The Town Council said it’s exploring options after the loss of nearly 1,000 acres, while landowner David Couch strikes a conciliatory note
by CHRIS BURRITT
SUMMERFIELD – Developer David Couch has scored a victory, convincing state lawmakers last month to de-annex his nearly 1,000 acres spanning a wide swath of wooded farmland. He plans to develop the land for a mix of commercial and residential use that will offer about 4,000 homes – including Summerfield’s first apartments – in a variety of price ranges.
The legislature’s move puts Couch’s property, anchored by Summerfield Farms, under the jurisdiction of Guilford County and its less-restrictive development rules. Among his options, Couch could seek the
annexation of his property by the city of Greensboro, which also imposes less-stringent development regulations than Summerfield.
In addition, Greensboro may be a possible source of water and sewer services for his residential-commercial development, called the Villages of Summerfield Farms.
In the three weeks since a final vote by the state House of Representatives cemented what state Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-District 61) called the biggest de-annexation in North Carolina’s history, the Town Council issued a statement
Debate over ABC store persists
Council votes against taking next step toward an ABC store, but the topic is likely to resurface at next month’s meeting
by PATTI STOKES
STOKESDALE – It’s been almost 15 years since Stokesdale citizens voted to approve locating an ABC store within the town’s limits. Following the November 2009 election in which 420 citizens voted for an ABC store and 274 voted against it, the Triad ABC Board and the Greensboro ABC Board were each approached. Both of the boards ultimately declined to work with the town at that time, however, citing economic conditions and potential changes to ABC boards that the state legislature was considering.
The issue was tabled until March 2017, when the town council voted 3-2 to invite the Greensboro ABC Board to locate an ABC store in Stokesdale. After a review and identifying a possible location for the store, the ABC Board took a step back three months later, and the issue was tabled once again.
The topic came to the forefront for the third time at the council’s June 13 meeting, when Councilman Jim Rigsbee invited the Greensboro ABC Board’s general manager, Niegel Sullivan, to attend and speak with the council about operating an ABC store in Stokesdale. Sullivan told the council the ABC Board prefers to build, rather than lease space for its stores, and it takes two to three years from the time a suitable site is identified until a store is constructed and open for business.
Major road improvements in Oak Ridge delayed, again
by CHRIS BURRITT
OAK RIDGE – Plans by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to build two roundabouts and upgrade the N.C. 68/150 intersection have encountered another delay.
It’s been almost five years since Oak Ridge Town Council approved a resolution endorsing NCDOT’s plans for the intersection improvements within the town’s business district. The improvements are part of the town’s efforts to slow traffic through the commercial business district and promote a family-friendly, village atmosphere for pedestrians and cyclists.
If the project had proceeded as originally envisioned, it would have been completed in the current fiscal year, which started July 1. However, it’s been delayed multiple times for various reasons. Back in 2020, a state highway funding shortfall caused by
the COVID-19 outbreak prompted NCDOT to tap the brakes on road projects across North Carolina.
The relocation of utilities required before the start of construction has taken longer than projected, explaining the most recent delay, according to Mayor Jim Kinneman.
“It’s not looking very good that roadwork on 68 and 150 is going to happen this year,” Kinneman said during the council’s July 11 meeting. “DOT is now saying maybe in the spring.”
Until the latest delay, construction was slated to start late this summer or early in the fall, according to information posted on the town’s website this past March. As of earlier this week,
NCDOT plans to place new traffic signals and pedestrian crosswalks at the intersection of Highways 68 and 150 (shown above); Oak Ridge plans to share costs for sidewalks and other aesthetic improvements as part of the project. NCDOT also plans to install roundabouts at N.C. 68 and Linville Road and N.C. 150 and Marketplace Drive.
the information hadn’t been updated to reflect the delay.
Plans call for new traffic signals and pedestrian crosswalks at Highways 68 and 150 and building
roundabouts at two other intersections – N.C. 68 and Linville Road and N.C. 150 and Marketplace Drive (at the N.C. 150 entrance to Oak Ridge Commons shopping center).
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Bandera, A&Y, water system left unresolved in budget
Summerfield Town Council voted unanimously to approve the $10.41 million spending plan, which includes $7.26 million in grants for capital projects
by CHRIS BURRITT
SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield’s recently adopted $10.41 million budget includes development of Bandera Farms Park, extending the Atlantic and Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway and taking the beginning steps to develop a municipal water system. However, the fate of the capital projects remains unclear due to uncertainty over how much they will ultimately cost.
Costs for Bandera and the water system are going to climb, interim Town Manager and Finance Officer Dana Luther warned the council during its special called budget meeting June 25. She estimated that higher costs for the two projects may boost the budget for the fiscal year that started July 1 to $14 million.
Luther is waiting for more precise estimates from contractors responsible for Bandera and the water system.
It’s possible the extension of the A&Y Greenway may wind up costing less than estimated because the council is considering a shorter route for the trail than was initially proposed. However, that cost isn’t known yet as a contractor is performing surveying and other work to determine whether the southern section of Summerfield Road would be suitable for the greenway.
“Those are unknowns until we get more information,” Luther said. She raised the possibility that the council could remove projects from the budget “if you’re not comfortable with them.”
Instead, the council left the projects in the spending plan and voted 5-0 to approve it. As costs become clear, the council of five voting members can decide if or how to proceed.
“This seems to be a living, breathing document that we can adjust as we go,” councilman Jonathan Hamilton said.
The spending plan developed by former Finance Officer Dee Hall and Town Manager Scott Whitaker is the largest in Summerfield’s history, due to $7.26 million in grants for capital projects including Bandera, the A&Y Greenway and the water system.
The budget left the property tax rate unchanged at 2.75 cents per $100 property valuation.
In public comments before the council’s vote, Summerfield resident and former council member Teresa Perryman urged the council to focus on the development of Bandera, a 120-acre equestrian and hiking preserve proposed for Bunch Road and Interstate 73.
“There’s way too much spending,” Perryman said.
Longtime Summerfield resident Pam Tocornal asked whether revenue estimates in the budget incorporate the potential loss of property taxes from developer David Couch’s nearly 1,000 acres. The next day, the state House of Representatives gave final approval to legislation that de-annexed Couch’s property from Summerfield.
Property taxes paid by Couch are “not a large portion of the budget” since most of the property is undeveloped, Mayor Tim Sessoms said.
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I read the town of Summerfield is considering options after the legislature de-annexed David Couch’s property. Does the town have legal grounds to overturn the de-annexation?
According to Summerfield Town Council’s statement earlier this month, it “is taking this matter seriously and is actively exploring all available avenues to address the repercussions of this de-annexation.”
We asked council members for an elaboration on the steps the town make take. In an interview earlier this week, council member Janelle Robinson said Town Attorney Jim Hoffman “is working on what legal grounds we have for everything that’s happening. It takes time and he’s preparing a summary.”
We talked to a former city attorney in North Carolina who explained that state law gives the General Assembly
the authority to de-annex property. That, in turn, raises an immediate hurdle to legal challenges, according to the attorney, who requested anonymity.
A blog post by the UNC School of Government explained broad powers by the legislature to approve de-annexations.
“There are no statutory procedures or requirements for de-annexation, and there are no minimum standards as to the characteristics or location of the property,” the blog said. “The process for obtaining a local act is essentially a political one. That is, the individuals or groups who seek the legislation must contact the legislators who represent them… and ask them to introduce the bill.”
Legal challenges to de-annexation do occur, often revolving around constitutional or procedural issues,
such as violations of voting rights and requirements for proper notice.
Earlier this month the administrator of Stand Up For Summerfield, a community Facebook page, posted the view that “Summerfield is definitely worth the fight.”
“There are a handful of legislative de-annexations every year, but few, if any, have been judicially challenged,” according to the post, which was shared on another community Facebook page, Keep Summerfield Rural.
“Why? Because none have been 1,000 acres of disjointed parcels in the center of a town,” the post continued. “And most go through the appropriate committee and legislative review, unlike this one. Certainly, never has a legislative de-annexation garnered near unanimous statewide opposition from towns and thousands of constituents.”
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Town takes a pass on the bypass
Council requests MPO remove the U.S. 158 Stokesdale Bypass from the regional thoroughfare and collector street plan
by PATTI STOKES
STOKESDALE – R-2577C, a multi-lane bypass route designed to widen U.S. 158 between Anthony Road and I-73/U.S. 220 in Stokesdale, has been removed from the consolidated Thoroughfare and Collector Street Plan developed by Greensboro Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
Stokesdale Town Council voted 5-0 at its July 11 meeting to request the bypass be removed after the council, Guilford County Planning Board and area property owners and residents had earlier requested the MPO re-evaluate the need for the bypass route, which had been selected in 2016 after considering two other routes through the town.
After reviewing the project history, analyzing existing regional traffic patterns and traffic projections through 2045, considering the high price tag (projected at $123 million), NCDOT funding potential for the project, and receiving input from citizens and
It’s not needed and would be a costly boondoggle.”
– a respondent to MPO’s survey on the U.S. 158 Stokesdale Bypass
property owners, the MPO concluded the bypass is “unwarranted by area traffic, is prohibitively expensive relative to the benefits, and will not be a competitive contender for future NCDOT funding in the years ahead.”
It was over 15 years ago that NCDOT began working on the R-2577 project to improve the trafficcarrying capacity and level of service along U.S. 158 by widening the highway from Winston-Salem to its easternmost terminus near the coast. At that time, it was on a short list of projects eligible for a large amount of funding, according to the executive summary that MPO representative and transportation planner Craig McKinney provided to the council earlier this month.
However, the passage of the Strategic Transportation Act in 2013 made it possible for a much wider range of potential statewide road projects to compete for funding; as a result,
STOKESDALE town council
July 11 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
as reported by PATTI STOKES
Mayor Mike Crawford called the monthly meeting in Stokesdale Town Hall to order at 7 p.m. Following an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, town council members discussed Councilman Jim Rigsbee’s request to amend the wording of an agenda item which called for a discussion on adding a referendum to the November 2024 ballot for citizens to decide on whether to allow an ABC store to operate within the town limits of Stokesdale.
Town Attorney Chuck Winfree explained the agenda item as worded was out of order. After the topic was discussed during the June 13 meeting, he confirmed that in November 2009 citizens voted to approve locating an ABC store within the Stokesdale town
limits; although the ABC store never got off the ground, Winfree said it did not need to be placed on the ballot again. (See related article on p. 5.)
Councilman Tim Jones asked the mayor if he would allow a special time for citizen comments when the agenda item came up later in the meeting and Crawford agreed to do so.
5 0 to adopt the meeting agenda, with revised wording on the agenda item regarding an ABC store.
5 0 (in separate votes) to adopt minutes from the March 14 Board of Adjustment meeting (with one noted change), the April 11 regular town council meeting (with one correction) and the May 7 special called town council meeting.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Fire Dept. Stokesdale Fire Chief Todd Gauldin reported the department responded to 74 calls for service in June, which was less than usual. Of those calls, 35 were medical-related, seven were fire-related and 32 were miscellaneous.
Gauldin also reported the department responded to a record 1,100 calls in the 2023/2024 fiscal year that ended June 30.
On a safety note, the fire chief encouraged everyone to create a plan for multiple ways to exit their home in the event of a fire.
“Get out of the house first, and then call 911,” he said. “Have a designated meeting place and don’t go back into the house.”
