Jan. 30 - Feb. 5, 2015
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‘Hero’ deeply loved, remembered, missed by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – A haunting, roadside memorial marked by a “ghost bike,” cross and wreaths rests at the site where Todd Martinez, 49, was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Feb. 2 of last year. As the one-year mark since her husband’s death looms nearer, Melanie Harless slowly battles her way out of the darkness of grief to shine a light on his life. She wants to make sure he is honored, and also to help prevent others from suffering the same heartache that keeps her weighted down.
On that February day last year that forever changed Harless’ life, she and Martinez were riding bicycles along Scalesville Road in Summerfield. Before becoming a full-time firefighter and a paramedic, he had been a professional cyclist, and still enjoyed riding whenever he could. Like so many other things, cycling was also something the couple loved doing together. It was just after 5 p.m. and Harless was riding in front of her husband. She’ll never forget hearing the sound of metal on metal as a vehicle hit her husband’s bicycle – or the vision of him being hurled through the air and then, him lying lifeless on the ground.
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Feb. 2 will mark one year since Todd Martinez was tragically killed
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Andy Barham, 20, of Reidsville, fled the scene, Harless was left to decide whether to stay with her husband or run for help. In a remote area,
When the driver of the truck,
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Melanie Harless and her husband, Todd Martinez (left), were riding bicycles together on Scalesville Road when Martinez was struck by the driver of a truck, who fled the scene. Above right, Harless holds a plaque presented to her in her husband’s memory.
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New graduation requirement puts added strain on school budgets It was hard Founding Principles Act adds fourth social studies class to high school graduation requirements, but no funding for additional teachers
by PATTI STOKES NW GUILFORD/N.C. – Ralph Kitley, principal of Northwest High School, is frustrated – and he’s not the only one. New standards for high school social studies classes, brought about by the Founding Principles Act signed into law in June
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already, and it’s only going to get worse. We’re having to do all kinds of things to keep our heads above water.” Ralph Kitley, NWHS principal
IN THIS ISSUE News in brief ......................................3 Your Questions ..................................4 Congratulations Seth Morphies .....5 Arctic weather, warm memories ...6 Stokesdale Town Council ................8 High School Sports .........................10 Student Profiles ............................... 11 Bits & Pieces ....................................14 Community Calendar ...................15 Crime/Incident Report ..................16 Grins & Gripes .................................16 Classifieds .......................................19 Index of Advertisers .......................23 NWO on the go!..............................24