---School board recall effort in motionFogg and Myers face losing their seats on the Leslie Board of EducationBy Jennifer ShusterPublisher

Leslie Board of Education members Pat Foggand Bill Myers are facing public scrutiny as anattempt to recall their seats has begun.After one unsuccessful attempt to create word-

ing for petitions for both Fogg and Myers, theLeslie School District residents got approvalfrom a committee in Ingham County which in-cluded a judge, the clerk and the treasurer.The official wording on the petition for the re-

call on Fogg’s seat on the board will read:“Pat Fogg has violated the public trust. In her

capacity as a Member of the Leslie School Board,she does not listen to the views of the majority ofthe community in which she serves. Her actionsare in furtherance of her own personal agendaand not in the best interests of the students. Shedoes not make herself available to the public todiscuss issues. Pat Fogg has refused to negotiatein good faith with the teachers who have not hada contract in 22 months. She has been persuadedby and is serving the interests of anti-uniongroups. Pat Fogg believes and has lobbied forprivatization as a cost saving measure for schoolsystem services. This act would result in imme-diate layoffs of long standing employees - furthercontributing to the unemployment in the area. PatFogg also wants to layoff teachers which wouldresult in increased class size, again not in the bestinterest of the students in the Leslie School dis-

trict.”The official wording on the petition for the re-

call on Myers’ seat on the board will read: “Bill Myers has violated the public trust. In his

capacity as a Member of the Leslie School Board,he does not listen to the views of the majority ofthe community in which he serves. His actionsare in furtherance of his own personal agenda and

not in the best interests of the students. BillMyers has refused to negotiate in good faith withthe teachers who have not had a contract in 22months. He has been persuaded by and is servingthe interests of anti-union groups. Bill Myers be-lieves and has lobbied for privatization as a costsaving measure for school system services. Thisact would result in immediate layoffs of longstanding employees - further contributing to theunemployment in the area. Bill Myers also wantsto layoff teachers which would result in increasedclass size, again not in the best interest of the stu-dents in the Leslie School district.”In order for the recalls to appear on the No-

vember ballot at all of the polling places in theLeslie School District, over 700 voters need tosign each of the petitions by July 31, 2009.Fogg said she is upset by the recall efforts.“I think it’s going to be a terrible waste of tax

payer’s money,” she said.Fogg also commented on the petitions them-

selves.“The wording doesn’t have to be true, just

clear,” she added.Fogg’s term on the board expires on December

31, 2011. She said if she is recalled by the dis-trict’s voters she will not run for the school boardagain.Myers did not return phone call attempts.If you are a registered voter in the Leslie

School District and would like to sign the peti-tion(s), please call (517) 628-2452.

MyersFogg

By Jennifer ShusterPublisherSince 1963, Jeff Manthei

has been a part of the LeslieSchool District in one wayor another. Next year, how-ever, Western High Schoolin Parma will have the op-portunity to experience theadministrative expertiseManthei has to offer as hewill be their new principal.“I really think it was the

right time and the rightplace,” Manthei said. Manthei said he started

Kindergarten in Leslie in1963 and upon graduation

from Leslie High School, hebegan coaching the footballteam. He then said he beganteaching for Leslie PublicSchools in 1981. Mantheithen became the assistantprincipal at LHS in 1997and the principal in 2000.

“I’ve enjoyed my timehere,” Manthei said.“Leslie’s a good school.”Deborah Batchelder, Prin-

cipal of Woodville School inParma, was a part of the hir-ing committee who selectedManthei for the new princi-pal of Western High School.“We are thrilled to have

Jeff coming on board as thenew high school principal,”Batchelder said. “We arepleased with his demeanorand personality. I think hewill be very good fit for ourschool district.”According to Batchelder,

there were 13 applicants forthe position total.

Leslie School Boardmembers Pat Fogg and EricIsham said they will bothmiss Manthei.“I think Jeff has done a

great job at Leslie PublicSchools. We have knownhim since he was in high

school and I have full confi-dence that he will be anasset for the WesternSchools,” Fogg said. “Morethan just a good administra-tor, I think he is a good manand I wish him the greatestsuccess over there. Theirgain is our loss.”“It’s gonna be a loss for

the district, but I completelyunderstand,” Isham said.“It’s a great career move forhim professionally.”At the time of publication

it was unknown if the hiringprocess has begun in the dis-trict to replace Manthei at

LHS. Superintendent CoreyNetzley did not return phonecall attempts.

