$1.00
Thursday, December 13, 2018
THE TECUMSEH
Herald
Local options for holiday gifts • 3A
PHOTO BY JACKIE KOCH
Parents, teachers, administrators and former board members were among those attending the December 10 Tecumseh School Board meeting at the THS media center.
Tense crowd packs school board meeting By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com Emotions and disruption were prominent during the first school board meeting attended by new Tecumseh Public Schools Board of Education members Becky Brooks, Kevin Johnson, Mike McNamara and Milt Abbott Monday night, with audience members loudly mocking each other at times and a verbal altercation in the parking lot following the meeting. Outgoing president Roger Hart was present for his last board meeting, but board member Lynne Davis was absent due to a previous commitment.
At the start of the meeting the agenda was revised to remove three items, including a discussion item on Tecumseh Education Association grievances and an adjournment to closed session for an attorney-client privilege issue. Brooks made a motion to add a discussion item regarding changing the district’s legal counsel, which passed with Hart giving the only no vote. Director of Business Services Judy Pfund gave new board members an overview of the finance update, and Facilities Director Josh Mattison reported that phase one of the high school sculpture garden is 90 percent complete, while fundraising will be
started to enable the next phase of the garden. He stated that work on the the pool filter system will begin in the first part of January. Brooks spoke about a packet she had distributed with information on an attorney she wanted the board to consider to serve the district instead of the current attorney’s office, Thrun Law Firm. “New board, new counsel,” she said. During discussion, McNamara asked how long Thrun had been the counsel for the district, and Superintendent Kelly Coffin said she wasn’t sure, but that they had been representing TPS since at least the 1990s and probably before. “I know just from my experience, I’ve only
spoken I think once to the district’s attorney, so I’m not sure at the board level if you’re dealing much with the attorneys,” Hart said. “I think that’s more at the administration level.” McNamara, who had previously served on the board, did not recall meeting with the law firm during his previous stint but said he was sure they had. “If we’re going to make change we need to have someone advising us that we’re comfortable with as we go forward,” he said. “I don’t know if I really want to totally replace the attorneys that we have, but maybe on an interim, have somebody to advise us.” Hart suggested that the new board members have Thrun Law
IN THE NEWS Tecumseh Service Club has urgent need for family sponsors Tecumseh Service Club still has 15 families that qualified for Christmas help but have not been adopted by the community, and the club is seeking families, businesses, churches or individuals that could sponsor a family and agree to purchase a new outfit, socks, underwear and pajamas, plus at least one toy for each child. Many of the families have only one child. Sponsors are asked to bring the items to Tecumseh United Methodist Church on Friday, December 21, from 2-8 p.m., to be included in the December 22 distribution to families that will include food boxes provided by the service club. Those interested may call Jennifer Shearer at 423.7662 to sign up.
Inside
Classifieds Crossword Legals Look Back Obituaries Opinion Sports What’s Happening
1B 3B 1-2B 6A 2A 4A 7A 3B
VOL. 166, NO. 10 © COPYRIGHT 2018 HERALD PUBLISHING CO., INC.
Firm come in and talk them about what the firm does. The discussion was tabled to take up again at the next board meeting. As part of the superintendent’s report, Coffin introduced Nikki Reinhardt, who will take over Pfund’s position as business manager, as Pfund was promoted at the Lenawee Intermediate School District. During the public comment portion of the meeting several community members came forward to speak, starting with some who brought possible solutions to the district divide since parents unhappy
City to cover cost of garbage pickup for TCC condos By KERRY SMITH
HAMILTON
kerry@tecumsehherald.com
PHOTO BY JACKIE KOCH
Roland von Kaler with what looks to be a Native American trail marker tree.
Possible Native American trail tree located north of Tecumseh By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com While the 18 acres of property north of Tecumseh that belong to Roland von Kaler are home to coyote, deer, and various other wildlife, the wooded land crossed by the River Raisin holds evidence of other inhabitants from long ago when Native American tribes populated Lenawee County. Earlier this year von Kaler’s son-in-law, John Solmonson, made him aware of an unusual tree in his woods that fits the description of a trail marker tree once used by a Native American tribe to mark important land features. Von Kaler said Solmonson didn’t really
know what he’d found. “He said, ‘there’s a crooked tree down there,’ and so I started googling it and found out that it is an Indian trail marker. There are not that many around anymore,” said von Kaler. During a recent hike to the tree, he shared that he’d learned that Native Americans would bend the trunk when the tree was small and tie it to the ground to make it point toward a trail or a land feature, such as a river or mound. The particular specimen on his property seems to be a maple tree, by the type of leaves surrounding it, and appears to be quite old. The tree’s trunk is bent horizontally before SEE TRAIL MARKER PAGE 5A
SEE BOARD PAGE 4A
A chain of unlikely events led to the disruption of refuse services, a heap of garbage, and the discovery that the company who had been picking up the garbage had not been paid for years. All those issues have since been resolved, but the City of Tecumseh must now figure out how it will pay for the services. Tecumseh City Manager Dan Swallow said at the Monday, Dec. 3 council meeting that a dumpster used by the owners of two condominium associations near Hantz Golf Club off Burt Street overflowed
after Republic Services LLC stopped picking up the refuse. Swallow said during the city’s work on the sanitary sewer lift station, city personnel noticed the excess garbage and assumed ingress and egress of a garbage hauler was impeded by the city’s work. About the same time, he received a call from Tecumseh Country Club Condominium Association President Laurie MacDonald who complained about the overflow. She said garbage hadn’t been picked up in four weeks and complained that coyotes, raccoons and other animals had been feeding on the overflow, making a mess. SEE TRASH PAGE 2A
PHOTO BY JIM LINCOLN
The former bank branch of United Bank & Trust at the corner of West Chicago and Occidental Highway. was demolished Wednesday. The owner of the property, Tec TPS LLC, declined to comment. The Herald was informed that the site, which has been for sale, may be more marketable without the 2,025 sq. ft. building. The corner lot is 1.026 acres.
PAGE 4A — THE TECUMSEH HERALD
ON THE STREET What are popular items with shoppers this Christmas season? Diamond fashion jewelry is always popular, but this year I’m seeing a resurgence in watches and pearls. — Dan Hacker, Hacker Jewelers
Christmas decorations and vintage Christmas collections. — Cheryl Williams, Antiques & Vintage on the Boulevard
Definitely games and puzzles, bringing back family game night. — Stacey Foss, Hopscotch Kids Ceramic Christmas trees, any type of vintage Christmas decorations, and believe it or not, vintage jewelry and furniture. — Becky Phibbs, Tecumseh Antique Appeal
DECEMBER 13, 2018
OPINION
‘In our own beloved state, the highly gerrymandered legislature is moving the shift of power away from the incoming Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of State’ The presidential election of 1800 was a fraught one. For the first time, the party in power was defeated. There was palpable tension in the days leading up to the inauguration. The worry was that John Adams and his Federalists would not willingly give up power to Thomas Jefferson and his incoming Democratic-Republicans. Bloodshed was a very real fear. Yet the handover went smoothly, sealing in the high-minded democratic ideals of the American Revolution Almost 63 years later, Abraham Lincoln stood on a newly minted battlefield during the height of the Civil War and delivered his most memorable remarks. He ended them with the words, “...and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Lincoln, notably a founder of the Republican Party, could have hardly spoken more profoundly democratic words. Even as we’ve struggled to live up to it, this has been a founding principle that major party politicians have always given at least lip service
to. This idea, that government is only legitimate when it governs with the consent of the people, has long been considered sacred. The end of Reconstruction and rise of Jim Crow, the (first) Gilded Age and the Robber Barons - these stretched that ideal to the breaking point. But then, Women’s Suffrage, the Civil Rights movement, the forced resignations of Agnew and Nixon we’ve fought back and then some. But now that ideal seems to be finally fading to irrelevance. We’re chided that the U.S. is really just a republic, not a democracy, and never was supposed to be. We’re told that it’s better that way because...cities
bad...and...reasons. We’re told that a specific interpretation of a specific religion trumps everything else. And now we’re told that the transition of power to legitimately elected new leaders need not be respected. In our own beloved state, the highly gerrymandered legislature is moving the shift power away from the incoming Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State. This is profoundly undemocratic, a naked power grab, and a dagger straight to the heart of the “Great Experiment.” This is how democracies die and we should all be extremely alarmed. Join me in demanding that outgoing Governor Snyder use his last measure of decency and veto any such legislation that should come to his desk. History is watching, history will remember, and history will judge, sir. — Christopher Young Clinton
With us, it’s almost always the same thing for gift buyers it’s jewelry and clothes. —Julie Rhora, Great Ideas
I would say train sets. — Barb Bindus, J-Bar Hobbies
PHOTOS BY JACKIE KOCH
North Early Learning Center kindergarten teacher Melissa Hilton speaks during the public comment portion at Monday’s TPS School Board meeting. She invited the board and community to visit the schools and admonished audience members for mocking each other. BOARD FROM PAGE 1A
Opposing views leads to confrontation following school board meeting
THE TECUMSEH
Herald DECEMBER 13, 2018 • Vol. 166, No. 10 The Tecumseh Herald (USPS 942-120) is published weekly on Thursdays by Herald Publishing Company, Inc., at 110 E. Logan Street, Tecumseh, Michigan. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tecumseh, Michigan, 49286. Send form 3579 to P.O. Box 218, Tecumseh, MI 49286-0218.
Subscription rate: $44 annually for 52 issues James L. Lincoln, Editor and Publisher
Your opinion is important to us! Send letters to: letters@tecumsehherald.com
with changes in the curriculum took steps to recall board members and replace them with an all new board. Heather Perez, executive director of the studentfocused nonprofit Community Learning Connections and the mother of two high school students in the district, suggested a free restorative practice conference that would involve a team from Jackson who would work to find common ground between those in the district. “I know things have been kind of polarized in our community and I just really want to see us moving forward and doing what’s best for kids,” she said. Jesse Pizana, a THS graduate, stated that as a banking center manager who has worked with the district as a business partner and a CLC board member, he had praise for Coffin and the excitement he saw in students during his tour of West STEAM Center. Community member Bill Swift said he was troubled by the idea that new board members feel what’s needed is much change in the district. “Frankly, and I hate to say it, I wish you’d been more honest about what your plans were,” he said, eliciting applause from a few audience members. He reminded them that the students in the middle of their school year would be affected. “I would prefer that you guys didn’t act like kids that had found dad’s gun,” he said, to loud laughter. Board member-elect John Benzing came to the lectern to ask if current board members would vote on the new board members’ desire to have an organizational meeting on January 7. Hart said the organizational meeting was already on the board calendar for January 14, and that another meeting would have to be set as a special meeting. Discussion followed regarding the process for setting a special meeting. Community member Lisa Michelin
TPS Facilities Director Josh Mattison, who will be leaving the district for a position with Ann Arbor Public Schools, speaks during Monday’s school board meeting. asked the board to take a few months to consider changes while talking to students and administration. North Early Learning Center kindergarten teacher Melissa Hilton said she is excited to see her students thriving with new learning styles, but realized there has been a lot of tension in the district. “I hope that we can heal,” she said, admonishing those in attendance for mocking others or laughing when they spoke. “So people that are laughing when people are speaking, you wouldn’t tolerate that from your kids,” she said. Parent April Cowell stated that 60 percent of the voters in the district said “We don’t want this,” regarding project based learning and other changes in
instruction. A woman in the audience spoke up and told her “Hold on, don’t speak for me,” and Hart intervened to stop the interaction, saying “We’re not going to get into this back and forth stuff, here, okay?” Shellie Moore said she wasn’t happy with the election and implored the board to think about best practices, research, and data-driven decision making before making wholesale changes. “If you look at the state board of education’s 10-year plan for schools, Tecumseh is right in line with that, and to go back to the ‘40s or ‘50s, the good old days, is against everything that the state school board suggests and against what all good research suggests is what is best for all learners,” she said. After the meeting Coffin shared her hope for working with the new board. “I think five of the seven actually have children in the district, so I’m excited about that, because that does bring a different perspective,” she said. “That’s my hope, is to be able to hear that perspective and be able to continue making improvements for our kids.” New board member Kevin Johnson said he is looking forward to a calm transition. “Hopefully that transpires over the course of the next couple of months and we can quietly go on, tune up what needs to be tuned up and make whatever adjustments need to be made to really serve all the students. There’s no reason to burn it all down and start over again,” he said. The conflict between audience members spilled into the parking lot as the crowd dispersed, with one woman following another group of women while loudly calling one of them. The two women yelled insults at each other while others kept them apart, until a parent called Tecumseh Police, who arrived at the scene but made no arrests.
