Northwest Observer | July 26 - August 1, 2018 by pscommunications

July 26 - Aug. 1, 2018

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Mayor claims public records requests are incomplete

Town attorney, manager conﬁrm public records requests for copies of mayor’s emails are valid and complete by PATTI STOKES

Illustration by Jorge Maturino/NWO

SUMMERFIELD – Another week has rolled by and Mayor Gail Dunham, who ironically ran for office on a platform of transparency, has still not fulfilled

even the first of what is a mounting pile of public records requests (10 to date) for copies of either all or specific town business-related emails she has

...continued on p. 13

Decorum absent from Town leaders plan more town’s council meeting forums on opioid crisis Tempers ﬂare as accusations, ﬁnger-pointing take center stage by STEVE MANN STOKESDALE – During council comments near the end of the Stokesdale Town Council meeting June 14, council member Frank Bruno said, “Isn’t it nice we don’t yell at each other?” Mayor John Flynt agreed, saying, “We don’t always agree, but at least we agree to disagree.” There was a decidedly different

IN THIS ISSUE Waterline blown apart by surge 2 Rotruck hearing set for Aug. 6 ..3

tone during the July 12 meeting.

It seemed to be a continual verbal joust, with Flynt and Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks pitted against council members Bill Jones and Tim Jones. On split votes, Bruno sided with Flynt and Hooks. There were accusations of unauthorized spending by Flynt, fingerpointing from both sides about actions of current and former council members that could put the town’s Workers’ Compensation policy and liability insurance at risk, and arguments over whether the town needed

...continued on p. 8 Your Questions ............................4 News in brief................................6 Tyler Anderson, CrossFit athlete10 Congratulations Ethan Little .... 12

Helping families cope with drug addiction and reducing stigma for users are focus of public meetings in area churches

community aware of this problem, we can make a difference,” said Rev. Jerry Walker, Oak Level’s pastor and one of the organizers of the forum. “We can help hurting parents and grandparents, wives and husbands, children and grandchildren who may have loved ones on drugs.”

by CHRIS BURRITT

Over-prescription of addictive painkillers known as opioids has contributed to what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls a “fast-growing epidemic” that has been building over the past decade. In 2017, Guilford County Emergency

STOKESDALE – Leaders in Stokesdale plan to organize additional community forums focused on the opioid crisis after an initial meeting at Oak Level Baptist Church earlier this month attracted about 100 people. “If we can continue to make our

NWHS parking fees rise ............ 14 Bits & Pieces/Business Notes ... 18 Crime/Incident Report .............20 Community Calendar .............. 21

...continued on p. 25 Grins & Gripes ...........................22 Editorials ....................................24 Classifieds .................................26 Index of Advertisers ................. 31

Waterline blown apart after lightning strikes Customers without water for about four hours By STEVE MANN STOKESDALE – Stokesdale water customers were without water for about four hours Sunday after lightning struck a tree during an intense storm around 10 p.m. the night before. The electrical surge ran through the tree’s roots and jumped to an electrical cable buried just inches away from a 2-inch residential waterline at the intersection of Kelly Lee Drive and Kelly Lee Court. “It looked like a grenade had gone off,” Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks told the Northwest Observer. The fire department had gone to

the neighborhood Saturday night in response to a fire alarm going off at a residence in the 8500 block of Kelly Lee Drive, Chief Todd Gauldin said, but the fire department had no reason to look for a break in the waterline. The problem wasn’t noticed until about 9:30 a.m. Sunday, when someone called the fire department to report low water pressure. Reacting to what it thought was a water main break, the fire department then called Yates Construction Co., which serves as the town’s utility contractor. Gauldin said he wasn’t able to reach Mayor John Flynt, who was in church, but did reach Hooks. In the meantime, council member Tim Jones had also received calls.

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Stokesdale water customers were without water for about four hours on Sunday after a 2-inch residential waterline was blown apart as the result of lightning striking a nearby tree. The electrical surge from the lightning traveled through the tree’s roots and jumped to an electrical cable buried just inches from the waterline.

“Everyone was aware of it in a short period of time,” Gauldin said. Town Clerk/Finance Officer Alisa Houk said she noticed her toilet was not refilling after being flushed and shortly thereafter received a phone call and a text message from neighbors saying they had no water pressure. When she called Bobby Yates Jr., the emergency contact at Yates Construction, he was already onsite, she said. Yates was able to isolate the break within 40 minutes by checking the flow on the Forsyth County side of the waterline at its connection to Stokesdale along U.S. 158 and working his way through the fire hydrants, Hooks said. The hydrant less than 50 feet from where the break occurred had no flow, nor did the one on U.S. 158 beyond Kelly Lee Drive.

A water meter located on Kelly Lee Drive was shut off, which shut off the water for the entire system. Once the as-built plans were obtained for that area, a second meter was found on the other side of the road that controlled the neighborhood and was shut off. Hooks said most of the reserve in the town’s water tank had been used up. Houk said there was water pressure in the tank but not to customers. Once repairs were made, several hydrants along U.S. 158 were slowly opened to flush out any sediment. Because the pressure in the water tank had not dropped below 33 pounds per square inch, Houk said, customers didn’t need to boil the water before using.

...continued on p. 24

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Rotruck vs. BOE, Janelle Robinson hearing set Former Summerﬁeld Town Council member Todd Rotruck will again have his day in court on Aug. 6 by PATTI STOKES

Todd Rotruck

Janelle Robinson

SUMMERFIELD – A hearing for a lawsuit filed by former Summerfield Town Councilman Todd Rotruck, in which the Guilford County Board of Elections (BOE) and Janelle Robinson are named as defendants, has been scheduled for Monday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m. in Guilford County Superior Court. The upcoming hearing stems from a challenge to Rotruck’s voter registration that Summerfield resident Janelle Robinson filed with the BOE on Feb. 16, in which she stated Rotruck did not live in Summerfield when he filed to run for a town council seat last July, nor when

he was elected last November nor since. Rotruck and Robinson appeared before the BOE on April 17, at which time Robinson presented tax bills and other official documents from late 2016 and 2017 that showed Rotruck used his Lewiston Road address in Greensboro as his primary address during the time he claimed to be living in Summerfield. Duke Energy bills for the 4,000-square-foot Summerfield home the Rotrucks purchased in July 2016, which has since undergone extensive renovations and over 3,500 square feet of additions, averaged $33.07 from July 2016 to December 2017. During the same 16-month period, the average monthly energy bill for the Rotrucks’ 3,100-square-foot Lewiston Road home in Greensboro was $172.20. Robinson also presented a deed to Todd and Aimee Rotruck’s Lewiston Road home, which they sold in December 2017 but continued to live in; on the deed Todd Rotruck, signing as grantor, attested that his property on Lewiston Road in Greensboro was his primary residence at the time of the sale; Rotruck was sworn into office as a Summerfield Town Council member on Dec. 12, 2017.

After the BOE unanimously voted that Rotruck did not permanently reside in Summerfield, BOE staff was directed to immediately change his voter registration to reflect his Lewiston Road, Greensboro, address was his permanent address. Guilford County Attorney Mark Payne confirmed the decision meant Rotruck’s council seat was declared vacant, effective immediately. “This was fairly easy, because there is a statute that speaks to this issue directly, Payne told the Northwest Observer a few days after the April 17 hearing.

N.C. General Statute 160A-59 reads, “...When any elected city officer ceases to meet all of the qualifications for holding office pursuant to the Constitution, or when a council member ceases to reside in an electoral district that he was elected to represent, the office is ipso facto vacant.”

Despite protests from Rotruck and his supporters – among them, Mayor Gail Dunham and council member Teresa Pegram – he has been denied his seat on the town council since the BOE’s April 17 ruling.

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your QUESTIONS www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver

OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Marilyn Grubbs, admin/editorial assistant

I signed up to be on Stokesdale’s “sunshine list” so I would be notified about meetings at Town Hall, but several times in the last few months notifications weren’t sent out by email.

Doesn’t Stokesdale have to notify people of a meeting at least 48 hours in advance?

