was the proposed site of a mixed-use development to be anchored by a Harris Teeter supermarket. The project was abandoned by Zimmer Development Co., based in Wilmington, North Carolina, amid the real estate slump around 2008. Since then, the wooded tract with a pond has remained undeveloped. It is located north of the stoplight intersection of Fleming Road and Isaacson Boulevard. It is bounded on the southern side by Colonial Pipeline and Duke Energy utility lines on the western side. In an email earlier this week, Cameron Sieradzan, Carroll’s brand marketing manager, said the company “has not determined what will be developed on the property, but a mix of uses is contemplated.”

Subdivision planned for 10 acres in Summer eld

SUMMERFIELD – A subdivision consisting of six lots on 10 acres is planned for 7600 Whitaker Drive in a residential area north of N.C. 150.

The town of Summerfield is holding an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. this Thursday, Oct. 20, to share plans for the subdivision. The meeting will be held in Summerfield Community Center at 5404 Centerfield Road.

The property is located on Whitaker

MARKET’

from p. 22

As a result, buyers are paying closer to asking price, as opposed to paying more just a few months ago, Realtors said.

“The average list-to-sale price peaked around 103-106% in May and is now right around 100%,” Kimrey said. “So, buyers are not having to bid way over asking price anymore and in many cases are not in multiple offer situations.”

“Prices are settling down as many homes were being overpriced,” Vaughan added.

Even though the market has changed, some sellers are adamant about how their homes should be priced based on expectations from those sold just a few months ago. Those higher

Drive at Lanier Road. It is already zoned for residential single-family use.

The town’s Planning Board will consider approving the subdivision plan during its Oct. 24 meeting, based upon its compliance with Summerfield’s unified development ordinance.

The town mailed a notice of the subdivision application to owners of property within a quarter mile of the property proposed for the development.

prices could turn buyers away and keep the home on the market longer.

Helping sellers determine the best price for their property is one of Stone’s biggest challenges.

“Strategic pricing is so important in this market,” he said. “I tell people that I’m not trying to undervalue their home but I don’t want to overvalue it either, which results in having it sit on the market without any buyer interest.”

Demand is still strong for “good homes presented well and priced correctly,” Cunningham said.

“It is still going to get multiple offers,” she said. “But it’s going to sell in three to five days – not in three to five hours. Buyers are taking their time. They’re sleeping on it.”

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

30 years of building beautiful homes in the Triad

Rich and Kathy Dumas began building in the Triad in 1992. Since then, R&K has become a respected, multi-gold award-winning home builder. Having built over 450 homes ranging in price from the $500,000s to $2 million, our wide range of construction and design types separates our company from the others. We’ll walk you through every detail as we show you our passion for not just crafting homes, but building memories. Our challenge to produce the best never ceases.

Brought to you by Smith Marketing

Find the

Happy Halloween

hidden pictures

mark your calendar

REGISTER NOW

 HeroWeen, Oct. 27 | Summerfield native and veteran Joe Denny will host a “HeroWeen” charity event to raise funds for the nonprofit Wounded Warriors Project on Thursday, Oct. 27, 6 to 10 p.m. at Summerfield Farms, 3203 Pleasant Ridge Road. There will be a costume contest, food trucks, drinks, dancing and a live auction. To purchase tickets, email aimeedenny2016@gmail.com or call Joe Denny, (580) 447-4488.

 Golf tournament, Oct. 29 | Northwest High School invites local golfers to participate in the baseball program’s 2nd annual golf tournament fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Pine Knolls Golf Club, 1100 Quail Hollow Road in Kernersville. Participants can sign up to play at either 8 a.m. or 1 p.m. Lunch provided. Sponsorship opportunities available. Register by Oct. 25 at www.diamondnwvikings.com. More info: (704) 576-8429 or president@diamondnwvikings.com.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS (thru Oct. 27)

 Farmers markets | Last call for seasonal farmers’ markets! Stokesdale Farmers Market, held at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive, will hold its last market of the season on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 4 to 7 p.m. Oak Ridge Farmers Market, held at Oak Ridge Military Academy, 2317 Oak Ridge Road, will hold its last markets of the season on Thursdays, Oct. 20 and 27 from 4 p.m. to dusk.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

 F3 men’s workout | F3, a national men’s program that centers on fitness, faith and fellowship, has a group that meets every Wednesday at 12 noon for about 45 minutes at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. Men of all ages and fitness levels are invited to participate. More info on this group and other local F3 groups that meet at various times (most at 5:30 a.m.) and days of the week: www.f3nation.com. FIA (Females in Action), a women’s counterpart to F3, also meets at Oak Ridge Town Park

for

three days a week. More info on FIA at fianation.com.

OCT. 21, 22, 28 & 29

 Halloween Terror Trail | Oak Ridge Youth Association’s teen leadership team will sponsor the annual Halloween Terror Trail Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29, 7 to 10 p.m. each night at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. Admission is $5, or a donation of three canned goods. There will also be a Halloween-themed movie playing in the amphitheater each night. More info: teenleadershipteam@orya.org. See ad on p. 6.

SATURDAY, OCT. 22

 Fall market | Palestine United Methodist Church, 2954 Ellisboro Road in Stokesdale, will host an indoor fall market Oct. 22, 8 a.m. to 12 noon. There will be breakfast biscuits, handmade items and vendors. To reserve a vendor or yard sale space for $10, call (336) 427-3675.

 MST workday | Oak Ridge Mountains-to-Sea Trail committee will host a workday Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, starting at 7805 Grey Fox Road (park at the cul de sac). Bring loppers if you have them. Gloves, hats and long sleeves/pants are recommended. Visit www.facebook.com/OakRidgeNC for a sign-up link.

 Farmers’ Day | Friends of Stokesdale will host Farmers’ Day on Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive. There will be a “Little Mr. & Miss Farmers’ Day” contest open to children ages infant through 5 years old; winners will receive a trophy, have their picture taken and get to ride on the Friends of Stokesdale float in the Stokesdale Christmas parade. Visit www.facebook.com/friendsofstokesdale for more info.

 Fall Festival | United Methodist Women of Guilford College UMC, 1205 Fleming Road, Greensboro, will hold their fall festival Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Professional crafters and homemade baked goods. Proceeds go to support church missions.

 Brunswick stew sale | Stokesdale Fire Department, 8401 U.S. 158 in downtown Stokesdale, will host a Brunswick stew sale on Oct. 22 with pick-up from noon until the stew is sold out (sorry, no pre-orders). Cost is $8 per quart. More info: (336) 643-0790.

events online

SUNDAY, OCT. 23

 Nighthawks Race Against Hunger | Northern Guilford High School, 7101 Spencer Dixon Road in northern Greensboro, will host the third annual “Nighthawks Race Against Hunger” event on Oct. 23 to raise funds and collect food items for Guilford Backpack Ministry and Out of the Garden Project. A 1-mile fun run begins at 12:45 p.m. and the 5K begins at 1:30 p.m. There will be food, activities, raffle prizes and awards for individuals and teams. New this year is a costume contest. Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items (no glass containers) to donate. To sign up, search “Nighthawks Race Against Hunger 2022” on Google, and the registration link will come up. More info: (773) 965-4556 or nghs5k@yahoo.com.

