March 22 - 28, 2018
bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996
www.nwobserver.com
Priorities, pay increases, policies debated at council’s first budget session A draft budget will be released April 16 By PATTI STOKES
March 20 to discuss project priorities and provide staff with direction for developing the FY 2018-19 budget veered off in wild directions before jumping back on track.
SUMMERFIELD – At times, discussion at a scheduled budget workshop on
The meeting of the Summerfield Town Council, Town Manager
Scott Whitaker and Finance Officer Dee Hall began at 6:30 p.m., with the council wasting no time before digging into two of its most highly debated topics – whether, or how to move forward with the Martin house
...continued on p. 6
Bridge repair underway by KEVIN SPRADLIN STOKESDALE – By now, motorists on both sides of the Eversfield Road bridge on the border of the towns of Stokesdale and Oak Ridge have no-
ticed an NCDOT work crew patching potholes in the bridge. Depending on the weather, that work could be completed next week. However, that is simply a hint of
things to come as the bridge is schedule to be replaced later this spring. Tim Powers, bridge maintenance engineer with NCDOT, said the project to replace the 51-year-old bridge is expected to go to contract in June. Powers did not have a timetable for the project’s start date. The bridge is in close proximity to N.C. 150, U.S. 158 and Interstate 73, and NCDOT Traffic Supervisor Jeff Brown said the area’s high traffic volume made it “imperative that we address these pothole issues to maintain the safety of the bridge.” As workers repair the potholes on the 67-foot span over the Haw River, drivers are able to detour in both directions around the closure using Oak Ridge Road, East Harrell Road, N.C. 68 and Athens Road.
Photo by Kevin Spradlin/NWO
NCDOT workers shovel off debris after using a jackhammer to loosen the asphalt on the Eversfield Road bridge inside the limits of the Town of Stokesdale.
IN THIS ISSUE News in Brief.................................3 Your Questions.............................4 Town Council Highlights..............6 Bits & Pieces............................... 12 Community Calendar............... 15 Crime/Incident Report.............. 18 Student Art Gallery....................20 Teens to stage 5K for cancer ...22 Buzzed for a cause....................23 Letters/Opinions................ 24 Grins & Gripes.................26 Classifieds................... 27 Advertiser index....23
NEWS in brief Graduating from Northwest Town Hall to High School remain open this year?
on Fridays
Apply now for the Merchants of Oak Ridge
2018
Scholarship •••••
One-time award of •••••
$2,000 Additional info and application form online at merchantsofoakridge.com Application deadline: March 30, 2018
STOKESDALE – Despite staff being short-handed after the resignation of the town administrator/finance officer, the Stokesdale Town Council voted against closing Town Hall to the public on Fridays. Council member Tim Jones said the resignation of Kim Hemric, who was town clerk for 25 months and for 19 months also held the titles of town administrator and finance officer, would be an appropriate time to see if such a policy is workable. The council had previously discussed closing Town Hall for a day or half-day and operating under shortened daily hours. The closing of Town Hall would give staff the opportunity to catch up on work, Jones said. The council voted 4-1 against the proposal, with Jones the lone aye vote. Council member Frank Bruno noted that Priscilla Hunsucker has been hired as an interim, part-time deputy clerk, filling a position that had been open since Oct. 20. She will be paid $13 an hour with a maximum of 32 hours a week, with reviews after 30 days, 60 days and 90 days. Bruno said she will eventually work 18-22 hours a week. In other business, the council voted 5-0 to hire CPA Dana Luther to produce a financial procedures assessment for the town, not to exceed 10 hours, at $65 an hour, without council approval. Luther had served as Summerfield’s finance office and interim town manager.
Local business leaders working together and supporting our community
2
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Peg Carlson, director of UNC School of Government›s Center for Public Leadership and Governance, facilitates a half-day training session for Summerfield Town Council members on March 17. The focus of the session was on defining the role of the elected mayor, council members and manager. Read coverage of the session in next week’s issue.
DOWN PAYMENT
ASSISTANCE
• Up to 5%
using the NC Home Advantage loan or MAPP program
• Up to $6,000 for teachers, • Up to $8,000 for first nurses/doctors, firefighters, police officers, public service providers and administrators
time home buyers and those who haven't owned a home in 3 years
ASK FOR DETAILS!
Are you buying, selling or investing in the Triad or Myrtle Beach? See the agents who handle both! Heather Brooks, Broker (336) 338-1415 HBsellsRE@gmail.com
The council also voted 5-0 to authorize Bruno to handle employee scheduling and authorize overtime.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Margaret Williams, Broker (336) 926-0245
Mawilliams385@gmail.com
Join us on
@highwayrealtytriad
Rezoning hearing set for March 22 OAK RIDGE – The Town of Oak Ridge’s Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on March 22. at Oak Ridge Town Hall for a request to rezone 29.45 acres on the west side of N.C. 68, about 800 feet south of the intersection with Fogle-
man Road.
If approved, the property would be rezoned from HB (Highway Business) and AG (Agriculture) to CU-TC-R (Conditional Use-Town Core-Residential) to allow a maximum of 48 townhomes and one single-family detached home.
Republic Services’ customers confused by message ‘We did everything we could to get the information out,’ Republic representatives say by STEVE MANN Sometimes, the best of intentions just doesn’t work out. If you are a Republic Services cus-
tomer in Stokesdale and Summerfield wondering what was up with garbage collection Monday, March 12, you’ll understand. That was the day as much as 3 inches of snow fell in parts of northwest Guilford County, forcing schools to be canceled and Republic to alter its routes. Frank Bruno, a member of the
After the P&Z Board votes on a recommendation on whether to approve the request, the Oak Ridge Town Council will hold a second public hearing at its April 5 meeting and afterward, vote or whether to approve the rezoning request. Stokesdale Town Council, said he received an automated call from Republic saying garbage would not be picked up that week because of inclement weather. After receiving calls and text messages from fellow customers receiving the same message, Bruno said he called customer service and was told the message was supposed to say garbage collection would be delayed one day.
March Madness
(n.) Failure to schedule your kid’s wisdom teeth procedure while they’re already out of school for spring break. Because that’s just crazy. Synonym: Call Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today at 336.447.7550 and schedule your consultation.
Tracy Nestor, Republic’s senior municipal manager, said division manager Bobby Needham sent an email on March 12 at 11:19 a.m. to government officials in Guilford and Alamance counties which indicated Republic’s routes would run on a one day-delay the rest of the week and all routes would be be completed Saturday, March 17. Scott Whitaker, Summerfield’s town manager, said he received the email as Town Hall was preparing to close at noon, and staff posted it to the town’s website and Facebook page. The message was also sent to Kim Hemric, Stokesdale’s town administrator/finance officer, but Stokesdale Town Hall was closed due to the weather. Deputy Town Clerk Alisa Houk said staff received calls March 13 from residents saying they had received the message that trash not picked up on the regular day would be picked up as soon as possible. Bruno said his trash was collected March 13 but one person said their trash was picked up but not recyclables. Cheryl Gore, Summerfield’s events coordinator and assistant to the town
bestoralsurgery.com
336.447.7550 1015 HWY 150 West, Suite B Summerfield NC 27358 at the intersection of NC150 and Lake Brandt Road
...continued on p. 14
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
3
should call either Brad Wall in NCDOT’s District 7 Greensboro office, at (336) 487-0000, or Antoine White in NCDOT’s maintenance office in Colfax, at (336) 668-2464.
your QUESTIONS
www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver
OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Mary Gant, admin/editorial assistant Jorge Maturino, art director Yvonne Truhon, page layout Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution manager Steven Mann and Kevin Spradlin, staff writers Marc Pruitt, Helen Ledford, Nora Murray and Annette Joyce, contributing writers
I saw the story in last week’s issue of the Northwest Observer about the tree falling on the car of a woman traveling on Walter Combs Drive in Stokesdale and it reminded me of this tall dead tree, broken near the base, hanging over Linville Road (slightly west of Linville Ridge neighborhood). When it falls completely, it will fall over a power line and will cross over Linville Road.
Would NCDOT possibly remove it now, before it presents a dangerous, possibly deadly outcome? We spoke with someone in NCDOT’s local maintenance office on Sandy Ridge Road in Colfax earlier this week and were told that a DOT representative will look into this dead, hanging tree.
phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006
When a tree leaning over the roadway is on private property, NCDOT tries to work with the property owner to have them cut the tree down. If the property owner does not remove the tree after NCDOT has determined it is a public safety issue, the department will seek permission to gain access to the property so the tree can be cut down.
office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310
Anyone with concerns about similar safety issues on state-maintained roads
HOW TO REACH US email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions ... @ nwobserver.com
A tall, dead tree hanging over Linville Road in Oak Ridge has been reported to NCDOT.
With regard to streets in Oak Ridge that are not serviced by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, wouldn’t it be the responsibility of the Oak Ridge Town Council to ensure that all streets within the town are so serviced?
FREE
CONSULTATI
ON
hours: M-F 9am-2pm (or by appt.)
WANT TO ADVERTISE? Contact us at (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 display: advertising@nwobserver.com
Curious about something?
classified: classifieds@nwobserver.com
Submit your questions about topics relevant to the northwest area
Independently owned & published by
online: nwobserver.com e-mail: questions@ nwobserver.com
4
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
SPEND MORE, SAVE MORE... purchase of $100 OFF (with $500 or more) (with purchase of or more) $250 OFF $1,000 (with purchase of $500 OFF $1,650 or more) offer expires 4/22/18
(336) 383-1715 • budgetblinds.com
Blinds • Shades • Shutters • Drapes • Home Automation
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
The short answer is “no,” it is not a town’s responsibility to ensure all roadways within the town are serviced by NCDOT. Oak Ridge Town Manager Bill Bruce said the town does not own or maintain any public roads. General Statute 136-102.6 dictates that any subdivision developed on or after Oct. 1, 1975, must be built in accordance with NCDOT standards in order to be eligible for addition to the state road system. “New roads that are constructed by private developers are built to NCDOT standards,” Bruce said, “and are then petitioned for maintenance when a certain number of occupied residences are located on the road. In cases where roads were built to NCDOT standards but never petitioned for maintenance, the roads may need basic repairs prior to acceptance by NCDOT. These repairs are paid for by
I’ve noticed there are some cables across the road, about ½ mile in either direction of the N.C. 150 and 68 intersection. I assume one of these cables is to count traffic – what are the others for?
the residents on that road.” The petition process begins by completing form SR-1, available on https://connect.ncdot.gov. Simply type in “SR-1” in the search box. Bruce added that “some roads that are maintained privately may actually be public rights-of-way, in which case the residents on the road may petition NCDOT for maintenance. A private right-of-way must first be dedicated to the public and then constructed to NCDOT standards before it could be accepted for maintenance.” Miracle King, a spokeswoman with NCDOT, clarified that “NCDOT does not service, or maintain, nor can we add to our system, a private road.” Both Bruce and King suggested anyone with additional questions should call Town Hall at (336) 644-7009 or NCDOT’s Division 7 office in Greensboro at (336) 487-0000.
A Lot Happened in the Past
2017 was an eventful year for your Oak Ridge Historic Preservation Commission. Here are some of the highlights: • Created and launched Explore Historic Oak Ridge, an event marking our 20th year as a historic district, with an estimated 700 attendees plus over 300 volunteers (and 17 participating historic properties) • Provided over $7000 in grants to maintain and improve the Historic District, which when added to owner contributions, resulted in nearly $45,000 in total improvements • Continued the historic marker program with a new marker at Oak Ridge Park • Supported the Oak Ridge Heritage Day for the second consecutive year • Reviewed and approved 100% of all applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness (or COA) by local applicants and developers
And a Lot Is Happening in the Future 2018 will see: • A continuation of the Historic Heritage Grant Program, supporting and beautifying the Historic District • Continued, on-going support of Oak Ridge Heritage Day activities • More historic marker dedications, celebrating our unique heritage • Continued review of COA applications by our all-volunteer Commission • Improved Design Guideline format, making it easier for applicants to understand the guidelines
Oak Ridge Historic Preservation Commission
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Tubes placed across N.C. 150 and N.C. 68 in all four directions of the N.C. 150 and 68 intersection are measuring traffic volume and collecting speed and class of vehicle data.
According to Bobby Norris, a district engineer with NCDOT’s District 7 office, you are correct that one of the tubes
Preserving the Past for the Future you see is used to count traffic volume. Norris said the other two tubes are used to collect speed data and class of vehicle data.
For more information about the HPC or to volunteer to help, please visit Oak Ridge Town Hall or call (336) 644-7009.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
5
BUDGET, PRIORITIES
integrity, Whitaker said, “It is stable.” There is, however, no well on the Martin House property – the former owner shared a well with an adjacent property owner and the town did not wish to continue that arrangement long-term. Connecting to the well on the Gordon property has been discussed as the most viable option.
