Dec. 21, 2023 - Jan. 17, 2024
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Development ‘sweet spot’ elusive for Summerfield DE-
Newly seated council members provide fresh insights, while struggling to find a clear path in the town’s battle with landowner David Couch by CHRIS BURRITT
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Two days after being sworn into office on Dec. 14, newly elected Summerfield Town Council members joined fellow members and staff for a special called meeting to discuss a controversial text amendment approved by the council in October and landowner David Couch’s potential efforts to de-annex almost 1,000 acres.
IN THIS ISSUE Your Questions................................... 4 News Briefs.......................................... 6 Oak Ridge TC: Dec. 7 mtg................ 8 Summerfield TC: Dec. 12 & 14 mtg.12 Stokesdale TC: Dec. 14 mtg............ 14 Stokesdale Christmas parade....... 16 Real Estate/Biz: 2023 Top stories..... 18 Commercial rezonings face resistance....................................... 22 Apartments, townhouses on Fleming Road?.............................................. 24 Novant opens new S’Field clinics.24 NWO Kids’ Korner ............................ 26 NWHS cheer team state champs.. 27 Scouts honor veterans.................... 28 Crime/Incident Report ................... 32 Community Calendar ................... 33 Grins and Gripes .............................34 Classifieds ........................................ 36 Onward to 2024................................ 39 NWO On The Go .............................. 39
SUMMERFIELD – As newly seated council members Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay dig into Summerfield’s de-annexation fight, they’re confronting the challenge that’s divided town leaders and residents for most of the year. The text amendment passed by the town council on Oct. 5 may be ceding too much to landowner David Couch and his plans to build Summerfield’s first apartments, according to some council members. On the other hand, if the council unwinds its development concessions to Couch, it risks spurring state lawmakers to pass legislation de-annexing his nearly 1,000
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Christmas traditions, cherished
memories, part 2
In this issue we bring you more responses we received after inviting our readers to share their Christmas traditions and most memorable Christmases. We again thank those who obliged us with some amusing, touching and inspiring responses. compiled by ANNETTE JOYCE
After it dried, she painted the fingers to resemble snowmen decked out for the holidays. That year, the pair made enough to gift various family members. The next year, grandmother and grandson did it again and a tradition was born.
When Dina Smith’s first grandson, Isaiah, was an infant, the two of them created some special ornaments that were destined to become family heirlooms. Using simple colored glass Christmas balls, Smith had her As more grandchildren were added grandson stick his palm in white paint and then wrap it around the ornament. – twins, Oliver and Tate and
the youngest, Salem – Smith has spent time with each child creating the unique and cherished ornaments. “They’re all different based on the
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DE-ANNEXATION...continued from p. 1 acres in town. “I don't know exactly what the sweet spot is in between,” Hamilton said during a special called meeting on Saturday, Dec. 16, that was aimed at bringing him and Clay up to speed on the text amendment and the de-annexation threat. Two days earlier, the council appointed Hamilton, a Greensboro lawyer, to serve as the town’s liaison in dealing with lawyers and lobbyists on both sides of the de-annexation issue. The move took some responsibilities from Mayor Tim Sessoms, who didn’t attend Saturday’s meeting, and Town Manager Scott Whitaker. “One of the big issues for a lot of folks was the argument (that) on one hand, we don't want to lose this 1,000 acres, so we're going to do what we can to keep it,” Hamilton said. “And the argument on the other hand is, if you do too much to keep that 1,000 acres
you're changing Summerfield anyway.” After the council denied his text amendment request in February 2023 for the second time, Couch sought the support of state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger to introduce legislation to de-annex his property from Summerfield. Hoping to persuade Berger to refrain from advancing the bill, the council met on Oct. 5 and following a public hearing, voted 3-2 to pass the text amendment. The amendment’s passage gave Summerfield “a temporary reprieve from de-annexation,” Whitaker told the council at the special called meeting on Dec. 16. Hamilton and Heath Clay won council seats in the previous month’s election after saying they were better qualified to negotiate with Couch. They defeated incumbents Reece Walker and Jeff Davis, who had voted in favor of amending the town’s unified
development ordinance to accommodate Couch’s plans for higher-density housing. During the recent special called meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council member Janelle Robinson joined Hamilton and Clay in calling for greater transparency in the town’s dealings with lawyers and lobbyists. By appointing Hamilton as the council’s representative, they’re seeking to improve communications among and between council members and staff. Hamilton and Clay said they’re still reviewing emails and other documents Whitaker provided which relate to the text amendment and de-annexation. “I scratched the surface, but what I have read so far has given me an opportunity to come with a lot of questions,” Clay said. Judging by discussions during previous council meetings, he said he believes that “not everyone is always on the same page.” The text amendment approved by the council on Oct. 5 created a
new zoning district that allows higherdensity housing than is currently allowed in the town’s zoning districts. For Couch, the next step would be applying to rezone his property to the new OSM-V (Open Space Mixed Use Village) district. He would also negotiate with town leaders a development agreement for his project, called the Villages of Summerfield Farms. Quizzed by Hamilton, Whitaker said he hasn’t gotten any indication from Couch whether he’s going to request the town rezone his property or pursue de-annexation though the General Assembly. If Couch doesn’t seek rezoning, development of his property may be “out of our control,” Whitaker said. “There's only so much the town can do to effectively stop that de-annexation.” After the council passed the amendment in October, Couch’s attorney, Tom Terrell, expressed disappointment with the changes. “The council knows absolutely
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Newly elected council members (L to R) Heath Clay and Jonathan Hamilton pose with District Court Judge Caroline Tomlinson-Pemberton and Lynne W. DeVaney, who was reelected in November, after being administered the oath of office at Summerfield Town Council’s meeting on Dec. 14. The trio wasted no time before joining other council members and staff in grappling with one of Summerfield’s most pressing issues, the potential de-annexation of almost 1,000 acres.
nothing about real estate development economics, yet makes changes that have substantive impacts,” Terrell told the Greensboro News & Record. Passage of the amendment is “not the beginning of anything but more uncertainty and trouble.” Terrell predicted that if new members joined the council, they might seek to dilute or remove the amendment. For now, the council is taking another look at it. After Hamilton and Clay took the oath of office on Dec. 14, the council voted unanimously to instruct the town’s de-annexation attorney to revisit the text amendment. The move reflected campaign promises by Hamilton and Clay, who vowed to take a closer look at how town leaders and their lawyers and lobbyists had negotiated with Couch and his legal and lobbying team. By unanimous votes, the newly formed council supported three motions related to the de-annexation fight. The council decided to ask for a second review of the text amendment by Womble Bond Dickinson, the Raleigh law firm hired by the town earlier this year for advice on fending
off possible de-annexation. Mayor Sessoms and Robinson had disagreed over the degree to which the council had followed the law firm’s recommendations on the amendment before the council voted 3-2 to pass it in October. Town Attorney Bob Hornik cautioned council members about discussing such particular information in open session since the possibility of de-annexation “isn’t over yet.” Hamilton plans to communicate directly with Preston Mitchell, the Womble Bond Dickinson lawyer who had reviewed the amendment. “I would like for you to look at sending the text amendment… back to (the lawyer’s) office and get a review of that,” DeVaney told Hamilton. Seeking clearer instructions, Hamilton asked whether he should ask the Raleigh lawyer “how it is going to impact the town and how we could maybe curtail it if we need to?” With his background, DeVaney replied that Hamilton “can break down some of the legal jargon and get us the ‘skinny’ faster. What we are looking for is to get council more engaged (and) have an easy and open communication with the council.’’
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Recently, I noticed utility trucks working along Highways 68 and 150 in Oak Ridge. What’s going on? We also saw lots of utility trucks and orange cones along these roadways. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), crews are moving utilities out of the highway right of ways to prepare for the road improvements project to get underway. Beginning as early as mid-March, NCDOT plans to begin a project aimed at slowing traffic and improving pedestrian safety in Oak Ridge’s commercial business district. The state agency plans to construct two roundabouts. One will be built at N.C. 68 and Linville Road, near Bojangles. The other will be located on N.C. 150 at Marketplace Drive, near Sherwin-Williams and the entrance to the business/retail center. NCDOT also plans to build crosswalks and upgrade stoplights at the town’s major intersection at Highways 68 and 150. Once the improvements get underway, the project is expected to take two years to complete, according to NCDOT resident engineer Meredith Hayes. Oak Ridge plans to share with NCDOT costs for sidewalks and other aesthetic improvements as part of the project. The town entered a contract with the agency totaling $326,700, according to Town Manager Bill Bruce. “A landscaping plan is to be developed later, when the project is nearing completion, so there could be additional expenses if Council elects to expand on the landscaping offered by NCDOT,’’ Bruce said in an email. In Oak Ridge’s capital improvement plan, the council has appropriated $400,000 for the town’s share of
4 DEC. 21, 2023 - JAN. 17, 2024
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Utility crews were recently working near the N.C. 68 and 150 intersection in Oak Ridge. According to NCDOT resident engineer Meredith Hayes, the crews were moving utilities out of the highway in preparation for a major road improvement project which will get underway as early as mid-March. NCDOT projects the project will take about two years to complete.
roadway improvement expenses in the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025.
two roads.
Back in 2019, the council adopted a streetscape plan to improve the appearance of Highways 68 and 150. The plan calls for new sidewalks, street lamps, benches and trees along the roadways in the vicinity of the intersection of the
For more than a year, town staff and council members have been telling residents the construction will require the rerouting of traffic, likely causing delays and disruptions in the area. NCDOT hasn’t yet disclosed how traffic routes will change.
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NEWS in brief
Northwest Observer – changes on the horizon for 2024 Look for us in print every 3rd Thursday, and online throughout the month By PATTI STOKES NW GUILFORD – It’s a bit awkward to write a news article about myself or my own newspaper, but what I have to share is both personal and, in my opinion at least, newsworthy, because it affects our readers, our advertisers and the role we play in keeping them connected to each other and their community. As part of a transitional plan to redirect more of my personal time and energy to things other than managing a business and being editor of a local newspaper, effective next month, the
Northwest Observer (NWO) will be published in print on the 3rd Thursday of each month. With this change, our in-print circulation will increase to 15,500 copies each month, of which the majority will still be directly mailed to all homes with an Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale mailing address, courtesy of the businesses and nonprofits that support us through their advertising (our only source of revenue). For those readers who don’t get the NWO delivered in their mailbox, we’ll still make it available for free
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pickup at over 70 convenient locations throughout northwest Guilford County. And just as we’ve done for the last several years, we’ll still offer each printed issue in a reader-friendly digital format, free-of-charge, 24/7 at www.nwobserver.com. Cutting back to a once-a-month production schedule for our in-print newspaper will afford our small editorial staff more time to focus on providing accurate, unbiased coverage of local news and happenings throughout the month at www.nwobserver.com without the constant pressure of having to pull thousands of pieces of information together for one printed publication. As I’ve begun to share these plans with our readers, some common questions have been: will we still have Grins & Gripes in our once-a-month Northwest Observer? Yes (I would be run out of town if I even considered eliminating this feature)! Classifieds? Yes. Calendar Events? Yes but as with classifieds, they’ll have to be submitted further in advance to make our 3rd Thursday edition’s deadline. Local news, feature stories and
coverage of community events will all be mainstays, but some things – such as detailed town council coverage – will be more condensed in the monthly print version due to limitations on content space and the lower value so many of our readers place on it, based on their feedback. We’re hoping that continuing to provide the Northwest Observer once a month in the way our readers are used to receiving it, along with more frequent online updates on community news and happenings, will offer the perfect combination of ways to keep our readers connected to each other and their community, and our advertisers connected to our readers. I welcome your feedback on these changes as well as on what you value most in the Northwest Observer’s printed version and/or the content we provide online. I can best be reached by email at patti@nwobserver.com. Between now and when we come back again in print on the 3rd Thursday of next month – that’s Thursday, Jan. 18 – we invite you to visit us often at www.nwobserver.com and Facebook. com/NorthwestObserver.
