Northwest Observer / April 20 - May 3, 2023

Leadership hard at work to find common ground, mayor tells citizens

A statement released April 19 by Summerfield Mayor Tim Sessoms updates citizens on the town’s efforts to thwart a de-annexation threat

by PATTI STOKES

SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Mayor Tim Sessoms released a statement on Wednesday afternoon which offered citizens assurance that “The town is working diligently to achieve the best outcome for Summerfield regarding the pending de-annexation threat” which came to light last month.

“As an initial step, the Council hired two experienced lobbying firms to better understand the pulse of Raleigh and our General Assembly, and they’ve been instrumental in helping us assess and navigate,” the statement read. “The town has also hired a land-use attorney to work alongside our municipal attorney, and the team is consulting other professionals as needed.

“While the town has never denied a rezoning or plan specific to the proposed Villages of Summerfield Farms project, a related text amendment was denied in February, which prompted Mr. Couch to seek a large de-annexation from town limits,” according to the statement.

“The threat is serious and seemingly has strong legislative support. Most agree this would be state over-reach into local aff airs, even though the legislature has broad constitutional authority.”

The town recently hired lobbying firms KTS Strategies and Ward and Smith at a rate of $7,500 each per month. The firms are encouraging local leaders “to find common ground” with landowner David Couch as quickly as possible, Sessoms wrote. Since word of Couch’s de-annexation proposal surfaced in early March, there has been a looming

De-annexation battle hikes

Town of Summerfield’s legal costs

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – The first draft of Summerfield’s budget for next fiscal year increases the appropriation for legal fees to $150,000 due to the town’s de-annexation battle with

landowner David Couch.

If approved by the Town Council, the money would cover de-annexation legal and lobbying fees, as well as

$150,000 proposed for next fiscal year’s budget may climb depending upon outcome of town’s negotiations with

David Couch

I’m very happy hiring him. I just want to be responsible. We could spend a small fortune at $580 an hour.”

Reece Walker, Summerfield Town Council member

Family requests continued prayers for 6-year-old’s full recovery

After being discharged from Brenner Children’s Hospital on April 14, Jaxson Franklin is undergoing intensive rehab at a hospital in Charlotte

STOKESDALE – Jaxson Franklin, a Stokesdale Elementary kindergartener who was struck by a car on the morning of March 30 while trying to board his school bus, is showing promising signs of recovery. The 6-year-old spent the first several days after the accident in Brenner Children’s Hospital, where he had been transported in critical condition and initially placed on life support.

On behalf of Jaxson’s family, a post was shared on his GoFundMe page earlier this week which read, “Jaxson was discharged from Brenner Children’s Hospital on Friday, April 14th

The community is invited to gather in prayer at Oak Ridge Town Park on May 4, at 12 noon

OAK RIDGE – Thursday, May 4, is National Day of Prayer. To commemorate this day, many churches in northwest Guilford County, in conjunction with Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale mayors and town representatives, invite the community to gather

Jaxson Franklin

and moved to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte for intensive rehab. He is working hard daily and we are seeing improvements everyday. We are grateful for all of the prayers and support we have received and ask for continued prayers for complete healing.”

For further updates and to donate to Jaxson’s family to assist with expenses related to his accident and recovery period, visit www.gofundme. com/f/support-jaxson-franklin.

As of the morning of April 19, $53,923 had been raised on the GoFundMe page Stokesdale Elementary’s PTSO set up for Jaxson and his family, with the initial goal being $25,000.

National Day of Prayer, May 4

for a time of prayer at Oak Ridge Town Park at 12 noon. Enter the park off Lisa Drive, then go to the shelter located near the main parking lot and amphitheater.

Pastors from various local churches will be leading the prayer time, during which they’ll be praying for needs in our communities, our children and schools, our first responders, seniors as well as our state, country and people suffering around the world.

Scheduled closure to begin April 25

5945 N. Church St. Greensboro

(1/4 mile north of Hwy. 150

Sunday: Worship at 10:00 AM, Bible Studies at 9 AM & 6 PM (No evening Bible studies in May)

Mid Week, Wed.

June

June

A scheduled road closure on Rambling Road (off Pleasant Ridge Road) in northwest Greensboro will allow a N.C. Department of Transportation contractor to replace a pipe under the roadway. Contract crews will close Rambling Road on April 25, and per the contract, they have until Sept. 30 to complete the work. A signed detour will be provided using Alcorn and Pleasant Ridge roads. NCDOT asks drivers to remain cautious and alert when approaching the road closure and factor the detour into their trips. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

Summerfield hires fi rm for A&Y Greenway planning

Kimley-Horn replaces Stewart, hired originally for the project in 2015, but fired in January by the town

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – After possibly overpaying its previous design and engineering firm, the Summerfield Town Council decided last week to hire Kimley-Horn to complete planning and provide right-of-way acquisition services for the Atlantic and Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway through the town.

The council voted unanimously during its April 11 meeting to approve a contract paying Kimley-Horn as

much as $620,752.35 for the project, with the state Department of Transportation paying 80% of the costs and Summerfield 20%.

Costs have climbed since 2015 when the town hired design and engineering firm Stewart to plan the A&Y’s southern route through town, according to Town Manager Scott Whitaker. In January, he terminated Summerfield’s contract with Stewart after expressing his dissatisfaction with the firm – partly due to the firm’s lack of staffing – in performing its duties.

During last week’s meeting,

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I’m curious – I know the town council in Oak Ridge approves the meeting agenda at the beginning of each monthly council meeting, but who decides what goes on the draft agenda? And can the draft agenda be revised at the council meeting before it is voted on?

Sandra Smith, Oak Ridge’s assistant town manager and town clerk, told us the draft agenda is the responsibility of the town clerk in conjunction with the town manager and other staff members.

“Agenda items are discussed with the mayor and individual council members at weekly council briefing meetings,” Smith said. “At the meeting, the council formally adopts the meeting agenda. However, since the agenda belongs to the council, any member can make a motion to amend the agenda either at the beginning of the meeting or at any point during the meeting. To pass, the motion just needs a second and a majority vote in favor.”

Why can’t our local towns put more issues to a referendum so

that citizens can make decisions versus the town council? It just doesn’t seem right that five council members have the final say on projects such as restoring the Redmon house in Oak Ridge – especially when the project involves spending a lot of our taxpayer dollars and there is so much opposition to it.

For the answer to this question, we deferred to the School of Government (SOG)

at UNC Chapel Hill, which provides information on a broad range of topics affecting local governments and public agencies in North Carolina.

According to a blog on the SOG’s website, written by Robert Joyce, “under North Carolina law, only those elections specifically authorized by the state’s constitution or by statute may be held. In the absence of such authorization, any particular kind of referendum (special election) simply may not be held.”

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Local governments can only hold a special election for citizens to vote on an issue if the election is specifically authorized by state statute, such as in cases involving the sale of alcohol, issuing bonds, levying a sales tax, or changing the form of government.

$5 registration per event, per dog

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 Contests for best paw-shaker, ball retriever, treat toss, best puppy dog eyes, smallest dog, largest dog, best vocal performance, best kisser, best tail-wagger, best senior dog

 Canine Good Citizen test

 Dog maze

 Raffle

 Bark Avenue – featuring merchants, rescue groups and more!

SUMMERFIELD town council

April 11 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as

reported by CHRIS BURRITT

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.

CONSENT AGENDA

 5  0 to approve the consent agenda, which included approval of a contract to hire C. Randolph CPA, an accounting firm located in West Jefferson, North Carolina, to prepare Summerfield’s annual audit. Separately, the council approved changing the start time of the Finance Committee’s regular monthly meeting from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The council also approved removing from the meeting agenda a discussion related to the town’s fight against potential de-annexation of landowner David Couch’s 973 acres.

Earlier, Robinson had requested the council discuss how it plans to communicate with the public and the lobbyists and lawyer recently hired by the town to assist Summerfield leaders in fighting possible de-annexation. During the meeting, Robinson asked that the topic be removed from the agenda.

“I feel like we shouldn’t discuss it in public,” she said.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

„ Movie in the park. The town plans to host this year’s first movie in the park Friday, May 5, on the soccer field of Summerfield Athletic Park. The showing of “Coco” will start at 8:30 p.m.

„ Dog park grand opening. Summerfield’s Paw Park will open Saturday, May 6, with grand opening activities from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The park is located behind the amphitheater in Summerfield Community Park and is most easily

accessible from Medaris Street.

„ Farmers market. The Northwest Guilford Farmers and Specialty Market will kick off its five-month season Wednesday, May 3, and run through Saturday, Oct. 28. The market will be located at Greensboro Performing Arts, 7200 Summerfield Road in Summerfield, and will be held twice weekly – on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. (and later as the days get longer) and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Recognition of Service. The council recognized Millie Hoffler-Foushee for her 18 years of service on the town’s Finance Committee. She resigned as chair after she and her husband, William, sold their home in Summerfield earlier this month and moved to Greensboro.

“I did not want to go; I wanted to stay here,” said Foushee, who cried after she received a plaque from Sessoms and posed for photographs with council members and town staff. “I’m going to miss being here.” (See related article on p. 18.)

Thank you, Oak Ridge. Later in the meeting, Sessoms expressed Summerfield’s appreciation for Oak Ridge Town Council’s approval of a resolution urging the state legislature to work with towns and cities and the League of North Carolina Municipalities on local zoning matters. The resolution cited David Couch’s de-annexation efforts as an issue better resolved by local leaders in Summerfield, not the state legislature.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Summerfield Fire District. The district

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 items during the council’s April 11 meeting. Mayor Tim Sessoms was present, but in Summerfield the mayor votes only to break a tie.