Manthei

LHS principal bids farewell to Leslie Public Schools

Volume 1, No. 35Tuesday, June 16, 2009

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“I think it’s going to be aterrible waste of tax payer’smoney.”

-Pat FoggLeslie Board of Education

*Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - TheAmerican Legion Post 491 located at 422 Wood-worth Street in Leslie will now open its doors toanyone who would like to come down on Mon-days, Wednesdays or Fridays from 10 a.m.-Noonto play games and enjoy coffee and cookies.*Tuesday, June 16 - The Leslie Library presentsDummunity. This is hands-on, high-energy fun:a community rhythm and drum circle emphasiz-ing improvisation, cooperation and diversity. LoriFithian brings hundreds of instruments so every-

one can try their hand at percussion from aroundthe world. Held in Woodworth Elementary Cafe-teria.*Wednesday, June 17 - Special Leslie Board ofEducation Meeting at 5 p.m. at the Ingham ISD.*Thursday, June 18 - The Leslie Historical So-ciety will meet from 7 – 9 p.m. at Sts. Corneliusand Cyprian Catholic Church for a tour of Sts.Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church, ceme-tery and schools. A history will be provided byFr. Mike Petrowski.

*Mondays, June 22 - Ongoing - TOPS-1466,Leslie. Support Group for Taking Off PoundsSensibly. Weigh in from 5:15-5:45 p.m. at theFirst Baptist Church on the corner of Bellevue &Church Streets in Leslie. Meeting from 6-6:45p.m. Contact Coleen, 589-8145.*Tuesday, June 23 - The Leslie Library presentsMichael Brown & Beethoven at 1 pm.in Wood-worth Elementary Cafeteria.*Wednesday, June 24 - Leslie City PlanningCommission meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Community CalendarThe Leslie Weekly Guardian - Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Page 2

Community

Your display advertising purchase is helping to support the continuation of Leslie community news. You canfeel confident with your choice to advertise in your own community’s newspaper, as the quality coverage willbe based solely on the Leslie area. Not only are you promoting your business, you are backing your own com-munity visibly. This publication will strive to tie the citizens of Leslie together through family-valued newscoverage. Without your patronage, this would not be possible.

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Common GroundMusic FestivalJuly 6-12, 2009

is a proud sponsor of the 10th Annual Common Ground Music Festival! Look for exclusive coverage of this area event!

The Leslie Weekly Guardian - Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Page 3

CommunityClassifieds

ServicesSam’s Late Night Auto

(517) 812-4032111 S. Railroad in Rives Junction

Open Monday-Friday from 6 p.m.-11p.m.Saturday and Sunday from Noon - ?

Real EstateDUPLEX FOR RENT

Mason/Leslie Area2 story-3 bdrm., l 1/2 bath, appliances,

full basement with W/D hookup.Deck off dining area, attached garage.

Country setting, very nice.Credit check, $800 dep., $800 mo. + utilities.

No Pets/No Smoking517-589-8362

Don’s Electric ServiceDoing all types of electrical work

in & around Leslie for over 30 years.Call (517) 663-4233

FOR SALE113 W. BELLEVUE ST.LESLIE

Historical Home with Apartment

Great income property$279,000

Will consider all options.www.pmsendeavors.com

EmploymentINDEPENDENT BANKPART TIME TELLER

Independent Bank is currently accepting applications for part-timetellers at our Leslie and Mason branches. This entry level position in-volves a high degree of sales and customer service. The qualified can-didates will be outgoing, have cash handling as well as customer serviceexperience and be willing to work a flexible schedule. Please send re-sumes in confidence to Independent Bank, Attn: Angel McCliggott,2568 Heartland Blvd. Ionia, MI 48846, email amccligg@ibcp.com, ordrop off an application at any of our locations.

INDEPENDENT BANK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER; M/F/D/V

Estate/Garage SaleFriday, June 19th 8am-7pm and Saturday, June 20th 8am-5pm. 2205 S. Meridian Rd. Mason. LOTS OF NICE NEW STUFF!Tons of Longaberger, Hallmark and other collectables. Holidaywrap, décor & ornaments. Wilton items. Craft and scrapbookingitems. Avon and other jewelry. Books. Large dog/cat crate.Kitchen and household items, décor, and sooo much more.

