Northwest Observer | January 18-24, 2018

Jan. 18 - 24, 2018

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

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Division of Water Resources notifies Culp of findings, possible violations STOKESDALE – Culp Home Fashions faces at least one violation of the state’s surface water standards after an estimated 250-500 gallons of processed wastewater spilled into an unnamed tributary behind the plant Dec. 20, according to an official with the Division of Water Resources.

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News in Brief ................................3 Summerfield Town Council ........8 Church property for sale ......... 12 Community Calendar .............. 13 NWO Business & Real Estate .... 15

By STEVE MANN

Rebecca Chandler, an environmental specialist with the Winston-Salem regional office, said a letter has been sent by certified mail to Culp detailing the agency’s findings.

IN THIS ISSUE

Real Estate Briefs/Questions .... 17 Real Estate Transactions .......... 18 Youth Sync: News, Sports......... 27 Youth Sync: Student Profiles ....28 Grins & Gripes ...........................32 Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO After a treated wastewater spill Dec. 20 at Culp Home Fashions in Stokesdale, the company faces at least one violation of environmental regulations.

Crime/Incident Report .............34 Classifieds .................................35 Index of Advertisers .................39

Council, public balk at Mini-roundabout $3.7 million price tag suggested for Dunham: ‘Lots of challenges’ with Gordon Hardware building project

by KEVIN SPRADLIN SUMMERFIELD – Members of the CUBE design + research staff said they wanted feedback and a general feeling of what direction to take regarding the renovation of the Gordon Hardware building.

They received plenty of both.

Members of the public as well as the Summerfield Town Council had to lift their figurative jaws off the floor after learning from the Chapel Hill-based architectural services firm that the project could cost $3.7 million. Collectively, what the firm heard during a two-hour public meeting held Jan. 16 at Community Lutheran Church on U.S. 220 seemed to indicate a desire to go back to the drawing board.

The cost and scope of the project,

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intersection upgrade ‘Ugly’ mast arm traffic signal pole would be eliminated

by KEVIN SPRADLIN SUMMERFIELD – It was not expected. But by design, the future of the intersection of Summerfield Road and N.C. 150 is, by consensus, an improvement over what is there now.

And an improvement is sorely needed, officials say.

In one of the only ways the aesthetically displeasing mast arm traffic signal could be removed, an engineering firm presented Tuesday night to the Summerfield Town Council and more than 50 members of the public a mini-roundabout that could fit within the existing space of roadway and rights-of-way.

During a two-hour public meeting at Community Lutheran Church,

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NEWS in brief

Town attorney resigns, replaced STOKESDALE – Bryan T. Pearce, who was named Stokesdale’s town attorney Oct. 25 after the previous attorney terminated her contract, has resigned.

When the town council reconvened after a closed session Jan. 11, Mayor John Flynt told the public the council had accepted Pearce’s resignation.

Pearce, of Nexsen Pruet, PLLC in Greensboro, offered to make his resignation effective when the next town attorney is hired.

Pearce had replaced Katy L. Gregg of the Berger Law Firm in Eden, who had served 18 months as Stokesdale’s second town attorney before ending her contract in a letter dated Sept. 21.

Former Mayor Randy Braswell said at the time that Pearce was effec-

tively the second choice when Gregg was hired in April 2016. Braswell said he contacted Pearce after receiving Gregg’s letter, since North Carolina general statutes require a municipality to have legal representation.

the Jan. 25 meeting pending review of a formal contract. Jones said his objection is the Town will be paying more for legal services and will not be

seeking any other bids.

The Town allocated $7,000 in the general fund for legal fees in fiscal year 2017-18.

Oak Ridge FD gives an ‘assisted push’ to welcome new tanker

During the Jan. 11 closed session, council reviewed a proposal from lawyer John Bain with Wolfe & Associates in Kernersville. Bain’s expertise is municipal and corporate law. Before attending law school at Wake Forest, he was Gibsonville’s town manager for 10 years after serving as planning director, according to the firm’s website.

Pearce’s area of expertise is real estate law.

The council voted 4-1 – with Bill Jones voting nay – to approve Bain at

Photo by ORFD Capt. Robby Bryant

Members of the Oak Ridge Fire Department push in Tanker 51, the department’s newest firefighting vehicle, into its assigned bay as part of a “push-in” ceremony that dates back to the 1700s.

Tanker 51 has already seen its share of calls since the Oak Ridge Fire Department took delivery of the 53,000-pound firefighting vehicle in August. On the afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 14, however, the truck was the guest of honor for a traditional push-in to officially welcome it to the department’s fleet.

Chief Steve Simmons was joined by nearly a dozen fellow firefighters and their spouses in a ceremony that dates back to the 1700s.

“The arrival of a new piece of apparatus has been a source of pride for volunteer fire companies for more than 100 years,” according to a De-

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cember 2014 article by Glenn Corbett on FireEngineering.com.

The modern ceremonies include paid firefighters, but there is no less pomp and circumstance. After firefighters pushed the vehicle into its assigned bay, a custom-made cake was enjoyed to cap the festivities.

Simmons noted that unlike the traditional push-ins, the one on Sunday was modified in that the vehicle was started. That’s because of the safety features on modern vehicles, he said.

“It’s more symbolic these days than anything,” Simmons said, referring to it as an “assisted push.”

Fully equipped, Tanker 51 cost

nearly $610,000, Simmons said. The department has some funds to help pay for part of it, he noted, and the rest was borrowed. Tanker 51 should serve the department for “at least 20 years,” Simmons said.

Along with Simmons, also participating in the push-in were: Assistant Chief Sam Anders, Assistant Chief Tim Frazier, Capt. Robby Bryant, Capt.

Brandon Bull, Capt. Rob Doss, and firefighters Cory Boswell, Hampton

Staunton, Matt Page, Mike Ritchey and Alyson Jones, all of whom enjoyed a white cake with buttercream icing from Lowes Foods afterwards.

on one side of the street but not the other, broken trash carts that were not replaced, and a hydraulic fluid spill from one of the trucks.

The Oak Ridge Fire Department is an independent nonprofit organization that serves the Town of Oak Ridge and the surrounding areas. Its territory encompasses approximately 26 square miles and serves more than 9,000 people.

Tony Krasienko, a municipal services manager for the garbage/recycling company, said some things had improved. Trucks are more reliable now, drivers are being hired and new equipment is being added, he said.

Trash pickup in Stokesdale to get new routes, day next month

By STEVE MANN STOKESDALE – Almost four months after outlining “a plan of action” to address customers’ complaints, officials from Republic Services announced changes to trash service in Stokesdale starting next month.

Beginning Feb. 5, trash pickup will be Wednesdays, Bobby Needham, a division manager for Republic, said during the Stokesdale Town Council meeting Jan. 11. The Town currently is serviced Wednesdays and Fridays.

Customers will receive a postcard the week before implementation of

the new routes, Needham said, and Republic will try to call customers as a reminder.

Needham said recycling pickup will remain the same for now. Once the trash routes are in place and any glitches are worked out, the recycle routes will be changed, he said.

During the Stokesdale Town Council meeting Sept. 14, company officials said there had been a “perfect storm” of mechanical problems and “some growing pains” the previous six months that led to an increase in complaints. Those included missed or delayed pickups, trash being collected

“What it’s going to do is give us some right-size routes to make sure when our drivers and trucks hit the road every day, they have every opportunity of a successful route, being able to respond to breakdowns, weather events, holidays and increased volume,” Krasienko said.

In addition, information for the customer resource centers was updated.

But while examining how the business operates, he said, Republic discovered something it had not anticipated. Krasienko said there has been about 4 percent growth in Guilford and Alamance counties, which has added stress to the system.

Part of a search for a long-term fix includes adding a truck for an additional route in Stokesdale and rerouting the entire service area. Needham said about 24,000 customers will be affected.

“Everything we do is customerbased,” Krasienko said. “We know when there’s one person that’s not satisfied with that service, that’s a direct reflection on us and we want to make sure they are serviced in a way that meets and exceeds their expectations.”

Republic has had a franchise agreement with Stokesdale since 2006 and services about 1,500 homes in the town. The five-year contract was renewed in June 2016.

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JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

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ROUNDABOUT

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Frances Gallagher, transportation manager at WithersRavenel, of Greensboro, and Jay Clapp, regional manager at Ramey & Kemp Associates, of Winston-Salem, said a miniroundabout would be cost-effective and help move traffic along at a much faster pace than the current traffic signal. Crosswalks would also allow for pedestrians to cross safely, they said.

The mini-roundabout concept allows the existing overhead utilities to remain in place, Clapp said.

“Without relocating those utilities underground, we’re kind of hampered with what can be done,” he said.

Other options to “de-emphasize” the traffic signal could be to paint it, Clapp said, but a mini-roundabout offers a “whole different direction.”

“There is no additional widening proposed under this concept,” Clapp said, and “no additional right-of-way needed. Everything would fit on the existing footprint.”

A tentative cost estimate is between $250,000 and $300,000, Clapp said. A traditional roundabout could cost nearly $1 million.

Clapp said he and Gallagher consulted with local emergency services representatives on the plan as well as the state Department of Transportation, “and all the feedback’s been positive to date. I think they see the benefits of (replacing) that signal.”

He added the mini-roundabout allows for clear passage of school buses, emergency vehicles and tractor-trailers.

It also allows for improved interaction between vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and forces motorists to reduce speed by preparing to yield as they enter the roundabout.

“It certainly reduces the amount of conflict points for vehicles,” Clapp said.

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JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

Without tearing down existing buildings, there is not room for a traditional roundabout, he noted.

Clapp answered a member of the public’s question about traffic volume at the intersection with a video of a completed mini-roundabout in Hartford County, Maryland. At that intersection, peak volume reflected approximately 1,150 vehicles per hour.

“We counted a little less out there after school was in session,” Clapp said of the Summerfield intersection. “With the roundabout, it should improve the operation because it’s a more continuous flow.”

Resident Frank Ficca noted that parking had not been discussed. He also wondered if crosswalks could have lights that blink when pedestrians approach for greater safety.

If plans to renovate the Gordon Hardware building into a town meeting space and turn the Martin house into a museum came to fruition, “There’s potential of a lot of pedestrians crossing that intersection,” Ficca said.

Town Manager Scott Whitaker said WithersRavenel is working on the parking aspect of the project but is not yet ready to present information to the public.

Town resident Sean Dwyer said the mini-roundabout shown in the video seemed to have better lines of sight than the Summerfield intersection. He also questioned the potential damage on the mini-roundabouts, which are designed with a lower profile in order for certain types of vehicles – including tractor-trailers, ambulances, snow plows and more – to drive over part of them without slowing down.

“You’ve never seen our snow plows,” Dwyer told Ferguson and Clapp. “They can’t make that turn, and they won’t, so you’re going to end up with all that nice (material) torn to pieces.”

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Councilman Reece Walker said the pedestrian crossings, which include mountable islands for pedestrians to cross just half the road in case of oncoming traffic, are important to him.

“The traffic circle is neat,” Walker said. “In my heart, I don’t love them (but) it really works there.”

Walker echoed safety concerns expressed by a member of the public, who suggested sticking with the traffic signal was the safest approach.

Councilman John O’Day indicated the need for a master plan – which is exactly why the town hired WithersRavenel in the first place.

“I think everybody would agree that the traffic pattern there is bad and it’s going to get worse,” O’Day said.

“I think WithersRavenel has given us a really unique solution that I never would have thought was possible. It’s a very creative solution to a really bad traffic problem.”

