Connect2NWGuilford

08/12/2025

Mayor Tim Sessoms resigns

Town of Summerfield, NC - earlier today, Summerfield mayor Tim Sessoms submitted his resignation, effective immediately. Sessoms subsequently released the following statement: "It’s important in life to know when it’s time to call it a day. After much thought, I have decided that today will be my final day serving as Mayor of the Town of Summerfield.

"I am incredibly humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve this community for over a decade. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the elected officials, county and state employees, and most importantly, the citizens of Summerfield. Your support, friendship, and partnerships - with individuals, businesses, and schools - are something I will always cherish.
As we approach the end of this term, I recognize that we are at an impasse with the current Council. Their pursuit of previous staff, excessive hiring, and significant tax increases are decisions I cannot support. Rather than remain in this position for the next three months under these circumstances, I’ve chosen to step down today. I have notified future Mayor Haywood and will make myself available if needed. I will continue to attend community events, school programs, and local gatherings - because you don’t have to be mayor to show up and be supportive.

"I urge the current Council to end the ongoing disputes with former staff and focus on the future of our town. Likewise, I encourage former staff to show a willingness to set aside their defamation case in the interest of all parties moving on. In situations like these, nobody truly wins, and our town is best served by moving forward.

"While these are challenging days, I believe great days lie ahead for Summerfield. To our roughly 8,000 registered voters: Just because municipalities are on the “off” year cycle, they are still very important, especially to small towns. Please study your candidates and participate in ALL elections - it’s essential to the health of our community.

"Serving as your mayor has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity."

As editor and publisher of the Northwest Observer for over 28 years, I’ve been asked often since Connect2 launched in March: “Why did you change the name?” The short answer: I wanted the Northwest Observer to be appreciated for what it was, while giving this...

08/03/2025

https://businessnc.com/developer-couch-seeks-greensboros-biggest-annexation/

Developer David Couch is asking Greensboro to annex nearly 900 acres and approve zoning for his rolling woodlands and pastures that would bring residential and commercial development to northwestern Guilford County.

07/28/2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, July 28, 6 p.m.
Town of Summerfield, NC's Planning Board will review a request this evening to rezone 21+ acres near the intersection of U.S. 220 and N.C. 150 from RS-30 (Residential) to CZ-BN (Conditional Business). A public hearing will be held during this meeting for citizens to comment on the rezoning request.

After its review of the request, the Planning Board will make a recommendation to Town Council, which is tentatively scheduled to review the case and hold another public hearing at its meeting on Sept. 9. The final decision on whether to approve the rezoning request will rest with the Town Council.

This evening's meeting of the Planning Board begins at 6 p.m. and will be held in Summerfield Community Center (5404 Centerfield Road).

More info:

07/11/2025

RIP Wally, aka Stokesdale's Santa Claus... Some of you may not recognize him without his long white beard and Santa's costume, but longtime Stokesdale resident Wally Plummer for many years served as "Santa Claus" at local Christmas events; one of his favorite activities was to ride atop the last float in the Town of Stokesdale's annual Christmas parade in December. Wally, who was known for his kindness and love of children, passed away earlier this week. Details about his memorial service, which will be held tomorrow, July 12, are included in this link to his obituary.
https://www.forbisanddick.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=43319780

07/11/2025

The Town of Oak Ridge invites you to an evening of music, food, and fun in Oak Ridge Town Park tomorrow evening, 6 to 9 p.m. And while you're there, stop by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board's tent to share your ideas and feedback regarding plans for Phase 2 of Heritage Farm Park. A survey of what amenities you'd like to see included in this future phase can be completed in person, or you can scan a QR code and complete the survey later, at your convenience.

Beverage Garden opens at 5:30 pm and band plays from 6 to 9 pm. Remember to bring chairs or a blanket to sit on.

No need to pack your swimsuits for this one, but definitely grab your flip flops and shades to catch the beach vibes of Eric and The Chill Tones at

MUSIC IN THE PARK: SATURDAY, JULY 12, 6-9pm

Huge thanks to all our sponsors for your generous support:
PLATINUM - Oak Ridge Commons and Combs Custom Homes
GOLD - Oak Ridge Craft & Vine, Domino's Oak Ridge, Ramilya Siegel Realtor, HealthTeam Advantage, DeVaney Dentistry
SILVER - Merchants of Oak Ridge, Hawthorne Northwest, Bank of Oak Ridge

Come hungry and thirsty because we'll have fabulous vendors ready to serve at 5:30pm:
Beverage Garden: Brown Truck Brewery and Oak Ridge Craft & Vine
Food Trucks: Taco Bros Food Truck, West Coast Wanderer, The Pearl Kitchen Food Truck & Catering, Backstreet Seafood, Domino's Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Bagels & Deli, and Park Concessions.
Sweet Treats: To the To The Moon and Back Frozen Treats, Victory Donuts, Anytime Grill-Sweets and Joy Bar Coffee Co./83 Custom Coffee
Specialty: Munchie & Me Face Painting

No outside alcohol allowed.

07/07/2025

The filing period for municipal elections began this morning and will continue through noon on Friday, July 19. As of today at 2 p.m., three northwest Guilford-area candidates have filed for re-election:

Town of STOKESDALE: Mayor Mike Crawford (4-year term)
Town of STOKESDALE: Council member Tim Jones (4-year term)
(The mayor's seat and one council seat will be open in the Nov. 4 election)

Town of SUMMERFIELD: Council member Janelle Robinson (4-year term).
(In Summerfield, the mayor's seat, which is a 2-year term, and two council seats, both 4-year terms, will be open in the Nov. 4 election).

No filings yet for the Town of OAK RIDGE, where two council seats (both 4-year terms) will be open in the Nov. 4 election (the mayor in Oak Ridge will be elected by the council members at the December meeting following the election).

For more information about the municipal elections, including open seats in each municipality, election schedule, etc., visit https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/government/board-elections -4024.

Guilford County Board of Elections is committed to maintaining current and accurate voter files, educating the voting public on the election process, providing the best possible services, and conducting efficient, fair, honest and impartial elections at a minimum cost to the electorate. SVG Absentee...

07/03/2025

Don't miss out on the annual July 4th Kids Bike Parade TOMORROW at Oak Ridge Parks. Decorating begins at 10am and the parade starts at 11am.

And, we wish everyone a very fun and safe 4th!

05/24/2025

05/14/2025

Be sure to stop by NW Guilford Farmers & Specialty Market today, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., for some homegrown and handmade products, and meet some really cool people while you're there!

See you Wednesday 4-6:30! will be serving up dinner, so make sure you pull up a seat to our table for dinner!

05/14/2025

The weather forecast is calling for temperatures in the 80s - and no rain this Friday and Saturday, so plan to come out to Town of Summerfield, NC's 28th annual Founders' Day two-day festival. The parade starts at 10am on Saturday morning, followed by a full lineup of carnival rides and family-friendly activities.

05/07/2025

Town of Oak Ridge, NC 's Music in the Park series continues THIS SATURDAY. Grab your family and friends and come hear Gipsy Danger live. Plus, enjoy food trucks and a beverage garden.

04/28/2025

Spring-a-palooza is this weekend! You don't want to miss this annual event at Golden Antiques and Treasures with 26 crafters, artisans and guest vendors, food trucks and spring plants.