$1.00
Thursday, January 10, 2019
THE TECUMSEH
Herald
Page 3A
Deer overpopulation issue may lead to cull n Multiple solutions proposed for addressing deer overpopulation following USDA survey results By JIM LINCOLN jim@tecumsehherald.com A deer cull led by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) was among the options presented to Tecumseh City Council on Monday during a review of a recent deer population survey conducted by the USDA. The estimated cost for an annual cull was $5,000 and would require a permit from the MDNR. The survey identified an estimated
population of 128 deer, including 19 bucks, 67 does and 42 fawns, resulting in a density of 3.3 acres per deer, or 194 deer per square mile. The survey was taken from October 22 to November 4 using trail cameras and automatic feeders within 430 acres in the city. “It is clear from the survey results that the number of deer in the city of Tecumseh is on the high end,” said city manager Dan Swallow. Residents have repeatedly
complained about destruction of landscaping and gardens by deer, and the related costs for protection, such as fencing, or for repair and replacement. Other concerns include health and safety since deer carry disease-bearing ticks and the potential for traffic accidents. In five comparative studies, only one, taken in Montgomery County, Maryland, scored a higher density of 242 deer per square mile. A Cornell University study found 100 deer per square mile to be “typical.” Two other studies used as comparisons were taken in Golden Valley, Minn., with 70 deer per square mile; and Burnsville, Minn.,
with 80 deer per square mile. There were no other studies available from the USDA that used the same techniques in collecting data for the survey. Swallow, in his report to council, proposed six potential solutions: 1. Expand public information on landscaping repellents 2. Draft a local deer management plan in coordination with the MDNR 3. Adopt an ordinance to ban deer feeding 4. Finalize requirements for submission of a Wildlife Damage and Nuisance Control permit from the MDNR
5. Obtain additional information for a USDA-led deer cull and draft a cooperative services agreement with the USDA to confirm conditions and costs 6. Encourage the MDNR to issue additional landowner permits and antlerless deer licenses in Lenawee County A draft proposal of an ordinance to ban the feeding of deer was read by city attorney Fred Lucas. It would add leverage to a pending state law prohibiting the feeding of deer set to take effect January 31. Swallow said it SEE COUNCIL PAGE 5A
IN THE NEWS ‘Sweet Leilani’s’ sets grand opening date for January 13 Sweet Leilani’s Desserts in the historic depot building at 160 E. Chicago Blvd. will hold a grand opening Sunday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to officially open for business. Owner Sheila Vish creates cookies, cakes, sweet rolls, scones and other baked goods, along with coffee, soups and more. The grand opening will include some giveaways. Contact Vish at 248.697.6220 for more information.
TCA to host newly revamped Princess Day with Troll Takeover for kids
The popular Princess Day at the Tecumseh Center for the Arts will be overtaken by trolls on Saturday, Jan. 12 from 2-4 p.m., when boys and girls ages three to 10 will have a chance to enjoy an afternoon of crafts, snacks, story time, a dance party, photo opportunities, dress up and more, while meeting Poppy and Branch from the movie “Trolls.” Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in troll attire and must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $30 for one troll and a parent/guardian; additional trolls are $10 and additional adults are $5. For more information, call 423.6617.
Inside
Classifieds Crossword Legals Look Back Obituaries Opinion Sports What’s Happening
1B 3B 2B 6A 2A 4-5A 7-8A 3B
VOL. 166, NO. 14 © COPYRIGHT 2019 HERALD PUBLISHING CO., INC.
PHOTO BY JACKIE KOCH
Former Tecumseh teacher Joe Bundus intently listens to new board members. He was part of a standing-room only crowd at Monday’s meeting.
Public turnout heavy for school board’s first meeting By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com A crowd of more than 100 overflowed the high school media center at Monday night’s Tecumseh Public Schools Board of Education meeting, with parents, students, teachers and community members eager to tell new board members their opinions on what they thought the board might or should do as they try to move forward from a contentious year that saw upheaval in the schools and throughout the community. In all, 24 people spoke during the two public comment portions of the meeting, after social media posts and other communication earlier in the
day urged attendance and stated anticipation of drastic measures the new board might implement that night. After a swearing-in of the seven new trustees, officers were elected, with Tim Simpson, president; Becky Brooks, vice president; Kevin Johnson, secretary; and John Benzing, treasurer. During the first public comment segment specified for items on the agenda, Jennifer Landstrom referred to the closed session adjournment on the final portion of the agenda as she read a statement in support of Superintendent Dr. Kelly Coffin. “The reality is that the very best resource you have as a new board is sitting right there,” she said. “Dr. Coffin’s
drive, passion and forward thinking are something any district would be lucky to have, and here she is at your disposal, yet any of you have refused to meet with her, let alone compromise and collaborate, as you claimed you were so willing to do during the election process.” She said she hoped their statements that they didn’t want anyone to lose their jobs were true, and implored them to consider all families before making large-scale changes that would impact the district. As she ended her statement, the audience erupted in loud and prolonged applause. When Lisa Michelin asked a question about an agenda item regarding the law firm and Simpson answered her, the at-
torney present, Raymond Davis from Thrun Law Firm, advised Simpson and the board to refrain from answering questions during public comment. Brooks moved to revise the agenda to go into closed session immediately to consider an attorney-client privilege communication, in order to save money on having the attorney present, rather than wait until the end of the meeting. Several members of the audience loudly protested the action, insisting that the board should listen to more public comment before their closed session, but the attorney directed the board to ignore the SEE BOARD PAGE 4A
Tecumseh trail runner logs hundreds of miles after New Year’s resolution By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com A New Year’s resolution and small steps three years ago led to huge strides for a Tecumseh man who has made trail running his hobby. John Miller has now completed six 50K (31.0686 miles) and one 100K (62.1371 miles) races, as well as two 50mile races and one 100-mile race in the years since he first began his quest to start running at age 40 and get in better physical shape. Miller sent Parks and Recre-
ation Director Shelley Lim an email of thanks for the department’s maintenance of the trails in Indian Crossing Trails Park, something he, as an employee of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources who works on maintaining state park property in 12 counties, knows a little bit about. “I just wanted to drop a note to thank you and your staff for the hard work, improvements, and ongoing maintenance of our trails and parks. You do an excellent job,” he wrote. “Our trails in town made it possible to train close to
home. Even a small three-mile loop, run many times, can get you in shape to run these races in many states.” He began in early 2016 with a “Couch to 5k” program that eases participants into running with walking intervals, gradually adding distance, and says when he failed twice to reach the 5k (3.1 miles) goal he decided running just wasn’t for him. “My knees hurt,” he said. After realizing he had been overextending himself, pushing SEE RUNNER PAGE 2A
PHOTO SUBMITTED
John Miller at mile 92 during the Indiana Trails 100 race
PAGE 4A — THE TECUMSEH HERALD
ON THE STREET What New Year’s resolution could help make the world a better place?
Make sure there’s not any trash in the ocean. — Emily Fraas
If everybody would just get along. — Pat Hirsch
Be kind.
— Shannon Smith
We could resolve to be nicer to each other in general. — Denise Duda
I think everybody should be more kind, more caring and loving to others. —Sarah Cundiff
If people could have their opinions but still be polite and respectful to each other. — Alice Gliwa
JANUARY 10, 2019
OPINION
‘School boards are strong when there is diversity of thought and discussion, and when each member brings their own strengths and perspectives to the decision-making process’ At the January 7 organizational meeting [Tecumseh Public Schools], each of you took an oath do your best to bring quality education to 100 percent of our students and their families. In the coming year, your effectiveness as a school board member will be evaluated by outcomes that are much the same as those used to measure success for students. Looking ahead to January 2020, how will your stakeholders, and you, evaluate your performance? One good indicator of success would be to answer “yes” to these reflective questions: • Have you carefully considered all information provided, including independent outside research, student achievement data, and teacher input, before making a decision? • Did each decision help to build a stronger school district, keeping the welfare and academic achievement of ALL students in the forefront? • Did you, as an individual board member, regularly visit classrooms to
listen and talk with teachers, students and administrators, observing what is working well for kids, and noting areas of challenge where improvements might be made? • Did you actively listen to all stakeholders, including those who disagreed with your point of view, as well as those who agreed with you? • In your decision-making, did you make sure that no student was hindered or harmed by the results of board action? School boards are strong when there is diversity of thought and discussion, and when each member brings their own strengths and
perspectives to the decision-making process. It is important that each of you come to meetings prepared to make independent decisions based on solid information. In education, success is measured by results, shown in the performance, achievement, and love of learning exhibited by the students. Next January, when evaluating your success as a school board member, it will be critical that your actions showed that you: • Listened with understanding • Provided leadership with integrity • Made decisions with complete information, in the best interest of all students I believe that each of you is up to this challenge, and wish you well! Thank you for your service. — Pam Bunch Tecumseh
Congress, president should forfeit pay during shutdown The members of the Senate and the House of Representatives in Washington D.C. are very well paid and well above the so called “middle class.” Have you noticed that every time the government is shut down, these well-to-do congress people make
sure that they are not affected personally? I am now of the firm belief that all members of Congress, including the president and vice president and their staffs, should have to forfeit all their governmental pay for the time period any part of the government is shut
down. We might then get some forward motion rather than the stagnation we are getting now. — Richard Kuntz Tecumseh
Tecumseh Public Schools counselor thanks volunteer participants of Career Kick Off Day at STEAM East Tecumseh is truly the most exceptional community! On behalf of my colleagues and the seventh graders at STEAM East I would like to thank the 30 community members who presented at our Career Kick Off Day on Monday, Jan. 7. The intent of the day was to give each seventh grader a sampling of what it would be like to work in one of the six career pathways. Thanks to this giving community we were able to run double sessions and give the students a hands on experience. This would not have been possible without so many giving people who were willing to take time out of their work day to connect with the students. I have never seen such excitement on the first day back from winter break! Thank you to the following individuals for your time, talent and dedication to our students as well as each of the educators at STEAM East. I would also like
to thank the countless parents and community members who supplied the game of LIFE. Natural Resources: Paul McCormak - Classroom Critters and Professor Justin Kunkle from MSU Forestry Human Services: Janelle Stewart from MSU Cooperative Extension and Janis Montalvo from Living in Lenawee Realty; Mayor Jack Baker; Representative Bronna Kahle; Council Member Austin See; Thomas Meyer; Katie Mattison from First Federal; Kelly Jo Gilmore, Tecumseh Center for the Arts; Shelly Lim, Tecumseh Parks and Recreation; Katie Cole, Lenawee Intermediate School District; Dr. Kelly Coffin,Michelle Hutchinson and Nicole Case, Tecumseh Public Schools. Health Sciences: Denice Osworth and Adrian Edwards - Tecumseh Public Schools, Tracy Hedrick and Heather Franco, Community Learning
Connections. Business, Management and Marketing: Jack Townsley, Lenawee Intermediate School District; Cindy Lyons and Judson Lohman, Tecumseh Public Schools Arts and Communication: Jennifer Stull, Delaney Brewer, Chris Knapp and Kellie McInchak, Tecumseh Public Schools; Jim Lincoln, Sarah Hilton and Kerry Hamilton-Smith, Tecumseh Herald; Liz Cote; Chief Joe Tuckey, Tecumseh Fire Department Engineering and Manufacturing: Bob Ondrovich, Larry Lyons, Amanda Schmidt, Tecumseh Public Schools Together we can achieve great things! — Mary L. Tommelein, STEAM East and West Counselor Tecumseh Public Schools
BOARD FROM PAGE 1A
THE TECUMSEH
Herald J A N U A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 • Vo l . 1 6 6 , N o . 1 4 The Tecumseh Herald (USPS 942-120) is published weekly on Thursdays by Herald Publishing Company, Inc., at 110 E. Logan Street, Tecumseh, Michigan. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tecumseh, Michigan, 49286. Send form 3579 to P.O. Box 218, Tecumseh, MI 49286-0218.