Councilwoman Teresa Pegram questioned the impact of a stoplight “500 feet away” at the intersection of Oak Ridge Road and U.S. 220. Clapp acknowledged the ongoing development of that intersection was “one of the problems” of this early concept, but “with improvements to 220, that should resolve the human issue on Oak Ridge Road.”

O’Day wondered what would happen when traffic at the intersection of U.S. 220 and Oak Ridge Road backed up all the way to the proposed mini-roundabout. Clapp said that was unlikely to happen now that U.S. 220 was a four-lane highway.

No decision was made. Mayor Gail Dunham said she and council members will discuss the future of the intersection during the council’s annual retreat, scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Summerfield Farms. The retreat is open to the public, although there is no time allotted for public comments.

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SUMMERFIELD town council

Jan. 9 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by KEVIN SPRADLIN Mayor Gail Dunham called the monthly meeting to order at about 6:33 p.m. with council members Reece Walker, Teresa Pegram, John O’Day, Todd Rotruck and Dena Barnes present, as well as staff members and about 60 citizens.

CONSENT AGENDA

The first 35 minutes of the meeting were spent approving the consent agenda, which included approval of open and closed session minutes from the Dec. 12 council meeting, and a financial report.

UDO Review Committee meeting minutes. Dunham requested a motion to approve minutes from the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Review Committee’s Nov. 15 meeting, and Councilwoman Teresa Pegram said she had “a problem with those” minutes.

Councilman Todd Rotruck also expressed concern about minutes from the UDO Review Committee’s Dec. 7 minutes, saying that comments made by a member of the public, Misty McCall, were not entirely accurate.

Rotruck referred to McCall’s comments on the current housing market as a “gross exaggeration” and said McCall is not a licensed real estate agent.

Rotruck added that McCall’s comments at the meeting, which he had attended, were not reflected specifically in the minutes but did not fully cover the housing market.

Pegram said the UDO Review Committee’s secretary had left the ad hoc committee “for reasons … and they have not replaced her. I think the UDO needs to sit down and pick a secretary so we don’t continue to have major problems.”

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Councilman John O’Day, council member liaison to the UDO Review Committee, said he would bring the concerns up at the next committee meeting. Dunham then suggested corrections to those Dec. 7 committee meeting minutes and Whitaker questioned removing a comment from a member of the public from the minutes.

When Dunham expressed a desire to ensure that the type of data being given to the committee was “expert housing information,” Rotruck agreed and said that “going forward … it should be very clear … if someone’s an expert in their field, it should be presented that way.”

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Mayor Gail Dunham reviews documents during the council’s Jan. 9 meeting.

or someone to go and specifically address your concerns with that committee, that might get them trafficked more in the way that you want them.”

Founders’ Day Committee meeting minutes. PeWhitaker suggested NEXT MEETING gram then questioned that those who had Tuesday, Feb. 13 • 6:30pm how members of any concerns about the Founders’ Day Summerfield Community Center the minutes, draft Committee could or approved, 5404 Centerfield Road take any action write down their CONTACT YOUR TOWN or have any disconcerns so the (336) 643-8655 cussion if there matter could be clerk@summerfieldgov.com was no quorum handled more apwww.summerfieldgov.com at their meeting, propriately and “in noting their recent a productive way.” discussion constituted “We have a policy an open business meetfor committee meetings ing “and it should not have specifically,” Whitaker added. “So happened.” that policy dictates when the secretary Whitaker confirmed there was not of a particular committee gets the a quorum at the recent meeting but draft minutes to the committee chair, there are certain planning aspects to then that policy dictates when the Founders’ Day, held each May, “that committee chair gets it to the town just cannot wait any longer.” Commitclerk, and then that falls in line with tee members had a discussion and the process of getting those minutes to you in the agenda packet. So, we’ve staff “acted on some of that,” he said. got a process there ... if you’ll just note your concerns in a productive way and pass them along to the committees, and if it takes me or the liaison

Whitaker also said having a quorum at Founders’ Day Committee meetings was a challenge because there are five positions on the commit-

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tee for residents but only two residents are serving right now.

“It needs to be put in the ordinance that if you don’t have a quorum, you need to shut it down and go home, because not everybody knows what the open meetings law is,” Pegram said.

Councilman Reece Walker suggested that if Founders’ Day Committee meetings without a quorum were simply adjourned, “Founders’ Day would not happen.”

“So you want to break the law?”

Pegram responded.

“No ma’am,” Walker said. “But I think discussion can be had to put on an event for the citizens. I do believe that’s fine. You’re right. This really shouldn’t have been in the minutes. But it’s here. It’s not the end of the world.”

Whitaker again noted there were three vacancies on the committee that need to be filled by town residents.

Dec. 12 council meeting minutes.

When O’Day requested that a council vote at the Dec. 12 meeting be changed in the minutes from 3-0 to 5-0 to accurately reflect that Pegram and Rotruck had abstained from voting

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Meet Kim Broome Health coach, registered nurse From the moment you are welcomed into Kim Broome’s office, you’ll no doubt get a sense of her cheerful personality. That characteristic is not only helpful, but necessary, as she spends her entire workday focusing on the health and wellbeing of others.

A registered nurse, Broome works as a health coach at LeBauer Healthcare’s Oak Ridge and Summerfield offices. She provides annual wellness visits for Medicare patients, which is in addition to their annual exams and other doctor visits. During patient visits, Broome reviews their medical history, assists with advance directives, medications, needed screenings and vaccines, and tries to determine if anything else that will affect their health is needed.

“I have more time and can focus more on small details. Some people share a little more with me than they do their doctor,” Broome said. “I also like to see the patients prior to them seeing their primary providers. That way if there are any gaps, I can be investigating and I can get records from other doctors and make sure the provider has everything he or she needs for the visit.”

Broome will also go over dietary habits, physical activity and resources in the community to help patients live a healthier lifestyle.

Photo by Nora Murray/NWO

Kim Broome works as a health coach at LeBauer Healthcare’s Oak Ridge and Summerfield offices.

ing you to stop drinking your coffee, just knock it down one cup at a time.

Little changes mean a lot.”

“I get excited when they want to Broome knows the challenges that make their appointments with me on the come with change because she had way out, because that means they want to go through the process herself not to come back and see me. I feel like I’ve long ago. made a difference,” Broome said.

“I didn’t used to be a healthy perUnderstanding it can be difficult son,” she said. “I waited until I was 40 to make lifestyle changes, Broome years old to change that. Now I’m at suggests her patients take small steps the gym six days a week and I eat as toward developing healthier habits. healthy as I can – but it’s day by day and meal by meal.”

“It’s preventative healthcare, with the goal of keeping them out of the hospital and as healthy as possible,” Broome said. “They really have a good time. They come in for about 45 minutes to an hour, and we sit together as they tell me about Even a little bit is themselves. I get to know everything about them… I’ve gotten so better than nothing. many hugs and recipes in the last six months.”

If you can do something

“

“Health coach” is a relatively for 15 minutes, one day a new position for LeBauer, and Broome admitted it can take week, and then increase some convincing for patients to meet with her first, instead of their it, that’s a start. primary doctor. That’s understandable, she said, noting she works “As people are starting to become to assure patients that she and their more active, I tell them ‘during TV doctor will work closely together as a commercials, stand up and do some healthcare team. leg raises. When you’re pumping your gas, do some calf raises.’ I’m not ask ask-

Broome knows not all of her pa-

tients will make the changes she suggests, but after six months on the job, she has reason to be optimistic.

“A few patients have stuck their heads in after visiting the doctor, and they’ll be holding a bottle of water.

I don’t know if it’s the only bottle of water they’ve had in the last three months, but they’re holding a bottle of water,” she laughs. “You have to start somewhere.”

When she’s not working, Broome enjoys cycling, kayaking and spending time with her dog, Lucy.

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TOWN COUNCIL

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but had not been recused, therefore legally their vote counted in favor of the motion, Dunham argued that council members could not be forced to vote.

“I’m not saying we force them to vote,” Walker said. “I just want the minutes to be correct.”

The meeting minutes were changed to reflect the vote was 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS  Beth Kaplan, a member of the UDO Review Committee, asked the mayor and council members if any of them had signed up for training conducted by the North Carolina League of Municipalities, suggesting such training could help with running meetings more efficiently.

In addition, “if you want volunteers to sign up … you might want to be a little more encouraging about the way this part of the meeting went,” she said, adding that being on the (UDO Review) committee “takes a lot of time” and its members “are working really hard for Summerfield.”  Bill North said he was concerned because he had heard the new mayor and two new council members were “harassed” at last month’s meeting (by the existing council members), with people “butting in constantly.”

Council members shouldn’t be harassing each other, North said, and with

all the recent focus on harassment, they particulary shouldn’t be harassing a woman.  Elizabeth McClellan encouraged town staff and elected officials to “have a respectful tone. Take a deep breath. You all can work together.”  Frank Ficca, an alternate on the town’s Zoning Board, asked what was planned for the Martin House that the town owns at the corner of N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road. He also expressed concern about not seeing any building permits for the renovations taking place at the site, and wondered how a nearly 200-year-old building could be brought up to current code and into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Regarding a building permit, Whitaker said that according to the contractor, Guilford County Planning Department had indicated no building permit was necessary for the work that had been thus far done at the Martin House, which mostly entailed floor repair.

COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance. Dee Hall, town finance officer, said the committee did not meet in January due to a lack of heating inside Town Hall. Hall then noted the Local Government Commission had approved the town’s audit.

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Historical Committee. Linda Southard, committee chairperson, said the committee is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on Jan. 25 at Town Hall. Mayor Dunham then asked Southard if the committee has discussed how it hopes the Martin House will be used and Southard answered the committee has taken no formal position, but members hope it will be used as a museum to showcase Summerfield’s history and honor its veterans.

The Martin House has eight rooms, and Southard said she is hopeful each room could have a different theme – one to honor local veterans, for example, and another geared toward children – with some displays rotating every six months or so.

Frank Ficca questioned if the town had funds to put an elevator in the twostory building.

The town has “a lot of projects going on,” Dunham said. “We’re really going to have to make decisions.”

Trails and Open Space. Jane Doggett, committee chairperson, said the committee is scheduled to meet again Wednesday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m. at Town Hall. Whitaker said Stewart, the design and engineering firm hired by the town to design the A&Y Greenway extension, tentatively plans to present updates on its progress at the town’s Feb. 13 council meeting.

UDO Review. O’Day said the committee approved draft recommendations for policy areas 4 and 7, which cover transportation and parks and recreation, respectively. Rotruck said it would be nice for the committee to hear from professionals at its meetings.

EMERGENCY SERVICES Fire District. Summerfield FD Chief Chris Johnson said the district responded to 24 fire-related calls, 73 EMS calls and 35 other calls, and installed 17 car seats in December. On a safety note, Johnson urged everyone

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to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and when going outside in extremely cold weather, to cover body parts that are most susceptible to frostbite, including the nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin and fingers.

Sheriff’s District 1 Office. Lt. Fred Antonelli said deputies responded to 601 calls in December throughout the district, including 139 calls in Summerfield. The majority of crime in Summerfield last month related to property theft, Antonelli noted.

The sheriff’s office responded to 1,806 calls for service in Summerfield in 2017.

Emergency Services. On behalf of ES, Town Clerk Lance Heater reported there were 71 EMS calls in Summerfield in December.

MANAGER, COUNCIL BUSINESS Cash Management/Investment Policy.