...continued from p. 1
property, which the town purchased in late 2015 for $90,000, and the Gordon building, purchased in 2014 as part of a $399,000 package deal that included a 14-acre tract bordering U.S. 220. To date, $36,800.91 has been spent on the Martin House for items including initial property condition assessment, lien search, boundary survey, asbestos removal, demolition of room additions, roof flashing, structural/flooring repairs, insurance and mowing.
Suggestions for how to use the Martin House have included a museum and office space for town staff, but no plan of use has ever been cemented. Councilman John O’Day asked Whitaker if the council did not allocate funds for renovating the Martin House in the next fiscal year’s budget, could
Of the Martin House’s structural
Summer Camps Noble Ninjas
For mo norther re info, visit nartsst ud • • • • io.com MMA Fit Camp •
Karate
Little Ninja Camp (Beginner)
$99 • Ages 5+ (For children with special needs) Mondays, June 18 -Aug. 13 • 4 - 4:30pm (Beginner/Intermediate) $125 for 1 day/week; $225 for 2 days/week Mondays 4:30-5:15pm/Tuesdays 5:30- 6:15pm, Ages 5+, June 18 -Aug. 14 (Intermediate/Advanced) $125 for 1 day/week; $225 for 2 days/week Mondays 5:45- 6:30pm/Tuesdays 6:15-7pm, Ages 5+, June 18 -Aug. 14
Junior Assistant Camp
$125 • Ages 14- 85 Tuesdays, June 19-Aug. 14 • 7- 8pm
$99 • Ages 3- 6, Aug. 6-10 • 3-3:45pm
Retro Camp #1 camp for last 5 years!
$225/week (all day camp, no wireless devices allowed) June 26 -30 and/or July 30-Aug. 3 • 8am- 4pm
Tumblebees Tumbling
$130 • June 15-Aug. 17 Fridays 4-5pm, Ages 4- 6 • Fridays 5-6pm, Ages 7-12
Dance: Moana Dance Camp
Mike Carr Karate students, become a junior karate assistant! $99 • June 18-Aug. 13 • 5:15- 5:45pm
$85 • Ages 4 - 8 • July 23-25 • 9am-12pm
Teen & Adult Kenpo Karate
$75 • Ages 7-14 • July 23-25 • 1-3pm
Dance: Decendants Dance Camp
(Beginner/Intermediate) $125 • Ages 14 - 85 Mondays, June 18 -Aug. 13 • 7:15- 8pm
Mad Science: Slimey Science Madness
Youth MMA
Find out more about each camp and register online 24/7. Camps fill up quickly so register early to hold your spot!
(Beginner/Intermediate) $125 • Ages 8-14 Mondays, June 18-Aug. 13 • 6:30-7:15pm
$185 (1/2 day camp) • Ages 6 -12 July 9-13 • 8:30am-12pm
it come back at a later time and move forward with renovations. “Yes, you would just amend the budget,” Whitaker answered. Discussion next turned to whether the company contracted for floor repair in the Martin House had been paid despite work not yet being completed, as one resident stated at the March 13 council meeting. To that, Hall said no, explaining a check was written and recorded, but won’t be handed over until all work has been completed. Whitaker added that a subcontractor was scheduled to complete the repair work March 21. Summerfield Athletic Park’s master plan included additional athletic fields and Whitaker said, “We could build those fields today and not keep up with demand, according to Jeff (Goard, the town’s parks and recreation director).” Goard, a full-time town employee, is assisted by a year-round part-time employee and a seasonal employee. More fields will require more staff to maintain them, Goard has indicated. Despite demand for athletic fields, Whitaker said the Finance Committee agrees there are too many projects in progress to tackle that one this next year. Three picnic shelters were included in the park’s Phase 1 plan but not built, Whitaker noted, adding that building one shelter might be a feasible project to undertake in the upcoming year. Of the $150,000 budgeted this fiscal year to complete design and engineering of the A&Y Greenway, $104,000 has been spent. “Was that for Stewart (the trail design/engineer firm)?” Dunham asked, to which Whitaker said “yes.”
1011-D NC Hwy 150 W, Summerfield (336) 681-3255
6
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
Paving a gravel parking lot at the end of Centerfield Road, which leads to the town’s community park, has been discussed by previous councils. www.mikecarrkarate.com
“That is a potential project to consider,” Whitaker said, noting that
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
neighbors along Centerfield Road have had problems with people parking in their yards. “Because it (the parking lot) is gravel and there are no designated parking spaces, people sometimes park at random. Plus, we have erosion issues there,” he said. When asked about the lease on community park property, Whitaker said the town has two separate leases, one with Summerfield Community Center Inc., and the other with Guilford County. The discussion next turned to pay increases – and specifically, increases for longevity. Referring to p. 22 of the town’s current fiscal year budget booklet, Dunham asked Whitaker to explain the longevity increase for employees with milestone anniversaries. Whitaker said three employees including himself had milestone anniversaries last year. Hall said she was the one who had suggested a 2 percent salary increase for employees with the town for five years and a 3 percent increase for 10 years of employment. Dunham said a written policy about longevity increases was needed. Councilman Reece Walker, O’Day and Councilwoman Dena Barnes agreed there had been no question in their mind about what they were approving last year. “But we can do away with this, right?” asked Councilwoman Teresa Pegram. “So, how long does that (increase) last?” Hall explained the longevity increase was like any other salary increase – it became the employee’s new salary. According to p. 22, No. 5 of the budget booklet, “Maximum potential merit increases (not cost-of-living adjustments) are budgeted at 3.5 percent across all departments and some additional hours are included for all nonexempt positions. A 2%-3% longevity increase is also included for employees
with milestone anniversaries.” “The language in here is vague,” Dunham said, adding, “I would love to see statistics of what other towns pay and benefits.” “I have all that,” Hall said.
costs when going into such an old building with the goal of stabilizing it.
“Is there a number you would pick?” O’Day asked. “I think we could do some nice things with the (Gordon) building within a fraction of what CUBE (the architectural firm) presented us,” Rotruck responded.
“We always look at those salary surveys and where our staff members are in relation to them,” he said.
On the revenue side, Hall said calculating projected property tax revenue isn’t difficult, since the county provides each municipality with property value estimates each spring.
“Let’s be really clear. We talked about this (salary increases) through the budget process (last year).” Whitaker said. “There were no secrets.”
The town may not hit the $411,000 it projected this year for local sales tax revenue since more people are shopping online, Hall explained.
Discussion circled back to the A&Y Greenway extension, with O’Day asking if there were any other trail-related expenses anticipated for next fiscal year.
Revenue from utilities franchise taxes (cable, internet, cellular and land line phones, etc.) has also been on the decline, due in part to fewer people having landline phones.
“That depends on how much we want to pursue securing rights-of-way,” Whitaker responded.
Hall emphasized that the town only goes into its fund balance for capital expenses, not operational expenses.
Dunham then jumped back to the salary discussion, saying in 2013 staff salaries and benefits totaled $311,000 for nine employees and it was up to $561,000 this fiscal year.
Construction costs have significantly increased in recent years, which is a consideration for any renovation projects the town undertakes, Whitaker noted.
Whitaker noted a planning director was added last year and one seasonal ane one part-time park employee have been added since he came in 2012. Hall pointed out that health insurance costs had “gone through the roof.” Of the town’s nine employees, four have health insurance benefits through the town. Capital improvement projects, specifically the Gordon building, surfaced again, with Whitaker saying it was difficult to approach a project like that without an end design in mind. Councilman Todd Rotruck acknowledged it was hard to pinpoint direct
Beautiful hardwood floors, 2-story stone fireplace in great room, another in keeping room. Upgraded kitchen. Open airy floor plan, spacious master suite on main floor, screened porch, grand foyer with dramatic stairway and 3-car garage. Living room makes great home office! $499,900
“We have to pick a number and see where it goes,” he said.
Whitaker explained the League of Municipalities does a salary survey every year and a large group of municipalities submit salary information for employees at all levels.
Dunham insisted a policy about longevity increases was needed and Hall said she could write the policy.
5004 Robdot Dr. • Oak Ridge
Hall emphasized to the council that when she goes through the budget process she examines every line item carefully and always shops for the best prices she can for operational needs.
Ramilya Siegel CRS, GRI, ABR, CDPE Realtor®
ramilya.siegel@allentate.com
(336) 215-9856
/RamilyaSiegel
Your friend in real estate
Upcoming
Holy Week & Easter Worship Services Sunday, March 25 Palm Sunday Worship at 8:15, 9:00 & 11:15am Thursday, March 29 Maundy Thursday Worship at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary Friday, March 30 Good Friday Worship at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary Easter Sunday, April 1 Sunrise Worship Service at 6:45am in the Cemetery Easter Worship Services at 8:15, 9:00 & 11:15am
“I want you to know that I am always looking to make sure I am being fiscally responsible,” she said. “I keep backup on every line item.” A FY2018-19 draft budget will be released April 16. Residents will have opportunities to publicly comment on the budget at the Thursday, May 10, council meeting, at a special call budget meeting on May 31 and at the June 12 council meeting.
8:15 am & 11:15 am Worship in Sanctuary 9 am Crosswalk Contemporary Service in Family Life Center 10 am Discipleship classes for all ages 2:30 pm First Wednesday each month Precious Memories Worship Service
2424 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge • oakridgeumc.org • 336-643-4690
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
7
SUMMERFIELD town council
March 13 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by KEVIN SPRADLIN Mayor Gail Dunham called the monthly meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. All five council members were present, as well as the town manager, finance officer, planning director, town clerk, town attorney and about 60 members of the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS John Doggett spoke against a post on the “Summerfield Scoop” Facebook page that discussed Beth Kaplan’s potential removal from the Town of Summerfield’s UDO Committee after Kaplan, at a previous meeting, called for the resignation of the mayor and council members Todd Rotruck and Teresa Pegram. Doggett said Kaplan made her comments during the public meeting and on Facebook “in her own time” and called the Scoop’s editorial a “blatant attempt to silence the opposition.”
Rich Colter spoke of a clean-up event he arranged in late February at Summerfield Community Park with fellow geocachers who were challenged to see who could pick up the most trash in the park. He said that although the park appeared well-cared for, 17 bags of garbage were collected and removed. Gail Stanley, a retired elementary school teacher of 32 years and a Summerfield resident for more than 20 years, said she has been “disappointed and embarrassed” about what she called a lack of character among certain town council members and town staff. Frank Ficca called out Town Manager Scott Whitaker for the town’s failure to get a building permit for work performed by Barna Construction, of High Point, inside the Martin House. A building permit
Serving the northwest community
BARBOUR & WILLIAMS 8004 Linville Rd, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge
(336) 643-4623
Bill Barbour, Tracy Williams Attorneys
Administration of estates and trusts Wills, trusts and estate planning Guardianships Small business start-ups Contracts
barbourwilliams.com
8
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
is required for work exceeding $15,000 and floor-related repairs to the Martin House ended up costing over $22,000. Geoffrey Gregg said the town’s first mayor, Bill Peterson, had a slogan of “no services, no taxes.” Gregg said town budgets since Whitaker was appointed town manager in June 2012 have shown an “escalating spending problem” and the last few councils have been unable to “restrain that spending problem.” Gregg also spoke against the proposed Gordon Hardware building and Martin House renovation projects and asked why the town owns either structure. He referred to the significant use of volunteers and donations when restoring what is now Town Hall as “a symbol of the heart of this town.” Gregg suggested building a new community meeting center, one that was “simple, modern (and) efficient … for a third of the price of what’s being proposed on these two historic buildings.” Cheri Pikett decried what she said was Whitaker’s lack of transparency. She also said that, as a former member of the now-defunct Public Safety Committee, not one member on that committee “spoke disrespectfully to any council members, nor went as far as to tell them to resign.” Pikett said if one person is removed from a committee, then the same standards should apply to all committee members “who are clearly and openly disrespectful to the council members.” Dwayne Crawford disagreed with the idea that there was a “strained relationship” between members of the nowdefunct Public Safety Committee and area first responders. He called the phrase a “euphemism … to hide what the actual point is.” Priscilla Olinick asked council and town staff members to “disregard the petty drama that has been swirling around Summerfield politics” and instead focus on “major issues” facing town residents, including the Unified Development Ordinance and the possibility of a regional water system. She urged the town to support completion of the UDO. Elizabeth McClellan, a former town
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
council member, said when Whitaker was hired in June 2012 completion of the UDO was his No. 1 priority. Nearly six years later, she said, it is still not complete. “I’m a little bitter that it’s not done,” McClellan said. “We have spent a lot of money on a UDO. We still don’t have one.” McClellan also said town council members should be able to review Whitaker’s personnel file to “make sure he had done his job” without requiring all members to be present. Additionally, she said some of the town’s committees were akin to “political action committees” in which membership was not in jeopardy if one was supportive of “Team Scott.” Doug Stanley lamented the amount of money being spent on the Gordon Hardware building with “no clear understanding how this building will be used.” He also said while he is a proponent of trails and open space, he questioned how much taxpayer money was being spent by the town to pursue a trail through Summerfield. Bill North said he is familiar with the restoration of older buildings as he owns a log cabin built in the 1780s, but he questioned why a contractor was paid for unfinished work. He spoke against the $3.7 million proposal presented by an architectural firm in January for restoring and adding to the Gordon Hardware building. Dana Luther, a former town finance officer, questioned the town’s longevity pay policy – or lack thereof. She suggested that Whitaker was manipulating unwritten policy for his own personal financial gain. Luther also said town staff should be held accountable for their online behavior. Luther also asked about the town’s surveillance camera policy, since cameras were installed at Town Hall after the November 2017 election, and about record retention. She lamented the lack of a UDO being completed in the past six years and wondered how much the “at least six more paid reviews” of the plan cost the town.