 5  0: Approve the consent agenda, which included approval of the town’s contract to hire C. Randolph CPA, an accounting firm located in West Jefferson, North Carolina, to prepare Summerfield’s annual audit

Millie

Hoffler-Foushee (front row, second from right) stands with Summerfield Town Council and staff members after receiving a plaque at the April 11 council meeting in recognition of her 18 years of volunteering on the town’s Finance Committee. reported it ran 142 calls in March, including 23 fire-related calls, 60 EMSrelated calls and 59 other calls. Firefighters also installed 13 child safety seats and three smoke alarms.

Referencing a recent house fire on Horseshoe Drive in Summerfield in which a woman and her dog died, the district reminded residents to make

certain they’ve installed and are maintaining smoke detectors. Residents were also urged to prepare a fire escape plan that’s known by everyone in the house.

Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s District 1 office reported it responded to 305 calls in Summerfield last month, resulting in 13 formal case reports.

Sheriff’s personnel also assisted

 5  0: Hire engineering firm Kimley-Horn to complete planning and provide right-of-way acquisition services for the southern route of the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway

 5  0: Hire attorney Michael Thelen, with Womble Bond Dickinson, to represent the town in opposing landowner David Couch’s de-annexation efforts

 5  0: Appoint Dylan Barrick to the Trails and Open Space Committee

firefighters and the county fire marshal’s office with the fatal house fire last month.

The sheriff’s office is also investigating the theft of several unsecured tools from an outbuilding on Strawberry Road and the break-in of an outbuilding

on Banning Road. Residents were urged to secure valuables and record their make, model and serial numbers.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

„ Gail Dunham said she objected to

Photo courtesy of Town of Summerfield

S’FIELD TOWN COUNCIL

...continued from p. 7

Summerfield possibly erecting a water storage tank on the town’s property which fronts U.S. 220 at N.C. 150. Instead, she said, the town should consider selling the 13.4 acres, known as the northern Gordon property.

„ Teresa Perryman urged the council to share more information about its fight against the potential de-annexation of Couch’s property. She suggested the council hold extra meetings to provide citizens with updates about negotiations between the two sides and share more information with the news media.

„ “I don’t think you should negoti-

ate with a bully,” said Brett Lamberth, urging the council to fight the possible de-annexation “all the way.”

„ Paul Roberts informed the council about efforts by the recently formed “Summerfield Goodfellas” to work with town leaders and first responders to insure the safety of people with disabilities or other special needs during severe weather and power outages.

As a first step, Roberts suggested first responders identify individuals who may need help during weather-related emergencies and electricity blackouts.

MANAGER’S REPORT

A&Y Greenway engineering

 5  0 to hire engineering firm

Kimley-Horn to complete planning and provide right-of-way acquisition services for the southern route of the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway. The project is projected to cost $620,752.35, with the state Department of Transportation paying 80% and the town 20%. (See related article on p. 2.)

Earlier during public comments, Ginger Lambrecht, chair of the town’s Trails and Open Space Committee, urged the council to finalize the agreement with Kimley-Horn.

Potential voluntary annexations. About 15 property owners on Summerfield’s eastern border have filed petitions seeking voluntary annexation into the town, planning manager Brad Rentz said.

Interest in voluntary annexation has emerged since the council held a special called meeting last April to explain the process to residents of the Ridgewood subdivision and others living in the vicinity of Lake Brandt Road.

On the chance that other homeowners will seek voluntary annexation, Rentz urged the council to consider the requests as a group during a single meeting, rather than spreading consideration over different meetings.

Historic properties update. Town Manager Scott Whitaker reported that, on behalf of the town, Preservation North Carolina continues negotiations over the sale of the historic Gordon Hardware building and Martin house to potential buyers.

COUNCIL BUSINESS

De-annexation lawyer hired

 5  0 to hire attorney Michael Thelen, a partner in Womble Bond Dickinson’s Raleigh office, to represent the town in its de-annexation fight against Couch. Thelen’s hourly rate is $580.

Concerned about racking up legal fees, council members discussed, but didn’t agree on an approach for limiting each member’s direct communication with Thelen. (See related article on FC.)

Committee appointment

 5  0 to appoint Dylan Barrick to

the Trails and Open Space Committee.

Land use plan update. The council decided to delay possible approval of a proposed land use plan (LUP) until after the outcome of Couch’s de-annexation efforts becomes clear.

The developer’s property cuts a wide swath across Summerfield, so its removal from town limits would affect long-range recommendations in the LUP, Walker said.

The steering committee working on the LUP wants to hold another meeting before finalizing a draft that would be forwarded to the town’s Planning Board, according to Whitaker.

As part of its review of the LUP, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing to gather citizen input. Afterwards, the board will forward a recommendation on the draft plan to the council. The council will also hold a public hearing as part of its review process and ultimate decision on whether to adopt the LUP as presented. Property tax rate increase. DeVaney said she’s opposed to the possibility of a tax rate increase, an idea raised last month by Whitaker and Dee Hall, the town’s finance officer, in anticipation of rising costs the town is, and anticipates experiencing.

Even if the council were to increase Summerfield’s tax rate by 1 cent per $100 property valuation, DeVaney said she’d want to make sure that such an increase would be temporary. She cautioned that, from her observations, property tax hikes aren’t usually reversed.

Summerfield property owners now pay 2.75 cents per $100 property valuation.

CLOSED SESSION

The council entered a closed session to discuss a legal matter. The session lasted one hour, 15 minutes. After reconvening, the council took no action.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m.

An association of professionals supporting each other and our community

supporting Michael Logan for District 3 Guilford County Board of Education

Republican voters in northwest Guilford County continue to support Michael Logan to represent District 3 on the Guilford County Board of Education.

Shortly after Pat Tillman (R) vacated the District 3 school board seat, the Guilford County Republican Executive Committee held an election for the nominee to fill that seat. Two candidates, Michael Logan and Eric Strimple, campaigned for the seat, with Logan winning the majority of votes.

Michael Logan is a 26-year GCS teacher with an impeccable record. His dedication to the betterment of his students led to many achievements for them as well as for him in his professional life. Among them, he was named “Teacher of the Month” by Carolinas Teacher Association in 2022.

Michael Logan is a very active and committed member of the Republican Party, selflessly working to get conservative candidates, including Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, elected to office.

Michael Logan has held several leadership roles within the Guilford County GOP, including serving as chair of District 3. Through his work with the Republican Party, he has interacted with thousands of voters in the district and garnered loyal support from residents in Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Stokesdale and Greensboro.

Michael Logan was legally nominated by the Guilford County Republican Party’s Executive Committee to fill the District 3 school board seat, but now thousands of residents in District 3, which encompasses northwest Guilford County, have been subjugated by the county’s Democrat-led Board of Education.

On April 4, in a shameless and underhanded act, the Democrat-led BOE installed a RINO, (Republican In Name Only) who was neither elected by the voters nor nominated by the Republican Party to fill the District 3 school board seat.

According to law, the seat vacated by Tillman was to be filled by the Guilford County Republican Party Executive Committee’s nominee. The executive committee is comprised of the executive board and precinct leaders, who are elected by party delegates. Delegates (who have met certain party criteria) are registered Republican voters. Therefore, by proxy of the Executive Committee, Michael Logan was elected by voters to represent District 3 on the school board.

When the Democrat-led BOE installed their choice of Republican candidate onto the school board, they deprived everyone in District 3 of a lawfully nominated school board member and left us with an installed, self-serving traitor who was neither elected nor nominated by the voters.

This is an unfair act toward all who live in District 3.

Furthermore, residents in District 3 have been conned by unethical secret meetings between the BOE chair, Deena Hayes-Green, the BOE’s attorney, Jill Wilson, and the installed school board member, Bill Goebel.

Earlier in the day on April 4, Hayes-Green and Wilson met privately with Goebel to discuss the process of seating him on the school board. During that meeting, Goebel was privy to information that was not shared with the entire school board until later that day — information on how Hayes-Green and Wilson intended to circumvent the law and install him instead of Michael Logan. Goebel was asked not to share the information with the public or with the Republican Party prior to the BOE’s meeting. Goebel acted dishonorably when he colluded with Hayes-Green and Wilson to overthrow the legal nomination of Michael Logan. He not only betrayed the Republican Party, he betrayed every resident in District 3. In further disgrace, just a month earlier Goebel had pledged his loyalty to the Republican Party when he ran for chairman of the Guilford County GOP. In his video speech, which can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zH4jyAmUIE, Goebel asked the delegates for their votes and stated, “I will not let you down.”

Residents of District 3, which includes Oak Ridge, Stokesdale and parts of Summerfield and Greensboro, have been disenfranchised by unethical and possibly illegal activity conducted by Hayes-Green, Wilson and Goebel. Lawsuits are under consideration.

In the meantime, state Rep. Jon Hardister is working on a resolution. In a recent interview with the Rhino Times, Hardister was asked if Goebel’s appointment to fill the District 3 Guilford County school board seat on April 4 meant the issue was settled. To that, Hardister responded, “It’s not over. It’s certainly not over.

