DE-ANNEXATION

...continued from p. 1 council after it returns to open session. who owns Summerfield Farms, said he’s pursuing de-annexation because “Summerfield has left me no option other than to dictate my property rights. I believe this ordinance tramples all over those property rights. I’m appealing to state law.” during a March 16 meeting of Guilford County’s legislative delegation. Two legislators said they’re opposed to de-annexation in Summerfield.

The two sides met last week and plan more meetings, Mayor Tim Sessoms said in an interview earlier this week. As he considers whether to support Couch’s request for de-annexation legislation, state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger urged the two sides to meet in an effort to end the standoff over apartments and higherdensity development in Summerfield, Sessoms said.

The threat of Couch’s property being de-annexed created urgency for Summerfield leaders. After learning earlier this month that Couch had talked to Berger, the council mobilized support from town residents and won the backing of leaders of Oak Ridge and Stokesdale to press legislators to oppose potential de-annexation efforts.

As of yet, no de-annexation bill has surfaced in the state General Assembly. If Berger or other lawmakers were to support a bill, they could attach it as a rider to other legislation with enough support on its own to become law.

That’s the uncertainty and fear expressed by Sessoms and some other council members.

“I can’t speak to what David has or doesn’t have in his back pocket,” Sessoms said earlier this week. “I know that he’s in conversations with Sen. Berger. I know Sen. Berger has stated publicly his interest in development.

Twice in the past year, the council has voted 4-1 to deny Couch’s request for a text amendment to the UDO. At this point, he is required by the town’s development rules to wait until February 2024 – a year after the council’s denial of his most recent request – to apply for another text amendment.

If the council had approved the amendment, it would have created a new open space mixed use – village zoning district that would accommodate higher density housing, including apartments, that Couch wants to build.

“I’m with you Summerfield,” state Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-District 61) told the crowd.

After the meeting, state Sen. Michael Garrett (D-District 27) said in an interview that while he hasn’t seen proposed Summerfield de-annexation legislation, “it is my opinion that the legislature should not meddle in local government.”

In an interview outside of the meeting, state House deputy Democratic leader Ashton Wheeler Clemmons (D-District 57) said she’s “in the listening stage right now.”

Sessoms said he and council member Jeff Davis, Town Manager Scott Whitaker, Town Attorney Bob Hornik and the town’s lobbyists met last Thursday, March 23, with Couch and his legal and lobbying team. The next meeting hasn’t been scheduled, the mayor said.

Summerfield’s council is going to get a briefing from the town’s lobbyists during a special called meeting at 4 p.m. this Thursday, March 30. After calling the meeting in Summerfield Community Center to order, Sessoms said he expects the council to go into closed session to question and hear from lobbyists from two firms, KTS Strategies and Ward and Smith. He said he doesn’t expect any actions from the

“We have stressed our willingness to talk to David and see what’s possible using our current UDO (unified development ordinance) as far as housing options and those types of things,” the mayor continued. “We continue to be in conversations to try to keep this de-annexation at bay and not have something like that happen to Summerfield.”

In a text earlier this week, Couch said he’s approaching “these meetings in good faith, and out of respect for town leaders and state legislators, I’m not going to comment on the discussions. It’s plain that our area has a severe housing supply crisis, and it can only be addressed by policy decisions.”

In an earlier interview, Couch,

Before proceeding with the development of the Villages of Summerfield Farms, Couch would be required to win the council’s approval to rezone his property and negotiate a development agreement for the project.

In public hearings before the town’s Planning Board and the council, opponents of Couch voiced the strongest opposition to his plans to build about 600 apartments among a mix of housing that also would include duplexes, cottages, traditional houses and $2 million estate homes. Higherdensity housing would require the extension of water and sewer services to the development, according to Couch.

The developer reduced by half the number of apartments he initially proposed to build. His design team said the development agreement he’d seek to negotiate with town leaders would impose strict requirements on the design and construction of apartments, other housing, businesses and public trails while preserving open space.

Critics of Couch’s development proposal have said creating a new zoning district would usher in other developers of higher-density housing, threatening Summerfield’s rural character and increasing school crowding, traffic and crime they said would come with apartments.

Opponents voiced their concerns

Other state legislators at the meeting – Berger (R-District 26), Sen. Gladys Robinson (D-District 28), Rep. Cecil Brockman (D-District 60) and Rep. Amos Quick (D-District 58) –didn’t express opinions about possible de-annexation in Summerfield.

Quick did say he plans to visit Summerfield to “see the area we’re talking about.” In an earlier interview, Berger said he’s still gathering facts before deciding how to proceed with Couch’s de-annexation request.

During the March 16 legislators’ meeting, Summerfield resident Carla Bluitt said Couch could pursue construction of various types of multifamily housing per guidelines already in the (UDO) adopted by the council in 2021.