PetsKittens for Adoption

Four beautiful kittens are ready for adoption. They areloving and trusting and enjoy belly rubs. Litter box trainedand ready to play with your children or your pets. If in-terested, contact: Amy at 517/202-7003 or atapriesko@live.com.

The Leslie Area Museum will be closed until further

notice due to a recent floodingin the basement of G.A.R. Hall.Please call (517) 589-5220 for

more information.

Want to place a classified ad?You won’t find a more competitive price than

right here in The Leslie Weekly Guardian!$5 for four weeks straight (up to 30 words).

Parents of Teen Drivers can earn $30The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute is con-ducting a focus group about Internet resources for parents of teen driv-ers ages 14-18 years of age. Each eligible participant will earn $30. Formore information please call toll free 1-877-615-6124 or e-mail: teen-driving@umich.edu.

The Leslie Weekly Guardian - Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Page 4

CommunityTreasured historical building in ruinsBy Jennifer ShusterPublisher

Did you ever attend the school onWoodworth Street in Leslie yearsago? If so, many memories probablyflood your mind of fun times spentin a historical building full of uniquecharm.Unfortunately, this building is lit-

erally falling apart and according toneighboring residents, is beingabused by locals who have repeat-edly broken into the building andspray painted graffiti on the win-dows.The current owner, Kevin Lovell

of Mason, was contacted numeroustimes for an interview and a possi-ble tour of the inside of the building.Sadly, he would never respond.According to the City of Leslie Fi-

nance Director Cheri Neu, the threeparcels of land, including the onethe building sits on, have beenplaced on the 2008 delinquent taxroll that was turned over to InghamCounty in March. The amountsdelinquent are as follows: the parcelwith the building is $10,786.19 andthe other two parcels are $1,031.01

and $809.69. Lovell purchased the building in

1998 for a supposed $7,000. It wasthen used by White Pine Academyas its original location for the char-ter school.Since White Pine Academy has

moved to a new building on RussellStreet in Leslie, the building has satempty.

According to Leslie A Place Intime, when this building was com-pleted in 1929, the school wasnamed one of the finest in thecounty and was furnished with themost modern equipment.Over the past few years the build-

ing has endured floods, rotten roofs,broken windows, overgrown vege-tation and many other adverse signsof the lack of upkeep by Lovell.According to City of Leslie Code

of Ordinances “Chapter 34 on Envi-ronment, Section 34-34 on Nui-sances detrimental to children,” itsays:“No person shall permit to remain

on property owned, occupied or pos-sessed by him any nuisance whichmay prove detrimental to children,whether in a building on the prem-

ises of a building or upon an unoc-cupied lot. This includes any aban-doned motor vehicles; abandonedwells, shafts, basements or excava-tions; or any structurally unsoundfences; or any lumber, trash, debrisor vegetation which may prove ahazard for inquisitive minors.”

There are several hazards invitinginquisitive minors on this propertywith the potential for serious injury. At this point there is no telling

what the future holds for this treas-ured building, but with input fromconcerned residents, there may behope.

Photo by Jennifer ShusterGRASSY CRACKS - The back of the building (west side) where theblacktop was a popular play area for past students is now overgrownwith vegetation right up the stairway and up the walls.

Courtesy photoGOOD OL’ DAYS - The Leslie High School in 1929 onWoodworth Street in Leslie.

Photo by Jennifer ShusterOLD AND ABANDONED - The building structure today on Woodworth Street inLeslie.

Photo by Jennifer ShusterBROKEN - The door on the north sideof the building has broken glass.

Photo by Jennifer ShusterCAVED IN - The roof over the porchon the east side has caved in.

Photo by Jennifer ShusterOPEN ENTRY WAY - The basement window on the northside of the building is wide open for people and animals.

