The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
July-December 2006 Chelsea REWIND
A look back at events that made headlines
PUBLISHED: January 4, 2007
The following is a look back at 2006 and the news that made headlines in The Chelsea Standard.
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July
6— Since the Chelsea School District announced that it would be closing the Alternative High School earlier this year, staff has been working on a plan to help transition students from an alternative high school into the traditional high school setting. Last week, Chelsea High School Assistant Principal Patrick Little presented the plan to the Chelsea Board of Education, along with the referral process to identify students who are "at—risk." The identification process to determine which students are "at—risk" involves a number of steps. Once a parent or teacher becomes concerned about a student's progress, that concern would be brought to a Student Services member. The Student Services team would then discuss the student's issues and come up with recommendations, which could include counseling, changes in curriculum, a special education evaluation, a problem solving session with staff and family members, or enrollment in the Academic Learning Lab, a pilot course to be implemented for the 2006—07 school year.
6— An evaluation of Chelsea's city manager last week resulted in mixed reviews by the Chelsea City Council. Mayor Ann Feeney said a strong relationship with the business community and good written communication skills were cited as strengths for Chelsea City Manager Michael Steklac during the evaluation June 27, but council members also found many areas in which they feel Steklac needs to show improvement. When it comes to how well Steklac keeps the city council informed on issues that should be addressed, the majority of the city council rated his performance as below their expectations. In the evaluation, Councilman Frank Hammer noted that too often the city council is not provided with important information. The city manager's progress toward meeting short—term and long—range program goals also fell short, according to the evaluation. The majority of city council members rated Steklac's performance in this category as unsatisfactory or below expectations. Steklac's overall rating by the city council showed two council members rated his performance as unsatisfactory, while two council members rated his performance at below expectations.
13— Area residents and Lima Township took a long—standing dispute over rights—of—way to court last week, but a decision could still be weeks away. Judge Donald E. Shelton presided over an evidentiary hearing July 6 in 22nd Circuit Court to determine whether rights—of—way still exist in the former Village of Harford, now known as Lima Center. A decision is expected by Judge Shelton within 60 days following the hearing. The dispute began in 2004 when Lima Township Supervisor Kenneth Unterbrink authorized the removal of brush and tree cutting at the rear of several lots adjacent to the township hall. According to an affidavit submitted by Unterbrink to the court, some of the tree cuttings were moved into the North Street right—of—way, one of several areas that were designated as streets when the Village of Harford was platted in 1835. Although the streets were never used and have been overgrown with brush and foliage for years, Unterbrink said the township plans to eventually add a fire substation on a parcel adjacent to the township hall. If that were to happen, Unterbrink said, the township would need access to the fire substation by utilizing the rights—of—way on Cross Street and North Street as an ingress and egress to the township facilities. But the existence of those rights—of—way is being questioned by Lima Township resident Florence Beach, who owns property along the North Street, Cross Street, and East Street rights—of—way. Beach, co—owner of the Dwight E. Beach Farm, filed a civil suit against the township in 22nd Circuit Court on July 26, 2005, claiming ownership of the rights—of—way on the three streets by adverse possession.
13— Searches of student lockers and sniffing dogs have become commonplace at high schools throughout the state. At Chelsea High School, canine searches are typically conducted at least once a year with coordination with local police agencies. But last month the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan and Detroit Public Schools agreed to settle a lawsuit that was filed after the school district performed school—wide searches of students. The lawsuit was filed in response to Detroit Public Schools policy that allows periodic police "sweeps" without notice in intermediate and high schools. As a result of the settlement, the school district's policy has been changed. Dave Killips, Superintendent at Chelsea School District, does not expect the court settlement to have an impact on local search policies, which restrict the search of students' property to ensure their rights are not violated. Searches, according to the district's bylaws and policies, are generally restricted to the district's property, which includes lockers, and conducted only when there is reasonable suspicion. But how closely administrators are following the district's policy of student searches remains to be seen. Students at Beach Middle School reported that the school conducted a search of female students' purses as they arrived on the last day of school, apparently to make sure students weren't bringing cans of shaving cream and other items to school on the last day.
13— The amount of money the City of Chelsea is contributing to the Western Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) transportation system is doubling this year. An agreement between the City of Chelsea and the WAVE for public transportation services for July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007, was up for approval Tuesday during the regular meeting of the Chelsea City Council, with the city planning to double its contribution this year to $30,000, up from $15,000 last year.
