April 3 - 9, 2015
And the Order of the Long Leaf Pine goes to … Thinking her husband would be surprised at being presented with the award, Dena Barnes got a surprise herself when she was also presented with the award by PATTI STOKES GUILFORD COUNTY – Guilford County Sheriff BJ Barnes and his wife Dena got a surprise recognition on March 31 when Gov. Pat McCrory presented them each with one of the highest honors the governor can bestow on a North Carolina citizen, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. This is the first
time in the state’s history that a husband and wife have received the award that recognizes North Carolinians who have demonstrated exemplary service or made an exceptional contribution to the state or their communities. “BJ’s dedication to the State of North Carolina and the people of Guilford County should not go unnoticed,” said McCrory in a press release. “His service has been truly incredible and I am lucky to call him not only a colleague, but a friend as well.” Sheriff Barnes, the longest-serving sheriff in Guilford County’s history, was first elected as sheriff in 1994. He oversees about 650 people employed by the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, the operations of two jails and
Photo courtesy of J. Blasingame Photography
(Left to right) U.S. Congressman Mark Walker joins N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory in presenting Dena Barnes and Guilford County Sheriff BJ Barnes with Order of the Long Leaf Pine awards on March 31.
a prison farm, and is responsible for ensuring the safety of over 500,000 Guilford County residents. During Sheriff Barnes’ 21 years in office, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office
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Traffic changes on horizon for NWHS
An expanded student parking lot, median and roundabout are planned to reduce congestion and accidents by GERRI HUNT
Photo by Gerri Hunt
A roundabout at the main entrance of NWHS is expected to relieve rush-hour congestion and help drivers maneuver in and out of the school and the neighborhood across the street.
NW GUILFORD – Construction will begin this summer on Northwest School Road to improve traffic flow in and around the high school’s campus.
IN THIS ISSUE News in brief....................................3 Your Questions................................4 Remembering “the way it was” ...8 Pets & Critters ..................................9 Learning by doing........................10 Charlie and me ............................12 Business Notes ..............................14 Bits & Pieces ..................................15 High School Sports .......................18 Student Profiles .............................19 Crime/Incident Report ................20 Around Town .................................22 Community Calendar.................23 Grins & Gripes ...............................24 Classifieds .....................................27 Index of Advertisers .....................31
bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996
“This is an effort to relieve con-
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