Winston-Salem Journal
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    Each May, SAM gets questions about the symbolism behind the paper poppies distributed by veterans groups around Memorial Day and also around Veterans Day in November. With Memorial Day being observed on Monday, it's time to reflect on the history of the Buddy Poppy, which, as the Veterans Administration says, "survives as a perpetual tribute to those who have given their lives for the nation's freedom."

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    Q: What is the cost of all the new construction going on at Tanglewood Pool? How much has the county spent out there and how are they paying for it all?

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    Q: We've seen an insect new to this area last year and now this year that we'd like to know if you've heard of. It is black, round and about 1 inch long, looks like a worm, has a pincher on its front that looks like claws, and crawls fast. We've seen it in the house, in the basement and on the carport. Any word on it?

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    Q: I would like to know if there is something to kill boring bees. They are eating up one of my buildings. Do we need to call the exterminator or is there something we can buy off the shelf? D.D.

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    Q: I would like to know why CBS canceled "CSI: Miami," "A Gifted Man" and "Unforgettable." These were good programs compared to some they have. S.S.

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    Q: I called a local gas station to ask about the price of gas. The guy said he could not tell me over the phone because it was prohibited by a federal law. Is that correct?

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    Q: I recently put in an application to adopt a puppy from the Forsyth Humane Society on Miller Street.I went there looking for a small dog and found a 3-month-old puppy.I told a staff member I wanted to adopt the puppy, and was told I need to complete an application. I filled one out and was told the review process would be complete within a week.

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    Q: This week, we had heavy rains and flooding along Muddy Creek. On Wednesday, I spent some time looking over various sections of the creek. The flow of water is severely restricted by both natural debris such as trees, brush and logs, and manmade items such as tires, appliances and garbage. The storm water cannot run off fast enough because of these restrictions to natural flow. Is anybody aware of this blockage problem?

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    Q: Although North Carolina law requires trailers to have a license and working running lights, I have never seen anyone or heard of anyone in this area being ticketed for a violation. Why isn't this enforced?

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    Q: There appears to a camera of some sort strapped to a traffic light pole, pointed at the intersection of Fifth and Marshall streets. Any idea what it's for? T.C.

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    Q: Recently, the National Weather Service report for Greensboro changed its "climate record" period from 1929-2012 to 1892-2012. Were some older climate records for the Greensboro station found or are they trying to pass off Raleigh records as being those of the Triad? V.G.

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    Q: If you have a mail slot built into your front door where mail can be easily inserted, is a homeowner also required to install a mail box on the outside structure next to the door?

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    Q: I have a 20-year policy with a life insurance company that is fully paid up. In March and April, they didn't send out my payment statement. I called and was told a statement had been mailed out. When I didn't receive either statement, I decided to send a payment anyhow with my account number on the check. What can I do?

  • Ask SAM: Straight Answers for May 12

    Q: I want to verify what I remember about school bus stops. If the road is four lanes, with or without a turning lane, when a bus stops on one side, the drivers coming in the opposite direction do not have to stop. Right or wrong?

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    Q: I noticed that there are palm trees growing on the grounds of Whitaker Elementary School and was wondering what variety they were, since I did not think palm trees would survive in this area.

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    Q: I called 911 twice on Monday at approximately 5 p.m. and no one answered, nor did they call back to see if there was an emergency. My son was injured and I needed help. It was very frightening that 911 did not answer. I finally took my son to the emergency room in my own car. Why wasn't my call answered? H.V.

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    Q: What is the latest regarding the investigation in N.C. Rep. Larry Womble's car accident? Why is it taking so long?

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    Q: What are the rules regarding how close campaigners can get to the polling place on Election Day? Isn't there a certain distance they need to keep away?

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    Q: Why do we hold elections on Tuesdays? Is there a reason that day of the week was chosen? A.O.

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    M.S. wrote in to let us know about a scam we have heard about before and will no doubt hear about again.

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    Farmers Markets

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    Q: Regarding early voting, I chose an unaffiliated ballot to vote. I was instructed to vote for one candidate for the judgeship. My wife received a party-affiliated ballot and was allowed to vote for two candidates for judgeship. Why was I allowed to vote for only one? J.W.

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    Q: Why is the proposed amendment to the North Carolina Constitution being called "Amendment One"? There have been many amendments to the state constitution over the years. A.E.

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    Q: In spite of being on the "Do Not Call" list, we get numerous calls each day wanting our support for this or that candidate or ballot issue, or to ask our opinion in a survey. Is there a way to stop these calls?

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    SAM is on vacation. Continue to send in your questions to AskSAM@wsjournal.com so we can keep him busy when he gets back.

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