Dunham noted the previous town council had approved a revised cash management/investment policy at the Dec. 12 meeting (before the new council members were sworn in and took their seats). She said she had concerns about the revised policy, and a memo from the state treasurer explains a dedicated versus pooling method could be used. The revised document, according to Dunham, also eliminated any possibility of using federal treasuries, which are 100 percent federally insured.

“So, that’s a concern,” Dunham said. “The goal should be for us to maximize our investments,” she said.

The town’s first mayor, Bill Petersen, and a previous finance officer, Dana Luther, had worked hard to maximize the town’s investments, Dunham continued, and the revised policy limits the possibility for getting a higher interest rate.

Whitaker said the town, as required by the state, considers three factors

when investing, in this order: safety, liquidity and yield. “We all have a desire to maximize our yield on our investments,” he said, but it’s always “safety first.”

Finance Officer Dee Hall said the town has two investment method options: direct and pooling. With the direct method the finance officer can be held liable – an approach she wanted to avoid, but one available “for a lot of small towns that don’t have access to pooling banks.” The town has investments at SunTrust Bank and Pinnacle Financial Partners, Hall said, and both of those institutions are on the pooling list and are federally insured.

“We would not lose anything” even if those institutions fail, she said.

Dunham said she realized there is more paperwork with the direct investment method, but Hall said the extra paperwork would not be a problem if that is the direction she is told to pursue.

Walker noted that Hall is a parttime employee. Whitaker suggested Dunham present her ideas and concerns to the Finance Committee, of which Dunham, as mayor, is now a voting member.

Spending. Dunham also expressed concern about the town’s “deficit spending,” saying the town is spending too much on consultants and she was very opposed to raising taxes.

Walker and O’Day noted they are also against raising taxes.

When Dunham continued to question Hall about investing and spending decisions and suggested it might be good to bring in an expert to guide Hall, Whitaker pointed out the Finance Committee is comprised of citizen volunteers with professional financial backgrounds. He suggested that Dunham might want to address specific concerns about things reflected in the annual audit to the auditor.

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TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

Whitaker said the water feasibility study that Summerfield is participating in, along with the towns of Oak Ridge, Stokesdale, and some parts of unincorporated Guilford County, is moving along. The Timmons Group, the firm hired to conduct the study, expects to present its study results to the affected jurisdictions in either February or March.

Committees. Dunham reviewed the list of town committees, one by one, and noted a need for residents to volunteer to serve their community.

The Trails and Open Space Committee has one opening, the Founders’ Day Committee has three openings, and the Historical Committee has one opening.

Whitaker confirmed the town does not have any unprocessed volunteer applications and Dunham expressed hope that some residents who were not selected for the UDO Review Committee might volunteer in other roles.

Pegram then suggested the town draft a social media policy “to let people know … what your ethics are supposed to be.” Whitaker said a policy could be drafted to cover elected officials, staff and volunteers.

 4  1, with Walker opposed, to amend the UDO Review Committee Ordinance in order to permit Councilman Todd Rotruck, who last month had been appointed as an alternate council member liaison to the UDO Review Committee, to be a part of the regular meeting discussion with a seat at the table. Like Councilman O’Day, Rotruck will serve as a non-voting member of the group.

Public Safety Committee. Councilwoman Teresa Pegram said she would like to see the Public Safety Committee reactivated. The committee

on which Pegram, Dwayne Crawford and Don Wendelken once served was retired by the council in March 2016 at the recommendation of Whitaker, who told the town council via a letter that “The committee as a whole is no longer working as designed. The friction has reached a critical point and changes are needed.” In his letter Whitaker went on to say the committee had “unfortunately become a distraction in recent months. Ongoing frustration and dissatisfaction exist within the committee and relationships are suffering externally with all three emergency service organizations (fire, law enforcement, and EMS).”

Council members disagreed on whether a Public Safety Committee was needed at this time and no action was taken to reactivate the committee.

5K request. By consensus, the town declined a request made to the Founders’ Day Committee to coordinate a 5K charity run with this year’s Founders’ Day. Representatives of Tabitha Ministry had wanted to stage the 3.1-mile event just before the Founders’ Day Parade.

The committee recommended declining the request due to logistical issues, including the additional time that would be needed for area roads to be closed before the parade, and it was suggested that perhaps Tabitha Ministry could find another workable date to host a 5K. Annual Retreat. By consensus, the mayor and council agreed to accept an offer from Summerfield Farms’ owner David Couch to host the council’s annual retreat at Summerfield Farms on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Just as Gray Gables’ owner Pat Jenks and as the fire department had done, Couch offered to make his facility available at no charge to the town.

Closed Session. Council recessed at 9:30 p.m. to take a brief break, then went into closed session to discuss issues related to real property and personnel. After reconvening at 10:04 p.m., the meeting immediately adjourned.

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As congregation dwindles, church explores options for moving forward Community Lutheran Church’s property off U.S. 220 in Summerfield is for sale and members are looking for ways to keep their pastor and stay together without a building

“I knew I couldn’t save the church,” Messinger said. “But I could at least do something.”

The goal was for the den that Messinger leads (Wolves, Pack 103, sponsored by Summerfield First Baptist Church) to get outside their normal “Scout” world, hear about the challenge a local church was facing, and brainstorm as to what could be done.

by PATTI STOKES When Scout leader Phil Messinger first learned about Community Lutheran Church’s property in Summerfield being for sale, he saw an opportunity.

Having previously met Ron Nimmer, a member of the church’s Lay Council, through Scout popcorn sale fundraisers that Nimmer and his wife had supported, Messinger decided to invite him to come and talk with his Scouts.

Nimmer accepted Messenger’s invitation and on Dec. 4 he met with the Scouts and candidly shared this news: Community Lutheran’s membership had been dwindling over the years and could not continue to support the church building it owns off U.S. 220.

“If your church gets smaller and smaller, you have to figure out something else to do,” he told the Scouts.

“We had a really wonderful set of people who did a lot of great things – like

CELEBRATION Carlie “Johnnie” Thornlow Crumpler marks 100th birthday Carlie “Johnnie” Thornlow Crumpler was born Jan. 16, 1918. She has lived in Stokesdale on Flatrock Road for 45 years.

She loves her nieces, nephews, her son Rick Crumpler, and her two favorite pastors, Pastor John and Pastor Rick. Her favorite foods are fried

chicken, pimento cheese sandwiches, and chocolate cake.

She worked for the Red Cross during World War II, helping the wounded soldiers write letters home to their families. She also danced with them at parties and followed her husband around as he taught the Air Force boys to fly airplanes. She also worked at Countryside Manor in the ‘70s until she retired.

Share your celebrations with your friends and neighbors!

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12

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

call: 644-7035, ext. 10

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Ron Zimmer, a member of Community Lutheran Church in Summerfield, talks to Cub Scouts on Dec. 4 about why the church is selling its property.

feed the homeless in Greensboro every month, visit with elderly people in assisted living communities, and offer food to people in need in Summerfield. But, now on a Sunday we only have about 25 people coming to church.

Our building is the same size but the group of people Cub Scouts in Paul Messenger’s den drew sketches to illustrate how Community Lutheran’s property might be used in the future. inside has gotten smaller.”

As Nimmer explained his church’s dilemma, the Scouts asked questions and offered suggestions.

“You could invite more people,” one Scout offered.

“You could tear the building down,” another suggested. To that, Nimmer responded, “We don’t want to tear down the building… But what would you do if you didn’t want to tear it down?”

“Sell stuff” was another suggestion.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

“Raise more money by having a yard sale,” and “Rent it” were other suggestions.

And then there was this suggestion: “Make it a video game building (where you could play videos for free),” which drew lots of cheers from the young boys.

“Maybe sell the church?” was the suggestion Nimmer seized on.

“Yes, we want would rather say, ‘Hey, we don’t have a building any-

...continued on p. 14

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WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24

 Preservation Oak Ridge | Preservation Oak Ridge,

committed to preserving historic structures in the town, will meet Jan. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. More info: Doug Nodine, (336) 209-1999.

SATURDAY, JAN. 27

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 Food Pantry/Clothing Closet | Good Samaritan

Ministries, a non-profit organization made up of several area churches, will open its food and clothing pantry to those in need on Jan. 27, 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Stokesdale Business Center (behind Forbis & Dick Funeral Home), 8500 Ellisboro Road. Donations of new and gently used clothes and linens (as well as small household items) are gladly accepted. Either bring your items to the Stokesdale Business Center when you visit the food pantry or clothes closet, or contact Carolyn Joyner at (336) 643-4360 or Loretta Davies at (336) 298-7332.

SUNDAY, JAN. 28

 Open House | Greensboro Montessori School,

2856 Horse Pen Creek Road in Greensboro, will host an open house Jan. 28, 1 to 3 p.m., to offer a glimpse of what happens on the school’s 10-acre campus on any given day. Explore classrooms, meet the educators, talk to alumni and watch current students independently engage in their work. Please register to attend at www.thegms.org. More info: (336) 668-0119 or rhea.egbert@thegms.org.

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CHURCH ...continued from p. 12 more but we have a pastor we like a lot and we want to stay together as a church’… So, we’re trying to sell our building,” Nimmer said. “We would get more money and pay our bills. But another good thing that could happen is that someone else would get a nice building that could be used for lots of good things.”

groups of people trying to figure out where we will go, how we will change, and what do we do with all our stuff that is in the church,” he noted.

“For me, the interesting thing is that what they were trying to teach the Scouts to do is ultimately what we are doing – brainstorming. That was a good lesson.”

“Yes, maybe a hotel!” responded one Scout. A school, a hospital, a library were other suggestions.

Nimmer said that before moving to northwest Guilford County six years ago he and his wife faced a similar situation with the church they had attended for 37 years in New York.

“So, let’s say we sell the building … then what happens to us?” Nimmer asked next. “We could meet in a house – what’s wrong with that?”

“Or, we could even meet in a barn, like the Cowboy Church does!” he pointed out.

“The point is, you can go lots of different places if you don’t have a building,” he continued. “Because a church is not a building. A church is a community… and a community is people.”

When we circled back to Nimmer this week, he told us there has been a lot of interest in the church property and his church was “working through the process.”

“As for our congregation, we have

“They had gone from a pretty vibrant church with a nice big building to not being able to support it anymore,” he said.

“The situation we’re in is something that is becoming more common for churches everywhere in the country,” he said. “The thing that is most exciting for us, when we try to be very positive about this, is that there are probably going to be large changes in how people conduct church and organize church organizations going forward.

Whenever there is a groundswell, you really can’t say anymore, ‘we’re going to make this small adjustment here

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Cub Scout members of the Wolves, which are part of Pack 103, write down their suggestions for Community Lutheran Church at their Dec. 4 meeting.

and everything will move forward.’

Churches will have to make some really significant changes.

“One of the things we did that was interesting,” he added, “was that we sat down and spent about a month just learning more about the history of the early church to see how different it was – and it was. Early churches didn’t have church buildings, they met in people’s houses. They didn’t need a lot of the things that churches these days

need and that can almost strangle you. In a changing world where people are moving so quickly because of professions, and kids move away – all those cultural things feed some of this.

“We may be on the cutting edge of things that move us forward … that’s what makes it a huge adventure. It could be a model for someone else.

There’s no doubt it’s a challenge, but for some of us, at least, it’s also an exciting thing.”

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Photo courtesy of Ted Southern

This photo of downtown Stokesdale was taken around 1910. A hardware store has operated in the center building for over 100 years.

22 Southern Hardware owner

says goodbye, closes up shop Customers thanked for 40 years of support

17 Real Estate Briefs

18

What’s sold in your area?