“Local governments, such as school boards, are political subdivisions of the state and the state has tremendous power over them,” he continued. “In my view, the school board has defied the law twice now. Our discussions at the state level are about what can we do to rectify that.”

Saying he was in discussions with leaders of both the state House and Senate to determine the best way to move forward, Hardister added, “We’re strongly considering taking additional action and there could be legislation introduced shortly.”

The easiest and most fair resolution is for Goebel to right the wrong and step down from the District 3 school board seat. This would allow the Guilford County Republican Party to conduct a new election for the nominee to fill the District 3 school board seat. If Goebel still desires to represent District 3, he will be given a fair chance to earn the votes for the seat instead of gaining them by unscrupulous means.

In addition, Hayes-Green, the BOE chair, should step down and the BOE’s attorney, Jill Wilson, should be fired. Our public school system deserves to be represented by those who are honest, ethical and have the students’ best interests at heart.

Residents, particularly Republicans, in District 3 will continue to support Michael Logan as our district’s school board representative. We believe he is the most qualified and should be the one seated.

To join our efforts in supporting Michael Logan, follow and engage on our Facebook page @supportmichaellogan.

STOKESDALE town council

April 13 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by

PATTI STOKES

Mayor Mike Crawford called the monthly council meeting to order at 7 p.m. Mayor pro tem Derek Foy and council members Jimmy Landreth, Tim Jones and Jim Rigsbee were present; also present on behalf of the town were town attorney Chuck Winfree, town clerk Dale Martin, deputy clerk Robbie Wagoner and finance officer Kim Thacker.

 5  0 to adopt the meeting agenda after adding discussion of a proposal by the town’s engineering firm, Hazen & Sawyer, and a closed session.

 4  1 (Jones opposed) to adopt minutes from the Dec. 10, 2020 regular town council meeting. Council member Tim Jones said he didn’t vote to approve the minutes because he wasn’t on the town council when the meeting took place, nor did he attend that meeting.

 4  1 (Jones opposed) to approve minutes from the Dec. 13, 2020 special called meeting.

After Jones twice voted against approving minutes for meetings he hadn’t attended, council member Jimmy Landreth asked the attorney how the council might approve minutes of past meetings in the future, if the majority of council members were newly elected and hadn’t attended and/or participated in the meetings. Attorney Chuck

Winfree said the council members would have to decide individually whether they could approve minutes for meetings they hadn’t attended. If desired, listening to recordings of meetings or watching them on YouTube would be an option for council members to familiarize themselves with what took place.

 5  0 (in two separate votes) to adopt minutes from the regular town council meeting and closed session on Feb. 9, 2023.

 5  0 (in two separate votes) to adopt minutes from the regular council meeting and closed session on March 9, 2023.

PUBLIC SAFETY

On behalf of Stokesdale Fire Department, Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy reported the department responded to 83 calls for service in March; of these, 42 were medical-related, 14 were firerelated and 27 were miscellaneous.

District 1. The sheriff’s District 1 office provided a written report, noting there were 214 calls for service in Stokesdale in March, resulting in 18 formal case reports. In his report, Sgt. Ryan Seals wrote that the sheriff’s office responded to two incidents in which tools were stolen from outbuildings in the 8500 block of Blackthorne Drive;

PUBLIC HEARING

The Stokesdale Fire District, Inc. will hold a Public Hearing for anyone in Guilford or Rockingham County who pays taxes into the Stokesdale Fire District. It will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 7pm at the fire station, 8401 US Hwy. 158, Stokesdale. The hearing is to discuss a request to increase the fire district tax rate.

the case is still under investigation. Residents were reminded to secure their valuables and document their make, model and serial numbers.

A residential burglary on Colgate Road last month is also still under investigation.

Officers assisted N.C. Highway Patrol with the vehicle accident on March 30 when a driver failed to stop for a school bus on N.C. 65, even though its mechanical arm was extended and flashing lights on. A 6-year-old Stokesdale Elementary student was subsequently struck and transported to Brenner Children’s Hospital in critical condition. See update on p. 2.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Town clerk Dale Martin updated the council on the number of water meters installed in March (13), water meters placed on hold and applications for service (28) and work orders processed (17).

The water system continues to grow, with 752 water customers billed last month (compared to 672 billed in March 2022).

Other activities included staff review of the Ellisboro Road water line extension; submission of two years’ worth of meeting minutes to the state archives for microfilming; execution of contracts; update of meeting minutes on the town’s website; and discussion of town park improvements.

Martin noted staff is also reviewing the town’s development ordinance, which was last amended in 2018.

Staff has attended budget workshops and Lynn Callahan, the recently hired part-time administrative assistant, is getting settled in.

The town is still waiting on NCDOT to install reduced-speed limit signs on Athens Road, Angel Pardue Road and Adano Road.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Property Committee. Council member Jim Rigsbee noted the town’s lawncare company recently sprayed for weeds.

Town Park Improvement. Chair Tee

Stephenson said the committee continues to meet weekly, and a recommendation for the playground project would be presented later in the meeting. Bids for the outdoor basketball and pickleball courts are still being reviewed.

FINANCIAL

Finance officer Kim Thacker presented an overview of the operations and water enterprise account balances. Thacker noted that several CDARS were renewed in February and March at a 3.618% interest rate, which is much higher than it has been the last few years. The town has $2,576,261 in CDARS with the Bank of Oak Ridge and $326,193 with Fidelity Bank.

The town received $75,395 on March 15 for its quarterly share of franchise utility taxes collected from Stokesdale citizens.

OLD BUSINESS

 5  0 to extend the lawncare contract with Excellence Lawncare for one year, at $24,000.

 5  0 to extend the contract with Hunter Enterprises to maintain the soccer fields in the town park for $12,000 (for one year), subject to receiving proof of general liability insurance of at least $1 million.

AUDITING SERVICES

Thacker said the town recently received a proposal for annual auditing services from C. (Cynthia) Randolph, CPA, PLLC; W. Greene, PLLC submitted a proposal last month.

Thacker said she spoke at length with Ms. Randolph, who has 31 years of experience in auditing and public accounting, corporate and fiduciary taxation, and is a member of several professional accounting organizations.

“She enlightened me on several things. Summerfield just contracted with her last month,” Thacker said.

 5  0 to accept a proposal from C. Randolph, CPA to perform the town’s financial audit for FY2022-23 for $10,635.

NEW BUSINESS

Town park improvements. Tee

Stephenson presented Backyard Paradise’s proposal to install playground equipment as described for $81,692.83. Foy noted the town received nine “good” proposals from three different vendors.

Jones asked if anyone had looked at the equipment in person and Foy said no, but staff had checked with four of the references the company provided and council members had

been given written feedback.

 5  0 to accept Backyard Paradise’s proposal. Rigsbee commended Stephenson for his hard work on the Town Park Improvement Committee over the last year.

Consideration to accept transcript. Per Jones’s request to add this as an agenda item, council discussed accepting the “Scott transcript” dated May 24, 2022, which was for a closed

session on March 12, 2020. During that closed session, shouts could be heard coming from the conference room and then-mayor John Flynt later came out of the closed session and announced, “I just resigned.”

“I’ve gone back and forth on this,” Jones said of his decision to resurrect the incidents that occurred during and after the March 12, 2020 closed session. “… Citizens are entitled to as

much transparency as we can deliver,” he added.

Jones then motioned to accept Ms. Scott’s transcript of the closed session as a supplement to the audio recording of the session and said, “It would bother me not to do this.”

When asked about legal concerns Winfree had with Jones’s proposed

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STOKESDALE TC

...continued

from p. 11

action, the attorney explained he had four concerns related to the transcript, including that Ms. Scott is not a registered court reporter. He said the bigger concern, however, was that she didn’t attend the closed session.

“There were several circumstances where people were talking over each other, so it was difficult to know who was saying what,” Winfree said. “I was concerned about how she would know who was speaking.

“Another issue is that the version of the transcript I received was in an editable Microsoft Word format, so anyone could edit it,” Winfree continued. “Last, she certifies that she accurately reported what she was given … portions could have been deleted from the recording. If the town vouches for the accuracy of the transcript, the town might have to defend itself in some kind of defamation action.”

Landreth then said he had spent some sleepless nights over the March 12, 2020 closed session, and was inclined to “leave dead dogs lie.”

 1  4 (with Jones casting the only “aye” vote) to accept the Scott transcript as a supplement to the audio recording of the March 12, 2020 closed session. Recording of closed sessions. Winfree explained the public has a right to attend open meetings and record them if they wish. However, the public can be excluded from closed sessions. Without a policy in place, there is no requirement for closed sessions to be recorded, nor is anyone attending a closed session prohibited from recording it.

“The question is: what right do council members have to record a closed session? If there is no policy, there is no limitation,” Winfree explained, then referenced a situation that occurred in Summerfield a few years ago, in which a then-council member recorded at least one closed session and later shared that recording with members of the public. He presented five options for establishing a policy on recording closed sessions.

 5  0 to continue discussion on the above to the May council meeting.

 4  1 (Foy opposed) to continue discussion about a proposal by Hazen & Sawyer dated April 11 for cost of engineering and consulting services.

CLOSED SESSION

At 8:07 p.m. Council recessed the open meeting to discuss legal matters in closed session, then reconvened 20 minutes later.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

„ Foy encouraged everyone to keep

Virtual Care from Your Home

young Jaxson Franklin in their prayers.