20— Michigan Educational Assessment Program scores for the class of 2006 were released July 14, and while statewide scores showed declines from 2005 to 2006 in four of five areas, scores for Chelsea showed increases in four out of five areas. For Chelsea High School's class of 2006, the percentage of students who tested as proficient on MEAP tests was 35 percent greater than the state average.
In math, 75.6 percent of students in Chelsea High School's class of 2006 earned a proficient score, up from 72.6 percent for the class of 2005. Statewide, the percentage of students proficient in math was only 52.4 percent in 2006.
Likewise, in science, Chelsea High School students are well above the state average. In the class of 2006, 77.1 percent of students were proficient in science, compared to 76.1 percent in 2005 and 56.8 percent statewide in 2006.
Writing scores showed that 78.3 percent of students in Chelsea High School's class of 2006 were proficient, compared to 74.4 percent in 2005. The statewide average in 2006 was 55.2 percent.
Reading was the one category in which the Chelsea High School class of 2006 scored lower than the class of 2005. The 1.9 percent decline, from 85.5 percent in 2005 to 83.9 percent in 2006, was still less than the decline in statewide average scores for reading, which were 10.1 percent lower.
20— With five weeks as director of the Chelsea District Library under her belt, Cathy Russ has settled into the community and is looking forward to meeting area residents.
The Chelsea District Library will be hosting a welcome reception for Russ from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the downstairs meeting room at the Common Grill. The community is invited to the reception to meet Russ. Complimentary appetizers will be provided and there will be a cash bar.
The former resident of Center Line has moved to Chelsea and said she loves the small—town atmosphere.
20— When middle school students head back to the classroom this fall, they will also have the opportunity to participate in an after—school program.
Chelsea Church of the Nazarene, 12126 Jackson Road in Lima Township, in partnership with the Chelsea School District, Chelsea Ministerial Association and Chelsea Community Hospital, plans to host a new after—school program geared toward middle school—aged youth, with an emphasis on providing fun, supervised activities in a supportive environment.
27—"She touched the hearts of everyone she met — you could never get her out of your head." Devon Lixey summed up the feelings of many people who knew her best friend, Sabrina Roberson, 20, of Chelsea, who died July 15 in a car crash in Waterloo Township.
Roberson, a 2004 Chelsea High School graduate, was a single mother who was anticipating her daughter Talena's third birthday in August.
Roberson was killed when the driver of the 2004 Chrysler two—door in which she was a passenger swerved to avoid a deer and hit a tree on Clear Lake Road at about 6 a.m., according to a Michigan State Police report.
The driver, a 22—year—old Ann Arbor man, and the front—seat passenger suffered only minor injuries because they were wearing seat belts and air bags deployed. But Roberson, who was asleep in the back seat, was thrown into the dashboard.
27—Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. For Chelsea residents Jimmy and Michelle Germann, a pancake breakfast this weekend means much more. First Assembly of God, 14900 Old US—12 in Chelsea, is hosting a pancake breakfast fund—raiser event from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday to help the Germann family purchase a wheelchair—accessible vehicle large enough for their growing family. The family of five will soon be a family of six, with the expected birth of a baby girl Aug. 6.
Along with breakfast, the fund—raiser includes free games for kids, a big slide and door prizes.
27—Voters will be asked Aug. 8 to decide on the Chelsea Area Fire Authority's request for an operational millage of up to 2 mills for the next five years. Proponents of the proposed millage say that the millage would create a fairer means of funding fire protection services in the area.
August
3—Former Chelsea Water Department Superintendent Daniel James Rosentreter will go to trial Monday on charges related to possession of child pornography.
The jury trial is set for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 7 at the Washtenaw County Courthouse in Ann Arbor with Judge Melinda Morris presiding.
Rosentreter is charged with 10 felony counts of possessing child pornography and 10 felony counts of using a computer to commit a crime.
3—Emotion could not be contained as two local heroes were recognized last week during the Chelsea City Council meeting.
Representatives of three organizations attended the July 25 meeting to present certificates of commendation and plaques recognizing the service and dedication of fallen Chelsea Fire Capt. Matthew Tuttle and Chelsea Police Chief Riley Scott Sumner, who died April 13 in a tragic helicopter crash while searching for a fugitive in Scio Township.
3—An Ann Arbor women is dead following an apparent drowning in Lyndon Township earlier this week.
Troopers from the Michigan State Police Ypsilanti Post, along with deputies from the Washtenaw County Sheriff Department, were dispatched to Bruin Lake Campground Monday night after 37—year old Catherine Loraine Giegler's family reported her missing. The family believed she may have drowned.