Election filing roundup
Seeking to represent voters in northwestern Guilford County, these candidates met the Dec. 15 filing deadline to run for election in next year’s partisan primaries March 5 or the Nov. 5 general election U.S. House of Rep. (District 6) Former U.S. congressman Mark Walker, of Summerfield, is running against five other Republicans for the District 6 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Walker faces High Point Mayor Jay Wagner, Bo Nichols, of Salisbury, Christian Castelli, of Southern Pines, Mary Ann Contogiannis, of Greensboro, and Addison McDowell, of Raleigh. Incumbent Democrat Kathy Manning decided not to seek re-election after statewide redistricting increased the odds
of victory for Republicans in numerous districts, including the 6th. State Senate (District 26) State Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, of Eden, is seeking reelection to District 26. The Republican will face Democrat Steve Luking, of Reidsville in the Nov. 5, 2024 general election. Earlier this year, Berger drew criticism from opponents of a casino proposed for property next to Camp Carefree on U.S. 220 in southwestern Rockingham County.
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OAK RIDGE town council
DEC. 7 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Mayor Ann Schneider called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Martha Pittman and Spencer Sullivan present. Gary Blackburn, mayor pro tem of Oak Ridge’s first appointed council after the town incorporated in 1998, offered the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by six student ambassadors from Northwest Guilford Middle School.
PUBLIC SAFETY Sheriff’s Office. The District 1 office reported it responded to 150 calls in Oak Ridge in November, resulting in 15 formal case reports. Officers charged a 33-year-old man with first-degree burglary and injury to personal property in the Nov. 13 overnight break-in of a residence in the 1200 block of N.C. 68 North.
Fire Department. Chief Ken Gibson reported the department responded to 99 calls for service last month, including 48 EMS-related calls and 31 miscellaneous assistance calls that include five structure fires in neighboring districts. Staff and volunteers obtained 461 hours of training.
Grading is underway for the new training tower behind Station No. 15 on Linville Road, which is slated for completion by late December, the chief said.
‘CLEAN’ AUDIT
Chad Cook, director of FORVIS accounting firm, said his firm had issued the town a clean financial audit report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, and found “no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses’’ in internal financial controls.
RECOGNITION/PARTING COMMENTS Outgoing council members Spencer Sullivan, Martha Pittman and George McClellan were recognized by fellow council members and citizens for their service to the town and presented with plaques of appreciation.
Sullivan served on the council from 2011 to 2019, the last four of those years as mayor. He returned to the council in April 2022 after being appointed to serve the remainder of councilman Doug Nodine’s term after Nodine resigned due to health issues. In parting remarks at the Dec. 7 meeting, Sullivan urged newly elected council members to draw upon the
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Recently elected Oak Ridge Town Council members (L to R) Mike Stone, Mike Greeson and Jim Harton take the oath of office at the town council meeting on Dec. 7.
expertise of the town’s “incredibly professional staff’’ and committee chairs. “Trust them and use them,’’ he said. “They will make you better.’’ Pittman urged citizens to continue being “the council’s conscience’’ by voicing their opinions about town issues. “Your support strengthened me, and I became better informed when you challenged me,’’ she said. In a nod to the late Doug Nodine, Pittman said he had set the example of how to “agree to disagree with civility – and then vote, and move on.” Referencing one of the most controversial issues that factored into the recent election, Pittman said, “For the record, I would not change any substantive vote I cast in the last four years – including the Farmhouse vote … because every vote was made in good faith and believing that the decisions were right and good for Oak Ridge and her citizens.” Looking back on his 12 years on the council, McClellan said he was proud of the town’s progress with the building of sidewalks, the establishment of a municipal water system and construction of Heritage Farm Park, as well as the role he played in obtaining grants totaling nearly $9.6 million which have helped defray the town’s spending on those projects. “I hope the new council will have
the courage to continue these projects to their completion,” he said, adding, “Today I leave you a town that is better off than it was 12 years ago.”
SWEARING IN, MAYOR/ PRO TEM
Recently elected council members Jim Harton, Mike Stone and Mike Greeson were sworn into office by District Court Judge Marc Tyrey. The new council’s first order of business was to elect a mayor and mayor pro tem from among themselves. Stone nominated Jim Kinneman for mayor and Jim Harton nominated himself; Kinneman voted for himself and received votes from Stone and Greeson to be elected mayor. Greeson then nominated Stone for mayor pro tem, and Schneider nominated Harton; Stone voted for himself and received votes from Greeson and Kinneman to be elected mayor pro tem.
APPOINTMENTS 5 0 (in separate votes) to
appoint Caroline Ruch as an alternate on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Spencer Sullivan to the Water Advisory Committee.
SOUND SYSTEM 5 0 to approve a budget
amendment to cover Greensborobased Audio & Light’s proposal of
$9,668.49 for the installation of new equipment and microphones to improve audio capabilities in the Town Hall conference room.
PUBLIC COMMENTS Ben Ruch thanked Schneider for all she has done for the community while serving on the council and noted she had been a driving force behind several of the town’s special events, the planning of Heritage Park, securing grants and promoting the protection of open spaces. John Blust (R), who served as an N.C. senator for one term and member of the state House of Representatives for nine terms, introduced himself as a candidate for N.C. House District 62, which includes much of Oak Ridge, Stokesdale and northwest Greensboro. Patti Dmuchowski, chair of the town’s Special Events Committee, thanked McClellan for attending almost every community and social event, for his help with securing grants, and for staying in touch with state and county officials; Pittman for her involvement with various committees, knowledge of financial matters, accessibility as a council member, support of youth, and her thought-provoking, rational questions; and Sullivan for supporting the Veterans Honor Green in Heritage Park and his work on the municipal water project. She also commended the service of former mayor and current council member Ann Schneider. Rita Lewandowski said she and many others were very happy to see the changes with new members on the town council and looked forward to “things going in a different direction in Oak Ridge… and a lot less patting on the back.” Ben Walraven said his family contributed to the Veterans Honor Green with the understanding it would be built in one phase, not two. Building the boardwalk leading to the reflective area in the pine stand, which is now proposed for a later phase, would provide shade from the heat while serving as an opportunity
for people to sit down and reflect. “I think we owe that to our veterans,’’ he said. He then thanked Sullivan, Pittman, McClellan and Schneider for their leadership.
VETERANS HONOR GREEN 5 0 to authorize town staff to
contract with ASJ Wilson Construction to build the first phase of the Veterans Honor Green. The lowest of five bidders, Greensboro-based ASJ proposed to build the monument area of the veterans’ site for $255,000. Due to expenses, the council decided to delay construction of a boardwalk connecting the site to an adjacent reflective area.
Fundraising by the Special Events Committee, with partial matching by the town, is approaching $250,000, according to Town Manager Bill Bruce. Kinneman and Schneider said they favor construction of the reflective area in a later phase, with Kinneman saying it could coincide with rejuvenating the area, since many of the pine trees are nearing the end of their life cycle.
to $620,000 and the expanded building will be 1,500 square feet). Harton asked if he could participate in the meetings with Bar, since he has recent experience in similar projects, but Stone declined to amend his motion, saying “I like the motion as it is.” Schneider reminded the council that a contract with Bar Construction had been signed in June and the project was already underway, so any significant changes could require new drawings, permits, a new bid, and potentially introduce legal liability. Also, she said fees for renting out the community center will help cover maintenance costs. Kinneman emphasized the town will honor its contract with Bar Construction, and any significant cost savings would be subject to negotiations with the contractor. “The only people who will spend that much money on this project are either crazy or they’re spending someone else’s money,” Stone said. 3 2 to approve Stone’s motion to set up a meeting with Bar Construction (Schneider and Harton opposed).
SECURITY CAMERAS 5 0 to accept a $140,000 grant MAYOR’S SALARY
from Guilford County to supply security cameras at Town Park and/or at Heritage Farm Park, and for construction of a playground in Heritage Farm Park that’s accessible to children with disabilities.
FARMHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER
Stone motioned to set up a meeting, “as quickly as possible” with representatives of Bar Construction, staff, Kinneman and Greeson to look for alternatives to significantly reduce the cost of refurbishing and expanding the historic Redmon house into the Farmhouse Community Center. The estimated cost of $630,000 to refurbish and expand the house from 1,100 to 1,400 square feet is out of balance and too much for taxpayers to spend, Stone said. (Schneider later said cost of the project had been reduced
Leading off the discussion, Kinneman said the mayor’s responsibilities vary little from those of other council members and motioned
to reduce the mayor’s salary from $700 to $400 per month – the same amount other council members are paid – with the lower mayor’s pay taking effect in January. The mayor “is one of five council members, equal in every single way… with no special considerations,” Stone said in agreement. “The town council should not imply by stipend that the mayor’s job is any more or less important than any other council member elected by the citizens.” “Every job is what you make it,’’ responded Schneider, noting that during her four years as mayor, she typically worked 40+ hours a week on town business and viewed the “token salary” she received as appreciation for the work. Additionally, salaries are reported via various statewide surveys and reducing the mayor’s salary could make Oak Ridge look “unserious, at best,” she said. Harton said he planned to donate his $400 monthly salary to the town for special projects.
4 1 to approve Kinneman’s motion (Schneider opposed).
Later, during public comments, resident Patti Paslaru thanked Kinneman for his “humility’’ in proposing to cut his pay.
...continued on p. 10
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OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 9
the Night festivities earlier this month were “a wonderful success’’ and more than 1,300 luminaries and 25 stars honoring Oak Ridge’s 25th anniversary were placed in the town park. She thanked all the volunteers and said children loved the Grinch’s hay ride and the arrival of Santa Claus on Oak Ridge’s vintage fire truck.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Co-chair John Garrett said the board recently completed its review of the town’s 2024 facility use agreement with Oak Ridge Youth Association and submitted it for the council’s approval. Additionally, three of the six bands for next year’s Music in the Park series have been booked. Water Advisory Committee. Vice Chair Brian Hall said the committee continues to negotiate the town’s agreement with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities, has forwarded recommendations on the water system to the town’s water engineer, and is discussing how to identify future water customers. As proposed, the utility will pipe water along N.C. 150 from Kernersville to an elevated tank behind Town Hall.
Historic Preservation Commission. Member Courtenay Harton reported that Chair Debbie Shoenfeld and Vice Chair Denise Sacks participated in a design review meeting for a house on Williard Road. Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee. Chair Anne Steele reported the committee is exploring ways to maintain sections of the trail recently built by volunteers in the Carriage Cove area east of N.C. 150. Special Events Committee. Chair Patti Dmuchowski reported that Light Up
Oak Ridge Military Academy. On behalf of ORMA, Stone reported the academy recently signed a letter with Virginia Military Institute giving the academy’s cadets “guaranteed acceptance’’ at the military college in Lexington, Virginia.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Patti Paslaru said she didn’t think reducing the mayor’s salary made the town look foolish, rather, “I think what makes us look more foolish is the $600,000 on 1,100 square feet (Farmhouse Community Center). Whether it’s (paid for by) grants or not, those grants could have been used elsewhere…” Regarding looking for cost savings, Paslaru said she is a professional contract administrator, and if a contract is a good one it should have a clause that allows changes and negotiations. John Colby thanked the past and present council members, then said the Farmhouse Community Center still feels like a “problem in search of a solution” and the cost feels “out of whack.” He also asked council to increase the pace of installing side-
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walks on the east side of town and asked that funds be diverted from the Farmhouse to trails within the town. Frank Carroll said he lives in Kernersville but is affected by the council’s decisions because he is in Oak Ridge’s ETJ (extraterritorial jurisdiction). He concurred that funds allocated toward the Farmhouse Community Center are excessive.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
“I’m looking forward to working with everybody,’’ Greeson said. Stone thanked his wife, mother and sister for their personal support, and congratulated those who voted for him in November. “To quote Dale Earnhardt, ‘we did it!’” he said. “You told me what needed to be done, I listened to you, and I based everything about this election on what you told me. The town heard you, too. We are going to do great things together… I will not let you down.” Harton also thanked those who voted for him and said he plans to govern using a “fact-based’’ approach while “listening and learning to adapt’’ from residents’ feedback. Schneider, referencing the Farmhouse, clarified that it will be 1,500 square feet after expansion. She said she will continue working on Oak Ridge’s behalf and looks forward to collaborating with other council members “even when we disagree.’’ Kinneman welcomed the new council members and said he concluded from last month’s election that residents are “looking for more accountability, transparency and communication. It doesn’t matter if we felt we were doing a good job. The residents evidently thought differently,” he said. He added that he will work hard to make sure all members of the council are kept equally informed about what is going on, and that those who represent the council at conferences and meetings share what they learned. The meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
PS Communications welcomes Phyllis Milot Earlier this month PS Communications, publisher of the Northwest Observer, welcomed Summerfield resident Phyllis Milot as our new Phyllis Milot advertising/marketing manager. Since she’ll be a vital member of our small team, we asked her to introduce herself to our readers and advertisers, and here’s what she had to say… “When I first moved to Summerfield from Massachusetts in 2007, it was a pleasant surprise to find a free copy of the Northwest Observer delivered to my home. I quickly became an avid reader. The luxury of a community newspaper helped me to navigate area goods and services, educated me on upcoming events, and informed me on local issues. It is still my go-to resource for reliable information. In this time of social media opinion overload, bias-free reporting is what I find refreshing and value the most about the Northwest Observer. “I’ve known owner Patti Stokes for seven years and was excited to learn she needed a new PS Communications team member. Contributing to this 27-year-old company is an opportunity for me to connect more closely and be of service to my community. “On a personal note, my husband of 40 years and I enjoy quality time with our friends and family which includes four entertaining granddaughters. I have a West Highland Terrier, Bonnie, who is my constant companion both indoors and out while I read, meditate, garden or walk. On Tuesdays I horseback ride; Bonnie prefers to birdwatch and mind the house (which also comes with the responsibility of letting me know when the latest issue of the Northwest Observer has been delivered to our mailbox).”