Subscription rate: $44 annually for 52 issues James L. Lincoln, Editor and Publisher
Your opinion is important to us! Send letters to: letters@tecumsehherald.com
Twenty-four speak at TPS school board meeting protests and continue out of the room. The board met in closed session for an hour and when they returned they took no action on their closed session discussion. After discussion of agenda topics, they approved an increase in board meeting dates to two per month, including the first Monday of the month in the high school media center at 7 p.m. and the fourth Monday of the month to take place at 7 p.m. at a different school each time. Simpson listed the additional dates and locations, “January 28 at Sutton, February 25 at Patterson, March 25 at Tecumseh Acres, April 29 at Compass, May 20 at Herrick Park, and June (24) school’s out so we’ll be back here,” he said, using the former names of most of the school buildings. The purpose of an additional monthly meeting is to have one meeting to discuss topics and a second meeting to vote on them, Brooks explained.
Simpson outlined seven committees focused on curriculum, communication, finance, technology, facilities and safety, human resource and policy, and athletics, and said that the board would like each committee to include a board member, school personnel, and community members. Davis advised the board to operate committee meetings under the rules of the Open Meetings Act, with posted dates, public comment availability, and minutes kept on record. A survey will be used to give people the opportunity to sign up, Simpson said, and the board will decide who is installed on the committees. McNamara suggested having two board members on each committee, and in discussion the attorney said it may make sense to do so. Agenda items for the January 14 regular meeting were listed by Simpson as changing the school names back to the original names; discarding the
terms “facilitators” and “learners” in favor of “teachers” and “students;” meeting postings using the website, email and robocalls; video recording the board meetings to upload to YouTube, and making board packet information available to the public. Coffin questioned the attorney regarding a requirement that the district provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant closed captioning with any official video it posts. “A lot of the school districts from around the state are receiving legal challenges from the Office of Civil Rights when either their website or things that they’re publishing aren’t closed captioned, so you would have to look at that,” said Davis. The second public comment portion of the meeting was a succession of 20 community members, beginning with parent Mike Root who encouraged the board to look at data he gave them of how high school
students’ proficiency has not improved in years. “That’s not good enough. Dr. Coffin saw this and asked for change. Give her credit for having the guts to bring PBL on board,” he said, to applause from the audience. As he continued at an increasing volume and surpassed the allotted three minutes for comment, Simpson asked him to stop but he spoke louder and the crowd began clapping and cheering, leading the president to use the gavel to try to maintain order. The remaining comments varied from support of Coffin and the current curriculum, to a request from a former student to change things back to more structured education, to somewhere in between with encouragement for both new and old methods. After more than three hours, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the board will be January 14 at 7 p.m. in the high school media center.
$1.00
Thursday, March 28, 2019
THE TECUMSEH
CARVER SHARES FAITH • 8A
Herald
TPS staff claim ‘hostile work environment’ n Chaos, complaints and no-confidence vote at TPS board meeting By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com Multiple outbursts, rampant emotions, a no-confidence vote, a surprise resignation, several standing ovations and an audience member removal
by the school safety officer marked the most contentious Tecumseh School Board meeting in recent history on Monday night. The meeting at the packed gymnasium at Tecumseh North Early Learning
Center began with a bang as five administrators walked up to the microphone during the first public comment period and expressed their dismay at the board’s impending approval of a contract for interim
PHOTO BY JACKIE KOCH
TPS principals (l-r) Deidre Gamble, Carl Lewandowski, Melanie Nowak, Meghan Way and Jacob Anastasoff gave the board a no-confidence vote on interim superintendent Ryan Rhoades.
IN THE NEWS Volunteer drivers needed for program at Department on Aging The Lenawee Department on Aging is seeking volunteers to drive clients to medical appointments using the department’s wheelchair van. Drivers will receive a $5 meal allowance and will be reimbursed for mileage from their home to the department office and back. Those interested in volunteering may call Amy Young at 264.5280.
United Way seeks help for health fair
Volunteers are needed to help staff the United Way Health Fair to take place Thursday, April 11 from 7:30 a.m.-noon at the First United Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian. Most of the duties involve sitting with minimal walking or standing. Those interested may contact Anne Walker at anne.walker@tc3net.com.
superintendent Ryan Rhoades, whom they said participated in intimidation and threats when dealing with them. East STEAM Center Principal Melanie Nowak spoke for the group, which included Deidre Gamble, West STEAM Center principal; Carl Lewandowski, co-principal of Compass Learning Center; Jacob Anastasoff, principal of grades nine and 10 at the high school; and Meghan Way, former principal at South Early Learning Center. “We stand before you today as TPS administrators to address the consent agenda item regarding approving the superintendent’s contract,” she said. She asked Board President Tim Simpson if he would allow the group to go over the allowed three minutes for their comments, and Simpson said, “It depends on what you guys are talking about,” eliciting the first outburst from the audience. Nowak spoke of complaints SEE BOARD PAGE 3A
First Presbyterian Church to celebrate 150 years By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Tecumseh will celebrate 15 decades of community connection and worship this weekend, when they commemorate the 150th anniversary of the dedication of the church building. A service and following reception will be held Sunday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m., exactly 150 years since the original dedication service on March 31, 1869. “Three years ago we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone on this physical piece of property. It took the church three years to
finish the building, to be able to hold worship there,” said the Reverend Cathi King. The church had its start when Presbyterian pastor Noah M. Wells conducted the first worship service in Tecumseh in the fall of 1825. King said they have details from church history records about the 1869 dedication and will utilize some of the same scriptures. They will also sing a hymn that was written by a current member of the church, to the tune of the hymn, written by the pastor 150 years ago, that was sung when the cornerstone was laid. In addition, three church historians have been working on a historical timeline to be displayed inside the church. “One is pulling together 50 events of the church from 1869 to 2019. One person is pulling together 50 events from Tecumseh and perhaps the surrounding county, and then one SEE ANNIVERSARY 4A
Inside Classifieds Crossword Legals Look Back Obituaries Opinion Sports
1B 3B 2-3B 6A 2A 4-5A 7A
VOL. 166, NO. 25 © COPYRIGHT 2019 HERALD PUBLISHING CO., INC.
This sketch of the First Presbyterian Church illustrates how it would have looked in 1869.
Rhoades placed on administrative leave pending investigation of allegations One day after the Tecumseh Public Schools Board of Education approved his contract at the March 25 regular meeting, newly-appointed interim superintendent Ryan Rhoades was placed on nondisciplinary administrative paid leave pending an investigation into allegations by five administrators that he engaged in threatening and intimidating behavior. A statement released by Board President Tim Simpson on March 26 said that the investigation would be conducted by an independent firm.
Ryan Rhoades
“The Board of Education is working to secure an individual to serve in the role of interim superintendent during the investigation period. We will communicate those details as soon as they are available,” Simpson wrote. The board and previous superintendent Kelly Coffin came to a separation agreement in January, and Rhoades, the district’s new director of technology, was named co-acting superintendent along with Griff Mills, high school SEE ALLEGATIONS 3A
Update on Revival Commons
PHOTO BY JIM LINCOLN
A sign along Maumee Street advertises Revival Commons.
Development to preserve history, make green space By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com Now that most of the buildings have been cleared from the Revival Commons property, formerly home to Tecumseh Products, developer Jason Miller is working on the next phases that will further transform the site. One of the goals is to beautify the property, a sharp contrast to the years of decline when the site held vacant manufacturing buildings with broken windows and abandoned equipment. Miller said he has a couple of prospects for use of the 160,000-square-foot building on the south parcel of the land at 100 E. Patterson St. “Our main
goal this year is to get a tenant,” he said. “I have two people that I am working with that have interest in that building, and it’s gaining interest because those buildings are not available of that size, so I’m starting to see some good positive interest in coming into that building.” Another goal this year is to start removing the concrete factory floors that were left when the rubble of demolition was hauled away. “That is the next phase of the project. Once I get that cleared then we can start looking at the redevelopment part of it,” he said. The concrete will be broken up and turned into aggregate, and Miller said SEE PROJECT UPDATE 5A
MARCH 28, 2019
THE TECUMSEH HERALD — PAGE 3A
E D U C AT I O N
TPS School Safety Officer Chad Rogers (l) was asked to remove school district resident Bill Swift from the school board meeting Monday night. SCHOOL BOARD FROM 1A
PHOTOS BY JACKIE KOCH
TPS School Board Vice President Becky Brooks read interim Superintendent Ryan Rhoades’ recommendation to not renew Compass Learning Center Co-Principal Carl Lewandowski’s contract.