The Leslie Weekly Guardian - Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Page 5

Community

Bible Baptist Church4691 S. Hull Rd.Leslie, MI 49251(517) 589-9011

Bunker Hill Seventh Day Adventist3820 Williamston Rd.Leslie, MI 49251(517) 589-0659

Children of Christ - Israelite Society100 S. Main St.Leslie, Michigan 49251(517) 403-4641

Child’s Bible Church3985 Crain Rd.Onondaga, MI 49264(517) 589-5731

Congregational United Ch. of Leslie114 W. BellevueLeslie, MI 49251(517) 589-5226

Faith Assembly of God4020 N. Main St.Leslie, MI 49251(517) 589-9121

Felt Plains United Methodist Church3523 Meridian Rd.Leslie, MI 49251(517) 589-0217

Grace Lutheran Church212 S. ShermanLeslie, MI 49251(517) 589-0250

Grand River Community Church2443 Olds Rd.Leslie, MI 49251(517) 589-5448

Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall 5290 Churchill Rd.Leslie, MI 49251(517) 589-8883

Leslie First Baptist Church204 E. Bellevue St.Leslie, MI 49251(517) 589-8541

Leslie United Methodist Church401 S. Main St.Leslie, MI 49251 (517) 589-9211

Maple Grove Baptist Church6508 Cooper Rd.Pleasant Lake, 49272(517) 769-2220

Orthodox Monastery of Dormition3389 Rives Eaton Rd.Rives Junction, MI 49277(517) 569-2873

Rives Baptist Church2800 W. Berry Rd.Rives Junction, MI 49277(517) 569-3147

SS Cornelius & Cyprian Church1320 Catholic Church Rd.Leslie, MI 49251(517) 589-8492

Leslie AreaChurch Directory

The Leslie WeeklyGuardian provides thislocal church directory asa community service tolocal religious organiza-tions. If you do not seeyour group listed, pleasesend us an e-mail with

the information.

Father’s Day is here again. Ina couple of days there will be giftsgiven that we will smile at and thinkof a way to get rid of as soon as pos-sible. We need to understand the lovebehind the unusual drawings or uglyties that we get from our kids. I wantus to consider for a few minutes whatit will take for us to be fathers whoare worthy of a day and a bad tie ortwo. When Jesus walked on theearth, He taught us to call God ourFather. He called Him that often, andtaught His followers that He wastheir Father also. In the Lord’sPrayer Jesus gives us a glimpse ofwhat makes up a father that everyfamily needs. In this short prayerJesus teaches us what we need togive our families.

The first thing we need to dois to live a life that is worth honoring.Jesus prayed, “Our Father, who art inheaven. Hallowed be thy name.”Jesus honored God’s name becauseof who God was. As fathers we needto live a life that our kids can beproud to follow. We need to give ourkids a clear and good example intheir lives. We must care for themand others. Our kids will becomewhat we are. That means we betterleave them a good pattern to liveafter.

Jesus then prayed: “ThyKingdom come, thy will be done onearth as it is in heaven.” A purposeworth following is what God gaveHis Son. What purpose are we teach-ing our kids? We all are given a lifeto make a difference with. When wedie will we be able to see a clear rea-son for our having lived? Better yet,will our kids see why we were here,and will it be something for them towant to live up to. We must decidewhy we are here. Is it to just make aliving or is it to live a life thatchanges the people around us.

A heart to provide for ourfamilies is the next part of the prayer.“Give us this day our daily bread.”Jesus knew who he needed to go tofor his daily bread. We are expected

as fathers to provide for our families.The state expects, our families ex-pect and God even expects it. Lookwhat he said in 1 Timothy 5:8:“Whoever does not care for his ownrelatives, especially his own familymembers, has turned against the faithand is worse than someone who doesnot believe in God.” We need to pro-vide for our family’s physical andspiritual needs. God was our pattern.As he had provided for our needs wemust do the same for our kids.

“Forgive us our debts as weforgive our debtors.” Jesus raised thebar pretty high for us as fathers. Weneed to be the bearers of forgivenessto our families. Our forgivenessmust go beyond forgiving, but to for-getting. How many times do we sayto our kids “How many times are yougoing to blow it?” We become his-torians many times for our kids. Wecan many times remember every-thing they do wrong, but most timescan’t remember what they did right.We need to correct our kids but thenlet them get on with their lives.

The last thing Jesus told usabout being good fathers is: a protec-tion that is preventative. “And leadus not into temptation, but deliver usfrom evil: For thine is the Kingdom,and the power, and the glory, forever.” We need to protect our kidsfrom people and situations that canbring them harm. It is our responsi-bility to protect them until they areold enough and smart enough to pro-tect themselves from dangers aroundthem. We have been entrusted withour children, and we are to hold thattreasure with all of our hearts.