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Merry Christmas from our family to yours
With all the exciting and magical activites surroundng Christmas, we want to ensure you and your family stay safe. A tradition for many families is picking Car crashes areare a leading out the perfect live Christmas tree with fresh green needles. Here a few tips cause death for children. to make sure you reduce your risk of a Christmas tree fire of this holiday season: In 2019, on average, two When Placing the Tree children under 13 were • Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. killed and an estimated 374 • Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like were injured every day while fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights. • Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
Water Your Tree Daily • Be sure to add water to your tree stand daily. If it seems like your tree is drinking less water and needles start to fall off easily when touched, this is an indication your tree is drying out and at an increased risk for catching fire.
Lighting the Tree • Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use. • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. After Christmas • It's important to properly dispose of your tree after the holidays, or when it begins to dry out. • Dried-out trees pose a major fire hazard and should not be left in the home, garage, or leaning against any structures outside.
Have questions about operations of Summerfield Fire District? Please feel free to contact us at (336) 643-4341. We love to hear from our citizens!
Ideas for dried-out Christmas Trees • Cut and use for mulch in your flower beds • Cut and use for firewood in an outdoor fire pit if weather conditions allow you to safely burn it. • Search your area for a local Christmas tree recycling program (some farms will take your dried-out trees)
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SUMMERFIELD town council
Dec. 12 & 14 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor Tim Sessoms called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Jeff Davis, Janelle Robinson, Reece Walker and John Doggett present, as well as the town manager, clerk, finance officer, planning manager, town attorney and about 25 citizens.
of Summerfield Recreation Association. Eric Coon serves as president, while his wife, Kristina, is treasurer. Kristen Berlin is director of sponsorship, and her husband, John, coaches. Last month, the council donated $21,500 to the association for new ballfield lights at Summerfield Elementary School.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PUBLIC SAFETY
Holiday closings. Town Manager Scott Whitaker said Town Hall will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, through Monday, Jan. 1, for the holidays. Oath of office delay. Whitaker explained that outgoing councilman Reece Walker’s unsuccessful challenge of the Nov. 7 election results delayed Guilford County’s Board of Election’s election certification for Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay, so council would be continuing this meeting to Thursday, Dec. 14, when the newly elected council members will be sworn in. Kudos to Stokesdale. DeVaney congratulated Stokesdale leaders and volunteers for the town’s Christmas parade on Dec. 9, which she, Doggett and Clay participated in. SRA recognition. Sessoms recognized two couples for their volunteer leadership
Summerfield Fire District. The district reported it ran 29 fire-related calls, 55 EMS-related calls and 50 other calls in November. Sheriff’s Office. The District 1 office reported it responded to 213 calls for service in Summerfield last month, resulting in 20 formal case reports. A Nov. 3 armed robbery of Cloud’s Tobacco at 4539 U.S. 220 North led to the arrests of two 18-year-old men. They were charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon. A Nov. 22 breaking and entering at Curiosity Video Games and More at 4527 Highway 220 remains under investigation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS Saying she “loves” taking her four dogs to the town’s dog park, Susan Fields urged the town to install a sign at
Since 2008
Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO
Council members Jeff Davis (L) and Reece Walker ended their service on Summerfield Town Council at the Dec. 12 meeting. Davis was appointed to the council in August 2022 to serve the remainder of John O’Day’s four-year term after O’Day and his family moved to High Point. Walker was elected to two consecutive terms on the council, in 2015 and in 2019; after losing his bid for a third term last month, on Dec. 15, Walker (R) filed for District 5 county commissioner and will run against incumbent Carly Cooke (D) in the Nov. 5, 2024 election. Summerfield Road and Medearis Street directing people to the park. Whitaker said staff would look into installing a sign in that location. Beth Doggett thanked outgoing council members Walker and Davis for their service on the council.
PUBLIC HEARING 3 2 to deny a request by
Matt and Katherine Cross for the rezoning of two parcels at Addison Drive from RS-30 (residential) to conditional use business neighborhood district (CZ-BN). Plans by the couple to locate a signage and vehicle graphics installation business on the 1.22-acre combined tract drew objections from several nearby homeowners during a public hearing. (See related article on p. 22.)
BUSINESS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL Trash, recycling contract
3 2 to approve the second
Merry Christmas
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12 DEC. 21, 2023 - JAN. 17, 2024
reading of an ordinance renewing the town’s garbage and recycling contract with Republic Services. Davis and Walker opposed the contract after the council discussed at-times spotty service by Republic. The two-year contract extension takes effect Jan. 1. Complaints about poor service ebb
and flow, according to Whitaker. When asked about the volume and type of complaints the town receives, Town Clerk Sarah Tibbetts answered, “It’s mostly missed pickups and not being able to get ahold of them.” Whitaker reminded the council that, by consensus, a majority of them said last July they wanted to renew the contract with Republic. When renewal talks between the town and the company bogged down, Whitaker sought to negotiate a different contract with competitor GFL Environmental. However, he said GFL informed him the company wouldn’t have enough time to set up garbage and recycling service in Summerfield by the end of 2023. “Basically, we have to approve this; we’re stuck with them,” DeVaney said, referring to Republic. She asked whether staff “could put Republic on notice that we’re looking to do something else.’’ The new contract gives Summerfield “some outs based on performance,” Whitaker said.
Update: Gordon Hardware building. The sale of the historic Gordon Hardware building is tentatively set for Jan. 8, Whitaker reported. He said he plans to verify the closing date with Preservation North Carolina, which is representing the town in the sale of the building. The
potential buyer has not been identified.
Bandera Farms funding. DeVaney asked whether the Finance Committee could explore the possibility of obtaining more grants to help pay for developing Bandera Farms Park. DeVaney also suggested the town consider asking Oak Ridge and Stokesdale to contribute “a small percentage” of maintenance costs for the 120-acre equestrian and hiking park planned for Bunch Road at Interstate 73. Robinson suggested the topic be placed on the agenda of a future Finance Committee meeting. “The Finance Committee cannot apply for grants,” said Dee Hall, the town’s finance officer; she added that the estimated $3.45 million price tag for the project is “fully covered by grants.” However, some costs have already exceeded initial projections. Whitaker pointed out during the council’s October meeting that bidding by contractors to provide engineering and construction planning and administration has exceeded the original budget of $389,098. In turn, that raised concerns among some council members that other costs may climb as well, forcing the council to make up the difference from the town’s coffers. Whitaker said the Finance Committee could play a role in recommending how much Summerfield may seek in contributions from other municipalities. Welcome sign contract. Whitaker said he’s preparing a proposed contract for construction of a “Welcome to Summerfield” sign on U.S. 220 near Strawberry Road and hoped to share the contract with the council during its Jan. 9 meeting. Water system contract. Whitaker said next month he also plans to present a contract from engineering firm Freese and Nichols for the design and other first-phase steps in the construction of an elevated water storage tank and transmission lines in Summerfield. Recognition. Mayor Sessoms congratulated Davis for his years of service to Summerfield; Davis served as a
long-term member of the Planning Board and was appointed in August 2022 to serve the remainder of former councilman John O’Day’s term after O’Day and his family moved to High Point earlier in the year. Sessoms expressed his appreciation for Davis’s calm approach in dealing with contentious development issues and his “great level of care and concern for the town of Summerfield.’’ Whitaker complimented Davis as “a quiet example” of a leader who accepted the majority opinion of the council and supported it, even if he had opposed the opinion. In his parting remarks as a council member, Davis said he was proud of the Planning Board’s role in rewriting the town’s unified development ordinance. “We helped guide Summerfield and set some boundaries on where it’s going to go in the future,” he said. He commended the town’s staff for their knowledge and professionalism, and urged incoming council members “to trust the staff” in decision making. Sessoms next shared comments about Walker, saying he had known the councilman since “almost before he was walking.” The mayor applauded Walker’s service to the town as a councilman for eight years and as a lieutenant in the Summerfield Fire District. Describing Walker as “one of the most politically astute council members” he’s worked with, Whitaker praised his ability “to process not just the decision in the moment but how that plays out over time.’’ “It has been one of the greatest pleasures in my life to serve in this role,” Walker said, adding that voting for the town to take ownership of the Summerfield Community Center was one of the accomplishments he was most proud of.
Mayor’s installation. Surrounded by his family, Sessoms took the oath of office administered by Robby Hassell, a former special Superior Court judge serving Guilford County. With no further business, the council voted at 8:12 p.m. to continue the meeting
...continued on p. 31
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Mayor Tim Sessoms takes the oath of office at the Dec. 12 council meeting as his wife, Heather, holds the family Bible. Sessoms first served as Summerfield’s mayor from 2013 to 2015; he then served as a council member and mayor pro tem from 2017 to 2021 before being elected as mayor again in 2021 and reelected as mayor last month.
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STOKESDALE town council
DEC. 14 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor Mike Crawford called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy and council member Jim Rigsbee were present, and Crawford said council member Jimmy Landreth would arrive later; Tim Jones did not attend. After the opening prayer and pledge of allegiance, Crawford congratulated Foy and other members of the town’s Special Events Committee for doing such a great job with the annual Christmas parade on Dec. 9. “Derek (Foy) summarized it best,” Crawford said. “We’ve got the best little-town parade in the whole state of North Carolina.”
ANNUAL AUDIT
Cynthia Randolph of C. Randolph CPA, PLLC, introduced herself and said her firm offers a variety of accounting services, but her personal passion is performing government and nonprofit audits. This was the first year Randolph’s firm performed the town’s audit, and she thanked the finance officer and town staff for helping to make it a smooth process. Touching on a few highlights from the audit, Randolph noted governmental funds totaled $3,113,977 as of the end of the fiscal year on June 30, with a net increase of $122,797 from the previous fiscal year. Revenue in the general fund increased by over $63,000 from the previous fiscal year; 64% of the town’s revenue is from its share of franchises taxes collected by the state. Total expenses in the general fund decreased $189,000. The unassigned (available) fund balance represented 878% of general fund expenditures – this compares
to the average of 132% for other North Carolina governments that are similar to the size of Stokesdale, which Randolph said is excellent. Revenue in the water enterprise account decreased $33,999, mainly due to capacity fees being lower, while expenses increased by about $68,000. Total revenue in the water fund, however, was $127,905 over expenses. The town has $713,000 remaining in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, and has until December 2026 to spend them on projects. Crawford asked if the town should be considering further separation of duties with financial controls and Randolph acknowledged the challenges of doing so with such a small staff, but said more separation is always preferable.
