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Rising Sun accepts West Nottingham Academy annexation resolution; academy leaders urge partnership
Summary
The town accepted a resolution to start annexation of five West Nottingham Academy parcels and the connecting state highway corridor, drawing remarks from academy leaders about growth plans and community ties. The council approved the resolution unanimously.
The Town of Rising Sun voted July 15 to accept a resolution that begins the annexation process for multiple parcels belonging to West Nottingham Academy and the state highway right-of-way that would link the academy to town utilities.
Calvin, the presenting administrator, said the request covers five individual tax parcels that make up the academy and would include State Highway rights-of-way down to Jacob Tome Highway; the town would annex the right-of-way corridor to provide a route for future water and sewer infrastructure. He said the town has discussed the request with the academy for several years and that staff consider the application ready to proceed.
John Guffey, president of West Nottingham Academy, addressed the commissioners and described the academy’s desire to strengthen ties with Rising Sun and to expand the campus. “We value our relationship with Rising Sun a great deal,” Guffey said. He said the school needs access to municipal water and sewer to address water-quality limitations and to position the school for future growth.
Two trustees and long-time supporters also spoke in favor. Jim Schonem, a trustee, described plans for expanded arts and athletic programming and said he sees partnership opportunities for Rising Sun residents to access the academy’s programs. Another trustee who identified himself as a descendant of families long involved with the academy said the annexation would help secure the institution’s future and broaden community benefits.
Commissioners voiced broad support and moved to accept the resolution; the motion, second and recorded voice votes carried. Staff emphasized that accepting the resolution starts the clock on the statutory review process and does not itself authorize construction or immediate connection to town utilities.
Calvin said future steps would include preparing the formal annexation plan, sending it to state and county agencies for their comment and negotiating any annexation agreements or utility-extension arrangements required before infrastructure work could proceed.