School principals present issues to school board Nowak spoke of complaints about Rhoades, several of which had recently been brought to the school board, including the creation of a hostile work environment due to character assassinations against principals, specifically allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior between a principal and a parent; accusations that the school board is concerned with a principal’s mental health stability; and the questioning of a principal’s ability to perform job duties because she is a single parent. “Intentionally creating fear of working with the school board by telling administrators that the school board members don’t like us and are trying to fire us and are on a rampage to get us,” she said. “Harassment and intimidation, including threats against administrators’ spouses, employment and character; telling an administrator that he drives by their house every day, which elicited fear in the administrator; and attempting to divide leadership by picking and choosing who attends meetings in an effort to discredit their input. And specific threats told directly to administrators, such as, ‘If you don’t take this job you’ll be non-renewed,’ and ‘If anyone crosses me I will burn them to the ground.’” Nowak said the group felt Rhoades had set the stage to discredit administrators and the schools. “In light of the complaints presented here today, we as administrators take a vote of no-confidence against the superintendent and would request the board have an independent third party investigate these allegations. Based on what we are sharing today, all of us are in fear of our job security and potential retaliation,” she said. “However, teachers have expressed their own job fears and uncertainty as to the future of the district. As leaders in this district we will not stand by or
allow intimidation to distract from our greater purpose of educating our students.” Assistant Superintendent Griff Mills said he had been approached by administrators regarding some of the complaints, then he collaborated with School Safety Officer Chad Rogers, who determined they were labor law concerns and the two of them had a meeting with board members to discuss the issue. Mills said that he was concerned for the people involved, as well as for the school district and any liability issues or lawsuits that might come from the complaints. The meeting continued with reports on the Sculpture Garden at the high school, the Sources of Strength suicide prevention program, and the Maker Space at North Early Learning Center; the introduction of spring sports coaches by Athletic Director Jon Zajac; and a facilities update by Facilities Director Tim Brown. Rhoades reported on the One Tecumseh initiative. The board voted to approve the consent agenda, including approving the superintendent’s contract. During the second public comment portion of the meeting, many audience members came up to express their dismay and disapproval regarding the appointment of Rhoades as superintendent, and of an email sent to teachers and administrators by Simpson that alluded to rumors that all principals would be terminated, asked them to report the rumors, and told them “We have selected our superintendent and we expect you to support Mr. Rhoades,” as well as saying that the board expected all staff to act with professionalism and high standards. Former board members Lynn Davis, Lori Spotts and Kim Amstutz-Wild were among those who spoke. “In my 35 years working for Tecumseh Public Schools, I don’t ever re-
call receiving an email from a board member. If I did, I can guarantee I never received an email from a board president that challenged the professionalism and the integrity of TPS staff. Mr. Simpson, I found your email to the staff to be, in all honesty, disgusting,” said Spotts. “The next time you find it imperative to email the staff, I would hope that email would not contain an order or veiled threat to support an unqualified superintendent.” Teacher Melissa Hilton also took issue with the email from Simpson. “Why did I receive this?” she asked, stating that she takes pride in her work as a teacher. “Why do I feel so intimidated? Why do I feel pressured?” Cheryl Bemis admonished the board and the superintendent for creating fear in the staff, and Bill Swift defied the board’s public comment rules by starting a conversation with other audience members when he announced to them that Rhoades’ contract had been approved within the consent agenda despite their concerns about the superintendent’s qualifications and behavior. Swift continued to goad the board and told them that they could have the school resource officer remove him, but he was not going to stop talking. Some of the audience members told him to sit down, as well, but he did not comply and Rogers came forward to escort him out of the room. Lewandowski came to the microphone and said he had filed a complaint with the board and was fired for it, and many in the crowd gasped. “I was told today that I am in non-renewal because I am promoting competency-based education,” he said. When he was done speaking the audience gave him a standing ovation. Lisa Michelin said, “Ryan Rhoades, I call on you to resign,” and the crowd erupted again. “We are not go-
ing to make any forward movement while you are in this position.” Greg Dolson, teacher and head varsity football coach, along with A.J. Marry, teacher and head golf and wrestling coach, stood up together to address the board. “What we saw tonight is what leadership looks like from our admin team,” Dolson said. “I’m speaking from experience, I can tell you right now, the last thing I want to do is surround myself with a bunch of yes men, and I fear right now, that’s what we’re looking for.” he thanked the principals who spoke at the beginning of the meeting for standing up for the teachers. Marry said, “Right now what’s happening, and if we’re going to talk athletics, we’re driving our team apart, bad and fast.” He told the board that they have not instilled a sense of believing in each other in the district. “I do believe in the people that came up here at the beginning of the day, Melanie, Jacob, Deidra, Meghan, Carl, and I believe in Greg and I believe in everybody else that stands behind me and teaches with me. We can do this, but you guys have to start listening,” he said. At the end of the meeting, Rhoades gave the board a recommendation of the non-renewal of Lewandowski’s contract. Board Vice President Becky Brooks began to read the recommendation quietly and audience members asked her to speak up, but she said she was trying to protect someone’s privacy. Lewandowski told her to share it as he wanted to know what it said, so she read the document so the audience could hear. The reasons listed for non-renewal included the loss of confidence in Lewandowski’s leadership, to which the audience booed. As the final item on the agenda, Simpson asked for board member comments and discussion, and Mills said, “President Simpson, I want to tender my
ALLEGATIONS FROM 1A
Supt. placed on administrative leave principal. At the March 11 meeting, the board appointed Rhoades as interim superintendent by tempo-
rarily suspending bylaws that require teaching and administration certification, and named Mills as
assistant superintendent. Mills unexpectedly stepped down from that role at the March 25 meeting, stating
he wanted to focus solely on his high school principal duties.
Mary Grace Judson, age 56, of Tecumseh, passed away unexpectedly at her home on March 22, 2019. She was born on September 25, 1962, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Ernest and Edna (Penland) Pierson. She attended Britton and Tecumseh high schools. Mary enjoyed puzzles, cooking, helping others, and loved animals. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her life partner,
Ric Dulinski Jr. of Tecumseh; a son, Michael (Jessie) Judson of Litchfield; three daughters, Fanessa (Calvin II) Morris of Hillsdale, Kimberly (Cody) Redmon of Jackson, and Tessa (Jesse) Mills of Tecumseh; a brother, Michael (Linda) Pierson of Adrian; two sisters, Constance (Esteban) Valdez and Linda (Ernie) Blaska all of Tecumseh; and nine grandchildren. Funeral services for Mary will be held on Thursday,
March 28, 2019, at 2 p.m. with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. until the time of the service at Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Tecumseh. Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions may be given to Fanessa Lynn Morris for future designation. Envelopes are available at Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Tecumseh.
Obituary
MARY G. JUDSON
resignation as the assistant superintendent,” to an uproar of applause from the crowd and a standing ovation. “I don’t do that to be disrespectful, that’s not who I am. I didn’t sign up for all the drama, to be honest with you,” he said. “I just don’t feel I’m serving you guys or serving our district the way it needs to be,” and several members of the audience shouted out, “You
are, Griff, you are.” Mills stated he wanted to go back to being just the high school principal, and left his seat with the board to join the audience, who gave him another standing ovation. Rhoades was contacted for an opportunity to give a statement regarding the allegations, but did not reply before The Herald went to press.
$1.00
Thursday, April 4, 2019
THE TECUMSEH
Herald
COUPLE EXPANDS TWIN PINES STORY ON 3A
Jackson brewery seeks Hayden-Ford Mill building n Developers plan to renovate but preserve historic site for restaurant, brewery By JIM LINCOLN jim@tecumsehherald.com
PHOTO BY JIM LINCOLN
The owner of Grand River Brewery in Jackson has proposed purchasing the Hayden-Ford Mill Building for a $1.3 million project following a request for proposals by the city.
IN THE NEWS
By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com
Garden club to host welcome dinner The Little Garden Club of Tecumseh will host a welcome dinner for potential new members at the First Presbyterian Church, 211 W. Chicago Blvd., Tuesday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Lucy T. at 423.8097.
LWV event to feature voter registration The League of Women Voters of Ann Arbor, Lenawee County/Tecumseh Unit, will host Lenawee County Clerk Roxann Holloway Friday, April 12 at the Adrian District Library from 1-2:30 p.m. Holloway will discuss the new voter registration changes resulting from the passage of Proposal 3 in the 2018 General Election. For more information, email lwvtecumseh@gmail.com.
Inside
Classifieds Legals Faith Look Back Opinion Sports What’s Happening
1B 2-3B 4B 6A 4A 7A 2A
VOL. 166, NO. 26 © COPYRIGHT 2019 HERALD PUBLISHING CO., INC.
unique visitors to our location each year,” he said. With the vacancy left by J. Trees Winery in the building, and the probable closing of ProMedica’s Fitness Connection when it partners with the YMCA at the future hospital site on M-52, the only remaining tenant will be the Senior Center. Other locations for the center are under consideration, according to City Manager Dan Swallow. A committee will review the proposal and present questions to the developers prior to any decision or action by city council. If a sales agreement is approved, the project could begin as early as November.
Board set to vote for new interim supt. n TPS will have three supts. on payroll if Hamilton is hired
Tecumseh High School teacher Kristalyn Musselman has been honored as Region 8 Teacher of the Year for 2019-20. See story on page 5A.
It may be a golden opportunity for the city in its search for a long-term solution to the future of the Hayden-Ford Mill Building. That opportunity was presented at Monday’s Tecumseh City Council meeting by John Burtka, owner of Grand River Brewery, of Jackson, together with partners Justin Dalenberg and local resident Ken Heers, owner of Lenawee Fuels and Perky Pantry. The proposal was made in response to the city’s request for proposals to purchase or lease the building. Veritas Vineyard LLC, dba Grand River Brewery, was the only proposal submitted.