MONDAY, OCT. 24

 Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club will meet Oct. 24 in the Oak Ridge Room, 2205 Oak Ridge Road (next to Bistro 150). Come at 6 p.m. to socialize; the business meeting runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info: Frank Kelleher, president, (336) 327-7786 or frankxk95@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, OCT. 27

 Webinar: Caring for Veterans | Authoracare Collective will host a free webinar on caring for veterans on Oct. 27, noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom. Visit www.nwobserver. com and click on our community calendar (left-hand side of the homepage) for Zoom meeting info. More info: (336) 621-2500 or charity.pierce@authoracare.org.

SATURDAY, OCT. 29

 JDRF walk | Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will host a fundraiser walk Oct. 29 at Triad Park, 9652 W. Market St. in Kernersville. Check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. at Shelter 7, and participants can walk at either 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. There will be lots of fun activities including face painting, balloon art, a cornhole tournament, car displays, performances and more. Visit www.nwobserver.com and click on our community calendar to see the registration link. More info: (843) 323-7470 or dhayes@jdrf.org.

CALENDAR

continued from p. 29

SATURDAY, OCT. 29 (continued)

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

 BBQ & market | Morehead United Methodist Church at 3214 Horse Pen Creek Road in northwest Greensboro will host a BBQ and market with produce, crafts and books for sale on Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds go to Red Bird Mission, which provides education, support and Christian evangelism to residents in the southeastern corner of Kentucky.  Great Pumpkin Event | Merchants of Oak Ridge will host its annual Great Pumpkin Event for kids (and pets) of all ages on Oct. 29, 2 to 4 p.m. at Oak Ridge Commons shopping center, intersection of N.C. 68 and 150 in Oak Ridge. Wear your Halloween costume, trick or treat with local merchants, take a hayride around the shopping center, enjoy live music and participate in human and pet costume contests. (See ad on opposite page.)

MONDAY, OCT. 31

 Trunk or treat | Oak Level Baptist Church, 1569 Oak Level Church Road, will host a “trunk or treat” event Oct. 31, 5:30 to 8 p.m. There will be candy, hotdogs, coffee and hot chocolate.

TUESDAY, NOV. 1

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2



Senior program | Senior Resources of Guilford County will sponsor a senior program including activities and a takehome lunch on Nov. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, 2445 Oak Ridge Road. To learn more and/or RSVP, contact Marsha McDaniel, (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.

 Hotdog drive-thru | Gideon Grove United Methodist Church at 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale will host a free hotdog drive-thru Nov. 2, 5 to 6 p.m. More info: (336) 643-6042.



Preservation Oak Ridge | Preservation Oak Ridge, a nonprofit committed to preserving historic structures in Oak Ridge, will meet Nov. 2, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the historic Ai Church, 1306 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge. More info: (336) 644-1777 or www.preserveoakridge.org.



Friends of Stokesdale | Friends of Stokesdale, a nonprofit committed to preserving Stokesdale’s history and downtown charm, will meet Nov. 2, 7 to 8 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. For more info, visit facebook.com/friendsofstokesdale or call Joe Thacker, president, at (336) 708-0334.

THURSDAY, NOV. 3

 Oak Ridge Town Council | Oak Ridge Town Council will meet Nov. 3, starting at 7 p.m. Due to early voting in Oak Ridge Town Hall’s council chambers, the Nov. 3 meeting will be held in the family life center of Oak Ridge First Baptist Church at 2445 Oak Ridge Road. Attend in person or watch the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel. More info: www.oakridgenc.com.

SMA | Summerfield Merchants Association, a nonprofit focused on supporting local businesses and serving the Summerfield community, invites business professionals who live in Summerfield or operate a business in Summerfield to its monthly meeting on Nov. 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m. More info about SMA, or RSVP to attend the Nov. 1 meeting as a guest, at www.summerfieldmerchant.com, or contact info@summerfieldmerchant.com. (See ad on p. 47.)



FRIDAY, NOV. 5

 Recycle/e-cycle event | Town of Oak Ridge will host a free recycling/e-cycling event for Guilford County residents Nov. 5, 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Oak Ridge Elementary School, 2050 Oak Ridge Road. Materials being accepted are tires, appliances, electronics and up to five boxes of personal documents (no business waste or furniture accepted). More info: (336) 641-3792 or (336) 644-7009.

report

District 1 Sheriff ’s Office has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ...

ASSAULT/DOMESTIC DISPUTE

Oct. 6 | A 65-year-old female was arrested in the 7100 block of Pleasant Oaks Road in northwest Greensboro (near Alcorn Road) for simple assault.

Oct. 8 | Law enforcement officers responded to a report of a domestic dispute in the 8400 block of Hunting Court in Stokesdale (off N.C. 65).

DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED

Oct. 15 | A 24-year-old male was arrested in the 7700 block of N.C. 68 N/Holt Parrish Lane in Stokesdale for driving while impaired, speeding, careless/reckless driving and driving left of center – passing on right.

FOUND/LOST PROPERTY

Oct. 5 | An employee of Barham Grocery in Summerfield reported a black KelTec firearm worth $358 was missing.

Oct. 9 | An employee of Food Lion in Summerfield reported finding a container of THC oil on the property.

Oct. 9 | A citizen reported finding a black powder muzzleloader rifle in the 800 block of N.C. 150 W in northern Greensboro.

FRAUD

Oct. 7 | A resident of the 6800 block of Bugle Run Drive in Oak Ridge (off Bunch Road) reported that between March 17, 2020, and Oct. 7, 2022, an unknown suspect fraudulently used her identification info.

SCHOOL FIGHT

Oct. 13 | Officers responded to a physical altercation at Northwest High School at 11:49 a.m.

THEFT

Oct. 4 | A resident of the 8800 block of Boylston Road in Colfax reported an

unknown suspect stole about $900 in loose change that was in a 5-gallon jug.

Oct. 6 | A resident of the 8900 block of Grove Park Drive in Oak Ridge (off Pepper Road) reported an unknown suspect stole two sweaters, a blouse, shoes, a body suit and a bomber jacket valued at $487 altogether.

Oct. 6 | Four citizens whose cars were parked at Oak Ridge Town Park reported that between 6:30 p.m. and 7:34 p.m. an unknown suspect broke into three of their vehicles, which were locked, and entered a fourth vehicle that was unlocked and stole several purses with wallets containing cash, banking cards, cell phones and other items, including one silver HP EliteBook 840 laptop.