In response to a question, Gauldin confirmed that signs with easy-toread house numbers can be ordered and purchased by calling the fire department, and said they help first responders quickly identify a house when there is an emergency.
office responded to 173 calls for service in Stokesdale last month. Of note, two residential burglaries – one occurring in the 8300 block of Patricia Drive on June 20 and the other in the 8700 block of Belews Creek Road on June 23 –remained under investigation as of July 1.
ADMIN REPORT
Town Clerk Robbie Wagoner was not in attendance because he was ill, so Deputy Clerk Dale Martin gave the administrative report. She noted that Wagoner has been in contact with AT&T and lines for new phone and internet service should be installed later this month.
Code of Ordinance. Martin noted the town has received two proposals and is expecting a third one from vendors interested in working with staff to codify and maintain the town’s development ordinance.
Peace of mind all summer
Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Clerk Mason Winfree read a report provided by Sgt. Ryan Seals, noting the District 1 sheriff’s
Planning Board. Deputy Clerk Mason Winfree reported the board met in June and voted to recommend the council adopt Greensboro Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (GUAMPO) proposed thoroughfare and collector street plan, which includes
How are our schools funded?
As your future school board member, I plan on going to Raleigh and getting our tax dollars back for our schools, teachers, maintenance workers, cafeteria workers and bus drivers.
State Role: Per the NC State Constitution, the North Carolina General Assembly is responsible for providing, through taxation and otherwise, a general and uniform system of free public schools. The people have a right to the privilege of education, and it is the duty of the State to guard and maintain that right. Article I, Section 15.
The General Assembly shall provide by taxation and otherwise for a general and uniform system of free public schools, which shall be maintained at least nine months in every year, and wherein equal opportunities shall be provided for all students. Article IX, Section 2.
State Funding Responsibility
Instructional Expenses
• Personnel (salaries and benefits)
• Instructional materials
• Transportation
• Supplemental funds
For Guilford County this means $7,400 per student; the national average is $12,200. North Carolina’s per-pupil spending was ranked 48th nationally (just 10 years ago, North Carolina was ranked 28th). Teacher pay is ranked 36th nationally.
Local Funding Responsibility (Guilford County) Capital Expenses
• Building Maintenance
Guilford County is spending $3,600 per student. This ranks Guilford County in the top best 15 school districts in the State of NC for funding. We still need more capital improvements to our schools. They have been neglected for years. The average age of our schools is over 60 years.
Federal Funding Responsibility
Specialized Expenses, targeted funding programs
• School Nutrition (kids can’t learn when they are hungry): National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
• COVID Relief: high dosage tutoring (funds expected to run out at the end of 2024)
STOKESDALE TC
...continued from p. 6
removal of the U.S. 150 Bypass.
COMMITTEE REPORT
Town Park Improvement. Tee Stephenson reported that new benches, bicycle racks and trash receptacles at the basketball and pickleball courts have been installed, and mats have been installed under the new playground equipment in the town park.
As of July 9, the nature trail that Andrew Knesel is creating for his Eagle Scout project is nearing completion, with about 75 yards to clear in the western part of the trail as well as spreading mulch and installing some posts for signage.
Councilman Derek Foy commented that he and his son have walked the trail and it is very well done.
It was noted that someone rode a four-wheeler on the trail, which is prohibited, and steps will be taken to address this.
FINANCE REPORT
Town Finance Officer Kim Thacker gave the monthly financial report. Current assets total $3,599,749 in the town’s general fund and $2,602,853 in its water enterprise account.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Rev. Jerry Walker of Oak Level Baptist Church began by saying he has been very pleased with the job the council members have done since they were elected, and then directed his comments to an ABC store potentially being located in Stokesdale. He said he understood that voters approved an ABC store several years ago, but that council has to vote on whether to move forward with it.
“If you do vote for it, the ABC store would be located next to Dollar General, across from Stokesdale Christian Church,” he said (his statement was based on the proposed location when an ABC store was discussed in 2017; however, if the town agrees to work with Greensboro ABC Board at this time, the board’s general manager,
Niegel Sullivan, has stated it is too early to know where a store would be located, but it would not be the board’s preference to locate it within 1,000 feet of a church, school or daycare).
“I love Stokesdale and I’m for you,” Walker continued. “Over 30 years ago my wife and family moved to Stokesdale after I got a call to Oak Level Baptist Church. We realized right off it was a good place to raise a family. On this vote, I’m going to support you no matter what you decide … “
He went on to say that over 500 new homes are underway, or on the horizon, in Stokesdale.
“People are moving to a good, family-oriented community because they want to get away from some of those things (such as an ABC store),” he said. “… A vote for an ABC store is a vote against a familyoriented community.”
Walker, who is 79, concluded by assuring the council that until he is “too old to not do it anymore, I’ll do whatever I can to help the Stokesdale community.”
Michael Logan, District 3 School Board representative, said there is an ABC store in Oak Ridge and a sign that reads “ABC store coming soon” near GTCC on N.C. 68, just south of Oak Ridge’s town limits.
In nearby Stokesdale, anyone can get an alcoholic drink at BiRite or StokeRidge Tavern, he said.
“I understand the financial concerns and benefits (of an ABC store),” he said. “But before you do this for the revenue, you should think long and hard about it.”
Eileen Thiery thanked “Team Stokesdale” – staff members Robbie Wagoner (town clerk), Kim Thacker (finance officer), Priscilla Hunsucker (water system customer service manager), and deputy clerks Dale Martin and Mason Winfree – for the excellent job they do.
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Matt Shears introduced himself as a seventh-generation Stokesdale resident and said he moved away for college and returned afterward to live here with his family. He encouraged the council to develop a plan for sidewalks in the downtown area to promote safe walkability, and approach it in a manner similar to the thoroughfare plan for vehicles. He added the town might be eligible for grants for sidewalk projects.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Rezoning. Town Planner Justin Snyder presented applicant Jackie Jo Fulton’s request to rezone 45.79 undeveloped acres at 7800 Eversfield Road from AG (agriculture use) to RS-40 (residential, with overall gross density of 40,000-square-foot lot sizes, or just under 1 acre). He said staff recommended the council approve the request. The Planning Board also voted unanimously on May 28 to recommend approving the request. Brent Sievers, project manager with civil engineering and land surveying company FEI, was on hand to answer any questions on behalf of the property owner.
No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to the request.
5 0 to approve the rezoning request for the property on Eversfield Road.
Thoroughfare Plan. Craig McKinney, transportation planner for Greensboro DOT and Greensboro Urban Area MPO, explained the Thoroughfare and Collector Street Plan has been amended to remove the U.S. 158 Stokesdale bypass. The plan was amended after the Stokesdale Town Council, Guilford County Planning Board, and area property owners and residents requested NCDOT and MPO reevaluate the need for the bypass and it was determined the bypass was no longer warranted by area traffic.
In response to a question from Rigsbee, McKinney confirmed that once the bypass is removed from the plan’s map, property owners will no longer have restrictions on their property.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Stokesdale resident Commie Johnson said he was one of the 13 residents who
responded to an online survey during a 30-day public review period in April.
“We pay these folks who plan our roads for the future; from what I’m hearing, the bypass is not in the works, so I’m in favor of getting it off the map …” Johnson told the council.
Happy Hill Road resident Lori Huffman expressed concerns about pulling out onto U.S. 158 from her road and suggested adding turn lanes rather than more streets turning onto and off the highway, as indicated on the thoroughfare map.
Rigsbee explained that NCDOT would do a study before developing a proposed road that is shown on the map, so by voting to approve the amended thoroughfare plan, the council was not voting to add more roads.
Dwayne Dalton, another Happy Hill Road resident, said it sometimes takes three to five minutes to get onto U.S. 158 from his road; he questioned where all the traffic coming from Winston-Salem will go when U.S. 158 goes from four lanes to two lanes.
Dalton also questioned why there is about a half-mile stretch of Anthony Road that has never been paved (the council later explained that DOT was not able to secure a right of way on that stretch of the road).
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Foy thanked Huffman and Dalton for sharing their concerns and to Huffman, he gave the example of a turn lane being installed at N.C. 68 and Prince Edward Road after DOT did a traffic review of that area before a new development was built.
“If this is just a map of suggestions and carries no legal weight, why are we voting on it?” Councilman Tim Jones asked, to which Foy responded it is a federal requirement.
4 1 (Jones opposed) to adopt the amended Thoroughfare & Collector Street Plan.
OLD BUSINESS
ABC store. Rigsbee explained there had been confusion at the June
on p. 22
Summerfield swirling
In the past month and a half, Summerfield has lost its entire town staff, hired an interim manager reliant on a still-skeletal staff and fought unsuccessfully to prevent the legislative de-annexation of nearly 1,000 acres owned by developer David Couch. Below are answers to some questions arising from these unprecedented times in Summerfield.
Almost six months
after giving Town Manager Scott Whitaker notice that his employment contract wouldn’t be extended beyond June, how close is Town Council to hiring a permanent manager?
The council has whittled down the list of applicants from about 50 to eight, according to council member Janelle Robinson.
She said she and other council members are in the process of interviewing the final candidates remotely and may be prepared to choose a permanent manager by Council’s regular Aug. 13 meeting, if not earlier in a possible special called meeting.
“Our priority is getting a manager,” Robinson said in an interview earlier this week. Once on board, she added, the permanent manager will fill out town staff beyond initial hiring by Dana Luther, interim manager and finance officer.
This past spring, council members thought that Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Goard or Planning Director Brad Rentz might step in as interim manager to replace Whitaker. However, that possibility evaporated when the entire staff submitted their resignations, prompting the council’s subsequent discussions with Luther, Robinson said.
Since starting June 11, Luther has hired Rich Schlobohm as interim Parks and Recreation director.
“In an effort to ensure the safety of our citizens and guests using Town facilities, it was imperative that we hired someone quickly,” Luther said in an email earlier this week.
Luther went on to say that “staff, Council, and volunteers are working very hard to maintain operations for the Town. As is definitely expected during a staffing transition, training on tasks and duties is ongoing. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate through the transition and hire new employees.”
Now that Couch is no longer paying property taxes in Summerfield, how much will the town be losing in tax revenue?
The short answer is: a lot less now than later when Couch’s mostly agricultural property is rezoned for residential and commercial development.
That’s according to Ben Chavis, Guilford County’s tax director. We posed the same question to him last year and he assigned his staff to find the answer.
The tax department tracked down the amount that Couch paid in 2022 in property taxes to the town of Summerfield and property taxes to the Summerfield Fire District. The tabulation was based on 41 parcels identified at that time in de-annexation legislation introduced in the state General Assembly.
Couch paid a total of $5,855.43 in taxes to Summerfield, based on a valuation of 2.75 cents per $100 of property valuation, according to the county’s Tax Department. He paid
...continued from p. 1
that “acknowledges” the legislature’s decision on June 27.
“We’re disappointed and disheartened by this government overreach,” read the council’s July 3 statement. “We wish to assure the residents of Summerfield that the Council is taking this matter seriously and is actively exploring all available avenues to address the repercussions of this de-annexation.”
Stand Up For Summerfield, one of three community Facebook pages that often offer contrasting views on Summerfield events and
council decisions, found the council’s response lacking. In a recent post, the page’s administrator wrote, “this week marks 3 weeks since the de-annexation bill passed. What is Council doing? What are the next steps?”
The council did not hold its regular monthly meeting in July, based upon the 2024 meeting schedule it adopted last December. Its next regular meeting is slated for Aug. 13.
“Since there is no scheduled July meeting and no special meeting called, Council hasn’t told us the plan,” the post on Stand Up For Summerfield read.
Dana Luther, who is serving as Summerfield’s interim town manager and finance officer, explained in an email that some council members had planned vacations during July,
based upon the council’s 2024 meeting schedule.