“The Open Meetings Law doesn’t require a town Yvonne Truhon, page layout council to send notice of its Leon Stokes, IT director regular meetings to the individuals or Lucy Smith, finance manager entities on the town’s sunshine list,” Linda Schatz, distribution manager said Trey Allen, an assistant professor of Public Law and Government with Steve Mann, staff writer Chris Burritt, Marc Pruitt, Helen Ledford, the UNC School of Government. Nora Murray and Annette Joyce, contributing writers Jorge Maturino, art director

HOW TO REACH US email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions ... @ nwobserver.com

“If the council is sending notices of its regular meetings to the people or media organizations on its sunshine list, it’s providing notice beyond what the law dictates.” North Carolina General Statute 143-318.12(a)(3) and (d) only require the council to file its regular meeting schedule with the town clerk and to post the regular meeting schedule on the town’s website, if it has one. Stokesdale does that on its website. The 48-hour notice you refer to in subsection (b) of G.S. 143-318.12 only applies to meetings that aren’t on the regular meeting schedule, such as a special meeting. The 48-hour notice requirement doesn’t apply to an emergency meeting or a recessed meeting if the council announces the time and place of the continuance of

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the recessed meeting in open session. Posting notice of a special meeting on its website doesn’t relieve a municipality of the Open Meeting Law’s other notice requirements for special meetings under G.S. 143-318.12(b)(2), Allen said. One of those is written notice of each special meeting stating its purpose is provided to everyone who has filed a written request for such notice. The notice is to be mailed, emailed or delivered at least 48 hours ahead of the meeting’s start time. Other requirements include posting written notice of the meeting on the principal bulletin board of the public body, at the door of its usual meeting room or on the door of the building in an area accessible to the public if the building is closed to the public continuously for 48 hours before the meeting. Town Clerk Alisa Houk said notice of at least two of the budget meetings in March and April weren’t sent out to the sunshine list because of miscommunication, but notices of the meetings were posted in the front windows of Town Hall. Houk said there are 25 people on Stokesdale’s sunshine list. To be included on the list, send an email to Stokesdale@Stokesdale.org requesting to be added, along with your name and email address.

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NEWS in brief

Town ends 2017-18 ﬁscal year with budget surplus STOKESDALE – Stokesdale, which doesn’t have a property tax, had a surplus in its general and water enterprise funds for fiscal year 2017-18 that ended June 30, Budget Officer Philip Pulliam announced during the July 12 town council meeting. Pulliam said general fund revenue exceeded expenses by $74,317.44. He said the surplus could be as much as $150,000, once the estimated $80,000 utilities franchise tax distribution for the fourth quarter is received in September. Some of that would be offset by invoices for FY 2017-18 expenditures that were received after June 30, he noted.

In the water enterprise fund, reve-

Salaries were $28,000 less than budgeted, and water sales were slightly higher than projected.

Payroll expenses were $16,053 less than budgeted, but Town Hall operated with one less employee for most of the last fiscal year and the budget

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Sen. Trudy Wade (right) attended the Oak Ridge Town Council meeting on July 12 and presented the town council with a senatorial statement honoring the town on its 20th anniversary. In turn, Councilwoman Ann Schneider (left) presented Sen. Wade with a 20th anniversary T-shirt.

Council removes ‘interim’ from Houk’s job title STOKESDALE – Alisa Houk, who was named Stokesdale’s interim town clerk and interim finance officer during an emergency meeting in March, had the word “interim” removed from her job title during the Stokesdale Town Council’s regular monthly meeting July 12.

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Revenue from planning and inspection fees was $13,183 higher than budgeted.

nue exceeded expenses by $70,978.97. Pulliam said outstanding expenditures could total as much as $20,000.

About $44,000 of the savings was due to the town spending only 12.9 percent of the $50,000 it had budgeted for capital projects in the town park. Anticipated park projects for last fiscal year had included a second shelter near the playground, asphalt walking track maintenance and exercise equipment along the track, but none of those projects were approved. A new shelter will be built this fiscal year, which began July 1, and the walking track will be resealed.

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included benefits for town staff that have still not been approved.

The votes to name Houk town clerk and finance officer were each 3-2, with Bill Jones and Tim Jones voting nay. Houk’s salary will be $20 an hour, retroactive to July 1. Houk had been named to the inter-

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im positions March 13 after Kim Hemric, who was town clerk for 25 months and for 19 months also held the titles of town administrator and finance officer, resigned effective March 22. Houk, who has lived in Stokesdale about 31 years, was hired as the town’s deputy clerk March 13, 2017. Council member Frank Bruno said July 12 that more than 50 applications had been received in the last three months and many applicants had sought

...continued on p. 19

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a routine flushing program for water quality. At one point, a frustrated Bill Jones said he plans to start a petition in the fall to change the town’s form of government from mayor-council to council-manager.

“This form of government isn’t functional right here,” he said. The last disagreement came during the council comments, when Bill Jones said he thought the town’s spending was out of control and accused some council members of holding illegal meetings. Flynt fought back, taking a jab at Bill Jones and Tim Jones for their resistance to spending money on expanding the water system and suggesting the $750 capacity fee that can be used for expansion should maybe be eliminated if the council has no intention of expanding the system. That led Tim Jones to interject: “I believe we’re out of order, Mr. Mayor. We’re a long ways off our agenda.” He then made a motion to adjourn. Flynt responded, “I’ve got to read the announcements first, unless you want to suspend those.” Tim Jones made a motion to suspend the reading of the announce-

ments and adjourn the meeting. Flynt seconded it, and the almost 3-hourand-45-minute meeting came to an abrupt halt – without a vote to adjourn. As Bill Jones walked by a reporter and Town Attorney John Bain, he said, “Sorry we ruined your evening.” Two days after the meeting, Flynt and Bill Jones admitted things had gotten out of hand. “I got a little hot,” Flynt said, “and I guess they did, too.” Bill Jones said he let his emotions get the best of him, but added, “I think we brought some issues forward that need to be talked about.” The first of those issues centered on spending authority for special/ emergency expenditures. Flynt said he wanted clarification on whether a vote of council was required to spend money for something that falls under a budgeted line item as long as the money is there, or whether the mayor or a council member have the authority to approve the expenditure without a vote by council. The issue centered on a June 29 special meeting to vote on purchasing a $1,400 replacement chlorine pump for the water system, since the pump had not been working for several months and had been disconnected. The meeting was later canceled. Bill Jones said no council member has the authority to spend money for something he believes the town needs without consulting the other

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four members. “The idea that $50,000 exists in a line item and some vendor can convince one council member that you need (something) and that council member can go out and spend the money is the most asinine thing I have heard of,” he said. Tim Jones then made a motion to hire a certified public accountant to examine all expenditures since the council had been seated in December for irregularities; his motion was defeated 3-2. Bill Jones said the mayor previously had been given the authority to approve emergency spending up to $2,500 for the water system, but he couldn’t find in the minutes where a policy had actually been approved. He then made a motion to suspend any previous spending authorities. Flynt asked if that meant the council needed to call a special meeting every week to go over ongoing bills and Bain said it wasn’t about routine expenditures, rather those having to do with a special need. “I think you need to develop a policy for when there are special expenditures even if the money’s there,” Bain advised. Bain explained suspending all previous spending authorities avoids conflicts if someone happens to find an unknown policy. The motion was approved 5-0. The council then approved giving two people – either the mayor, mayor pro tem or finance officer – the authority to spend up to $5,000 for emergency repairs at Town Hall or to the water system and $2,500 for ongoing maintenance or emergencies at Town Park until such time as the limits are changed. The vote was 4-1, with Tim Jones voting nay. That debate was followed by one about whether council members’ actions have put the town’s Workers’ Compensation policy and liability

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insurance at risk. Bill Jones said questions in an email string from Town Hall to the insurance carrier made it seem council members were digging up/repairing waterlines, going into permit-required confined spaces in violation of OSHA rules or trying to rebuild valves or pumps. He said he didn’t know of any council member doing that during the seven years he’s been on the council, but he did say he, former Mayor Randy Braswell and a technician from Yates Construction had done some flushing of the water system. Bill Jones said if going into the chlorination station is an OSHA violation, then Hooks is in violation when he checks the eyewash station. “If you’re telling me I’m responsible for 20 percent of this water system and I can’t go down there and open the door and see what the setting is on that pump and whether or not we’re chlorinating, then we do have a problem,” Bill Jones said. Flynt, who said he initiated the questions to the insurance carrier, said he just wanted to make sure the council wasn’t doing anything it wasn’t covered for and said the insurance carrier was never told anyone was digging up/ repairing waterlines. A form filled out by the town for the N.C. Interlocal Risk Management Agency answers “no” to a list of 14 such activities. However, it’s possible the insurance carrier misconstrued the town’s inquiries. One such inquiry dated June 26 from Town Clerk Alisa Houk asked: “Council is only covered for administrative task, though, not maintenance task, replacing water lines, repairing water pumps, and water tank valves … correct?” The carrier replied: “Yes, they are considered elected/appointed officials and their exposure should be limited to their duties as such. We highly discourage members of the board doing work such as you have indicated. Thanks.” Bill Jones said he called the insurance carrier the day after the council

meeting because he was afraid the town was in danger of losing its coverage. Tempers then flared over whether the town needs a flushing program for water quality. Meritech Inc. – Stokesdale’s licensed water-system operator – conducts tests for residual chlorine levels at a different sample site each weekday and three times a week at the meter vault off U.S. 158 where the waterlines from Winston-Salem and Stokesdale join. The state requires the residual level be at least 0.2 mg per liter throughout the system. If the test sample is lower at a site, flushing is done there to maintain the proper chlorine concentration. Bill Jones said flushing is fine for residual chlorine tests, but a regular flushing program is necessary to maintain water quality throughout the entire water system. He said flushing should be done at the ends of the system to remove sediment and turn over “aged” water to keep it from getting stagnant. He said the town had been doing that for several years and he believed it to be a state requirement. Flynt said he had talked to several experts – including Bill Merritt, president of Meritech; Megan Roberts, project engineer with engineering firm Hazen and Sawyer; and Mike Painter, an environmental engineer with the