26

Real Estate Questions

Brian Disney Homes offers a personal touch Brian Disney grew up in Oak Ridge and now lays the foundations for other families to grow up in his hometown as well. Having started in the family building business at the age of 15, Disney is now building custom homes in Oak Ridge and surrounding towns. He is cur currently building in North Ridge in Stokesdale and The Reserve at Oak Ridge.

decided to recreate the company and grow from framing only to building homes from start to finish.

from scratch and drawing whatever they have in their head.”

“It was build one, and when that sells Once the house plan then build another one,” Disney said. is final, Disney oversees every step of the building One of their biggest challenges process. in the early years of the business was simply timing – they started their “I’m on site, making homebuilding business in the midst of sure everything comes “My parents expected a sumthe housing collapse. together the way the mer job to be a full-time job, and so I “We did anything we could get our client envisioned. We framed houses with my parents’ subtake pride in the details, hands on – remodeling, framing and contractors,” Disney said. “I did that and if there is an issue some new construction – and we are every summer, and then the summer it comes straight to me super proud that we survived that,” before my senior year in college, my and I handle it,” he said.

Disney said. “I think any of the builddad gave me the opportunity to frame ers who survived it should be proud of It’s working through my first house on my own.” that, because there wasn’t a high reeach detail of the home It was a great experience, and even tention rate in the industry. Now we’re with his clients as part though his involvement now includes man- able to solely focus on new homes, of a team that Disney aging every aspect of a home’s construcwhich was always the goal.” enjoys most.

Brian Disney and his wife enjoy working together in their tion, Disney says framing is still one of his Disney said one thing that often “We try to make the business, and in their free time they enjoy traveling, skiing, favorite parts of the building process. cheering on their children, and hosting friends and family. distinguishes him from other builders is decision-making proAfter graduating with his business that he is the client’s personal contact cess easy, guide them in degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2005, throughout the entire process.

Still, he’s always happy to come home. the right direction and make sure the Disney started a company that focused vendors they deal with are informed,” “I don’t have any superintendents, “I’ve lived in Oak Ridge all my life. on framing. Although the business was so it’s just me who the client deals Disney said. “I think we’ve got a good We enjoy seeing the world, but this is prospering, after about two years he process in place.” with,” Disney said. where we want to live,” he said. realized he wanted more and brought When he isn’t working, Disney enAnd when clients do meet him, it’s his wife on board with him.

Homes built by Brian Disney Homes joys spending time with his three kids, not at an outside office – because he “She graduated from UNC with a typically range from $450,000 to whether that be cheering them on in doesn’t have one. chemistry degree and worked for Duke $700,000. The company is currently various sports, camping or traveling.

“We keep our overhead low,” he and then at Wake Forest, but when I working on several projects in Stokes“We want them to see the world,” said with a laugh. went to work for my parents she dehe said. dale, Oak Ridge and Greensboro.

Instead, Disney will meet clients at cided to work for them as well,” Disney the building site or in his home. explained. “She learned about everyIt all starts with the planning thing in the background of the business process and finding land. While some and she is now a critical part of our operation, doing all of the behind-the- clients come with a lot and plans in hand, others are looking for ideas. scenes stuff.”

Either way, Disney said he is happy to About a year after his wife joined work with them. him in the framing business the couple (336) 362-6067 • briandisneyhomes.com “We can take them in any direcbriandisneyhomes@gmail.com tion,” he said, “from bringing their own plan, finding a plan online or starting

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS

Photo by Kevin Spradlin/NWO

Photo by Kevin Spradlin/NWO

Eighteen townhomes in groups of three are being built in Village Woods near the N.C. 68/150 intersection.

OAK RIDGE – The second set of three townhomes in Village Woods, located on Quiet Place Drive off N.C. 68, could be completed as early as April, according to property owner Jerry Cooke.

for smaller residences within the town core to be built on half-acre lots, and is intended to encourage more modest, affordable homes than those typically built in Oak Ridge.

The 24.5-acre property was rezoned RM (Residential-Multi-Family) over 11 years ago, but only three of the 21 proposed townhomes, which at that time were offered in the high $600,000/low $700,000 price range, were built at that time.

Cooke is working with D. Stone Builders to market and develop the property for the 18 additional townhomes, priced in the low $400,000 range; each group of three homes will consist of two attached townhomes and one free-standing townhome, separated by 15 feet.

In March 2017 Cooke went before Oak Ridge’s Planning and Zoning Board and explained his first three townhomes had not sold as hoped, and although he and his wife have enjoyed living in one of the units for the last several years and one has been rented, the middle unit has never been occupied. He said he was ready to move forward with developing his property for 18 more townhomes, which will be offered with a different configuration and at a more modest price.

Since the town’s RM zoning was replaced by a TC-R zoning (Town CoreResidential) in 2016, Cooke requested, and ultimately received approval to rezone his property to the TC-R zoning district. The TC-R district allows

Cooke noted last week that the price of each townhome could increase based, at least in part, on the jump in oriented strand board (OSB) since hurricane season. Industry reports also indicate that lumber production has been slowed by heavy snowfalls in the northeast. That, coupled with high demand for new construction and a construction labor shortage, has contributed to construction costs soaring in the last year.

The townhomes are in the Oak Ridge Elementary, Northwest Middle and Northwest High School districts.

For more info, call D. Stone Builders at (336) 288-9393.

Yurisbel Valero worked Jan. 15 from a ladder on a newly constructed home in Canter Cove, a custom home community off Gumwood Road and Bunch Road in Oak Ridge. The subdivision will include 18 lots with homes selling in the high $400,000- to low

$500,000-price range. The homes are in the Oak Ridge Elementary, Northwest Middle and Northwest High School districts. For more info, visit www.smithmarketnginc.com.

...continued on p. 26

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

17

TRANSACTIONS The following are recent new and existing home sales for the northwest- and northern- Guilford County area. Home sales in and near your neighborhood impact the current market value of your home.

STOKESDALE

OAK RIDGE

8187 Oak Creek Drive (Oak Court) $255,000

8304 Southern Springs Court (River Oaks) $331,000

7780 Springdale Meadow Drive (Springdale) $240,000

6008 Beckenham Way (Staffordshire Estates) $365,000

8204 Trottington Road (Dorsett Downs) $450,000 7888 Springdale Meadow Drive (Springdale) $232,500 8201 Cogan Lane (8.802 acres) $408,000 8103 Poplar Bluff Drive (Northridge) $491,000 7954 Lester Road $154,500

5218 Williard Road (13.31 acres) $335,000 7611 Kristen Drive (Huntcliff) $300,000 7906 McCreedy Drive (Huntcliff) $219,000

5629 Cape Fox Drive (Foxbury) $535,000 8413 Chartwell Drive (New Chartwell) $412,500 6001 Dunvagen Court (Willard Oaks) $473,500 6903 River Gate Court (River Gate) $400,000 8302 Southern Springs Court (River Oaks) $375,000 8511 Parkchester Place (Knights Landing) $550,000

4501 Peeples Road (Peeples Place) $255,000

SUMMERFIELD

1914 Ridge Oaks Court (River Oaks) $358,500

6792 Meadow View Drive (Meadowview) $519,500

6302 Poplar Forest Drive (Henson Forest) $565,000

7823 Wilson Farm Road (Wilson Farm) $320,000

2629 Lunsford Road (Hillsdale Farm West) $424,000

5212 Dylan Way (Trotter Ridge) $420,000

5802 Mashoes Court (Henson Farms) $579,000

NW/N G’BORO

4404 Southport Road (Clarke’s Landing at Cardinal Cove) $202,500 3302 Mill Spring Court (River Hills Plantation) $155,000

3318 Cardinal Ridge Drive (The Cardinal) $233,000

2728 Horse Pen Creek Road (Raven Ridge) $153,000

1733 Scalesville Road $277,000

6606 Van Allen Court (Cardinal Commons) $220,000

5807 Carriage Lane (Wagon Wheels) $220,000

6336 Poplar Forest Drive (Henson Forest) $500,000

4206 Quail Canyon Court (Cardinal Woods) $280,000

5510 Faye Drive (Dogwood Estates) $325,000

8162 Rob Roy Drive (Lennox Woods) $532,500

4006 Natural Lake Court (Crystal Lake at The Cardinal) $368,000

6300 River Hills Drive (River Hills Plantation) $214,000

5405 Briardenn Court (Birkhaven) $607,500

305 Tower Lane (Tower Oaks) $245,000

2625 Lunsford Road (Hillsdale Farm) $405,500

6491 Winnington Court (Thornblade) $231,500

4610 Eagle Rock Road (Pleasant Ridge Farms) $233,000

8514 Carter Farm Road $272,000

7803 Winterbourne Drive (Keston Downes) $428,500

5603 Cardinal Way (The Cardinal) $177,000 10 Villastone Place (Carriage Hill) $250,000

7001 Cross Hook Court (Polo Farms) $750,000

3608 River Lake Court (Riverhills Plantation) $200,000

7915 Windspray Drive (Crosscreek Plantations) $285,500

4823 Country Woods Lane (Country Woods) $592,500

6415 Cardinal Wood Drive (River Hills) $175,500 3700 Obriant Place (The Cardinal) $345,000 3216 Copthorne Drive (Lansdowne) $185,000 5855 Cardinal Way (Cardinal Manor) $160,000

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By NORA MURRAY It was almost by accident that Kevin Lansink found his career passion. While working as a welder to make extra money in high school, he decided to try his hand at building. He asked a builder he knew from church, Francis Disney, if he could have a job.

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“I didn’t know Kevin Lansink, his wife, Brittany Lansink, and their anything,” Lansink 1-year-old daughter, Audrey. admitted. “I didn’t even know how to read a tape measure, but he brought me on. really, I took any job available,” Lansink said.

I learned a little bit more every single day.”

As the economy slowly began to Lansink soon discovered that he loved being involved in the whole process of building houses, and even when the recession hit and the housing crisis beat down many builders, he searched for building jobs anywhere he could.

“I did a lot of woodworking, but

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“After 15 years of building for others, I saw the chance to open my own business,” he said.

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...continued on next page

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“My wife definitely helps me in the business, especially with some of the interior design,” he said.

When someone hires him to build their home, Lansink said they can expect a personalized experience as he partners with them through every step of the building process.

He especially enjoys incorporating customized touches.

“There are so many different things you can do with moldings and built-ins,” he said.

“I focus on what the customer wants so they get their dream home. The sky is the limit.”

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Lansink doesn’t work with superintendents, preferring instead to work directly with each of his homeowners.

“What I think sets me apart is the hours and time I put into each job,” he said. “I dedicate every day to being at the job sites and my clients are free to pick up the phone and call me any time of day or night.”

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home, Lansink Custom Homes is attentive to detail and

“I want to be sure each home is unique and beautiful for the customer,” he said. “I like to put the finer things in my houses and really pay attention to the details.”

He noted that homeowners are often surprised by the difference a custom trim or built-in can make in a home, and how it personalizes it.

Limiting his workload also allows Lansink time to spend with his growing family, which now includes a 1-year-old daughter.

“She’s wonderful, she’s a joy – and she’s a handful!” Lansink said with a smile.

When not working, Lansink enjoys spending time with his family and being out on lakes in the summer, as well as shooting sports, including shooting clays.

Lansink Custom Homes primarily builds in Summerfield and Oak Ridge, but Lansink said he is open to building just about anywhere in the vicinity; home prices typically range from $450,000 to $525,000.

The company offers homes that are close to move-in ready and is also happy to work with homeowners to build a custom home.