Referring to the Town of Summerfield’s request for Stokesdale to draft a resolution in support of its efforts to oppose de-annexation of almost 1,000 acres from the town, Foy said, “If we had one before us tonight I would vote on it. I think it merits a special called meeting.”

„ With that, the council scheduled a special called meeting on Thursday, April 20, at 7 p.m. Landreth added review of the Hazen & Sawyer proposal as an agenda item for that meeting.

„ Crawford confirmed he had been approached by Summerfield to draft a resolution in support of the town’s efforts to oppose de-annexation of David Couch’s almost 1,000 acres.

„ “Regarding my attempt to get this transcript (of the March 12, 2020 closed session) in front of our citizens, I believe it’s the right thing to do,” Jones said.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m.

“Do you advise us not to vote for this motion?” Landreth asked Winfree, to which the attorney responded, “There are risks associated with accepting it.”

Tested for every weather extreme

Joyce’s blog goes on to say, “In North Carolina, we are deeply committed to a republican form of government – little ‘r’. In a republic, we voters elect our representatives – to the state legislature, the county commissions, the city councils, and the school boards – and empower them to make laws on our behalf. If we are unhappy with the laws that they make, the remedy is to vote them out at the next election and put in representatives who will do things differently.

“As a matter of philosophy, we go one step further,” Joyce continued. “Not only do we empower our representatives to make laws on our behalf, but we charge them with the responsibility to do so. We expect them to study matters carefully, to engage in intense legislative consideration of issues, and to exercise their judgment in an informed and considered manner.”

With that said, before local governments can consider putting an issue

before voters, they must first look to the state’s general statutes to see if a referendum, or special election, is authorized.

Joyce notes that in some cases there are not only authorizations, but requirements that a referendum be held. For example, in cases involving the sale of beer or wine or mixed drinks and the operation of ABC stores for the sale of liquor; the issuance of general obligation bonds; changing the structure of a municipality’s government; levying a sales tax; and establishing a rural fire protection district.

If a general statute does not provide authorization for a referendum, a local government has one other option, which is to request the state legislature pass a local act authorizing them to hold a special election.

For more info on voter referendums in North Carolina, visit https://canons.sog.unc.edu and type “referendums” in the Search bar.

7101 US 158, Stokesdale NEW SYSTEM INSTALLATION • SERVICE • REPAIR

Subject to credit approval, see store for details

Photo courtesy of Piedmont Triad Airport Authority Running left to right, Interstate 73 divides Piedmont Triad International Airport property in half, with 600 acres on the lower side slated for aviation-related economic development. The tract encompasses the site of the former Pleasant Ridge Golf Course, highlighted by the bright green grass. Just above the highway near the airport terminal, Boom Supersonic has begun construction of its $500 million jet factory. At the left, the development zone presses against houses along Old Oak Ridge Road where the airport authority has bought property and plans to buy more. On the other side of the road are the Cardinal and other residential subdivisions.

Flying high

Riding the momentum of Boom Supersonic, Piedmont Triad Airport Authority is hearing from an increasing number of potential tenants for 1,000 acres of property primed for development

by CHRIS BURRITT

NW GREENSBORO – As part of its courtship of Boom Supersonic, the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority covered a wall in its boardroom with a sweeping aerial view of the airport’s property.

Almost every day, the photograph dating back to 2021 becomes even more outdated.

The image doesn’t show the gravel

footprint where earth-moving equipment is preparing 62 acres on which Boom Supersonic plans to erect a $500 million jet factory and eventually employ 2,400 people.

It also doesn’t show the start of construction of a public road that will open Piedmont Triad International (PTI) Airport’s property on both sides of Interstate 73 to motorists. Eventually entering the airport’s property from Regional, Old Oak Ridge and Pleasant Ridge roads, the road will carry employees of Boom Supersonic and new aviation companies that Triad economic development officials are recruiting.

A new bridge is under construction for vehicles to travel across the highway. Nearby, a bridge for airplanes is already complete, waiting for the arrival of aviation tenants on hundreds

of acres slated for development.

“If all goes to plan, it’s going to be a site employing thousands of people in the aerospace industry, probably building airplanes or maintaining them,” said Kevin Baker, the authority’s executive director, who’s been talking to an increasing number of companies since Boom Supersonic’s announcement in January 2021. “It’s wide open.”

One afternoon last week, Baker orchestrated an overhead projector

in the boardroom, moving potential factory sites around 1,000 acres on both sides of I-73 being readied for aviation companies engaged in manufacturing, rebuilding and maintaining planes.

In recent years, the authority has acquired office space and is considering buying more buildings accessible from Regional Road. Vacant space could provide administrative or engineering offices for manufacturing or maintenance facilities at the airport.

“One of our major roles here now is making sure we effectively use the properties,” Baker said.

The addition of Boom Supersonic, which plans to start production in 2024, will push employment at the airport past 10,000 jobs. Already, companies including FedEx, Honda

Aircraft Company, HAECO Americas and Cessna employ more than 8,600 people.

One prospective tenant is Marshall Aerospace, a British-based company that’s considering PTI as the site for a $50 million maintenance facility employing as many as 240 people. Earlier this week, the Greensboro City Council approved at least $240,000 in incentives for the company. The county’s Board of Commissioners may grant incentives totaling more than $400,000.

Aviation businesses are also growing in the vicinity of PTI. Earlier this week, TAT Piedmont Aviation Component Services said it will spend more than $13.8 million and create 85 jobs in an expansion of its Cessna Drive facility.

“We view the airport as an economic engine and an economic driver,” said Brian Hall, an Oak Ridge resident who serves as real estate president for Samet Corp.

As an example of PTI’s drawing power, Greensboro-based Samet is seeking manufacturing, industrial and distribution tenants for two 200,000-square-foot buildings recently constructed on N.C. 68 at I-73. Completed in 2021, its first building in the same location is leased.

leaders in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale about how the creation of thousands of jobs will drive demand for housing and put pressure on roads and schools.

“People living closest to the airport are going to be greatly impacted,” said Patti Stokes, owner of PS Communications and publisher and editor of the Northwest Observer. “And the towns of Summerfield, Stokesdale and Oak Ridge are going to be impacted as well. People who come to work at one of these airport businesses will want to live in our little towns – which eventually won’t be so little.”

Economic development around the airport is also playing into debate over efforts by Summerfield landowner David Couch to de-annex his 973 acres in the town.

As he weighs whether to support de-annexation legislation, state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger said last month he believes Summerfield Town Council needs to increase housing options.

He referred to Summerfield as “a community that is surrounded by billions of dollars in economic development. As our area continues to grow, additional housing is urgently needed so the nurses, teachers, first responders, and construction workers our area relies on can live in the places they serve.”

PTI’s Baker said more than a decade of preparation for economic development has put the airport in expansion mode.

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On the other hand, as the airport acquires land for its expansion, it’s bumping against residential areas, including the Cardinal subdivision, along Old Oak Ridge and Pleasant Ridge roads. The impact reaches even further, drawing concern from

“Our goal is to grow,” he said. “Will there be an additional 30,000 jobs in 10 years or 15 years? I don’t know. These things take time to develop. But 50 years from now, it’s very likely.”

“The ease with which people and products move around the airport is fantastic,” Hall said. “It creates a competitive advantage for the Triad.”

Town’s fire chief weighs in on housing costs

Fewer than 20% of Summerfield Fire District’s firefighters live within Summerfield town limits, Chief Johnson told state Sen. Phil Berger in a recent conversation about affordable housing

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Fire

District Chief Chris Johnson said more of the department’s 82 full-time, parttime and volunteer firefighters would like to live in town if they could find more affordable housing.

“I know this is not a popular answer, but there is not a place in this town for a new firefighter, unless their spouse makes a lot more than what they make,” Johnson said in a recent

email. “I hear from my employees that there is nowhere in the town they can live. We need more moderate(ly) priced housing for people who serve the community.”

Johnson shared his views in a meeting last month with state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger. Representing Summerfield in the Senate’s District 26, the Republican lawmaker is weighing whether to support landowner David Couch’s request for the legislature to de-annex his 973 acres in town.

Johnson said he’s not taking sides in the debate over the affordability of housing in Summerfield, a topic that has emerged as Couch seeks to build the town’s first apartments. Even so, Johnson’s views put him at odds with opponents of Couch’s plans for higherdensity housing as part of the development of Villages of Summerfield Farms.

Barbour & Williams Law

Twice in the past year, the Town Council has denied Couch’s request for a change to Summerfield’s development rules, the first step in winning the town’s approval for building apartments. During meetings of the council and the Planning Board, some homeowners said people should work harder to be able to afford to live in Summerfield, as they did before moving to the town.

By contrast, as Couch seeks support from state legislators to de-annex his property, he has reiterated his view that Summerfield needs more affordable housing options for first responders and others with modest incomes.

Housing prices have jumped in the three years since the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in higher construction costs and tightened the supply of homes. The average sales price of homes in Summerfield and Oak Ridge climbed by 6.1% in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to a year earlier, according to the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association.

The association based the sales figures on statistics from the Triad Multiple Listing Service; it combines the sales results of Summerfield and Oak Ridge into a single quarterly report.

Housing prices also climbed in other areas of the county during that period.

“Summerfield

A 911 supervisor in High Point, Downey and his wife, Kasey, a school teacher, bought a three-bedroom, 2 ½-bath house on roughly 2 ½ acres in Summerfield 12 years ago. Even though its value has increased from about $250,000 to around $400,000, the couple said they could still afford to buy the property.