PUBLIC SAFETY Fire Department. Chief Todd Gauldin said the department responded to 105 calls for service last month, which included 39 medical, 27 fire-related and 39 miscellaneous calls. On a public safety note, he reminded residents to avoid overloading outlets when decorating for Christmas, regularly water live trees, and distance gifts from fireplaces and alternative heating sources. Sheriff’s Office. On behalf of the District 1 office, Town Clerk Robbie Wagoner reported the sheriff’s department responded to 160 calls for service in Stokesdale last month, resulting in 22 formal case report. On Nov. 14 a suspect smashed the window of a motor vehicle at the town park and stole a purse. The suspect was identified this week and
14 DEC. 21, 2023 - JAN. 17, 2024
warrants issued for his/her arrest. Residents were reminded to place valuables out of sight when their vehicle is unattended. On Nov. 17 a black 2001 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck was stolen from Stokesdale Service Center on U.S. 158 in downtown; the case remains under investigation.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Wagoner reported on the number of water meters installed last month, placed on hold by builders and on hand. He reminded citizens that during the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, GFL will be running all garbage and recycling routes one day behind. Wagoner said earlier in the day the town had received a $600,000 payment from Guilford County for American Rescue Plan Act funds; in total, Stokesdale will receive $3.1 million in ARPA funds dispersed through the county. Also, the state’s Office of Budget and Management has confirmed the town will receive $175,000 in grant funding from the Regional Economic Development Reserve portion of the FY 2023-24 state budget. The town received $890 in proceeds from 78 Christmas parade applicants and $4,400 in sponsorships, which covered all parade-related expenses.
TOO MANY WINFREES
At 7:40 p.m. Mayor Crawford announced “Mr. Rigsbee” had arrived, then realized his mistake and said “Mr. Winfree” had arrived before correcting himself again and recognizing the arrival of Councilman Jimmy Landreth. Crawford later addressed Landreth as “Mr. Winfree” again; the town attorney’s name is Chuck Winfree and the deputy clerk’s name is Mason Winfree.
Property Committee. Chair Tee Stephenson thanked everyone for their support of various projects in the town park and said the basketball and pickleball courts are almost finished, with only final grading and removal of a temporary driveway left to do. A grand opening
for the courts will be held at a later time. The committee is considering ways to better manage court use and reservations while simultaneously turning its attention to planning the route of nature trails in the park and how the trails will be maintained. Lighting the soccer fields in the park is also under consideration.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Bill Goebel, a candidate for the Guilford County Board of Education, congratulated Foy, Rigsbee and Landreth on being re-elected and commended the town for its positive financial status. “I look forward to working with this council when I’m elected next November,” he said. Bobbi Dalton expressed concerns about Duke Energy’s eventual plans to build a nuclear power plant at its Belews Creek station. “What if something like Three Mile Island or Chernobyl happens again?” she asked.
SWEARING IN
Wagoner administered the oath of office to council members Foy, Rigsbee and Landreth, who were all re-elected last month to a second four-year term. See photos at Facebook.com/Northwest Observer.
CLOSURE/MEETINGS 4 0 (in separate votes) to
approve (1) the Town Hall 2024 closure schedule for 12 days in observance of holidays; (2) the 2024 regular town council meeting schedule; and (3) the 2024 Board of Adjustment meeting schedule.
APPOINTMENTS
Stephen Louie and Chris Sumner were re-appointed to the Planning Board for a two-year term, and Tee Stephenson, an alternate on the board, was appointed to serve as a full voting member.
PURCHASE 4 0 to replace the town finance/ budget officer’s desktop computer, per a quote from Total Computer Solutions, at a cost of $1,696.
Pending town staff’s feedback on an upcoming demo, the council agreed to vote next month on a proposal for online recreation software which will allow online reservations and payment of rental fees for shelters, pickleball courts, etc. in the town park.
WATER CONTRACT, FEES
Foy said several months ago the town renegotiated its contract with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County
gems in
Utilities and amended it to extend from 2030 to 2050. Additionally, the town increased its option to purchase 300,000 gallons of water per day to 500,000 gallons per day, based on projected demand. In exchange, Stokesdale will pay $128,000 for a one-time capacity development fee. Foy explained that in 2018, it was recommended the town charge new customers a one-time fee of $750
to hook up to its municipal water system, and to put those fees into a capital reserve fund, which it did. He recommended that $128,000 of the $240,000 in reserves be transferred into the water enterprise fund and used to pay Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities $128,000 in January. 4 0 to approve a budget amendment for the above transaction, and authorize the finance officer to
make the payment next month.
PARK IMPROVEMENT 4 0 approve another budget
amendment to increase revenue by $50,000, using reserve funds from a small town improvement grant, and increase Park Investment expenses by $50,000 for the basketball and pickleball courts.
...continued on p. 16
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DEC. 21, 2023 - JAN. 17, 2024 15
STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 15 WATER THEFT
Following up on a discussion at the November council meeting, town attorney Chuck Winfree offered revisions to the town’s ordinance regarding its water system to align with state statutes that address penalties for stealing water. Fines for water theft could be up to $5,000, Winfree noted.
INCREASE ATTORNEY FEE
After recessing for a closed session
at 8:42 p.m., the council reconvened 15 minutes later and voted 4-0 to amend the town attorney’s contract to reflect a pay increase from $200 to $210 per hour, effective Jan. 1.
COUNCIL COMMENTS Rigsbee thanked everyone who encouraged and supported him in his run for re-election. Foy gave a shoutout to Wagoner,
deputy clerks Mason Winfree and Priscilla Hunsucker, and parade volunteers Tee Stephenson, Deanna Ragan and Rachel Foy for helping make this year’s parade another successful one.
“Thanks to our 78 parade participants and all the sponsors, no public funds were used for the parade – and that’s the way it should be,” Foy said. Landreth agreed the parade was a great one, and said he enjoyed seeing how much fun the kids and everybody
The weather prognosticators forecasted a perfect day for a Christmas parade, but Mother Nature had other plans, as intermittent showers did in fact “rain on our parade.” Even so, the liquid sunshine did nothing to dampen the spirits of attendees as they meandered through Candy Cane Lane, enjoying the pre-parade Craft and Vendor Fair hosted by Purple Wagon; the fair featured 16 vendors assembled on the front lawn of Stokesdale United Methodist Church offering unique gifts and exhibits, festive crafts, tasty treats, and holiday music provided by Highland North Music School. Stokesdale’s main downtown street was lined with children of all ages, angling for the best view of the procession and positioning for gathering candy. The parade began promptly at 2 p.m. with Stokesdale Fire Department leading the way, followed by Oak Ridge Military Academy’s color guard and then dance troupes, floats, big rigs, antique vehicles, church groups, horses, golf carts, go carts, and the Shriners band all leading the way for the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus. All parade expenses were funded entirely through the generosity of our 20 sponsors and 78 parade entrants. The Town of Stokesdale Events Committee sincerely appreciates everyone’s support of the 2023 Christmas parade, which saw a record number of participants filling downtown with the sights, sounds and spirit of the holiday season and brought joy and laughter to children of all ages. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a safe, happy and prosperous New Year!
had. He echoed Foy’s appreciation for those who worked on it, and then thanked everyone who cared enough to vote last month. “It was humbling (to be elected) the first time, and it is humbling to be here again,” he said. Crawford thanked Foy, Rigsbee and Landreth for running for re-election, and echoed the comments of others about the Christmas parade. The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
View more photos from this event at
Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO
facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver
18 Top business, real estate-related stories of 2023
(Upper LH) Persistently high mortgage rates and a shortage of houses for sale deflated the area’s real estate market this past year. Earlier this month, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages dropped below 7% for the first time since August, creating optimism among Realtors that rates may decline even further in 2024. (Upper RH) After being twice rebuffed by Summerfield Town Council, earlier this year landowner/developer David Couch sought N.C. Senate Pro Tem Phil Berger’s backing for legislation that would de-annex the developer’s nearly 1,000 acres in Summerfield. Headed into 2024, the bill awaits further action. (Lower LH) Newly elected Oak Ridge Town Council members Mike Stone, who previously served on the council, and Michael Greeson focused much of their election campaigns on the council’s earlier decision to spend $620,000 to renovate and expand the historic Redmon house in Town Park from 1,100 to 1,500 square feet for use as a community center. (Lower RH) Piedmont Triad Airport Authority Chair Paul Mengert announced April 25 that Cambridge, U.K.-based Marshall Aerospace had selected the Greensboro airport for a $50 million facility expected to create 240 jobs.
rezonings 24 850 apartments, 22 Commercial townhouses proposed face resistance for Fleming Road
opens two new 24 Novant Summerfield clinics
Looking back on real estate and business in 2023
In differing ways, rising mortgage rates, voters’ dissatisfaction with their towns’ leadership and spending decisions by elected officials shaped the biggest real estate and business headlines in northwestern Guilford County by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Some of northwest Guilford’s long-running business stories veered in new directions this year, heightening uncertainty headed into 2024. Persistently high mortgage rates and a shortage of houses for sale deflated the area’s real estate market. According
to the Triad Multiple Listing Service, the number of houses that sold in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale sank in the first three quarters of the year. That extended declines in 2022 after historically low interest rates had spurred sales in earlier years. Earlier this month, 30-year, fixed-rate
Celebrating 40 Years
18 DEC. 21, 2023 - JAN. 17, 2024
mortgages dropped below 7% for the first time since August. That’s created optimism among Realtors that rates may decline even further in 2024, possibly motivating homeowners who have been reluctant to sell because they’re locked in at low interest rates to put their houses on the market. “If rates hit 6%, I think you’ll probably see a little bit of a buying frenzy by people trying to catch the dip in case they ride back up,” Jason Smith, a Realtor and senior vice president of Smith Marketing in Summerfield, said in an interview last month. Along with some other Realtors and builders, he cautioned that rates aren’t likely to sink to historic lows of the pandemic era. The lack of houses for sale persists as demand is poised to increase with economic development around Piedmont Triad International (PTI). Employers plan to create several thousand jobs over the next 10 years. Earlier this year, U.K.- based Marshall Aerospace broke ground at PTI for its new $50 million U.S. operations that will create 240 jobs. This past July, Honda Aircraft selected the airport for a $55.7 million expansion that will add 280 positions to its HondaJet operations. Boom Supersonic plans to create more than 2,400 jobs over the next decade in its jet assembly factory rising along Interstate 73 at the northwestern Greensboro airport. With the new companies and longstanding tenants such as FedEx, Honda, HAECO Americas and Cessna, PTI is at the center of the Triad’s concentration of nearly 200 aerospace companies. Roughly 1,000 acres is ready for development at the airport, including an 800-acre tract across I-73 from the airport terminal. “The region has had a strong ‘bench strength’ in the aerospace industry for decades,” Kevin Baker, the airport authority’s executive director, said in a recent email. “The addition of new companies has the effect of a rising tide that lifts all ships.” Realtors and builders in northwest Guilford said they’ve begun discussing housing options with people relocating
to the area. They’re moving not just for aviation-related jobs around PTI, but also for employment by Toyota Battery Manufacturing. The company plans to employ about 5,100 people in the factory it’s building in Randolph County. In Summerfield, landowner David Couch and his legislative ally in Raleigh, state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, have cited expanding employment as well as a need for more affordable homes as reasons for the Town Council to amend its development regulations to allow higher-density housing. Twice rebuffed by the council, Couch earlier this year sought Berger’s backing for legislation that would de-annex the developer’s nearly 1,000 acres in Summerfield. As the bill awaits further action in the legislature – possibly next spring when lawmakers convene – the threat of de-annexation entered a new phase of uncertainty with the Nov. 7 election of newcomers Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay. They’ve teamed up with Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council member Janelle Robinson to initiate a review of the text amendment adopted by the council in October with a 3-2 vote. Among the options, according to Hamilton, is possibly curtailing the amendment. Such a move may imperil the previous council’s intent to appease Couch so that he seeks the rezoning of his 978 acres for higher density development, including Summerfield’s first apartments, instead of pursuing legislative de-annexation of his land. Summerfield leaders have yet to find “the sweet spot” in averting de-annexation without giving too much to Couch, Hamilton said last week. Separately, as much as elected leaders in northwest Guilford eagerly accepted millions of dollars in federal pandemic relief funds, some taxpayers have criticized their spending decisions. The discord flared during the election season, with two newcomers seeking seats on the Oak Ridge council riding their criticism of spending to victory.