...continued on p. 10
Trusted Care. Close to Home. New location at Horse Pen Creek Road now open. Our newest location will offer primary care for the entire family as well as sports medicine. You and your family can count on exceptional care and the convenience of same-day appointments, on-site lab and X-ray services and access to your electronic medical records through the MyChart patient portal. LeBauer Healthcare at Horse Pen Creek Rd. 4443 Jessup Grove Rd. (336) 663-4600
lebauer.com From conditioned athlete to weekend warrior, we have all of your Sports Medicine needs covered. Non-surgical, Musculoskeletal Medicine for athletes and non-athletes alike. Services offered include, but are not limited to: • On-site X-ray Services • Diagnostic Musculoskeletal ultrasonography • Joint injections • Ultrasound-guided injections • Osteopathic manipulative medicine • Platelet rich plasma therapy • Biomechanics assessment • Orthotics • Therapeutic and rehabilitative exercise programs • Concussion management and treatment
Dr. Zachary Smith
LeBauer Healthcare at Elam Sports Medicine 336-547-1792
Dr. Michael Rigby LeBauer Healthcare at Horse Pen Creek Sports Medicine 336-663-4600
TOWN COUNCIL
out, the UDO Committee will present a draft UDO for approval.
BUDGET COMMENTS
Founders’ Day. Founders’ Day will take place May 18-19. Whitaker said the town is still accepting craft and business vendors, as well as parade participants, sponsors and volunteers.
...continued from p. 8
Dana Luther said the town should see about getting the Gordon Hardware building on the historic register “and then getting it ready for sale.” Luther said four of the past five budgets created by the town manager have included deficit spending. “Please do not approve another deficit-spending budget,” Luther said. “Our town cannot keep going at this pace.”
COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance. Finance Officer Dee Hall said the Finance Committee was recommending approval of certain cash management policy changes. Historical. Linda Southard said the committee will next meet at 6:30 p.m. on March 29 at Town Hall. Trails and Open Space. In response to Dunham’s question about a map, Chair Jane Doggett said there is still no map showing where the A&Y Greenway trail would go through Summerfield. Doggett said Stewart, the design and engineering firm hired by the town to design the A&Y Greenway extension, is expected to report directly to the council soon. UDO. Carrie Spencer, planning director, said all but two of the components of the draft UDO have been completed. The two remaining elements are the most significant, she said: housing and water. Once those two elements are hammered
EMERGENCY SERVICES Public Safety: Fire Department. On behalf of Chief Chris Johnson, who left the meeting early to respond to a call, Whitaker reported Summerfield Fire Department responded to 103 calls in February, including 23 fire-related calls, 60 EMS-related calls and 20 other calls for service. Department members also installed 17 car seats and three smoke detectors and reached nine children and 69 adults through fire prevention and community outreach efforts. The fire department’s annual Easter Egg hunt will be March 25 at 2 p.m. On April 7 the department will host the third annual Stop, Drop and Roll 5K run/walk. On a safety note, the department urged residents to check their dryer vents. U.S. Fire Administration research indicates 2,900 closed-dryer fires in homes are reported each year. Public Safety: Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Tim Popek reported crime in District 1 is down 51 percent from this time last year. Summerfield had four Part 1 crimes in February, all of which were shoplifting; they included two at Food Lion, one at Dollar General and one at Market Express. In all four instances, Popek said that suspects have been arrested or warrants have been issued for a suspect’s arrest.
Carrie Spencer, planning director, explained that a proposed amendment to the town’s development ordinance simply eliminated the requirement for special use permit-holders to renew those permits each year. No member of the public spoke during the public comment section of the hearing.
5 0 to approve the amendment to the development ordinance.
MANAGER’S REPORT Republic Services. Representing Republic Services, Tony Krasienko and Bobby Needham acknowledged the company has had “some service shortfalls.” Krasienko said the company was in the final stages of realigning some routes in the area. He likened the changes to a road project – while the work was being done it was an annoying inconvenience, but once done “things are smooth, and it runs as it should, (and) people get past” the inconvenience. Krasienko said the company is back up to a 99 percent successful pick-up rate. He also said the target date to return recycling pickup in Summerfield to the same day as trash pickup is the week of April 16; a postcard will be mailed to customers when the change is to take place. Councilman John O’Day said the rate of complaints (about Republic’s service) has been “pretty remarkable,” and Councilman Reece Walker said Krasienko has assured council members of improvements before. “Republic didn’t follow through” in
the past, Walker said. “It’s really disappointing. It’s hard to go to bat for y’all. I’m seriously a little upset about this.”
Committee Appointment. The council voted 5-0 to appoint Jennifer Hodge to the Trails and Open Space Committee; Hodge will complete the remainder of a member’s term due to expire in June 2019. Cash Management/Investment. Finance Officer Dee Hall said the Finance Committee was suggesting changes to the town’s existing cash management and investment policy to comply with recommendations by the state treasurer’s office.
5 0 to approve the policy changes. Budget amendment. Four items were requested in a single budget amendment: add $1,600 to Governing Body expenses, training and education to cover the cost of a training session on March 17 facilitated by the UNC School of Government; add $2,790 to the Parks and Rec Department’s capital outlay expenses (related to a second entrance at Summerfield Athletic Park); add $8,000 to the Parks and Rec Department’s expenses for SAP grounds improvement; and transfer $12,390 from the fund balance to cover the above additional expenses. Hall indicated the town only experiences a net decrease in the fund balance “if we expend our entire budget,” and noted there is a “zero percent chance” that will happen in the current fiscal year which ends June 30. Dunham said the town should not be decreasing its fund balance, or reserves. Whitaker explained that ordinance dictates how the town can move funds
Reserve now for
Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC
Westergaard Kennels
Individual, Corporate, Partnership & Payroll Tax Electronic Tax Filing Estate Planning Bookkeeping & Compilations
Easter and Spring Break! DOG BOARDING
Celebrating 29 years of caring for your dogs 5719 Bunch Road, Oak Ridge (336) 643-5169 • jingletail@mac.com
www.westbengoldens.com
10
PUBLIC HEARING
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
30 Years Experience
Oak Ridge Business Center
8004 Linville Rd, Suite G, Oak Ridge
(336) 643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299 info@samanderscpa.com
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
www.samanderscpa.com
from one category to another, to which Dunham said she preferred line-item transfers; both Hall and O’Day said that was not possible. “I wouldn’t have $1,600 to take out from another line within Governing Body Expenses,” Hall said.
5 0 to approve the budget amendment.
May Meeting Date. Whitaker said the council meeting scheduled for May 8 conflicts with the primary election date, and since Summerfield Community Center is a polling place the council will either need to change its meeting date or find another location.
5 0 to move the May council meeting to May 10.
Welcome Home. Whitaker said the town is a member of Summerfield Merchants Association and will participate in a new effort to welcome new residents by donating an unspecified item to a welcome basket. Planner’s Resignation. Whitaker announced that Sean Taylor, town planner, has resigned to accept the position of planning director with the Town of Oak Ridge. Martin House. Whitaker said the town’s approach to work done with the Martin House has been a “very transparent, public process.” He said he initially took the contractor, Barna Construction, at its word that a permit was not required, but as needed floor repairs became more extensive a permit should have been obtained. Whitaker said the contractor is now obtaining a permit. “We’ll have a permit. It’s not a problem,” Whitaker said. Referencing an earlier comment made by a citizen during Public Comments which indicated the contractor had been paid before work on the Martin House was completed, Whitaker said, “I’m holding the check. He’s not been paid anything … until the subcontractor comes back and finishes the floor.” As for the permit that should have been obtained, Whitaker said, “I’ll be glad to accept any failure on my part with the permitting. I think I messed up on that. I
own that. Thankfully, we don’t have any damage to that (project) other than to my reputation for making a mistake.” A lengthy discussion ensued on the future of both the Martin House and the R.C. Gordon Hardware building. Walker said of the Gordon building: “It’s an important historical building and the town is lucky to have been able to acquire it.” For years, town officials have indicated a desire to convert the Gordon building into a town meeting space. Walker said he didn’t “have a great plan” for the future of the Martin House. Linda Southard, chair of the town’s Historical Committee, said she’d like to see at least part of it become a museum with a children’s library. Another part of it could be used for town staff offices. Whitaker asked for specific direction from the council on how to proceed on both projects, as contractors are waiting for guidance – and that will not come without a cost to the town. Dunham called a 13-acre tract bordering U.S. 220 that is part of the Gordon property the town owns “at least a $1 million commercial property” and suggested it be sold and go back on the tax rolls to “get some money from it. Sounds to me like it’s a better use.”
