Jan. 29 - Feb. 4, 2016
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Gun violence: how do we stop the insanity? No one denies it’s a problem, but there are fierce differences of opinion about how to solve it by ANNETTE JOYCE UNITED STATES – San Bernardino, Aurora, Virginia Tech, Charleston, Columbine, Sandy Hook – these are only a handful of places that have been seared in our memories in the last two decades, all forever marked by the violence carried out by deranged guncarrying criminals. As reports of mass shootings and random violence have become more commonplace, it’s not surprising that growing numbers of people feel the need to arm and protect themselves. But as the number of people purchasing guns is skyrocketing, a tug-of-war
is taking place over how to put controls on guns and who can own them. To at least partially address the growing concerns about gun violence, President Obama recently issued executive orders aimed at controlling the way guns are purchased. These new regulations seek to define those who must be federally licensed online and at gun shows, making sure these sellers perform background checks on their customers. In addition, the orders add 230 more FBI workers to aid in processing background checks and establishes a $500 million federal fund designated for additional mental illness treatment. Both the recent mass shooting in San Bernardino and the orders presented by President Obama have stirred up many local residents
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Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
Mark Yonjof has seen his business, Atlantic Outdoors in Stokesdale, grow by leaps and bounds since it opened two years ago.
Town to fund water and fire protection study The fire chief told the Public The study will look at options for providing water access points to fire department, but will not include consideration of municipal water system by GERRI HUNT SUMMERFIELD – The Summerfield Town Council unanimously approved spending $8,500 on a water and fire protection study, during its Jan. 12 monthly meeting.
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Safety Committee in 1996 that the town had 25 water points (ponds or access points). In 2016, we have 13. We’re almost down to half of the water points. And combine that with the population increase – we have over 11,000 citizens now – that’s pretty dramatic.”
Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker, when addressing the town council at its Jan. 12 meeting.
IN THIS ISSUE News in brief.............................. 3 Your Questions.......................... 4 Summerfield Town Council...... 6 Youth/School news.................. 9 High School Sports..................10 From frontlines to sidelines.....11 Student Profiles........................12 Best wishes, Ed Kimbrough.....14 Community Calendar.............19 Crime/Incident Report........... 20 Celebration/Obituary.............21 Business Notes.........................21 Facebook Comments............ 22 Snow Photos............................ 23 Bits & Pieces............................ 24 Letters/Opinions..................... 24 Grins & Gripes......................... 25 Classifieds............................... 27 Index of Advertisers................31 NWO on the go!...................... 32