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Southern Hardware owner says goodbye, closes up shop Customers thanked for 40 years of support

By STEVE MANN STOKESDALE – The front windows of Southern Hardware on Main Street are covered with paper now, and the handwritten sign on the front door tells two important parts of this story.

First was the Dec. 30 closing of the store. The news had gotten around by word of mouth, but now it was official.

“We sincerely thank all of our customers for almost 40 years of support.

Thanks. Ted & Nancy Southern,” the sign read.

The announcement signals the end of an era in Stokesdale. A hardware store has been at that location for more than 100 years, according to Bob Simpson, a Stokesdale historian.

The brick building was the only one to survive a downtown fire in 1910. It was expanded – doubling in size – as the

former wooden buildings around it were rebuilt with brick, he said.

Ted Southern said that at one time the hardware store also housed the post office; from time to time it was a hardware/general store, offering everything from groceries to clothing to nuts and bolts and wood stoves.

“It was like the Walmart of now back in the ’30s and ’40s,” Southern said.

“You come to town on Saturday, and you bought everything you wanted.”

That was particularly important in Stokesdale, an agricultural community.

But as farmland began to turn into subdivisions, Southern and his father, Russell, saw change coming in the 1970s while owning Stokesdale Milling Company.

“As farming went out, we were looking to take on other things,” Southern said. “As farming kind of changed, instead of growing tobacco, they were growing houses now.”

Stokesdale Hardware became avail-

able in 1978 after one of the owners fell ill, Southern said. He and Powell Seagraves bought it; the name was changed to Southern Hardware.

Three or four years later, Southern owned it outright.

Brenda Renn, co-owner of Renn & Renn Landscaping in Stokesdale, said she’s known Southern for almost 30 years. She and her husband moved to Stokesdale in the late ’80s and bought a small farm. They purchased their supplies from Southern and relied on him when they opened the landscaping business, she said.

“If he ran out of supplies we normally needed, he would locate them at other stores in the area,” she said.

Steve Neal, vice president of Summerfield Feed Mill, said his late father, Paul, and Southern and his father would help each other out even when the Southerns owned Stokesdale Milling.

Whoever had a problem at his mill would send customers to the other.

Photo courtesy of Ted Southern

A hardware store has been in the downtown building (above, center) in Stokesdale since the early 1900s.

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Photo by Steve Mann/NWO

Ted Southern handed out drinks Dec. 30 at a cookout friends held for him in honor of the store closing.

It was that way with the hardware store also.

“We did mutual business,” Neal said. “We borrowed stuff from them for regular customers of ours. And if we were out of something, we would send them to Ted.” The hardware store became a popular gathering spot, something that carried over from the milling company.

Photo by Steve Mann/NWO

Ted Southern operated Southern Hardware (above, center) for almost 40 years before closing the store on Dec. 30.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

“We’d sit around the stove and talk about anything that came up, mostly farming,” said James Lee Albert Sr., who said his relationship with Southern started in the mid-1960s.

“Stokesdale had a monopoly. Whatever you wanted, they had it.”

As national hardware chains replaced the independent stores and the public turned more and more to the internet, customers’ shopping habits changed.

“The old-timey hardware store such as this, there’s not many left around,” Southern said. “Look at what’s happened the last 10 years. Even the big stores like Kmart and Sears, this Amazon.com has just taken over. … Even though this is quaint and good service, it’s just going out.

It’s not going to be here anymore.”

Southern said he started thinking about closing his store two or three years ago. He was open six days a week, often putting in 10-hour days.

“I’ve always been tied to the business,” he said.

A diagnosis of cancer in May 2016 helped him make his decision.

“The cancer probably helped things along a whole lot,” said Southern, who will turn 70 in July. “Things changed in a hurry.

“I’m running out of time. If I stay healthy – which I’m pretty healthy now – then it’s time to do some other things while I can.”

That brings us to the rest of the story.

It’s found in the lower left-hand corner of the sign on the front door.

The words “If you need me for something, call” are followed by two telephone numbers and the word “Ted.” Like the two iron columns on either side of the front step of the hardware

store that customers rarely noticed, Southern will still have a presence in the community in a supporting role. It’s likely those phone numbers will be dialed by someone in need, and Southern will respond.

Those who know him best expect no less.

“Ted’s kind of been the practical mayor of the town,” said Mark Richardson, one of Southern’s two business partners in South Rich Partnership.

“When folks needed something, he knew how to hook them up with people. … He’s really been a good citizen. He’s quietly done things to help out neigh-

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Southern had a vision for improving the downtown area, Richardson said. The partnership began buying the buildings about 30 years ago and renovating them.

That included new sidewalks, street lights and updated facades.

“His love of the town inspired him to renovate the downtown area,” said Garfield Apple, the third partner in South Rich Partnership. “It’s a real asset to the town today.”

But most of what Southern does goes unnoticed by many, which is how he likes it.

After operating for years out of

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...continued on p. 24

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

23

SOUTHERN

...continued from p. 23

336-288-6643

336-288-6643

*

the Bi-Rite grocery store and several churches, the Good Samaritan Ministries Food Pantry has a home in the Stokesdale Business Center, thanks to Southern.

“To have a free place – and a place that’s always there – it really means a lot to the people who need it,” said David Wrenn, the owner of Bi-Rite.

“When there’s a need, there are people like Ted who jump in. Most people don’t have a clue he does it. He’s always had that part and is always willing to take on something.”

Southern also donates space in the business center for GSM’s clothing pantry, and at Christmas there’s space for the nonprofit’s Angel Tree gift distribution.

“He always asks me if I’m sure that every child in need has been taken care of, or if I need money to buy some presents,” said Terri Johnson, who has been involved with Good Samaritan Ministries for years. “Generosity and humor are two of Ted’s best qualities.”

Southern also lets the Stokesdale Parade Committee use the business center for the parade line-up, said Pam Mick, the committee chairman. Mick said the committee asked Southern to be the grand marshal for the annual event in 2017, but he declined.

“He has always been a big supporter of the parade and the happenings in Stokesdale,” Mick said.

Friends say community service is important to Southern. If there’s a way he can help out, he will.

336-288-6643

www.carpetsbydirect.com 24

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

“He’s the type of person you want to set as a role model,” Wrenn said. “He’s one of those who does stuff out of the goodness of his heart and not for other reasons.”

Brandi Kahl knows first-hand.

Kahl said she has worked for Southern for about 10 years in various

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

capacities, from being a cashier and stocker at Countryside Market before he sold it in November 2016 to helping maintain his properties.

She said Southern is helping her out with a house.

“It’s hard for anybody who doesn’t have credit,” Kahl said. “Most people don’t want to help you out. You go to a bank and they want $8,000 down, $10,000 down for collateral. I didn’t have to put anything down. Ted offered me a house, and I’ve been renting to own for almost four years now.”

When Southern was diagnosed with cancer, she said, she ran the hardware store for about a year and half while he went through his treatments. He showed his appreciation by paying for a vacation for her.

“I went to the Outer Banks with my husband for our anniversary,” Kahl said.

“We didn’t actually get a honeymoon, so we spent our four-year anniversary there.

“If I ever need anything, I know I can call Ted and he’s like, ‘I can take care of it.’”

On the day the hardware store closed, Tommy Middleton parked his big grill out front and cooked hotdogs, hamburgers and barbecue for the customers who came to pay their respects.

“I talked Ted into it,” said Middleton, who had Barry Knight’s help with the event. “I told Ted I had traded there all those years and wanted to do something to show my appreciation.”

Southern said his plans for the future are simple: look after the partnership’s commercial real estate; spend time with daughters Kristi and Beth and his granddaughter down east; and play golf.

But after nearly 40 years tied to a business, there’s something else.

“Just being able to do what I want to do when I want to do it for a little while,” Southern said.

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REAL ESTATE Q & A

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What’s being built on Bunch Road in Oak Ridge, next to Westergaard Kennels?

In January 2016, the Oak Ridge Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved a subdivision consisting of six lots on 18.8 acres on Bunch Road. Owned by Craig Westergaard, the 18.8 acres are adjacent to Westergaard Kennels, also owned by Westergaard.

A single-family home is under construction at the location you’re referring to on the Bunch Road property.

26

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

Photo by Kevin Spradlin/NWO

I know you’ve probably written about this already, but what’s being built in the complex near Tractor Supply in Oak Ridge?

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Yes, we’ve written about this a few times, but since construction has been progressing it’s caught more attention and we continue to get questions about this, so we’re happy to

...continued on p. 33

Welcome to

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

youth / school NEWS

Trolle qualifies for World Irish Dancing Championships

by MARC PRUITT Northern Guilford junior Amanda Trolle will be living her dream in the next two months and piling up some frequent flyer miles in the process.

Irish dancers perform one segment wearing hard shoes, similar to tap shoes, and one segment wearing soft shoes, similar to ballet shoes.

Trolle qualified for the 2018 World Irish Dancing Championships that will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from March 24 to April 1, where more than 15,000 dancers from around the world are expected to participate.

“After the first two segments, the top 50 percent get called back to compete in the third segment, which is also performed in hard shoes,” Trolle said. “The awards ceremony was later that evening, and that’s when I found out I had qualified. I was ecstatic.”

She will also participate in another competition, the All-Ireland championship in Killarney, Ireland, in February that she calls a “warm-up” for the World Championships.

International travel will be nothing new for Trolle. She was born in Sweden and moved to Germany when she was 6.

That’s where she picked up her interest in Irish dancing.

“This has been a goal of mine and a dream of mine ever since I started dancing when I was 6 years old,” Trolle said.

“I was always coming up just a little bit short. But this time, everything happened at the same time and I’m just so excited to be able to represent my state at the World Championships. You have to finish in the top 10 percent in your regional competition, and I finished 14th in my age group.”

“I had a friend who did it and it looked like a lot of fun,” Trolle said.

“So, I started to do it and quickly fell in love with it. When my family moved to Greensboro, we did a quick search to find a studio so I could continue to pursue it.”

Trolle qualified for the World Championships at the Regional competition that was held in Orlando in December.

Competing in the 16 and under age group, she performed three two-minute segments in front of a panel of judges.

Trolle landed at the Walsh-Kelly School of Irish Dancing and has been instructed by Colleen King. King’s daughter, Kelly, who is a student at UNC Greensboro and a training partner with Trolle, also qualified for the World Championships.

school, I usually spend another two hours practicing my dancing or going to the gym to work on my strength and conditioning. On the weekends, I’m usually at my school in Charlotte practicing.

I’m on the go seven days a week.”

Trolle also plays lacrosse at Northern.

Eventually, she would like to open her own dance school and teach Irish dancing.

...more YOUTH SYNC on p. 30 Northern Guilford junior Amanda Trolle will head to Glasgow, Scotland, in March to compete in the World Irish Dancing Championships.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Trolle

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“My teacher put together my routine and I spent the last five or six months working on it and perfecting it for the regional competition,” Trolle said. “After

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STUDENT PROFILES Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Kellen Hodge, basketball

by MARC PRUITT Kellen Hodge doesn’t need to look very far down the Northern Guilford bench for additional guidance during basketball games.

A senior, Hodge is always under the watchful eye of his father, Derek, who is one of the Nighthawks’ assistant coaches.

“He’s pretty much been coaching me since I started playing basketball when I was 6,” Kellen Hodge said.

“He’s coached me in rec ball, AAU – he’s just always been a presence during my career. It might have been a little harder to have him do that at first, but we’ve found a silver lining. We both know there’s nothing personal if he has to get on me during practice or a game. He might be harder on me than he is all the other players, but I don’t mind that at all. It pushes me to get better. I see it as nothing but helpful.”