YOUR YOUR YOUR YOUR COMPLETE COMPLETE COMPLETE COMPLETE TIRE TIRE & & TIRE TIRE & & AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO REPAIR REPAIR REPAIR REPAIR CENTER CENTER CENTER CENTER
Come Come Enjoy Our Come ComeEnjoy Enjoy EnjoyOur Our Our
Customer Customer Appreciation Days Days Come Enjoy Our Days Customer CustomerAppreciation Appreciation Appreciation Days Customer Appreciation Days April April 10 April April 11 11 April April 2 &&April April 3 3 March 30-31
FEATURING FEATURING FEATURING FEATURING
BROADCASTING LIVE
SATURDAY 10AM -12PM
FREE Hot Dogs and Soft Drinks
Friday Friday9AM-5PM 9AM-5PM 9AM-5PM Friday Friday 9AM-5PM Friday8AM-1PM 9am -5pm Saturday Saturday 8AM-1PM 8AM-1PM Saturday Saturday 8AM-1PM
Saturday 8am -1pm
Fri 11am-2pm Sat 10am-12pm
DOOR PRIZES HotHot Dogs Dogs FREE FREE Dogs Dogs
& Soft & Soft Drinks Drinks Drinks Drinks Friday Friday 11AM 11AM -- 2PM Friday Friday 11AM 11AM - 2PM 2PM 2PM Sat Sat . 10AM . 10AM 2PM - 110AM --1PM 12PM Saturday Saturday 10AM -1PM
SATURDAY 12noon
CAR CARCRUSH CRUSH CRUSHSATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY12NOON 12NOON 12NOON CAR CAR CRUSH SATURDAY 12NOON
Customer Appreciation Spotlight Customer Customer Appreciation Appreciation Gillette Gillette Silver Silver Bear Bear PRIMEWELL PRIMEWELL Customer Appreciation Gillette Gillette Silver Silver Bear Bear Customer Friday Appreciation & Saturday only PRIMEWELL PRIMEWELL
Specials Specials Specials Specials Friday Friday && & Saturday Saturday Only Oil, Lube &Only Filter Friday Friday & Saturday Saturday Only Only 46.00 46.00 47.00 47.00 Oil, Lube Lube & & Filter Filter 49.00 49.00 Oil, 47.00 47.00 We feature 50.00 50.00 Oil, Oil, Lube Lube Filter 49.00 49.00 We We Feature Feature 95 $& &Filter 51.00 51.00
ALL ALL ALL ALL
BLACKWALL BLACKWALL PRICE PRICE
BLACKWALL PRICE PRICE Season SeasonRadials RadialsBLACKWALL 38.00 P155/80R13 P155/80R13 38.00 Season SeasonRadials Radials P155/80R13 38.00 P155/80R13 46.00 46.00 P165/80R13 P165/80R13 38.00
O’Day and Rotruck asked Whitaker P165/80R13 P165/80R13 P175/80R13 P175/80R13 to get county workers to put in writing P185/80R13 P185/80R13 P175/80R13 P175/80R13 what is possible with the Martin House P185/75R14 P185/75R14 P185/80R13 P185/80R13 P195/75R14 P195/75R14 50.00 50.00 P185/75R14 P185/75R14 regarding septic. Spencer said there are We Feature Feature 53.00 53.00 We P205/75R14 P205/75R14 51.00 51.00 P195/75R14 P195/75R14 54.00 54.00 P215/75R14 P215/75R14 septic thresholds the town can establish, 53.00 53.00 P205/75R14 P205/75R14 (up to 5 Quarts 10W-30) Starting Startingat at 54.00 54.00 P205/75R15 P205/75R15 54.00 54.00 P215/75R14 P215/75R14 MOST VEHICLES by which county workers can offer guid- Starting 55.00 55.00 P215/75R15 P215/75R15 Starting at 00 54.00 54.00 P205/75R15 $$ at 00P205/75R15 57.00 57.00 P225/75R15 P225/75R15 55.00 ance on future potential use and whether 55.00 P215/75R15 P215/75R15 (uprotation to (up5 Quarts to 5forQuarts 10W-30) All prices 00 include mounting, 58.00 balancing, new valve stem and the life 10W-30) of the tires 58.00 P235/75R15 P235/75R15 $$tireP155/80R13 00 FREE 57.00 57.00 P225/75R15 P225/75R15 P155/80R13 MOST MOST VEHICLES VEHICLES a larger septic tank would be required. (up to (up 5 to Quarts 5 Quarts 10W-30) 10W-30) 58.00 58.00 P235/75R15 P235/75R15 P155/80R13 P155/80R13 MOST MOST VEHICLES VEHICLES 6 6 5 Lim Lim PASSENGER PASSENGER LiLmim Whitaker referred to a property condi5, 5, All Prices PASSENGER PASSENGER 5, • Struts All• Transmission Prices Include Include FREE FREE ite ite • Inspections Tires • Alignments • Brakes • Shocks Flush itiete 000 d M d M CAR CARRADIAL RADIAL dd 5M 0 CAR CARRADIAL RADIAL 600IL0 00All T 6Tr Injection TTrr Mounting, Mounting, Balancing, Lim Lim Flush PASSENGER PASSENGER Coolant Steering FlushLim• LFuel Service •Include OilBalancing, Changes I eLa 5 im rea 5 0 eeaa5 IL• Power PASSENGER PASSENGER 0 0 tion assessment completed before the Prices All Prices Include FREE FREE dw, E ™ ite™ ite dw ,E 0dwe ,E0 NewNew FR380 FR380™™ iteitded M d M d eaM INSIGNIA INSIGNIA SESE 200 200 CAR CARRADIAL RADIAL e0 M ValveValve StemBalancing, Stem & Rotation & Rotation arr0 CAR CAR RADIAL RADIAL Tr Tr Maintenance r W 0ar W 0 Mounting, T T Mounting, Balancing, 30-60-90K Scheduled r r W W I I ea eLa a L0 a 0 � ExcellentPerformance,PopularPrice � ExcellentPerformance,PopularPrice eeaa IL 00 town purchased the properties. Dunham ��The The Quality Quality YouYou Demand Demand dw E dw rr E rr for the ddww E aarrrraa ™ ™ for life the ofStem life theoftires tires FR380 FR380™™ nnt t ea eaanty anNew INSIGNIA INSIGNIASESE 200 200 eea New Valve Valve Stem &the Rotation & Rotation ty y*y* r rW* * rW said she would “love to use some of the � ExcellentPerformance,PopularPrice � ExcellentPerformance,PopularPrice � �The TheQuality Quality Youservice You Demand Demand –Wasets Not only our prices – but our usthe apart from the rest. ar rra arra for r r for life the of life the of tires the tires a a Starting Starting at at nt nt nntt Starting Starting at at y* y* yy** expertise in the town.” She added that Starting Startingatat Starting Starting at at the two buildings might serve only a small P175/70R13 P175/70R13 P155/80SR13 P155/80SR13 portion of the town’s residents, in which A&Y Salvage CallCall for other for other sizes.sizes. Call Callfor for other other sizes. sizes. case any restoration project “might not Madison, NC P175/70R13 P175/70R13 P155/80SR13 P155/80SR13 CallCall for other for other sizes.sizes. Call Callfor forother other sizes. sizes. be cost-effective.” Tires Tires Alignments Alignments Struts Struts Brakes Brakes
24 $18.95 $18.95
$18.95 $18.95
38 38 38 38
49 49 49 49
39 39 39
$$ $$
$$ $$
95 95 95
* Prorated * Prorated replacement replacement if warranted if mileage warranted not mileage not
9595 9595
attained;attained; actual tread actual life may tread vary. life may vary.
Certain restrictions Certain restrictions and limitations and limitations may apply. may apply. * Prorated * Prorated replacement replacement if warranted if warranted mileage notmileage not ** Replacement ** Replacement at no charge at no (excluding charge taxes (excluding and taxes and attained;attained; actual tread actual life may treadvary. life may vary. disposaldisposal fees) if your fees) Bridgestone if your Bridgestone tire becomes tire unusable becomes unusable Certain Certain restrictions restrictions and limitations and limitations may apply. may apply. for any reason for anywithin reason the within manufacture the manufacture control for up control to for up to ** Replacement ** Replacement at no charge at no (excluding charge (excluding taxes and taxes and 3 years from 3 years datefrom of purchase date of or purchase 4 years from or 4 date years of from date of disposaldisposal fees) if your fees) Bridgestone if your Bridgestone tire becomes tireunusable becomes unusable manufacture, manufacture, whicheverwhichever is to the Owner is to advantage. the Owner advantage. for any reason for anywithin reason thewithin manufacture the manufacture control for up control to for up to Certain restrictions Certain restrictions and limitations and limitations may apply. may apply. 3 years 3 from years datefrom of purchase date of purchase or 4 years from or 4 years date offrom date of
NotNot ONLY ONLY OurOur Prices, Prices, Shocks Shocks Inspections Inspections Transmission TransmissionFlush Flush Dunham pushed for an open house 5570 Spotswood Circle, Summerfield, NC 27358 • (336) 643-7877 Tires Tires Alignments Alignments Struts Struts Brakes Brakes Coolant Coolant Flush Flush Power Power Steering Steering Flush Flush Not Not ONLY ONLY Our Our Prices, Prices, But But Our Our Service Service of the two buildings. Shocks Shocks Inspections Inspections Transmission Transmission Flush Flush Fuel Fuel Injection Injection Service Service Oil Oil-Changes Changes Open Mon Fri 7:30 - 5:30 & Sat 7:30 -12 noon Coolant CoolantFlush Flush Power Power Steering SteeringFlush Flush 30-60-90K 30-60-90K Scheduled Scheduled Maintenance Maintenance Sets Sets Us Us Apart Apart from from the the Rest.Rest. ...continued on p. 13 But But Our Our Service Service Fuel FuelInjection Injection Service Service Oil OilChanges Changes Hours: Hours:Scheduled Monday-Friday Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30 7:30-5:30 Saturday Saturday 7:30-12:30 7:30-12:30 30-60-90K 30-60-90K Scheduled Maintenance Maintenance Sets Sets Us Us Apart Apart from from the the Rest.Rest. The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 MARCH 22 28, 2018 11 Hours: Hours: Monday-Friday Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30 7:30-5:30Saturday Saturday 7:30-12:30 7:30-12:30 Summerfield, Summerfield, NC 27358 NC 27358 manufacture, manufacture, whicheverwhichever is to the Owner is to the advantage. Owner advantage.
� �
��
� �
��
Certain Certain restrictions restrictions and limitations and limitations may apply. may apply.
� �
� �
��
� �
�
��
�
��
��
��
336-643-7877 336-643-7877 Summerfield, NC NC 27358 27358 336-643-7877 336-643-7877Summerfield,
5570 5570US USHwy Hwy 220 NN 5570 5570US USHwy Hwy 220 NN
Carpet Vinyl Tile
Hardwood Laminate Area Rugs
336-288-6643
336-288-6643
LOWEST PRICES PERIOD Area’s largest selection of
PET-FRIENDLY FLOORING 1 YEAR INTEREST-FREE FINANCING on approved credit
ALREADY GOT A PRICE?
We’ll Beat It! GUARANTEED
FREE
BUSINESS notes Welcome to our new advertiser! Please support the businesses and organizations which make our newspaper possible and tell them you saw them here!
Highway Realty of the Triad Heather L. Brooks, owner Heather Brooks, owner of Highway Realty of the Triad, has had her real estate broker’s license in both North Carolina and Sound Carolina since 2005. Her company serves both the Triad area and Myrtle Beach areas. Highway Realty of the Triad offers residential real estate services, investment properties, first-time homebuyers’ packages, seller incentives, and Triad and Myrtle Beach properties for sale. The company’s current focus is on the available down payment assistance programs in place. “Our specialty is to find and provide
*On select products. Cannot be combined with any other offer. See store for details.
Call today and we’re on our way! Serving North & South Carolina since 1960 Greensboro • Wilmington • Myrtle Beach 336-288-6643 2837 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro Mon - Fri 8 am - 6 pm • Sat 10 am - 4 pm
carpetsbydirect.com
12
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
“Our business philosophy is ‘Driving win-win scenarios all over the Triad.’” On a personal note, Brooks is engaged and has three children. She said her oldest son has the distinction of being the fifth-youngest college graduate in the United States. Her younger children are involved in charitable activities, including working with those who are homeless, addicted or have special needs. “The addicted and the homeless in our society are close to my heart, and I participate in and support various outreach programs and charities,” Brooks said. “I am also involved in animal organizations.”
See ad on p. 2.
BITS & PIECES
*
INSTALLATION
win-win scenarios for our clients,” Brooks said. “We are also active in charitable organizations and community events in both North and South Carolina.
DAR honors two area students GREENSBORO – Two local students were honored on March 8 at the Daughters of the American Revolution Guilford Battle Chapter banquet at the Greensboro Country Club. Anika Ames of Northern Guilford High School and Adam Raiger of Northwest Guilford High School were each selected as Good Citizen representatives from their respective schools. As part of the DAR Good Citizen scholarship competition, each student wrote an essay on “How has America advanced the cause of freedom in the rest of the world?”
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Photo courtesy Guilford Battle Chapter NSDAR
Anika Ames of Northern Guilford High School and Adam Raiger of Northwest Guilford High School were honored at the Daughters of the American Revolution Guilford Battle Chapter banquet March 8 at the Greensboro Country Club.
OAK RIDGE – If you’ve ever shopped at Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge on a Saturday afternoon in March, then there’s probably a good chance you have seen One Child’s Voice offering their free hotdogs while trying to raise money and spread the word about their ministry.
pray and support local foster children.
Once Child’s Voice is a local organization created to bring awareness of the need to foster and adopt. Lowes Foods has sponsored One Child’s Voice for the past seven years in allowing them to set up their grills and tables offering a smile, a great tasting hotdog, with a Pepsi, bag of Frito Lays, and a good word about the need to
Derl Curry, co-founder of One Child’s Voice, said “come on out and I promise it will be the best free $20 hotdog you’ll ever eat!”
Please come out and support Once Child’s Voice on between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 24 to pick up a free “all the way” all-beef hotdog and hear about the good work being done in our area.
For more information about the event or One Child’s Voice, call (336) 404-8697, email curryderl@yahoo. com or check out the group’s Facebook page.
TOWN COUNCIL
...continued from p. 11
Intersection. Dunham suggested discussion about N.C. 150/Summerfield Road intersection improvements be tabled until the future of the Martin House and Gordon building is decided. Whitaker said NCDOT agreed, in general terms, that a mini-roundabout might be “a workable idea” for the intersection. The concept was presented as just that – an idea – during a January public meeting. Dunham suggested it might be cheaper to “get a better traffic light,” to which Walker responded, “I don’t think they make anything better than red, green and yellow.”
Open House. Bill Hill, town attorney, said
members of the public would have to sign a waiver in order to be allowed in either the Martin House or the Gordon Hardware building in their present state. It was suggested that town staff could rope off areas where the public would not be permitted. Dunham said having people visit might promote the sale of the property. There was no decision on dates for touring the Gordon Hardware building and Martin House, although sometime in May or June was discussed. At 10:03 p.m., the council voted 4-1, with Walker opposed, to recess the meeting until Tuesday, March 20, at Summerfield Community Center, when council will also have a scheduled budget planning session.
“Compass Compreh
compassionate
“Compassionate, State-of-the Comprehensive State-of-the-art Care”
personal caring
Karen Nasis Karen Nasisse, DVM
responsive
Ph 336-643-8984 Ph 33 Fax 336-643-8987 Fax 33 1692 NC 68N, Suite J, 27310
1692 NC 68N, Su
“Compassionate, Comprehensive State-of-the-art Care” “Compass
Karen Nasisse, DVM • Jessica Young, DVM
Courtesy photo
Compreh
1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-8984 northwestanimalhospitalnc.com
Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge and One Child’s Voice, a nonprofit that aims to increase awareness of the need to foster and adopt, are once again teaming up to raise money for the ministry.