“Council is currently discussing their meeting needs and their schedules and will publicly notice a Town meeting as soon as both align,” Luther said.
In its statement earlier this month, the council defended its de-annexation fight.
“This decision, primarily benefiting a single developer, has been made despite the Council’s efforts to negotiate terms that would serve the best interests of the entire community and lobby the General Assembly against such drastic action,” the council said. “This de-annexation has been a battle for a long time and the friction with this specific developer even longer.”
While declining an interview request this past week, Couch wrote in an email to the Northwest Observer that he’s heard from “friends, family, supporters, and opponents of Villages of Summerfield Farms. Many have asked the same question: ‘What happens now?’
“I’ve spent nearly a decade of my life trying to move this beautiful
project forward in the town that I love and call home,” Couch said. “All of my focus has been on that first step, so I do not have much to share yet about what happens next, except for this: I love this town, I want to see our area grow responsibly and flourish, and I will do all that’s within my power to help bring this place back together.”
“Whether or not you support the Villages of Summerfield Farms, we are all part of this community with a shared desire to see it thrive responsibly, with effective management and thoughtful design,” Couch continued. “Invisible boundaries do not make Summerfield what it is – it’s our neighbors and the beautiful land we’re fortunate enough to call home.”
In the weeks before and after the de-annexation vote, competing
Summerfield community Facebook pages struck a more divisive tone.
The administrator of Keep Summerfield Rural (KSR) targeted state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-District 26) with criticism after almost a year and a half ago aligning with Couch to pursue de-annexation legislation. In the final days of the General Assembly’s session, Berger and other legislative leaders moved the de-annexation bill from House Bill 5 to House Bill 909 (HB 909), drawing charges of lastminute maneuvering by opponents in Summerfield and the legislature.
As one of 11 municipal actions in omnibus HB 909, the legislation won support from some lawmakers who said they objected to the de-annexation but favored measures benefiting their districts. Those measures included both annexation and de-annexation of land in other municipalities, as well as an amendment to distribution of ABC net profits in the City of Concord and wording related to filling council vacancies in the Town of Staley.
“This legislation will set a destructive precedent for all small towns across our state and strips the autonomy of local zoning and governance,” KSR posted two days before the de-annexation vote. “This is clearly a power move by Phil Berger to put one wealthy developer/donor over an entire town.”
In advance of a final rally on the lawn of the legislative building in Raleigh, KSR’s administrator wrote, “Summerfield will gladly accept all the prayers, positive vibes, best wishes, luck, and good juju we can get. We’ve done all we know how to do. Thank you to all of you for hanging with us and for everything you have done for our Summerfield.”
By contrast, the Summerfield Strong Facebook page questioned the majority council’s decision to lobby lawmakers without the aid of professional lobbyists.
In the final weeks before the legislative vote, Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Janelle Robinson, Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay called on legislators in Raleigh, without the assistance of Sebastian King, the town’s last remaining lobbyist. The council accepted his resignation May 21 after he had already stopped representing the town in its de-annexation fight.
Two months earlier, the council put DeVaney in charge of the town’s de-annexation fight, essentially a marketing, email and phone campaign with a cap of $75,000 to use as King directed, with DeVaney’s approval.
Earlier, the council had dismissed two lobbying teams hired at the recommendation of Mayor Tim Sessoms last year.
Soon after the Nov. 7 election, DeVaney and Hamilton took charge of efforts to fight de-annexation, replacing Sessoms and Town Manager Scott Whitaker, who was put on notice by the council in February that his employment contract would not be renewed when it ended in June. He departed his job last month, along with the rest of town staff who objected to what they described as the council majority’s unfair treatment of Whitaker.
Meanwhile, Couch, his lawyer Tom Terrell and his lobbyists called on lawmakers in the weeks before the de-annexation vote.
Among de-annexation opponents, some feared Summerfield was no match for Couch’s team because he had the backing of Berger, accustomed to getting his way in the legislature.
“The Town of Summerfield was fighting for its life,” Summerfield Strong’s administrator posted July 7. “Where was our lobbyist? Where were our leaders? The Council of 4 (Clay, DeVaney, Hamilton and
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a design consultant for homeowners of the company’s custom-built homes.
“People visit our homes on the Parade of Homes tour every year just to see Annette’s latest ideas,” Don said.
Recognizing that communication is critical, the team at Don Mills Builders maintains constant communication with homeowners throughout the custom home building process, from the initial review of floor plans and establishing a budget to the final walkthrough. The end result is a quality-built home which meets not only the homeowner’s standards, but the company’s very high standards.
“Annette guides our customers throughout the process of building their
custom dream home, ensuring they get what they want while staying within their budget,” Don said.
Don Mills Builders constructs homes throughout Guilford County and currently has homes or available lots in Oak Ridge’s new Riverside subdivision, Ashford subdivision off Brookbank Road, Pemberly Estates off N.C. 150, and Cedar Hollow in northern Greensboro.
OAK RIDGE – Owner Sam Anders is preparing for the commercial development of his property at the corner of N.C. 150 and Linville Road after winning rezoning of the portion not already zoned for limited business (LB).
Oak Ridge Town Council voted unanimously last week to approve Anders’s request for the LB rezoning of two acres previously zoned residential (RS-30).
The property is part of a 4.7-acre tract where Anders envisions business development, anchored by a new office he plans to build for his accounting practice, Anders & Barrow. Completion of the building is slated for the spring of 2025, he said.
During a public hearing before the council’s vote, Anders said he’s seeking to “level” the zoning of the entire tract for limited business. The Highway 150 side of the property is already zoned LB.
Slated for demolition, two vacant commercial buildings along Highway 150 occupy the future site of the new office and other business development. The structures sit side by side, with the two-story brick building that once housed the W.D. Grocery store located to the right of a former gas station, most recently occupied by L&T Small Engine Service.
Anders, who serves as Oak Ridge’s finance officer and assistant fire chief, plans to restore the twostory historic Moore house, which sits at the southern corner of the property, diagonally across the stoplight from Oak Ridge Elementary School.
The demolition of the old buildings is imminent, Anders said in an interview.
Sidewalks are required as part of the development of the property, according to Sean Taylor, the town’s planning director. A pedestrian crosswalk across Lisa Drive is also planned, connecting the western side of Anders’s property to Town Park.
File photo
Two acres previously zoned residential (RS-30) were recently rezoned for limited business (LB). The acreage is in the rear of a 4.7-acre tract at the corner of N.C. 150 and Linville Road in Oak Ridge that will be developed by Oak Ridge resident/accountant Sam Anders for business use.
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...continued from p.
Robinson) did not have a lobbyist for us. They were not the leaders who could fight for us. They have no vision for Summerfield. They cannot be expected to spend our money wisely or lead us into the future.”
Last month, the state House voted 72-38 to approve HB 909 on final reading, putting into law the de-annexation of Couch’s property.
The vote followed a plea by Greensboro Rep. Harrison for fellow lawmakers to vote against the legislation. De-annexation “will destroy the town” and set a “terrible precedent” that will encourage lawmakers
to pass laws with negative consequences for individual municipalities, she said, reiterating views she expressed a day earlier before the House approved HB 909 on second reading by a similarly broad margin.
The de-annexation of Couch’s property, which spans from Summerfield Road to Interstate 73, took effect June 30. Falling under the county’s jurisdiction, the land will no longer be subject to the collection of property taxes for Summerfield.
Confident that the de-annexation would occur, Couch issued a statement between the second and third reading of the House bill.
“I’m thankful that policymakers recognized the current dysfunction of Summerfield’s local government, and the importance of reasonable rules
GARDEN ENHANCEMENT
that accommodate new housing,” Couch said. “It’s been an exhausting time in my life, and I’m hopeful now for a path forward.”
In a final push a day before the vote, Sessoms, DeVaney and other de-annexation opponents rallied outside of the legislative building in Raleigh and urged lawmakers inside to vote against HB 909.
The House vote concurred with the state Senate’s approval of the bill a day earlier. In the previous week, the Senate’s leadership added the Summerfield de-annexation to the bill, requiring the House vote to concur with such changes to the legislation originally passed by the House.
Harrison described the lastminute inclusion of the Summerfield de-annexation as “a poison pill” for HB 909, considered omnibus legislation because it contains municipal actions for numerous other towns and cities.
Several lawmakers concurred with Harrison’s criticism of the Senate’s maneuvers, saying they were tired of the Senate passing legislation with late changes and then sending it to the House for concurrence, even though the House hadn’t debated the changes.
Guilford Rep. Amos Quick (D-District 58) asked House Speaker Tim Moore whether Summerfield’s de-annexation could be removed from HB 909 for separate consideration.
The House is required to vote on HB 909 as currently written, Moore answered.
“Should the motion to concur fail, all of the provisions within that bill will fail,” he said.
Summerfield’s de-annexation “deserves its own hearing and to stand on its own merits,” Quick said. “But it’s attached to a larger bill that I’m going to support” because it contains the conveyance of real estate in High Point, an action backed by Quick.
Rep. Erin Pare (R-District 37), HB 909’s sponsor and the supporter of a de-annexation in Fuquay Varina, said the legislation contains measures important to other communities.
“It is not just about Summerfield,” Pare said.
The de-annexation takes effect less than a year and a half after Summerfield leaders learned that Couch was seeking the support of Berger to de-annex his property.
Twice earlier, the Town Council had denied Couch’s request for a change to the town’s development rules that would allow apartments and a much higher level of residential density.
Last October, the council voted 3-2 to adopt a text amendment to the UDO to address Couch’s requests. Even so, Tom Terrell, Couch’s lawyer, said the changes fell short of accommodating the developer’s plans.
During the House’s debate, Harrison said Couch was aware of Summerfield’s zoning rules in the past 25 years during which he accumulated his property. In recent years, the Town Council “has bent over backwards” for the developer and his pursuit of less restrictive zoning rules, she said.
However, Couch’s statement differed from Harrison’s assessment, which echoed the views of the developer’s opponents.
“For nearly a decade, all I’ve wanted to do is use my private property – in a town that I love and call home – to construct new homes for people according to a beautiful plan created by the world-renowned design firm, Dover, Kohl & Partners,” Couch said in his statement.
“And for quite a long time, Summerfield’s government has manipulated its zoning code to only allow homes in a certain price range,” he said. “It has most recently stopped at nothing to prevent me from using my private property for my intended purpose.”
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Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for sponsoring this issue’s reader photo page
Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for sponsoring this issue’s reader photo page
Going near or far? Be sure to pack up your Northwest Observer and send us your NWO on the go photos!
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James Mitchell and Kandra Mussallem of Oak Ridge enjoyed a 17-day tour of Europe, visiting nine countries including France, where they enjoyed reading the Northwest Observer at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Jim Corkhill of Summerfield had a blast reading the Northwest Observer and riding the ferry in the Outer Banks from Hatteras to Ocracoke, North Carolina, while vacationing with his family.
Jim Corkhill of Summerfield had a blast reading the Northwest Observer and riding the ferry in the Outer Banks from Hatteras to Ocracoke, North Carolina, while vacationing with his family.
Bob Whetstone, Forbis & Dick Stokesdale Chapel director/ manager, and his wife, Debbie, recently visited London, England. Here they are pictured in front of Buckingham Palace, where they had hoped to get a moment with King Charles to show off their hometown newspaper.
On her way to the Arctic, Mary Litchford catches up on the latest news while visiting Helsinki, Finland, and the Uspenski Cathedral.
On her way to the Arctic, Mary Litchford catches up on the latest news while visiting Helsinki, Finland, and the
Uspenski Cathedral.