Together, the three partners presented a detailed proposal to name and open Grand River Mill Haus Tavern in the historic building as a destination restaurant and brewery that would be marketed to attract visitors within a two-hour range of Tecumseh. Burtka, who founded Cherry Creek Winery and breweries and restaurants in Jackson and Marshall, led council through a PowerPoint presentation outlining the partners backgrounds, a project overview, financial pro-forma, time frame and economic impact. “We plan to create gross sales of $3,000,000 ,” said Burtka, with plans to hire a staff of 35-45. “We plan to reach these sales by creating over 150,000
The Tecumseh Public Schools (TPS) Board of Education met in a special meeting Thursday, March 28 to move forward with an investigation into allegations of misconduct by interim superintendent Ryan Rhoades, who was placed on non-
disciplinary paid administrative leave just one day after his contract was approved at a contentious meeting packed with community members and marked by accusations against Rhoades by five TPS administrators. The district’s attorney, Raymond Davis of Thrun Law Firm, was present at the March 28 meeting. He advised board members on the process of hiring outside investigation firm Recon Management Group, LLC to conduct interviews in
order to delve into the multiple claims from principals and teachers of inappropriate or threatening behavior perpetrated by Rhoades. The investigation will also look into claims in an email Rhoades wrote to the board that many of the principals and school employees had been participating in actions that ran counter to the school board’s wishes and in some cases, were neglectful in their duties. Present at that same meeting was Brad Hamilton, a retired educator with decades
of experience who served as interim superintendent most recently at Manchester Community Schools in 2017, but also spent six months of 2016 at Onsted Community Schools in the same role. He retired from his position as superintendent of Grass Lake Community Schools in 2015 after 13 years of employment, led Britton Deerfield Schools, as well, for seven years prior to that, was principal of Addison Middle School for eight years, and was a teacher and coach at
Madison School District at the start of his career. Hamilton was invited to the meeting to address the board regarding what he may be able to do for the district while the investigation is being conducted. “Do you want help? Do you have all the answers? If you have all the answers, I can’t help you. If you think that the course you’re on right now is the right course for this community, then I can’t help you,” he said. “I think I can help you get more SEE BOARD 7A
Kahle promotes plan to lower car insurance rates By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com Michigan auto owners overwhelmed with the state’s high cost of insuring their vehicles have a champion in State Representative Bronna Kahle of Adrian, who, along with fellow representatives Aaron Miller, Beau LaFave, Joseph Bellino and Jason Sheppard, introduced a package of eight bills to the House on March 19 aimed to reduce auto insurance costs by changing the system of insurance. Kahle said solving the auto insurance dilemma has been a priority for her since before she was elected in 2016. She said the reason for the introduction of the eightbill package is that Michigan drivers pay the highest rates for car insurance in the country. “As I’m listening to people in our communities, Lenawee County drivers are fed up,” she said. Michigan has had a nofault system since 1973, joining only 11 other states and Puerto Rico to use that type of insurance. Michigan’s rates are said
to be so expensive because while other states’ medical coverage levels max out at $500,000, Michigan’s are unlimited. The state of Colorado had a no-fault auto insurance system until 2003, but switched to a tort system in July of that year. According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, in a tort system, the driver who is at fault for causing an automobile crash is responsible for paying the victim’s medical expenses and compensating the victim for additional damages, which could be loss of wages and “pain and suffering.” Auto owners would be required to carry liability coverage to pay for injuries and damages. The insurance company of the driver who causes the accident would be responsible for paying the medical bills of the injured party. In states with a tort system, most drivers also carry some type of medical payments coverage, which would pay for the medical expenses of the injured person regardless of who is at fault. Drivers could rely on their own health insurance after the medical payments coverage, if needed. If it becomes clear that someone else was at fault, SEE INSURANCE 4A
PHOTO BY JIM LINCOLN
Farmers Market opens May 18 at the Market on Evans.
Spaces sell out for upcoming farmers market season By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com Tecumseh Farmers Market Coordinator Jessica Stretch is looking forward to the new season for the market, set to begin Saturday, May 18. “I’m really excited for this year’s farmers market,” she said. “I’ve been working with Tecumseh East STEAM. We’re going to have the art club out there, we’re going to have the garden club out there, we’re going to do a lot of kid projects.” There has been so much interest from vendors that she now has a full house of those looking to sell their wares.
The barn is completely filled,” she said. “We actually have people that are going to be there all season, and they’re going to be in the outside part, too.” In addition, there are food truck vendors vying for spots on market days, Neighbors of Hope will be in one of the market sheds, and one of the sheds may house musicians, which Stretch hopes will be performing each Saturday. She has been discussing performance ideas with Illuminate Dance, as well. As of now, Stretch has signed up eight to nine produce vendors with two of them also SEE MARKET 7A
APRIL 4, 2019
THE TECUMSEH HERALD — PAGE 7A
SPORTS
PHOTOS BY JIM LINCOLN
Tecumseh’s DeAndre Blayer sliding safe face first into third base.
Kane throws no-hitter, Indians remain undefeated
Tecumseh’s Cameron Wagoner swinging the bat.
The Tecumseh baseball team remained undefeated after they picked up a pair of wins against non-league Zeeland West during a doubleheader at home on Friday, March 29. In the opening game, the Tribe won 5-3 behind Cam Wagoner, who gave up two hits and two walks and struck out 10 in the five innings he
pitched. Colin Brazil relieved Wagoner for an inning, giving up three unearned runs and one walk. He struck out two batters. Macguire Hawley came in for the save, with one walk and two strikeouts. Wagoner was big at the plate as well, going 2-for-3, including a home run. Ty Rhodes was 1-for-1 with a double; he drew
two walks. Landon Glover was 1-for-4 with two runs batted in. In the nightcap, Joe Kane threw a brilliant no-hitter for a 3-0 victory. He pitched all seven innings, only giving up three walks. He struck out seven. At the plate, Wagoner went 2-for-3, with a RBI and a run scored. Hunter Stines and Jason Wilkinson were both 1-for-3
with Wilkinson adding an RBI to his stats. “I’m glad we’re able to get these games in against a good team,” said Tecumseh Coach Tom Bullinger. “We had a few mistakes on defense, but games like this get us ready for league play.” The Tribe’s next game is April 8 at home against Lincoln.
Indian LAX team drops game to Canton The Tecumseh Boys Lacrosse Team dropped its second game of the season after they were out-hustled by Canton, 6-2. Defensively, Jalen Mireles
caused nine turnovers and scooped up seven ground balls, while Ben Romanowski caused six turnovers and fielded nine ground balls. Dylan Day added to his point total, scoring one
goal and one assist. He fielded eight ground balls and forced seven turnovers. The Indians are now 1-3 for the season and will resume play after spring break.
PHOTOS BY KERRY HAMILTON SMITH
Tecumseh’s Trent Tidswell (21) breaking through the line of Canton defenders.
Tecumseh’s Dylan Day (14) winding up for a jump shot.
BOARD FROM 1A
TPS board votes Monday for interim supt. trust and credibility if you focus on the right stuff.” If hired, Hamilton will be the third Superintendent currently on the payroll. Board member Kevin Johnson referred to complaints that were brought to the board regarding Interim Superintendent Ryan Rhoades prior to the regular board meeting on March 25. “We did hear some of those complaints. They weren’t formal complaints that were made, they were just rumors or they were second- or third-hand. The board can’t act on what we heard second- or third-hand and start an investigation.” He said he sat down with Rhoades and the district’s human resources director, JoAnna Keebler, the week of March 17, and Rhoades proposed that the procedures for reporting complaints against the superintendent be revised. An email was sent to all employees in the district informing them of the change. “The intent of that was to remove the superintendent
from the chain of complaint,” Johnson said. “I understand the status quo prior to that was that complaints of the superintendent would have to be made to the superintendent.” A form was created for such complaints, and completed forms would go directly to the human resources director, who would refer the complaint to the board or set up a meeting between the employee, the superintendent and Keebler, depending on the nature of the issue. “I did check prior to Monday’s meeting, and I had absolutely zero of those turned in,” he said. “The board can’t act on a complaint unless it’s formally made.” He said district employees could make a complaint one of two ways: fill out a complaint form to allow the board to investigate the claim, he said, “Or you can come in and you can create drama, and you can make a formal complaint to the board in open session, which is what happened. They both lead
to the same place.” He said the first option would have been preferred. “We wouldn’t have the misinformation about teachers being fired that weren’t fired,” he said. He urged staff to make complaints through the proper channels so the board can address them. “Let me just say that we’ll make sure that all complaints that we have appropriate notice on, whatever the form, we’re going to investigate them all objectively and make sure that we make decisions based on facts, not based on innuendo and rumor,” said Davis regarding the investigation by Recon. Board President Tim Simpson said if the firm performed 10 interviews in their investigation it was estimated the process would take two to three weeks, but there may be a need to interview more than 10 individuals. Davis said that in his experience, investigations sometimes take on a life of their own and last longer due to additional allegations that
may be raised and need to be investigated. He said that because the complaints at TPS were numerous and involved several individuals, “It may be a lengthy investigation.” In an interview April 2, Simpson clarified that if the board approves hiring Hamilton at the next meeting, it will be a pay-per-day situation where Hamilton will only work as long as he is needed, up to a sixmonth period. He also said that the investigation would cover any period of time Recon feels is relevant to its purpose, and that the board gave him, on the advice of their attorney, the authority to direct the staff to refrain from discussing the complaints in public or with each other in order to avoid compromising the investigation process. “That directive went out in an email to all the staff,” said Simpson. The next regular meeting of the TPS Board of Education will be held Monday, April 8 at 7 p.m. at the board office annex.
PHOTO BY KERRY HAMILTON SMITH
Ryan Hoeft, seated center, signed a letter of commitment to play lacrosse at Siena Heights University. He will study criminal justice. Seated (l-r), are his mother, Jennifer Moore; Hoeft; sister, Taylor Moore and father, Thomas. Standing are Tecumseh coach Steve Ayre, Siena Heights coach Edwin Maloney and summer coach Shawn lewandowski.
MARKET FROM 1A
Vendor signups fill barn at Farmers Market selling meats, three baked good vendors, two honey vendors, two flower vendors, one craft furniture vendor, 10 craft vendors, four egg vendors, one vendor with
starter plants and one coffee vendor. She is in talks with others to try to get dairy products sold there, as well. “It’s really great to see how many people are willing
to come out and support this community for nothing,” she said. “I have people lined up for education, kids projects, demonstrations, and entertainment that are
willing to come out to do things for free. They don’t want any money, they just want to be a part of this community, so I’m really excited about it.”
PHOTO BY JIM LINCOLN
Kamilla Linn, seated center, signed a letter of commitment to swim at Davenport University near Grand Rapids. She will study business. Seated (l-r), are her father, Steven; Linn; and mother, Kathleen. Standing is brother, Konner and Tecumseh coach Sarah Maraskine.
$1.00
Thursday, May 9, 2019
A BAKER’S STORY • 8A
THE TECUMSEH
Herald
Tecumseh schools’ interim supt. quits By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com Tecumseh Public Schools’ Board President Tim Simpson confirmed on Wednesday that Brad Hamilton, the interim superintendent hired early in April, resigned during a contentious
telephone conversation where the two were discussing the certification of a teacher being considered for an administrator position. “We were having a heated discussion about the certification of administrators and he said, ‘I’ll just quit,’ and I just said okay. And he quit, hung up, and
turned his keys in,” Simpson said. Simpson said he had asked Hamilton on Monday if the person had administrator certification, and Hamilton said he didn’t know but would check. “Yesterday Brad told me that this person was certified to be an administrator,” Simpson said about a
conversation on Tuesday. “I came back to my office, I checked to make sure. They did not have certification.” The discussion between the board president and the interim superintendent got heated when Simpson challenged the information Hamilton had given him as incorrect. “He said, ‘I’m not
IN THE NEWS
Annual plant sale this weekend to benefit Hidden Lake Gardens Hidden Lake Gardens will hold its annual plant sale this weekend, offering annuals, hanging baskets, perennials, herbs, vegetables, trees, shrubs, conifers, hostas, daylilies, and more. Friday, May 10 is the members-only sale from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday, May 11 is the public sale from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This year, all HLG members receive a 10% discount on plant sale purchases. For more information, call 431.2060.
Fundraiser is Tuesday for Grey Fox Floral at Evans Street Station
A luncheon to raise funds for Jan and Gary Fox as well as local firefighters will be held on Tuesday, May 14 at Evans Street Station from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The $25 luncheon will include Evans Street Station signature burgers. Grey Fox Floral and Tecumseh Coins was destroyed by an arson fire on April 8. For more information, call 424.5555.