Winston-Salem regional office of the N.C. Division of Water Resources – and all said additional flushing isn’t necessary nor does the state mandate a routine flushing program. When Flynt accused Bill Jones and Tim Jones of not trusting Meritech’s chlorine test results, Tim Jones said he hasn’t questioned the readings, that it’s simply a difference between the minimum state standards and “what you might consider a best management practice.” He said he was told by public works directors in two nearby towns that Stokesdale needs a flushing program. Later in the meeting, Tim Jones made a motion to hire a temporary, part-time employee to conduct a best management practice flushing program for Stokesdale, prompting Flynt to say he felt that was second-guessing Meritech’s integrity, professional ability and license. Jones’ motion failed 3-2. During a special meeting July 18 when Hazen and Sawyer discussed its evaluation of the town’s water distribution system, Painter and Roberts and two other members of her firm confirmed that no additional flushing program is necessary. Roberts said the sample sites for residual chlorine tests are near end points, are on the longest stretches of lines where water

has the longest travel time, and the results can be considered a reflection of the entire water system. Hazen and Sawyer’s report recommended two automatic flushers to help draw the water to the outskirts of the system and a valve at the entry point that could periodically shut off the water from Winston-Salem to force the level of water in the tank to change and reduce the time water sits in it. The final confrontation came during the period for council comments. Bill Jones, who had missed the June 14 meeting while recuperating from surgery, said he was dismayed when he saw the council had tentatively approved money for a second shelter for the town park and an electronic sign for Stokesdale Elementary School, and had approved purchasing 12 computers for teachers at Stokesdale Elementary and providing $5,000 in seed money for an events committee.

“It’s like we’re trying to become Disney World when we compete with Oak Ridge and Summerfield to have everything they’ve got,” he said. Bill Jones also said Flynt had asked him to sit in on a meeting June 28

with developers of the newly approved Belews Ridge subdivision to discuss a possible public-private partnership to expand the water system. He said he was surprised when Hooks walked in. Bill Jones said he told Hooks that three council members can’t be in the room during the discussion, and Hooks said Bain had said it was OK as long as no votes were taken. Bill Jones said he asked Hooks to leave. “I don’t think Mr. Bain ever made that comment to anybody,” Bill Jones said. “I’m upset when we find out we have three council members in chambers every once in a while having meetings and nobody’s present, nobody knows what went on, no minutes were taken. “I think Mr. Bain would agree you’d never have three council members together discussing anything at an unannounced meeting. If someone told me Mr. Bain said it was OK, I don’t really believe that.” Flynt said he had always heard that more than two council members could meet as long as there was no vote or discussion of “significant business.” He said when he had previously been on the council, all five members went to the same church. “Are you telling me in Stokesdale

...continued on p. 25

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

Welcome to

Anderson sets sights on being named among the ‘Fittest on Earth’ The 16-year-old rising junior at Northern High School will head to Wisconsin Aug. 1-5 to compete in International CrossFit Games by MARC PRUITT It didn’t take long for Tyler Anderson to fall in love with CrossFit workouts. It also didn’t take him long to excel at them. On Aug. 1, Anderson, a rising junior at Northern Guilford, will head to Madison, Wisconsin, for the second straight year to participate in the Reebok CrossFit games. There, he will seek the honor of being recognized as the “Fittest on Earth.” Anderson will be competing in the 16- to 17-year-old age division after finishing eighth last year in the 14- to 15-year-old age group.

It was at age 12 that Anderson caught the CrossFit bug, discovering the workout program after his father attended a session with a former business partner. “My dad did it and told us all about it after he got home from one of his business trips,” Anderson said. “We lived in Eufaula, Alabama, at the time and he signed my sister, Celie, and me up for the kids’ classes at the gym there and I’ve been going ever since. We moved to Summerfield when I was in eighth grade and now I go to CrossFit Oak Ridge.”

Photos courtesy of Tyler Anderson

Tyler Anderson, a rising high school junior who works out at CrossFit Oak Ridge, will participate in International CrossFit Games Aug. 1-5.

CrossFit Oak Ridge held a fundraiser for Anderson last week, where more than 50 twoperson teams paid $60 to participate in a signature workout that tested the

levels of their endurance and fitness. “The money raised will help offset my travel costs, like hotel and food and other expenses while I am there,”

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Cody Martin, PA-C

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“A round can be any movement, and you are working against a clock to complete them,” he said. “For example, I can do 10 deadlifts, run 400 meters, and then do 10 pull ups, and that’s one round. For a workout, the instructor can tell you that you have five rounds, so you would do that cycle of exercise five times each. It’s pretty intense.”

sports and types of exercise, with the movements and exercises associated with a workout performed at high intensity. For competitions, Anderson said the workouts are timed and points are accumulated for each completed round.

Anderson qualified for the upcoming competition during a five-week program. A workout would be released online every Thursday at 8 p.m., and participants would have until the following Monday at 8 p.m. to complete it. Points were accrued based on time of completion, with the top 200 advancing to the final round of qualifying. Anderson finished as the No. 8 seed for his age group for the Reebok CrossFit games. The starting middle linebacker for Northern’s football team, Anderson said doing CrossFit has definitely

helped him with his football performance. “I have a much greater aerobic capacity,” he said. “My endurance and strength have really developed and it’s a lot easier to keep up with fastpaced offenses when I’m on the field. I’m usually working out six days a week, as much as three to four hours a day. You can tell pretty quickly that you’re getting in better shape.”

Anderson said several of his friends at school are aware of his passion for the CrossFit workout, and he has even influenced his best friend, Ethan Ryan, and his family to participate in CrossFit. “They all came to my fundraiser last year and loved it so much they signed up to do it,” Anderson said. “It’s one of those things that once you do it, you can’t get enough of it.”

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Northern Guilford graduate takes second place at SkillsUSA national competition by MARC PRUITT

Ethan Little discovered a passion for computers when he was in ninth grade and by the time his senior year at Northern Guilford rolled around he had definitely found his calling. Little, who graduated in June, won second place in computer programming at the SkillsUSA national competition held in Louisville, Kentucky, last month.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce by developing personal, workplace and technical framework skills grounded in academics. Little took first place in the SkillsUSA state competition in May. For the national competition he was required to provide a résumé, complete a test on programming, develop two programs to solve an industry-

Who will be the voice for this child? Courtesy photo

Ethan Little (left), a recent graduate of Northern Guilford High School, with his computer science teacher, Scott Ilkenhons, at the SkillsUSA national competition in Louisville, Kentucky, last month.

relevant problem, sit for a job interview, and wear a standard SkillsUSA uniform consisting of a white SkillsUSA logoed shirt, black dress pants, black socks and black leather dress shoes. Little said he was a bit surprised to win the second-place medal.

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“I wasn’t prepared to take the test on the second day,” he said with a laugh. “I did pretty terrible on it because it was just something I think I overlooked. But I felt really good about everything else, especially when it came time to start the programming. I had to write two programs and was given two hours each on them. The top three places got medals, and when they called my name, I was shocked. I was really happy, not just for myself,

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

but also for my teacher. I think that validates all he taught me as well.” Scott Ilkenhons has taught Little for three years in five different computer classes at Northern and accompanied him to Louisville. Ilkenhons saw something in Little during his sophomore year and recruited him to join Northern’s SkillsUSA chapter as a junior. “I was looking for kids from the CTE (career technical education) program to join us and was trying to identify people who we thought could be champions,” Ilkenhons said. “We learned this year that Ethan was really, really good at programming. One of the courses he took with me this year, he was done with the work in January and spent the last couple months

The mayor has listed five requesters who she said did not sufficiently complete their public records request form and said she would not respond to “piecemeal” requests or make additions or corrections to them. The Northwest Observer was included on the mayor’s list for a request submitted on June 19, and she has not responded to repeated questions about what information was missing from the request. “My public records request complies with Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes and I cannot legally be required to provide any information that has not already been provided on my PRR form dated June 19,” Northwest Observer Editor Patti Stokes wrote

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JULY 26 - AUG. 1, 2018

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“I’ve been helping out there since I was 13, but this is the first time I’ve worked all summer,” he said. “I love it. It makes me feel very appreciative for everything that we might take for granted. It feels so good to help out those kids. You are their best friend for that week and it’s really good for your heart to make them feel like normal kids.”