“I’m a teacher living here, and I know a lot of other people like me living here,” Kasey said in an interview earlier this week. She and her husband expressed their views during a public hearing in February before the council denied Couch’s text amendment request.

If Couch were concerned about the availability of housing in Summerfield for people earning moderate incomes, he should build homes in the “$200,000 to $300,000 range that more people could afford,” Chris said earlier this week. “Why build apartments when you can build the houses you claim that you want these people to have?”

Millie Hoffler-Foushee would have liked apartments as a housing option in Summerfield before she and her husband, William, sold their Summerfield home earlier this month and moved into an apartment in Greensboro.

In their 80s, the couple no longer wanted to own a house that requires maintenance, Foushee said in an interview earlier this week. She broke down in tears during the council’s meeting last week after she received a plaque expressing the town’s appreciation for her 18 years of service on the Finance Committee.

“I felt that I should have been able to stay in Summerfield,” she said. “That is why I was so heartbroken and so upset.”

isn’t some magical place where prices go through the roof and everyplace else stays the same,” said Chris Downey, a Summerfield homeowner who takes exception to Couch’s characterization of the lack of affordable housing in town.

CJ Builders, Inc.

Casey Johnson’s construction roots run deep. His late grandfather, RL Casey, and his father, Commie Johnson, were both contractors and worked together on many commercial and institutional construction projects, including schools and community colleges.

It’s not surprising, then, that Casey developed a love of construction and decided to join the family business. He and Commie started CJ Builders in 2005 and have since focused on the residential home construction market.

Over the last 18 years the father-andson team has developed a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail and a commitment to doing what’s necessary to give their clients exactly what they want in their homes.

Last year the pair decided to change roles in their business, with Commie stepping aside to pursue other endeavors and Casey taking the helm and setting his sights on further expanding the scope of the business.

“We’re still building high-quality homes, but I’m also focusing on devel-

oping new communities in the northwest area,” Casey said.

Commie now handling the administrative details of the business also gives Casey the freedom to do what he likes best – being on the construction site and performing hands-on work.

“I like being in the field with my guys rather than being in an office,” he said.

Casey Johnson, a third-generation builder, working with homebuyers to build their stepping into the development end of

Photos courtesy of Smith Marketing

From exterior to interior, CJ Builders’ carefully crafted homes are designed for function and beauty.

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO At CJ Builders, father-and-son team Commie (left) and Casey Johnson understand the importance of excellent communication and attention to details as well as quality construction.

builder, continues to enjoy their dream homes while also of the residential market

“And, it gives me the opportunity to make sure things are done to the homebuyers’ liking.”

Both Casey and Commie work diligently at providing top-notch customer service, and that means carefully listening to what their homebuyers want and being creative in meeting those desires.

It also means maintaining an excellent level of communication.

more,” Casey said. “Plus, we’ve got a couple of spec houses in North Ridge and Treeline Trails in Stokesdale.”

Along with the building side of the business, Casey is establishing himself as a successful developer. CJ Builders is part of the developer team for the Belews Ridge community in Stokesdale and the prestigious Pemberly Estates in Oak Ridge. The company is also involved with Honeycutt Reserve in Oak Ridge, and another new development in Stokesdale that will soon be breaking ground.

CJ Builders’ commitment to high standards has resulted in much success over the years and has propelled the company into 2023 on a solid footing.

“Currently, we’ve got five pre-sell custom homes under construction and are ready to start on three or four

to you by Smith Marketing

336.706.1887

“I strive to be super responsive and always get back to my customers as quickly as possible,” Casey said. “ at’s a really big deal for me.”

Casey Johnson

MAYOR ISSUES STATEMENT ON DE-ANNEXATION

...continued from p. 1

Homeowner seeks OK for short-term rental

According to Summerfield’s UDO, short-term rentals such as those arranged through Airbnb and Vrbo are only allowed in principal dwellings, not other structures on the property

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – A homeowner in the Trotter Ridge subdivision is asking for an amendment to Summerfield’s development rules so she can operate a shortterm rental in a barn on her property.

The town’s unified development ordinance (UDO) imposes numerous restrictions on short-term rentals, such as those arranged by online booking services Airbnb and Vrbo. In Summerfield, shortterm rentals must be located within the principal dwelling on the property, not in any other structure such as “a cabin, hut, tent, yurt, treehouse, teepee, etc.,” according the UDO.

Joanne Bond, of 6070 Windsor

Farme Road, is asking for the removal of the principal dwelling requirement so she can convert her two-story barn into a short-term rental, according to Summerfield’s notice of two public hearings related to her text amendment application last month.

Bond’s short-term rental would be “an asset to visitors coming to the area to investigate suitable schools, universities and potential small businesses,” she said in the application. “If accommodations like this are professionally presented, I believe they will attract potential people to the area.”

Bond didn’t reply to a request for an interview last week. The Planning Board is slated to consider her application during its meeting next Monday, April 24. The board will send its recommendation to the Town Council for a final decision during its meeting May 9.

The board and the council will hold public hearings during their meetings to give residents the opportunity to express their views about the text amendment application.

threat that a legislative bill to de-annex the 973 acres he owns in Summerfield will be introduced with the support of state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger. Berger represents District 26, which encompasses Summerfield, and has urged the town to seek a compromise with Couch over the developer’s plans to build apartments in Summerfield.

Representatives of the town met with Couch and his attorneys and lobbyists last month.

“All listened, aired some frustrations, and discussed the need to compromise,” Sessoms wrote in the statement. “While the town is committed to maintaining Summerfield’s character, leaders offered some points of negotiation in hopes of moving toward the middle. Th is initial offer has not yet yielded any productive dialog, but the town continues to seek reasonable responses.

“The collective advice is that compromise remains the best outcome for our community and the town

should still pursue good-faith negotiations,” the mayor continued. “For now, we are doing so. If these efforts are reciprocated, the town will present more details to residents before making substantive decisions. In the meantime, Council members have met with Senator Berger and others, and we’re grateful for the on-going calls and communications to representatives. Residents sharing their opinions about external involvement in this matter is helpful.”

In conclusion, Sessoms wrote, “Rest assured that your Council members are actively engaged in finding the best solution. Patience is greatly appreciated – we are at times simply waiting for responses. The Northwest Observer has been kind enough to offer us space each edition so we can share important news. We’ll also share the same on social media.”

S’FIELD FIRE DISTRICT

...continued from p. 18

If Couch is eventually allowed to build apartments in the town, Foushee said she may no longer be alive. Even so, she said, she believes “there should be an opportunity for others. When a person gets to be my age, they should be able to stay in Summerfield. I think we deserve that.”

As a member of the committee that drafted a unified development ordinance (UDO) in 2018, Foushee said she recommended the town make housing accommodations for the elderly to downsize in Summerfield and for law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders to afford to live in the town.

While the UDO adopted by the council in 2021 allows construction of multifamily housing such as duplexes, it doesn’t allow apartments.

In his meeting last month with Sen. Berger, fire chief Johnson said he shared his views about the lack of moderately priced housing in Summerfield as part of a wide-ranging discussion with the lawmaker. Assistant fire chief Jenna Daniels also attended the meeting, described by Johnson as part of the fire district’s efforts to build

relationships with state legislators.

Johnson

Johnson said. “It just centered around affordable housing for firefighters.”

Six of Summerfield’s 41 full-time firefighters live in the town, including one who recently rented the house owned by the town at 5448 Bunch Road. The house is located on 120 acres that Summerfield plans to develop as Bandera Farms Park. Rather than leave the house vacant, the council voted to lease it for $500 a month for up to one year.

None of Summerfield Fire District’s part-time firefighters live inside of the Summerfield town limits, according to Johnson. Nine of the 37 volunteers live within the town.

five of the fire district’s six full-time firefighters who live in town due to arrangements with their families and friends. He added that he and the five others are “paying nowhere close to the average Summerfield home price.”

Johnson said he’s “not OK” with the situation. Twenty years ago, he said he “wanted to live in this town where I grew up” but that he and his wife “could not find a house or land that we could afford.”

In their talks with Berger, Johnson said he and Daniels “discussed affordable housing for our firefighters and about how many of our staff and volunteers actually live in the town limits and the reasons why the number is so low.”

Johnson cited salaries for Summerfield firefighters that start at $40,365 a year. New employees with two-year degrees in a related field get 5% more and those with four-year degrees get an additional 10%, he said.

“No comments ever came up about apartments during my conversation in Raleigh” with Berger,

Of the fire district’s 82 firefighters, 15 of them – or 18.3% – live in Summerfield.

The chief listed himself among

“We started looking in Rockingham County, and that’s when my parents ended up giving us a plot on part of the family farm land,” he said. Summerfield Fire District covers 47 square miles that includes the town of Summerfield and portions of Rockingham County.

said he told Berger that he is “not for or against de-annexation. In my position, I can’t have a side. I have to be here for everyone because when they call 911, it doesn’t matter what side you are on, if you need help, we are going to give you the very best service.”

CRIME / INCIDENT report

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

ASSAULT/DOMESTIC INCIDENT

April 4 | Law enforcement officers responded to a report of a domestic incident in the 7000 block of Ellison Road in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158).

April 5 | Officers responded to a report of an aggravated assault involving synthetic drugs and a knife in the 3600 block of Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield.

April 7 | Officers responded to a reported assault involving theft in the 8800 block of East Pepper Court in Oak Ridge (near Oak Ridge Road).