Inside
Classifieds Crossword Legals Look Back Obituaries Opinion Sports What’s Happening
1B 3B 2-3B 8A 2A 4A 6-7A 4B
VOL. 166, NO. 31 © COPYRIGHT 2019 HERALD PUBLISHING CO., INC.
SEE SUPERINTENDENT 5A
Millage rate holds at 14.35; water, sewer rates increase By JIM LINCOLN jim@tecumsehherald.com
‘Paint-a-Pot’ benefit event set for May 11 at Wielfeart Farms D & C Wielfeart Family Farm and Greenhouse, 12922 Milwaukee Rd., Britton, will host a “Paint-a-Pot” event for children Saturday, May 11 from 1-4 p.m. The cost of the event, which will include a paintable pot for Mother’s Day, with plants, is $5 each, and proceeds are to go to the Ridgeway Township Fire Department. For more information, call 517.759.8150.
going to put up with this,’” Simpson said, and followed with the statement that he would quit. “I’m getting such misinformation from everywhere that it’s just unbelievable to me,” said Simpson.
PHOTO BY JACKIE KOCH
The Wojcik family of Katie (l) holding three-year-old Ben, and Ben, holding Stella, who just turned one, operates Wojcik Farms on their land on Clinton Macon Road.
Spotlight series on Tecumseh’s Farmers Market vendors
Organic produce vendors find community connection
By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com Ben and Katie Wojcik might seem at first glance like a typical young couple raising two small children, but their passions have added a level of activity and commitment to their lives that exceeds what many might take on. The owners of Wojcik Farms LLC on Clinton Macon Road, the Wojciks are not only in the process of renovating their 1890s farmhouse, they have embarked on a journey of working in the soil to produce organic vegetables for others to enjoy. Wojcik Farms LLC is the first subject in a series of spotlights on vendors who will bring their wares to the Tecumseh Farmers Market that begins Saturday, May 18 at the Market on Evans, 213 N. Evans St.
The couple started growing three years ago on a trial basis when a friend who was opening the Cork and Gabel restaurant in Detroit asked them if they could use a small section of their five acres to grow vegetables for the restaurant. “I was like, ‘Oh no, we’re not just doing a small section, we’re doing the full thing. We’re going to produce as much as we can to support you guys,’” said Ben. That led to the decision to bring their bounty to the market in Tecumseh, and last year was their first year selling produce there. “This year will be the biggest year that we’ve had,” he said. Ben said the farm produces carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, ground cherries, kale, collard greens, onions, scallions, and SEE MARKET 9A
There was both good news and bad news for city residents following Monday’s Tecumseh City Council meeting when officials approved the 2019-20 fiscal year budget. As prepared and recommended by City Manager Dan Swallow, council unanimously adopted the new budget, effective July 1, with total general fund revenues of $5,628,824 and appropriations of $5,622,658. Although there will be a small increase in taxes by the state-allowed inflation rate of 2.4% in taxable values under Proposal A, the actual millage rate will be left unchanged at 14.3562 mills. In his summary, Swallow highlighted areas of the proposed budget, including: • Total general fund revenues were 3% higher than last year due to growth in several revenue sources • Continued stabilization in Local Community Stabilization Share following a large reduction in 2017-18 • Increase of 2% in general fund appropriations • Average increase in city payroll costs for employee wages of 2.25% • Increase in Major Street
Fund revenues from $653,180 to $750,010 due to anticipated increase in state gas tax revenues • Increase in Local Street Fund revenues from $403,635 to $493,304 For General Fund expenditures for general operating purposes, by city department, the budget provides: • General, $1,585,687 • Cemetery, $187,268 • Police, $1,643,729 • Emergency Services, $611,269 • Public Works, $214,108 • Parks and Recreation, $485,732 While city residents will see just a small increase in taxes for the new fiscal year, they will see another increase of 4.59% in water and sewer rates. Swallow recommended the increase as highlighted in the budget summary, stating the new rates will “allow the city to begin planned system improvements as well as cover expenses for the new state requirements related to service line inventory and replacement.” Cost of operating and maintaining the water and wastewater department, along with long-term capital improvement needs, are the basis for setting rates, according to Swallow.
Three-day citywide garage sales set to begin By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com All through Tecumseh and the surrounding areas, people are sorting and tagging household items, sporting goods, knick-knacks and other miscellany to prepare for Tecumseh’s annual spring garage sale weekend, an event that brings scores of bargain hunters to the area to search for treasures they can’t pass up. Beginning Thursday, May 9 and continuing on
Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11, the sales will generally open for business at 9 a.m. and will last as long as each seller deems fit or runs out of merchandise. Dave and Sue Bishop recently moved to Tecumseh from Milan after purchasing their home on Park Street at the end of September and completing some renovations, and Sue said they found many unneeded possessions while packing up the home where they’d lived for 30 years. “A lot of stuff that you store away that you
don’t realize you have until you get ready to move,” she said. “Way more than we ever thought.” As new residents, this will be the first time the Bishops have participated in the annual sales. When Sue found out about the event, she knew it was perfect timing. “I was kind of excited,” she said. “This is perfect because we have all these boxes and it gives me motivation to clean out and put them away, and get rid of the stuff that we don’t use.” She took advantage
of the opportunity to have her sale listed on the map that the City of Tecumseh will provide for shoppers, which will be available at Tuckey’s Big Boy, any Perky Pantry, Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce and Tecumseh City Hall by Wednesday, May 8, and will also be posted on the city’s web page at mytecumseh.org. The Bishops have such things for sale as old china dishes that once belonged SEE GARAGE SALES 3A
MAY 9, 2019
THE TECUMSEH HERALD — PAGE 5A
NEWS
‘What’s in the Water’ program to expore county’s water quality Pam Taylor of Environmentally Concerned Citizens of South Central Michigan will speak to Lenawee County residents Tuesday, May 14 about the quality of the water they drink and in which they bathe, swim, fish, and boat. “What’s in the Water?” will begin at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Weber Retreat and Conference Center on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ Motherhouse, 1257 E. Siena Heights Dr. The event is free and open to the public. This presentation will explore the quality of the water used for drinking water by the people in Adrian, Blissfield, and Deerfield, as well as for swimming, fishing, and boating; the groundwater that becomes drinking water for towns and the wells of rural residents; and the existing and emerging issues found all across Lenawee County. Learn
about rules and regulations, how to identify the challenges faced, and how to report them. Participants are asked to enter the eastern-most driveway of the complex and follow the signs to Weber Center. For information, call the Weber Center at 266.4000. The event will also be live-streamed at adriandominicians.org/LiveStream.aspx. The Dominican Sisters of Adrian, a congregation of nearly 600 vowed women religious and more than 200 associates, traces its roots back to St. Dominic in the 13th century. The Sisters minister in 22 states and in the Dominican Republic, Norway, and the Philippines. The congregation’s vision is to “seek truth, make peace, reverence life.”
Effective this Friday, May 10, 2019, the one-way portion of Patterson Street, between Adrian Street and Union Street will be reversed. The new one-way pattern will proceed east to west, starting at Union Street and ending at Adrian Street. The pattern change is a result of meetings between Tecumseh Public Schools officials and Tecumseh city officials to address traffic flow issues that arise during morning drop off and afternoon pick up at the North Early Learning Center. The current one-way causes congestion and traffic backups onto Adrian Street, which poses a significant risk to pedestrians and motorists. The new pattern will allow more vehicles to position themselves on
Patterson Street, to facilitate student exchange at the school. Parents who drop off and pick up their children at/from North Early Learning Center will use the current one-way pattern for Friday morning drop off. The new traffic pattern will take effect beginning with the afternoon pickup on Friday, May 10, 2019. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this process. Officers will be on hand during these times to assist with the transition.
One-way traffic on Patterson Street to reverse direction effective Friday
— Chad Rodgers, SRO/PIO Tecumseh Police Department
PHOTO BY JACKIE KOCH
Anna Kanitz, executive assistant to the supt., and Brad Hamilton, interim supt. at the Monday, April 29 meeting of the Tecumseh School Board. SUPERINTENDENT FROM 1A
Supt. quits after heated exchange with TPS board president “We have one administrator that did not have their certificate throughout the year, and we’re probably going to get fined from the state for that. We’re still waiting to hear if that’s happening or not. I shouldn’t have to be doing these things as the school board president, but because I’m not getting good information I’m probably doing more due diligence than is necessary.” A special board meeting with a study session regarding district reconfiguration of buildings, scheduled for Wednesday evening, was
cancelled, but the cancellation was due to technical issues when attempting to change the date of the announcement on the district website and was not due to Hamilton’s resignation, Simpson said. The board will add that discussion to the agenda of the regular board meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 13, and will also consider options for the superintendent position on that date. Hamilton is the third superintendent to hold the position this school year, after Dr. Kelly Coffin was placed on paid administrative leave in January and agreed to
separate from the district in August 2019, and then Ryan Rhoades, hired as technology director in December, was named interim superintendent. After the board approved his contract at the March 25 regular meeting, Rhoades was placed on non-disciplinary administrative paid leave after five administrators stated that he engaged in threatening and intimidating behavior. An investigation by outside firm Recon Management Group, LLC, which is also delving into behavior that Rhoades alleged that district staff engaged in, continues.
shoe
Volunteers needed for Re-Tree Tecumseh and partners’ tree planting event set for May 18 ReLeaf Michigan, a non-profit tree organization, in partnership with ReTree Tecumseh, Lenawee Community Foundation, the City of Tecumseh and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program, seeks volunteers to assist in planting a minimum of 16 trees at the entrance to the city on North Evans Street between the north and south entrances at Red Mill Drive on the morning of Saturday, May 18. Volunteers are asked to wear closedtoe shoes, comfortable clothing and bring a shovel and gloves if they have them. The group will meet at the AJ Smith Recreation Center, 810 N. Evans St., at 8:45 a.m. to sign in, enjoy refreshments, and watch a planting demonstration with ReLeaf Michigan’s tree experts.
The event will continue until noon. The event will take place rain or shine. No planting experience is necessary. Middle school age children and older are welcome to participate. ReLeaf Michigan, a 31-year-old nonprofit organization, has partnered with over 400 communities statewide to replenish tree canopies through the planting of 30,000 trees in public spaces at tree planting events. Trees provide many benefits to communities including shade, increased economic vitality, stormwater reduction, and greenhouse gas reduction. The event is free, but R.S.V.P.s are appreciated. Contact Cheri Hinkleman at 423-5906 or chinkleman@comcast.net. For more information on Re-Tree Tecumseh, visit retreetecumseh.org.