KarenState-of-the Nasisse, DVM Ph 336-643-8984 Fax 336-643-8987 1692 NC 68N, Suite J, 27310
Karen Nasis
_________________________________ Date
_________________________________ Time
BEST SUMMER EVER
BRYAN Y BryanYMCA.org
Has an appointment
HAYES-TAYLOR Y HayesTaylorYMCA.org RAGSDALE Y RagsdaleYMCA.org Time
SPEARS Y SpearsYMCA.org
SUMMER
____________________________________________________________________ Has an appointment
DAY
REIDSVILLE Y ReidsvilleYMCA.org
_________________________________ Time
CAMP
EDEN Y EdenYMCA.org
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
CAMP WEAVER CampWeaver.org
________________________________________________________ Has an appointment
*Subject to change based on public school make-up days.
_____________________ Date
DAY AND T H OVERNIG ! S P CAM
________________________________________________________ __________________ _______________ _________________________________ Has an appointment
Weekly Sessions: June 4 - Aug. 24, 2018* Monday - Friday, 7am - 6pm
1692 NC 68N, Su
_____________________ _________________________________ Date Time ____________________________________________________________________
One week or the whole summer. Indoors and out. Archery to arts, STEM to games, at YMCA Day Camp your kids will have an amazing experience, all in a safe, inclusive, nurturing environment. Register today for any of our 7 convenient locations and give them the Best Summer Ever.
Ph 33 Fax 33
Date
Lowes Foods, nonprofit team up
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
13
MESSAGE
...continued from p. 3
New ha
rd cour
New an
ts, sprin
g 2018!
d impro
18!
Cardinal Swim and Tennis Club
MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL
Swim & Tennis membership
Tennis membership
$99 down, $99 a month for 21 months
$99 down, $79 a month for 21 months
We are a member-owned club! Your common unit share is included in the price of this special! Olympic sized pool • gated kiddie pool • snack bar and grill social events throughout the year • awesome swim team and coaches • cabana six tennis courts • two USPTA certified tennis pros • Tennis Pro Shop four Gate City tennis teams • tennis lessons and clinics • coolers are allowed
For application, visit cardinalswimandtennis.com No longer affiliated with the Sedgefield Country Club
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
“We really do care about our customers,” Nestor said. “We’re doing everything we can to communicate with them. … We did everything we could to get the information out.”
‘Interim’ focus of search for clerk, finance officer by STEVE MANN
ved upg rad spring es, 2018!
S... enPdsEMCarchIA31L, 20OFFER
14
manager, said her husband received the automated call March 13 saying if the trash was not picked up on the regular day or the day after, it would be collected on the regular day the next week. Gore said her trash and recyclables were picked up March 13.
Nestor sent the Northwest Observer a screen shot of the announcement Republic representatives were to relay to customers, saying she sent the same thing as Needham’s email to officials.
STOKESDALE – The Stokesdale Town Council will focus on hiring an interim town clerk and interim financial officer while seeking experienced applicants for a permanent town clerk and exploring options for a financial officer. During a special meeting March 16, council member Tim Jones said the council should focus on the interim “so we don’t have so much pressure on us” to find a permanent solution. The special meeting came three days after a March 13 emergency meeting was held over the resignation of Kim Hemric, who was town clerk for 25 months and for 19 months also held the titles of town administrator and finance officer. During the emergency meeting, the council voted to appoint Deputy Clerk Alisa Houk interim town clerk and interim finance officer. Council member Frank Bruno said he realized during the past two years the council needs to hire “somebody with some government experience so we don’t have to train from the start again.” Hemric was hired as town clerk in February 2016 without any government administration experience, then six months later was promoted to town administrator/finance officer.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Tim Jones also suggested the council explore hiring a CPA with experience in government to serve as the town’s finance officer. Jones said he had been told by the N.C. League of Municipalities that practice has helped some small towns save money since the CPA’s reports would be accepted by the firm handling the year-end audit. He used Oak Ridge as an example, which uses CPA Sam Anders as its finance officer. “I’m not saying it’s a silver bullet,” Tim Jones said, “but I think we’re at a point in time … where we ought to at least consider that.” Council member Bill Jones said he believed the finance officer must be a town employee, according to N.C. General Statute 159-24, which states, “Each local government and public authority shall appoint a finance officer to hold office at the pleasure of the appointing board or official.” The council asked Town Attorney John Bain to research that. Early this week he told council members there is no such statutory requirement. The council authorized Tim Jones and council member Frank Bruno to advertise the positions.
mark your
INGLE LAW, PLLC Ronald D. Ingle, Jr. Harvey W. Barbee, Jr. Stephen Coe
Ronnie@inglelawoffice.com Harvey@inglelawoffice.com Steve@inglelawoffice.com
Stokesdale office located at: 8512 US Highway 158 Kernersville office: P.O. Box 2474, Kernersville, NC 27284 Danbury office: 603 Main Street, Danbury, NC 27016
(336) 497-1680 • www.IngleLawOffice.com
Carlotta Lytton
calendar
, CPA, PC
Individual & Corporate Tax Returns Specializing in Payroll & Accounting for Small Businesses
SATURDAY, MARCH 24 zz BBQ Sale | Stokesdale Fire Department, located
at 8401 U.S. 158 in downtown Stokesdale, will have a BBQ sale March 24, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or when sold out. Eat in or take out; $8 per plate or $8 per pound. $2 for take-out slaw. Children 10U $4 per plate (eat-in only). To pre-order, call 336-643-0790.
7805 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale clyttoncpa@bellsouth.net
phone: (336) 644-7033 fax: (336) 644-7038
zz Movie Night | The Summit Church Oak Ridge
The right Realtor for you To me, honesty and integrity are always in style
Tanya Hill
Realtor/Broker • (336) 965-6053 tanyahillrealtor.com
March: Senior Care Month Wellness Packages designed for pets over 7 years old. Call for details.
(336) 665-1286 • bel-airevet.com Serving the NW Triad area since 1991
invites kids in grades K-5 to KidSummit Movie Night on March 24 for a free showing of “Ferdinand” on the big screen. The movie will be shown at Oak Ridge Elementary School, 2050 Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 6 p.m. Free concessions, games and fun! Come in your PJs and bring a blanket and pillow if you’d like. More info: kidsummitor@thesummitchurch.net.
SUNDAY, MARCH 25 zz Gospel Band Concert | The Farm Hands gospel
band, a No. 1 bluegrass band voted “Best in America,” “Band of the Year,” “Entertainer of the Year,” and a Grammy Award winner, will perform at Center United Methodist Church, 6142 Lake Brandt Road in northern Greensboro, on March 25 at 6 p.m. Come join us and the blessings of a wonderful and talented group for the donation of a love offering as your admission.
Submitting your
calendar
events online is as easy as ...
THURSDAY, MARCH 29 zz Craft Show/Pastry Sale | The Ladies Philoptochos
Society invites the community to its 20th annual craft show and Greek pastry sale at the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 800 Westridge Road (corner of Friendly and Westridge roads), March 29, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Besides Greek pastries, a cookbook is also available for purchase. More info: (336) 292-8013 or office@dormition.nc.goarch.org.
REGISTER NOW zz Cornhole Tournament | Northwest High School
Individual & Small Business Bookkeeping & Payroll Individual & Corporate Tax Returns 8400 Hwy 158 • PO Box 469 Stokesdale, NC 27357 kim.thacker@att.net
(336) 644-2741 office (336) 644-2743 fax (336) 508-4671 cell
students Grace Ducat and Daniel Yim will host a cornhole tournament fundraiser on April 14, 3 to 6 p.m., at Northwest High School’s soccer field. Team (two players) registration fee is $10. First-place team will win $400; second-place team will win $100. All profits go to the American Heart Association. Register at www.eventbrite.com – search for “Toss like a boss cornhole tournament benefiting American Heart Association.”
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
On the left side, click community calendar
add your event Click and fill in your details
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
15
Your total flooring source
4114 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro (336) 292-0724 | CarpetSuperMart.com
TAX SEASON ! E D I -W E R O T S S L A I C E SP ash Buy now for 12-months same-as-c
We are the only authorized Stainmaster Flooring Center in Guilford County
Family owned since 1977
••
••
ATING R B
•••
CEL E
Our trusted Installation Specialists are ready to serve you with more than a century of combined experience.
••
•
YE A RS
••
••
••
• ••• ••
••
••
•
CRIME / INCIDENT report
District 1 Sheriff’s Office
has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County ... DRUGS
FRAUD
March 13 | An 18-year-old WinstonSalem man was cited for possession of marijuana and driving without an operator’s license during a traffic stop at about 10:38 p.m. in the 8600 block of U.S. 158. The estimated value of the marijuana was $10. The man was released after being ordered to appear in court April 26.
March 16 | A representative of Oliver Diesel and Auto Repair, located in the 7700 block of N.C. 68 in Stokesdale, reported an unknown suspect used the business name to make fraudulent credit card transactions. The alleged activity was reported to have occurred between 7:15 p.m. on March 14 and 5:57 a.m. on March 15.
A+
Visit our showroom for FREE estimates!
(336) 574-2755 Greensboro: 312 Dougherty Street prostoneusa.com
18
Granite
Quartz
$29.95/sq. ft.
$45/sq. ft.
starting at
installed
starting at
installed
Locally owned and operated
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
FEATURED ON
March 16 | A resident of Bame Road in Colfax reported an unknown suspect used the man’s Summit Credit Union Visa debit card to make an online purchase from Lowe’s Home Improvement hardware store on March 16.
ASSAULT March 16 | A male subject reported being assaulted by a known suspect during an altercation at a baseball field in Stokesdale. The victim was advised of his right to pursue a warrant in the matter.
ARRESTS March 13 | A man was arrested in the 8100 block of Haw River Road near N.C. 68 in the vicinity of Stokesdale for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. March 13 | A 37-year-old Summerfield man was arrested after deputies responded around 11:13 p.m. to a report of a noise violation coming from a home on Draper Drive in Summerfield. The suspect was arrested for disorderly conduct while cursing, yelling and causing a disturbance. March 15 | A 17-year-old female was arrested at about 1:14 a.m. on drug charges during a traffic stop made near the intersection of U.S. 158 and N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. The driver of the vehicle had an outstanding warrant and was found to be in possession of
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
marijuana, drug paraphernalia and an open container of alcohol. The juvenile was arrested on an outstanding warrant as well as for possession of marijuana, simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, an open container of alcohol and failure to operate a vehicle with two operating headlamps. The estimated value of the marijuana was $5. March 17 | A woman was arrested during a traffic stop at the intersection of Oak Ridge Road and Carriage Cove in Oak Ridge for driving while impaired; she was also cited for driving while her license was revoked due to a previous DWI, as well as operating a vehicle without two working headlamps. A magistrate released her on a written promise to appear for an April 19 court date. March 17 | A man was arrested at about 1:40 p.m. in the 3300 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge for misdemeanor larceny and resisting, delaying or obstructing a public officer. March 18 | An Asheboro man was cited for possession of marijuana during a traffic stop at around 6:38 p.m. on March 17 near the intersection of Ridge Oaks Drive and Creeks Edge Court in Oak Ridge. The man was released after being ordered to appear in court April 26. The estimated value of the marijuana was $10.