Their fears were confirmed when the woman's body was found.
3—More than six months after agreeing to participate in Wireless Washtenaw, the Chelsea City Council voted July 25 to approve the Wireless Washtenaw Master Participation Agreement.
The city first adopted a resolution of support in June 2005 for Wireless Washtenaw, a countywide initiative to provide a wireless network for urban, suburban and rural areas of the county by 2007. The original master participation agreement was approved by the city Dec. 13, 2005.
10 — Chelsea area voters narrowly rejected an operating millage Tuesday to support the Chelsea Area Fire Authority.
The Fire Authority was asking for 2 mills over the next five years to pay for operations.
The millage failed 1,085—1,068.
Supporters of the millage said it would have established a fairer means of funding fire protection in the area.
10 — Chelsea city officials are reassuring residents that they are making progress in correcting problems that have plagued the municipal water system.
"I was over at the water treatment plant this morning and we are back on line," City Manager Mike Steklac said Friday, noting that the two reverse osmosis water—softening units that had been shut down were again operational.
"We expect the hardness of the water to be coming down significantly," he said. "We are able to operate pretty much around the clock to keep up with demand."
17 — What started as a typical business meeting turned into a morning filled with tears, hugs, balloons and flowers.
Chelsea's first Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Janie Brooks during a surprise ceremony Aug. 9 at Faith In Action.
The award, sponsored by the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce and The Chelsea Standard, is being given out for the first time to recognize individuals living, working or participating locally who have impacted the community in a significant way.
17 — No one could have predicted 15 years ago the success Craig Common, owner of the Common Grill in Chelsea, would have experienced in such a short time.
With two cookbooks under his belt and a nationally known restaurant recognized by Gourmet Magazine, Common has been the talk of the town for years.
Now comes even more recognition, Common was named Chelsea's Citizen of the Year Aug. 2.
17 — Parents of children involved in the Chelsea District Library's summer reading program are urged to return the small, bendable toys given out as rewards.
The toys have the potential hazard of high lead content.
Highsmith Publications, a vendor of library prizes and supplies, announced a recall of the dog and cat figures that were distributed nationwide for the summer reading program, "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales," immediately after determining the paint used on the toys contained an unacceptably high level of lead.
17 — A former longtime Chelsea city official will find out Sept. 18 what punishment awaits him after pleading guilty Aug. 7 in Washtenaw County Circuit Court to five counts each of possessing child pornography and using a computer to commit a crime.
Daniel Rosentreter, Chelsea's former water department superintendent, was set to go to trial in front of a jury, but apparently decided at the last minute that the evidence against him was insurmountable.
24 — City officials offered residents the chance to grill them last week on two contentious topics in a town hall—style forum, but relatively few people took them up on it.
Barely two dozen people attended the Aug. 17 forum at the Washington Street Education Center for which City Manager Mike Steklac had prepared PowerPoint presentations on both the city's water system and on the tax burden shouldered by residents.
Steklac and Chelsea Water Department Superintendent Rob Jones took turns explaining the mechanics of and answering questions about the reverse osmosis water—softening system that has been the subject of criticism for the past two years.
24 — City Manager Mike Steklac has reached a compromise to pay a $10,500 change order with well—drilling contractor Peerless—Midwest Inc.
Peerless invoiced the city $24,892.50 June 23 for an unsuccessful attempt to dig a new water well near the water treatment plant and for removing the drilling rig that got stuck in the mud at a subsequent well site.
The company billed the city $21,000 because it said the data provided by the city indicated a "reasonable expectation" that water would be found at the first site. An additional $3,892.50 was billed for extrication of the truck because the stone road laid down during its removal would be of value to the city in accessing the well field.
In a July 26 response, Steklac said the city did not bear any responsibility in paying for the truck extrication, and the road would be "of negligible value" because it likely would have to be dug up when connecting the wells in the future.
24 — Chelsea residents were given a crash course Aug. 17 on the topics of municipal finances and street construction during a town hall—style meeting at the Washington Street Education Center.
About two dozen people listened attentively to City Manager Mike Steklac's PowerPoint presentation on city taxation and road repairs during the second part of the meeting, which began with an update on fixes to the city water system.
"Most tax increases are the result of voter—approved millage increases," Steklac said.
Property taxes paid by Chelsea residents are divided among a number of millages, levied by Washtenaw County, the Chelsea School District, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Washtenaw Community College and the Chelsea District Library.