$27,893.07 to the fire district at a valuation of 13.1 cents per $100 of property valuation.
Taxes on one of the most visible tracts – the nearly 95-acre Summerfield Farms property at 3203 Pleasant Ridge Road – totaled $225.61 to the town and $1,074.72 to the fire district. The low tax amount reflects the property’s designation as agriculture/horticulture, according to county records.
By contrast, the commercial designation of the site of Couch’s proposed Sanders Village mixed-use development on N.C. 150 resulted in higher tax payments even though it’s less than half the size of the Summerfield Farms property.
The town collected taxes of $1,024.07 on the 43.1-acre tract at 3727 Oak Ridge Road (N.C. 150) and the fire department collected $4,878.31, according to the tax department.
Higher taxes for commercial
property signal that once developed, the value of Couch’s property currently zoned agriculture will increase significantly, according to county tax officials and Summerfield leaders.
As of June 30, the effective date of the de-annexation, property tax proceeds that went to Summerfield will now go to the county or, perhaps later, to the city of Greensboro, if Couch were to seek the annexation of his property into the city.
Now that Couch’s proposed commercial-residential development is located in the unincorporated county, will he change its name to something other than the Villages of Summerfield Farms?
Pat Ryan, Couch’s spokesman during the de-annexation fight, said he doesn’t believe the developer plans to change the name of his project. Early signs seem to confirm that.
Two weeks after the state legislature de-annexed his property, Couch wrote an email to the Northwest Observer under the Villages of Summerfield Farms letterhead. He referred to the project by that name.
While he said he wasn’t prepared to discuss his next steps, he showed no signs of distancing his project from Summerfield, where he’s lived for 2 ½ decades.
Even though Couch now resides in the county, he said, “Invisible boundaries do not make Summerfield what it is – it’s our neighbors and the beautiful land we’re fortunate enough to call home. Whether or not you support the Villages of Summerfield Farms, we are all part of this community with a shared desire to see it thrive responsibly, with effective
management and thoughtful design.”
Now that Summerfield has lost its de-annexation fight, does it risk losing its charter?
We addressed that topic with state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger in an interview June 17, a week and a half before the legislature’s approval of the de-annexation.
He said he doesn’t support revoking Summerfield’s charter, although some of his colleagues in Raleigh favor the step.
“That’s not my goal and it’s not something that I have been an advocate for,” Berger said.
The state General Assembly has the sole authority to grant charters to municipalities, as it did with Summerfield’s incorporation 28 years ago. And only state lawmakers can repeal charters.
...continued from p. 10 Be our guest at our next monthly meeting on Monday, August 5 beginning at 6:30 p.m. RSVP on our website.
Photo by Caroline Z Photography
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meeting about what happened in the past regarding an ABC store.
In November 2009 Stokesdale citizens voted to approve two things: liquor by the drink and locating an ABC store within the town limits. Nothing happened on the ABC store for several years, however, until 2017, when the council voted to work with Greensboro ABC Board to locate and operate an ABC store in town; ultimately, the Greensboro board decided against locating a store in Stokesdale.
Rigsbee said there are no plans to put an ABC store next to the Dollar General on Belews Creek Road, across from Stokesdale Christian Church (this location had been discussed in 2017).
Attorney Chuck Winfree clarified the council has a preference that the ABC store not be within 1,000 feet of a church, school or daycare, and Rigsbee asked if that could be included as a provision of the agreement with Greensboro ABC Board.
At that, Winfree clarified that the council wouldn’t be deciding on the actual agreement at this time, but on whether it was interested in entering into an agreement with the Greensboro ABC Board to locate a store within Stokesdale.
“You can’t veto a location, but you can create a hurdle,” he then told
the council.
2
3 (Rigsbee and Crawford for, Landreth, Jones and Foy against) to enter into an agreement with Greensboro ABC Board to locate an ABC store in Stokesdale. Foy explained he was voting against Rigsbee’s motion because he wanted to first review Greensboro ABC Board’s audit performance reports for the last five years, which Sullivan said he will provide. Pending receipt of those reports and Foy’s satisfaction with the findings, Crawford said the issue will likely be revisited at the Aug. 15 meeting.
Outstanding water bills. Finance Officer Kim Thacker explained most of the 24 water bills that are more than 90 days past due accumulated during COVID when the town wasn’t allowed to cut off anyone’s water for nonpayment. Of the $6,114 total in water bills that are 90-plus days past due, two have balances just over $1,000.
It isn’t legal for the town to forgive the debt, but it is allowed to remove it from its balance sheet. Thacker said she will ask the town’s auditor for her recommendation as to how, or if these pastdue balances must continue to appear on the balance sheet.
NEW BUSINESS
5 0 to authorize Thacker to implement a staff-wide salary increase of 3% as a cost-of-living adjustment, effective Monday, July 15.
CLOSED SESSION
Council recessed at 10:21 p.m. to go into closed session and reconvened in open session at 10:44 p.m., but took no action.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
“I’ve always appreciated the good discussions on this council, and probably appreciate the one we’ve had on the ABC store even more,” Foy said. “I was impressed with everyone’s delivery.”
Councilman Jimmy Landreth said he hoped everybody would think “real deep on some of the issues we’re looking at. We’re a great town and not like everybody else. I’d love to see us stay that way.”
Jones encouraged citizens to pray for the council as it considers the ABC issue.
“It’s very important,” he said. “Once we lose that quality of life, it will not be easy to reestablish it.”
Crawford thanked the staff for the good job they do, Tee Stephenson and Karen Landreth, wife of council member Jimmy Landreth, for staying until the end of the meeting, attorney Chuck Winfree, and his fellow council members.
“I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a better group of people,” he said. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:48 p.m.
Ordinary people, Extraordinary impact
“Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember, you don’t live in the world all of your own.” – Albert Schweitzer
‘In so many ways, my life is richer by having given to others’
From helping clear pathways for a trail to planning kids’ activities at her church – and much in between – Martha Pittman finds numerous ways to serve her community
by ANNETTE JOYCE
OAK RIDGE – Martha Pittman’s passion for serving others and doing the right thing is not surprising, given her upbringing in a family that strongly believed in helping others and giving back to their community.
“I wasn’t raised to simply complain when things weren’t as they should be,” Pittman said. “My parents set the example to work with other people to find solutions.”
Pittman has followed that example throughout her life, positively impacting her community along the way.
An outdoor enthusiast, she has devoted countless hours to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST), which passes through Oak Ridge. She was a founding co-chair of the town’s MST Committee and is an active member of the state-level Friends of the MST organization.
As part of these two groups, Pittman has worked on various projects including obtaining grants, negotiating easements and, along with other volunteers, clearing areas for trails. Last year, she was a community speaker at the Friends of the MST annual conference.
“The Oak Ridge MST Committee and Friends of the MST are awesome groups of dedicated volunteers and I have loved working with them toward this common goal,” she said. “In many cases, I’ve just
been the encourager for others as they take the lead to continue moving forward. And we couldn’t have done any of it without the support of the town and staff.”
Pittman noted that initially, the entire 8-mile segment of the MST through Oak Ridge was on roads and sidewalks. Thanks to the committee’s efforts, over 3 miles are now off-road.
In addition to her involvement with the MST, Pittman has contributed to the town in various other ways. As a former Oak Ridge town councilwoman (2019-2023), she is especially proud of her role in two initiatives during her term: the recently opened Heritage Farm Park and the development of the Farmhouse Community Center.
Since leaving office this past December, she has joined the town’s Special Events Committee and continues to volunteer on its Heritage Day Committee.
Pittman also gets fulfillment from volunteering with children’s programs and has been a member of Northwest Guilford Kiwanis for almost 20 years. The two-time president and former club secretary has served as the liaison for the elementary-school level Terrific Kids program and the high-school level Key Club. She’s been involved in nearly every club project including volunteering at its annual golf tournament fundraiser, serving kids at Camp Carefree and helping with the local Backpack Ministry program.
But her work with children doesn’t end there.
Pittman attends The Summit Church in Oak Ridge, where she “works behind the scenes” to prepare Sunday School lessons and activities for the kids. She’s also been part of the church’s Serve Team.
Along with all these activities, Pittman still finds time to indulge her love of gardening and is a member of Oak Ridge Garden Club. But even that involves giving back, since the club maintains four community gardens – when the club is working, Pittman can usually be found digging in the dirt.
Most people would find her schedule daunting, but Pittman thrives on it.
“We all have challenges, but I was blessed –blessed with the family I was born into and the ability to make a difference,” she said. “In so many ways, my life is richer by having given to others.”
Oak Ridge resident Martha Pittman
Oak Ridge Commons
Olmsted Orthodontics: Celebrating 10 years of building confidence,
Olmsted Orthodontics is celebrating a major milestone this year. Since opening in Oak Ridge Commons in 2014, this popular practice has spent a decade creating beautiful smiles for patients aged 7 to 80 in northwest Guilford County and beyond.
A Summerfield native and Northwest Guilford High School alumnus, Dr. Matt Olmsted’s dream was to open an orthodontic practice in the northwest Guilford area.
“This is where my roots are and I’m extremely happy to be able to work in the community I grew up in,” he said. “I’m grateful for the support and trust that’s been given me during the last 10 years.”
Dr. Olmsted earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University, where he was a four-year letterman for the varsity swim team. After graduating from dental school and receiving his master’s degree in orthodontics from UNC-Chapel Hill, he spent two years in a fellowship program gaining valuable experience working with the popular Invisalign aligners.
He has since established himself as one of the most experienced orthodontists in the
state to work with the aligners.
In addition to working with his patients, Dr. Olmsted teaches as a clinical assistant professor in UNC-Chapel Hill’s Department of Orthodontics and stays current on the latest orthodontic research and advances.
Staying up to date on the latest technology is a priority at Olmsted Orthodontics.
“We believe strongly in being able to offer our patients the most cutting-edge diagnostic software and treatment planning,” Dr. Olmsted said. “We also believe in making things as convenient as possible and continue to provide video conference capabilities and virtual visits.”
Dedicated to providing the best possible patient care, Dr. Olmsted puts in significant time and effort to achieve this.
“We want to give our patients an exceptional experience every time they visit,” he said. “They are our guests, and we are their home for orthodontic care and more confident smiles.”
Dr. Olmsted and his staff value the oneon-one, face-to-face relationships they have with patients and their families, and he said,
Commons
SHOP • DINE • ENJOY
Oak Ridge, at the corner of NC Highways 68 and 150 one
“We are proud to cultivate those relationships by treating our patients’ brothers and sisters and even parents and their children.” When he’s away from his orthodontic practice, Dr. Olmsted enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife, Câline, a former All American women’s lacrosse player at Duke and now a private lacrosse coach, have been married 13 years; they have a son, William, 9, and daughter, Catherine, 7. Visits to the Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro Children’s Museum and parks in Oak Ridge and Summerfield rank high on the family’s list of favorite things to do.
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OAK RIDGE town council
July 11 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
as reported by CHRIS BURRITT
OAK RIDGE – Mayor Jim Kinneman called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Mike Stone and council members Ann Schneider, Jim Harton and Michael Greeson present.
PRESENTATION
Canine Capers. The Canine Capers Committee presented checks totaling nearly $5,000 to six animal groups that participated in the April 28th annual fundraising event in Town Park. A raffle, contests for dogs and other activities raised the most money ever in the 10 years of the event, according to committee member Annette Joyce.