Oct. 8 | A resident of the 7800 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale reported that between Oct. 4 and Oct. 8 an unknown suspect entered his unlocked vehicle and stole a tan GLOCK 19 worth $631.

Oct. 13 | An employee of Priority One Diesel Source in Stokesdale reported that between Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. and Oct. 13 at 1:09 p.m. an unknown suspect stole two catalytic convertors valued at a total of $8,000.

Oct. 13 | A resident of the 8200 block of Ballard Road in Colfax (off N. Bunker Hill Road) reported an unknown suspect stole $500 worth of bulk copper.

VANDALISM

Oct. 6 | A resident of the 5200 block of Williard Road in Oak Ridge (off Oak Ridge Road) reported that between Oct. 5 at 1:06 p.m. and Oct. 6 at 7 a.m. an unknown suspect caused $300 worth of damage to his vehicle.

"I moved 2 hours away from Greensboro, but travel back there for my hearing care needs. If you are looking for an excellent hearing care team, Aim Hearing & Audiology will take great care of you" - Renea.

Pediatric and adult audiological services

Expertise on all levels of hearing technology and assistive devices

Speciality in Cochlear Implant evaluations, device selection, and programming

The Most Trusted Hearing Care Experts in Greensboro, NC (336) 294 9617 www.aimhearing.com

Tinnitus assessments and individualized counseling

529 College Road Suite B Greensboro NC 27410

Triad Honor Flight vol unteers wore neon-bright T-shirts with this quote on the back.

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Ron Medder, who served in the Marines during the Cold War, salutes Scouts lined along the walkway in side PTI Airport who were there to help give veterans returning from their day in Washington, D.C., a warm welcome home.

Wednesday, Oct. 12

PTI Airport to Washington, D.C., and back

Ninety-seven veterans from all branches of the armed forces who served in World War II, Korea, the Cold War and Vietnam arrived at PTI Airport early on the morning of Wednes day, Oct. 12, to take off on a free one-day trip to Washington, D.C., thanks to the nonprofit Triad Honor Flight. While in our nation’s capital, the veterans visited memorials and monuments dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices as well as those of their comrades, friends and family members.

Upon arriving back at PTI Airport last Wednesday evening, the veterans were met with a well-deserved heroes’ welcome, one far different than the one many received when they arrived home years ago.

Stokesdale resident Alison Huber, who serves as Triad Honor Flight’s executive director, is responsible for restarting the program previously known as Triad Flight of Honor; that program, organized by Rotary District 7690, organized honor flights for 1,300 local World War II veterans from 2009 to 2011, but had been inactive for several years.

Huber’s passion for the honor flight program was ignited after accompanying her father, an Army veteran who served in intelligence during the Cold War. Her brother escorted their father on that flight in 2018, and Huber said she surprised her father by flying into D.C. and meeting them there.

The flight on Oct. 12 was Triad Honor Flight’s third, and a fourth flight is scheduled for May 3, 2023; each flight costs about $115,000 and carries almost 190 people, including veter ans, the guardians who accompany them, and volunteers including a medical support team.

Of the feedback she received after the emotional, whirlwind one-day trip to D.C. last Wednesday, Huber said one veteran told her, “This was the best day of my life.”

Triad Honor Flight seeks to serve veterans aged 65 and over in Guilford, Forsyth, Alamance, Rockingham, Yadkin, Caswell, Davie, Davidson, Surry, Stokes and Randolph counties. To learn more about how you can become an honored veteran, guardian, volunteer or financial contributor, visit www.triadhonorflight.org/.

Donation checks to sponsor or contribute to the cost of a veteran’s flight may be mailed to: Triad Honor Flight, P.O. Box 16132, High Point, NC 27261.

View more photos from this event at facebook.com/

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Navy veteran Boyd Hedrick was one of 11 WWII veterans on the Oct. 12 honor flight.

Summerfield resident and veteran John Dye (second from left) stands with Summerfield Town Councilman Reece Walker (sec ond from right), who served as Dye’s honor flight guardian, and Dye’s two sons, Randy and Billy, who surprised him in Washing ton, D.C. and joined the Triad Honor Flight group on their tour of veteran memorials and monuments.

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

NorthwestObserver

Courtesy photo

Owner seeks to demolish two buildings in Oak Ridge

OAK RIDGE – Property owner

Sam Anders wants to demolish two commercial buildings on the nearly 4.7 acres at the corner of N.C. 150 and Linville Road where he plans to relocate his accounting office.

Anders applied for permits from the town›s Historic Preservation Commission to demolish the buildings. The commission was scheduled to consider the application during its meeting this past Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Anders said in an interview earlier this week he plans to

preserve and renovate the historic Moore house at N.C. 150 and Linville Road. He also wants to preserve a hand-dug well recently discovered on the property.

A structural engineer found widespread, severe water damage to the two-story brick building that once housed the W.D. Grocery store. Next door is a former gasoline station leased by L&T Small Engine Service. Anders said the flat roof of the building is “problematic” and mortar in the brick walls is cracking.

The best care

for moms and babies

Even before you’re pregnant, you want the best maternity care around. When you choose Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist High Point Medical Center, you’re partnering with the community’s leader in maternity care. We’re here for you every step of the way, with expert OB/GYNs, unmatched fertility and high-risk specialists, and direct access to the region’s most advanced NICU at Brenner Children’s Hospital.

Book an OB/GYN appointment today. Pregnancy confirmation appointments within 48 hours. WakeHealth.edu/HighPointOB

Town staff erected this sign for Summerfield’s future dog park after a crew cleared underbrush and cut down some trees on the roughly one-acre site. About half of the park will be wooded and the rest an open field. It is located near the amphitheater at Summerfield Community Park on Centerfield Road in Summerfield. A next step is checking on pricing for fencing, according to Town Manager Scott Whitaker.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Pinewest at Westwood 306 Westwood Ave., Suite 501, High Point, NC | 336-885-0149

Obstetrics and Gynecology Quaker Lane 624 Quaker Lane, Suite E-100, High Point, NC | 336-878-6530

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Nick Jamieson welcomes everyone to the Honor Run before runners and walkers took off for the 1-mile fun run/walk, which was followed by a 5K.

Joshua Pratt of Kernersville, an Army veteran, showed his patriotism by carrying a large American flag along the entire 5K route. Pratt said he had planned to run in a different event on Oct. 15, but “jumped on the chance to support a young kid who was trying to help out veterans.”

H�n�r R�n

Saturday, Oct. 15

Oak Ridge Town Park | Lisa Drive and Linville Road, Oak Ridge

“It’s great to have gotten the community together for this event – and it’s a relief for it all to have gone well,” said Nick Jamieson, the 14-year-old Scout who organized the Honor Run on Oct. 15 for his Eagle project. Almost 100 people signed up for the 1-mile fun run/walk and the 5K that took place in Oak Ridge Town Park on a gorgeous fall morning.

