May 5 - 18, 2022
bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since November1996
Farmers markets springing up Returning markets and start of two new markets signals the rising demand for fresh foods and a desire for community, organizers say by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Albert and Wende Schneyer were eager to buy locally grown spring onions at the Oak Ridge Farmers Market on a recent Thursday evening. By the time the couple arrived, however, all of the bunches in Stokesdale farmer Charles Southard’s stand had sold. “We like fresh vegetables,” Wende said, “but we were late getting here.” Fortunately for fans of farmers
IN THIS ISSUE News in brief.........................................2 Your Questions ....................................4 Invitation to voluntary annexation ... 6 Water, schools hot topics in race.....8 Pickleball, anyone? ..........................14
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
Mary Bird, a vendor at Oak Ridge Farmers Market, is selling chicken and duck eggs and plans to add vegetables in coming weeks.
markets in northwestern Guilford County, this spring is ushering in a bumper crop of fresh produce, eggs, meats, cheeses and handmade items from jewelry to clothing.
...continued on p. 26 Adoptable Pets ..................................22 Veterans Honor Green .....................30 Vets return from one last mission ... 31 OM Team off to World Finals ...........33 Crime/Incident Report .....................34 Community Calendar .....................38
Pets & Critters ..................................... 17
Grins and Gripes ...............................40
Stokesdale couple fosters dogs .....18
Classifieds ..........................................43
Canine Capers: better than ever...20
Index of Advertisers ..........................47
NWO Kids’ Korner ........................ 21, 32
NWO On The Go ................................48
www.nwobserver.com
$1.7 billion school bond vote hinges on credibility vs needs Bond referendum on the May 17 ballot pits critics of the school district’s leadership against supporters of additional funds for replacing and renovating schools by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Middle ground is hard to come by in the debate over Guilford County’s $1.7 billion school bond referendum, which is on the May 17 primary ballot. The split is evident in “vote yes” and ”vote no” signs dotting roadsides in northwestern Guilford
County, comments in public meetings and social media posts. “Why on God’s green earth would we give them more money?” Stephanie Mitchell asked in a post on the Northwest Observer’s Facebook page earlier this week. In contrast, Neala Stevens Jones wrote, “the schools need repairs and they need more money.” The differing views illustrate the breadth of the disagreement that revolves around doubts about the credibility of GCS leaders to manage money and the widely apparent need for improvements to the county’s aging schools. “They need repair, but I don’t trust those in charge to use (the
...continued on p. 36
‘Mom’ advice compiled by ANNETTE JOYCE Mothers can always be counted on to offer advice – but sometimes it is years later when children realize how spoton their moms were. In honor of Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 8, we asked some mothers about the best advice their mothers gave
them, and what advice they passed on to their own children. Here’s what they had to share… For Stokesdale’s Karen Landreth, her mother’s advice was short and straightforward. “Always love your mother, you only get one,” she said.
...continued on p. 12
