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

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.