Joyce and fellow committee member Chelsea Young presented checks to representatives of SPCA of the Triad, the Haley Graves Foundation, Ruff Love Rescue, Red Dog Farm Rescue Network, Triad Golden Retriever Rescue and North Star Bloodhounds.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Oak Ridge Fire Department. Assistant Chief Sam Anders reported the department has experienced “a large uptick in calls” in recent days, spurred partly by an increase in wrecks on Interstate 73. Personnel also responded to two incidents involving people who got overheated when working outside in 90-plus-degree weather and humidity. The department didn’t provide a detailed report of service calls in June.
Sheriff’s Office. The District 1 office highlighted the June 10 incident in which a deputy was shot in Oak Ridge. According to the incident report filed with the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to a 911 call at 7504 Skipper’s Trace in Oak Ridge at around 1:30 a.m. Upon arrival, they found homeowner Andrew Caetto, a 54-year-old male, in the driveway area and reported he was argumentative and combative. A “violent” physical struggle ensued, during which Caetto reportedly tried to grab a gun from one
of the officers; the gun was discharged and another officer, 29-year-old Master Corporal Dakota Brim, was shot. He was transported to the hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Caetto was also treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, before being arrested and jailed for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, three counts of assault on a law enforcement officer and felony assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Setback text amendment
5 0 to approve a request by Joe Gonzales of D. Stone Builders for a text amendment to the town’s zoning ordinance regarding the setback of accessory buildings, such as sheds. The change allows for the placement of accessory buildings in
The
front of the principal structure on lots with a minimum of five acres.
As previously written, the ordinance subjected owners of larger tracts to a restriction “meant for traditional neighborhoods,” according to Gonzales’s application. No one spoke for or against the amendment during a public hearing before the council’s vote.
Dance school text amendment
5 0 to approve a request by land use planner Bill Greco for a text amendment to the zoning ordinance related to permitted uses of property.
Greco, of Land Solutions, asked the council to include dance schools as a use by right in the general office medium intensity (GOM) district. He said he believes dance schools should fall under the allowance of “schools and other educational types of facilities” already allowed in the district.
No one expressed support or opposition to the proposed amendment during a public hearing.
Residential rezoning request
5 0 to approve a request by developer Kevan Combs to rezone almost 1.4 acres at 8525 Linville Road for construction of a house.
Rezoning the property from planned unit development residential (PD-R) to amended PD-R will allow for the development of a single-family home on the land, according to Greco of Land Solutions, who was representing Combs. During a public hearing, Greco said the property was previously designated as common area in the Riverside subdivision, under development for almost 20 years.
Earlier, the town’s Planning and Zoning Board voted 3-2 to recommend the council approve the rezoning request. Board Vice Chair Nancy Stoudemire was one of the two members opposed to the request; during remarks to the council, she expressed concern that the lot isn’t connected by a walking path or road to the earlier phases of the subdivision.
Limited business rezoning request
5 0 to approve owner Sam Anders’ request for the limited business (LB) rezoning of two acres at N.C. 150 and Linville Road currently zoned residential (RS-30). (See related article on p. 16.)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Arbor Run homeowner Danny O’Connor urged the council to explore construction of a crosswalk across Haw River Road near the site of a Halloween night traffic fatality in 2022.
O’Connor said he spoke to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) about the possible crosswalk and the agency referred him to Oak Ridge. That may be because NCDOT may require the town to pay for construction of the project, if the agency were to approve the crosswalk across the state’s highway right of way, according to Town Manager Bill Bruce.
As a first step, staff would need to determine whether NCDOT would approve construction of a crosswalk in that location, Bruce said. Kinneman told O’Connor the town will follow up on this.
MANAGER’S REPORT Board reappointment
5 0 to approve the reappointment of Michael Bell to the town’s
Board of Adjustment. By unanimous vote, the council also appointed Paul Magnabosco as an alternate to the Water Advisory Committee.
Unsealing closed session minutes
5 0 to unseal closed session minutes from the council’s meeting on Nov. 2, 2023.
Restricted funds
5 0 to approve the creation of a restricted fund for the second phase of the Veterans Honor Green and move $14,190 raised and unspent last fiscal year into the new fund.
By unanimous vote, the council corrected a staff error and approved moving the $20,000 unspent in last year’s budget line item for conservation easement into conservation easements/CORE grants restricted fund. It also voted to un-restrict $4,026 in the Historic Heritage Grants fund and move it into the general fund.
Finance officer’s engagement, audit
5 0 to approve the town’s annual financial engagement contract with Anders & Barrow CPAs, with an increase in the hourly rate from $110 to $130 an hour. Sam Anders will continue as Oak Ridge’s finance officer while his firm will prepare financial statements and payroll and tax documents. It will also provide bookkeeping services and bill payment.
Later, the council voted unanimously to retain Forvis Mazars to perform the town’s annual audit for the 2023/2024 fiscal year that ended June 30, at a charge not to exceed $30,490.
Stone said he would like to have gotten the proposed contract sooner than 24 hours before the meeting.
Kinneman thanked Anders for his financial services and said, “I can’t
say enough nice things about you, Sam.”
MyRec.com reservation system
Genevieve Geib, the town’s office assistant, walked the council through
a demonstration of the town’s new online system for reserving fields, shelters and other facilities at Town and Heritage Farm parks.
Starting July 1, MyRec.com replaced a system for reserving and paying for the use of park facilities by phone, email or in person at Town Hall, Geib said. The new system is accessible on the town’s website and requires renters to create an online account.
NEW BUSINESS
Town Park entrance master plan
5 0 to continue the council’s discussion of bids from three contractors to landscape, build sidewalks and parking areas and make other improvements at the entrance to Town Park on Lisa Drive, off Linville Road.
The bids from W.C. Construction Co., ASJ Wilson Construction and BAR Construction Co. exceeded the $150,000 budgeted for the project, an estimate provided by the project’s landscaping contractor 15 months ago.
Bruce asked the companies to submit two bids. The base bid covered landscaping and sidewalks around the Farmhouse Community Center and a small parking area next to the historic house under renovation and expansion at Linville Road and Lisa Drive.
For that work, W.C. Construction bid $208,000, ASJ $223,691 and BAR $256,200, according to Bruce.
In the second bid, the contractors estimated the cost for building a larger parking lot along Lisa Drive to accommodate visitors to the community center. Those bids totaled $79,000 from W.C. Construction, $93,636 from ASJ and $97,000 from BAR.
In cost-cutting discussions with town officials, W.C. Construction recommended dropping plans for electric lights along the sidewalks, eliminating the need for wiring and other expenses estimated to cost $45,000 in the base bid and $9,000 in the second bid, Bruce said. As an alternative, the contractor suggested the installation of less-expensive solar lighting.
Price cuts would reduce the cost
...continued on p. 38
If so, we invite you to participate in the Oak Ridge Treasure Tree program, sponsored by the Oak Ridge Tree City USA Committee. This program wishes to recognize the largest, rarest, oldest and otherwise important tree species located in Oak Ridge.
PROGRAM CRITERIA
Trees designated as treasure trees are:
V The most significant tree of their species. Size is determined by height, average crown spread and circumference.
V Of historic, environmental or otherwise significant value.
V Of a species, variety or cultivar proved to be relatively long-lived and adapted to our geographic region.
V Of such health and condition, as judged by the Treasure Tree Committee, as to have a reasonable prospect of continuing life.
V Located on either public or private property within Oak Ridge.
Please call Oak Ridge Town Hall at (336) 644-7009 or email ssmith@oakridgenc.com if you would like someone from the Oak Ridge Tree City USA Committee to contact you about registering your tree.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Aug. 31, 2024
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WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS
z Farmers & Specialty Market | Northwest Guilford farmers market is open Wednesday evenings from 4 p.m. to dusk and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Greensboro Performing Arts, 7200 Summerfield Road. More info: Nicki Wagoner, (336) 817-7765 or fromtheearthfm@gmail.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 20
z 5k fundraiser | Oak Ridge Youth Association will host a 5K fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank on July 20, starting 8:30 a.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. Donations of money and/or non-perishable food items are requested. More info: w ww.facebook.com/oryasports.
z Music in the Park | The Town of Summerfield will
NORTHWEST ANIMAL HOSPITAL
643-8984
host a Music in the Park event on July 20 at Summerfield Community Park, 5404 Centerfield Road. Bantam Rooster will perform party music starting at 6:30 p.m. and Kona Ice will be onsite selling iced treats. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. More info: ww w.facebook.com/townofsummerfield and see ad on p. 29.
MONDAY, JULY 22
z Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club will meet July 22 at Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center. Come at 6 p.m. to socialize and order dinner or a beverage if you would like; the business meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. More info: Jim Kinneman, (336) 207-7166 or james.kinneman@gmail.com.
SATURDAY,
JULY 27
z Food pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food pantry in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on July 27, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road. To receive assistance or to make a
Loving care for pets and their families
Full-service medicine, surgery and dentistry
Surgical and therapeutic laser Acupuncture and ultrasound
Camp, DVM | Tina Becker, DVM 1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-8984 www.nw-animal-hospital.com
donation to the ministry, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.
z Vacation Bible School | Gideon Grove UMC at 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale will host Vacation Bible School July 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids of all ages and their families can enjoy story time, crafts, games and lunch. More info: www.facebook.com/gideongroveumc and see display ad on p. 4.
THURSDAY, AUG. 1
z Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will meet Aug. 1, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Attend in person or watch the meeting in real time or at a later time 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.
MONDAY, AUG. 5
z Summerfield Merchants meeting | Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA), which supports local
EXCEPTIONAL CARE
Lorczak and his staff pride themselves on providing you with the calm, gentle care necessary to promote the body’s natural healing ability.
businesses, nonprofits and the Summerfield community, invites local professionals interested in joining its group to a time of socializing and networking, as well as a murder mystery dinner performance by Summerfield Stage Co., on Aug. 5, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Learn more about SMA or RSVP at w ww.summerfieldmerchant.com. Tickets for the dinner and performance are $25 per person.
TUESDAY,
AUG. 6
z Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford, a nonprofit that engages in projects focused on children in our community, will meet Aug. 6, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.
z Friends of Stokesdale meeting | Friends of Stokesdale, a nonprofit committed to preserving Stokesdale’s history and downtown charm, invites those with similar interests to its monthly meeting Aug. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive. For more info, visit the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ friendsofstokesdale.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 7
z Community meal | Gideon Grove UMC at 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale will host a free community meal with
picnic food Aug. 7, 5 to 7 p.m. Visit www.facebook.com/gideongroveumc to learn more.
AUG. 7, 8, 13 & 15
z Senior programs | Senior Resources of Guilford County will sponsor a senior program including activities and a take-home lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Aug. 7 at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, 2445 Oak Ridge Road; Aug. 8 at Stokesdale United Methodist Church (8305 Loyola Drive); Aug. 13 at Shady Grove Wesleyan Church (119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax); and Aug. 15 at Summerfield First Baptist Church (2300 Scalesville Road). To learn more and/or RSVP, call (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.
FRIDAY, AUG. 9
and there will be several food trucks with food for sale. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The event is free, but donations for the band are appreciated. To learn more, visit w ww.facebook.com/ oakridgetownpark.
MONDAY, AUG. 12
z Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club | Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club (NGWC) is a nonprofit with members including women from all walks of life who share a commitment to community service. The group will hold its monthly meeting Aug. 12, starting at 7 p.m. To learn more about NGWC or to attend the meeting as a guest, contact Tiffany Hansen, president, at (336) 404-8038 or tiffanykhansen96@gmail.com.