To be the father that our fam-ily needs we need to follow the pic-ture of our heavenly Father. We canmake a positive impact on our fam-ily if we will intentionally thinkabout what kind of father we arebeing for them. It is up to us to de-cide what legacy they will have tofollow from us.

Rev. Toby TeagueLeslie First Baptist Church

Dalton & ZickBuilders(734) 323-4796

Siding - RoofingDecks - Additions

PaintingFREEEstima

tesLicensed & Insured

Father’s DayBy Rev. Toby TeagueLeslie First Baptist Church

Happy Father’s Day!

Introducing . . .The Step Saver

NO MORE

of this! Are you tired of

carrying salt to your

water softeningsystem?

Never do itagain. Let theStep Saverdo it for you!

Call Frank for more information:(517) 391-7471

Don’s Don’s Electric Electric ServiceService

Doing all types of electricalwork in & around Leslie for

over 30 years.No Job Too Small!Call (517) 663-4233

Don BiddingerOwner/Operator

State License & Insured

The Leslie Depot Diner

Monday - Saturday 6am - 8pmSunday 6am - 2pm

107 Covert Streetby the railroad tracks (517) 589-5230

Daily and Nightly Specials

~ New Owners ~Same Great Charm and Homemade Foods

Take Out Available

The Leslie Weekly Guardian - Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Page 6

CommunityKids stay cool in the Leslie Community Pool

Photo by Jennifer ShusterFUN IN THE SUN - Local kids gather at the Leslie Community Pool yesterday, en-joying their summer break from school.

Photo by Jennifer ShusterDIVE IN - People of all ages enjoy the populardiving board at the Leslie Community Pool.

Leslie Community PoolMon-Sun Noon-6:00 p.m.

Night Swim on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 7-9:30 p.m.Daily Rates are $4 per day for Residents and $6 for NonresidentsNight Swim Rates are $1 for Residents and $2 for Nonresidents

Residents are those residing in the City of Leslie or Leslie TownshipFor more information on memberships or pool rental please call

Pool Manager Carol Palmer at (517) 589 -9927.

Plant Perennial Sidewalk SaleJune 19th Friday 8:00 - 5:00

June 20th Saturday 8:00 - 12:00Curves of Leslie111 Carney Street

Our Ladies are working toward a Stretching Circuit

Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeModifieds

MOD 50 Feature 50 Leroy Ellis, Vermontville6 Perry Davenport, Charlotte32 Dan Logan, CharlotteM1 Bill Butler, Charlotte73 Earl Miles, HanoverPerformance Automotive

NW Sportsmans25-lap Feature70 Ron Heeney, Leslie7L Dane Long, Charlotte72 Jimmy Scavarda, Holt47 Matt Kirchen, Charlotte88 Scott Sigman, Mason

Boss Snow Equipment Pony Stocks

20-lap Feature55 Edson Rowley III, Jackson38 Patrick Denison, Etn Rapids11 Brian Beckner, Lansing79 Todd Metz Jr., Charlotte47 Wayne Beckner Jr., Lansing

Spartan Speedway PureStocks

20-lap FeatureJ1 Jordan Lechota, Flint7 Nick Lechota, Flint30 Ian Schafer, Lansing103 Dan Lewis, Leslie26 Jake Pearson, Grand Ledge

The Leslie Weekly Guardian - Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Page 7

SportsUpcoming Events at

Spartan Speedway in Mason:June 19 - Friday MOD 50 Modifieds, Sportsmans, Pure Stocks, Pony Stocks and PonyStock Figure 8 June 21 - Sunday Fathers Day Special Show Pricing Stan Perry (The Godfather) Late Model 75 Slugfest & Double Figure 8 Late Models, Sportsmans, Pure Stocks, and Pony Stocks MasonArea Chamber Night June 26 - Friday Mid-Season Championship Night Burn-Out Contest Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsmans, Pure Stocks, and PonyStocks Northside Towing & Repair

June 28 - SundaySpecial Show Pricing Rain date for June 21

July 03 - Friday Motorcycle Night (Motorcycles enter generaladmission at half price plus parade laps at intermission)MOD 50 Modifieds, Sportsmans, Pure Stocks, Pony Stocks, and Legends