But the town can not get Dunham’s town business-related emails off its server because Dunham declined a summerfieldgov.com email account when she took office in December, opting instead to set up her own email account through yahoo.com. Dunham has also used her personal gadunham@

“Your statement that the town has ‘all the Summerfield town business emails…’ and that our IT contractor can ‘get them off the town server’ isn’t truthful,” Whitaker wrote to Dunham on the morning of July 25 after learning she had pointed the Northwest Observer back to the town to access her emails. “We have zero access to emails that you send and receive from either of your two known email addresses aside from those ultimately received by our server. Stating that me, Bill Hill, or staff can provide all (or even a majority of) your emails is passing the buck… You have multiple, valid PRRs awaiting your compliance.”

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Until then, he will spend the last few weeks of summer volunteering as a counselor at Camp Carefree, working with children with special needs and debilitating health conditions.

In a follow-up to Whitaker’s email, Town Attorney Bill Hill confirmed he had reviewed the public records requests for Dunham’s emails as they were received and sufficient information was provided from all the requesters.

Dunham wrote back that she did not have a copy of the Northwest Observer’s public records request, and offered this advice to Stokes: “I suggest you keep your request with the Town as they have all the Summerfield town business emails and request them all, so that no word, phrase, or sentence is taken out of context. Town also has the IT expert to get them off the town server.”

aol.com account to communicate with select individuals about town business.

______________________ Date

Little will head to Appalachian State next month and plans to major in – you guessed it – computer science.

Town Manager Scott Whitaker sent an email July 24 to those who have submitted requests for Dunham’s emails, apologizing that they had not yet been fulfilled. He explained the town is not in possession of the emails and the mayor has declined the offer of technical assistance to retrieve them.

_________________________________ Time

“I didn’t do too well in that one,” he said. “We got some information late about some things that got changed and I went in not really prepared. But I think I found the perfect fit for me in computer programming. It’s much more interesting and I feel like I can be creative with it. It’s just better suited for me.”

sent and received since being sworn into office Dec. 12; the oldest request on file is dated April 25.

_________________________________ Date

The results weren’t nearly as impressive.

...continued from p. 1

in an email to Dunham on July 24. “I feel confident there is nothing legally missing from my request and you are therefore obligated to fulfill it… exactly what information do you find my public records request dated June 19 is legally lacking and is keeping you from fulfilling it? Please answer the question.”

_________________________________ Time

Little did the state competition for SkillsUSA as a junior in a different discipline – computer engineering.

PUBLIC RECORDS

_________________________________ Date

of school doing online competitions and writing code. You could see how passionate he was about it. He had gone beyond the class last year, but he would help them out until the end of the year.”

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_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ Time Date Time Date Time ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

High school student parking fees to rise to $30 in fall Northwest Guilford eyes security improvements with its share of fees by CHRIS BURRITT Parking fees for Guilford County high school students are rising from $5 to $30 in the upcoming school year, providing funds for improving the safety of school campuses including Northwest Guilford High School. The Guilford County Board of Education increased the cost for parking passes earlier this month for the first time in more than 20 years. It cited the need for additional spending on security on school campuses, reflecting concerns expressed by Northwest High School’s Parent, Teacher, Student Organization about entrances to classroom buildings remaining unlocked

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Northwest High School’s PTSO is focusing on unguarded access to classroom buildings and mobile units.

during the school day. “Right now we are standing wide open,” said Ashley Royal, parent of a

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Half of the parking fees will stay with individual schools with the remainder funding district-wide safety and security improvements implemented by central office administrators, Guilford County Schools said in a statement last week. “We want parents to know that half of that money is going to stay at our school,” Royal stressed in an interview.

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rising junior at Northwest and advocacy chairperson for the school’s PTSO. Unguarded access to a cluster of classroom trailers is also a security risk, she said.

“We hope they want to support safety and security at the school.” Securing more than 30 access doors at Northwest with automatic, centrally programmed locking and unlocking, as well as key fobs for teachers and students, would cost an estimated $30,000, Royal said. The school’s share of higher parking fees would cover a portion of the cost. Parking fees at Northwest will total about $22,500 in 2018-19, based upon 750 parking spaces collecting $30 apiece, Royal said. How to spend half of that amount – or about $11,250

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Unlocked doors at Northwest High School are a safety concern for administrators and the school’s PTSO. At left, a sign on the door of a classroom building directs visitors to the main ofﬁce. Below, a black cat “guards” the door of a classroom trailer. Cats live underneath the trailers, crawling through openings in the wood paneling along the ground.

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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!

Art Reenstra, Realtor If you are about to make a decision about one of the largest financial investments of your life, whether buying or selling, no one will work harder for you than I will. I have been a Guilford County resident for over 30 years and my wife Kathleen and I have raised three children here. We love this area. I have been a small business owner,

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JULY 26 - AUG. 1, 2018

Photo by Laura Reneer/NWO

Riding High Harley-Davidson owner Mark Wheelihan (center) was honored on July 18 with a surprise celebration to commemorate 20 years as a Harley-Davidson dealership owner. After 19-plus years as the owner of Greensboro Harley Davidson, Wheelihan recently moved his dealership to N.C. 68 in High Point. Pictured above, L-R, are Reade Fulton (general sales manager), Tracy Avant (Harley-Davidson Financial Services), Mark Wheelihan and his wife Tara, and Jeff Ryding (district manager).

The Northwest Observer â&#x20AC;˘ Totally local since 1996

BITS & PIECES

Northwest Pediatrics to host free Community Fun Day Would your kids love to explore a real fire truck and play in a bounce house? Would you like to make sure your car seat is installed correctly? Would everyone in the family enjoy a shaved ice treat and some balloon magic?

All are invited to the Northwest Pediatrics office at 4529 Jessup Grove Road in Greensboro for a free event that will feature all of the above. The office’s Free Community Fun Day is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 2, from 3 to 5 p.m. In addition to celebrating summer with fun events and treats, those attending will have an opportunity to meet Dr. David M. DeWeese, the newest pediatrician at Northwest Pediatrics. A native of Greensboro and a graduate of Grimsley High School, Dr. DeWeese received his medical degree from UNC Chapel Hill and completed a residency in pediatrics at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. He and his wife, Sarah Taylor, have a 5-year-old daughter, Amelia. Before discovering his calling as a

pediatrician, Dr. DeWeese worked for four years as a high school Latin and Greek teacher. He was drawn to pediatrics because, like teaching, it gives him an opportunity to help others understand complex subjects and allows him to work with the entire family holistically to ensure that kids get what they need. “When I started thinking about medicine, pediatrics seemed like a natural fit,” DeWeese said. “I am still taking care of children, just in a different way.” Highlights of the free Community Fun Day on Aug. 2 include: • Checks for proper installation of car seats by the Summerfield Fire Department. • An onsite fire truck for exploring. • A bounce house. • Face painting. • Looney Lanny’s balloon animals and magic show. • Popcorn and shaved ice treats. For more information, visit www.northwestpediatrics.com or call (336) 605-0190.

NEWS in brief

a great addition as our town clerk and finance officer.”

...continued from p. 6 part-time positions even though the positions were advertised as full time. “In the past few months she’s proved herself more than efficiently being able to run this town hall,” Bruno said of Houk. “I think she’s gone above and beyond what we would ask of most people. I think she would be

Bill Jones and Tim Jones said they thought Houk had done a good job, especially considering the circumstances, but Bill Jones said he believed the council needed to hire a town clerk with experience in municipal government, and Tim Jones said he had suggested several times Stokesdale hire a non-auditing certified public accountant as finance officer.

Council votes to buy, donate electronic sign to school STOKESDALE – The Stokesdale Town Council voted July 12 to purchase a two-sided electronic sign for $23,633.68 that will be donated to Stokesdale Elementary School.

pay for a second shelter at Town Park. The sign will be part of a red brick structure 6 feet high, about 9 feet wide and 16 inches deep. Council member Frank Bruno said the maintenance and administration of the sign will be handled by the school.

The vote was 4-1, with Tim Jones voting nay. The sign – to be placed at the intersection of N.C. 68 and U.S. 158 – will be used to advertise school and town events, and for public information. The money will come from a $33,333 downtown revitalization grant from the state, which is part of the 2018-19 fiscal year budget. The remaining $9,699.32 will be used to help

The cost of the sign originally was estimated to be about $13,500, but Bruno said that was for a basic sign. During the June 14 council meeting, Bruno said he didn’t have the exact cost but it would be capped at $22,000. The sign will be purchased from Sign Resources of N.C. Inc. of Kernersville.