31 — Realizing that their exposure to liability could be enormous in case of a pedestrian mishap, Chelsea City Council members agreed Aug. 21 the sidewalk outside the police station needed repair.
"There are old bathrooms under there that were closed down years ago," City Manager Mike Steklac said. "That whole area of sidewalk is pretty dilapidated, and I was concerned it could collapse at some point."
Fitzpatrick Structural Engineers Inc. was hired in November to evaluate the sidewalk in front of the police station and the subterranean chamber beneath at 104 E. Middle St., and presented an estimate of $30,000 to $50,000 needed to fix it.
The council awarded the work to Argon at its not—to—exceed bid amount of $52,465.
Steklac said $60,000 for the work had been included in the fiscal 2006—07 budget, and construction could begin in September.
31 — Despite a rainy start last Tuesday night, the Chelsea Community Fair marked its third best year in record gate admission, and the bleachers were full every night with spectators checking out tractor—pulling events and demolition derbies.
The Chelsea Community Fair, which marked its 69th year last week, was dedicated this year in memory of Police Chief Scott Sumner and Chelsea Area Fire Authority Capt. Matt Tuttle. Both died April 13 in a helicopter crash while pursuing a suspect wanted on a warrant.
31 — Becky Allen says she never imagined that she would be selected as this year's fair queen.
The Chelsea High School junior was crowned Friday night following six talent performances and a mishap with her evening gown.
Allen says she already was nervous when she discovered that the zipper to her dress wasn't functioning. Outgoing fair queen Casey Sullens and the organizers helped her, allowing her to not only get dressed but earn the crown.
"I went from not being able to get the dress on to winning," she said.
31 — The City Council turned its attention Aug. 21 to a policy regarding signage in the downtown area.
While not nearly as contentious or confusing as the recent "sandwich board" flap, the Downtown Development Authority recommended that the council adopt a policy on vertical banners hung from light poles in the downtown announcing charitable, educational or religious events or functions.
31 — A community effort to replace the playground at North Creek Elementary School was deemed a success Aug. 24, when the new structure was unveiled during an open house.
Erika Daman, chairwomen of the North Creek Parent—Teacher Organization playground committee, said both playgrounds at the school were in desperate need of improvements.
Old, wooden equipment and a sand surface made the small kindergarten playground obsolete, she said. As a result, the playground was torn down, and a new structure was added to the larger one so that all kids could play in different areas together.
SEPTEMBER
7 — Claudia Bahm says she has witnessed too many traffic crashes and near—misses to count at the M—52 Werkner Road intersection, and the state's solution not only won't improve conditions, it may actually contribute to the problem.
"They obviously don't have the best answer in this case," she said. "I live in Lyndon Township and go through that intersection at least twice a day. The traffic patterns have increased in the last 21 years I've lived here."
Work began this summer on a $300,000 project to put in an offset right—turn lane on westbound M—52 for northbound Werkner because drivers had been using the wide paved shoulder to make right turns in violation of state law.
Bahm said she and other residents were pleased when construction equipment arrived to begin work on revamping the hazardous intersection, but were disappointed to discover that the Michigan Department of Transportation had decided to add a turn lane rather than install a traffic light.
7 — The cancellation of the final rounds of the Figure 8 demolition derby competition at the Chelsea Community Fair has left some drivers grumbling about the prize money not being awarded.
The complaints center on a decision not to award the prize money for the final feature races, which were canceled because of inclement weather that night.
Driver Jody Hayslip said many of the drivers thought the $500 first prize and $200 second prize for that race should have been divided up among them, or that those drivers should be given an exemption for the entry fee in next year's event.
7 — Hidden beneath the chapel at Chelsea Retirement Community is a gem — the Heritage Room.
It's a museum featuring the history of Chelsea Retirement Community and its residents, going back 100 years into Chelsea's past.
"We really want to get the word out about the museum. It's very under—utilized," said Connie Amick, volunteer coordinator at the Esther A. Kirn Heritage Room, named for a former resident of CRC who spent 20 years cataloging items in the museum.
14 — A Sylvan Township property owner finds herself tangled in a maze of rezoning and building regulations in her effort to rebuild a house on Cavanaugh Lake.
H.K. Leonard intends to demolish and replace her late parents' Glazier Road home that she inherited, but while in the process of drawing up new plans, the vacant structure came under the township edict for connecting to the sanitary sewer system.