April 8 | A 24-year-old male was arrested in the 1000 block of Christmas Place in northwest Greensboro (near Old Oak Ridge Road) for assault on a female, injury to personal property and interfering with emergency communication.

April 9 | Officers responded to a reported assault involving a physical altercation in the 5500 block of Tanyard Court in Oak Ridge (near Oak Ridge Road).

CONSPIRACY

April 7 | A 37-year-old female was arrested in the 3000 block of Sandy Ridge Road in Colfax for conspiracy and resisting/delaying/obstructing a police officer.

DEATH INVESTIGATION

April 10 | Officers conducted a death investigation in the 8600 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale.

FIRE

April 12 | Officers responded to a fire in the 5100 block of Millstaff Road in Oak Ridge (off Stafford Mill Road).

FRAUD

April 13 | A citizen in the 8000 block of Marketplace Drive in Oak Ridge reported that sometime between September 2021 and April 13, 2023, an unknown suspect used her identification info to defraud her of $300.

April 13 | A resident of the 7500 block of Keating Drive in Oak Ridge (near N.C. 68 N) reported an unknown suspect used the mobile app Cash App to defraud him of $232.

April 16 | A resident of the 2800 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect fraudulently used his identification info.

THEFT

April 8 | A resident of the 7400 block of Summer Wind Court in Summerfield (near N.C. 150 W) reported that between April 7 at 9:30 a.m. and April 8 at 3:05 p.m. an unknown suspect stole a white gold diamond ring worth $6,870 from her residence.

April 11 | A resident of the 1500 block of N.C. 150 W in Summerfield reported that between April 6 and April 11 an unknown suspect stole a black/orange DR Field and Brush mower worth $3,000 from his residence.

7504 Summerfield Road

Main number: (336) 641-2300

For non-emergency incidents: (336) 373-2222 • 8 a.m.–5 p.m., M-F https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/ our-county/sheriff-s-office

TOWN HIRES FIRM FOR A&Y GREENWAY

...continued from p. 3

council members discussed whether Summerfield had overpaid Stewart before the termination of its contract. Town Attorney Bob Hornik said the council may want to discuss options for recouping some of the money at a later date in closed session.

Summerfield paid Stewart $360,837.14, which is 90.1% of its $400,374.00 contract with the town, according to finance officer Dee Hall. The firm billed the town another approximately $35,575, based on its estimate for completing 99% of the project. But Summerfield hasn’t paid for that amount, Hall said.

Kimley-Horn estimated that Stewart actually completed about 65% of the greenway design, Whitaker said. As a result, Hall added, “we believe we have overpaid by tens of thousands, but we are still assessing exactly how much.”

Kimley-Horn plans to redo some of the work previously done by Stewart, Whitaker said.

The town’s contract with KimleyHorn breaks down planning and engineering costs of $425,252.35 and right-of-way acquisitions services for no more than $195,500.

The contract doesn’t cover the cost for buying land from 24 property owners along the route of the greenway, according to Whitaker

The trail will start at the tunnel underneath U.S. 220 and travel about 3.6 miles through the Lake Higgins watershed and northward on Summerfield Road before reaching Medaris Street, north of Summerfield Community Park near the town’s new dog park, which is scheduled to open next month.

The existing greenway runs northward from Greensboro before passing through the tunnel underneath U.S. 220. As planned, the trail will eventually connect to the Piedmont Greenway, which will run from Greensboro to Winston-Salem.

Celebrating 27 years of bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County

welcome to ... Youth Sync

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

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

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We are OPEN and accepting new patients

EAGLE Scouts

Rohrer earns Eagle Scout rank

Camdon Rohrer, a member of Scouts

BSA Troop 600 based in Oak Ridge, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

For his Eagle Scout service project, Camdon led eight Scouts in garden revitalization by clearing winter debris and applying new mulch, installing an outdoor garden faucet, and sanding, repairing and then painting six picnic tables to enhance the outdoor area for the Triad Hindu Temple located on Alcorn Road in Oak Ridge. Using over six cubic yards of mulch to enhance the garden area, along with the new addition of the outdoor faucet, a more efficient garden irrigation area was an enhancement to assist the temple members.

This July, Camdon will participate in

the Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree, which is held in Glen Jean, West Virginia, over 10 days and only occurs every four years.

Camdon is a member of the Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge of the Order of the Arrow, the honor society of the Boy Scouts of America. He has held several leadership roles including Vice Chief of Communications.

A resident of Summerfield, Camdon, 17, is the son of Clyde and Cynthia Rohrer. He is a junior at Northwest High School and dual enrolled in Guilford Technical Community College.

communitynews@nwobserver.com

Students of Revolution Academy, a K-8 charter school located at 3800 Oak Ridge Rd. in Summerfield, invite the community to their performances of Disney’s “Newsies Jr.” on Friday, April 21, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 22, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 23, at 2 p.m.

“Newsies Jr.” is based on the 1992 film “Newsies,” which was inspired by

the true story of newsboys in turn-ofthe-century New York City and the Newsboys Strike of 1899.

Tickets may be purchased at the door prior to each performance. Doors will open 30 minutes before the start of each performance, which will include a 15-minute intermission.

Teen Performance Summer Camp

Disney’s Youth Version

First in USA to get rights, 2nd in NC to perform $250/student ● scholarships available ● sibling discounts

June 19 - 30, 9am - 12pm

Performance on June 30 at PJC Botanical Gardens

www.krossroadsplayhouse.org

Camdon Rohrer

Youth Sync

Rugby youth teams welcome players

“This is a great game that teaches true humility, courage and teamwork,” said Mike Willer, who runs the Greensboro Youth Rugby club. The high school boys team is supported by Oak Ridge Youth Association.

Middle-school rugby players with Greensboro Youth Rugby practice at Oak Ridge Military Academy Field, and high school players practice behind CrossFit

Gym, 8309 Linville Road in Oak Ridge.

“We are always looking for players, middle- and high-school age,” Willer said. “If interested, email Mike at greensboroyrc@gmail.com.”

For more information about Greensboro Youth Rugby, visit www.greensboroyouthrugby.com or contact Willer at greensoboroyrc@ gmail.com..

mark your calendar

SUNDAYS, APRIL 23 – MAY 21

 Healthy Kids fun run | Nonprofit Healthy Kids Running Series will host a fun run for kids 2 to 14 years old on Sundays, April 23 to May 21, starting at 3 p.m. each week at Summerfield Elementary School, 7501 Summerfield Road. Visit www.runsignup.com/hkrssummerfield to register. Registration fee includes a T-shirt, snacks and medals for the top finishers. More info: (510) 606-3430 or summerfieldnc@healthykidsrs.org.

EVERY MONDAY IN MAY

 Block party | Morehead United Methodist Church at 3214 Horse Pen Creek Road in northwest Greensboro will host a block party every Monday in May from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a free outdoor concert, food truck and funnel cake truck. More info: www.facebook.com/moreheadumcgso.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

 Spring concert | Stokesdale Community Choir invites the community to a spring concert April 22, starting 11 a.m. at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road. Pre-concert music starts at 10:30 a.m. More info: skbeene@gmail.com.

 Music in the Park | The Town of Oak Ridge and its Parks & Recreation Advisory Board will host the first Music in the Park event of the season on April 22 at Oak Ridge Town Park Amphitheater, 6231 Lisa Drive. This month, Hotwax & the Splinters (5:30 to 7 p.m.) and The Grassifieds (7 to 8:30 p.m.) will both perform bluegrass music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; food will be available for purchase and Kona Ice will be onsite. No alcohol allowed. The event is free, but donations for the bands are appreciated. In case of inclement weather, this event will be held in Oak Ridge United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center, 2424 Oak Ridge Road.

MONDAY, APRIL 24

 Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club will meet April 24 in the Oak Ridge Room (next to Bistro 150)

in Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center, corner of N.C. 68 and 150. Come at 6 p.m. to socialize and order dinner or a beverage if you would like; business meeting runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info: oakridgelionsclubnc@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

 Kindergarten round-up | Oak Ridge Elementary School will host an open house for rising kindergartners and their parents on April 27, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the school’s media center, 2050 Oak Ridge Road. Parents can tour classrooms and hear ideas about how to make their child’s transition to kindergarten a positive one. More info: (336) 643-8410 or wingfik@gcsnc.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

 Spring yard sale | Due to inclement weather, Friends of Stokesdale’s spring yard sale was rescheduled to this Saturday, April 29, starting at 8 a.m. at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive. Rent a space for $15 in advance, or sign up and pay for a space early morning on April 29. More info: call Joe Thacker, president, at (336) 708-0334, or email friendsofstokesdale@gmail.com.

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

 Community breakfast | Stokesdale Masonic Lodge #428, located at 8420 Ellisboro Road, invites the community to a free breakfast including eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, sausage gravy, grits, etc., on April 29, 9 to 11 a.m. Dine in or carry out. Donations to cover breakfast costs are appreciated. More info: (423) 584-3252 or RalphBeegle0@gmail.com.

 Canine Capers | The 9th annual Canine Capers, a fundraiser for local canine rescue groups, will take place April 29, starting at 9 a.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. Free admission for spectators; entering a dog in the show costs $5, and there will be ribbons and prizes for many categories like “largest dog,” “best tail-wagger,” etc. New this year is a canine fashion show and a Pup Cup ice cream eating contest. There will be food for purchase, raffles, vendor booths and more. More info: www.facebook.com/oakridgetownpark or call (336) 644-7009. See ad on p. 5.