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JULY 26 - AUG. 1, 2018

Scam alert; ofﬁcer urges caution Lock your vehicle doors Sgt. T.P. Popek of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office has alerted citizens to a Publishers Clearing House scam that recently occurred in District 1. Popek said the victim of the scam sent a couple thousand dollars to the unknown suspects thinking that it was for taxes owed.

“Obviously, they were wrong and were victims of a scam,” Popek wrote on nextdoor.com on July 24. “Please be careful when dealing with suspects over the phone and never send them money with rechargeable credit cards like Green Dot, Vanilla, etc. Once the money is sent there is no way of tracking it.”

Packages stolen from doorstep Sgt. T.P. Popek also reports multiple agencies have recently had victims reporting their FedEx and UPS packages have been stolen from their doorstep.

“Whenever possible, please have a signature required or have your valuable packages delivered to your place of employment. It will save you in the long run,” Popek advises.

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Sgt. R.D. Seals of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens to always lock their vehicle doors and either (preferably) remove valuables, or place them out of sight.

it’s not a matter of if someone will break into your car, it’s when. If you are leaving your keys in your unlocked car, don’t be surprised if someone eventually catches on and steals it.

“Throughout the month of July we have been hit hard with car break-ins throughout the entire county, with the vast majority having left their vehicles unlocked,” Seals wrote on nextdoor.com July 23. “We have also had several cars stolen with victims leaving their doors unlocked with the keys inside.”

“The days of leaving your doors unlocked and thinking ‘that sort of thing doesn’t happen here’ are long gone. We continue to ask that you lock your doors, remove your valuables from your vehicle (especially firearms) and bring in your keys. We need your help to take the simple steps of securing your property in order to reduce this crime trend.”

Citing several recent instances of car thefts in Guilford County, Seals wrote, “In the vast majority of these cases, we believe the victims would not have had their cars entered or victimized if they would have simply locked their car doors. If you are not locking your doors,

See something suspicious? Report suspicious activity by calling 911 (if you feel it’s an emergency) or the Guilford-Metro 911 non-emergency line at (336) 373-2222.

CRIME / INCIDENT report Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, District 1 has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County.

ASSAULT July 22 | A resident of the 8500 block of Fulp Road in Stokesdale reported a known person slapped her in the arm.

BURGLARY/THEFT July 19 | A resident of the 7200 block of Alcorn Road in northwest Greensboro reported that sometime between 7:40 a.m. and 5:20 p.m. on July 19, someone forcibly entered the residence through the back door and stole an Xbox One console, Xbox games, controllers, headsets, an iPhone, iPod, wedding band and other items with a total estimated value of $2,358.97.

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July 20 | A resident of the 200 block of Marshall Smith Road in Colfax reported that sometime between 12 p.m. on July 19 and 8:52 a.m. on July 20, a known suspect stole various Snap-On

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

lights and batteries from his outbuilding; estimated value of the stolen items was $220.

FRAUD July 22 | A resident of the 1600 block of Deer Run Court in Oak Ridge reported he/she was a victim of credit card/ATM fraud which occurred sometime between 12 p.m. on July 18 and 5:30 p.m. on July 22.

ARRESTS/CITATIONS July 18 | Following a traffic stop at 12:34 a.m. in the 4800 block of N.C. 220 and Joseph Hoskins Road in Summerfield, a 27-year-old male was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, faulty rear vehicle lights, and possessing a fictitious driver’s license. A 30-year-old female passenger in the

...continued on p. 24

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 Gardening Gala | The NC Extension Master Gardener volunteers of Guilford County are hosting a gardening gala and seminar on Sept. 20, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will return to its usual venue at N.C. Cooperative Extension, Guilford County Center located at 3309 Burlington Road, Greensboro. Seating is limited, so early registration is highly recommended. The $45 gala fee includes continental breakfast, all three keynote addresses, one breakout session of choice, catered lunch, vendors with plants and garden-related items, door prizes and gift bags. More info or to register: guilfordgardenanswers.org.

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Farms, 3203 Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield, in the garden on Aug. 1, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. to help pick blueberries, or from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to help pick squash. Garden volunteers will come together with staff to pick fresh organic food, acquire sustainable living skills, support local agriculture, enjoy nature, make new friends and build community. This event is open to volunteers ages 5 and up; youth ages 5 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent. More info or to register for this event: www.summerfieldfarms.com.

On the left side, click community calendar

THURSDAY, JULY 26

 P&Z Board Meeting | The Oak Ridge Planning

and Zoning Board will meet July 26, 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, Oak Ridge. More info: www.oakridgenc.com or (336) 644-7009.

add your event Click and fill in your details

SATURDAY, JULY 28

 Walk with a Doc | Join this month’s free commu-

nity walk on July 28, 8 a.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive, Oak Ridge. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic and then enjoy a healthy walk through the park and conversation with a doctor. Pre-registration is not required. More info: walkoakridgenc@gmail.com.

MONDAY, JULY 30

View the complete, detailed Community Calendar at nwobserver.com, and check the Northwest Observer each week for a selection of upcoming events

 P&Z Board Meeting | The Summerfield Plan-

ning and Zoning Board will meet July 30, 7 p.m. at Summerfield Town Hall, 4117 Oak Ridge Road, Summerfield. Please note new location. More info: www.summerfieldgov.com.

THURSDAY, AUG. 2

 Town Council Meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council

will meet Aug. 2, 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. More info: www.oakridgenc.com.

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JULY 26 - AUG. 1, 2018

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...

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

JULY 26 - AUG. 1, 2018

 PS Communications (publisher of Northwest Observer) for all the work in putting together this year’s To Your Health. Loved the articles and the photos – great job!  Oak Ridge Fire Department for making sure their equipment is ready to handle an emergency anytime, any day! I am more than happy to tolerate a little inconvenience for my safety.  Dr. Laurie MacDonald and “Nurse Susan” at Forsyth Pediatrics. Your concern and compassion for my child last week was more than a parent could ask for. You went above and beyond and you are much appreciated!  Coach Allred and all involved with putting on the Northwest Guilford soccer summer camp. My 6-year-old loved it and he is already asking when he can go back and do it again.  Donna and crew at The Garden Outlet in Summerfield for working with and around our home construction project (and deadline) and making our back yard look so beautiful for our son’s outdoor engagement party!  Oak Ridge Fire Department for your constant (24/7/365) vigilance and willingness to sacrifice your time so my family can rest easy knowing you are on the job in case of an emergency. I appreciate you – you guys are the best!

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 Dwayne at Precision Body Works and Service Center on Gideon Grove Church Road for fixing a tire for me promptly – twice in less than two weeks. We appreciate all your help. Now I can drive without worry!  StokeRidge Tavern – love the free music on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights as we listen to it on our screened-in back porch (over the pond) in Dawn Acres.  The Ridgewood lifeguards. You guys handled the emergency on July 21 perfectly. Thanks to you, a life was saved! Keep up the good work.  Eddie, owner of Mythos Grill on West Market Street (and on Battleground Avenue), for being such a pleasure to work with when catering our son’s engagement party. Prompt delivery, excellent service, and all of our guests raved about the food!  Dr. Le of Eagle Physicians of Oak Ridge for always going the extra mile to offer quality healthcare.  Those making an effort to reduce waste. Getting rid of straws is a great move, but stopping the consumption of seafood is the real issue.  Summerfield Fire District for giving us something to smile about in Summerfield – your Lip Sync performance was awesome! (If you haven’t already seen it, check it out on the depart-

ment’s Facebook page.)  Oak Ridge Fire Department Chief Steve Simmons and the NWO for a recently printed response to a gripe about “noise.” Get a grip, you gripers! You owe the firefighters cookies and an apology.

GRIPES to...

 Those who complain about siren testing. I sincerely hope and pray they don’t have the misfortune of ever needing a first responder – for if they had, they would definitely understand and appreciate the reasons for equipment checks every morning.  Republic “Services.” You’re just awful. I have worse words to describe you, but the NWO doesn’t approve of such colorful language in print. I will keep griping until you get your act together.

 Those who have jumped from Team America to Team Russia, following the lead of Putin’s puppet (President Trump) who lavishes praise on the Russian despot and calls the U.S. foolish and stupid. His behavior is nothing short of treasonous.  Drivers who continuously speed on Mabe Marshall Road. It is a dirt road. Please be kind, think of the walkers whom you throw dirt all over, and slow down!  Dwayne Crawford and the rest of the petition crew in Summerfield. Mailing #3 received today; going to shred it just as I did the last two. This reeks of greed, desperation and a hidden agenda.

 Stokesdale Mayor John Flynt for wanting to see “cluster homes/townhouses” in Stokesdale. Maybe you are not who we thought you were! Don’t make me regret my vote. Respect the town’s vision statement and preserve our agricultural history.  Those griping about Oak Ridge Fire Department testing their sirens in the mornings. Amazing how you can hear the sirens on a Sunday morning but can’t hear them when they are right behind you!