Nick said he’s not a runner, but he got the idea for the Honor Run while working on his Personal Management merit badge, which some consider to be one of the most difficult and time-consuming badges for a Scout to earn.

“For one of the requirements we were supposed to come up with an event and describe how it would be funded,” Nick said. “For my event, I chose a 5K. It was originally a theoretical project, but now it’s become the real thing and it’s been great to raise money for the Veterans Honor Green.”

Honor Run proceeds totaled over $4,000 and were donated to the Veterans Honor Green which will be built in Heritage Farm Park, behind Oak Ridge Town Hall. The town’s matching fund brought the event’s total contribution to the Veterans Honor Green to over $8,000.

Nick said he’s going to document all the steps involved in organizing the Honor Run and provide a comprehensive guide for others who he hopes will carry the event forward for years to come.

Michelle Wallace of Stokesdale was all smiles as she rounded the bend of the 5K’s first of three laps.

Oak Ridge Special Events Committee chair Patti Dmuchowski and committee member Ben Walraven enjoyed walking the 5K.

Aaron Lombardi (left), 7, finished the 5K in 29.37 minutes to take first place in his age group. Aaron is shown here standing beside Kristen Burns, 46, who placed first among the females with a finishing time of 24.27 minutes.

Micah Burkett, 15, of Greensboro finished the 5K in 22.11 minutes to take first place overall.

View more photos from this event at facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

welcome to ...

Youth Sync

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

Kitley reads to elementary students

Northwest Guilford High School graduate and Virginia Tech senior Cayla King, also a standout on the Lady Hokie’s basketball team, visited Oak Ridge Elementary students along with some of her teammates on Oct. 7 while they were on fall break. King is a two-time member of the ACC All-Academic Team (2021, 2022) and a three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll (2021, 2022).

See video of King reading to Sarah Presnell’s first grade class at Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver.

Photo courtesy of GCS

Northwest Guilford High School graduate and Virginia Tech senior Elizabeth Kitley (front row, third from right), a standout on the Lady Hokies’ basketball team, visited Summerfield Elementary students along with some of her teammates on Oct. 7 while they were on fall break. While at Virginia Tech, Kitley has had numerous honors including being named ACC Player of the Year in 2021-22; Two-time First Team All-ACC (2021, 2022); Two-time Lisa Leslie Award finalist; 2021 VaSID Player of the Year; 2021 ACC All-Tournament Team Second Team; 2020 ACC Freshman of the Year; Three-time ACC All-Academic Team (2020, 2021, 2022); Three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll; Seven-time ACC Player of the Week; and Three-time ACC Freshman of the Week

See video of a conversation with Kitley while she was visiting Summerfield Elementary at Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

roof flashing, the waterwheel is visible from U.S. 220, just north of Lake Brandt on the opposite side of the highway from Strawberry Road. A tray of unplanted pansies sits near the front steps of the red brick house, along with ceramic pumpkins and other yard décor placed there by Brenda.

Around back is Cox’s domain: a deck that he rebuilt and a bridge that he built across a shallow ditch to reach his garage in the back corner of the neatly mowed yard. He finished the waterwheel last spring, shortly after retiring as a machinery operator for Asphalt Paving Co., located just north on U.S. 220.

from

The company has asked Cox, 68, to come back to work on a part-time basis. He’s leaning toward going back to work, giving him income while still allowing the couple to travel with their camper and keep up their yard.

Cox is preparing to tackle his toughest project yet. He wants to build a lighthouse by rolling two sheets of flat metal into the shape of an ice cream cone, with a light on top.

He’s never traveled to the Outer Banks to see lighthouses there. He’s relying upon photographs, helping explain how he typically designs his projects.

“He doesn’t follow a pattern or use a kit,” his wife said.

“Everything I do, I do the hard way,” Cox said, laughing. “I don’t have fancy tools.”

Growing up in Summerfield, Cox learned practical skills from his father, a tobacco farmer and house roofer. His family drew water from a well in their yard, toting it inside in a bucket and heating it on the stove.

“Once you grew up like that, it was a mindset,” said Brenda, whose family also relied on well water. “You had to do what you had to do.”

Driving past the Old Mill of Guilford on N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge inspired Cox to build his own waterwheel.

“It always impressed me,” he said. “I thought I’d like to try to build one.”

Before he retired in April, Cox worked weekends on his waterwheel. He cut lumber for the spokes and made the metal-lined troughs that carry the water from the top of the wheel to the bottom. He dug a hole for the 50-gallon tank and the pump, which is powered by electricity.

The pump pushes the water up a pipe to the top of the waterwheel, which is 6 feet in diameter and stands about 7 feet above the ground. A cross

illuminated by solar-powered lights sits atop the structure.

The wheel spins on a piece of metal pipe that Cox retrieved from a work site. He cut it to length with a saw.

Cox wasn’t sure the waterwheel would actually work. To his surprise, as soon as the water filled two of the troughs at the top of the wheel, it began spinning. It keeps going as long as water is filling the troughs.

“I never thought it would turn that easy,” he said.

As the wheel spins, it dumps out the water onto a bed of stones, creating a cascading sound before flowing into a drain. The drain empties into the tank, replenishing the supply of water to be pumped back to the top of the wheel.

With the exception of electricity powering the pump, the wheel propels itself. The design isn’t without flaws, Cox acknowledged.

For example, he didn’t realize so much water would evaporate in the summer heat. To refill the tank, he runs a garden hose across the yard from a barrel that collects rainwater. When there’s no rain, he hooks the hose up to the spigot on his house.

That’s a less desirable option, prac tically speaking. As much as Cox loves his creation, he said, “I don’t want to run my well dry for a waterwheel.”

Hiding your smile? We can help!

Matthew J. Olmsted, DDS MS

Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Suite CC (336) 441-7007

accepting new patients

...to the following new advertisers who have joined us during the last few months:

5 Star Roofing & Restoration, LLC

Alan Branson for County Commissioner at Large Committee to Elect Derek Mobley –

County Commissioner

Demetria Carter for Guilford County Board of Education

Edward Jones – David Garrison and local advisors

Jamie Dowdy –Employee Benefits Marketplace, LLC

Kara Winicki, Realtor Madison Flooring McLaurin Farms, LLC Novant Health

Prosperity High Point – Sebastian King Quaintance-Weaver Management, LLC She ROCKS Fundraiser

SNAP Fitness Oak Ridge Village Roofs, Inc.

...and to these advertisers who have renewed their partnership with us:

CharCo Concrete Coatings |since 2021

EuroHaus |since 2017 Oak Ridge Chiropractic |since 2008

Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams |since 2010 Tire Max |since 2013 Wilson Seamless Gutters |since 2021 ...and welcome back: Haw River State Park

We appreciate the businesses, churches, individuals and nonprofits that, through their advertising, make it financially possible to provide this community resource FREE to you, our readers

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

BATTLEGROUNDAVE.

GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in 40 words or less online: nwobserver.com email: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.

Farmers’ Day. The photo of the train was a great touch!



Melissa Stallings and her team for all their hard work with the mobile makeovers at Northwest Guilford High School. They did an amazing job, and the teachers seem very appreciative. Melissa will be sorely missed at Northwest!

 Scout Nick Jamieson for doing an amazing job with organizing the veterans’ 5K Honor Run/Walk in Oak Ridge Town Park this past Saturday. Great turnout and wonderful job done by all the Scouts.



Town of Summerfield and all the partners in the Touch-A-Truck event in Summerfield on Oct. 8. It was such a great family event!



Staff at Wesley Long Hospital for taking such exceptional, loving care of me during a frightening medical episode. Special thanks to the wonderful Emergency Department and Urology on the fourth floor.



Friday Night Lights at NWHS!

Thanks to staff and community volunteers who spend their evening making sure everyone has fun. The football team displays true sportsmanship, cheerleaders were so sweet to host the youth cheer squad, and band’s performance was amazing!



Jersey Mike’s in Oak Ridge for donating delicious subs for Oak Ridge teachers during a recent professional development day. The subs were delicious and your kindness was appreciated!

The folks who keep the Little Free Libraries in our community stocked with great reads for children and adults!



Christian Castelli, who will address education, the economy, and public safety – just to name a few – as our Congressman.



Beth Allen and Harris Teeter for donating cookies for our Baked Potato Day at Oak Ridge Elementary. We were so thankful to have a treat as sweet as you after our special lunch!

 Northwest Observer staff for their support of Friends of Stokesdale and their help in publicizing our fundraising events, especially the rescheduling of



The staff at Rio Grande for an excellent dining experience. Our food was delicious and the servers were friendly and attentive.



Summit Church for spreading big love on their Big Serve Day at Oak Ridge Elementary. We appreciate those who serve our community in mighty ways!



ORYA volunteer soccer coaches who mentor our youth. Thank you, Coach Barwick and Coach Cavey, for your encouragement and leadership!



Forbis & Dick Funeral Home in Stokesdale for the wonderful first responders’ lunch last week! What a thoughtful way to recognize those who keep us safe every day. Your kindness is so appreciated!



The man who paid for our family-offive meal at StokeRidge Tavern & Grill. He said we reminded him of when his kids were young. We will pay it forward, sir!



Life Scout Nick Jamieson for organizing the Honor Run supporting the Veterans Honor Green. What a wonderful event!

Oak Ridge resident Sam Anders for purchasing the property at the corner

of Linville and Oak Ridge... love it that you’ve already removed the unsightly bamboo and that you’ll preserve the historic Moore House!

The ABC stores in Greensboro are well stocked. The lack of selection in Oak Ridge is not only an inconvenience, but results in revenue loss for the town.

Those griping about the guy on N.C. 150 with the flags. Please leave him alone – he is not bothering anyone, and he is the nicest man who would help anyone out.



Those complaining about “speeders.” As speed limits get ridiculously low, everyone becomes a “speeder.” Two years ago, it was “safe” to traverse Oak Ridge at 45mph. Now – shock, horror! – you’re a “speeder!” I ignore limits and drive safely and swiftly.



The neighbor who is obsessed with blowing off his driveway. How many times a day does someone need to blow off their driveway? The answer, apparently, is four.



The gas station in Stokesdale that has three people working there in the morning, yet I have to walk inside every time to get a receipt!



People who cannot assimilate into neighborhood life and do whatever they want, even if it ticks off everyone else.



Stokesdale Post Office, which already lacks in parking spaces and now employees are taking the empty parking spaces next door. So aggravating! It’s time for a new post office location.

Editor’s note: Good luck on a new location for the Stokesdale Post Office – that’s been on the wish list of postal patrons for as long as we’ve been in publication (almost 26 years) and to our knowledge, the U.S. Postal Service has no plans to relocate this post office. For what it’s worth, patrons are not the only ones impacted by the limited parking and other space at this post office – we take our papers to the back of the building for direct mail delivery and can confirm that employees work in very tight quarters. And with a community that’s growing by leaps and bounds – which means more postal patrons – this will only get worse.

 Oak Ridge ABC store for being unable to keep the shelves stocked.



People who do yard work at night, in the dark. What’s the point?



Local news stations that neglected to cover and go live with the Raleigh active shooting. Is regular programming more important? Maybe you do not care about North Carolina. We had to get our news from Spectrum News 1!



The griper complaining about the leaf blower. Please show some kindness. It could be OCD and he was off his meds.



Loud music coming from The Summit Church in Oak Ridge. I’m all for worship, but music was extremely too loud for neighbors on Fogleman Road this past Friday night, and I could not even hear my TV. Please respect your neighbors.



Packs of grown adults riding bicycles on winding country roads with low visibility and 45mph speed limits. Even little kids usually have better sense. Please, there has to be a safer, more appropriate place to ride your bikes.

 All those who forced our kids into isolation for over a year. Damage done is unforgivable. Innocent lives lost for political gain. We begged, but couldn’t make you all listen. How are people still surprised as damage keeps getting clearer?



The person down the street who, early on a Sunday morning, thinks it’s a good idea to break out the leaf blower. Again.



Town of Oak Ridge for having literally the worst cell service I have ever had the displeasure of experiencing... There are backwoods podunk towns with better cell service. Come on, let’s get something in place to correct the issue.

Editor’s note: We can confirm the cell phone service in Oak Ridge is lacking, but since the town of Oak Ridge isn’t in the cell phone business, I think you would be better served by reaching out to cellular service providers and encouraging them to find a location for a tower, go through the zoning and permitting process, and make a lot of people happy. But on that note, there is good news – in our Sept. 29 issue we provided an update on

The Northwest Observer • Totally

...continued on p.

since

APPRAISAL OF SCHOOL

Guilford County Schools (GCS).

Sessoms said he’s pursuing discussions with GCS officials and county commissioners, while Town Manager Scott Whitaker arranged the recently completed appraisal of the Laughlin property. The two have led Summerfield’s exploration of Laughlin as the possible site of a new town hall since last May.

That’s when architectural firm Creech & Associates and Samet Corp., the project’s construction manager, presented the town council with final design and construction plans and costs for building a new town hall on 13.3 acres the town owns that front U.S. 220 at N.C. 150.

Higher prices for a wide range of construction materials, such as metal trusses, millwork and electrical wiring, pushed costs about $1.3 million over the original budget of $3.5 million, prompting the council to vote 3-2 to abandon its plans to build a new town hall.

Sessoms then suggested town leaders consider renovating Laughlin, an idea he had raised two years earlier that faded amid planning for the new building.

He was asked to discuss future plans for Laughlin with GCS and Whitaker was instructed to arrange for an assessment of the buildings’ condition.