Head Coach Bill Chambers said Hodge is the most improved player he has ever coached during his career with regard to his ability as a freshman on the JV team until his senior season.

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Hodge believes his strengths as a player include his defense, effort, leadership and basketball IQ.

Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

“My goal has always been to play in college,” he said. “I knew what areas of my game I needed to work on to make that happen. I knew I needed to continue to get better and fix what needed to be fixed. My desire has always been there, and in order for me to reach my goals, I have to put in the work to make that happen. If that means extra work after practice, or watching more film, I’ll do whatever I have to do.”

Q: What three people, living or dead, would you invite to dinner?

A: “To be able to fly”

A: “Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”

NORTHERN GUILFORD Mercedes Wampler, basketball

by MARC PRUITT

Hodge is being recruited by Guilford, Bridgewater and Randolph-Macon, among others, and said he will be making a decision about his future soon.

Mercedes Wampler prides herself on being a versatile asset for the Northern Guilford girls’ basketball team.

When he’s not on the basketball court, he is active in Beta Club and has a part-time job at an area car wash.

On a side note, we asked Kellen Hodge these three questions…

Q: Who’s the best teacher you’ve had?

A: “Mr. Simpson (human geography)”

Contact the Northwest Observer for details on how to become a sponsor for our Student Profiles section!

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has volunteered with Reading Buddies at McNair Elementary School.

“I picked No. 12 because that’s the number my mom (Lakeysha) wore when she played,” Wampler said. “She played in high school in Alabama but gave up basketball so she could run track in college. So, I wear No. 12 in honor of my mom.”

On a side note, we asked Mercedes Wampler these three questions…

Wampler’s prep career is winding down at Northern in what she hopes will be another run to the NCHSAA 3-A state championship game. She has signed to play at Catawba, but said the Nighthawks have a little unfinished business this season.

“We’re the defending champs and we know we are going to get everyone’s best shot when we play them,” Wampler said. “I think we are starting to play our best basketball of the season. We also know what it takes to get back to the state championship. We want to go out on top. I want to end my high-school career with another state title.”

Winning last season after coming so tantalizingly close during her sophomore season was one of the best feelings Wampler has experienced, she said.

“There was so much excitement.

We were the first girls’ team to win a state championship here. And the redemption after having lost it the season before was amazing,” she said.

Wampler is the starting small forward but said she has played all of the other positions except center.

“I pride myself as a lockdown defender and someone who can drive the ball to the basket,” she said. “If we need to get a stop on defense, I’m usually guarding the other team’s best player and it’s my job to shut them down. My role hasn’t changed too much from last season except that I know I have to be more of a vocal leader.”

Wampler is also involved with Beta Club and Northern Going Global and

Q: Where would you go on your dream vacation?

A: “Hawaii” Q: What’s your favorite sports movie?

A: “Hoosiers” Q: Who’s the best teacher you’ve had?

A: “Ms. Jennifer Buck (biology)”

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Noah Zawadzki, diving

by MARC PRUITT Most people would have some hesitancy about propelling themselves from a structure that sits 33 feet in the air.

For Noah Zawadzki, a senior on Northwest Guilford High School’s diving team, his drop from a 10-meter platform might also include several somersaults and twists before splashing into the swimming pool below him.

On purpose.

It’s all become fairly routine for Zawadzki, who has been diving since he was 8 years old.

“I was at a swim practice during the summer and saw a diving team start to practice,” Zawadzki recalled. “I looked over and was just in awe at what they were doing. I asked my mom if I could do it, too.”

At the time, Zawadzki was also competing in gymnastics and tumbling. His mother told him he could only participate in two sports at once.

“I just knew I had to try it,” he said.

“And once I started, I was hooked and stuck with it.”

About three weeks after Zawadzki’s diving interest was sparked, he had his first diving lesson at a pool in Huntersville.

“My first dive was off a 1-meter springboard,” he said. “Then I went off the 3-meter springboard.” By the end of the day, he said he had jumped off all four platforms.

“It was about three years after that when I got the nerve to start diving off a 10-meter platform,” he continued. “You have to work up a little extra courage for that. When I first started, we had to go to Huntersville or the pool at Duke University and we practiced for fourand-a-half hours.”

Zawadzki has finished in fourth place at the NCHSAA 4-A state championships the last two seasons on the 1-meter springboard, the only diving event in high school swimming.

He placed 12th in the platform at the USA Diving National Championships over the summer in Columbus, Ohio.

Zawadzki will attend Virginia Tech next fall on a diving scholarship.

“Watching the Olympics in 2012 really inspired and motivated me,” he said.

“It was a perfect time, because that’s when my interest in diving took off. I remember watching and telling my mom ‘I can do that,’ or ‘I want to learn how to do that.’ That’s what drove me to get better.”

On a side note, we asked Noah Zawadzki these three questions…

Q: What’s on your bucket list?

A: “Compete in an international event representing the United States; medal in NCAA Championships” Q: Who’s the best teacher you’ve had?

A: “Ms. Melanie Huynh-Duc (NWHS English teacher)” Q: What three people, living or dead, would you invite to dinner?

A: “David Boudia (diver), Adam Sandler and Chris Rock”

Who will be the voice for this child?

Over 250 children in Guilford County will go to court alone.

Learn how to be an advocate for an abused or neglected child by becoming a Guardian Ad Litem.

(336) 412-7580 | volunteerforgal.org

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

29

youth / school NEWS

Furlough named South Sectional Coach of the Year

by MARC PRUITT

Carolina and Tennessee.

Kim Furlough, the girls basketball coach at Northern Guilford, has been named as the South Sectional Coach of the Year for the 2016-17 season by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Furlough, who was also the Associated Press girls coach of the year last season, guided Northern to the 2017 NCHSAA 3-A state championship and a 31-1 record.

The South Section includes Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South

e-mail your

Furlough was nominated by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

She will also coach the girls Kim Furlough team from North Carolina in the 2018 Carolinas All Star Basketball Classic, which will pit the top seniors from North Carolina against those from South Carolina. That game will be played on March 24 in Wilmington.

youth news to: communitynews@nwobserver.com

Photo courtesy of Kim Leonard; info courtesy of Al Leonard

Northwest Guilford High School lacrosse players (L-R) Landon Cleary, Parker Byrd, Sean Goldsmith and Payton Leonard, shown here with Coach Mark Goldsmith (center), celebrate after competing in Wesley Chapel, Florida, in the 2017 Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions in the Elite Division in December. The tournament had teams from 20 states and six teams from Canada. Cleary, Byrd, Goldsmith and Leonard were invited to play for the Carolina National team, which went 6-2 over three days of play and lost in the Elite Division Championship game to a team from Ohio. (Not shown, Coach Scott Olive)

It’s Girl Scout cookie time! Stock up Jan. 20 through March 2 Girl Scout cookies have arrived and it’s time to stock up on your favorite cookies, including Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Caramel deLites, S’mores, Thanks-A-Lots, Lemonades and more.

Jan. 20 and through March 2. Look for them at area Lowes Foods, Food Lion in Summerfield, Walmart on Battleground Avenue and several other locations throughout northwest Guilford County.

Girl Scouts and adult volunteers will be setting up tables at various area locations beginning

For a list of locations and dates where you can find the Scouts selling cookies, visit

It was literally all you wanted for Christmas.

And Santa let you down.

336.447.7550 bestoralsurgery.com

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an integral part of the Girl Scout leadership experience, teaching girls five key skills to take with them into the future: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.

Welcoming new patients Hours

Monday- Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Existing patient walk-ins welcome Accepting most insurance plans Flu shots now available

We’ll fix you up; just give us a call today!

30

www.girlscoutcookies.org.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Kip Corrington, md Patients of all ages

Ashley Michaels, pa-c Marsha White, agnp-c Patients of all ages Patients ages 13+

Northwest Family Medicine (336) 643-3378 • 7607-B Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge

RENOVATION

...continued from p. 1 said Hillsdale Lake resident Gary Graham, “is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard of.”

Jason Hart, a partner in CUBE design + research, said it would cost $750,000 to stabilize the building – but even at that cost, the building could not be occupied. For that, it would take another $850,000. Hart and a contracted cost consultant added in another $2.1 million for an addition to the building, plus code-required stairs, an elevator, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and technology upgrades and landscaping. Hart suggested that cost estimating is “part science and part guessing,” and said if the project were put out to public bid, the cost could decrease as much as 10 percent, possibly bringing the project cost down to $3.3 million.

Hart also said that restroom renovations at the Martin House on the opposite of the intersection would cost about $100,000, but much of the feedback from council members and the public focused on the Gordon Hardware building. Hart emphasized that it was very early on in the project’s timeline, and the cost could fluctuate depending on what amenities the council chose to include or eliminate, as well as the type of materials used.

Hart said the building, which was built in the 1870s but has been unoccupied since the late 1950s, was in “fairly good shape.” However, much will need to be done to comply with current code requirements, including asbestos and lead paint abatement.

The rear wall foundation is sinking, Hart said, and previous repairs seem to be inadequate. The end result, Hart pointed out, could be well worth any effort and cost.

“Old buildings have memories, they have stories,” Hart said. “That’s the kind of stuff you can’t get in a new building. You can ask (the Town of)

Oak Ridge about that.”

Hart said some residents he spoke with had said they did not want something like the meeting chamber inside Oak Ridge Town Hall, which they referred to as “clinical” and “stale.”

Mayor Gail Dunham thanked Hart and his firm for bringing the potential cost to the town’s attention “at the concept stage.” The estimate is “high,” Dunham said, “but I appreciate you brought that expert (cost consultant) in early in the process.”

Graham was not the only town resident who suggested officials consider building a brand new building in a different location that would likely offer a lower price and better parking options.

The Gardens at Gray Gables is a wedding and event venue located on Oak Ridge Road. It sits roughly 700 feet from the Gordon Hardware building. Danielle Cottrell, the venue’s executive director, took notice when Hart suggested the renovated Gordon building could be rented out for events.

“I would like nothing more than to preserve the Gordon building,” Cottrell said.

But she noted her facility can accommodate up to 150 guests with 75 parking spaces. In the presentation by Hart and Chris Johns, another partner with CUBE, the preliminary concept showed seating for 166 people with standing room for “another 40 or so,” Johns said.

Councilman John O’Day assured Cottrell that the town did not want to compete with existing businesses, and that the future use of the Gordon building would take that into consideration. For Cottrell, though, the issue was not necessarily about competition but logistics.

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

(L-R) Chris Johns and Jason Hart, partners in CUBE design + research, Frances Gallagher, transportation manager with WithersRavenal, and Jay Clapp, regional manager with Ramey & Kemp Associates, present the Town of Summerfield with options for renovating the Gordon Hardware building and improving the intersection at N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road at a special call meeting in Summerfield Jan. 16.

the town on that issue but is not yet ready to present options.

Dunham and others noted the current town council inherited the project from previous elected officials. Former Town Council member Elizabeth McClellan said that while she voted for the town to purchase both the Gordon and Martin properties, “I did not have $3.8 million in my mind when I made that vote.”

McClellan said she favors historic preservation and feels the town needs a nicer meeting space, with more comfortable chairs for the public. There is a limit, though.

“I don’t think (town residents) want to spend the kind of money we’re talking about tonight,” McClellan said.

“How would you be able to fit 160 people parking-wise?” she asked.