Leonard now faces court action for missing the mandatory connection deadline because the site plan for the new house has since been rejected by zoning officials, who also will not issue a permit for demolition.
Leonard's husband, Greg Raye, appealed to the Sylvan Township Board Sept. 5, asking for a solution to the dilemma.
"We're just asking for permission not to hook up the sewer to a house that will be torn down," he said.
14 — Chelsea Community Hospital has a new tool to better service patients — a Picture Archiving and Communication System in the X—ray/Imaging Department.
"It's a pretty big deal for a hospital our size," said John Gonda, the hospital's director of marketing and planning.
"Basically, PACS allows all sorts of imaging scan to be transmitted and read digitally as opposed to the old way of reading films. It was a significant financial investment for our hospital, and really will improve our efficiency and processes of providing patient care."
14 — The Chelsea Board of Education voted Aug. 28 to move forward with improvements to the district's card key access system for all of its buildings.
The school district received bids for additions and modifications to the system July 25. School officials hope to have the system in place by November. The total cost is $68,116.80.
Ron Livengood, director of operations for the school district, is pleased with the new system.
"The card key access system will allow us to monitor and control who comes and goes from the buildings at any time when the door is in the locked position," he said. "Also, the system will allow us to void lost cards or cards not returned by former employees at a much lower cost than re—keying all the locks."
21 — Three former police lieutenants are vying for the Chelsea police chief post.
Former Washtenaw County Sheriff's Lt. Ed Toth joins retired Ann Arbor Police lieutenants David Lovell and Raphael Marroquin as a candidate for the Chelsea police chief position, which has been open since April when then—Police Chief Riley Scott Sumner died in a tragic helicopter crash.
21 — Chelsea resident David E. Nelson, 19, and two companions were arrested Aug. 31 and now face numerous felony charges following their arrest by Chelsea police.
According to a police report, at about 5:30 p.m. Aug. 31, Chelsea Police Officer Mark Pulford heard central dispatch issue a "be on the lookout" from the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department for three men driving a Ford Taurus. They were involved in a break—in at a residence on Island Lake Road in which several guns were stolen.
28 — To no one's real surprise, retired Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department Lt. Ed Toth Jr. of Pinckney was offered the Chelsea police chief position following final interviews Sept. 20.
The Chelsea City Council was presented with a difficult choice between three qualified candidates: Toth and retired Ann Arbor Police Department lieutenants David Lovell of Ann Arbor and Raphael "Ralph" Marroquin of Howell.
28 — The Sylvan Township Board is planning a town hall—style meeting Oct. 11 at Sylvan Township Hall to address the future of fire and emergency medical services in the township.
In the wake of the August defeat of a millage for the Chelsea Area Fire Authority, township officials are asking for residents to share their concerns, as well as ideas, on how best to pay for rising operational costs without further burdening the township's general fund.
28 — Daniel Rosentreter, former superintendent of Chelsea's municipal water department, was sentenced Sept. 18 to five years probation and court costs for multiple felonies involving child pornography found on his city—owned computer.
Rosentreter entered a plea of no contest Aug. 7 in Washtenaw County Circuit Court to five counts each of possessing child pornography and using a computer to commit a crime.
A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but is treated as such for sentencing purposes.
OCTOBER
5 — The Chelsea Area Fire Authority has added four new firefighters to its ranks.
Billy Vasas, Joe Spitzley and Chris Tyler, all of Chelsea, join Kevin Love of Grass Lake on the fire department. They make up the first new batch of firefighters since the department was restructured earlier this year.
The department now has a structured selection process and all trainees must pass a physical agility test, said Fire Chief Jim Payeur, who is looking forward to supervising the new recruits.
5 — Chelsea has had its share of heroes.
Now add to the list former Chelsea conservation officer Kellie Nightlinger, who on Aug. 20 became the second woman on record — the first was in 1961 — to swim the Straits of Mackinac from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace.
Her efforts raised money for Angels Among Us, a youth grief camp she is founding to help children who have lost a parent under tragic circumstances.
12 — While much has been said about the candidates and proposals that will appear on the Nov. 7 ballot, Chelsea School District voters may be in for a surprise.
They will find a request for a renewal of the district's existing sinking fund millage, which expires this year.
12 — The city's Planning Commission is seeking comments, concerns and suggestions from area residents regarding future use of land in the city.
The commission has scheduled a Master Plan open House Tuesday at the Washington Street Education Center.