WARM

WEATHER

IS HERE

Make sure your A/C system can handle the job

 Those who work in customer service but have no customer service skills. Also, if you work in a restaurant and handle food, wash your hands when coming off break!  The enlightened ones with the California/New York City values, mindset and ideas who move to North Carolina and want to “save us.” We don’t need saving! Please keep your ideology out of our schools and communities.  Town of Stokesdale for not having an emergency number to call on the water bill or the website when you have no water service. Mayor’s voicemail is full and other council members have incorrect numbers listed.  Those complaining about Trump. Which is worse: Russia meddling in our election with no discernable results, or trying to fill our voter rolls with illegal immigrants?  Fishermen (or women) who leave nets in the ocean. Straws account for .03 percent of ocean debris, while fishing nets are 46 percent. Make real change on the planet. Source: Bloomberg.  Duke Energy for being not very bright! They changed our meter to a “smart meter” without any promised notification, knocking out all power while we were out of town. We call it “stupid meter.” Watch out, you could be next!  Whoever complained about the mallard ducks in the River Oaks subdivision. Had enjoyed seeing them for years. I and my neighbors sure miss them now. Really!!  Summerfield Mayor Gail Dunham. Why, oh why, aren’t you fulfilling your public records requests for copies of your emails? Do you have something to hide, or do you just not realize your public – and legal – duty?

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

 Those who griped about Oak Ridge Fire Department’s early-morning equipment testing – if your slumber is disturbed, try praying for functional equipment, safety for responders, vehicles outta the way and help for those in need.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JULY 26 - AUG. 1, 2018

LIGHTNING STRIKES

LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your editorials

(maximum

...continued from p. 2

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.

President Trump displayed diplomacy, leadership The United States and Russia each possess the capability to destroy the world many times over. It is my opinion these weapons are just deterrents and will never be used by civil nations because the outcome is understood. I read where no world leader will write the last chapter of history – God will write it. President Trump is again being hounded for his dialogue and his comments during the press conference following the summit drew widespread criticism. He said he asked President Putin about Russia’s involvement with our 2016 election and Putin denied any Russian government involvement. You know President Putin is lying, I know President Putin is lying. The whole world knows President Putin is lying and President Putin knows the whole world knows he is lying. What would it have accomplished for our president to call Putin a liar on worldwide television?

suspicious of our intelligence agencies, one need not look any further than the testimony of FBI agent Peter Strzok. I knew he was lying, the people watching knew he was lying and he knew everyone knew he was lying. It is shameful the way career politicians were quick to criticize President Trump. Sen. McCain used the word “pathetic.” Actually, if McCain hadn’t been such a pathetic candidate in 2008 (I voted for him because of his military background) he might have had a more favorable result. He appears as upset as Hillary that President Trump won and they didn’t. President Trump has fulfilled more campaign promises in 18 months than most presidents do in eight years. Just imagine what could be accomplished if the citizens of the United States got behind their elected leader and gave him a chance. God bless America and President Donald Trump.

President Trump displayed remarkable diplomacy, maintaining a civil dialogue with Russia. As for him being

Charles Isennock SUMMERFIELD

Water service was restored around 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, Houk confirmed. The Northwest Observer received complaints Monday from citizens who said they could not find emergency contact information on the town’s website. Previously it was there, but a new website went live Friday morning and the emergency information was not transferred over by the web company, Houk said. Anyone going to the website saw a pop-up tab saying there was a water outage and it was being repaired; when the repair was completed, the tab was changed to say water service had been restored and water was safe for use. Citizens also complained that phone

JULY 26 - AUG. 1, 2018

Houk said she went to Town Hall and “the phone was ringing off the hook.” “The calls were rolling in faster than I could pick them up,” she said. Bruno said he received about six calls, and Flynt said he received 62. Flynt said some people were upset with him for not returning their calls. “I was trying to find out what happened and to get the problem solved,” he said. Flynt said he doesn’t know how much water was lost or how much repairs cost.

CRIME/INCIDENT report vehicle was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and possession of controlled substances. July 18 | A 23-year-old male was cited at 1:11 p.m. at N.C. 68/N.C. 65 in Stokesdale for driving 15 or more miles per hour over the speed limit. July 21 | A 40-year-old male was cited at 3:32 p.m. at Belews Creek Road/ N.C. 158 in Stokesdale for having an expired registration plate. July 21 | A 47-year-old female was cited at 7:37 p.m. at N.C. 158/Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale for displaying an expired inspection certificate. July 21 | A 16-year-old male was cited at 7:58 p.m. at N.C. 220/Crestfield Road in Summerfield for making an unsafe lane change. July 21 | A 31-year-old female was cited at 8:18 p.m. at N.C. 68/Clintwood Drive in Stokesdale for displaying an expired license plate. July 21 | A 47-year-old male was cited at 8:28 p.m. at N.C. 158/N.C. 68 in

numbers listed for council members were wrong and Flynt’s voicemail was full. Two numbers had been transposed in Hooks’ phone number and Tim Jones’ number is the same as Town Hall. The other three were correct.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

...continued from p. 20

Stokesdale for displaying an expired license plate. July 21 | A 31-year-old male was arrested at 11:22 p.m. in the 7800 block of N.C. 68 North in Stokesdale for “defrauding an innkeeper” (leaving a restaurant or hotel/inn without paying) and resisting, delaying or obstructing a public officer. July 23 | A 26-year-old female was arrested at 9:29 p.m. in the 7700 block of N.C. 68 North/Prince Edward Road of Stokesdale for possession of marijuana (up to 1/2 ounce) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

7506 Summerfield Road Main number: (336) 641-2300 Report non-emergency crime-related incidents by calling:

(336) 373-2222

8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F www.guilfordcountysheriff.com

OPIOID CRISIS ...continued from p. 1

Services responded to more than 700 drug overdose calls for people ranging from 15 to 73 years old, Jim Albright, the agency’s director, told the church gathering July 15. Last year more than 100 deaths in the county were attributed to narcotics overdoses, Albright said. Stokesdale Mayor John Flynt said he plans to distribute compact discs of Albright’s presentation to the ministers of Stokesdale churches and other community leaders. He wants to encourage those groups to host additional forums to reach a wider audience. Addiction to narcotics – especially opioids – isn’t a problem you can undo on your own, Flynt said in an interview. “It takes a lot of support.” After a brainstorming session in May, Stokesdale leaders decided to proceed with public forums. In attendance were Flynt, Walker, Stokesdale Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks and Vicki White-Lawrence, a past Stokesdale council member who now serves

as president of the League of Women Voters of the Piedmont Triad. “We are trying to educate people about the dangers as well as to reduce the stigma for people with substance use problems,” Albright said in an interview. John and Jennifer Middleton, who are members of Oak Level Baptist Church, attended the forum with their 10-year-old twins, Aaron and Anna. Afterwards, Middleton said he and his wife wanted their children to understand the dangers of using drugs and alcohol. Middleton said Aaron accompanied him three months ago to the home of a family where the father had died from a heart attack after mixing opioids and other drugs. “This is what it will do to you,” Middleton said he told his son. “This man has died and his children are upset. “If we can show our children what can happen to families and individuals who started with that first drink of alcohol or that first drug – exposing them rather than sheltering them from the problem – then I think that will make a difference in our family,” Middleton said.

DECORUM ABSENT ...continued from p. 9

council members can’t get together to go to church or a civic event?” Flynt asked. “I’m not talking about church,” Bill Jones said. “I’m talking about in your office.” Before a special meeting July 18, Bain said he never told Flynt or Hooks it was appropriate for three council members to meet to discuss town business, even if no vote is taken. Bain said the standard in the law was transacting public business as defined under Article 33C of N.C. General Statutes Chapter 143 beginning at 143-318.9. “That’s why I sent an email to the council (July 12), because I was concerned,” Bain said. Bill Jones said he believes it’s happened several times. “I’ve been in the building when

three people walked out of your office,” he told Flynt, referring to Flynt, Hooks and Bruno. “I’m just saying I don’t think you’re holding worship services in your office when you have three council members in there. “When a third council member walks into a meeting with developers to participate, that tells me it’s happened more than once.” Two days after the council meeting, Flynt said Bain had told council members to stop unannounced meetings with more than two council members present. “I can guarantee it won’t happen again,” Flynt said. Newly elected officials are required to take an ethics class from the UNC School of Government. Flynt and Hooks, who were elected last November, haven’t taken the class, according to Town Clerk/Finance Officer Alisa Houk. They have until October to complete the class, she said.

REGISTRATION BEGAN

June 3, 2018 First evaluation: August 11 First game: September 15 Finish date: November 10 2300 Scalesville Road, Summerfield Ages 4 - 6th grade • Registration $70

Players must turn 4 years of age by 8/31/2018 Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

John Middleton (center) said he wants his 10-year-old twins to understand the dangers of using drugs and alcohol. John and his son Aaron are pictured here with Jim Albright, Guilford County Emergency Services director (at left), and Stokesdale Mayor John Flynt.