Former mayoral candidate Dwayne Crawford, who sat for two years on the committee that drafted the town’s comprehensive plan, said the plan mentions historic preservation – but does not compel the town to pay for it.

O’Day acknowledged the town would need more parking space. Town Manager Scott Whitaker said a second firm, WithersRavenel, is working with

The plan, Crawford said, says the town “shall encourage” historic preservation. “It doesn’t say buy, or purchase, or take ownership of, or take responsi-

bility for, bankroll, subsidize, guarantee, acquire or procure or invest in historic preservation. I think we’re off the reservation as far as our comp plan’s concerned, and I think if we’re going to build a town hall for (the) purpose of having a meeting space (and new offices) … I think the town’s citizens would be best served if their money’s spent acquiring new property and building a modest building, extremely functional … this is not a good location for a town hall meeting space.”

Town resident Sean Dwyer said the exterior of the Gordon building is “one of a kind,” and expressed concern that CUBE’s modern design concept – though preliminary – took too much away from the building’s historical value.

“I’m afraid by the time it’s done, it’s not going to be the Gordon building,” Dwyer said.

Fellow resident Elizabeth Kutz echoed Dwyer’s sentiment.

“The Gordon building is charming and exceptional just as it sits,” Kutz said. “I cannot believe a top-notch

...continued on p. 38

GRINS and GRIPES Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in online: nwobserver.com

40 words or less

e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com

Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.

GRINS to...  NCDOT for adjusting the timing on the traffic lights at U.S. 220 and Scalesville Road/ Oak Ridge Road. It’s a pleasure to drive through that intersection again!

 Our president for supporting bipartisanship in the Justice Department – that is the way it should be. Justice is supposed to be blind, not lean left or right.

Keep up the good work!  Everyone in Summerfield. Because every now and then you need someone

to say something nice to make your day better.  Martin of Decker Septic Service for his concern, advice, follow-up and efficient resolution of my frozen septic line. Never again will I take for granted this unsung yet necessary system. The whooshing sound of a properly functioning flush is musical!  The two wonderful men who stopped in the pouring rain to help me when my car went off the road and was stuck in the mud on N.C. 65. God bless you both.  Steve Handy, owner of Precision Body Works, which was recommended as the place to take my car for repairs after a deer ran into it. Awesome work, very friendly and very honest! Out of the way, but worth it.

GRIPES to...  The commercial truck driver who backed into my mailbox on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 3:05 p.m. and didn’t even leave a note.

You ruined my day and cost me money.  Those talking about Trump being unfit. Obviously you need to get off CNN. 3.7 GDP – Obama said was never possible.  Petty, pompous people who make a mountain out of a molehill. Door-todoor salespeople are not a problem. If you don’t want their stuff, just say no.

It’s that simple. But they have the right to ask.  Public officials who use vulgarity, which has no place in civil and politi-

cal discourse. All public officials, even the president of the United States, and regardless of party or beliefs, ought to uphold basic respect for others.  Oak Ridge Town Council for allowing businesses that offer oil changes in the town core commercial area. Why do you want to add even more congestion to the area? Why do you want to turn us into Kernersville?  Individuals who put themselves in situations, then don’t want to wear the shoe when it fits. Instead, they choose to retaliate. What ever happened to freedom of speech?  The Northwest Observer. I reviewed the entire Summerfield Town Council meeting and observed a very gracious and complimentary Mayor Gail Dunham. Even to Patti Stokes! No smashing of the gavel, but a mayor who wants transparency and citizens to be heard.  Those who cry “civil discourse” and live in a dream in which our “institutions” are pure. Slap yourselves, wake up! It should not be spoken expletives that concern you but the curses of ignorance, closed-mindedness and blind belief in politicians.  Norway. How many immigrants from Haiti and Africa do you allow? Your deportation laws are enforced in your country.  The new mayor and council members in Summerfield. I hope the Summerfield residents who voted for them are enjoying the clown show. Complete incompetence and chaos… it’s a sad sight for the town.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

_________________________________ Time

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

_______________________________ Date

32

Ph Fax 1692 NC 68N,

REAL ESTATE briefs ...continued from p. 26

answer it again. Under construction adjacent to BB&T and across from Tractor Supply in Oak Ridge Marketplace is an auto oil and lube business,

which will be operated by Asheborobased Automasters Quick Lube.

A representative with Gurkin Construction Company, the primary contractor for the project, recently told us there is no tentative opening date for the business yet, as inclement weather has slowed construction progress.

LOOK FOR IT

IN YOUR

MAILBOX

LATE JANUARY I noticed that the Northwest Observer property is for sale. Is the business for sale, or just the property?

PS Communications, publisher of the Northwest Observer, has operated our business from a 6.14-acre tract of commercially zoned property in Oak Ridge since the spring of 2009. The property is owned by L&P Properties – PS Communications’ owner Patti Stokes is the “P” in L&P Properties.

Stokes said that although she and her husband decided to put the property on the market this fall, her business, which rents the property from L&P Properties, is not on the market.

Several things could happen when the property is sold – PS Communications may work out a lease agreement with the new owner and remain on the property as a tenant, or it may search for other office space to lease.

“It has been a wonderful luxury to operate our business on this property,” Stokes said. “We’ve enjoyed the extra space that we have here and the quiet, convenient setting that is ¼ mile off N.C. 68. However, when my husband and I purchased the property several years ago we did so with the intention of investing in it for 8 to 10 years and then selling it. We’re coming up on 9 years and, with the property being right in the commercial core of Oak Ridge, a healthy real estate market and an interest in available commercial space in the heart of Oak Ridge, the timing seemed right to put our property on the market. My business will be happy to stay here as a tenant and lease from the new owner, or we’ll look for other office space in the northwest area to operate from.”

sary AnniverION EDIT

ry ersa niv ION AnEDIT

sy of ur te lly o co i O’Rei Sand

phot

Our 10th annual edition is jam-packed with valuable info and answers for northwest Guilford County residents

The property currently occupied by PS Communications is being marketed

by Nancy Hess with Berkshire Hathaway.

Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com/ nancy-hess-real-estate-agent for more info, and select “My Listings” at the top of Nancy’s landing page, or call Nancy at: (336) 215-1820.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

33

CRIME / INCIDENT report

LETTERS/OPINIONS

Submit your editorials (maximum 350 words) District 1 Sheriff’s Office online: nwobserver.com

e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com

has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County ...

mail: Opinions, PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 Include your name, a daytime phone number where you can be reached and name of community in which you live.

ASSAULT

Jan. 13 | A Stokesdale woman called for help shortly after 2 a.m. on Jan. 13 after an alleged verbal altercation with her boyfriend in her Fulp Road home.

The boyfriend had left the premises prior to deputies’ arrival. The woman was advised of her options pursuant to warrants and a domestic violence protection order.

Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.

Paper, editor are biased I have to be honest. I used to glance at the Northwest Observer because I’m usually pretty busy. Now I can’t wait to get it right after a Summerfield town meeting to read your report of the meeting.

I’m quite taken by how biased you are towards the past council and how critical you are of the newly elected one.

This past election should have reflected to the past council as well as you that a large majority of Summerfield was very tired of the status quo and want a more transparent

governing body. Your report seems to be making fun of the newly elected officers pushing for more accuracy in minutes, etc. I’m really trying to figure out what could possibly be the Northwest Observer’s angle in doing so.

TRAFFIC

As a resident of the Town of Summerfield, if you are going to put your paper in my mailbox I would greatly appreciate a more neutral opinion from you concerning what actually happens at the town council meeting.

Tony Burris SUMMERFIELD

Jan. 13 | At approximately 11:16 p.m. on Jan. 13, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop of a Belews Creek Road woman in Stokesdale. The driver was found to be operating a motor vehicle while her driver’s license was revoked. The woman was arrested and transported to Greensboro Jail Central.

She was released on a $500 secure bond and a Feb. 13 court date was set.

DRUGS

Jan. 12 | A Summerfield man was charged with felony possession and possession with intent to sell and distribute a controlled substance after sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant on the night of Jan. 12 at a Henson Forest Drive home. Law enforcement seized evidence from the home, including a cigar wrapper, a digital scale and 10 small bags.

IDENTITY THEFT

Jan. 14 | An Oak Ridge man reported on Jan. 14 that an unknown person or persons used the victim’s personal information in an attempt to open a Social Security disability claim.

www.guilfordcountysheriff.com

0ver 12,700

community members are connected at facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

Oak Ridge is lucky to have such a dedicated fire department!

34

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

“I just spoke to the owner. Today I saw a black dog behind our fence and went to get it and it ran. It was a black dog with a blue collar so I’m guessing this is the same dog.”

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

AUTO SALES & SERVICE

EMPLOYMENT

SAVE THE DATE

EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR We specialize in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo, Mini, Porsche, and Lexus. 32 years experience. Knight Import Specialty Service, 4559 US Highway 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion).

(336) 337-0669.

STAFF POSITION available Monday-Friday

ROCK THE RUNWAY, Friday, March 9, The Elm Street Center, Downtown Greensboro. For more info, see display ad on page 2, or visit goodwillrocktherunway.org.

DONATIONS ACCEPTED

Hiring? Place your ad online at

DOVE MEDICAL SUPPLY, 7301 Summerfield Road, Summerfield, is accepting donations of winter coats, gloves, hats, socks, blankets, scarves, protein/food bars, and individually wrapped snacks. See display ad on page 10 for more details.

EMPLOYMENT

in local childcare center. Experience preferred but not required. (336) 643-5930.

F/T GENERAL SERVICE AUTOMOTIVE position – oil/lube tech, tire changes, etc.

Competitive pay DOE. Apply in person only – no phone calls please. M&M Tire & Auto, 5570 Spotswood Circle, Summerfield.

www.nwobserver.com.

HOME SERVICES

EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER AVAIL. for

CLEANING

homebound adults/seniors; afternoons, evenings, overnight. Exc. ref. (336) 552-3917.

PRESCHOOL Kernersville MORAVIAN CHURCH PRE-

Call (336) 644-7035 ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -2pm

classes for children ages 2 through 5

SCHOOL is now offering Montessori-style years. Classes run 9am-12pm or 9am-2pm Monday-Friday. Come register at our winter open house on February 1 from 5:30-

INDEX Auto Sales & Service .................. 35 Donations Accepted ................... 35 Employment ............................... 35 Home Care Available ................. 35 Preschool ................................... 35 Save the Date ............................ 35 Home Services ....................... 35-37 Misc. Services.............................. 37 Misc. for Sale ............................. 37 Misc. Wanted ............................. 37 Pets & Animal Services ................ 37 Real Estate ................................. 37

POLLO PIZZA PASTA ITALIAN RESTAURANT is now hiring a busboy/dining room attendant and a cashier. Apply in person after 2pm at 602 Hickory Ridge Road, Suite 100, Greensboro, NC 27409, on Highway 68 behind Taco Bell.

PT/FT RECEPTIONIST NEEDED Must have good people and computer skills with own transportation. Please submit resume to Northwest Animal Hospital, 1692 NC Highway 68N, Suite J, Oak Ridge.

Furniture Repair & Refinishing shop CLOSING SALE, Sat., January 20, 8am-12pm, 4179 NC Highway 150E, Browns Summit.

Tools, equipment, supplies, office furniture and more.

HOME CARE AVAILABLE

NEED HELP?

Quality Mart #49, located at 1690 Hwy. 68 in Oak Ridge, is seeking experienced, dependable, and customer service-focused FULLTIME & PART-TIME CASHIERS for 1st & 2nd shifts! Competitive salary and excellent benefits, including 401(k) and profit sharing!