Voters were “looking for more accountability, transparency and communication,” Oak Ridge Mayor Jim Kinneman said during the council’s meeting earlier this month. “It doesn’t matter if we felt we were doing a good job. The residents evidently thought differently.” In electing the mayor for the next two years, Kinneman got the votes of newly seated Mike Stone and Michael Greeson and voted for himself to replace Ann Schneider as mayor. Stone got the votes of Kinneman and Greeson and voted for himself to assume Kinneman’s previous position of mayor pro tem. Schneider will keep her seat on the council until the end of her term in 2025, although she recently announced her candidacy to represent N.C. House District 62. During their campaigning, Stone, who previously served on the council, and newcomer Greeson criticized the council’s decision to spend $620,000 to renovate and expand the historic Redmon house in Town Park. Earlier this year, the town hired Greensboro-based Bar Construction to convert the structure into a public meeting place called the Farmhouse Community Center. After Stone and Greeson took the oath of office during the Dec. 7 meeting, the council voted 3-2 to instruct Town Manager Bill Bruce to arrange a meeting with Greensborobased Bar. The purpose of the meeting, according to Stone’s motion, is the exploration of possible options to “significantly reduce costs” in the renovation of the community center. Schneider and Jim Harton, the third newly elected council member, opposed the review. An attempt by the town to change a signed contract for a project that is now underway “seems well outside the regular order of business” for Oak Ridge, Schneider said. Earlier negotiations between town leaders and Bar had trimmed $10,000 from the $630,000 budgeted for the project, Schneider noted. She added
that state funding and federal pandemic relief grants totaling $380,000 will defray the cost to Oak Ridge. “Whether it’s grants or not, those grants could have been used elsewhere,” said resident Patti Paslaru, echoing other spending criticism during public comments. “On behalf of myself and a lot of other residents in Oak Ridge, we are very happy to see the change on council,” Rita Lewandowski Sr. said. In Summerfield, rising costs for the initial work on Bandera Farms Park, which is funded by grants, has nonetheless drawn the scrutiny of Mayor Pro Tem Lynne W. DeVaney and council member Janelle Robinson. During the council’s Dec. 12 meeting, DeVaney asked whether the Finance Committee could explore the possibility of obtaining more grants, possibly to help pay for ongoing costs after construction is finished. DeVaney also suggested the town consider asking Oak Ridge and Stokesdale to contribute “a small percentage” of maintenance costs for the 120-acre equestrian and hiking park planned for Bunch Road at Interstate 73. “The Finance Committee cannot apply for grants,” said Dee Hall, the town’s finance officer. She added that the projected $3.45 million price tag for the project is “fully covered by grants.” However, some costs have already exceeded initial projections. Whitaker pointed out during the council’s October meeting that bidding by contractors to provide engineering and construction planning and administration has exceeded the original budget of $389,098. In turn, that raised concerns among some council members that other costs may climb as well, forcing the council to make up the difference from the town’s coffers. Hall offered an illustration. If costs exceeded projections by $115,000, she said, “that’s the only amount that we would have to come up with, and we would own a multi-million-dollar park.”
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Commercial rezoning requests face opposition Council denies one rezoning application for property abutting U.S. 220 and will decide on another at its Jan. 9 meeting by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Two commercial rezoning requests for property along U.S. 220 have been met with resistance from residents in nearby neighborhoods as well as some town council and Planning Board members. Following the recommendation of its Planning Board, Summerfield Town Council voted 3-2 last week to reject a request by Matt and Katherine Cross to rezone their two parcels
on Addison Drive from RS-30 (singlefamily residential) and TCR (town core-residential) to a CZ-BN (conditional zoning-business neighborhood) district. A Greensboro firefighter, Matt Cross had hoped to locate a shop on the 1.2 acres abutting U.S. 220, where he would install graphics on fire trucks and other vehicles.
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Matt Lewis and Ryan Hayes are seeking the CZ-Business Neighborhood zoning district for three parcels they own along U.S. 220 in Summerfield and an adjacent parcel at the corner of U.S. 220 and N.C. 150 (shown in photo) that’s listed for $1.1 million. If approved, the combined 4.8-acre tract would accommodate retailers such as a hardware store and similar business establishments.
recommend the council deny an application to rezone nearly 4.8 acres consisting of four separate parcels at the corner of U.S. 220 and N.C. 150.
In a separate rezoning case, this past Monday, Dec. 18, the town’s Planning Board voted 3-2 to
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REZONING ...continued
from p.22
The other tract, at roughly 1 ½ acres, is located at the corner of the intersection and is zoned GB (general business); it is listed for sale by Linville Team Partners of Winston-Salem for $1.1 million.
During its Jan. 9 meeting, the council will hold a public hearing before deciding whether to approve the rezoning application for the combined 4.8-acre tract. Opponents of both rezoning requests raised concerns that commercial development would negatively impact their residential neighborhoods and potentially spread beyond the two locations. Although it lacks the authority of an ordinance, a resolution passed by the council nearly 25 years ago discouraged commercial development along U.S. 220 on land abutting homeowners on Summerfield Road, according to Town Manager Scott Whitaker. “What do you envision as a domino effect?” board member Trudy Whitacre asked Bill Greco, a principal of Land Solutions, a land use planning firm representing the owners of the U.S. 220/N.C. 150 property. “I don’t believe there is a domino
effect,” responded Greco, explaining the reliance of businesses on septic systems is one factor discouraging multiple developments along that stretch of U.S. 220. Should the property be commercially developed, “The impact on the residences will be profound,” said Summerfield Road homeowner Betty Ann Chandler. She added, “We are a historic residential neighborhood” that would be devalued by lights, traffic and noise that accompanies commercial development. Further south on U.S. 220, homeowners who live near the Addison Drive property expressed similar concerns about the potential rezoning of the land for a vehicle graphics business. “We just don’t want a business next door,” said Jacqueline McClain, who along with her husband, Keith, owns four vacant lots adjacent to the property the Crosses hoped to rezone. McLean said she and her husband plan to build affordable houses on their property, which will be compatible with the neighborhood. “When is it going to stop?” asked Loire Drive resident Clifton Phelps. “You would be opening up the floodgates for everybody else.”
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850 apartments, townhouses planned for Fleming Road By CHRIS BURRITT NW GREENSBORO – Carroll Cos. plans to build as many as 850 apartments and townhouses on 62.4 acres on Fleming Road that was previously slated for a mixed-use development to be anchored by Harris Teeter supermarket. Greensboro’s Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission voted unanimously this past Monday, Dec. 18, to recommend approval of Carroll’s rezoning request for the property. The City Council will consider approving the request during its Jan. 16 meeting. If the project advances as Carroll envisions, earth moving will get underway in the second half of 2024, according to Dennis Burton, director of land development for the Greensborobased company. As a condition of the rezoning request, the number of dwelling units can’t exceed 850. They will be a mix of townhouses two and three stories high and three-story apartments, akin to Carroll’s Hayleigh Village on Horse Pen Creek Road. Earlier this month, Burton and other Carroll representatives discussed preliminary plans for the project on a Zoom call with nearby property owners.
Carroll purchased the wooded property from Zimmer Development Co. last year. The land has been vacant for about 15 years after the Wilmingtonbased developer abandoned plans for a mix of retail, commercial and residential development amid the real estate slump around 2008. The property is located north of the stoplight at the T-intersection of Fleming Road and Isaacson Boulevard; Horse Pen Creek Road is located to the east and Interstate 840 to the north. The tract is bounded on the southern side by Colonial Pipeline and Duke Energy utility lines to the west. Carroll is seeking the rezoning of the property from PUD (planned unit development) to CD-RM-18 (conditional district – residential multi-family – 18). Nathan Duggins, a Greensboro lawyer representing Carroll, told the P&Z commission the property’s location in northwestern Greensboro is well suited for townhouses and apartments, probably built in phases. Rezoning from mixed use to residential represents “downsizing” the potential development of the property, commissioner Mary Skenes said. “That is always an improvement for the neighborhood.”
Novant opens family, pediatric medical clinics in Summerfield SUMMERFIELD – Novant Health has expanded family and pediatric care in Summerfield with the opening of two clinics at U.S. 220 and Auburn Road. Novant renovated the former location of GreenGo Buggies and Purgason’s Western Wear at 4901 Auburn Road to operate the family and pediatric clinics within the same building. Both clinics are seeing patients Monday through Friday and providing
same-day visits for sick patients, Novant said in a statement earlier this week. The family medicine clinic is staffed by lead physician Dr. Chan Badger, who already treats patients at Novant’s family medicine clinic on Lake Brandt Road, just south of N.C. 150, and certified physician assistant Sheri Beal. Physician assistant Donna Brandon is treating patients at the Summerfield pediatrics clinic.
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Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for sponsoring this issue’s Kids’ Korner
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was first published in 1957. The Grinch character was based on s Dr. Seuss himself, who at the time wa as. feeling fairly “Grinchy” about Christm mation It wasn’t until 1966, when the first ani of the Grinch appeared, that the Grinch got his iconic green color. In the original book, all illustrations were done in black and white.
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welcome to ... youth link
A regular section in the Northwest Observer focused on the youthful matters of northwest Guilford County
Wishing our patients and their families a wonderful Healthy Smiles. Happy Patients. holiday season! Quality dental care for the entire family! TWO LOCATIONS 6161-A Lake Brandt Rd. ● 336.643.1440 | 7092 Summerfield Rd., Ste. C ● 336.441.8055
NWHS cheerleaders claim state championship #6 By PATTI STOKES
of them and their determination.”
NW GUILFORD – Jennifer Loveday-Donovan, Northwest Guilford High School’s head cheerleading coach, knows a little about winning a state championship. Her competitive cheerleading teams have won in five previous years – and they just did it again on Dec. 2 in Raleigh.
Thomas Vernon, team manager, is the first male cheerleader to join the competitive team.
As for the inevitable challenges leading up to the competition, this year brought its share. “Absolutely, we had challenges!” LovedayDonovan told the Northwest Observer. “We have so many kids involved in competitive cheerleading, and through all their extra activities, every weekend we were getting a call about someone who was injured.” Despite all the setbacks, most of the injured cheerleaders were able to compete, and sideline cheerleaders stepped in for those who weren’t. Loveday-Donovan said that was a “true reflection
“He came to all of our competition practices, and when an injury happened, I asked him if he would compete,” Loveday Donovan said. He answered, ‘Yeah, I have been waiting for you to ask me!’” “As a coach, you’re always searching for the moment when you know it’s going to be okay,” Loveday-Donovan said. “When I saw how everyone stepped up, that was the moment – not necessarily that we would win the championship, but, win, lose or draw, I knew they had given me everything they had and that’s all I can ask of them.” Donovan and her team recently secured their invitation to nationals and are setting their sights on competing in Dallas, Texas, in January.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Loveday-Donovan
(Front row, L to R): Brailey Nelson, Alexa Davis, Montana Miller, Carson May, Kelsey Anderson, Maggie Hamilton and Ansley Powell; (Middle row, L to R): Coach Thompson, Holly Snow, Vegas Bellows, Katie Hatfield, Samantha Wolfe, Mckall Nelson and Coach Loveday-Donovan; (Back row, L to R): Coach Nelson, Lindsey Loiselle, Coach Harris, Claire Rascoe, Thomas Vernon, Kaylen Valentine, Coach Crews and Coach Mancuso.
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DEC. 21, 2023 - JAN. 17, 2024 27
youth link
Scouts from Pack 103, Troops 103 honor fallen veterans Photos courtesy of Kevin Tar and Caroline McCormick
Members of Cub Scout Pack 103, Boy Scout Troop 103, and American Heritage Girls Troop 103, all based out of Summerfield First Baptist Church, participated in the nationwide Wreaths Across America (WAA) program on Saturday, Dec. 16, when wreaths were placed on the graves of 1,140 fallen veterans at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Jaycee Park Drive in Greensboro. Each of the eight local cub and Boy Scouts who participated in the wreath-laying ceremony is either a son or grandson of a veteran or active service member. “WAA honors fallen veterans by having volunteers place a wreath on veterans’ grave sites near Christmas time,” said Kevin Tar, Pack 103 cubmaster. “It is a very nice way to remember/honor them and to provide an opportunity to teach our kids about their commitment and sacrifice.”