Residents of Chelsea and the surrounding communities are invited to discuss such topics as future land use, residential design guidelines, downtown development, open spaces, traffic concerns and other issues related to city planning.
12 — The third annual Oktoberfest celebration Saturday in Chelsea turned out to be a hit, with an estimated 800 people attending the event.
The event featured food, drinks, live music and family—friendly entertainment in an area set up behind Chelsea Lanes. More families came out to the event than last year and enjoyed the great weather, according to the Chelsea Retail Advisory Committee, which coordinated the event.
19 — A Florida firm will conduct an engineering review of water treatment plant operations to determine how the city can improve the performance of its reverse osmosis water—softening system.
The City Council approved the $5,750 proposal from Harn Reverse Osmosis Systems Oct. 10.
19 — A property developer unhappy about a bill for legal opinions regarding his development was unsuccessful in persuading the Dexter Township Board of Trustees to share that cost.
Hanover Glen developer Jack Campbell appealed to the board at is Sept. 19 meeting seeking relief from a $3,300 fee charged by the Ann Arbor law firm of Hooper Hathaway for a legal opinion on the use of utility easements on the Island Lake Road property.
"The maximum amount of time spent on this was maybe three hours, but I have a bill for 33.8 hours," Campbell told the board. "It's going into a lot of issues that don't involve my question."
19 — In memory of a local fallen hero, the Chelsea Firefighters Auxiliary has purchased a bench and fire equipment that will benefit the community.
The Chelsea Firefighters Auxiliary, a nonprofit organization formed in 1996 with ties tot he Chelsea Area Fire Authority, consists of wives, widows, girlfriends, daughters and friends of Chelsea firefighters.
With the April 13 helicopter crash that resulted in the death of Chelsea Fire Capt. Matt Tuttle, the auxiliary had received many donations in his memory. Members of the group discussed how the money could be best used, keeping in mind that whatever was purchased needed to honor his memory.
26 — Lance Cpl. Cliff Collinsworth, a 2004 graduate of Chelsea High School, died in the line of duty in Iraq on Oct. 21. The 20—year old U.S. Marine, who graduated with honors and played varsity football for the Bulldogs, was killed when a bomb exploded near the Humvee he was riding in.
26 — The Chelsea City Council is backing a move by Lima Township to upgrade the status of Fletcher Road to a primary road to help move traffic through the area more efficiently.
The council approved a resolution at its Oct. 10 meeting that calls on the Washtenaw County Road Commission to reclassify the road and begin the process of paving and improving it to handle greater traffic flow between I—94 and Dexter—Chelsea Road.
26 — Sylvan Township residents may be faced with some tough choices on how to pay for fire and rescue services as well as meet bond repayment obligations in the coming years.
More than a dozen people attended an open discussion Oct. 11 at the township hall for presentations on the options for funding the Chelsea Area Fire Authority and on how the downturn in residential development may affect future township finances.
Trustee David Solo opened the CAFA discussion, leading the audience through various township and fire service budget figures. The CAFA service area included the City of Chelsea and Sylvan, Lima and Lyndon townships.
A millage put on the August ballot to fund the fire service was narrowly defeated, and CAFA officials were trying to determine what they could do to drum up support for another attempt in 2007.
NOVEMBER
2 — Joy Wilke didn't have to look far to find support for her premise that football players receive special treatment.
"I had heard stories around school that a few of the football players had gotten away with certain things because they played on the football team," said Wilke, the editor—in—chief for the popular Chelsea High School newspaper "the Bleu Print."
Wilke turned the premise into a story that included three testimonials from football players, each of whom described how their brush with the law was brushed under the rug because of their affiliation with the team.
But the story, slated to appear in the Oct. 20 edition, was pulled by Principal Ron Mead, who said the article did not meet certain journalistic requirements.
2 — A 22—year old Chelsea man is in the Washtenaw County Jail accused of three felony counts following a brutal assault on a Chelsea woman inside her home on Oct. 17.
The random nature of the violent attack shocked local police officials.
"In all my years here I can't recall a random act like this," said Interim Chelsea Police Chief Rod Salyer. "I've never understood violence against women. It makes absolutely no sense."
Salyer added that the suspect was identified and an arrest was made quickly.
Evan David Guenther was arrested Oct. 19 and arraigned Oct. 20 on one count each of assault with intent to commit murder, assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder, and first—degree home invasion.
2 — A major employer in the city may have lost its bid to prevent being charged more than $225,000 for electric service after it was discovered a meter had been malfunctioning for years.