TUESDAY, AUG. 13
z Town Council meeting | Summerfield Town Council will meet Aug. 13, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. Visit www.summerfieldnc.gov for a meeting agenda. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Town’s Facebook page.
THURSDAY, AUG. 15
z Town Council meeting | Stokesdale Town Council will meet Aug. 15, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Citizens may attend in person, and the meeting will also be shared live on Zoom and on the town’s YouTube channel. Visit www.stokesdale.org for a meeting agenda and a Zoom link.
z Veterans’ breakfast | Bethel Methodist Church at 8424 Haw River Road in Oak Ridge invites local veterans to a monthly event for coffee, breakfast and fellowship Aug. 9, starting at 8:30 a.m. More info: Larry McDonald, (336) 215-3141.
You can overcome anything, if and only if you love something enough. – Lionel Messi
SATURDAY, AUG. 10
SOFTBALL FEB 15
BASEBALL FEB 23
z Music in the Park | The Town of Oak Ridge will host a Music in the Park event on Aug. 10 at Oak Ridge Town Park Amphitheater, 6231 Lisa Drive. Radio Revolver will perform pop and rock party tunes starting at 6 p.m. Alcoholic beverages will be for sale
Sat., July 20th, 6:30pm-9:00pm at the Amphitheater in the Summerfield Community Park
Bring Blankets and Friends!
Kona Ice & Pearl Kitchen will be on site to provide refreshments.
Check the town’s Facebook page for any unexpected weather updates.
District 1 Sheriff’s Office
ASSAULT/DOMESTIC
June 18 | Law enforcement officers responded to a reported domestic disturbance in the 6500 block of Horseman Trail in Summerfield (off Strawberry Road); a 41-year-old male was arrested for assault on a female and interfering with emergency communications.
June 20 | Officers responded to a reported assault in the 7700 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale.
June 21 | Officers responded to a reported assault in the 8600 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale.
July 2 | A 37-year-old female was arrested in the 8000 block of Nellis Lane in Colfax (off Cude Road) for simple assault, communicating threats, cyberstalking, injury to personal property and being a fugitive from justice.
DEATH INVESTIGATION
June 20 | Officers conducted a death investigation in the 7700 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale.
June 27 | Officers conducted a death investigation in the 8200 block of Ballard Road in Colfax (off N. Bunker Hill Road).
DRUGS
July 8 | An employee of a business on N.C. 150 W in Summerfield reported a known suspect stole some of her prescription of Adderall pills.
July 8 | Officers responded to an attempted suicide via drug overdose in the 7700 block of Alcorn Road in Oak Ridge.
EMBEZZLEMENT/LARCENY
June 24 | A 53-year-old female was arrested in the 8000 block of Belews
Creek Road in Stokesdale for misdemeanor larceny.
June 25 | A 33-year-old female was arrested in the 1800 block of N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge for embezzlement.
July 9 | A 36-year-old female was arrested at the District 1 Sheriff’s Office in Summerfield for misdemeanor larceny.
FOUND PROPERTY
June 26 | A citizen came to District 1 Sheriff’s Office in Summerfield to report he/she had found a chainsaw near the 5100 block of U.S. 220 N in Summerfield.
July 5 | Officers responded to a report of a set of keys found at Summerfield Town Park.
SALE OF ALCOHOL
June 26 | A 30-year-old male was arrested in the 8000 block of Sapp Acres Lane in Oak Ridge (near N.C. 68 N) for possession/sale of alcohol without permission.
THEFT
June 13 | A resident of the 6900 block of U.S. 158 in Stokes-
dale reported an unknown suspect defrauded her by paying $14,000 for a vehicle with a fraudulent check.
June 20 | A resident of the 8300 block of Patricia Drive in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158) reported an unknown suspect broke into her residence and stole over $35,000 worth of fine jewelry.
June 23 | A resident of the 8700 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect broke into her home while she was on vacation and stole $50 worth of costume jewelry.
June 24 | An employee of Dollar General on Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect shoplifted makeup and skincare items.
June 25 | A resident of the 5200 block of Boat Street in Stokesdale (off Belews Creek Road) reported an unknown suspect stole $600 worth of copper wire.
July 8, 12 | An employee of Dollar General on Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect shoplifted a tube of Neosporin antibiotic ointment; on July 12, anoth-
er unknown suspect reportedly shoplifted
WEAPONS
June 22 | A 30-year-old male was arrested in the 9200 block of U.S. 158/ Happy Hill Road in Stokesdale for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, driving while impaired, failure to maintain lane control and driving with an open container of alcohol.
June 25 | A resident of the 8400 block of Hunting Court in Stokesdale (off N.C. 65) voluntarily surrendered four firearms.
June 30 | Officers responded to a report of a discharge of a firearm in the 1800 block of Lester Road in Stokesdale (near N.C. 68 N); as a result, a 49-year-old male was arrested for possessing a firearm as a felon.
PASS ON THE BYPASS ...continued
from p. 5
R-2577 dropped in priority ranking.
An environmental document completed in 2018 identifies three segments for the R-2577 project: Section A is north of I-40 Business/U.S. 421 to Belews Creek Road; Section B goes from Belews Creek Road to Anthony Road; and Section C (Stokesdale Bypass) goes from Anthony Road to I-73/U.S. 220.
The traffic forecast for the Stokesdale Bypass showed Section C carrying close to 12,600 average annual daily vehicles in 2045, a level traffic engineers consider well within the capacity threshold for two-lane highways.
McKinney and NCDOT representative Brian Ketner attended the council’s March 14 meeting and presented options for the council to consider regarding the bypass. Council members shared their concerns about leaving the bypass on the thoroughfare plan, and agreed to MPO offering a public review period for citizen comment on whether to leave the bypass on the map or request it be removed.
The comment period was offered April 1-30, and yielded a total of 15 responses. Of those, 60% were in favor of removing the bypass.
“After very thoughtful consideration and memories of living in Stokesdale over 50 years ago, I feel a bypass around the town would harm rather than be a help to businesses,” one respondent wrote.
“It’s not needed and would be a costly boondoggle,” another respondent replied.
“I have lived in Stokesdale, very close to U.S. 158, and have seen no need for any widening,” a longtime resident wrote. “Traffic moves along well since I-73/220 lightened the traffic load.”
Others who favored removing the bypass emphasized the project’s cost far outweighed its benefits, as well as expressed concerns about it destroying property owners’ land.
Of those who voiced support for the bypass, one respondent wrote, “Everyone weighs out cost and benefit to everything we buy. Maybe look at risk as well as benefit. I’ve seen bad accidents. You can’t put a price on a life…”
Cost is important, but U.S. 158 is already dangerous and safety should be prioritized, others in support of the bypass wrote.
In his executive summary, McKinney noted that removing Section C (Stokesdale Bypass) from the U.S. 158 widening project does not affect the status of Sections A & B, both of which are in Forsyth County.
Additionally, he said the MPO and NCDOT recommend continuing to partner with the town “to identify and implement further needed roadway safety, operational and capacity improvements on existing area roadways on an ongoing basis…
“NCDOT R-5823, conceived of in part as an alternative to a U.S. 158 Stokesdale Bypass, exemplifies this strategy by improving N.C. 65 and N.C. 68 in the Stokesdale area through a series of intersection, safety and operational improvements with construction currently scheduled in FY 2026,” McKinney concluded.
Faith and community sustain family through trials of cancer
Summerfield couple is using their experience to help other couples undergoing the trauma and challenges of brain cancer
by ANNETTE JOYCE
In 2021, Jason and Tracy Binder were diligently managing their busy lives and those of their five children. Jason held a full-time job, while he and Tracy worked as life coaches and were deeply involved in their church and ministry activities. They were also in the process of building a new home in Summerfield. Additionally, Tracy was coaching cross country at Caldwell Academy and The Covenant School in Greensboro, all while maintaining her own marathon training program (she has completed five marathons, including the Boston Marathon). Everything changed early in 2022.
Tracy, 46, and Jason Binder, 47, have been together since high school. When Tracy was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022, the couple said it was through unwavering faith, resilience and immense community support that they and their five children were able to get through it and come out even stronger than before.
A & B
We have walked through cancer, recovery, loss and grief and can say it was the most
fearful,
uncertain, and overwhelming time of our life. We can choose to let this pain cut our marriage apart or weld us together.”
Jason
After enduring weeks of excruciating headaches, Tracy went to the ER and was diagnosed with a 4-centimeter brain tumor. Within four days, she underwent surgery to remove the cancerous growth. Three weeks later, the tumor returned, necessitating another surgery. Tracy then faced six rounds of chemotherapy and over 30 radiation treatments.
After weeks of testing, the doctors provided a clear diagnosis: glioblastoma with a primitive neuronal component (GBM-PNC), a rare and aggressive brain cancer. Along with this devastating news, the couple also learned about the severe impact cancer often has on marriages and families.
“(With cancer) marriages get destroyed; families are destroyed and that usually reverberates for generations,” Jason said.
He noted that when a woman has brain cancer, the risk of divorce is significantly higher.
“According to research published in the journal ‘Cancer,’ women are six times more likely to end up separated or divorced if they are diagnosed with cancer compared to if their husbands were facing the same illness,” Jason wrote on the couple’s Aware Coaching website.
“The study suggests that early identification of marital discord and psychosocial intervention, such as life coaching, might reduce the frequency
and
Tracy Binder
of divorce and separation, thereby improving the quality of life and care.”
The Binders’ journey through treatment and the emotional toll of the diagnosis has profoundly shaped their approach to marriage and parenting. They say they have faced this challenge with unwavering faith, resilience and community support. Now that Tracy is cancer-free, the couple is deeply committed to sharing their experience to help other couples and families in similar situations.
When the tumor was detected, the Binders’ lives were understandably torn apart. While Tracy, 46, and Jason, 47, focused on Tracy’s treatment, daily responsibilities still needed to be managed. Their five children, now ages 3 to 16, required care. Meals had to be prepared, laundry done, and the kids dropped off and picked up from school and various events.
Having a strong support system was vital.
“If you don’t have a community, you won’t survive,” Jason said. “You need to trust people who want to help you.”
The family received immense support from their community, particularly their church community at Mercy Hill.
“People just stepped up. All many of them knew was that we were gluten-free, which meant we ate a lot of Mexican food,” Jason joked.
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
Community members helped in various ways. Some ferried the kids to and from their activities, and one man came by to clean out their garage. A small group from the church even brought several loads of gravel and spread it over the long, muddy driveway that the Binders hadn’t had a chance to pave before Tracy’s illness.
Having a close group of two or three friends she could rely on was instrumental in Tracy’s recovery. These were the friends she could cry with and share her pain. Just having someone listen was significant.
Certain aspects of enduring cancer, like losing her hair, were especially hard.
“I remember feeling my hair and it felt like something was wrong with it, and I was literally pulling my hair out,” she said.
She ultimately had to give up her job, lost the ability to care for her family, and couldn’t keep up with her running
Jason and Tracy Binder walk down the driveway of their home in Summerfield with their five children, ages 3 to 16.
routine. Her close friends helped her cope with these challenges.
According to Jason, one thing Tracy didn’t lose was her positive attitude and her desire to praise God.
“She’s a fighter. The oncologist said, ‘She laughed off the treatment,’” Jason said, adding that Tracy rarely missed church and was always smiling and praising the Lord.
to use it for God’s glory,” Jason said.
Having gone through this battle, the couple, who has been together since high school, has not only emerged stronger but found a way to use their experience to help others.