SUMMERFIELD FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

All players must attend one evaluation Co-ed league • Games and practices held on Saturdays

For more info, call (336) 643-6383 or visit summerfieldfbc.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JULY 26 - AUG. 1, 2018

AUTO SALES & SERVICE

EMPLOYMENT

HOME SERVICES

EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR We specialize in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo, Mini and Porsche. 32 years experience. Knight Import Specialty Service, 4559 US Highway 220, Summer-field (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669.

STAFF POSITIONS AVAILABLE in August at local childcare. Assistants, teachers, cooks and substitutes. Call (336) 643-5930.

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

EMPLOYMENT

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 ................... 26 Employment ............................... 26 Childcare Available...................... 26 Homecare Available ................... 26 Save the Date ............................. 26 Home Services ....................... 26-29 Misc. Services.............................. 29 Misc. For Sale ............................. 29 Misc. Wanted .............................. 29 Pets & Animal Services ................ 29 Real Estate............................. 29-30

COMPETENT HORSE PERSON needed for daily morning and evening chores (i.e., feeding, turnout, stall cleaning) and possible daily grooming duties, including tacking and untacking, at a private dressage barn of 3 to 4 horses located in the Summerfield area. Must have reliable transportation. No smoking on premises allowed. References preferred. Please call Cindy at (805) 358-4765. per DOCTOR'S OFFICE HIRING.. Apply in person on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, from 11:30am to 1:30pm at 7092A Summerfield Road in Summerfield. Will train. No calls please. WAREHOUSE EMPLOYEES needed for Carson-Dellosa Publishing Company. Must be 18 and 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. ELECTRICAL HELPER needed for electrical contractor ASAP for residential work. Pay negotiable. Call (336) 643-3800 or (336) 669-8335. BILL'S PIZZA PUB in Oak Ridge is now hiring for day and night-time positions as manager, host/hostess, and cook. Come on in and fill out an application today! HELP WANTED for The Garden Outlet. Call (336) 643-0898. PART-TIME ASST. TEACHER needed for fall at popular preschool program. HS diploma a must. Exper. strongly preferred. Appr. 18 hrs./week. Send resume/letter to preschooljob2018@gmail.com.

JULY 26 - AUG. 1, 2018

CHILDCARE AVAILABLE IN-HOME CHILDCARE AVAILABLE. Mon.Fri. from 6am to 6pm. Ages: Infant to five years old. I have two openings currently available. Stokesdale / Belews Creek area. Please contact me at (336) 312-3042.

DREAM AND CLEAN. Cleaning services for commercial and residential homes with 17 years experience. Call (336) 491-1203 or visit www.dreamandclean.com.

Olga’s Housekeeping Service

HOMECARE AVAILABLE

If it needs to be clean I’ll clean it; if it needs to be done I’ll do it!

NIGHT-SHIFT CAREGIVER AVAILABLE, Experienced with excellent ref. Call (336) 707-5245.

References Available

(336) 289-0008

SAVE THE DATE "WALK WITH A DOC." Join this month's free community walk on Saturday, July 28, 8:00am, at Oak Ridge Town Park. You'll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic, then enjoy a healthy walk and conversation with a doctor. Every walk is FREE and pre-registration is not required. Email any questions to walkoakridgenc@ gmail.com. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL. Saturday, August 4, 9am-1pm at Gideon Grove UMC, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Rd., Stokesdale. Theme: "Jesus Loves the Little Children." Lunch provided. Call Laura for more information at (336) 643-6042.

HOME SERVICES CLEANING MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING $25 off! Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407. SANDRA'S CLEANING SERVICE. 10 years exp., good refs. (336) 423-3196. CLEANING SERVICES. I have 18 years of experience. Free quotes done in home and references gladly provided. Call Kristan at (336) 908-0850 for a sparkling home.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

FLORY'S CLEANING SERVICE. We do the work, you relax and take it easy. Get the best job in town at rates you can afford. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Call (336) 666-4701. NIDIA’S CLEANING SERVICE. 10 years experience. Call Nidia (336) 362-4173. 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. 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.

ELECTRICAL Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Rodney A. Coble, licensed electrician. Monday-Saturday. Call (336) 209-1486. BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.

Your business should be here! Let us introduce you to our readers. Call Marilyn at (336) 644-7035 to find out how we can help you!

HOME SERVICES

FLOORING

FIX YOUR MOWER. Pickup and delivery. Call or text Rick, (336) 501-8681.

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

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.

MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 yrs. exp. Free est., exc. references. Call (336) 215-8842 or visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

OLD SCHOOL

HOME REPAIR/IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.

GRADING / HAULING ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt. available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035. E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282.

Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Painting • Decks and much more! • Insured

PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.

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

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

WELDING REPAIR, You already broke it, how much more damage can I do? Call Morris, (336) 880-7498. Affordable HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate, call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. 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. 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.

L&T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE

2103 Oak Ridge Rd. • Oak Ridge

landtsmallengineservice.com Pickup and delivery available Owners: Tom and Laura Wright

(336) 298-4314

BRAD’S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647.

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING WE DO IT ALL WITH PRIDE! For low rates on lawn service, call (336) 404-3983. CLEAN CUT LAWN CARE. For your lawncare needs. Quality service at a low price. Call Donnie at (336) 671-9940 for a free estimate. COLFAX LAWNCARE Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles. Complete lawn care maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 28 years. (336) 362-5860.

DELIMA LAWNCARE Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 669-5210. AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free estimates. (336) 644-1174. FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete landscape maintenance & hardscaping. Tree work. Reasonable & honest. Call Taylor, (336) 458-6491. FORESTRY MULCHING Cheaper and eco-friendly alternative compared to your traditional land clearing! (336) 362-6181, www.ncforestrymulching.com. CUTTING EDGE LAWNCARE. Affordable. Dependable. Mowing, aeration, leaf removal and more! Please call anytime for free estimate, (336) 706-0103. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call Joe at 643-9157. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com. STOKESDALE LAWN Mowing & weedeating. $45 minimum. (336) 840-8164.

BUSH-HOGGING. Call (336) 707-2272 for estimates.

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

SOUTHERN CUTS LAWN CARE Affordable and dependable, complete lawn maintenance services. 13 years experience. Mowing, pruning, pine needles, mulch, aeration, seeding, leaf removal and more! Call Nathan Adkins, (336) 500-1898.

Place your

classified ad

online at

for just $4 per line Deadline is the Monday prior to each issue MASONRY 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.

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS

AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt avail. (336) 602-5820. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875.

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

Get. Be. Stay. Connected.

facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

The Northwest Observer • Totally 1996 The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal sincesince 1996

ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519. GRILLS, FIRE PITS, tankless water heaters. General home repairs. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.

... continued on p. 28

JULY26 26- -AUG. AUG.1,1,2018 2018 JULY

27 27

“How do I register to vote?”

“Where can I donate unused items I no longer need?”

“What are the DMV’s hours of operation?”

HOME SERVICES

PAINTING & DRYWALL

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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

(336) 931-0600

BEKPaintCompany.com

“Are there any local animal rescue groups?”

“How do I contact my town’s council members?”

Find the answer to these questions and more in the FINDER. It’s jam-packed with valuable information for northwest Guilford County residents. In print every year • Online year-round at nwobserver.com

• References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed

LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089. CINDY’S PAINTING Interior painting, wallpaper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155. PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186. STILL PERFECTION PAINTING Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior & exterior. Free est., lic/ins. (336) 669-5210.

ION

IT ED

rtesy of photo cou eilly Sandi O’R

PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924. WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

PRESSURE WASHING ld | Colfax Summerfie

| Stokesdale

Greensboro | northwest | Oak Ridge

by published

Keep it handy, us e 28

JULY 26 - AUG. 1, 2018

it often

CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING Affordable. Dependable. Please call anytime for free estimate, (336) 706-0103. PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, vinyl siding and windows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum floors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469. HAMMERSMITH WOODWORKING LLC. Carpentry, custom cabinetry, built-ins, stairways, exterior & deck repairs. Over 30 years experience. Call Carlton, (336) 404-3002. ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981. DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est.. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050. JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.

Services TM Construction , INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Screened porches | Sunrooms | Patios

(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell Licensed & insured NC Gen. Contractor #72797

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. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 39 years exp. (336) 362-6343.

HOME SERVICES

MISC. SERVICES

MISC. WANTED

REAL ESTATE

ROOFING

SAM’S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470.

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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. 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. RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. 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. ROOFING, ROOFING, ROOFING! Best prices in town! Shingle and metal roofing. Top-notch quality. Res./comm., lic. & ins. Belews Creek Construction, (336) 362-6343. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469.