Jeff Cohen, vice president of finance for Sheridan Books, addressed the Chelsea City Council on Oct. 24 to try to reduce or eliminate the one—time cost.
City Manager Mike Steklac told the council that all electric meters have undergone audits after a few business meters had been found to be improperly calibrated and recording incorrect usage.
That led to those businesses being underbilled for their actual usage and a loss of revenue for the city. The costliest example was at Sheridan Books, where the meter had been recording only 50 percent of the proper usage since 1995, which department records show is the last time the meter had been checked.
9 — John Winans, a member of a prominent Chelsea family and longtime associate at Chelsea Community Hospital, died Nov. 1 from injuries sustained in a collision.
Chelsea Police Chief Ed Toth Jr. said Monday that Winans, 52, of Chelsea, was riding his bicycle on East Street just north of Summit Street at approximately 12:46 p.m. when he was struck by a car driven by a Chelsea woman.
9 — Voters gave the Chelsea Public School District what it asked for Tuesday, approving a 10—year renewal of a "sinking fund" to generate revenue for renovation, repair or construction of school buildings.
The vote was 4,384 in favor to 2,804 against in the nine precincts in the district; and 1,430 to 751 in the city's two voting precincts.
16 — "Success is not measured by how much money you make, but what you do with your life."
That's how Lynda Collins summed up her approach to business as the owner of Thompson's Pizzeria, one of Chelsea's most popular gastronomic landmarks, in accepting the 2005 Large Business Leadership Award from the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber executive director Bob Pierce welcomed more than 40 local business leaders to the chamber's "Lunch for Success" on Oct. 25 in the main dining room at Silver Maples of Chelsea, where Collins was honored along with the chamber's Small Business Leadership Award recipient, Gigi Batsakis, owner of Gigi's Flowers & Gifts.
16 — The Sylvan Township board of trustees is throwing its support behind Jerry Dresselhouse for a possible opening on the Washtenaw County Road Commission.
Citing the impression of an over—representation on the road commission favoring the eastern part of the county, the Sylvan board voted at its Oct. 3 meeting to back a local person who would be mindful of the interests of western county residents.
Among his qualifications, Dresselhouse, 68, was Sylvan's supervisor from 1992 to 2000 and has extensive road engineering expertise earned during a 26—year career with the Wayne County Road Commission.
23 — A tentative agreement between Washtenaw County and the townships of Augusta, Salem and Ypsilanti will avert a threatened layoff of sheriff's department personnel. The agreement was reached an hour before the 5 p.m. Wednesday deadline that had been set by the county.
Ypsilanti Township Attorney Douglas Winters said the agreement was "more like a reinstatement of the status quo. We will keep the same rates through 2007."
23 — Jeff Rohrer, the director for Chelsea Community Education was recently awarded The Michigan Association of Community and Adult Education Administrator of the Year award.
Rohrer believed that what happens in the schools directly relates to what happens in a community. He believes that the better he understands every element of the community, the better he feels he can serve the schools.
And even though his name is on the plaque, Rohrer doesn't believe this is an individual honor.
23 — Jeff Daniels & Friends concert, a celebration of music featuring "made in Michigan" musicians, was held Saturday at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor.
30 — Recently, the County Administrator, several of the County Commissioners and even a few local elected officials have labeled me 'Sheriff Daniel J. Minzey' as antagonistic and difficult to work with. If that means that I won't sacrifice my beliefs in what's right for the residents of Washtenaw County, then I'll proudly wear the label.
While there are many issues on which we don't agree, they are all centered on the main issue of jail overcrowding. Quite simply, our county jail is too small. It was too small when it was built 30 years ago, and it remains too small today. Over the years, the County has increased jail space with piece meal efforts, yet none of these have been done with a long—range look into the future.
Washtenaw County has the smallest per capita jail bed space rating of any jail in the state.
30 — Hoping to stave off an unfunded liability in the city's pension fund estimated at more than $3 million, the Chelsea City Council voted last week to take a good hard look at its options.
What began as a seemingly simple matter of a 2 percent cost of living raise for municipal retirees at the Nov. 14 council meeting became a refresher course in the value of money over time and the amount of money it would take to boost the fund from its current 61.8 percent up to 100 percent solvent.
"MERS (Municipal Employees' Retirement System) is telling us the minimum amount we have to pay, kind of like a credit—card payment," City Manager Mike Staklac said. "The up—front cost to fully fund this would be $60,265, or we have the option of paying it off over 22 years for $3.1 million."