An owner of property in Summerfield since 1998, when the area’s zoning was under the county’s jurisdiction, Couch said town leaders have amended development rules “over and over again” in what he described as “death by a thousand paper cuts.”

“While paying lip service to duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes,” Couch said, the UDO encourages “development on larger lots in cul-desac neighborhoods.’’

 AUTO SALES & SERVICES

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

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

 EMPLOYMENT

JOB OPENING. $15.75/hr.; Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 9am to 5pm. Paid training. Must be at least 18 yrs. old with valid DL and reliable transportation. Caring, motivated person needed to provide one-onone direct care services to an individual in the community who has a disability. Please leave message at (336) 453-8017

STAFF POSITIONS available in childcare center. Please call (336) 643-5930

WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING. Hiring experienced service plumbers. Vacation and holiday pay. Truck provided. Please call (336) 992-2503

 HOME CARE AVAILABLE

(336) 891-3876

EUROHAUSAUTO.PRO

 EMPLOYMENT

OAK RIDGE SWIM CLUB is currently accepting applications for seasonal employment for the 2023 swim season. Visit www.orcaswim.org for more information and/or to submit an application.

SUMMERFIELD VETERINARY HOSPITAL is seeking a full-time Kennel Assistant. Weekends and holidays a must. Drug and background check required. Please apply in person at 4318 US Hwy 220N, Summerfi eld, NC, or email resume to lydia@summerfieldvet.com.(336)643-6326

 SAVE THE DATE

Oak Ridge HISTORIC HERITAGE GRANTS! Up to $4,000 for nonprofits and $3,000 for others available to preserve historic properties in Oak Ridge. Visit www.oakridgenc.com for info and application. Application deadline is April 14.

ANNUAL 420 DAY at Down 420 Lane, 8500 US Hwy. 158, Stokesdale. Thursday, April 20. Event will take place all day during store hours, 10am-8pm. Food, games, music and fun. Raffle tickets for special prizes being sold before event. Hope to see you there!

 YARD SALES

SENIOR HELPERS. Homecare for seniors and others including: companion, personal needs, transitional, chronic disease, VA, respite, post-surgery assistance. Can provide house chores as part of service at no extra charge. Knowing your loved one is happy, safe and cared for is your priority and ours too! Locally owned and operated. Call (336) 554-2187

CAREGIVER. Kernersville and NW Guilford County area. Several shifts open. 19+ years experience. Excellent references. Business license. Not an agency. (276) 206-9275.

 SAVE THE DATE

EASTER EGG HUNT for children, teens, and seniors. Sat., April 8, 10am-noon. Stokesdale Baptist Church, 8411 Stokesdale St., Stokesdale. Hotdog lunch to follow. Prizes and fun. Come join us.

MOVING SALE. Fri., March 31, and Sat., April 1, 8am-12pm. 2405 Wall Meadow Lane, Summerfield. Lots to pick from; children's items, tools, furniture, housewares, crafts, etc. Rain date is Fri., April 7, and Sat., April 8. CASH ONLY.

YARD & CRAFT SALE. Saturday, April 1, 9am-1pm. 4606 Joseph Hoskins Road, Summerfield. Lots of craft supplies.

 HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

Cleaning

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

CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Quality cleaning/ budget friendly. Pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838.

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

MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223 continued on p. 20

 HOME SERVICES

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

Decorating

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

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

ELECTRICAL

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC

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

Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric, LLC at (336) 209-1486

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

FLOORING / TILE

MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING

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

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

GENERAL HANDYMAN. Repairs, installations, assemblies, etc. Light electrical and plumbing. Yard work and power washing. Insured. No job too small. Give Gordon a call, (336) 253-7700

GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES

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

Affordable Home Repair

 HOME SERVICES GRADING / HAULING

BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS

LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647

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

 HOME SERVICES

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

R C LAWN CARE. Res./comm. lawn service. Fully insured. Call/text (336) 231-9599

McCOLLS'S LANDSCAPE. Full lawncare service. In business 24 yrs. Call/text, (336) 339-1356. emmccoll@gmail.com.

HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES

Free est. Call (336) 669-5448

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174 construction well pumps ● plumbing ● foundations sagging floors...and much more!

Why move when you can improve? licensed general contractors

One call fixes all!

(336) 643-1184

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

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Sharing news of your community since 1996!

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. Oak Ridge, NC. Please call (336) 298-4314 Ltsmeng16@gmail.com

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING

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

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

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

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

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

Wilson

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

Stokesdale 336-420-0200

GOSSETT ' S LAWNCARE. Complete lawn care and maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. In business for 33 years. (336) 451-5216

Your HOME SERVICES company should be here!

Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC

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

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE

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

COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming. Complete lawn care/maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 34 years. (336) 362-5860.