 “Custom Carz at Church” | Stokesdale Christian Church at 8607 Stokesdale Street will host its 9th annual car and motorcycle show April 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free; entering a car into the show costs $15, or $10 with five cans of food. There will be no class judging, and three trophies are up for grabs: The Pastor’s Pick, The Elders’ Pick and The Deacons’ Pick. There will be food for purchase, music, games, a bake sale and raffles; grand prize raffle drawing is for race tickets to Charlotte and Martinsville Speedways. More info: www.stokesdalechristianchurch.com or call (336) 643-3111.

 Open Fun Horse Show | Piedmont

Saddle Club will host a horse show April 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 8001 Leabourne Road in Colfax. Spectators are welcome; attendance is free. Grounds fee is $20 per horse (no class entry fee); there will be judged classes, games and timed events. Concessions available for purchase. Register at www.tinyurl.com/PSCfunshow. More info: www.facebook.com/ PiedmontSaddleClub.

MONDAY, MAY 1

 SMA meeting | Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA), which focuses on supporting its members and the Summerfield community, invites professionals who live in Summerfield or operate a business or nonprofit in Summerfield to its next meeting on May 1; social/networking time begins at 6:15 p.m. with business meeting following at 7 p.m. Learn more about SMA or RSVP to attend the meeting at www.summerfieldmerchant.com.

TUESDAY,

MAY 2

 Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford, a nonprofit that focuses on children in our community, will meet May 2, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

 Triad Honor Flight | Triad Honor Flight will sponsor a one-day trip for local veterans – including several from northwest Guilford County – to visit memorials in Washington, D.C., on May 3. There will be a send-off celebration at Piedmont Triad International Airport in northwest Greensboro at 6:45 a.m. and a welcome-home celebration at PTI around 7:45 p.m. Supporters are encouraged to write letters, wave flags and make signs to hold when the veterans depart in the morning and arrive back at the airport at the end of the day. Letters may also be mailed to: PTI, Attn. Veterans THF, 1000 Ted Johnson Parkway, Greensboro, NC 27409. More info: (336) 382-0695 or Alison.Huber@ dynamicquest.com.

 Senior program | Senior Resources of Guilford County will sponsor a senior program including activities and a take-home lunch on May 3, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, 2445 Oak Ridge Road. To learn more and/or RSVP, call (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.

 Preservation Oak Ridge | Preservation Oak Ridge, a nonprofit committed to preserving historic structures in Oak Ridge, will meet May 3, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Ai Church, 1306 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge. More info: www.preserveoakridge.org or call (336) 644-1777.

 Friends of Stokesdale | Friends of Stokesdale, a nonprofit committed to

preserving Stokesdale’s history and downtown charm, will meet May 3, 7 to 8 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. More info: www.facebook.com/friendsofstokesdale or call Joe Thacker, president, at (336) 708-0334.

THURSDAY, MAY 4

 Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will meet May 4, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Attend in person or watch the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel (a link to the recorded meeting will also be posted on the town’s Facebook page). Visit www.oakridgenc.com for more info or a meeting agenda.

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.

„ Phil, owner of Best 4K9 in Oak Ridge (and Greensboro and Winston-Salem), for going above and beyond in making a massive donation of dog food and pet supplies to the tornado victims in Mississippi. We all need to support this local business!

„ Summerfield Elementary School media coordinator Karen E. Harris for

her 30-plus years of service in Guilford County Schools. Sad to hear you are retiring – you have been a godsend to the students and parents of the school, and you will be missed!

„ Derrick Moody and Larry Kirby at Summerfield First Baptist Church for being extremely helpful in setting up and sharing the Christian Life Center for the Camp REACH Spring Fling. Thank you for being a wonderful and inclusive community partner!

„ Michael Logan for your 26-year dedication as a GCS teacher with an impeccable record and for your brave perseverance through pernicious lies and hostile persecution.

„ Summit Church for leaving the spherical Christmas lights year-round in the majestic tree on Highway 68. Lit or not, they are a daily reminder of the hope for another Christmas season to come.

„ The professional, proficient and patient people at Mailboxes & More in Oak Ridge. They were exemplary in helping a perfectionist with an item that had to be 100% correct.

„ Dr. Steven Best and staff of Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Summerfield, for being so caring and passionate.

have. Another crooked politician in Raleigh!

„ Oak Ridge Town Council for using our tax dollars on the Redmon house restoration and expansion! I think our tax dollars could be put to better use, like adding sidewalks to connect the Old Mill to the town center.

„ The two guys who were flying a drone directly above children playing on the playground at Stokesdale’s town park on April 6 at 1:30 p.m. That is not appropriate! Please stop.

„ The StoneHenge resident who allows his/her chicken (against HOA regulations) to come peck on my door every morning while I’m making breakfast. The worst part is, when I try to catch the chicken, it runs off in ding-dong-ditch fashion.

„ Those who speak and write nonchalantly about killing animals. If only God had created them with the wisdom to steer clear of humans’ gardens, instead of the desire to eat everything...

„ N.C. Sen. Phil Berger. Why are you involved in Summerfield’s development issues with David Couch – have you been bought? Seems to me you

„ Bojangles and McDonald’s in Oak Ridge. I have given them chance after chance after chance. Horrible service, order almost always incorrect, and food is below par. Grade F.

„ Those who dump their unwanted junk behind local businesses. My delivery receiving area is not a landfill. Take your crap to the dump or put it out by your curb like every other decent human being does.

„ Bill Goebel, who colluded with the school board chair and attorney to be

installed on the GCS Board of Education; a malignant maneuver thwarting the will of the people and maliciously robbing a 26-year teacher from a position legally earned.

„ Oak Ridge Town Council, for having no plans for how the historic Redmon house will be sustainable and not listening to citizens before voting. How about learning from instead of repeating history? Built before Depression and we are in a recession.

„ Subway Summerfield. Poor business practice. Would not redeem a coupon that was sent as a flyer in the mail, even after the employee called the owner. The only exclusion printed on the coupon was that it was not good in Alaska or Hawaii.

„ Duke Energy for making it impossible to access Belews Lake without owning a $12,000 boat. Public lake?

Outside the …

Yeah, right. Not all of us can afford such “luxuries.”

„ Overseers of Oak Ridge Town Park. What are the ride-on animals at the park? My children would like to recognize them, but I am not able to discern them. Please paint them clearly.

„ The ridiculous amount of development that is eating up Stokesdale.

„ Those who put derogatory and disgusting political signs or flags in their yard. Doesn’t matter who you’re for or against, there’s no need for hateful ads.

„ Those who allow their cats outside, roaming into their neighbors’ yards, hunting/killing birds and mammals, especially the vulnerable young ones leaving nests who are on the ground, unable to defend themselves. Allowing cats outdoors is irresponsible and cruel!

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...

„ Rep. Tricia Cotham. She should resign and run in a special election where she actually tells voters who she is instead of changing parties and giving the “R” tribe a supermajority, which will be detrimental for at least

half our citizens.

„ Those who want to blame everything they don’t like on conservative values. It’s this year’s dog whistle, just like Elon Musk’s dealings were last year’s. Do your own research and shut off CNN and MSNBC.

To place a DISPLAY AD in our next issue, contact Laura: (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 | advertising@nwobserver.com

To place a CLASSIFIED AD, contact Rene: (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 or place your ad online at www.nwobserver.com

...continued from p. 1

other legal costs, in the fiscal year starting July 1, according to finance officer Dee Hall. Last month, the council amended the current year’s budget by $100,000 to cover all legal and lobbying costs through June 30.

“The proposed $150,000 for (next fiscal year’s) legal fees is higher than we would normally budget if we didn’t have de-annexation issues,” Hall said in an email earlier this week. “If we see that isn’t going to be enough to cover lobbyists and attorneys for de-annexation along with our normal legal fees, then we will make a budget amendment to increase the amount.”

Hall added that next year’s budget would probably appropriate $100,000 instead of $150,000 for legal fees if it weren’t for the de-annexation battle.

The council voted unanimously last week to hire attorney Michael Thelen with Womble Bond Dickinson in Raleigh, at an hourly rate of $580, to represent Summerfield in its

negotiations with Couch. The developer’s legal and lobbying team is seeking to win the support of state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and other state lawmakers to de-annex Couch’s 973 acres in Summerfield.

Earlier, the council hired two lobbying firms – KTS Strategies and Ward and Smith – at a monthly rate of $7,500 each, or $15,000 total. They’re going up against Couch’s lobbyists who are trying to persuade legislators to approve de-annexation of his Summerfield property.

So far, no de-annexation legislation has been fi led. At the urging of Berger, who represents Summerfield in the Senate’s District 26, the town and Couch are negotiating to try to resolve their development standoff.

Twice in the past year, the council has denied Couch’s request to amend

the town’s development rules to create a new zoning district. That would be the first of three development steps that would allow construction of Summerfield’s first apartments.

Instead of waiting for another year – or until February 2024 – to seek a new text amendment to the town’s unified development ordinance, Couch has opted to pursue de-annexation of his property. If the legislature were to approve de-annexation, Couch’s property would fall under the jurisdiction of Guilford County, which allows construction of apartments in some zoning districts.

During their meeting last month, council members discussed, but didn’t agree on, an approach for limiting telephone calls to Thelen, their newly hired attorney.