...continued from p.

In an interview last week, Whitaker declined to share the appraised value of the nearly 11.2 acres and complex of buildings at the Laughlin site at 7911 Summerfield Road.

Aside from talking to GCS leaders, Sessoms said last week he’s also talking to county commissioners. That’s because the Board of Commissioners would have the first right to buy the Laughlin property if the Board of Education declares it as surplus and sells it, he explained.

In closed session during last week’s town council meeting, the council discussed a possible real estate acquisition but took no vote after returning to open session. Sessoms and Whitaker would not say whether Laughlin was the subject of discussions.

The once all-Black Laughlin school was built in 1934 and initially named Summerfield Colored School. It opened with five teachers and 190 students. One of the five teachers was Duella M. Laughlin, who taught grades five, six, and seven. She later served as the school’s principal from 1936 to 1950, and the school was renamed Laughlin School in her honor a few years after she retired.

In 1970, when Guilford County Schools became fully integrated, Laughlin was paired with Summerfield

Elementary School, which took in grades 3-5. In 1987 second grade was moved to Summerfield Elementary and Laughlin remained a K-1 school until it closed in 2011. A year and a half later, GCS began using it as a professional development center for teachers.

Laughlin is slated for closing as part of a consolidation of administrative buildings in the district’s $2 billion

plan to build and remodel schools countywide.

If Summerfield were to acquire Laughlin, council members discussed with Creech and Samet representatives the possibility of unexpected costs, such as asbestos and lead paint removal, in renovating the buildings on the property. They concluded that an inspection of the property would be required to determine potential problems.

GRINS & GRIPES ...continued from p. 41

Charlotte-based Communications Tower Group’s plans to build a wireless communications tower for AT&T and Verizon on Oak Ridge Military Academy’s property near the school’s gymnasium. Apparently, everything is on go, but there is one

small holdup… the company installing the tower is experiencing a worker shortage to build the structure (imagine that!?). As of a few weeks ago, it still wasn’t known when the tower would be on the company’s schedule for construction.

Outside the …

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

GRIPES to...

 Over-rated Netflix. I don’t have or like the service. I would never pay one red cent for commercials. There are tons of free streaming sites offering comparable programming. Some may have commercials, but I’m not paying for them!

 All the gullible (and obnoxious) conformists who excoriated “the un-vaxxed” for prolonging COVID. Pfizer recently confessed to an EU court that its unproven cocktail never did prevent transmission – nor was it designed to. We were right. You were wrong.

covering northwest Guilford County’s local matters since November

AUTO/BOAT SALES & SERVICES



EMPLOYMENT

The TOWN of OAK RIDGE is accepting applications for a full-time Office Assistant. Applicable experience required. Starting pay DOQ, plus generous benefits package. Additional details and application can be found at oakridgenc.com (under the Our Town/ Employment tab). Candidates can email application to ssmith@oakridgenc.com or submit to Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, (M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm).

 SAVE THE DATE

BOAT FOR SALE. 2015 Chaparral 19-foot H20 sport boat. Fabulous condition! 1 owner. Yearly maintenance. Stored in Carolina Marina Drystack entire life. For more info, call Andy Michels at (336) 601-0203

DETAILING: CAR, RV, BOAT, etc. Text Nick at (336) 816-3816.

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

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

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

 SAVE THE DATE

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN'S FALL FESTIVAL . Sat., Oct. 22, 9am-2pm. Guilford College United Methodist Church, 1205 Fleming Rd., Greensboro. Professional crafters and homemade baked goods. Supports church missions. Hope to see you there!

FARMERS' DAY, hosted by Friends of Stokesdale. Saturday, Oct. 22, 9am-4pm. Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Dr., Stokesdale. Food, fun, music and games for the entire family! You are invited to display your farm equipment and share your knowledge of Stokesdale's farming history with the community. For info, email friendsofstokesdale@gmail.com or call (336) 552-0704. There will be a 2022 Little Mr. & Miss Farmers' Day contest open to children ages infant through 5 years. Visit friendsofstokesdale.org for an entry form.

Something going on?

Place your Save the Date classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com.

Come on out to the KEEP IT LOCAL Art and Pottery Show, Sat., Oct. 29, from 10am-4pm. 2409 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. We will have over 20 local artists featuring pottery, jewelry, sculpture, wood work, paintings, photography, doll making and so much more. A local Greensboro band will be here as well as a visit from Inca the Llama. Come join the Art Hunt and help us fill the local food bank's cupboard. Bring 6 cans of food or $5 and search for a wonderful piece of art. It is going to be a wonderful day full of community fun! Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 30. We hope to see you there!

FALL BAZAAR, Sat., Nov. 5, 7:30am-1pm. Moravia Moravian Ch., 2920 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Breakfast, lunch, canned goods, chicken pies, baked goods, stew, raffles (quilt & William Mangum print) & more.

WOMEN'S SUMMIT & HOLIDAY MARKET Saturday, Nov. 12, 9am-3pm. Shady Grove Wesleyan (Worship Center), 119 Bunker Hill Rd., Colfax. Free women's event, and lunch is on us! Register by texting "Summit" to (336) 525-5870

FALL ARTS & CRAFTS EXTRAVAGANZA Saturday, Nov. 12, 10am-4pm. Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Over 25 vendors featuring homemade crafts, jewelry, wreaths, holiday decor, food and much more. Vendor space available. Visit orpc.org for more information.



YARD SALES

643-5930

ANNUAL FALL BBQ. Saturday, Oct. 22, Pleasant Ridge Community Church, 1826 Pleasant Ridge Road. Take-out begins at 11am, with the sit-down meal beginning at 3:30pm. Cost is $9 per pint, or buy a family meal consisting of two pints of BBQ, one pint of slaw and eight rolls for $20. All proceeds go to our missionary partners. Children’s activities are from 1-3pm, with games for all ages. If you have any questions, call (336) 708-4000.

local since 1996

local since 1996

MOVING/GARAGE SALE. Friday, Oct. 21, and Saturday, Oct. 22, from 7:30am-3pm, 7808 Wilson Farm Road, off NC 150 in Summerfield. We’re downsizing, and have lots of good stuff to sell! Household items, tools, holiday items, decorative items and much, much more!

YARD SALE. Saturday, Oct. 22, starting at 7:30am. 3388 Rebecca Dr., Summerfield. Lots of stuff, everything priced to sell. We have exercise items, TV stand, Christmas items, games and so much more!

20

YARD SALES

YARD/MOVING SALE. Saturday, Oct. 22, 9am-1 pm. 8612 Yvonne Court, Oak Ridge. Moving, lots for sale! Furniture, clothing, household items, books, DVDs, etc.

MOVING SALE. Sat., Oct. 22, and Sunday, Oct. 23, 7:30am-noon. 3301 Tanner Court, Summerfield. Garden tools, large collection of crystal stemware, antique pitchers, small tools, exercise bike, cookware, assorted books and men's overcoats. Other items too numerous to list.

„ HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

A-ACTION AIR. Heating check-up, $79.95. (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750.

CLEANING

KC CLEANING & PAINTING. Move-in/ move-out specials, special cleaning for par ties, weddings, etc. Basic cleaning, weekly or monthly. Custom painting, interior paint ing, deck cleaning and staining. Mention this ad for 10% off all services. (336) 604-3249.

CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. Refer ences. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838

THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN LLC. Back in business. Let me provide my cleaning services and help your house sparkle this fall! I do detailed cleaning. Licensed, bond ed, insured and vaccinated. Please call Lisa, (336) 207-0770

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

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

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

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

„ HOME SERVICES

DECORATING

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

BLISSFUL ART & FRAMING SHOP LOCAL!

Framing, gifts, graphic design. 4533 Hwy. 220 N., Summerfield. (336) 298-4502 .

ELECTRICAL

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

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC

Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192

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

FLOORING / TILE

MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING

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

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

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

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

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

GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES

“Providing value for the home-ownership ex perience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Pied mont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223

HOME SERVICES

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

„ HOME SERVICES

“No Job Too Small”

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS WILSON

Seamless Gutters

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

Stokesdale 336-420-0200

GRADING / HAULING

H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full service grading company that specializes in resi dential projects. Owner/Operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris remov al, driveways, French drains and much more. Call Bobby Lipstreu, (336) 543-7867

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING

Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035

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

CLEAN-UP & HAULING. Lots, yards, natu ral areas, houses and barns. Most any type of debris removal. Call Steve, (336) 643-1119

DTW GRADING & HAULING, INC. Offer ing 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 clear ing, drainage solutions and snow removal. Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212.

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

E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Drive ways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, exca vating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282

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

SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE. Offering complete lawn maintenance services, land scaping, bush hogging, privacy fence instal lation/repair/staining, and stump grinding. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE

Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree prun ing, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490.

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

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC.

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

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irri gation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE

Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157

DILLON TREE SERVICE. Certified arborist. Locally owned; in business 25 yrs. Serving the Triad area. Specializing in large/hazard ous tree removal and emergency removals. Free estimates. www.dillontreeservice.com. Call (336) 996-6156

Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com

HOME SERVICES

DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING (336) 362-4354

NC FORESTRY MULCHING & LANDWORKS. Top rated on Google! Let us help you take back your land! (336) 362-6181 ncforestrymulching.com.

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. 40+ years experience. Any type of tree, shrubbery and landscaping work. 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.

CM STUMP GRINDING, LLC. Family owned and operated. Commercial/residential. Free quotes! (336) 317-4600

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

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

STRAIGHT EDGE LAWN CARE. Free estimates. Please call (336) 306-0274

SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

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

 HOME SERVICES

PRESSURE WASHING

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

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

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected since 1996!

NEW PHASE CONCRETE. Here

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

POWER WASHING & JUNK REMOVAL Boat, car and RV detailing. Text Nick at (336) 816-3816

JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, outbuildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Also can haul mulch. Call (336) 706-8470

PEARMAN QUARRY LCID. Inert debris landfill. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Mulch and fill dirt available. (336) 803-2195 or (336) 558-7673

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

Insured

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION, LLC

MASONRY

SOUTHERN STYLE Concrete, LLC & Outdoor Living can design any concrete project you need, from stamped patios, sidewalks, driveways, basketball courts and fire pits. Our workers are experienced craftsmen who can customize any project to exceed your expectations. Call us at (336) 399-6619

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.

Call Patti, (336) 605-0519

Owner: Carlos Ruiz 336.669.5210

carlospainting14@live.com

FREE ESTIMATES

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.

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

POOLS

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

AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION.

Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements. Licensed & insured. Short wait list. NC general contractors. (336) 225-7478

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION

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

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

HOME SERVICES

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.

PAINTING, DECKS AND MORE. Call Premier Construction for free estimates. (336) 430-9507

Follow us on Facebook for northwest-area news updates!

ROOFING

BELEW’S CREEK CONSTRUCTION

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. SERVICES

 MISC. FOR SALE

PERSIMMON PULP, pudding, and more. Call (336) 816-3441

 MISC. WANTED

SAME-DAY FREE INSPECTIONS

Roof Replacement • Roof Repairs NEW! Roof Rejuvenation

PREMIER ROOFING. Commercial/residential. Providing service for all of your roofing needs. Locally owned. Please call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments. www.5StarROOFINGUSA.com

336-780-7800 customerservice@5starroofingnc.com

 MISC. SERVICES

locally owned & operated

6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale (336) 643-9963

(affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

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

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

Wanted: GOLF CART that needs repair. Will pay cash. (336) 882-1403

 REAL ESTATE

Residential & Commercial Roofing Services

Local roofing company. Since 1979. shingle ● metal ● commerical full replacements ● insurance inspections licensed & insured

(336) 362-6343 belewscreekconstruction.com

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

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

HAIRWORKS SALON (Cardinal area), Food Lion shopping center, 2205 Fleming Rd., Greensboro. 1st-time clients, 20% off haircut, color, or perm until 12/1/22. Ask for Sonya Burns, (336) 662-4333

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

BOAT N RV STORAGE. $70/$100 monthly. Located on Brigham Rd., Greensboro, near Pleasant Ridge Road. Call (336) 663-3051

Offer a service? nwobserver.com

NOVICE PHOTOGRAPHER trying to get into portrait/wedding photography. Seeking to expand my skills, gain experience, and build my portfolio. Willing to do a free onehour photo shoot. You will receive six digitally edited photos of your choice. Zoom/ video call to plan your photo shoot. Instagram @DavidCramerPhotography. Contact, (916) 296-3772

WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR

Call Tim, (336) 402-3869

 MISC. FOR SALE

ASSORTED FURNITURE for sale. Accepting cash only. Must go soon. Call for details, (336) 965-8678

LADIES ICE SKATES & ROLLER SKATES Size 6/7, $25 ea. (336) 508-3407

HOME FOR RENT

2 BR, 1 BA DUPLEX in Stokesdale. $1,200/ month. For info call (336) 549-0501

Selling? Renting? Place your ad online: www.nwobserver.com

LAND FOR RENT

MOBILE HOME LOT. 1/2 acre lot in Rockingham County. Well/septic suitable for two adults. Quiet, family oriented. Ready for mobile home. $225 per mo., plus one mo. deposit. Please respond to P.O. Box 1031, Summerfield, NC 27358.

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

ACCOUNTING

By

BANK / LENDING / INVESTMENTS

BUILDING / REMODELING

CANDIDATES

Michelle Bardsley – NC State Rep.