Welcome to 3rd
A weekly section in the Northwest Observer focused on our local youth and the adults who positively impact them.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Northern athletes, coaches pile up postseason 3-A conference awards by MARC PRUITT NORTHERN GUILFORD – Winter sports athletes and coaches from Northern Guilford were recently honored by the MidState 3A Conference for their outstanding accomplishments during the season. Senior Elissa Cunane, who helped lead the Nighthawks to their second straight NCHSAA girls 3-A state basketball championship on March 10, was named the Mid-State 3-A Conference Player of the Year. Cunane, who has signed with N.C. State, averaged 20.4 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocked shots per game this season. She was also named District 7 Player of the Year by the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association. Coach Kim Furlough was named as the Mid-State 3A girls basketball Coach of the Year as well as the District 7 Coach of the Year. Furlough guided Northern to a 28-4 overall record, including a 14-0 record in conference play while winning the regular season and conference tournament championships. Furlough will also coach the North Carolina All-Stars in the Carolinas All-Star Classic on March 24 in Wilmington. Seniors Kassie Robakiewicz and Mercedes Wampler joined Cunane on the
all-conference basketball team. Cunane and Robakiewicz were both named to the North Carolina team for the Carolinas All-Star Classic and will play for Furlough one last time. Andy Pack, who has signed to play at Elon, was named the boys basketball Player of the Year and was also selected to the second team for District 7 by the NCBCA. Pack averaged 20.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Kellen Hodge, Dakari Mitchell and Holden Lewis joined Pack on the all-conference team. Coach Bill Chambers was recognized as Coach of the Year after leading the Nighthawks to a 23-6 overall record, including 12-2 in conference play winning both the regular season and conference tournament championships. Northern made it to the third round of the 3-A state playoffs for the second straight season. Swimmer Caroline Daly was named the conference girls Swimmer of the Year and was joined on the all-conference team by teammates Rebecca Glebus, Hannah Koh, Rachel Graham, Abby Schoppa, Olivia Bene, Madeline Rountree and Anna Vancil. Sophomore Preston Forst, who won the 3-A state championship in the
...Sports continued on p. 21
Saturday, April 7
Summerfield Fire Department, 7400 Summerfield Road
Sparky’s Dash starts at 8:45am
5K starts at 9am
Red Dog Farm Adoption Fair
Enjoy chili from Summerfield Fire Department after the run
Register at jonesracingcompany.com/stopdropandroll5k DEADLINE: Friday, April 6, at 9 am
Visit summerfieldfire.com for more info PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS Summerfield Farms • Best Exterminating • JRB Communications • Bi-Rite Johns Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. • Troy and Betty Stantliff Carroll Lawn Care and Tractor • Thomasville Diesel Truck Service, Inc. Holliday Landscaping & Tree, Inc. • Grease Monkey of Kernersville Sedgefield Outdoor Equipment • Bank of Oak Ridge
BRONZE SPONSORS Berico • Newton’s Fire & Safety • Trexler Insurance and Services, Inc. Griffin Vacuum Center • Mitchell Lawn Service • Purple Haze Day Spa Samuel K Anders C.P.A., M.S.A., P.C. • Dodson & Chatman Construction All proceeds benefit Summerfield Firefighters Charitable Corporation and Red Dog Farm
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
19
sponsored by artwork by STOKESDALE
Greensboro
5314 W. Friendly Ave. • (336) 855-8900
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kernersville
224 Broad St. • (336) 992-2520
students
www.mbsmiles.com
Whitney Moss, visual arts instructor t By Caleb Gibson (second grade) First- and second-graders used oil pastels to draw an apple still life inspired by Paul Cézanne. They learned how to blend colors together to get different values of colors. u By Kiley Davidson (fourth grade) Fourth- and fifth-graders used Sharpies to draw and design Native Americans and their robes, and then used water-colored pencils to create and blend the background design.
t By Brooklyn Angel (second grade) By Chelsea Smith (second grade) u Second- and third-grade students created winter landscapes. They painted the blue background and in doing so created the snowy hill. They tore strips of brown painted paper for the trees and used a variety of paints to add the details. Students learned about depth/perspective and shadowing during this lesson.
SPORTS
...continued from p. 19 200 freestyle and swam a leg on the state championship 200 medley relay team, was named to the boys all-conference swim team along with Yash Singh, Jeremy Lalumondier, Jonathan Wachendorfer, Ben Snider, Bryan Hill and Jonathan Layton. Justin Hardy, in his first season as the wrestling coach at Northern, was named
Coach of the Year. Hardy had 10 wrestlers named to the all-conference team, including Heath Gonyer, who was the 3-A state runner-up at 126 pounds and finished the season 33-2. Gonyer was also recognized as Wrestler of the Year in the lower weight classes. Eli Whitlow, Max Benfield, Ethan King, Mat Long, Cameron Klutz, Owen Elwonger, Zach Barlow, Paul Kluttz and Zach White joined Gonyer on the all-conference team.
Awards keep rolling in for NWHS athletes, coaches Kitley, Joyner, Reavis, Garrison honored
team, as was junior Cayla King, who missed a lot of the season while recovering from a torn anteriorcruciate ligament she sustained last summer.
by MARC PRUITT NORTHWEST GUILFORD – With the memories of a second straight NCHSAA 4-A state basketball championship still fresh for the Northwest Guilford girls basketball team, junior Elizabeth Kitley and Coach Darlene Joyner were recently honored again by the Metro 4-A Conference.
The boys basketball team at Northwest also picked up several recognitions. Coach Lee Reavis, who led the Vikings to a 13-13 overall record (7-1 in Metro 4-A league play) and the regular season conference championship, was named as conference Coach of the Year after replacing eight key players from last season’s team.
Kitley, a junior who has committed to Virginia Tech and was the Most Valuable Player of the 4-A state championship game on March 10, was named the conference Player of the Year. She was also named to the first team for District 7 for the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association. Joyner, who guided the Vikings to a 29-2 overall record that included 20 straight wins to end the season – including an umblemished 8-0 mark in conference play – was named conference Coach of the Year. Photo courtesy of Northern Guilford High School
Volunteers with the League of Women Voters of the Triad set up a table at Northern Guilford High School on March 14 to give eligible students an opportunity to register to vote.
Welcoming new patients Hours
Monday- Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Existing patient walk-ins welcome Accepting most insurance plans
The NCBCA also recognized Joyner as Coach of the Year for District 7. Seniors Lindsay Gauldin and Bria Gibbs were named to the all-conference
Reavis will also coach the North Carolina boys team for the Carolinas AllStar Classic this weekend in Wilmington. Sophomore Christian Hampton was named Defensive Player of the Year after recording 56 steals and 13 blocked shots this season. Hampton was joined on the all-conference team by Dean Reiber, Tristan Perry, Johnny Pagano and Jacob Riddles.
...Sports continued on p. 25
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.
Kip Corrington, md Patients of all ages
Ashley Michaels, pa-c Marsha White, agnp-c Patients of all ages Patients ages 13+
(336) 412-7580 | volunteerforgal.org
Northwest Family Medicine (336) 643-3378 • 7607-B Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
21
Hiding your smile? We can help! Matthew J. Olmsted, DDS MS Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Suite CC (336) 441-7007
olmstedorthodontics.com
Teens stage new 5K to benefit cancer center by KEVIN SPRADLIN
NW GUILFORD – Over the river and through the woods … There will be no stop at grandmother’s house along the way – and no river crossing – but there is a wooded section as part of the inaugural Beating Cancer for the Long Run 5K run and walk, set to begin at 10 a.m. on April 28 at Northwest Guilford High School. Meredith Sinkler and Samantha Gregory are lacrosse teammates and best friends who decided to stage a charity 5K run and walk in honor of Meredith’s father, Clark Sinkler, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 duodenal cancer. Clark Sinkler is now back at work as a UPS driver, but Meredith will not soon forget the love and care her entire family – but especially her father – received while at the Cone Health Cancer Center at Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro. “With a great surgeon, oncologist, nurses, and staff, he is doing great,” Meredith shared on Facebook. “I am so thankful to them for saving my dad’s life. I want to give back to Cone Health Cancer Center so they will be able to help families like mine in the community.” That was in late January. Today, Meredith said her father remains in good spirits – and, better yet, good health.
“He’s doing great,” Meredith said of her father during a recent interview about the 5K. Meredith had an inkling of an idea for a 5K but wasn’t sure how to get from the drawing board to practical application. Somehow, it came to her in a dream. She woke up and immediately recounted it to Samantha. “It was like 1 a.m. and I get a text: ‘Sam, get ready,’” Samantha remembered. After considering various locations, the pair chose their high school campus as the place to host the event. After all, the site is nearly perfect and has parking and bathroom considerations already taken care of. Besides that, there is an existing 3.1-mile cross country trail that some of their fellow student-athletes already run on a regular basis. The 5K will begin on the field hockey field and finish on the track. In between, there is a wooded section that should prove to be a favorite feature of the course. After the 5K ends, there will be a kids’ fun run consisting of two laps around the high school track – with obstacles. Early entry fee is $15 for the 5K and $10 for the kids’ run. On race day, the 5K fee increases to $20. Event T-shirts are not guaranteed for late entrants. Samantha said she and Meredith hope to attract
...continued on p. 25
Now open! LeBauer Healthcare at Horse Pen Creek 4443 Jessup Grove Road Greensboro, NC 27410 (336) 663-4600
lebauer.com 22
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Photo by Kevin Spradlin/NWO
Meredith Sinkler and Samantha Gregory are lacrosse teammates and best friends who are coordinating a 5K run and walk on Saturday, April 28, at Northwest Guilford High School. The course will begin on the field hockey field and cover the established cross country course, which includes a trail section. The 3.1-mile event will finish on the track. Proceeds will benefit the Cone Health Cancer Center at Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro.
Getting buzzed for a good cause Northern baseball players raising money to fight childhood cancer
Players raise money to donate to the foundation and to show addtional support, many have their heads shaved after the game. Coach Landon Kimrey of Northern said his teams have embraced the Vs. Cancer foundation and raised more than $10,000 in each of the three previous Vs. Cancer games they participated in. “Chase Jones gave me a call a few years ago and told me what it was all about,” Kimrey said. “He came out and talked to our team about it and we were all in. Hunter Morgan, who was one of our seniors at the time, really took the lead for us on it and we’ve had a lot of fun with it over the years. It supports a great cause. We skipped it last year because we had some other things going on, but we’re happy to be participating again this season and have raised close to $7,000 already.” There are 36 players participating in Northern’s baseball program – 18 on var-
by MARC PRUITT The final score in Northern Guilford High School’s upcoming baseball game against High Point Central on Thursday, March 29, may not be as important as the impact the game will have on fighting a devastating disease. Most of the participants will also head home that evening with a little less hair. The Nighthawks will participate in their fourth Vs. Cancer game while supporting a foundation that raises money to fight childhood cancer and was started by former Ragsdale High School and University of North Carolina baseball player Chase Jones, who was diagnosed with a Stage IV brain tumor in 2006 at the age of 18.
Do you have a child with special needs? You need an estate plan set up to specifically accommodate that child. Call Susan for help.
Estate Settlement
8004 Linville Road
Trust Beneficiary Suite A-1, Oak Ridge Representation
THE LAW OFFICE OF
SUSAN P. GREESON, P.L.L.C.
Learn more at greesonlegal.com
“We have three volunteers coming out from Unique Cuts to help with the haircuts that night,” Kimrey said. “Not everyone will get their head shaved – that’s optional and it’s not anything I make them do. Win or lose, it’s always a fun night for us. It’s a perfect time this year because it’s the Thursday night before Good Friday. The idea is for us to let kids out there battling cancer know that they’re not alone.” Johnny Van Kemp, an eighth-grader at Northern Middle School who has battled leukemia since he was first diagnosed as a third-grader, will throw out the first pitch before the game. “He’s still having a rough time because of his treatments,” Kimrey said. “He’s in one of my PE classes at (Northern Middle School) and I have gotten to know him pretty well this year. All the kids love him. One of my assistant coaches brought up the idea to me, so I talked to his dad about it to see if they would like to do it. They are excited about it and I think we’ll have a pretty good crowd for the game. That will be a special moment.” Donations can be made in the name of one of the players on the team by going to the webpage and selecting “members,” then scrolling down to find that player’s name.
(336) 298-7196 Estate Planning
sity and 18 on junior varsity – who have been getting donations for the game.
You can also donate money “in memory of” or “in honor of” someone you know who has battled cancer. “We get so caught up in playing good baseball, winning or losing, or trying to get better,” Kimrey said. “This is bigger than baseball. For us, this helps puts things in perspective.”
want to help? Susan P. Greeson p.l.l.c
Donations may be made online at www.team.curethekids.org/team/154840.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
23
LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your editorials (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com 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.
Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.
How about requiring liability insurance for guns? I have a conservative gun management solution that should please everyone. It’s market-based, doesn’t eliminate any guns, doesn’t punish responsible gun owners, and creates no governmental database of guns or gun owners. As a bonus, it will benefit large corporations! Let’s pass legislation requiring that every gun of any kind that is sold will require liability insurance and that any gun found to be uninsured will be impounded (not confiscated) until liability insurance is obtained and proof of insurance provided. Any gun sold by any store, across the internet, by personal sale, or at a gun show must carry liability insurance, just like a car. This doesn’t limit a buyer’s right to buy guns and may even eliminate legislation requiring background checks and age limits. Simply leave it up to the insurance companies to set standards and manage their own risk with the understanding that any gun used in a crime will attach liability to the last known owner of the gun. So, if you have guns lost or stolen or if you sell
a gun, it’s in your best interest to tell your insurance company. Over time, straw purchasers and suspect stores will get weeded out because they “lose” too many guns and won’t be able to provide proof of insurance. More and more guns will become incorporated into the system, making gun ownership safer for everyone. The market will establish liability and rates. What will that look like? No clue, but I suspect it will reward responsible gun owners. Got a gun safe? Taken classes? Logged range time? Own a lot of guns? Sell a lot privately? Lose a lot? All of these will impact premiums. Over a relatively short period of time, State Farm and Allstate will sort out what constitutes a real risk without having to change the federal prohibition on gun violence. Owning a gun will reduce your homeowners insurance. What could be better? Best of all, there is no governmental action to limit guns in any way. Alan Abrams, SUMMERFIELD
Council meeting observations After all the public discussions and bickering, I felt compelled to attend the March 13 Summerfield Town Council meeting to see for myself how the Council communicated and conducted business. I was mostly there to read the council’s attitudes and interaction. Observations: Gail Dunham veered
24
off course on a couple of occasions and John O’Day didn’t seem to have patience for such unfocussed meandering. It was obvious that Gail is not a polished politician and maybe not great as the meeting leader. It was also easy to read her negative vibes towards Scott Whitaker, the town manager.