“I’m very happy hiring him,” council member Reece Walker said. “I just want to be responsible. We could spend a small fortune at $580 an hour.”

Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney said she’d prefer that de-annexation communications

funnel through Thelen.

DeVaney said. “I think we need to listen to his guidance. He holds the narrative.”

DeVaney and councilman Jeff Davis said they’d be comfortable with Mayor Tim Sessoms continuing to coordinate de-annexation communications among council members.

To avoid asking Thelen the same question more than once, Walker asked whether council members would be willing to check with Sessoms before individually contacting the lawyer.

Council member Janelle Robinson objected to the idea.

“I want to have direct access to the attorney,” she said. “If I have a question, I want to be able to ask him.”

“If you don’t give the public the news, they’re going to make it up on their own.”

“real”

*Mayor J.J. Brindley, upon recently learning the local paper in Pulaski, Tennessee, was shutting down after 167 years. (Fortunately, within a week of the publisher’s announcement, a buyer came forward to save the newspaper from extinction.)

“I think we need to stick with what he’s saying and how it’s going to be handled – be it to the press, the opposition or anybody.”

 AUTO SALES & SERVICES

 EMPLOYMENT

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

Seeking experienced HORSE/BARN HELP.

 HOME CARE AVAILABLE

NEED HELP?

Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10

FOR SALE: 2013 white Mazda 3 hatchback, 6-speed manual transmission, 130,000 miles. Great condition, well-maintained, clean title and regularly serviced. 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with great gas mileage. Power windows, locks and mirrors, as well as CD player and Bluetooth. Interior and exterior in good condition. $9,800. Contact Chris for more information, (336) 686-0692

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

15-20 hours/week, 5-6 days/week. For 3 horses. Duties include mucking stalls, feeding, turnout, arena and barn maintenance. Grooming 4-5 days/week. Located in Summerfield. Please contact me at: cmm2661@gmail.com or (805) 358-4765

NORTHSTAR GRADING & EXCAVATING is hiring CDL dump truck drivers, equipment operators & laborers. Pay based on experience. Call (336) 949-9060 for application information.

The SHRIMP CONNECTION is hiring. Great for those wanting 12-15 hrs./wk. Fri./ Sat. We've been having fun serving the Triad fresh seafood since 2001. Text/call Joy, (336) 848-9361

IRRIGATION LABORER needed. For information please call (336) 644-1174.

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

(336) 891-3876

EUROHAUSAUTO.PRO

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

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

 EMPLOYMENT

THE GARDEN OUTLET is hiring. Landscaping crew, Bobcat operator, delivery driver. For more information, give us a call at (336) 643-0898

Hiring? www.nwobserver.com

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

JOB OPENING. $15.75/hour; 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

Follow us on Facebook for updates! facebook/northwestobserver

 HOME CARE NEEDED

Need DEPENDABLE CAREGIVER with dependable transportation. Must provide references. Please contact (336) 215-6108

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

 PUBLIC NOTICES

OAK RIDGE Town Council and Planning/ Zoning Board will hold separate public hearings to consider a request to amend the Official Oak Ridge Zoning Map. Planning/Zoning Board decisions are forwarded as a recommendation to the Town Council.

Planning/Zoning Board: Thur., Apr. 27, at 7pm, Oak Ridge Town Hall

Oak Ridge Town Council: Thur., May 4, at 7pm, Oak Ridge Town Hall

PUBLIC HEARING

Rezoning Case # RZ-23-01: AG to CZRS-40. Located at 1338 Forsyth Rd., on the south side of Forsyth Rd. approx. 630 feet east of the intersection of Forsyth Rd. and Autumn Harvest Dr., in Oak Ridge Township. It is Guilford County Tax Parcel #168307, approx. 19.57 acres, located in the Oak Ridge Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) and Greensboro (WS-III) Watershed. The property is owned by the Duggins Family Trust (Debra Duggins and Van Duggins, Trustees). All citizens will be given an opportunity to be heard at these meetings.

PUBLIC HEARING. The Stokesdale Fire District Inc. will hold a public hearing for anyone in Guilford or Rockingham County who pays taxes into the Stokesdale Fire District. It will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 7pm at the fire station, 8401 US HWY 158, Stokesdale. The hearing is to discuss a request to increase the fire district tax rate.

continued on p. 36

 PUBLIC NOTICES

STOKESDALE FIRE DISTRICT INC

Board of Directors interest packets are available for pickup starting on April 1, 2023. The board will have four positions available for election during the July 2023 annual meeting. If interested in applying for one of these positions, please pick up your packet at the station located at 8401 US Hwy. 158. Packets must be returned no later than May 15, 2023, by 4pm in order to be considered.

 SAVE THE DATE

BLOOD DRIVE. Saturday, April 22, 9am-2pm. Shady Grove Wesleyan Church, 119 N. Bunker Hill Rd., Colfax. Sponsored by the Do Go Be Sunday school class. All donors will receive a $20 eGift card. To make an appointment please call (336) 993-2625

STOKESDALE COMMUNITY CHOIR

Spring Concert. Saturday, April 22, at 11am. Gideon Grove UMC, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Rd., Stokesdale. Pre-concert music at 10:30am. Free to the public.

The SPRING KEEP IT LOCAL SHOW

April 29, 10am-3pm. 2409 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Rain date is Sun., April 30. Come join us for a day full of community, live music and wonderful artwork. We will have potters, jewelers, fabric artists, sculptors, painters, a doll maker and so much more. Bring $5 or six cans of food and you can participate in the Art Hunt from 11am-3pm, or while supplies last. The money and food will go to the local food bank. For questions call (336) 337-6493 We hope to see you there!

Something going on? Planning a yard sale?

Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com

 YARD SALES

ANGELS GLEN community yard sale! Sat., April 22, 8am-12pm. Angels Glen Dr., Stokesdale.

 YARD SALES

ARMFIELD neighborhood yard sale. Sat., April 22, and Sun., April 23, 8am-noon. East side, Wyatt Drive; west side, Henson Forest Drive, Summerfield.

MULTIPLE FAMILY / NEIGHBORHOOD

yard sale! Saturday, April 29, 7am-1pm. Quail Creek neighborhood off of Cude Road, Colfax.

 HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

CLEANING

HOME SUPPORT services provider. Oak Ridge and surrounding area. Will run errands and do light housekeeping. M,W,F. Call (336) 707-4946; ask for Katrena.

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

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

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING

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

CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. 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

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

 HOME SERVICES

ELECTRICAL

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

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC

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

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

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIR

Why move when you can improve?

construction well pumps ● plumbing ● foundations sagging floors...and much more!

licensed general contractors

One call fixes all!

(336) 643-1184

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

T's HOME REPAIRS. Get ready for spring. Deck staining, pressure washing, update fans or lighting, other repairs. Insured. Text Trevor at (336) 404-4480

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE

“We get you mowing!” Comm./res., all models. Oak Ridge, NC. Please call (336) 298-4314 Ltsmeng16@gmail.com

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



“No Job Too Small”

Contact

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance

A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707

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

handyman ● painting ● kitchen & bath residential & commercial ● free estimates 336.554.5007

kjhomeservices4u@gmail.com ● kjhomeservicesnc.com

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

The Northwest Observer

Sharing news of your community since 1996!

GRADING / HAULING

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

BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING

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

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

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

WILSON Seamless Gutters

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

Stokesdale 336-420-0200

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

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

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC.

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

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE

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

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

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.

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

MASONRY

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

CONCRETE COATINGS

Flake Epoxy Systems

Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing

Decorative Concrete Overlays

Stamped Concrete Rejuvenation

Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543

Call

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.

Your HOME SERVICES company should be here!

 HOME SERVICES 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

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

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

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected since 1996!

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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.

ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981. continued on p. 38

Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com

 HOME SERVICES

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

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

PRESSURE WASHING

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

CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING

Affordable. Dependable. Call anytime for free estimate. (336) 706-0103

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

 HOME SERVICES

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

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

The Northwest Observer

Covering your community since 1996!

ROOFING

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC

40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

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

 MISC. SERVICES

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

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

WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR Call Tim, (336) 402-3869

 MISC. FOR SALE

EXERCISE BIKE! This stationary bike provides low-impact cardio workout without back strain. Price $150. Please call David, (336) 643-0282

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

locally owned & operated

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

(affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

WILDLIFE REMOVAL & Exclusion Services

Bats, birds, beaver, raccoons, squirrels and monthly snake services. Veteran owned. Insured. Call (336) 529-2075

CHEER LESSONS. All levels and ages. Get help to make your team. (336) 420-6605

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

 MISC. WANTED

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.

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.

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

Roofing, Gutters, Leaf Guards

Oak Ridge Based. Free Quotes.

(336) 310-4133

„ PETS/ANIMAL SERVICES

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

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

„ REAL ESTATE HOMES FOR SALE NEW BUILD IN OAK RIDGE

8112 Falcon Trail

4 Bedroom, 4 Bath

$1,049,000 Building Dimensions INC.

(336) 365-2029

OakRidgeLanding.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

SELLING or RENTING?

Tell over 28,000 readers!

Amanda Martin enjoyed browsing the local news while sipping coffee and savoring the food during her recent trip to Athens, Greece.

Deb Young of Stokesdale and her sister Dixie took the Northwest Observer to rural upstate New York to visit family. While there, they experienced a snowstorm on March 27 and were reminded of why they love living in the South!