$1.00
Thursday, May 16, 2019
THE TECUMSEH
Herald
Raucous crowd challenges TPS board By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com
The administration building’s annex was full for Monday night’s meeting of the Tecumseh Public Schools Board of Education, TPS music teacher where the board Joyce Lammers.
voted to hire former Tecumseh High School athletic director and 1978 THS alumnus Greg Lewis as the next interim superintendent. He was hired in the wake of the resignation of recent superintendent hire Brad Hamilton, bringing the total of superintendents to five since the beginning of the year. The presence of three Tecumseh police officers kept watch over a mix of community members who at times let their voices rise to interrupt the board. Some came to express their displeasure with the agenda’s building reconfiguration topic set for a vote. During the course of
the two-hour meeting board president Tim Simpson utilized the gavel more than once to regain order and caution the crowd to quiet down, and one woman was asked to leave when she continued to challenge the board while treasurer John Benzing gave a presentation on the reconfiguration options. Lewis, whose experience includes 27 years of employment by TPS, in security, teaching, as the dean of students, and in administration as well as acting as the athletic director, retired from the district in October 2015. He said that Simpson had talked to him about a principal position
Cemetery to hold 110th Memorial Day Service The Macon Cemetery will observe its 110th Memorial Day service Sunday, May 19 beginning at 3 p.m. on Mills-Macon Highway in the village of Macon. The service will include Tecumseh Boy Scout Troop 652 and Britton American Legion Post 155 as honor guards, music will be provided by the Village Brass, and the guest speaker will be State Rep. Bronna Kahle. In case of rain, the service will be held at the Macon Township Hall.
The public is invited to Britton Deerfield Schools’ Senior Decision Day followed by a student picnic and high school field day Friday, May 17 starting at 10 a.m. in the high school cafetorium. High school teacher mini grants will be awarded by the Britton Deerfield Education Foundation to support teaching and learning in classrooms. Lunch and field day activities are planned.
Ribbon cutting set for Farmers Market The Tecumseh Farmers Market will open Saturday, May 18 at The Market on Evans with a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. to kick off the 2019 season. A dedication by state Representative Bronna Kahle will be held. The market will be open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call 423.3740.
Inside
Classifieds Crossword Legals Look Back Obituaries Opinion Sports
1B 3B 2-3B 6A 2A 4-5A 8-9A
VOL. 166, NO. 32 © COPYRIGHT 2019 HERALD PUBLISHING CO., INC.
SEE TPS BOARD 5A
TPS administrator was not certified, $67K in fines loom
IN THE NEWS
Britton Deerfield to host Senior Decision Day
two weeks ago, and when Hamilton stepped down he was then considered for the superintendent position. “We’ve heard what our teachers said. They’re the boots Greg Lewis on the ground right now, they’re the ones who have the best feel for what’s
By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com
THS 1969 yearbook and senior photo of Samuel Brooks
Ho n o rin g Sam
The failure of a Tecumseh Public Schools (TPS) elementary principal to obtain certification to work as administrator in the state of Michigan this school year may cost the district $67,767.69 in fines, according to a May 9 email from school board president Tim Simpson to district parents. Carl Lewandowski, co-principal of Compass Learning Center, was required to complete certification as of September
1, 2018. T h i s requirem e n t was a change from the previous Michig a n Depart- Carl Lewandowski ment of Education (MDE) rule that allowed administrators employed before January 4, 2010 to be SEE LEWANDOWSKI 5A
a fifty-year tradition Fatal accident 50 years ago led Tecumseh High School’s Class of 1969 to establish annual scholarship By MARY KAY McPARTLIN marykay@tecumsehherald.com As graduation approaches for Tecumseh High School students, there is excitement for the start of their adult lives. In 1969, the excitement for THS graduating seniors was cut short when Samuel Brooks died on May 24. The Tecumseh Herald reported on May 29, 1969, that an early morning motorcycle ride the previous Saturday ended abruptly at the intersection of North Evans and Burt Streets when driver Joseph Bagby lost control of his motorcycle. Brooks was killed instantly and Bagby was seriously injured. Brooks was a well-liked student and a friend to all in the class of 250 THS students. “The accident was devastating to our class,” said Pat Schmidt. “For many people the experience was their first experience with death. Sam was an informal leader. He was well-liked by all the different kinds of kids.” “The first few days after it happened, we were not just grieving about Sam, we were also worried about Joe Bagby,” Harvey Schmidt said. Brooks’ older sister, Pamela Van Sickle, remembers well the devastating effect of her brother’s death. The Brooks family was amazed at the community’s response. Van Sickle recalls a line around the block as young people waited to come into the funeral home and share memories of how Brooks impacted
their lives. “He was wonderful. He wasn’t a saint, but there was just something very special about Sam,” said Van Sickle. “He was such a champion of the underdog. If someone was getting bullied or he didn’t think something was going right, Sam would just step in.” The year after Brooks’ death, his classmates and the community wanted to commemorate their friend’s love of Tecumseh High School and his importance to them. Guided by class advisor Frank Graham, a committee of students, THS faculty and staff, and community members came together to recognize one student from the THS Class of 1970 with a pen and pencil desk set. “The committee that came together spoke a lot. It was not just our class – it just wasn’t the kids trying to do something. I was impressed that the mayor even was a part of the group. It just struck me that Sam must have meant something to people other than his classmates,” said Harvey. The selection process has remained the same over the last 50 years. “Sam loved Tecumseh High School and lived high school to the fullest,” Harvey said. “Every year we have included the graduating class and they make nominations. Those nominations go to a group of teachers and they weed it down to three and then the committee interviews the SEE BROOKS 5A
Artwork by local resident Mary Lou Olds.
Downtown to host Annual Art Walk featuring 25 artists Downtown Tecumseh will come alive with art and music Friday, May 17 from 6-9 p.m. as downtown merchants partner with area artists to bring art into downtown businesses for the 12th Annual Art Walk. Merchants will offer extended hours and refreshments, and local artists will be on hand to greet people and talk about their work, which will range from pottery to photography to jewelry and more. Carnegie Artist Studios
at 304 W. Chicago Blvd. will have an open house starting at 6 p.m. to coincide with the Art Walk. Hosted by downtown Tecumseh merchants and the city’s Economic Development Department, the familyfriendly Art Walk will include artist demonstrations and live music. According to Linda Hewlett, the City of Tecumseh’s SEE ART WALK 3A
MAY 16, 2019
THE TECUMSEH HERALD — PAGE 5A
NEWS TPS BOARD FROM 1A
TPS teachers want a voice in decision making going on, and we work with them, we include them, and we build this from the ground up. That’s my vision,” Lewis said. “Implementing that, making that happen smoothly, that’ll be a bit more of a challenge, but we all want the same thing here.” During the first public comment portion of the meeting, former board member Roberta Saling recounted her experience on the school board during a time when a new superintendent was hired and brought new ideas to the district. “It took a couple years but everything finally worked out, and I’m troubled that you are giving so little time to allow the new curriculum to succeed,” she said. She recommended the board take their time. “I think you just need to slow down. I think you’re moving way too fast,” she said. “I know Brad Hamilton talked about that, he urged you to slow down and take time. I think you need to work with the staff, let them guide you through this and just slow everything down so there’s not so much upheaval in the district.” Music teacher Joyce Lammers mentioned the committees and promises from the board to get teachers’ opinions, and expressed concern that committees have not met and teachers have not had input toward possible changes. A group of students from Tecumseh West STEAM Center spoke about their positive experiences with the programming at their school. “The STEAM program continues to provide me with amazing opportunities and so many different ways to learn,” said Olivia Torres. “At the beginning of my seventh-grade year I thought I was never going to get used to this, but I soon realized that this is for me. This is the way I want to learn and this is the future.”
PHOTO BY JACKIE KOCH
Sarah Abbott
Sarah Abbott, third-grade teacher at Compass Learning Center, said teachers come to school anxious about what will happen each day. “Right now we don’t have a leader. That’s hard for us,” she said. “We’re feeling lost. We want a goal set for us, but we want to be a part of that.” She asked the board to consider giving the teachers a voice in their decisions. “If anybody up there is feeling any doubt, please just don’t action items, say no. You can say no, nobody will be upset with you. Please come and talk to us and let’s do this together,” she said. During revisions and approval of the agenda, board member Milton Abbott asked to remove the reconfiguration plan from the action items for that meeting, and the board voted to postpone that topic until the next meeting to wait until they could meet with teachers to hear their opinions. “Just so everybody knows, Brad Hamilton sent us an email that said, ‘I believe that you have enough information to make a decision,’ and this was after he spoke with administrators
and I assumed the teachers. We were told that we had enough information, that we didn’t need to prolong this, by Brad,” said Benzing. “If everybody has not gotten to put their input in, we’re more than happy to sit down and talk with you some more.” Discussion followed regarding setting a date for a meeting with teachers. Nikki Reinhardt, LISD director of business services, gave a report that included updated information on the projected district deficit. “We are not going to be looking at a $1.5 million deficit, but a $1.3 million deficit, so a little rosier than what we had anticipated,” she said. In other news, the board accepted donations of $50 from Old National Bancorp and $100 from First Federal Bank; high school principal Griff Mills reported that Tecumseh High School was ranked 69 out of 650 high schools in the state by U.S. News; and former school board member Kim Amstutz-Wild and retired Lenawee County Sheriff Richard Germond, the incumbent, were announced as candidates for the Lenawee Intermediate School District Board of Education seat. During the good news portion of the meeting Mills introduced Haven Osburn, a junior at the high school whom he said had struggled as a freshman but began to take online classes. “Fast forward three years to right now, Haven just finished all of his high school curriculum last Friday,” Mills said. “He’ll be walking in our commencement on June 2. He has 18 credits of college completed, and on Thursday he has a music producer from L.A. flying in to work with him. We are extremely proud of this young man, and just another example of the good things that are coming out of our high school and our district.”
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Pat Schmidt (l) and husband, Harvey (r) are pictured at Tecumseh High School. BROOKS FROM 1A
Schmidt speaks at THS three and makes the selection.” “We talk about how Sam would not want us to memorialize his death,” said Pat about the group’s focus on remembering Brooks rather than his death. “We are looking for sort of a Sam,” Harvey said. “Over the years we have interviewed over 150 kids and we have tried to impress on them that they even got to the interview should say how their classmates and teachers feel about them.” Eventually, the decision was made to award something more than a pen and pencil desk set to the selected recipient. “We
decided to do a scholarship,” said Harvey. “We did a $500 scholarship for many years and it has been a $1,000 scholarship for 15 years.” As the Class of 1969 approaches its 50th reunion on August 10, Harvey is hoping to transform the current Sam Brooks Scholarship into an endowment fund through Lenawee Community Foundation. Working with Cynthia Heady, the goal is to create a long-term memorialization of Brooks. “We’re hoping with this being the 50th year our classmates will have a new
reason to contribute,” Harvey said. “The impact that my brother had is astonishing to watch. It’s just such an honor that somebody who was only barely 18, that he made that kind of impact and is remembered with such love. It was such an honor for my mom and dad,” said Van Sickle. “We are over the moon and extremely proud and honored.” It’s too early to make donations, but for more information on the Sam Brooks Endowment Fund, contact Harvey at handpschmidt@ comcast.net.
shoe
LEWANDOWSKI FROM 1A
State may fine TPS $67K
“grandfathered” and allowed to act as principals without certification. The change was announced early last year and notice would have been sent to all of the state’s local and intermediate school district superintendents and public school academy directors, according to MDE. Lewandowski did not have prior certification as an administrator and his teaching certificate expired in 2007, but Katie Schmiedeknecht, analyst with the MDE’s Data and Accountability Unit, said he would not have been required to do so until the recent change. A search of the MDE’s Michigan Educator Certification Status tool shows that Lewandowski obtained an experience-based school administrator certificate on April 8. The gap between September 1, when his certification was required, and April 8, has resulted in the fine, which equals the amount he was paid daily multiplied by every day he worked without a certificate, said Simpson. “We got the paperwork on the fine,” Simpson said. “Our attorney is looking at trying to appeal it for us.” Lewandowski will leave TPS to start a new position as the principal of Prairie Elementary School in the Adrian Public Schools district on May 20.