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
Todd Rotruck was quiet and attentive, and he injected some common sense and direction. He struck me as truly motivated. Dena Barnes was very much in the background during this meeting. Teresa Pegram asked a couple of questions and mostly just listened to discussions in a casual, calm manner. Reece Walker cracked a couple of one-liners and injected a couple of opinions. I didn’t get a clear reading on his capabilities this visit. Whitaker took a beating from several speakers. He listened respectfully, and I thought that spoke to his character. Some council members inferred he didn’t follow through or complete tasks. The council bounced all over the place on issues. I don’t know how he could possibly meet anyone’s expectations. He asked a couple
of times for clear direction, explaining that some items would be costly to pursue, with no funds allocated. Apparently, the council lacks understanding of the costs. Permits and engineering time to pursue potential historic restoration projects is time-consuming and costly. In my opinion, Scott and the staff have an enormous workload with confusing direction from leadership. It became clear to me that we citizens need to get more involved by attending meetings, reading the minutes, visiting the town’s website and paying attention. There are very costly decisions about to be made, and we all need to be informed. We will find some things we don’t feel should be pursued, and if we don’t get involved, we don’t really have a leg to stand on. Joe Shelton, SUMMERFIELD
What’s gun control’s real goal? Some people today have latched on to the leftists’ condemnation of the NRA. Why? Exactly how is the NRA responsible for a criminally deranged nutcase? The NRA provides gun safety training and argues for enforcing firearms laws, yet somehow NRA members are the bad guys for defending your Constitutional rights. The “people” in the Second Amendment refers to individuals and individual rights. They are the same “people” found in the Preamble, the First and Fourth Amendments. Please educate yourself. No one suggests that the right to free speech (like walking out of class in protest) should be regulated or restricted. Why do protesters believe only this single Constitutional right must be more heavily regulated and restricted? How about the bogeyman – the AR-15? Naïve children and uneducated adults believe the lie that this is a weapon of war, as quoted in a recent NWO article. I can assure those who never served in the military that store-bought civilian firearms (AR-15 or otherwise) do not rival the military grade M16 or M27 weapons. Please don’t use such an ignorant, ill-informed argument. Remington, Mossy
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Oak and Brownell hunting rifles function the same as an AR-15. They just don’t look as scary. There’s a call for “common sense” legislation. OK, how about this? All firearms ownership would require that you first go through a background check (including mental health), drug test, and in-depth firearms training. Just raising the legal age to 21 simply makes colleges killing fields. So, 18-year-olds and above who complete the background and training requirements may legally carry firearms, but they may carry them anywhere. No more gun-free zones. Mass shootings don’t happen where it’s known that citizens are likely armed. Here’s another suggestion: educators may carry their weapons on school grounds. You trust teachers to educate your kids, how about trusting them to protect your kids? Finally, possession of a firearm without a permit results in 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. These ideas work if the goal is public safety; however, they don’t do a thing to promote “gun control.” So what’s the real goal? Mike Stone, OAK RIDGE
Writer, newspaper twisted words I spoke at the Summerfield Town Council meeting during public comments and opened this paper to find myself labeled as “Team Anti-Whitaker,” my words twisted, and my street name published. As former finance officer for 7 ½ years and interim town manager for six months during the manager search, I know the importance of following policy and state statutes and being fiscally responsible. I viewed staff’s verbal attacks on citizens as violations of the ethics portion of the personnel policy. I previously stated the town should enforce policies or re-write them. I reiterated, “we shouldn’t have policies in place that are violated.” I did not question the manager’s supervision of employees as the article states, but I guess the writer must have from my facts. I further stated, “we shouldn’t be circumventing the statutory role of council by not making policies when there should be…” “All policy is to be approved by council, and…the manager’s job to implement.” I identified longevity increases and security camera record retention as two areas lacking policies. I did not hint that “Whitaker, without a written policy,
made the town’s practice work to his benefit” as the writer claims. Longevity pay, by nature, works to all employees’ benefit. I did state, “the manager reached five years of employment two days before the budget was approved.” I further detailed the still uncompleted over $435,000 11-year Comp Plan/Development Ordinance process, the history of deficit spending, and errors in the audit report. I have been asked previously to comment at meetings, but I deal in numbers, not politics. Feeling a sense of responsibility, I could stay away no longer. I take offense to being labeled as “Team Anti-Whitaker” since I am Team AntiViolating Policy, Anti-Violating Laws, and Anti-Wasteful Spending. I stated nothing but facts. Please tell me what the street on which I live has to do with my comments. The Town is in need of volunteers and meetings have been poorly attended in the past. If this is what respectfully speaking at a meeting as a taxpayer and citizen gets you, I am not surprised! Dana Luther, SUMMERFIELD
SPORTS
...continued from p. 21 Hampton was a second-team selection for District 7 by the NCBCA and Reiber was a third-team selection. Chris Garrison, who won the 4-A state wrestling championship in the 170-pound weight class, was honored as the Metro 4-A Wrestler of the Year in the upper weight classes. Garrison, a junior, finished the season with a 44-1 overall record and was also named Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Midwest 4-A Regional.
STUDENTS STAGE 5K
Joining Garrison on the all-conference team are freshman Riley Edwards (106 pounds), sophomore Lake Price (113), junior Shane Chavis (120), freshman Matthew Heras (132), junior Finn Queen (145), junior Ian Adams (160) and junior Jacob Hardy (195). In swimming and diving, senior Noah Zawadzki was named to the boys allconference team while Phoebe Martin was selected to the girls team. Zawadzki, who has signed with Virginia Tech, won the 4-A state diving championship in February. Martin specialized in the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle races.
...continued from p. 22
between 300 and 400 participants. In anticipation of such a crowd, there will be packet pick-up at the school from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 26 and April 27. Race-day registration begins at 9:30 a.m. on April 28. The two teens also plan to have a
bake sale, face painting, a raffle and other activities as part of the event. Online registration is now open at http://tinyurl.com/nwhscancerrun2018. Readers can also find the event on Facebook by searching for “Beating Cancer for the Long Run.”
Town manager is responsible, professional I read with interest the article titled “Town Manager comes under fire” in the Northwest Observer’s March 15-21 issue. When I retired from Summerfield Town Council in December 2017 after serving 16 years, I knew Scott Whitaker had grown so much in his job over the past two years that I was there. I know him as a professional who handles his duties very responsibly. The town manager of Summerfield has his hands full with the many projects that the council gives him, and the responsibility of keeping the town running safely, effectively and efficiently. When I left office, I had submitted a glowing evaluation of Scott for the last six months in his evaluation period. The
person I have watched and worked with is not the person citizens were decrying at the meeting. We are seeing here the same drama that we are seeing daily on a national level with the national media, and the various groups using innuendo to totally change what is reality. Like the national groups, I have to admit that our little group is well orchestrated. They have been given, in my opinion, their “scripts” to talk about and as Whitaker was quoted as saying in the article, “There’s an orchestrated agenda to have me removed.” This is wrong. This is not the Summerfield that I have lived in for a lifetime. Mark E. Brown, former mayor SUMMERFIELD
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
25
A LITTLE ICE NEVER STOPS US.
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...
www.trane.com
Ask about special financing
Subject to credit approval, see store for details
7101 US 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-7397 NEW SYSTEM INSTALLATION • SERVICE • REPAIR
’
26
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
The students who participated in the walkouts on March 14. Whether you did it to honor the victims of the Florida massacre or to protest gun violence, I admire your choice to stand up for something you believe strongly about. Oak Ridge Post Office’s postmaster for being so kind, understanding and patient with us. She compassionately found out why our package hadn’t yet reached us and never grew tired of having to help. Thank you for serving us! The Summit Church Oak Ridge for its Impact program, which is awesome, fun and just what our teens need. We are grateful for all the people who take time to invest in today’s youth. Donna, Lisa and Mike at the Summerfield Post Office for always being pleasant and helpful when I need help mailing packages or just buying stamps. A thanks, too, for all the hard workers in the office. The Northwest community for all of their support for the Northwest High School girls basketball team this year. It touched the heart to see so many supporters in the community cheering these girls to another state championship in the Smith Center! New Garden Nursery and Landscaping for excellent customer service, knowledgeable staff and a welcoming environment. You were so helpful and patient when we came in last Saturday and asked about pet-safe fertilizer! The stranger who was ahead of me in the drive-though line at McDonald’s in Oak Ridge several mornings ago and paid for my Egg White Delight. What a cool random act of kindness! It made me smile. Summerfield Town Council members John O’Day, Reece Walker and Dena
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Barnes for continuing to serve our town with integrity. We appreciate your dedication and working to resolve conflict and speak the truth regarding town issues.
GRIPES to...
GCS for supporting the student walkout on March 14. Not only did this protest take away from valuable instructional time, but it was also extremely political and called for a ban on assault weapons, which would violate the Second Amendment. Mayor Gail Dunham and the Summerfield Town Council members who want to sell the Gordon building and Martin house. These buildings represent our history. Please let the town council know that citizens want to preserve their history. Those who irresponsibly spend their Saturdays shooting guns within earshot of residential neighborhoods, disturbing residents and scaring children and pets. I can’t even walk my shaking dog during the shooting. Those who showed such disrespect and hostility towards Scott Whitaker (town manager) at the last Summerfield Town Council meeting. Have the moral values of Summerfield sunk so low that this is considered okay? The people sitting outside in the parking lot of a local business and drinking beer – across the street from an elementary school. Sooner or later they have to get in their vehicle to go home. Such class! Summerfield Town Council for their disrespect, negativity and hatred of one another. The culture of national politics has come to our town. What’s next – #notmymayor, #notmytownmanager? Everyone is a role model. Actions determine if you’re a good or bad one.
Place online at
DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue
NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -2pm
INDEX Auto Sales & Service .................. 27 Employment ............................... 27 Seeking Employment ................... 27 Save the Date ............................. 27 Yard Sales ................................. 27 Home Services ....................... 27-29 Misc. Services.............................. 29 Misc. For Sale ............................. 29 Misc. Wanted .............................. 29 Pets & Animal Services ................ 29 Real Estate .................................. 30
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.
Spring and Summer help needed! CarsonDellosa Publishing Company is hiring SEASONAL WAREHOUSE EMPLOYEES. Must be 18, willing to work in a fast-paced warehouse environment. Competitive pay and flexible hours. Perfect job for students! Contact Human Resources, (336) 632-0084 or (336) 808-3225. 657A Brigham Road, Greensboro (near Pleasant Ridge Road).
Apply for a HISTORIC HERITAGE GRANT! Up to $2,000 available to preserve historic properties in Oak Ridge. For more info, visit www.oakridgenc.com, or come by Oak Ridge Town Hall for more information and an application. Application deadline is March 26.
EMPLOYMENT
CHILD CARE center is seeking qualified substitutes. If interested, please call (336) 643-6140.
JOB FAIR to be held at Countryside Manor, Wed., March 28, 1pm-5pm. CNA, Nursing, dietary, & housekeeping positions available. Meet our staff & tour the facility. Enjoy hot dogs & snacks. 7700 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale. Contact (336) 643-6301.
G? ! HIRIN We can help
Reach over 26,600 readers, all in northwest Guilford County, right here! Place your classified ad online at
nwobserver.com
Portable storage rental company is looking for a FULL-TIME OPERATIONS/OFFICE MANAGER. 5+ years office management required. Sales experience a plus. Must demonstrate ability to work independently, be a self-starter and highly motivated. Must be able to multi-task and handle changing priorities with attention to detail. Must possess strong computer skills, with proficiency in Excel. General office and sales duties include providing customer quotes, processing orders, invoicing, sales analysis, marketing (i.e. competitive research, digital marketing), and general office and warehouse clean-up. Logistics management includes coordinating and directing delivery schedule. Email dede@miboxtriad.com. Wanted: PIANIST/CHOIR DIRECTOR for $125 per week. Browns Summit UMC, 4426 Hwy 150 East, Browns Summit, NC. Inquire: huneycuttdavid@att.net. NWOBSERVER.COM
?
going on
Tell northwest Guilford County
SEEKING EMPLOYMENT Need a BABYSITTER? Mature 18-yearold certified in first aid and CPR available to care for your children. References upon request. Call (336) 420-0473.