MISC. SERVICES PIANO LESSONS, all ages and levels, Summerfield area. Contact Patti, (336) 298-4181.

Oak Ridge Cleaners

PET PRODUCTS

(Lowes Foods Shopping Center)

HAPPY JACK. Use DD-33 to control fleas & ticks on dogs & cats topically. Quicker kill. Longer residual. Biodegradable! At Tractor Supply or visit www.kennelvax.com.

Best Quality In Town! Mon.-Fri. 7:30am – 6:30pm | Sat. 9am – 5pm

New Customers 10% Off

MISC. FOR SALE

Sell it here in the

classifieds submit your ad at

Gil Vaughan REALTOR ®/Broker

(336) 337-4780 Each office is independently owned and operated

JustCallGil.com

We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS

Got

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com READY FOR ADOPTION. Milo is a 3.5-yearold male shorthair / munchkin cat. He would do well in a quiet, indoor only, home with other nice cats. For more info on Milo, please visit www.reddogfarm.com.

Want to reach our 26,600 readers? Contact advertising@nwobserver.com.

HOMES FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE LAND FOR SALE

QUICKBOOKS PROADVISOR QuickBooks desktop or online company file review. $350. Visit www.alignVB.com.

LOTS FOR SALE. Southern Rockingham Cty. with Summerfield address. Bethany Elementary School. Large 2- to 4-acre home sites. Eight 10-acre estate sites. Beautifully wooded and open land with gentle terrain. Ponds, streams on some tracts. Now being offered at pre-development 20% discount prices. Call now to make appointment and reserve your future dream property. Tracts starting at $29,600. Two lots also available in N. Guilford Co. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

Locally owned & operated

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance 6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

SHILOH LANDSCAPE EXCAVATIONS offers an array of mini excavator and skid-steer services. Give us a call today for free estimates: (336) 340-2732.

AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

UTILITY TRAILER. 6.5' L x 4'2" W, & ramps for $350. Excellent cond. (336) 402-4584.

stuff?

Let’s talk!

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.

(336) 298-4246

2205 Oak Ridge Rd., Suite EE • Oak Ridge

Why do you need a Buyer’s Agent?

MISC. WANTED $$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk or wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328.

BUILDING LOTS FOR SALE. One+ acre lot in Chandler Glen SD (Highway 158), Stokesdale; city water available, perked. One+ acre lots on Highway 770, Madison, $15,000 each. Contact John Flynt, Owner / Broker, (336) 687-6019.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

8207 Fortana Court • Kernersville Brick home with 12-ft. ceilings & arched doorways. Guest/in-law room with private bath & walk-in. Kitchen with granite countertops and premium appliances. Breakfast area perfect for farm table & keeping room w/gas logs. 2 more beds, 3 full baths & bonus with walkout storage over 3-car garage.

Art Reenstra (336)423-7635 soldbyart@gmail.com areenstra.cbtriad.com

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

...continued on p. 30

JULY 26 - AUG. 1, 2018

 REAL ESTATE

HOMES FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE OPEN HOUSE: Sun, July 29 • 2- 4pm

BUCOLIC SETTING!

Your family

Realtor

Call today to purchase or sell your home!

8444 Alice Player Drive, Oak Ridge

8711 M G Trail, Stokesdale 3BR, 2 bath, 2-car, efficient kitchen, open floorplan & bonus room on 3+ acres. Northwest schools! $325,000

Jake Letterman (336) 338-0136

Gail Kerber CDPE, ABR, SPS, SLS Realtor®/Broker/Owner

4,500 +/- sq. ft. high-quality home, 3 BR/3 BA, well maintained and ready for your personal touches. Five-car garage, located along the waters of Troublesome Creek on 2.9 acres. Offered at $399,500

Nancy J. Hess

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

For superior marketing, call Ramilya Siegel CRS, GRI, SRES, Chairman’s Circle Award ( 336 ) 215.9856

ramilya.siegel@atcmail.com www.allentate.com/RamilyaSiegel

(336) 327-1165 kerbappeals@gmail.com

PARADE GOLD WINNER!

Glamorous kitchen, immaculate condition, versatile floorplan featuring an additional bedroom on main level, office on upper floor, spacious bonus. Superb Oak Ridge location, top-notch schools! Offered at $418,000

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE

BEAUTIFUL OAK RIDGE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

6804 Marlow, Stokesdale 3 BR/2 BA, spacious living room, huge kitchen with lots of storage, new carpet, new master tub & sinks! Northwest school district! $125,000

Gail Kerber CDPE, ABR, SPS, SLS Realtor®/Broker/Owner

4,400+ sq. ft. 4 BR/3.5 BA home. Master suite with sitting room on main level. Oversized moldings, dramatic floor plan, 3 gas fireplaces, large home theater with wet bar. Cul-de-sac lot, sweeping view of golf course. Offered at $575,000

Nancy J. Hess

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

(336) 327-1165 kerbappeals@gmail.com

Potent ial office park! 6.14-acre wooded site zoned for business/office use in the commercial core area of Oak Ridge. 1/8 mile south of the N.C. 68 and 150 intersection, with turn lanes from both directions on N.C. 68. 1/4-mile commercial driveway leads to 4,400-square-foot main house/office building which is complemented by guest house, outbuildings and tennis court plus large landscaped island with gazebo/picnic area and pasture. Established tenant is willing to stay in place. Offered at $918,000. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs. com/nancy-hess-real-estate-agent and select “My Listings” for photos and more details.

Realtors, get your real estate listings noticed “ by placing showcase ads in our classifieds. Contact me for more info.” Laura Reneer, marketing manager (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 • advertising@nwobserver.com

30 30

JULY - AUG. 1, 1, 2018 JULY2626 - AUG. 2018

The The Northwest Observer • Totally local local since since 1996 1996 Northwest Observer • Totally

Nancy J. Hess

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

BEK Paint Company .......................... 28 Budget Blinds ..................................... 2 Carpets by Direct .............................. 15 Carpet Super Mart........................16, 17 Eanes Heating & Air ............................ 5 New Garden Select ............................. 3 Old School Home Repair .................. 27 Olga’s Housekeeping Service ............ 26 Prostone Inc. ...................................... 2 Rymack Storage ................................ 29 Stokesdale Heating & Air .................. 23 TM Construction Services .................. 28

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital .............. 21

Stonefield Cellars Winery ..................... 5

LEGAL SERVICES

Nancy Hess, BHHS Yost & Little ........ 30

EXERCISE ACTIVITIES/GYM

Barbour & Williams Law .................... 14 Ingle Law........................................... 21 The Law Offices of Susan Greeson.....11

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Please support our advertisers, and tell them where you saw their ad! ACCOUNTING

DENTAL SERVICES

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC..... 14

Summerfield Family Dentistry .............. 6

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

EVENTS

Guardian Ad Litem Program ............. 12

CHIROPRACTOR Oak Ridge Chiropractic ....................... 3

CHURCH

YMCA of Greensboro ...................19, 22

MEDICAL CARE

King’s Crossing Animal Hospital .......... 4 Northwest Animal Hospital ............... 13 Westergaard Kennels .......................... 8

REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty .......................... 29 Art Reenstra, Coldwell Banker ........... 29 Gail Kerber, KERBAPPEALS .............. 30 Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams .............. 29 Jake Letterman, Berkshire Hathaway... 30 Piedmont Rental Homes.................... 21 Ramilya Siegel, Allen Tate ................. 30

SCHOOL

Oak Ridge United Methodist Church... 20 Summerfield First Baptist Church....... 25

FURNITURE Colfax Furniture & Mattress ................. 9

LeBauer Healthcare ......................7, 10 Novant - NW Family Medicine ........... 22

DRY CLEANERS

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

MOTORCYCLE

YOUTH SPORTS

Oak Ridge Cleaners........................... 29

L&T Small Engine Service .................. 27

Riding High Harley Davidson............. 23

Oak Ridge Youth Association .............11

Oak Level Baptist Academy ............... 13

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JULY 26 - AUG. 1, 2018

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

Postal Patron PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 • (336) 644-7035

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go, Cuba, for a mission trip in March.  The Central Baptist Church team traveled to Santia retirement center and also helped build They spent a week of outreach with the seniors at a a new roof on the center.  “No matter where we go, the Northwest Observer helps us stay on top of current events,” say Debbie Shoenfeld, Ann Schneider and Caroline Ruch, pictured while catching up on local news in Navarre Beach, Florida.

 Ray Combs of Oak Ridge says he never misses an issue of the Northwest Observer. When he doesn’t have access to it in print, he checks it out online, as he did on a recent trip to Yosemite National Park.

 Members of Community Lutheran Church – and friends – help feed neighbors at Greensboro Urban Ministry’s Weaver House.