28 DEC. 21, 2023 - JAN. 17, 2024
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Coming soon! Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center’s newest addition arriving spring 2024 We are thrilled to announce the upcoming arrival of our brand-new birth center in Kernersville. Expecting parents and partners will find: • Spacious, modern suites • Labor tubs and ladders • Alternative pain management options • Comfortable overnight accommodations for support partners All with the convenience of maternity care close to home.
Learn how you can plan your birth experience with us. Visit NovantHealth.org/WomanCareKernersville or call 336-765-5470.
© Novant Health, Inc. 2023 10/23 • GWS-1484861
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS, MEMORIES
...continued from p. 1
handprint,” she said, adding that one ornament includes a few snowmen and a bunny because of the way the fingers lined up. Smith’s collection of ornaments fills the Christmas tree with memories and lots of joy. And, although Isaiah is now 13, he and all the other grandchildren continue to spend time with their grandmother while creating more priceless memories. Joyce Jones enjoys reminiscing about a trip she and her husband, Kenny, and his parents took during Christmas 1991. “We went to Germany and visited some of the places Kenny was stationed in the army,” said Jones, a resident of Bethany. “We arrived at night and there was a man in the airport. He asked us to stay at his house and he would fix us ‘a big American breakfast.’ We went with him, and the next morning were served orange Fanta and brotchen (hard bread), cheese and sausage.” “We went to Christmas market in Frankfort, Munich and Fulda. There were food stalls where you could buy
warm wine. We purchased many Christmas gifts. We had a Euro-Rail pass and rode the train to different cities and also the Austrian Alps.” Karen Landreth grows melancholy looking back on past Christmases. “When my mom was living, our family would all get together. I miss those days,” the Stokesdale resident said. “She’s been gone for 11 years, and we don’t ever get together anymore.” Chelsea Young of Oak Ridge remembers a particular decoration that her “memaw,” Nora Young, put out every Christmas – one of those old-fashioned plastic trees that held gumdrops on the ends of its branches. “It sat in the middle of the kitchen table. One Christmas she discovered the gumdrops on the tree were half bitten off, and she didn’t know who or how or why that happened,” Young said. “I’m sure she suspected foul play from the grandkids. “Later that Christmas season, she came around the corner to find me, probably 6 years old, standing on a
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chair with my hands behind my back, biting the ends off of the gumdrops that she had recently replaced. I suppose it was a fun game that kept me entertained! I don’t think the game continued after I got caught.” When Deborah McClure and her sisters perused their gifts from Santa, they were certain to find a box of chocolate covered cherries. “We always got them Christmas morning and I’ve carried on that tradition with my family,” said McClure, who lives in Summerfield.
Stokesdale resident Tonya McMahan said one of her favorite ways to celebrate the season is to spend it with her family playing board games. “Our family has our traditional board game night with favorite snacks, and we wear our matching Christmas shirts. We’re pretty competitive but it’s all in good fun,” said McMahan, adding that Monopoly and Scattergories are two popular game choices. Although Greensboro’s Caroline Currie grew up with divorced parents, she said her parents went above and beyond to make sure she and her younger brother had a Christmas they would enjoy. “We had Christmas Eve dinner and presents with my mom’s family, and we’d spend the night with my mom,” Currie said. “On Christmas morning, my dad would come over and the four of us would spend the morning together. They made it nice and were civil enough to hang out together.” The two siblings would spend the afternoon with their dad, while their mom and her mom would head out for a movie. David Haynes, who lives in
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Greensboro, remembers his parents’ 65th wedding anniversary on Dec. 21, 2018, when he presented them with a very special gift. “I baked them a ‘Bible cake’ as a surprise for a party the family put together,” Haynes said. “I had only been baking a year. “My dad, Bob Haynes, served as a minister of music his entire career and Mom was a concert pianist. Both served in their churches their entire lives. It was one of the most memorable gifts around Christmas time that I gave.” Although the cake was beautiful, it probably didn’t taste very good, and no one was allowed to eat it. “I made the cake as a centerpiece,” Haynes explained. “I put so many preservatives in the cake, it held its exact look and composition until April of the following year.” “When our two children were about 8 and 10 (they’re now 34 and 36), I came up with an idea to add to the fun of opening our presents on Christmas morning, and to keep us from ripping through them in record speed. The idea took hold, and is now a longstanding tradition,” said Summerfield resident and Northwest Observer editor Patti Stokes. “Sometime before Christmas morning (although for the procrastinators among us, it may not be until just hours before), we each write clues about some of the gifts we’re giving each other and then hide the gifts throughout the house. From youngest to oldest, we all have a stocking hung on the fireplace mantle, and each person’s clues are stuffed into the top of their stocking. “On Christmas morning the first thing we all do is get our clues, and then take turns reading them and finding our gifts while eating breakfast casserole and cinnamon rolls. The
clues are rhyming – although admittedly, sometimes the rhymes are a stretch – they can be quite clever and creative, and are often very funny (and we can usually tell when they were written in the wee hours of the morning!). They may or may not even be about the gift itself, but about the person receiving it.
SUMMERFIELD TC
“Last year was the first time our oldest granddaughter got clues in her stocking – she was 4 1/2 then and needed help with reading them, but loved going in search of her gifts throughout the house.
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“Over the years our small family of four has grown to include a son-inlaw, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren, so what once took about an hour to open gifts can now take three or more hours, especially factoring in snack and potty breaks. Our son and his wife, who hadn’t written their clues before arriving last Christmas Day, tried to talk us out of participating but we took a family vote and democracy won, with the tradition carried on at least one more year. (We may, however, allow Chat GPT to help us with at least some of the clue writing this year!)” “As long as I can remember, my family would go to church together on Christmas Eve and afterward, gather in front of the Christmas tree,” said Oak Ridge resident Sue Andrews. “My dad had a fire going in the fireplace and Mom would bring out the fondue. We would start with cheese and bread, then move to the meat fondue and end with (my favorite) chocolate. “I cannot remember a Christmas Eve without fondue, and my husband and I have continued this tradition for over 30 years now. Our children, and many of our friends, have experienced this special evening with us. A cozy night filled with love, fun and good food.”
...continued from p. 13
until 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14.
Sessoms called the Dec. 14 meeting to order, with Devaney, Robinson and Doggett present.
Installation of new council members. District Court Judge Caroline Tomlinson-Pemberton swore in newly elected council members Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay. She also gave the oath of office to DeVaney, who was reelected in the Nov. 7 election.
Mayor pro tem election
5 0 to reelect DeVaney as mayor pro tem.
Council appointments
5 0 to appoint council members to the following assignments:
•Robinson as the town’s authorized check signer.
recently created OSM-V (open space mixed use – village) zoning district.
Text amendment review
2024 MEETING CALENDAR 5 0 to adopt the 2024 calendar
review the recently enacted text amendment with land-use lawyer Preston Mitchell; Mitchell works for the Raleigh law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, hired by the town earlier this year to assist in its de-annexation fight. (See related article on front cover.)
for the meetings of the council, committees and boards.
Strategic planning retreat. The council set Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26-27, for its annual strategic planning retreat. As one of the agenda items, the council plans to have a UNC School of Government representative explain various roles in the town’s council-manager form of government.
Lobbyist contracts
5 0 to terminate the $7,500-
a-month contract of Ward and Smith, one of the two lobbying firms representing Summerfield in its de-annexation opposition. Separately, the council voted unanimously to extend through January the $8,000-a-month contract with King and Co. Both contracts are scheduled to expire Dec. 31.
5 0 to appoint Hamilton to
Project spreadsheet. DeVaney asked Whitaker to prepare a spreadsheet providing a timeline and spending-todate for various town projects, such as the development of Bandera Farms Park, the creation of a land use plan and the update of the comprehensive plan. A spreadsheet would “keep things in the forefront and keep things moving,” DeVaney said. “That would be beneficial for all of us to keep up with what’s going on.’’ With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
•Robinson as the town’s voting delegate on the Piedmont Triad Regional Council. •Clay as the town’s representative on the Transportation Advisory Committee of the Greensboro Urban Area MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization). In this role, Clay will also represent the towns of Oak Ridge, Stokesdale, Pleasant Garden and Sedalia.
Revolution Academy
•DeVaney and Doggett reappointed as council members to interview prospective members of Summerfield’s boards and committees. •Robinson and Clay as the council’s representatives in planning meetings for the municipal water system, along with staff and engineering firm Freese and Nichols. •Hamilton as the council’s liaison to lawyers and lobbyists regarding landowner/developer David Couch’s potential de-annexation efforts and the
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
DEC. 21, 2023 - JAN. 17, 2024 31
CRIME / INCIDENT report
District 1 Sheriff’s Office
has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ...
ASSAULT/DOMESTIC
field (off Strawberry Road).
Dec. 7 l Law enforcement officers responded to a reported assault in the 7900 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale.
Dec. 15 l Officers responded to a reported physical altercation in the 8100 block of Shoeline Road in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158).
Dec. 14 l Officers responded at 5:31 a.m. to an aggravated assault report involving injuries in the 5400 block of Thorpe Drive in Summerfield (near U.S. 220 N). Upon arrival, they found a man suffering from a non-lifethreatening gunshot wound. Jessica Elizabeth Gray, 22, was subsequently charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury. She was issued a $5,000 secured bond and remanded to the Guilford County Detention Center. Deputies said she was released from custody on Dec. 15.
Dec. 16 l Officers responded to a reported domestic incident in the 7800 block of Springdale Meadow Drive in Stokesdale (near N.C. 68 N).
Dec. 14 l Officers responded to a reported physical altercation in the 5600 block of Ashview Court in Summerfield (near I-73 N).
Dec. 6 l Officers conducted a death investigation in the 7700 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale.
Dec. 15 l Officers responded to a reported domestic incident in the 6500 block of Horseman Trail in Summer-
BURGLARY NOV. 13 l Following last month’s overnight break-in of a residence in the 1200 block of N.C. 68 North in Oak Ridge, officers have charged a 33-year-old man with first-degree burglary and injury to personal property.
DEATH INVESTIGATION
Dec. 6 l Officers conducted a death investigation in the 7400 block of Somersby Drive in Summerfield (off N.C. 150 W).
EXPLOITATION
information.
Dec. 13 l Officers conducted an investigation about reported elder exploitation in the 7400 block of Hepatica Lane in Summerfield (near U.S. 220 N).
THEFT
FRAUD Dec. 1 l A resident of the 7900 block of Daltonshire Drive in Oak Ridge (off N.C. 68 N) reported an unknown suspect defrauded her of $32. Dec. 2 l A resident of the 2400 block of Hunters Crossing Trail in Summerfield (off Witty Road) reported an unknown suspect defrauded her of $719. Dec. 7 l A resident of the 1800 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect defrauded him of $1,800. Dec. 11 l A resident of the 3800 block of Laurel Forest Court in Colfax (near N. Bunker Hill Road) reported that between Dec. 2022 and Dec. 2023 an unknown suspect defrauded her of $100,000. Dec. 11 l A resident of the 500 block of S. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax reported an unknown suspect defrauded her of $21,100. Dec. 12 l A resident of the 7800 block of Wilson Farm Road in Summerfield (off N.C. 150/Oak Ridge Road) reported an unknown suspect fraudulently used his personal identification
Dec. 4 l A resident of the 7200 block of Alcorn Road in northwest Greensboro reported an unknown suspect broke into her residence and stole a Marine Corps ring, two diamond rings, a diamond tennis bracelet, a jewelry box, a Northwest Guilford High School Class of 1980 ring and $200 cash, worth $3,255 altogether. Dec. 11 l A resident of the 8300 block of Linville Road in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect stole his black Google Pixel 2 smartwatch worth $350.
VANDALISM Dec. 8 l A citizen at Oak Ridge Commons reported a known suspect keyed his vehicle.
VEHICLE BREAK-IN Nov. 14 l Last month officers responded to a report of a smash-and-grab incident in which a suspect smashed the window of a vehicle at Stokesdale Town Park on Angel Pardue Road and stole a purse that was in view. The suspect has since been identified and warrants issued for his/her arrest. The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens to place valuables out of sight when their vehicle is unattended.