July 10 - Friday SUPERPRO 75 Modifieds, Sportsmans, Pure Stocks, and Pony Stocks LIPARIFoods

July 17 - Friday Short Track Trucks.com SeriesTopless Night (Convertibles enter general admission gate at halfprice plus parade laps at intermission) Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Pony Stocks, and Dwarfs

Spartan Speedway June 12, 2009 Results

4691 Hull RoadLeslie, Michigan 49251

Bible Baptist Church(517) 589-9011

B.Y.O.B. “Bring Your Own Bible”

Senior Pastor: Terry FrenchYouth Director: Kamanga Mwangi

Sunday: Fellowship Time: 9:15a.m. to 9:45 a.m.~ featuring Holy Grounds CaféSunday School: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. ~ Children, Teens & AdultsMorning Service: 11 a.m. to NoonEvening Service: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.Worship Team Practice: 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Monday:Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Community Study Hall and Free Tutoring: 5:30 to 7 p.m.Bible Study: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.Worship Team Practice: 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Thursday: Women’s Bible Study: 9 a.m.

Friday:Community Movie Nite: Free movie and popcorn once amonth.

Service Times:

Picture Puzzler

This week’s Picture Puzzlerdidn’t come with any hints otherthan the picture was taken in1978 when the featured personwas in fourth grade.

Those who think they canidentify the person pictured inthis week’s Picture Puzzler areencouraged to E-mail us at Jen-n i f e r@ t h e l e s l i e w e e k l y -guardian.com with their first andlast name.The contest deadline is Friday

at 5 p.m.Correct guessers will have their

names entered into a randomdrawing with the winner receiv-ing a $10 gift certificate to Wal-Mart Supercenter.

This week’s winner is BrendaNewman! She was one of ninepeople to correctly guess Jamieand Carrie Voris. The other cor-rect guessers were: Nancy Barn-hart, Debby Hinkle, DJ Newman,Martha Owen, Stan Williams,Cheryl Williams, Sara Clark andMarie Charnley.

The Leslie Weekly Guardian - Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Page 8

Family

FRECKLES - Who is the cute little boy pictured in 1978 asa Leslie fourth grader?

Jamie and Carrie(Williams) Voris

The Leslie Weekly GuardianThe Leslie Weekly Guardian

P.O. Box 22Leslie, MI 49251(517) 878-8006

Jennifer@theleslieweeklyguardian.com

Deadlines:Friday at 5 p.m. for news, display ads and classifieds.

Classified Ad Rates:$5 flat fee for 30 wordmax. ran for four consecutive weeks.

It will be .10 per wordafter that. Add a pic-ture for just $1.

Publisher/Owner:Jennifer Shuster

The Leslie Weekly Guardianis published weekly online

every Tuesday. E-mail reminders are sent toall subscribers when thenew issue is published.

Engagement

Sports/ContributingWriter:Jeff Moss

Gibbs’Berries

Gale Road & Plains RoadEaton Rapids

Please call for more information:(517) 663-6083

-or- (517) 507-7068

PickedStrawberries

Teresa Beegle and JeremyBennett are pleased to an-nounce their engagement.Teresa is the daughter ofGlen and Pam Beegle ofLeslie. Jeremy is the son ofRick Bennett of Jackson, andJuliet Wynne of Wyandotte.Teresa is a graduate of LeslieHigh School and JacksonCommunity College. Je-remy is a graduate of Jack-son High School. Thewedding is planned for Sep-tember 12, 2009 in Leslie,Michigan.

Beegle - Bennett

Teresa Beegle and Jeremy Bennett

ObituaryBrian C. Dershem Brian C. Dershem, 53, of Leslie, died Thursday. Memorial gathering 2 p.m.June 28 at American Legion Post 491, Leslie. Arrangements by J.C. AdamsFuneral Home, Leslie.

The Leslie Weekly Guardian - Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Page 9

Opinion/EditorialLetters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Workers on sites that use project labor agreements receive their training,health care and retirement benefits as part of their wages, so the taxpayerisn't stuck paying the bill for unknown and hidden benefit costs. By en-acting a new policy requiring project labor agreements, the Ingham CountyCommission will protect local taxpayers from predatory contractors andensure we know the project costs ahead of time. that's just common sense,and I hope the County Commission sees that and votes to approve this im-portant resolution.