Interested candidates should apply online at www.QOCNC.com.

YARD SALE

7:30pm. Call (336) 993-2379. Please visit preschool.kernersvillemoravian.org.

A CLEANER LIVING residential cleaning “When details matter and only the best will do!” 17 years experience. For a quote or appointment, call (336) 497-4250.

MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING $25 off! Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407.

CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING Includes gutters, pressure washing, chandeliers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. (336) 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com.

SAVE THE DATE

HOME CLEANING. Afford. rates, ref. avail., 10 years exp. Elizabeth, (336) 453-8592.

Oak Ridge Youth Theatre will perform

MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years exp. Free estimates., excellent references.

(336) 338-0223.

TWINDERELLA. This is a FREE event for the entire family. Performances are January 20, at 7pm at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church.

Something

?

going on

Tell northwest Guilford County

THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN INC. New year is here, why not take some time for yourself? Let us do a detailed cleaning to start the new year off right. Licensed, bonded and insured. Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

AMERICAN MAID New to your area. Two years experience.

All your basic housecleaning needs. Call for your free estimate. (336) 409-4554.

Place your Save the Date online at

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

... continued on p. 36

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

35

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

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

BRAD’S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, drive-

AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt avail. (336) 602-5820.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

ELECTRICAL

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

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.

FLOORING It’s A CARPET thing! Repairs, restretch, replace. (336) 643-6500.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223.

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance.

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

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE “We get you mowing!” Commercial, residential, all models. 2103 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. (336) 298-4314.

GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & Service Center. All types sold and repaired; comm./res. 9428 NC Hwy. 65, Stokesdale.

(336) 548-9286 or (336) 312-3844.

OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT

“No Job Too Small”

Jerry & Lisa Potkay, Owners • Oak Ridge, NC Accredited A+ Rating, BBB of Central NC

(336) 669-7252 oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

RECEIVE 10% off

Any Home Interior Repair or Improvement booked in Jan/Feb 2018

GRADING / HAULING ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035.

36

36

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

ways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647

FAY’S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Fall lawn care, seeding & aerating. Tree work. Pine needles & mulch. Reasonable and honest. Call Taylor, (336) 458-6491.

PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more.

Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint., landscaping, irrigation/landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 yrs exp. (336) 399-7764.

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

TRACTOR FOR HIRE – Bush hogging, grading, brush/tree removal. (336) 207-6632.

CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 6439332, carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com.

Get. Be. Stay.

Connected.

facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic./Ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck/chipper, total cleanup. Selective thinning & lot clearing.

24-hr. ER svc. OR, NC. (336) 643-1119.

Let us introduce you to our readers (all 25,000+)!

Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 11,

LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured.

Call Joe at (336) 643-9157.

ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875.

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

BRAD’S BOBCAT. Mulch, landscaping, pine needles and straw. (336) 362-3647.

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

or email advertising@nwobserver.com

BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners

(336) 931-0600

BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed

PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

CINDY’S PAINTING – Interior painting, wallpaper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155.

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

CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior & exterior. Free est., lic./ins. (336) 669-5210.

MASONRY

PLUMBING

MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone, concrete & repairs. Free estimates. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com.

WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded.

24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes.

How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.

The Northwest Observer 21 years . . . and counting!

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES & INSERTS Fireplaces, sold, serviced and repaired.

Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed.

Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

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

What’s going on around town?

Find us on Facebook for updates! facebook.com/northwestobserver

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

MISC. FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION. Providing all

OAK RIDGE, 2BR, 2BA, all appliances, no

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, vinyl siding and windows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum floors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469.

SPLIT & SEASONED FIREWOOD. Delivery available. (336) 643-9332.

ing and new construction. (336) 430-9507.

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, siding, dock work, windows, roofing, rotted wood.

Sr. disc., 38 years exp. (336) 362-6343.

The 2018 northwest FINDER: Hitting mailboxes next week!

RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project.

HAMMERSMITH WOODWORKING INC. Carpentry, custom cabinetry, built-ins, exterior repairs. ASP - Helping Hand. Over 30 years exp.. Call Carlton, (336) 404-3002.

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

JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured.

NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.

TM

of your home maintenance needs, remodel-

ROOFING A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC. Res. roofing specialist serving Guilford Cty. area since 1983. BBB 25+ years w/ A+ rating.

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Bathroom and kitchen

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469.

PREMIER ROOFING CONSTRUCTION Insurance specialist, free inspections, res./ comm., BBB A rating. (336) 430-9507.

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience.

Now accepting all major credit cards. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 580-3245.

MISC. SERVICES

MISC. WANTED $$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. (336) 552-0328.

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, any and all gas items, tillers, gocarts & golf carts, ATVs, generators, power washers, chain saws. (336) 689-4167.

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. If you’ve found a pet and need help finding the owner, let us know!

We’ll be glad to run a classified ad and share it on Facebook!

OAK RIDGE, 1-rm. furn. apt., LR/BR, bath, kitchenette area, $600/mo. (336) 669-5233.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We Help Everyone!

SELLERS & BUYERS

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com Classifieds are $4/line, and can be placed online at www.nwobserver.com.

Classified Deadline is Monday at midnight!

PET SITTING / BOARDING

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

&

Gated access with 24/7 available here camera surveillance We carry moving & shipping supplies

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(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell

SAM’S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of

Licensed & insured

ERIE INSURANCE – IN KERNERSVILLE

NC Gen. Contractor #72797

SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373.

cormanroofinginc.com, (336) 621-6962.

COMPUTER REPAIRS – ITBASICS.COM

Construction Services, INC

Sturdy, solid wood ANTIQUE POOL TABLE with billiard balls, cues, stand and plywood top. You move. $1,200. Text (336) 339-7391.

yard work, private. $750/mo. (336) 669-5233.

body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470.

Long Insurance Services, (336) 992-5664.

KPS – KELLY’S PET SERVICES Professional in-your-home PET SITTING. Insured & bonded. Member Pet Sitters International. Openings currently available for Oak Ridge only. Call (336) 706-6706, email kpsforyourpets@gmail.com, www.facebook. com/kpspets, or @kpspets on Instagram.

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OAK RIDGE COMMERCIAL OFFICE Approximately 1,000 sq. ft., 2BA, $1,250/mo.

(336) 669-5233.

HOMES FOR SALE

123 Dream Lane Real estate showcase ads in the NWO get noticed! Include a photo and description of your listing, Realtor photo, logo and contact info – all for only $80!

HOMES FOR RENT OAK RIDGE/NORTHWEST AREA, $800/ month, 2BR, 1BA, private home on 1-acre lot. $800 security deposit due at time of move-in.

(336) 643-8791.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Place your real estate showcase today (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

37

RENOVATION ...continued from p. 31

architectural firm … would suggest the total annihilation of that building when we have so little in this town.”

Kutz suggested the town schedule an open house for both the Gordon and Martin properties for the public to see firsthand what shape the buildings are in and “what you’re gonna lose.”

She also criticized the notion of turning the Martin house into a museum.

“How many house museums have failed?” Kutz asked rhetorically.

“They’re closin’ ‘em every day ‘cause nobody cares about a house museum anymore. I think we need to revisit this entire thing.”

Towards the end of the meeting, Dunham distributed a packet of information to council members and the public. The first two pages included a memorandum from Dunham, as mayor, to the reader, noting project costs, town revenue and questions about various aspects of the project to date. The memo seemed to take issue with Town Manager Scott Whitaker’s approach to the project for the past several months, and in it Dunham chastised Whitaker for bringing CUBE design + research staff into town for “eight or more meetings with pre-selected small groups invited by Whitaker” instead of holding a forum for comments from the general public. In the memo, Dunham also said that in order for the town to raise another million dollars in revenue, homeowners’ property tax rates would have to increase 300 percent.

Resident Sue Beeson agreed with others who suggested it would be cheaper to build a new building for a town meeting space. But if that approach is taken, “look at what we’re losing,” Beeson said.

“I think if you just moved to the community and love it, then I think you would love, in 15 to 20 years when your children had grown up here … then I

38

JAN. 18 - 24, 2018

think it would mean as much to you as it does to me, because my children and grandchildren grew up here, and I grew up here,” Beeson said.

Beeson called the Gordon building a “treasure” and said residents and officials should “not just look at the money that we might spend.”

The price tag on the bottom line, though, was difficult to ignore. Councilman Reece Walker said the cost “definitely does make your eyes pop out.”

Councilman John O’Day gave CUBE’s presentation a glowing review.

“Your concept is just beyond anything I would have ever thought was possible for that building,” O’Day said.

“I think you’ve given us the epitome of the best.” He then added, “I know, for me, that dollar figure in Summerfield money is too high.”

O’Day and others suggested there might be alternative funding options, such as donations or grants, or to reconsider the project.

Mayor Pro Tem Dena Barnes agreed that the concept “was fabulous and very forward-thinking” but she stopped short of supporting the project to move ahead because of the cost, saying, “That was a lot more than we were expecting. I think we’re going to have to make hard decisions.”

Councilman Todd Rotruck, meanwhile, lamented the lack of public access to the project to this point. He said the firm mentioned adding event space even though “we already have that in town” and the concept presented was “way over the top.”

No decision was made on Tuesday night. Dunham said she and council members will discuss the issue further on Jan. 27 during the council’s annual retreat, which is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Summerfield Farms on Pleasant Ridge Road. The retreat is open to the public, though Dunham noted that public comments will not be accepted as it is intended to be a work session for town officials.

CULP ...continued from p. 1

Chandler said once the agency receives certification that Culp has received the letter, Culp has 10 days to respond from the date the receipt was signed.

“Any violations we found or enforcement actions that might be warranted will be sent to the director (of the Division of Water Resources),” Chandler said.

“They will then review it.”

Civil penalties of up to $25,000 a day may be assessed for violations of environmental regulations.

The investigation is continuing, Chandler said.

Teresa Huffman, Culp Inc.’s vice president of human resources, said Wednesday that the letter had not been received as of Monday. She said she doesn’t know if it had been received since.

Chandler and Sherri Knight, supervisor of Winston-Salem’s regional Division of Water Resources office, had responded to a complaint last month about a milky substance in a stream along Ellison Road that smelled like sewage. The stream flows into Lambert Lake in the Moore’s Mill subdivision and ultimately into the Haw River.

Chandler said she and Knight saw the discoloration of the water but did not detect a smell.

Water samples were taken at the discharge point and two sites downstream. Chandler said the sample analyses were chosen based on what is included in Culp’s non-discharge wastewater permit.

Lab results from samples at a midstream site and one downstream show that levels in turbidity – or the cloudiness of a fluid caused by particles that are generally invisible to the eye – were above N.C. surface water standards.

The acceptable level is 50 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU), she said. At the midstream site on a resi-

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

dent’s property, the turbidity level was 95; the level at an Ellison Road culvert downstream was 80. Chandler said the milky discoloration would account for those readings. The turbidity level at the discharge site was 17.

The other parameters tested, except for nitrate nitrogen, were within state guidelines. Chandler said that result did not meet quality control criteria and is being retested. But she said she doesn’t expect the result to exceed state standards.

Chandler said some of the results may have been affected by Culp flushing the stream with water from the Stokesdale water system. She said the flushing began shortly after she and Knight arrived.

“We went to the culvert first and we could see the flush coming,” she said.

“It changed the color of the water. We got to the (midstream) point before the flush took full effect for the stream.”

She said the flush prevented them from being able to conduct standard field parameter metered tests for temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity.

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