AUGUSTA GREEN LANDSCAPES. 15+ years experience. Complete lawn care. Landscape design, pine needles/mulch, aeration, & more. Fully insured. Free estimates! (336) 708-6150 handyman

● painting residential & commercial

● kitchen & bath

● free estimates

336.554.5007 kjhomeservices4u@gmail.com

● kjhomeservicesnc.com

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

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. FREE EST. Fully insured. Topping, pruning and removal. Natural area thinning and cleanup. Oak Ridge. (336) 643-1119

 HOME SERVICES

DILLON TREE SERVICE. Certified arborists. BBB accredited. Fully insured. Familyowned. Tree removal and trimming. Available for emergency removals 24/7. Free estimates. (336) 996-6156. www.dillontreeservice.com. info@dillontreeservice.com.

DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING (336) 362-4354

INTEGRITY TREE SERVICE, LLC Tree removal, risk assessment, tree pruning, dead wood removal. Affordable/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

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

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

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE

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

MASONRY CONCRETE COATINGS

Flake Epoxy Systems

Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing

Decorative Concrete Overlays

Stamped Concrete Rejuvenation

Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543

Call for your free estimate

 HOME SERVICES

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.

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

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

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MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

Certified Mold Inspections

Certified Mold Remediation

Crawl Space Vapor Barriers

Crawl Space Cleaning Insulation/Foam Board Sealing Basement Moisture Issues locally based in Stokesdale ● (336) 937-4983 northstarmoisture@gmail.com www.northstarmoisture.com

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

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

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

 HOME SERVICES

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

BEK Paint Co.

Residential & Commercial

David & Judy Long, owners (336) 931-0600

BEKPaintCompany.com

• References Available

• Licensed & Insured

• All Work Guaranteed

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

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

PLUMBING

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

The Northwest Observer

Sharing news of your community since 1996!

PRESSURE WASHING

HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING

Martin's Pressure Washing. (919) 931-0856.

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

 HOME SERVICES REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION, LLC

N.C. general contractor with 30 years experience. Specializing in new homes, room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, decks, vinyl siding and windows, painting, tile, laminate and vinyl plank, and remodeling of all kinds. Quality for the right price. Free est. Please call (336) 362-7469

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

Construction Services, INC

Bathroom

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.

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

AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC. Remodeling/repairs/decks. Any size job. Short wait. (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 continued on p. 22

 HOME SERVICES

ROOFING

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

 MISC. SERVICES &

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance

We carry moving & shipping supplies

(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale

 MISC. WANTED

NEEDED: someone to paint metal roofs of barns. Also, someone to fix sliding barn door. Browns Summit area. Call (336) 656-3250

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

Roof Replacement • Roof Repairs www.5StarROOFINGUSA.com

336-780-7800 customerservice@5starroofingnc.com

DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Certified for 50year non-prorated shingle warranties. Call (336) 268-1908

Offer a service? visit nwobserver.com

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC

40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191

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

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

 MISC. FOR SALE

BRIARCLIFFE RV RESORT membership for sale. $2,300 + $500 transfer fee. Maintenance dues are paid through June 2023. Call (336) 908-9636. Leave a message.

SEASONED FIREWOOD. $90/pickup truck load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615

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

Roofing, Gutters, Leaf Guards

Oak Ridge Based. Free Quotes.

(336) 310-4133

WWW.VILLAGEROOFS.COM

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We finance. Free estimates. Since 1979. (336) 362-6343

 MISC. SERVICES

PIANO LESSONS, all ages and levels, Summerfield area. Patti, (336) 298-4181

WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR

Call Tim, (336) 402-3869

 PETS/ANIMAL SERVICES

SPENCE CANINE ACADEMY. Dog training. Call/text Sarah at (336) 355-0774 for more information.

 REAL ESTATE LAND FOR RENT

Wanted: FARM EQUIPMENT to buy. All kinds. Please call (336) 430-9507.

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

 PETS/ANIMAL SERVICES

Use DD-33 on dogs & cats to kill fleas on contact. Contains no pyrethroids! At Tractor Supply ® . www.happyjackinc.com.

Need an EXPERIENCED PET SITTER? I have worked for a secured and bonded company and love all animals! Please contact me at fetchpets88@yahoo.com

CAMPER SPACE available w/water, power and sewer. Approx. 2 acres. Greensboro area. Price negotiable. Available May 1. Email camperhookupsite@gmail.com

Land For Sale

13 ACRES for multi-family or commercial development. Madison water/sewer at the property. Awesome piece of property. Call (336) 430-9507

LAND & LOTS. Two acres up to 20 acres available for sale in southern Rockingham County (land has Summerfield address). For more info, call (336) 314-3773 anytime.

Land Wanted

WANTED: LAND. Any size or shape. Vacant or with dwellings. Matters not. We pay CASH! Quick closings! Call (336) 430-9507