John MillerLansing

Jennifer,I had the honor to serve as a Sheriff’s Deputy, Sergeant and Detective

Lieutenant at the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, and have since retired.What you may not know is that you are about to lose the services and pro-tection you have had. The Ingham County Board of Commissioners is currently in discussion

to virtually eliminate the law enforcement services to us, the residents ofLeslie, Leslie Twp., and all other rural areas. The feelings of many of theboard members is that the City of Lansing, East Lansing, and MeridianTwp are paying for services they don’t use, in particular the road patrol.They have even gone so far as to indicate we are freeloaders for not pay-ing for this service, which we do.What they conveniently forget is that a huge percentage of the inmates

in the jail are from their jurisdictions. This takes up a large portion of theSheriff’s Office operating budget. These metropolitan inmates are frequently hospitalized. As a result the

road patrol has to guard them which takes them from responding to callsfor help.They also forget about how the Sheriff’s Office responds to their juris-

dictions when riots occur, the annual spring event at Michigan State Uni-versity, visits by groups that have radical views, and other events thatLansing, East Lansing, and other metropolitan agencies can not handlealone. They also forget about the Sheriff’s Office commitment to the TriCounty Metro Squad, which spends a large amount of their time in themetropolitan area. The board has indicated that unless out county areas begin to “pay” for

Sheriff’s Deputies through contract, the Deputies may or may not be ableto respond to calls Or, you may wait for the Michigan State Police to re-spond. They haven’t got anyone either.So what does this mean to you? If your home is being broken into, it

may take a very long time before anyone arrives. If you are in a trafficcrash, it may take a very long time before anyone arrives. If you needemergency response, it may take a very long time before anyone arrives. Law enforcement professionals have made compelling comments about

the loss of the Road Patrol and how it would affect people with part timedepartments like the City of Leslie. Even with this being said, many on the Board of Commissioners are

hoping to cut the Road Patrol to a dangerous level. Tim Howery

Ingham County Sheriff’s Office Retired

Letters to the Editor Policy:Letters to the Editor are welcome

to be submitted to The Leslie Weekly Guardian.

All letters should be no more than 300 words long.

Please include the writer’s name, e-mail address and phone number for

confirmation before printing. Only the writer’s name and location

will be published with the letter. Typed letters are preferred for accuracy.All submitted letters are subject to editing

and become property of The Leslie Weekly Guardian.

E-mail to Jennifer@theleslieweeklyguardian.com

Rubino’s Lawn Care(517) 575-1533

Mowing - Trimming - Edging - Hedge Trimming

- Spring and Fall Clean Ups

Leslie, MI

Weekly - Vacation - One Time - Seasonal Contracts Residential or Commercial- FREE ESTIMATES -

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Most of you know by now that my seven-year-old son has Autism. I love to talk about him, to anyone at anytime.

I am proud of his accomplishments and also thosehe has brought to my own life.Raising T.J. has encouraged me to understand

the world around me and those in it a little more.I will be honest with you and say that before

my son was diagnosed with Autism, I had no per-sonal experiences with anyone who was “differ-ent.” I would see special needs children at places

like the mall or the park and think to myself,“Aww, how sad, but I’m glad that’s not me.”So, I know what parents are thinking when they

see T.J. out and about and he’s either throwing atantrum or oddly wiggling his fingers in front offace while he reads every word he sees. They cansense something is different and they want tostare and try to figure it out themselves. I have come to the point of using these oppor-

tunities to spread Autism Awareness, whetherthey like it or not!Most of the time, the person seems concerned

and will look at me with a caring smile of sym-pathy. To them, I kindly explain that my son hasAutism and he’s having a difficult day or that hisodd behavior is just part of his spectrum disorder.On the other hand, I’ve had a few times when

I’ve had to give some uneducated people a pieceof my mind. Maintaining a normal family lifewith an Autistic son is difficult enough, but whenstrangers speak out and tell you that your sonneeds a “good spanking,” is not helpful...at all.