As of January 2024, the Northwest Observer will be published in print the third Thursday of each month Look for us again in print on Thursday, Jan. 18 and stay up-to-date on local news and happenings throughout the month at www.nwobserver.com.
Learn more about our in-print and online advertising options by emailing: advertising@nwobserver.com or calling: (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 32 DEC. 21, 2023 - JAN. 17, 2024
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 3 z Preservation Oak Ridge l Preservation Oak Ridge,
a nonprofit committed to preserving historic structures in Oak Ridge, will meet Jan. 3, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the historic Ai Church, 1306 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge. More info: www.preserveoakridge.org or call (336) 644-1777.
TUESDAY, JAN. 2
THURSDAY, JAN. 4
z Kiwanis Club l Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford,
a nonprofit that engages in projects focused on children in our community, will meet Jan. 2, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com. z Friends of Stokesdale meeting l Friends of Stokesdale, a nonprofit committed to preserving Stokesdale’s history and downtown charm, will meet Jan. 2, from 7 to 8 p.m. at 8311 U.S. 158 in Stokesdale. More info: www.facebook.com/friendsofstokesdale or call Joe Thacker, president, at (336) 708-0334.
JAN. 3, 9, 11 & 18 z Senior programs | Senior Resources of Guilford County will sponsor a senior program including activities and a take-home lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Jan. 3 at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, 2445 Oak Ridge Road; Jan. 9 at Shady Grove Wesleyan Church (119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax); on Jan. 11 at Stokesdale United Methodist Church (8305 Loyola Drive); and on Jan. 18 at Summerfield First Baptist Church (2300 Scalesville Road). To learn more and/ or RSVP, call (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.
z Town Council meeting l Oak Ridge Town Council will meet Jan. 4, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Attend in person or watch the meeting on the town's YouTube channel (a link to the recorded meeting will also be posted on the town's Facebook page). Visit www.oakridgenc.com for more info or a meeting agenda.
MONDAY, JAN. 8 z Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club l Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club (NGWC) is a nonprofit with members including women from all walks of life who share a commitment to community service. The group will hold its monthly meeting Jan. 8, starting at 7 p.m. To learn more about NGWC or to attend the meeting as a guest, contact Tiffany Hansen, president, at (336) 404-8038 or tiffanykhansen96@gmail.com.
TUESDAY, JAN. 9 z Town Council meeting l Summerfield Town Council will meet Jan. 9, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Town’s Facebook page.
Visit www.summerfieldnc.gov for a meeting agenda. z SMA meeting l Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA), which focuses on supporting local businesses, nonprofits and the Summerfield community, invites professionals who live in Summerfield or represent a business or nonprofit based in Summerfield to its meeting Jan. 9, 6:15 to 8 p.m. Learn more about SMA or RSVP to attend the meeting at www.summerfieldmerchant.com.
THURSDAY, JAN. 11 z Town Council meeting l Stokesdale Town Council will meet Jan. 11, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Citizens may attend in person, or virtually via Zoom. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel. Visit www.stokesdale.org for a meeting agenda and/or a link to join the meeting via Zoom.
TUESDAY, JAN. 16 z Kiwanis Club l Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford, a nonprofit that engages in projects focused on children in our community, will meet Jan. 16, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com. z Northwest Guilford VFW l Northwest Guilford
VFW invites veterans and individuals who have served overseas in a conflict to join VFW Post #7999 for their monthly meeting Jan. 16, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. More info: Andy Schlosser, (336) 456-2199, or Rick Dunlap, (336) 601-0941.
For more events and updates, check out our community calendar at Carlotta Lytton
Submit your events online at
, CPA, PC
Tax & Consulting Services For Individuals & Businesses
Individual & Corporate Tax Returns Specializing in Payroll & Accounting for Small Businesses
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phone: (336) 644-7033 fax: (336) 644-7038
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8400 Hwy 158 • PO Box 469 Stokesdale, NC 27357 kim@kimberlythacker.com
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DEC. 21, 2023 - JAN. 17, 2024 33
GRINS and GRIPES
Delighted or dismayed by something in your community? Share your thoughts in
40
words or less
email: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com
Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion. is beautiful and a joy to see! Dr. Ballard, all his staff at Summerfield Veterinary Hospital, and my neighbors for their caring and kindness the day I lost my much-loved Mack. The Town of Stokesdale’s Christmas parade organizers and volunteers. What an awesome event and very well done – our kids loved it, and so did we! The Oak Ridge Elementary PTO for all of your hard work and dedication. I know it’s chaos behind the scenes, but your commitment to the students doesn’t go unnoticed. As working parents, we thank you for being so diligent and supportive. All the Northwest High School teachers and students who produced an amazing winter music performance. Very impressive and enjoyable! The Summit Church on N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. Your tree with lighted balls
The community of family and friends who supported the Stokesdale Community Choir at our Christmas concert. Integrity Tree Service crew. From pricing two 60-foot trees in our yard to be taken down and removed, to scheduling the work and seeing it all the way to completion, they did a great job. Mr. Graham at ORES for being the “bouncer” of the car rider line. He stands at the Autumn Gate entrance by himself every morning, all bundled up, and puts cones out to prevent cheaters from cutting in the car rider line. The most gracious person who paid for our lunch at Rio Grande on Sunday, Dec. 17. What a surprise blessing! The kind woman at the Dollar General in Stokesdale who warmly approached my three children and me and insisted we take $20 because she “doesn’t have little ones any longer.”
Oak Ridge Elementary Colts Chorale music performance and benefits show. Thank you to all those who organized this wonderful event and all those who donated. Sondra Beene for giving her time in directing the Stokesdale Community Choir to another awesome performance, to Pete Beene for supporting the choir, and to Gideon Grove UMC for letting us practice and perform there. Reece Walker and Jeff Davis for serving Summerfield so well with their knowledge, careful deliberation over issues, and the wisdom they shared while on the town council.
Editor’s note: My apology for not publishing the following correction in our last issue, as I had intended. The correction is in response to a reader-submitted gripe in our Nov. 16 issue, which read: “(Gripes to) Mike Stone and Mike Greeson for shamelessly obstructing the ORE (Oak Ridge Elementary) car rider line on Election Day to hand out political flyers filled with fear tactics and misinformation. Have some respect for the election and campaign at the polls.” In an email to the Northwest Observer, Stone said he did not campaign at the elementary school on Election Day,
nor did Greeson, who had been injured from a fall and was reaching out to voters that day via the phone. “I was told a member of Bear Creek was standing at the entrance of the Town Hall driveway and the Methodist Church handing out flyers,” Stone said. “I never saw that, but it sounds plausible… To this day, I’ve never seen the flyer they handed out.” The misogynist complaining about women’s choice in clothing. Rhetoric such as yours is dangerous and wildly unnecessary. Lumos, for the never-ending fiber internet installation which is destroying yards in its path, between the orange tubes sticking out of yards for months and the bulldozer that recently went through making yard craters. The person complaining about smoke from their neighbors on Scalesville Road burning leaves. You suggested bagging them and putting them in the trash. Yard waste isn’t allowed in any landfill in North Carolina. Burn away. Editor’s note: To confirm, North Carolina state law does require yard waste to be separated from trash and recycling. Arrangements for yard waste pickup can be scheduled through GFL (Stokesdale and Oak Ridge provider) or Republic Services (Summerfield provider). As an alternative, open burning of residential yard waste is
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34 DEC. 21, 2023 - JAN. 17, 2024
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
allowed between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and when the air quality forecast is Code Green or Code Yellow. Whomever invented the “Find My Friend” app for Apple iPhones. As soon as the Northwest Observer’s editor indicated the general location of the infamous, immodestly dressed damsels (doing yard work), my wife activated the app on my phone. Oh, the inhumanity! Our neighbors with a rude sign in their yard that reads, “Shut your d@mn dogs up” where elementary children get on and off the bus. They don’t need to see that language. Let them be children a little longer. The Town of Stokesdale for allowing so many car lots; maybe it’s time for a moratorium on them! Impatient, selfish ORES parents who are now blocked from turning left into the school to cut in line, so instead make wild U-turns to try to skip the car line. Councilman Mike Stone for wasting the time of Oak Ridge’s staff (and
NEWS in brief
...continued from p. 6 He also raised the ire of Summerfield citizens opposed to landowner David Couch’s proposal to develop his nearly 1,000 acres with the town’s first apartments. At the state level, redistricting changed the boundaries of Senate District 26. Summerfield shifted to District 27 while Oak Ridge and Stokesdale remain in the 26th District. N.C. House of Reps. (District 62) Former state legislator John Blust, of Greensboro and former Oak Ridge mayor and current council member Ann Schneider join Britt Moore, of High Point, and two other candidates from Greensboro: Michelle Bardsley and Jaxon Barber, in the Republican race for N.C.House District 62. The GOP winner will face Marjorie Benbow, a Democrat from Summerfield. Board of Commissioners (District 5) Former Summerfield Town Council
citizens’ tax dollars!) on a meeting with the contractors for the Farmhouse Community Center project nine months after it was approved by Town Council. Kathy Manning (D) for not running for reelection because of the change in districts, but who may come back if it turns Democratic again. Glad to see when the going gets tough, you’re gone! Oak Ridge ABC for not carrying anything seasonal or having variety. The ordering person needs to take a trip to Madison to see what a good store looks like. The lady who came in CVS pharmacy causing a scene because they didn’t answer her call on Dec. 12. You made a fool of yourself. Give them a break, it’s the end of the year! Whoever abandoned their dog on Pleasant Ridge Road on a recent Saturday morning in 30° weather. Shame on you for leaving an animal helpless and cold like that. member Reece Walker, a Republican, is challenging Democrat incumbent Carly Cooke for the District 5 seat on the county’s Board of Commissioners. Board of Education (District 3) Michael Logan is running unopposed for the Republican nomination for the District 3 school board seat. Logan joined the board in September after the Democratic majority of the board had initially refused to seat him and instead put Bill Goebel in the District 3 seat. Goebel resigned after he decided not to fight a bill passed by the state legislature that removed him from the board. In an interview earlier this week, Goebel said he faces a March 5 deadline to collect the approximately 2,300 signatures he needs to run for the District 3 seat as an independent. Board of Education (District 5)
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DEC. 21, 2023 - JAN. 17, 2024 35
AUTO SALES & SERVICES HOMECARE AVAILABLE HOME SERVICES K & S CAR REPAIRS. Oil changes, tuneups, problem solving. Call for a price. Steve or Kenny, (336) 643-1119 or (336) 965-4357. SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955. CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002.
Place online at
DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue
NEED HELP?
KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair. Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience. 4559 US Hwy. 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669.
Luxury Auto Service Call EuroHaus for the very best in luxury auto service at (336) 891-3876.
Employment .................... 36 Homecare Available......... 36 Yard Sale..............................36 Home Services ........... 36-38 Misc. Services .................. 38 Misc. for Sale .................. 38 Misc. Wanted .................. 38 Real Estate ...................... 38
MOVING SALE. Ongoing Thurs., Dec. 18, through Sun., Dec. 31. 6701 Brookbank Rd., Oak Ridge. Almost everything goes. Furniture, lots of fishing rods and tackle, antiques, VHS DVDs, CDs and players, clothes, Dale Earnhardt items and various odds and ends.
HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
CLEANING
EMPLOYMENT
Auto Sales / Services ........ 36
YARD SALE
A-ACTION AIR. Furnace check-up, $79.95. (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750.
Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -12:30pm
INDEX
SENIOR HELPERS. Homecare for seniors and others including companion, personal needs, transitional, chronic disease, VA, respite, post-surgery assistance. Can provide house chores as part of service at no extra charge. Knowing your loved one is happy, safe, and cared for is your priority and ours too! Locally owned and operated. Call (336) 893-0300.
NAIL TECH needed immediately. Part-time. Experienced only in gel nails, etc. In an exclusive retirement community. Great opportunity and income. Drug screening and references required. COVID vaccination required. Call (336) 549-5357. HAIR STYLIST NEEDED (prefer established), Jan. 1, 2024, for new salon opening in historic district of downtown Kernersville. Booth rent weekly; chair, station, storage cabinet and towels provided. Contact Doris Fitzpatrick, (336) 847-2928. NORTHWEST DAY SCHOOL – The Baby House Childcare. Seeking to hire experienced infant and toddler teachers. Full-time and part-time positions available. Pay scale based on experience and education. Nurturing and caring individual a must. Please call (336) 617-7700.