Place your Save the Date online at
YARD SALES
Place your
YARD SALE. Fri., March 23, and Sat., March 24. 8am-12pm. 8400 Alda Rd. Stokesdale. Moving Garage & House Estate Sale.
classified ad
online at
HUGE YARD SALE. Saturday, March 24. 7am-2pm. 7559 Dubach Road, Summerfield. Everything must go. Tools, toys, furniture, household items, antiques, clothes, shoes, etc.
for just $4 per line Deadline is the Monday prior to each issue
YARD SALE. Sat,, March 24. 8am-12pm. 160 Cheshire Drive, Summerfield. Multifamily sale. Electronics, toys, stroller, home décor, women’s clothing and sewing machine cabinet. Rain or shine.
SAVE THE DATE EASTER EGG HUNT at Countryside Village, Saturday, March 24, 2pm. Toddlers to 3rd-graders. Bring your camera for photos with the Easter bunny. 7700 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale. (336) 643-6301. Gideon Grove UMC, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Rd., Stokesdale. Annual EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, March 24, from 10:30am to noon. Egg hunt begins at 10:30am followed by crafts, egg dyeing, games & snacks. Contact Laura at (336) 643-6042 for more information. Rain or shine.
The Northwest Observer • Totally The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal sincesince 19961996
Something
HOME SERVICES CLEANING 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. NIDIA’S CLEANING SERVICE. 10 years experience. Call Nidia, (336) 362-4173.
... continued on p. 28
MARCH2222- 28, - 28,2018 2018 MARCH
27 27
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873.
SMALL ENGINE & MOWER repair/welding. Pickup & delivery. (336) 880-7498.
LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING
J. GIBSON LANDSCAPING, affordable landscaping for all your needs, includes irrigation, installation & repair. Please call Joe, (336) 419-7236. American owned & operated. In God We Trust.
MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING $25 off! Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407. CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838. HOME CLEANING. Afford. rates, ref. avail., 10 years exp. Elizabeth, (336) 453-8592.
ELECTRICAL
L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE “We get you mowing!” Commercial Residential, all models 2103 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. (336) 298-4314. Mobile SMALL ENGINE MOWER and trailer service and repair. (336) 501-8681. 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. APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance. A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.
OLD SCHOOL
HOME REPAIR /IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”
BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.
Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Painting • Decks and much more! • Insured
FLOORING
Contact us for a free estimate!
IT’S A CARPET THING! Repairs, restretch, replace. (336) 643-6500.
GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES Affordable HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. 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.
The Northwest Observer 21 years and still counting!! Thanks for your continued support!
28 28
CUTTING EDGE LAWNCARE – Affordable. Dependable. Mowing, aeration, leaf removal, and more! Please call anytime for free estimate, (336) 706-0103.
(336) 669-7252
oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com
GRADING / HAULING E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, topsoil, lot clearing, bobcat work, excavating, mulch, etc. (336) 451-1282. PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195. TRACTOR FOR HIRE – Bush hogging, grading, brush/tree removal. (336) 207-6632.
GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150. ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt. available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035. BRAD’S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647.
MARCH 2222 - 28, 2018 MARCH - 28, 2018
GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE. Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490.
MASONRY
thanks
our advertisers for
making each weekly issue possible!
Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call (336) 209-1486. Rodney A. Coble, licensed electrician.
MONTERO’S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 yrs. exp. Free est., excellent references. Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com. Call (336) 215-8842.
FAY’S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Spring prep & tree work. Complete landscape maint. & hardscaping Reasonable and honest. Call Taylor, (336) 458-6491.
AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt avail. (336) 602-5820. STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic/Ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck & chipper, total cleanup. Selective thinning & lot clearing. 24-hr. ER. (336) 643-1119. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com.
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. MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone, concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com.
Over 12,000 of your neighbors keep up with the local news on Facebook. Check it out!
SOUTHERN CUTS LAWN CARE, 13 years experience, Colfax, NC. Nathan Adkins, (336) 500-1898.
facebook.com/northwestobserver EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES, LLC. Lawn maintenance service (336) 682-1456.
facebook.com/northwestobserver
CLEAN CUT LAWNCARE, Have no mowworries. Our name says it all. Donnie, (336) 671-9940. Free Estimates.
MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS.
ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.
The The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 1996 Northwest Observer • Totally local since
ON EAGLE’S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519. GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES & INSERTS Fireplaces, sold, serviced and repaired. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183. Your business should be here! Let us introduce you to our readers. Call Mary, (336) 644-7035, for more info.
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
MISC. SERVICES
PAINTING & DRYWALL
PRESSURE WASHING
HAMMERSMITH WOODWORKING LLC. Carpentry, custom cabinetry, built-ins, exterior repairs. ASP – Helping Hand. Over 30 years exp. Call Carlton, (336) 404-3002.
SAM’S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470.
KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION
Proform 995i TREADMILL, is priced at $600.00. Please contact (336) 671-8176.
BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial
PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873.
David & Judy Long, owners
(336) 931-0600
BEKPaintCompany.com
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION
• References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed
STILL
PERFECTION
PAINTING
CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING Affordable. Dependable. Please call anytime for free estimate, (336) 706-0103.
Reli-
able, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. 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. CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior & exterior. Free est., lic/ins. (336) 669-5210.
PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.
DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING LLC. Custom builder; sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens, baths. Licensed & insured, A+ accredited with BBB. Free estimates. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, siding, dock work, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 38 years exp. (336) 362-6343. RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A and listed with Angie’s List. Call (336) 944-6118 or visit redrhinoroofing.com. 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.
Services TM Construction , INC
BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS
Screened porches | Sunrooms | Patios
21 years of delivering homegrown
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.
ROOFING JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469. 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. A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC. Res. roofing specialist serving Guilford Cty. area since 1983. BBB 25+ years w/ A+ rating. cormanroofinginc.com, (336) 621-6962.
MISC. SERVICES COMPUTER REPAIRS – ITBASICS.COM Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons. (336) 643-0068.
news to northwest Guilford County
Licensed & insured NC Gen. Contractor #72797
(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.
ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981.
AVON sell from home/office. Only $25 to start. No quotas, hidden fees or inventory to buy. For info or to buy products, please view youravon.com/fstaudinger or call (336) 298-1587. SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373.
MISC. WANTED 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. $$$ - WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. (336) 552-0328.
PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. PET SITTING / BOARDING KPS – KELLY’S PET SERVICES Professional in-your-home pet sitting. Insured & bonded. Member Pet Sitters Interrnational. 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
(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell
WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc.
MISC. FOR SALE
Locally owned & operated
Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance 6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)
The Northwest Observer • Totally The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal sincesince 19961996
OAK RIDGE COMMERCIAL OFFICE Approximately 1,000 sq. ft., 2BA, $1,250/mo. (336) 669-5233.
HOMES FOR RENT OAK RIDGE, 1-rm. furn. apt., LR/BR, bath, kitchenette area, $600/mo. (336) 669-5233
...continued on p. 30
MARCH22 22- -28, 28,2018 2018 MARCH
29 29
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
HOMES FOR SALE
HOMES FOR SALE
HOMES FOR SALE
We Help Everyone!
WATER VIEWS – NORTHERN SCHOOLS
THE “HAS IT ALL” HOME!
Charming home loaded with character on 2.29 acres overlooking stocked pond. 4800+ sq. ft. with 4 BR & 2000 sq. ft. of unfinished basement. Attached 3-car garage, composite decking & two new 3-season rooms that are fantastic. Freshly painted, new carpet & refinished hardwoods. Recently appraised at $705,000 – Offered at $637,000
4,500 sq. ft., 4 BR, 4.5 BA, large screened porch, theater, game room. No detail was spared. Open floor plan, immaculate condition and neutral decor. Great location, great house. Summerfield / Northern School district Offered at $537,000
SELLERS & BUYERS
(336) 643-4248
www.ANewDawnRealty.com
Selling or renting in northwest Guilford County? Let us help! advertising@nwobserver.com
Nancy J. Hess
nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820
Quality We believe in doing things
the old-fashioned way – with honesty and trust, providing an exceptional product and making sure our new homeowners are completely satisfied.
594 Fox Briar Drive East, Greensboro
Nancy J. Hess
nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820
3 BR, 2 BA, 1,924 sq. ft. Cedar Hollow Acres. All brick home with 2-car garage. Private screened porch, great room with vaulted ceiling, fireplace, formal dining room and kitchen with spacious breakfast room. Great floor plan with private master bedroom location. $274,000
Jake Letterman (336) 338-0136
is a standard in our homes ... not an upgrade
Visit our Spring Parade homes April 28 -29 & May 5 - 6 6620 Linville Ridge Drive, Oak Ridge • Linville Ridge • $670,000 7817 Front Nine Drive, Stokesdale • Dawn Acres • $491,500
Our commitment to
quality and customer service shows in every detail of our homes. Before you make a decision on who will build your new home, contact us!
Co-owners Don & Annette Mills
30 30
MARCH 2222 - 28, 2018 MARCH - 28, 2018
7708 Briardenn Drive Summerfield • Birkhaven $849,000 (Finished Basement)
30 years of hands-on experience
(336) 362-1777 | www.donmillsbuilders.com
The The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 1996 Northwest Observer • Totally local since
index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS
Please support our advertisers,
and tell them where you saw their ad! ACCOUNTING
LEGAL SERVICES
Carlotta Lytton, CPA, PA .................. 15 Kimberly Thacker Accounting ........... 15 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC..... 10
Barbour & Williams Law ...................... 8
AUTOMOTIVE M&M Tire & Auto, Inc. .......................11
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION Don Mills .......................................... 30 TM Construction Services ................. 29
CHURCHES Oak Ridge United Methodist Church ... 7
CHILDREN’S SERVICES
Ingle Law........................................... 15
BEK Paint Company .......................... 29 Budget Blinds ..................................... 4 Carpet Super Mart.........................16-17 Carpets by Direct .............................. 12 Colfax Furniture & Mattress .............. 18 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery ... 3 New Garden Select .......................... 25 Old School Home Repair .................. 28 Prostone Inc. .................................... 18 Rymack Storage ................................ 29 Southern States ............................Insert Stokesdale Heating & Air .................. 26
Spring 2018
Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery ... 3 Northwest Pediatrics ......................... 23 Novant NW Family Medicine ............. 21
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP Oak Ridge Historic Preservation .......... 5
Mitchell, Bartlett & Bell Orthodontics ... 20
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Please show your support by mentioning their ad when you visit them.
LeBauer Healthcare ..................... 9, 22
EVENTS
Cardinal Swim & Tennis .................... 14 Northern Arts /Mike Carr Karate.......... 6 YMCA of Greensboro ....................... 13
At Home possible
MEDICAL CARE / PRODUCTS
ORTHODONTIC CARE
HEALTH/FITNESS/KARATE
to our advertisers for helping to make our spring
The Law Offices of Susan Greeson ... 23
Guardian Ad Litem Program ............. 21
Summerfield Fire Department ........... 19
THANK YOU
Olmsted Orthodontics ....................... 22 Reynolds Orthodontics ...................... 26
PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital .............. 15 Northwest Animal Hospital ............... 13
ications published by pscommun
Westergaard Kennels ........................ 10
REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty .......................... 30 Highway Realty of The Triad ............... 2 Jake Letterman-Berkshire Hathaway ... 30 Nancy Hess- BHHS Yost & Little........ 30 Ramilya Siegel, Allen Tate .................. 7 Tanya Hill ......................................... 15
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Home-grown stories about everything from maintaining and improving your home, to housing trends, history and humor of life in northwest Guilford County In print every spring and fall and online year-round at nwobserver.com
Merchants of Oak Ridge...................... 2
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MARCH 22 - 28, 2018
31
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
Postal Patron PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 • (336) 644-7035
ECRWSS
The Northwest Observer made its fifth annual trip to Lake Junaluska with CenterField Youth, the combined youth group of Center UMC and Summerfield Peace UMC!
Email your photo to photos@ om nwobserver.c
Gary and LeAnn Taylor of Oak Ridge took their Northwest Observer to Starfish Island in Belize during a stop on their cruise.
Kelly, John and Jenna (holding newspaper) O’Day of Summerfield took their Northwest Observer with them to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, last month.
PAID
Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22
Alfred Wilson of Stokesdale takes a moment to catch up on the local news while enjoying some time at Carolina Beach.