Alan Branson – Cty. Commissioner

Demetria Carter – Board of Education

Derek Mobley – Cty. Commissioner

John Faircloth – NC State Rep.

Josh Myers – County Soil & Water

Patrick Tillman – Cty. Commissioner

Phil Byrd – Guilford County Sheriff 15

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Guardian Ad Litem 29

DENTAL SERVICES

Summerfield Family Dentistry

ENTERTAINMENT

The Wright Stuff

EVENTS

Halloween Terror Trail by ORYA

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

Southern Foods 14

HEALTH & FITNESS

SNAP Fitness 3

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

5 Star Roofing 46

BEK Paint Company 45

Belews Creek Construction

Carpets by Direct 21 CharCo Concrete Coatings

Dillon Tree Service 20 Madison Flooring 18 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery

36 Rymack Storage

LEGAL SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law

MEDICAL / HEARING / PT

41

Aetna Health Insurance................. Insert

Aim Hearing & Audiology 33

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist

35

Atrium Health WFB, Summerfield 8 LeBauer HealthCare 2 Northwest Pediatrics 41 Novant Health 40 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy 32

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics 38

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

Summerfield

6

Kiwanis Golf FORE Kids Tourney 30

The Great Pumpkin Event 31

FUNERAL SERVICES

Forbis & Dick Funeral Services

Southern Style Concrete & Landscaping 45 Stokesdale Heating & Air 18 Wilson Seamless Gutters 44

INSURANCE

Gladwell Insurance Agency

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

3

Employee Benefits Marketplace 6 Health Team Advantage 9

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Northwest Animal Hospital

REAL ESTATE

A New Dawn Realty

8

11

Kara Winicki, EXP Realty 33

Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX

28

Jason Smith, Allen Tate 23

patterns at the Angel-Pardue Road and U.S. 158 intersection.

STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 12  4  0 to adopt an updated fee schedule as presented, with one change: increase the non-resident water usage fee to $8.71/gallons (the resident water usage fee is $6.70/1,000 gallons).

Landreth then asked Bennett if GCS had refused to pay for a deputy, to which she responded, “No, they have not refused – but they have 126 schools… I will continue to push this with them.”

Foy noted that GCS received a significant increase (19%, or $16.7 million) from the county for operating expenses this fiscal year.

“But you just said you were slashed $9,000 while at the same time your enrollment is increasing?” he asked.

Bennett said one reason for this is that funding to traditional public schools on a per-pupil basis is decreased when students enroll in a charter school; if they later return to their assigned public school, the money does not immediately follow them back to that school – she said she hopes to receive more money after this school year’s enrollment numbers have stabilized.

Foy then said “fluff sheets” were sent home with students last spring encouraging parents to vote for the $1.7 billion school bond, noting $370 million of this money would supposedly be allocated to all schools.

Foy then noted that Stokesdale Elementary is one of six schools in the county that has a learning environment (the gym) which doesn’t have an HVAC system and asked Bennett if she had any indication this would be addressed with any of the money the school system has received or will be receiving. Bennett said “no,” but added she was “fighting for it.”

Bennett said there was no air conditioning or heat in the school when she arrived before the start of the 2021-22 school year, but the main school building now has a new compressor and a “full-running” HVAC system. The roof

on the school building constructed in 1981 has been painted and the roof on another building will be painted within the next month, she noted, adding that six new wide-screen TVs were recently purchased and installed throughout the school to display lunch menus, recognize student and staff achievements, etc.

Bennett also said the pathway leading to a wheelchair-accessible swing on the playground would be paved the week of Oct. 17, and she is working on a quote for paving the basketball court (the PTA purchased a basketball goal last year, but hasn’t been able to install it because the court has not yet been paved).

 4  0 to authorize the Property Committee to approve the purchase and installation of a new septic control panel at a cost not to exceed $3,200.  4  0 to authorize Wilson’s Pumping Services to pump the septic tank in the town park at a cost of $700, pending receipt of a written proposal.

Christmas parade. Foy announced the Christmas parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10, and requested $5,000 spending authority to hire deputies, pay for advertising and other miscellaneous expenses out of the amount budgeted for the parade.  4  0 to authorize funding for deputy clerk Robbie Wagoner to enroll in the 2023 Clerks Certification Institute, a four-week course offered through UNC School of Government, plus cover his related lodging and travel expenses.

The municipal clerk’s course is divided into one-week sessions that will be held in February, June, August and October, at a cost of $3,200; lodging, meals and mileage are estimated to cost an additional $3,200, for a total of about $6,400. Half of the expense will come out of the budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year ending in June and the remainder out of the FY2023-24 budget.

Martin said there are multiple scholarship opportunities and staff will apply for all of them, so it’s likely the town will not have to pay Wagoner’s course expenses.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

session almost an hour later, no action was taken on the topics discussed.

COUNCIL COMMENTS



LaToya Johnson, a second grade teacher at Stokesdale Elementary, thanked the council for its consideration of funding a deputy to direct morning traffic during the first week of school.

CLOSED SESSION

Council recessed the open meeting and entered into a closed session to discuss a personnel issue and an issue of land acquisition. After returning to open

 Crawford announced there would be a Veterans Day ceremony at the Stokesdale Veterans Monument site on Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. The veterans’ site is at Vulcan Materials Company, 6826 U.S. 158 East.  Jones expressed frustration that no matter how much money Guilford County Schools receives, “It doesn’t seem to filter back … the money should follow the schools. That’s why I support vouchers.”

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:47 p.m.

Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA) supports our local businesses and community.

To join or for more info, email info@summerfieldmerchant.com or visit www.summerfieldmerchant.com or Facebook.com/SummerfieldMerchantsAssociation

Thanks to Revolution Academy on N.C. 150 in Summerfield for hosting our October meeting. During the meeting, Michele Harris, principal, provided an informative overview of the charter school’s academic program, enrollment numbers and lottery process, expectations of parents and students, and pillars the school is founded on.

Join us at our next meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 6:30 p.m. hosted by Yoga Lane. To RSVP, email info@summerfieldmerchant.com

since 1996

20 -

Postal Patron

Postal Patron

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

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

Lyle Hogan and his friends always read the Northwest Observer while chalking up at Tailgators Bar & Billiards in Greensboro.

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

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

Summerfield residents Richard, Leann, Reagan and Gavin Poindexter visited Mount Rushmore in South Dakota this summer. The Poindexters gave George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln a glimpse of news happening at home.

The mission team from Ellisboro Baptist Church of Madison, North Carolina, traveled to Mallory, West Virginia, July 7-13, to oversee mission work at Big Spring Missionary Baptist Church. While there, the group took a moment to check out the news from home. If you look close enough you will see one of the Northwest Observer’s longtime advertisers (hint: she can sell your house, or help you buy one).

Going near or far? Be sure to pack up your Northwest Observer and send us your NWO on the go photos!

Email your high-res photo to : photos@nwobserver.com