Or having anolder man comeup to you in agrocery storeand tell you toyour face thatyou’re a badmother becauseyou didn’t insti-tutionalize yourson, is inhu-mane.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, butI am entitled to give my son the best quality oflife I can provide for him. I will not hide my sonfrom the world around him or leave him at homebecause it’s just easier that way. I know I risk the chance every time I walk out

the door with T.J. I take the chance that he willhave a meltdown, scream, sing loudly for no rea-son, flap his hands and jump up and down in pub-lic. However, these VERY rare occasions don’thold a candle to the wonderful times I have hadwith my son. When I take T.J. places, I love to watch his

face. He truly takes the whole surroundings andsoaks it all in. His eyes grow and light up just likehis bright smile. That is when I feel like I’ve donemy job as a mother. I know he is enjoying life.I enjoyed 24 years of life unaffected by Autism,

now I have chosen to spend the rest of my yearsdedicated to fulfilling my son’s life with what-ever makes him happy. No matter how simple ordifficult his dreams and goals in life may be, Iwill do everything I can to help him achievethem.So, thank you to all of the people I have run

into and inquired about Autism. I will be happy toshare any information I can about the disorder orhow it specifically impacts my son. However,rude comments or suggestions will not cureAutism, won’t make Autism disappear and defi-nitely won’t make anyone feel better. Times have changed in our society and ac-

ceptance of people with special needs is a grow-ing trend. However, the struggle to make beingdifferent the new norm, will probably alwaysexist. I’m up for the challenge though!For more information on Autism, please visit

this website: www.autismspeaks.org.If you or anyone you know in Ingham County

has a child with Autism, please direct them to theIngham County Autism Foundation for financialand local information assistance. (517) 655-1895.

Jennifer Shuster writes a weekly editorial forThe Leslie Weekly Guardian. As the publisher,she can be reached by e-mail at jennifer@the-leslieweeklyguardian.com or (517) 878-8006with any questions or comments.

“Everyone is entitledto their own opinion,but I am entitled togive my son the bestquality of life I canprovide for him.”

-Jennifer Shuster

The Leslie Weekly Guardian - Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Page 10

Opinion/EditorialSmall

Town GirlBy Jen ShusterGuardian Publisher

The following is an editorial written by StateRepresentative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga). Ifyou have questions about this commentary,please contact Rep. Byrum's office by calling(517) 373-0587. In this new economy, the jobs of the 21st cen-

tury demand a highly educated, highly trainedworkforce. Today, it is rare where someone cangraduate high school and move directly into agood-paying job. We need to be sure our kidshave every opportunity available to them, andthat means going to college.Unfortunately, many families have not been

able to keep up with the rising costs of higher ed-ucation. The average tuition increase at publicuniversities across Michigan was between 3 and13 percent. For this year's class of college fresh-men, college costs have doubled or even tripledduring their lifetimes, leaving too many on theoutside looking in.The state of Michigan offers two programs to

help families with the price of tuition, room andboard, and other education expenses: the Michi-gan Education Savings Program (MESP) and the

Michigan Education Trust (MET).The MESP is an educational investment plan in

which you contribute money over time. Theseearnings are allowed to grow tax-deferred, andthe withdrawal of the earnings when used to payfor qualified educational expenses is free fromfederal and state income taxes. There are nocharges, start-up or maintenance fees to pay, onlyan annual fee of .45 percent of the average assetsof your MESP. This means that if you had $1,000in the plan, you'd only pay $4.50!In addition, the program may qualify you for a

tax deduction, up to $5,000 for single-filers andup to $10,000 for joint filers. For more informa-tion or to sign up, visit www.misaves.com.

The MET is Michigan's guaranteed tuition pro-gram. With the rising costs of tuition, the METallows families to lock in today's tuition pricesby purchasing credit hours for one or more se-mesters. There are three program options available for

Michigan residents. The Full Benefits Plan pro-vides tuition and fees at Michigan's public uni-versities and community colleges for a four-yearundergraduate degree. The Limited Benefits Planis the same as the full benefits plan, but withfewer credit hours at a lower contract cost – up to105 percent of the weighted average tuition of allof Michigan's public universities. The Commu-nity College Plan provides for in-district tuitionfor up to four semesters at any Michigan com-munity college.The program also may qualify you for a tax de-

duction as well. For more information or to signup, visit www.michigan.gov/setwithmet.Michigan's students – our kids – deserve only

the best. I encourage you to take advantage ofthese opportunities and give your kids the gift ofa great education.

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Acceptance is growing, but there is still a ways to go