“One of our themes is that if we’re going to have this much pain, we want
To that end, they offer free coaching through their program
“Aware Coaching: Guiding Marriages Rocked by Trauma,” dedicated to helping couples survive and grow from the trauma of brain cancer. They are committed to providing the support and tools necessary to navigate the
challenges, many of which they have personally experienced.
want to learn more?
To learn more about Aware Coaching and how Jason and Tracy are helping others deal with brain cancer, visit www.myawarecoaching.com.
No
Just Working for You
Photo courtesy of Jason Binder
A regular section in the Northwest Observer focused on the youthful matters of northwest Guilford County
Pop Warner youth football program among SRA’s new offerings this fall
Stokesdale Parks and Rec is preparing to launch its Stokesdale Cadets youth football program with four teams, one each for youth ages 8 to 11
by PATTI STOKES
STOKESDALE – Like its counterparts in Oak Ridge and Summerfield, Stokesdale Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit funded through player registration fees and individual and business donations and sponsorships.
Besides using the soccer fields at the Town of Stokesdale’s park behind Town Hall on Angel Pardue Road and the gym at Stokesdale Elementary School, SPR owns, funds and maintains Stokesdale Community Park on Capri Drive, which has two baseball/softball fields, picnic shelters and restroom facilities. SPR’s rapidly expanding programs include youth basketball, cheerleading, baseball, softball and soccer, as well as a recently launched adult co-ed softball program.
After offering a volleyball camp this summer for the first time, 40 kids signed up to participate; that’s
the highest attended camp the SRA has ever held, and has prompted the organization to add a youth volleyball program this fall. If there is enough interest and support, an adult volleyball league may be added in the future.
Also set to kick off this fall is a Pop Warner football program for youth ages 8 to 11.
This won’t be the first time a youth football program has been offered in
Call or text: 336-274-7649 Summerfield and Greensboro
Stokesdale – in fact, Oak Ridge Youth Association’s (ORYA) football program grew from a program originally based in Stokesdale. When that program waned in the early 2010s, ORYA stepped forward and started a Pop Warner program to serve young football players in the northwest area. The program has ballooned in the years since then, and now includes flag, 8U, 10U and 12U youth football programs,
all with wait lists.
“From what they (ORYA) communicated to us, they have a significant wait list,” said SPR president Jordan Balmforth in a recent interview. “All these kids wanted to play, but there was only one program in our immediate area, so they weren’t going to have the opportunity. There were coaches who wanted to expand the program as well, and they were like, ‘let’s do this!’”
“The idea (to add a football program) first surfaced in 2022, but we still had a lot going on then,” Balmforth said, referring to the $30,000 investment SRA was making at that time in new helmets and ‘super-safe’ practice equipment, a new storage building at the ball fields to house the equipment, and other improvements.
“We had half of what we needed and had to raise the other half,” he said.
Coupled with that was concern about the age-old challenge: ideas are often plentiful but finding the people to carry them out, not so much.
Fast forward to 2024 and Balmforth said SRA has four “wonderful coaches” who have stepped up to get the Pop Warner program off the ground. Justin Lord will serve in dual roles, as both the
...continued on p. 37
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Reynolds & Stoner’s staff brings smiles to the crowds at Founder’s Day with their Toy Story themed parade float.
Photo courtesy of Justin Lord
Youth football players are participating in training sessions as part of Stokesdale Parks and Recreation’s preparation for kicking off a new Pop Warner football program this fall
Stokesdale Parks & Rec is blessed to announce the completion of the newly installed light poles and LEDs at the Stokesdale community baseball and softball fields on Capri Drive. We are beyond grateful for the overwhelming kindness and generosity of the Stokesdale community, neighboring businesses and friends. Your amazing support will be appreciated by our youth and families for decades to come! Special thanks to the Town of Stokesdale for the extraordinary collaboration and financial contribution!
And finally, thank you to the 200+ residents(!) and the businesses listed below for their contributions, which made an incredible impact in reaching our fundraising goal:
Southern Homes Heating & Air ● Kimberly Thacker Accounting
Mantis shrimp are very smart. They can recognize and interact with other shrimp. Scientists have also discovered that they may be able to learn and remember places where they have found food.
for sponsoring this issue’s Kids’ Korner
Spearers or Smashers
The two main types of mantis shrimp are spearers and smashers. Spearers hunt by piercing their prey on spear-like forelimbs, while smashers kill their prey with a powerful blow from a club-like appendage at the end of their forelimbs.
A forever kind of love
Once a mantis shrimp meets the shrimp of his/her dreams, they share the same burrow, protect their eggs and help each other with hunting for their entire lives – up to 20 years!
Mantis Scramble
Use what you’ve learned about mantis shrimp to unscramble the words below.
rhssmaes __________________________________
tsrma _____________________________________
peeirc
seaerrps __________________________________
vleo
hpsimr ____________________________________
youth link
director of the program as well as coach of the 8U team.
“Justin Lord truly brings a wonderful energy to one of the biggest program launches in our community,” Balmforth said. “He brings energy and a capacity to corral volunteers, organize practices and delegate … The idea is for me to help provide the infrastructure, but this is his show and it’s all about the kids.
“Justin and his fellow coaches, Jordan Snipes, Sean Hillis and Honoree Winn, have worked together to create an exciting environment for the youth to learn fundamental values, skills and knowledge that will help them throughout their lives,” Balmforth continued. “His passion for all sports and his genuine love for the academic and athletic experience of our local kids shines bright!”
Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Suite CC (336) 441-7007
“We all played Pop Warner when we were young,” Lord, a native of Hawaii, told the Northwest Observer. “I have three kids and I just want every kid to have an opportunity to play. I’m very excited to get this off the ground. This program is going to be parent-driven, and I can’t thank our coaches and parents enough!”
From Day 1 of launching SRA’s Pop Warner program, everyone involved has agreed that kids come first, Balmforth said. He emphasized that developing their football skills is important, but safety, character development, and an emphasis on the value of getting an education are paramount. That’s one of the reasons SRA went with the Pop Warner program, because it requires kids to keep a minimum of a 2.0/70% grade point average.
About 50 kids completed multiple weeks of football training this past spring, and next week, July 22-26, SRA will hold a football camp in preparation for the season getting underway in August.
“We invite any and all kids who want to come and play,” Balmforth said.
As of mid-July, 82 players have expressed interest in playing this fall. The season runs from August through October, and SRA teams will be
playing against Northwest Pop Warner District teams from Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Kernersville, Jamestown and Reidsville.
Both Balmforth and Lord emphasized that SRA’s Pop Warner program will not be in competition with ORYA’s program.
“We are in it for the same reasons and the same goals,” they said.
Balmforth asked to express a special appreciation to the over 200 individuals and businesses – as well as Stokesdale Town Council and ORYA – who helped the organization raise $25,000 last year for new light poles and LED lighting.
He shared one last thought: “If you’re wanting to start a pickleball league – or anything else – let us know!”
want to play?
Register for the Stokesdale Cadets’ Pop Warner football program at StokesdaleParksandRec.com.
Summer camp is Monday, July 22, through Friday, July 26, and the fall season runs from August through October.
More info: email info@stokesdaleparksandrec.com.
OAK RIDGE TC
...continued from p. 27
for the base bid to $163,000 – or $13,000 over budget – excluding the Lisa Drive parking lot. Kinneman said he believes additional landscaping around the Farmhouse will cost about $10,000, putting the project about $23,000 over budget.
Asked by Stone whether the town is seeking additional cost reductions, Bruce said he can do that, but noted that deeper cuts may harm the functionality of the improvements.
As estimated, the Lisa Drive parking lot “is way over budget” and “not strictly necessary,” Schneider said.
The council plans to resume discussions about the project during its Aug. 1 meeting.
Later in the meeting, pickleball enthusiast Brian Dawson urged the council to spend money slated for the park’s entrance instead on pickleball courts.
Elevated water tank bids. Bruce reported the town got three bids for construction of the elevated water tank behind Town Hall, with the lowest bid
of nearly $3.4 million exceeding the estimated cost by about $800,000.
While state and federal grants would cover the cost of the tank, they wouldn’t be enough to pay for extending a water main along Highway 150 from Kernersville to the tank at Town Park, at current cost estimates, according to Bruce.
A critical step is obtaining an estimate for the water main so that construction of the line could follow completion of the tank, Schneider said.
“Where are we going to get the money from?” Greeson
asked.
Oak Ridge needs to explore funding options, such as additional grants, Kinneman responded.
The council plans to schedule a special called meeting to discuss financial options for the water system.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Year-end budget amendments
5 0 to approve $19,160 in expenses to bring last fiscal year’s
budget into balance as of June 30, the end of the fiscal year. The biggest adjustment totaled $10,000 for special events, partly reflecting the town’s purchase of supplies for an upcoming Music in the Park concert, Anders said.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Special Events Committee. Barb Engel reported that more than 250 children participated in the second annual Fourth of July bicycle parade in Town Park. Twice as many parents and grandparents were in attendance, she said.
Historic Preservation Commission.
Chair Debbie Shoenfeld reported Oak Ridge Historic Commission’s book committee has begun reviewing the graphic layout for the book it is creating about historic properties within the town.
“It is going to be amazing,” she said.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Stone said he visited some local pickleball courts and concluded the sport “creates community.” Based upon an industry estimate, he said Oak Ridge could build eight courts with fencing for about $270,000.
Harton and Schneider expressed wariness about accelerating plans for building pickleball courts at Heritage Farms Park.
“Let’s see the numbers, as opposed to a verbal quote,” Harton said. “I’m dubious about a figure that low,” Schneider added.
Improvements at Highways 150 and 68 in Oak Ridge’s commercial district are going to be delayed again, probably until early next year, Kinneman said. (See related article on p. 2.)
Greeson offered no comments.
CLOSED SESSION Manager’s pay raise
5 0 to approve an annual pay raise for Bruce from about $112,000 to $125,000. The council entered a closed session to discuss the manager’s compensation and reconvened to vote on the raise in public session.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
2020-2024 graduates from any Guilford County high school (public, private, or registered home-school) are eligible.
In-state tuition and college/course fees are 100% covered.
$500,000 available for full-time or part-time enrollment at GTCC.
Tuition-Free at GTCC Tuition-Free at GTCC
SPORTS UPDATES
High
GRINS and GRIPES
Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?
Share your thoughts in 40 words or less email: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com online: www.nwobserver.com
(From main menu, choose “Submit” dropdown menu, then select “Grin/Gripe”)
Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.
in Summerfield. Looking forward to being a customer of Martin’s Mercantile!
N.C. Senate District 26, for being willing to take on the mighty Phil Berger. I’m not a Democrat, but you’ve got my vote!
The Town of Oak Ridge for organizing an awesome kids bike parade on July 4!
All the young men and women serving missions for their church. Nice to see the youth of today serving others and not just themselves.
Lauren Cox and her husband for their vision and bold decision to purchase and renovate the historic Martin House on N.C. 150
The groundskeeper at Gray Gables on N.C. 150 in Summerfield for consistently creating a beautiful landscape to visit and drive by. I often see him working hard when I pass. We in Summerfield really appreciate it!
Steve Luking (D), candidate for
Strickland Brothers in Oak Ridge for poor management. I went there for a simple NC state inspection and was second in line when I arrived. One hour later, I was still second in line, so I left.
Stokesdale Town Council member Jim Rigsbee, for wanting an ABC store in town. If you had a family that has been destroyed by alcohol you would not want one.
