March 25 - 31, 2016
bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996
www.nwobserver.com
MTS Trail, Part 2:
‘No’ for Stokesdale, ‘Go’ for Oak Ridge Mayor Randy Braswell says he acted in his town’s best interest when he asked that Stokesdale be taken off the MTS Trail map; Oak Ridge begins the process of mapping out trail route in its town by PATTI STOKES STOKESDALE/OAK RIDGE – As word circulates that Stokesdale Mayor Randy Braswell contacted Kate Dixon, executive director of Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea (FMTS) Trail, and Carol Tingley, deputy director of N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation, to ask that Stokesdale be taken off the MTS Trail map, reactions have been mixed. Some people have said they were, at the very least, surprised
at the mayor’s action. Others have said they were frustrated and dismayed by it. Yet there are some who said the mayor acted appropriately, and that Oak Ridge, which is taking steps to bring the trail through its town, is welcome to it.
from Stokesdale, ROADS founder Pam Lemmons and Stokesdale town council member Frank Bruno.
Kate Dixon has worked for FMTS Trail for the last eight years. In the organization’s history, she can’t remember another town asking to be taken off the trail route.
Before Braswell’s call, Dixon said Oak Ridge had indicated they would be interested in having the trail come through their town if Stokesdale decided they didn’t want it.
“Towns are usually incredibly excited to be on the route,” Dixon said. “It’s a first for me in eight years. It’s always hard to know how deep that runs. Is there really widespread opposition? I don’t know how to know that.”
County Commissioner Justin Conrad, whose district includes Stokesdale, said he was approached
Dixon confirmed there have been trail supporters in Stokesdale over the years – among them, Sue Lukens, who has since moved away
Joyner to retire from teaching, coaching volleyball After 31 years, Darlene Joyner is retiring from coaching volleyball and teaching health and P.E. at Northwest High School; she will stay on as head coach of varsity girls basketball. Read Joyner’s story on p. 15
“Because of the nice downtown area, we thought it would be a great place for the trail,” Dixon said. “But, we don’t want to push it on anyone.”
...continued on p. 5
IN THIS ISSUE
News in Brief ......................................2 Your Questions ..................................4 Stokesdale Town Council ................6 Youth/School Briefs ........................10 Student artist gallery ......................12 Cadet prepares for last drill ..........13 Student Profiles ...............................14 Coach Profile: Darlene Joyner .......15 Crime/Incident Report ...................18 Business Notes ................................21 Bits & Pieces ....................................21 Community Calendar ................... 22 Letters/Opinions ............................ 24 Grins & Gripes .................................26 Classifieds .......................................27 Index of Advertisers .......................31