The city's contribution to the MERS has been about $29,000 per year, but the adjustment, known as Benefit Program E and covering 18 former employees, would increase that by $1,576 for general retirees; $1,337 for police retirees; and $1,023 for non—union, salaried retirees.
DECEMBER
7 — The Washtenaw County Road Commission is hoping that Mother Nature will stick to a schedule this coming winter.
Recent adjustments and budget cuts have eliminated overtime snow plowing for local and subdivision roads throughout the county. The cut in service was approved, along with a number of other cuts, last month by road commission officials.
Road Commission Director Steve Puuri said snow plowing of local roads will take place during the normal working hours of the road commission maintenance and repair department. But, if heavy snow descends after 5 p.m., or on a weekend day, then there will be no plowing service unless it's an emergency.
7 — A home—improvement project presents enough headaches even when there are no glitches, but a real nightmare can occur if a homeowner fails to get the proper approvals for the project.
Chelsea's top zoning officer said it is always best to purchase or at least study a copy of a community's ordinances and zoning regulations long before putting shovel to ground or hammer to wall.
"That's why we have people pull permits, so these things can be checked out and they don't run into trouble," said James Drolett, Chelsea zoning and permit administrator.
Paul Ratliff of Chelsea learned that lesson the hard way last year when Drolett ordered him to tear out a stone deck that a contractor had installed behind his house on Chantilly Lane.
A dispute over who should pay for the work led to a lawsuit between Ratliff and the contractor, Arbor Green Landscaping of Ypsilanti, which resulted in a judgement of more than $18,000 in Ratliff's favor.
7 — The North Pole must have had a shortage of Santa's last weekend. Santa was spotted in Chelsea more than half a dozen times at the Hometown Holiday festivities. He arrived on a train, made the rounds at the Depot, ate breakfast, ice skated, took part in the parade and stood on top of a fire truck.
How could you not see Santa?
Chelsea Community Fair Queen Becky Allen threw the switch to light the Christmas tree at Pierce Park Friday, kicking off the 19th annual Festival of Lights, as the Chelsea High School Marching Band played and the crowd sang.
14 — Chelsea's Sally Rae, Director of Teacher Education at Siena Heights University in Adrian, was recently honored as the University Educator of the Year by the Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, a 110—year organization.
Rae is believed to be the first Siena Height University instructor to receive the award, which recognizes exemplary teaching skills and achievements, as well as exceptional dedication and innovation in the field of education.
14 — On Wednesday morning Dec. 6 in a Chelsea High School chemistry class, mercury from a thermometer was dropped, according to a press release issued by the school district.
When the incident was discovered, students were removed from the room, leaving their shoes in the room. All other students in the school were kept in the classroom they were in at the time of the discovery.
14 — Shoppers all over Chelsea are busy helping Faith in Action prepare for the Christmas holidays. With the Adopt—a—Family program in full swing, adopters are making sure that everyone will have a fun family holiday with the purchase of presents and off. FIA staff reports an increase in the number of people experiencing job losses and economic insecurity.
21 — Chelsea City Manager Mike Steklac and State Rep. Pam Byrnes (D—Lyndon Township) joined Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm as she signed Senate Bill 1182 into law. The bill gives municipalities more control over how they spend transportation funding.
Steklac believes this will give the City of Chelsea and other municipalities in Michigan the opportunity to apply state funds for road maintenance where they are needed most.
"Local roads are divided into two categories: major streets and local streets," Steklac said. Major streets are generally those streets that are traveled the most in the city and local streets are everything else.
21 — When you collect ornaments, you need a place to show them off. In other words, you need a tree.
But what if you started collecting in 1975 and now have more than 2,500 ornaments?
Well, you need a lot of trees — which brings us to Cindy Johnson.
The Chelsea resident's home looks like a forest sprung up in her living room, her family room and her hallway. Johnson has 34 indoor trees and counting, and wouldn't have it any other way.
21 — Chelsea Medicine and Laser opened the area's first medical spa on Oct. 23. The response has been so good that owners Diane and Richard Howlin recently added an associate to the team and moved into a new and larger facility on Commerce Park Drive.
While business is booming, Dr. Diane Howlin says the expansion gives them plenty of room for more customers interested in finding out the benefits of cosmetic treatments under physician supervision.
"What makes us unique is that we are a successful medical practice that has added new services that really benefit our patients medically and in a cosmetic way," said Dr. Howlin, a board certified internal medicine physician.
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