Mayor Tim Sessoms and Councilman John Doggett. They passed David Couch’s zoning in 2023 and foolishly forgot to get Sen. Berger
to drop de-annexation in return! Gave everything and got nothing. Summerfield’s demise is on them. Editor’s note: Just a few corrections, which I realize the griper may consider technicalities. Mayor Tim Sessoms did not vote on the text amendment in 2023 (the mayor in Summerfield only votes in case of a tie) – although it’s very likely that had he voted, he would have voted in favor of it. The voting council members had twice denied Couch’s development proposal, which initially included almost 1,200 apartments, and Couch had let it be known that he was pursuing de-annexing his property from the town. Also, Couch’s property was never rezoned – his first step toward that end goal was to get the council to approve a text amendment to its development ordinance that created a new zoning district which would allow the higher-density development proposed for Summerfield Villages. Although the text amendment was approved last October by a 3-2 vote
of the council, Couch never submitted an application to have his property rezoned.
Bojangles in Oak Ridge for not picking up the trash left from their customers around the area and across the street. Another reason Oak Ridge doesn’t need franchise business.
Oak Ridge Historic Commission. So sad that they don’t seem to care about the old graveyard on Harrell Road. Maybe News 2 should do another story on it. What happened to the promise that was made 2005?
Phil Berger for pushing the de-annexation of his buddy David Couch’s land in Summerfield.
Neighbors who have workers block the street/road in which we travel instead of letting them park in their driveway! Driveways are meant for this!
The majority four council members in Summerfield. Great job ruining the town.
Ontex on N.C. 65, just outside Stokesdale, for not having a night
shift to allow trucks to come in for shipping and receiving. Trucks fill the small driveway in front of the gate and park down Sylvania several times a week.
The person griping about the handbag size policy at Golden Antiques & Treasures. I support the owners for caring about their booth renters – much more than I can say for other retail stores (including other antique stores!).
Sen. Phil Berger for facilitating the de-annexation effort and his cowardly redistricting to avoid the wrath of Summerfield residents in the next election; to David Couch for using that peculiar NC law to get his way; and to Summerfield for being obstinate.
The people on W. Harrell Road in Oak Ridge who run a noisy commercial dog operation in a quiet residential area.
Oak Ridge Swim Club for being too quick to close early. Unless there is literally a tornado on the ground, for $850 the pool (and grill) should always be open!
The Greensboro Urban Area is considering upcoming transportation projects for years 2026-2035. The MPO wants YOUR input on:
Draft Assignment of Local Input Points
You may Review and Comment on the MPOProposedProjectList from July 17 through August 15, 2024 Online at: www.guampo.org
Send comments to: Greensboro Urban Area MPO P.O. Box 3136 Greensboro, NC 27402-3136
Attend Online Meeting: July 25, 2024 at 12 noon
Or Email: guampo@greensboro-nc.gov
Apply now for a Historic Heritage
Grant!
The Historic Preservation Commission is looking for small-scale, high-impact grant projects to help preserve the historic properties that are at the heart of our community.
What’s important?
• Focus on preserving historic property
• Appropriateness and urgency of proposed work
• Positive impact on Oak Ridge’s historic fabric
Grants up to $3,000, or $4,000 for nonprofits, will be awarded to maintain and preserve the exteriors of historic properties in Oak Ridge. Applicants must cover at least 50% of project costs.
How do I learn more?
• Visit www.oakridgenc.com for more information and an application
• Call Town Hall at (336) 644-7009
• Speak to a Historic Preservation Commission member
be completed by 5/30/25
Promoting historic preservation in Oak Ridge (336) 644-7009 | www.oakridgenc.com
Please visit the MPO website for meeting details. Anyone in need of auxiliary aids, services or interpretive services to review the material may call (336) 373-3117.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
ABC STORE DEBATE
...continued from p. 1
Stokesdale could expect net income of around $30,000 in the store’s first year of operation, with that amount increasing in subsequent years, he said.
Council members engaged in an extensive debate about whether to request the Board of Elections place an ABC store on the ballot this November, not realizing that voters had already approved an ABC store in 2009. The discussion became heated at times, with Jimmy Landreth and Tim Jones making passionate arguments for why locating an ABC store in Stokesdale would negatively impact the family-oriented community. When Attorney Chuck Winfree later noted that voters had already approved the store in November 2009, it was decided to continue the discussion at the July 11 meeting.
An agenda item for that meeting initially indicated it was for discussion on a resolution requesting the county’s Board of Elections add a referendum to the November 2024 ballot “for a vote to enable the location of
an ABC store in the corporate boundaries of the Town of Stokesdale.”
Before voting to approve the agenda, however, Rigsbee requested the wording be revised to reflect it would instead be a discussion on negotiating an agreement with the Greensboro ABC Board to locate an ABC store within the town limits.
During a period for public comments, Rev. Jerry Walker of Oak Level Baptist Church said he would support the council regardless of whether they decided to move forward with an ABC store, but strongly urged them not to do so.
“After listening to the financial report, I’m not sure we’re pinched to have that revenue,” he said. “So, what positive could an ABC store bring to Stokesdale other than revenue? Would it help our children? Increase attendance at our churches?”
Availability increases alcohol consumption, Walker said, adding that he opposed locating an ABC store near the Dollar General on Belews Creek Road, across from Stokesdale Christian Church. That location had been openly discussed as a possibility when the store
Join the community conversation
was considered in 2017.
In response, Sullivan said the Greensboro ABC Board would not be looking at locating an ABC store across from a church or school.
Jones emphasized the council has “an immense responsibility to make sure an ABC store doesn’t wind up in close proximity to a school, church or daycare.”
Landreth said just because other towns allow an ABC store, Stokesdale doesn’t have to be like them.
“We’re the government and we’re supposed to be protecting people… I didn’t raise my kids to think, ‘They’re going to do it anyway, so we might as well get our share,’” he said.
If this was to be an argument about “the betterment of society,” the town should end all sale of beer, wine and mixed drinks in the town, as well as products sold at the “vaping store,” Rigsbee responded.
Citing Stokesdale’s “rough history” with alcohol, Jones said he didn’t want “to see us regress back to where we came from.” He added that some of Stokesdale’s population is not in the same income level as those in Oak Ridge and Summerfield, and losing their job because of a DUI or some other alcohol-related incident could have more of a negative impact.
“We plant seeds here … and you reap what you sow,” Landreth said. “Being on council, I can’t participate, knowing what seeds I’m planting. If you guys want to plant those seeds, sow them.”
Foy affirmed it had been 15 years since Stokesdale citizens voted for an ABC store.
“Oak Ridge and Summerfield both have them, and I don’t know of any problems,” he said, while also noting that he couldn’t vote on an
agreement with Greensboro ABC Board because he didn’t have an agreement to review.
Winfree clarified the council would not be voting on an agreement, but on whether to negotiate an agreement with Greensboro ABC Board to locate an ABC store in Stokesdale.
With that, Rigsbee motioned to enter into negotiations with Greensboro ABC Board.
At Foy’s request, Sullivan said he would provide the board’s audit performance reports for the last five years, and Foy said he wouldn’t be able to make a decision until he reviewed the reports.
Crawford, who has operated convenience stores, said he initially resisted selling lottery tickets in his stores because they “feed off the lowest-income people,” but later realized purchasing tickets is voluntary.
“My father was an alcoholic,” the mayor added. “He wasn’t physically abusive; he worked every day… It’s the choices that we make … “
Landreth again voiced opposition to locating an ABC store in town, saying the revenue it would bring wasn’t a good enough reason and the town operates fine without a property tax.
“We’re saying ‘everybody else does it, we might as well too.’ It’s going to affect people. You won’t see it. There will be a few extra divorces… a few extra car wrecks.
“I’ve always thought Stokesdale wasn’t like everybody else,” he continued. “If you want to be like everybody else, go ahead…”
“I think the seeds have been sowed when we put a still on the town seal,” Rigsbee responded.
“I’m just not sure what the problem is that you’re trying to fix,” Jones said. “I didn’t think we would ever have a board that would take us a step backward.”
Read more discussion on this topic in the Stokesdale Town Council coverage on p. 8.
Place online at
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INDEX
LOCAL PRESCHOOL seeking an enthusiastic and engaging lead Pre-K teacher for our church preschool. Background in early childhood education or related field preferred. Fourday position: M-TH 8:30-1:15. Contact Lindsay Villaran at orpcschool@gmail.com to apply.
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HOMECARE NEEDED
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YOUTH SPORTS
NEW PREMIER 12U AAA/MAJOR TEAM starting in Fall 2024. GBC Premier Prospects.
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Wil Mancuso is a distinguished figure in youth baseball, renowned for developing one of the premier travel programs in the region. With a coaching career spanning over 25 years, Mancuso has been pivotal in cultivating young talent. He fosters a positive, educational environment that emphasizes skill enhancement and mastering the fundamentals of the game. Under Mancuso's guidance, his past AAA/Major teams have secured numerous national championships, showcasing his effective coaching methods. He is deeply committed to player development, with many of his players progressing to collegiate baseball and beyond. Mancuso's coaching philosophy ensures that each player is treated equitably, with ample opportunities for personal growth,
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PUBLIC NOTICE
STOKESDALE FIRE DISTRICT INC will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 7:30pm at the fire station (8401 US Hwy 158). We will present the Annual Report (financial and operational) and hold the election of four board members. Discussion regarding the fire tax rate in Rockingham County will also take place. Current vehicle registration may be required for proof of voter eligibility if vehicle tax is the only tax paid into the Stokesdale Fire District.
YOUTH SPORTS
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Mancuso's journey in coaching began over two decades ago with a local recreational team. He transformed this team into an elite travel baseball club based in Summerfield, which eventually became a Major/AAA travel ball team extending up to the college level. This program has garnered national recognition, attracting players from across the southeast.
Recently, Mancuso successfully led a developmental 11U travel team for GBC and is now spearheading a new and up-andcoming 12U AAA/Major baseball team set to start on August 1 within GBC. This program is open to all highly accomplished aspiring baseball players for tryouts. The team will compete both locally and internationally, participating in various travel tournaments sponsored by USSSA, Perfect Game, among others, providing extensive opportunities for players to develop and compete at a high national level. Next spring, the team is set to compete in Cooperstown, showcasing its skills on one of youth baseball's biggest stages.
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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
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HOME SERVICES
GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES
GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES
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APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance
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CLOCK SERVICE. Free house calls for sick clocks. 8103 Windspray Dr., Summerfield. (336) 643-9931
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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
OLD SCHOOL HOME IMPROVEMENTS
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GRADING CONSULTANT, Bobby Lipstreu, former owner of H&L Grading. I can match your project to appropriate local contractor. I also provide custom rough-cut cutting with a portable sawmill. (336) 543-7867
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“I can say that I have had (legislative) members and I have had folks from Summerfield and I have had just folks that are paying attention suggest to me that that probably is the most appropriate thing to do at this point,” Berger said. “But I don’t see that happening.”
During House debate over de-annexation in Summerfield, Rep. Jay Adams (R-District 96) said he visited the town and based upon his observations, he concluded Summerfield “looks like an HOA on steroids” because it doesn’t provide water and sewer services and neighborhoods lack connectivity.
Adams also referred to Summerfield as a “paper town,” drawing concurrence from House Speaker Pro Tem Sarah Stevens (R-District 90) who suggested that lawmakers should consider revoking the town’s charter due to its lack of services.
Before the House’s final vote, former Summerfield council member Dwayne Crawford emailed legislators
in an effort “to debunk some of the many falsehoods expressed on House floor (a day earlier) in support of allowing Developer Couch to escape the consequences of his business investment decisions.”
Crawford disputed the assertion that Summerfield “does not provide statutorily required services,” as stated by Stevens.