36 DEC. DEC. 2023 - JAN.17, 17,2024 2024 21,21, 2023 - JAN.
CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com. (336) 595-2873. CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Quality cleaning/ budget friendly. Pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838. ANNASARAH'S CLEANING. Excellent references. Trustworthy. Family-owned business. Free estimates. (336) 543-3941. MAID-2- SHINE. Excellent ser vice, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223 PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210.
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Northwest Observer The Northwest Observer••Totally Totallylocal localsince since1996 1996
DECORATING EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411.
ELECTRICAL Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? It's portable generator season. Call Coble Electric, LLC at (336) 209-1486. BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.
FLOORING / TILE MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 20 yrs. exp. Free est., excellent references. Visit our new showroom at 605 N. Main St., Kernersville, or Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com, or call (336) 215-8842.
Your HOME SERVICES
company should be here! Place your classified ad online at
www.nwobserver.com GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES
“No Job Too Small” Wood Rot Repairs on door jambs & window sills Bathroom Remodeling • Decks and much more! • Insured
Contact us for a free estimate!
(336) 669-7252
oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com
CLOCK SERVICE. Free house calls for sick clocks. 8103 Windspray Dr., Summerfield. (336) 643-9931.
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE. “We get you mowing!” Comm./res., all models. Oak Ridge, NC. Please call (336) 298-4314. Ltsmeng16@gmail.com.
BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS, LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647.
EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate
CM STUMP GRINDING, LLC. Family owned and operated. Commercial/residential. Free quotes! (336) 317-4600.
ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035.
STEVE NEWMAN, TREE SERVICE. FREE EST. 40+ yrs. exp. Fully insured. Any phase
AFFORDABLE
HOME REPAIR Why move when you can improve?
GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS
handyman ● construction well pumps ● plumbing ● foundations sagging floors...and much more! licensed general contractors
One call fixes all! (336) 643-1184 APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707. GENERAL HANDYMAN. Repairs, installations, assemblies, etc. Light electrical and plumbing. Yard work and power washing. Insured. No job too small. Give Gordon a call, (336) 253-7700. 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.
GRADING / HAULING H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full-service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/Operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, driveways, French drains, portable sawmill and much more. We also do custom roughcut lumber. Call owner/operator Bobby Lipstreu, (336) 543-7867. GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150. E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282.
(336) 682-1456.
of tree work. Natural area thinning and cleanup. Oak Ridge. (336) 643-1119. STRAIGHT EDGE LAWN CARE. Free estimates. Please call (336) 306-0274. R C LAWN CARE. Res./comm. lawn service. Fully insured. Call/text (336) 231-9599.
WILSON
Seamless Gutters
Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard
Stokesdale
336-420-0200 GUTTER CLEANING. Affordable. Dependable. Call anytime for free est. (336) 706-0103.
S&M
SEAMLESS GUTTERS
install new gutters repair and clean old gutters FULLY INSURED
Call for a FREE estimate
GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree prun-
sured. In business for 33 yrs. (336) 451-5216. DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING. (336) 362-4354.
MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS
GOSSETT'S LAWNCARE. Complete lawn care/maintenance. Res./comm. Fully in-
INTEGRITY TREE SERVICE, LLC. Tree removal, risk assessment, tree pruning, dead wood removal. Affordable/competitive pricing. Fully insured. Owner-operated. Call for free estimate, (336) 210-8310. HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free estimates. Call (336) 669-5448. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/land-
LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING
scape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764.
BRADY LANDSCAPES. BBB accredited A+. A full-service landscape contracting co. Seasonal color, mulch & pine needles. Shrubbery bed installation & renovation. 40 years exp. Fully insured. FREE EST. (336) 621-2383. www.bradylandscapes.com.
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NEW PHASE CONCRETE. Here for all your concrete needs including pouring driveways, patios, garage slabs, pool decks, etc. Specializing in decorative stamp, stained, epoxy and all other concrete finishes as well. Also offering refurbishment of existing stamped concrete. Make your existing stamped look like new again. (336) 399-1474 or (336) 595-4654. COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; dry-stack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Call (336) 949-9019. www.colonialmasonry.com.
ing, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490.
336.587.8223 | 336.709.5944
SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE. Offering complete lawn maintenance services, landscaping, bush hogging, privacy fence installation/repair/staining, and stump grinding. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086.
MASONRY
MEDLIN'S LANDSCAPING. Res./comm. lawn service. Fully insured. Call/text (336) 817-3036. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157. DILLON TREE SERVICE. Certified arborists. BBB accredited. Fully insured. Familyowned. Tree removal and trimming. Available for emergency removals 24/7. Free estimates. (336) 996-6156. www.dillontreeservice.com. info@dillontreeservice.com.
TheNorthwest NorthwestObserver Observer••Totally Totally local local since since 1996 1996 The
Certified Mold Inspections Certified Mold Remediation Crawl Space Vapor Barriers Crawl Space Cleaning Insulation/Foam Board Sealing Basement Moisture Issues
locally based in Stokesdale ● (336) 937-4983 northstarmoisture@gmail.com www.northstarmoisture.com HOME SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER. Oak Ridge and surrounding area. Will run errands and do light housekeeping. M,W,F. Call (336) 707-4946; ask for Katrena. DRIVEWAY REPAIR. Seal coating and asphalt protectant. For quotes & questions, call Ryan at Triad Seal Team. (336) 901-5191. JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, outbuildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Also can haul mulch. Call (336) 706-8470.
continued on p. 38
DEC. - JAN. 17,17, 2024 DEC.21, 21,2023 2023 - JAN. 2024 37
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
MISC. WANTED
PEARMAN QUARRY LCID. Inert debris landfill. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Mulch and fill dirt available. (336) 803-2195 or (336) 558-7673.
PRESSURE WASHING
CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. 40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191.
YARN NEEDED to make children's hats for homeless shelter. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155.
BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. Free estimates. Since 1979. (336) 362-6343 or (336) 215-6122.
Wanted: FARM EQUIPMENT to buy. All kinds. Please call (336) 430-9507.
HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING. Martin's Pressure Washing. (919) 931-0856.
ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.
PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com or (336) 595-2873.
PAINTING & DRYWALL
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION
BEK Paint Co.
AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350.
David & Judy Long, owners
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.
Residential & Commercial
(336) 931-0600
BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed
PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.
TM
Check in with your neighbors: www.facebook.com/
northwestobserver
PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. 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.
WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR. Call Tim, (336) 402-3869. PIANO LESSONS, all ages and levels, Summerfield area. Patti, (336) 298-4181. GRAPHIC DESIGN. Affordable solutions for all your creative needs. Specializing in print, digital, presentation design, logo creation, brochures and more. Located in Summerfield. Phone (336) 988-2657 or email david@dpinterdesigns.com.
BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS
Outdoor living spaces | Fire pits
(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell
LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089. STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com.
Construction Services, INC
MISC. SERVICES
Licensed & insured
locally owned & operated
tmcsi.net
(336) 643-9963
NC Gen. Contractor #72797
BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Senior discount. 44 years exp. (336) 362-6343 or (336) 215-6122. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION, LLC. N.C. general contractor with 30 years experience. Specializing in new homes, room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, decks, vinyl siding and windows, painting, tile, laminate and vinyl plank, and remodeling of all kinds. Quality for the right price. Free est. Please call (336) 362-7469.
ROOFING DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Certified for 50year non-prorated shingle warranties. Call (336) 268-1908.
38 DEC. 21,21, 2023 - JAN. 38 DEC. 2023 - JAN.17, 17,2024 2024
6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale
$$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328.
REAL ESTATE HOME FOR SALE
CHARMING HOME IN STOKESDALE
8208 Messenger Ct., Stokesdale Looking for a move-in ready home? Corner lot, all brick home features 4 BR/2.5 BA plus bonus room. Primary suite w/luxury spa-like bathroom and walk-in closet on the main floor. Kitchen w/lots of cabinets flows seamlessly into the family room w/ a gorgeous stone fireplace. Spacious dining room. Relax on the patio with mature landscaping, seclusion and privacy. Abundance of storage. Call today for a tour! $490,000
Cathy Caldwell Realtor®
Lic. #342406
919-518-7137
(affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)
PORTABLE WELDING SERVICE. Welding & fabrication services. Call (336) 908-6906.
MISC. FOR SALE HAY for sale, round bales. $40 per bale. (336) 430-9507. PERSIMMON PULP & more. At the Old Mill of Guilford on Saturdays, or call (336) 816-3441. SPLIT and SEASONED FIREWOOD available. $50 per truck bed load. Oak Ridge location. Call Mark, (336) 577-5395. SEASONED FIREWOOD. Any size load delivered or you pick up. Steve Newman Tree Service. Call (336) 643-1119.
The Northwest Northwest Observer Observer••Totally Totallylocal localsince since1996 1996
LAND FOR SALE LOTS for sale! Exclusive homesites. Only 4 remain. No HOA. Summerfield address. Rockingham County taxes. Call (336) 314-3773 today. Owner financing may be available. FINISHED CORNER LOT. Located on Stafford Mill Rd., Oak Ridge. (336) 209-1296.
LAND WANTED WANTED: LAND. Any size or shape. Vacant or with dwellings. Matters not. We pay CASH! Quick closings! Call (336) 430-9507.
Selling or Renting? Place your ad online at
www. nwobserver.com
Onward to 2024 To say the years since I started the then-Oak Ridge Observer in 1996 have been eventful for our business would be putting Patti Stokes it mildly. Almost from the beginning, the changing tides brought about by the internet created a dramatic impact on how readers got their news and information. With that, the ominous message that “print is dead” was everywhere (including, ironically, in print). Over the last 27 years I’ve seen hundreds of small businesses in our area come and go, which makes me feel even more fortunate that ours is still going strong. Meanwhile, my writers and I have covered thousands of governmental and other meetings and community events, written and published countless local news articles and briefs, headlines, feature stories and photo captions, taken literally millions of photos, held on through recessions and COVID, and I’ve personally made hundreds of my own mistakes in writing while catching an untold amount of other people’s – including our readers, elected officials and our own writers (we are, after all, also human). I recently shared that I had planned to retire earlier this year, with the notion of carrying all these memorable experiences with me; when “earlier this year” came and went, I revised my plans to “the end of this year.” It’s been fun to think about life without constant deadlines, barrages of work-related emails
and texts, and public scoldings for mistakes – and I DO look forward to their absence in my life. My retirement now, however, would mean the Northwest Observer’s retirement as well. The ripple effects on my staff members, on our readers who would lose a crucial source of community information and connection, and on our advertisers who rely on us to connect them to our readers, have all factored into my decision to stay on for one more year. In the meantime, I’ll step up efforts to find a compatible successor, with the goal and hope of ensuring the “show will go on” long after I’ve faded into the background. Before closing out 2023, I want to thank the past and present businesses and nonprofits that have supported us through their advertising over the last 27 years, making it possible for us to do what we love doing and provide a community service that so many rely on. And I want to thank our faithful readers who value the content we provide.
Going near or far? Be sure to pack up your Northwest Observer and send us your NWO on the go photos! Email your high-res photo to: photos@nwobserver.com
Rob and Patti Keaton of Stokesdale visited family in Indiana and stopped off at the Hoosier Gym – site of the Hickory basketball team featured in the movie Hoosiers – where they took a seat in the bleachers to read about events happening back home.
It has truly been an honor to be a small-town business owner and manager/editor of a local newspaper, and I’m grateful for the experience. On behalf of our team here at PS Communications, we wish you many wonderful, memorable moments this season to carry with you long into the new year, and look forward to “keeping you covered” in 2024! Patti Stokes president / PS Communications editor & publisher / Northwest Observer
covering northwest Guilford County’s
local mat ters since November 1996
any s the best reading material for The Northwest Observer provide unmo est beach, on top of the high time and place: in the car, at the site. Phil Messinger takes a break job tain, overseas and even... at the rce! h up on news from his favorite sou from a hard day at work to catc
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