Tecumseh and one other city vie for new international automotive supplier plant
$50 million manufacturing plant with 400 jobs at start up would be located on 60 acres at Business & Technology Campus
By JIM LINCOLN jim@tecumsehherald.com Hopes are running high at Tecumseh City Hall that a large international manufacturer may make Tecumseh home for its second plant in Michigan. An inquiry last fall into the city’s Business & Technology Campus followed a lead from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The name of the company is being withheld pending a selection between Tecumseh and a second un-
named city on the west side of the state. A decision is expected to be announced in July. Company officials have made multiple visits to Tecumseh and toured the area, taking into consideration quality of life conditions, as well as the availability of housing and costs, according to Tecumseh City Manager Dan Swallow. Tecumseh Economic Development Director Jessica Sattler said data has been gathered to provide information to the company with the assistance and input from Lenawee NOW.
The company, based in China, has discussed investing $50 million or more, not including equipment, in construction of a 300,000 square foot plant and has interest in 60 of the 180 acres at the Business & Technology Campus on M-50 just east of Kerchhoff Automotive. “We are thrilled to be a site finalist for a strong and reputable company like this, and if they select Tecumseh we will definitely see a positive impact on the community as a whole,” said Sattler. “In addition to jumpstarting the
Business and Technology Campus site, this deal would create new jobs for various skill levels, and provide the opportunity for increased businesses for our retailers and other small business owners, as well as potential for new housing, other new developments, and more. Swallow said the company seeks to have the new facility completed in about one year. Approval of plans by the city would take about four months, Swallow said, citing a process that includes a presentation to the Planning Commission of site and
$1.00
Thursday, June 20, 2019
THE TECUMSEH
Herald IN THE NEWS ‘Coffee with Carters’ to address topic of fibromyalgia
Carter Rehabilitation, 902 Industrial Dr., will host “Coffee With Carter’s” Tuesday, June 25 from noon-1 p.m. on the topic of fibromyalgia, including diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle. Coffee and snacks will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring their lunch. For more information, call 423.7722.
Annual semi-truck ‘Parade of Lights’ set for Saturday night A lighted parade of semitrucks will pass through Te c u m s e h S a t u r d a y, June 22 beginning at dusk, approximately 9 p.m. Beginning at the Great Lakes Truck Show at Cabela’s in Dundee, the parade will travel west on Chicago Boulevard, turn south on Occidental Street, east on Russell Road, north on Rogers Highway, then east on M-50 to return to Dundee. Drivers’ bids for lead positions benefit Hospice of Lenawee and raised over $3,000 last year, and Bogie’s Express of Tecumseh matches bid funds to double the donation.
Inside
Classifieds Crossword Legals Look Back Obituaries Opinion Sports What’s Happening
1B 3B 2-3B 6A 2A 4-5A 7A 4B
VOL. 166, NO. 37 © COPYRIGHT 2019 HERALD PUBLISHING CO., INC.
engineering plans, review of incentive requests and a public hearing at a Planning Commission meeting. “The level of interest from this company, and of other leads we’ve been actively pursuing over the past several months, are clear indicators of what a great community we have in Tecumseh. “We boast an incredible quality of life, a strong workforce, a very business friendly process at the city government level and a truly collaborative small business ecosystem,” said Sattler.
NATIVE HEART KICKS OFF SUMMER SERIES AT THE TCA ON SATURDAY SEE 3A
TPS investigation report released, Rhoades resigns By JACKIE KOCH jackie@tecumsehherald.com
PHOTO BY JIM LINCOLN
Spring rain kept this cornfield and others from being fully seeded, or not seeded at all, by Jared Wielfaert and his father Paul, whose family farms 4,000 acres in Britton.
Farming under water ‘We’ve never seen anything quite like this’
By MARY KAY McPARTLIN marykay@tecumsehherald.com When will the rain stop and the sun dry things out? This is the million-dollar question for area farmers surrounded by fields still under water. Wet spring weather isn’t exactly an anomaly for farmers, but this year has been unprecedented in how the rain has fallen. “It’s affecting the whole infrastructure of the ag economy,” said Ron Roehm, vice president of John Marion, Inc., and manager of the Britton location of the grain elevator. “We’ve never seen anything quite like this. Usually it rains for a month and it puts us behind.” This year the cool temperatures piggybacked on rain that seems to fall every other day. Wet fields require patience and waiting and prayers for dry weather. Paul Wielfaert of Britton has planted 1,100 of 1,600 acres of field corn. “According to everybody else, we are way ahead,” he said. “The water has taken its toll. We just can’t seem to get anything in the ground.” Wielfaert farms 4,000 acres of field crops – corn, soybeans and winter wheat – with his son Jared and brother Al. This year they have had to adapt their normal spring planting practices. “We have been almost exclusively notilling,” said Wielfaert. Instead of tilling the field to plow under weeds, the tractors are heading out and planting as soon as they can get seed into the ground. The goal is to get the higher value crops planted as quickly as possible. “When
you only get a day and half out of seven, you don’t worry about the cosmetic things,” said Scott Dusseau of Britton. “That’s what it has become this year. There’s no choice. We have moved some fields around so that we could plant. It changes your crop rotation. We don’t have a choice.” According to the Roehm, the current United States crop report shows the country has 90 percent of field crops planted rather than the usual 100 percent of previous years. The statistics for the local area are considerably different. “Our area here is way behind,” he said. “We are probably forty percent planted on corn and twenty percent on beans. Farmers are getting very creative. They are trying to get their job done. They are fighting the weather.” Technology has made a difference. Tractors that use GPS and don’t require steering make it possible to work in the dark. “With today’s equipment, my son planted forty acres the other night,” Dusseau said. “My brother jumped on it in the morning. There were lot of farmers doing that.” Winter wheat, planted in the fall, is the first crop to be harvested. There are complications for wheat due to the excessive rain. “Wheat at this stage doesn’t need any more rain,” said Roehm. “There’s not a crop except rice that likes wet feet,” Dusseau said. “The wheat is hanging on but not doing well. Root diseases are a factor. Leaf diseases are a factor.” SEE FARMING 8A
The long-awaited report into allegations made against interim Superintendent Ryan Rhoades and allegations Rhoades made against others employed by the district was released to the press June 13 by the Tecumseh Public Schools Board of Education, the same day that Rhoades submitted his letter of resignation to the board. The board met in special session the folloiwng day, June 14, to accept the resignation. The heavily redacted, 20-page report outlined the interviews of Rhoades, Board President Tim Simpson, and others, some of which were
named in a letter Rhoades sent to the board on March 27. The report, with more than 700 areas blacked out with a marking pen, addressed complaints that were first made public when East STEAM Center Principal Melanie Nowak, Deidre Gamble, West STEAM Center principal; Carl Lewandowski, then coprincipal of Compass Learning Center; Jacob Anastasoff, principal of grades nine and 10 at the high school; and Meghan Way, former principal at South Early Learning Center, spoke as a group to give a vote of no confidence regarding the approval of Rhoades’ contract SEE TPS 5A
Endowment fund honors THS graduate Sam Brooks By MARY KAY McPARTLIN marykay@tecumsehherald.com The Sam Brooks Memorial Scholarship Fund has been created through the Lenawee Community Foundation. The fund is in memory of Sam Brooks who was in the Class of 1969 at Tecumseh High School. “We are inviting past recipients and members of the Class of 1969 to be among the first to donate to the Lenawee Community Foundation’s, Sam Brooks Memorial Scholarship Fund,” said Harvey Schmidt in a recent Facebook post. Brooks died in a motorcycle accident just before his 1969 graduation. His fellow classmates kept Brooks memory alive every year by recognizing a graduating senior who exemplified Brooks’ love for THS and compassion toward fellow students.
Jacob Denison, 2019 Sam Brooks scholarship recipient For many years the award was a pen and pencil set, but as donations increased over the years, a scholarship was presented. In the beginning a $500 scholarship was awarded to the selected student in each SEE FUND 8A
JUNE 20, 2019
THE TECUMSEH HERALD — PAGE 5A
OPINION
Thank you to LCF for funding We would like to give a huge Thank you to the Lenawee YOUTH Council and Lenawee Community Foundation for providing funding for our Make a Difference Club at Compass this year! The club is student led and focuses on projects that benefit our community. Projects last year included making doggie treats and toys for the Humane society, assembling food pantry boxes at Thanksgiving, making goody bags for the Police and Fire department during the holidays, assembling toiletry packs
for the homeless shelter, making cards and muffins to show appreciation for our custodians, recycling bottle caps and making garden sculptures out of them and making May day door decorations for Cambrian and flower baskets for the employees. Our club has really “Made a Difference” this year and couldn’t have done it without LCF’s help! Thank you. — Tracy Hedrick (club advisor) and the Make a Difference Club
TPS FROM PAGE 4A
Board accepts resignation former Soviet Union, I have never witnessed such a lack of structure, professionalism, and performance in an organization. Yes, there are great teachers still left in our District, who only care about providing the best education possible with the limited resources provided. However, teachers are being driven away as well as families who say, “enough is enough.” My family was raised globally as our children grew up overseas for many years before returning to the United States. We experienced other educational systems first hand. What I tried to bring to TPS was a global perspective and to remind people we can learn from others. The United States has not ranked first in nearly any subject matter in a very long time in terms of Public Education. The feedback we received when trying to bring best practice from other cultures from a TPS Administrator was “go back then.” I am guilty of holding our staff to a high level of performance and requiring them to do their job. I am guilty of not accepting the status quo in a Public Education system that is broken and pushing back. I am guilty of not accepting an educational system based on theory versus sound proven technique and the use of our children as a science experiment. I am guilty of not tolerating parents making false claims against TPS staff such as punching their car, swearing obscenities, or bus drivers intentionally trying to collide with their vehicle. I am guilty of insisting on knowing where all of the money flowed in our District and ensuring that TPS staff had not misappropriated funds. I am guilty of pushing our Athletics Department to a higher ethical standard and selecting coaches who act as engaged mentors and not bullies by swearing at athletes who do not perform as expected. I am guilty of never tolerating racism in any way, shape, or form. Most importantly, I refused to tolerate any violence or threats of violence from parents, students, or staff towards anyone in the District. Despite, popular belief and false accusations, I was against restructuring the schools immediately and making too many changes at once. I pushed back on select members of the School Board to slow down. However, when they refused, I went against my better judgment and proceeded. For that, I apologize to the TPS community. There are a minority of School Board members that have the best intentions and were very supportive, but they are being drowned out by their colleagues. I thank those minority School Board members for being diligent in basing everything on facts and not emotion or drama. This community should examine what concretely has been accomplished at TPS since I was placed on paid administrative non-disciplinary leave? I formed the committees that the School Board promised, launched the surveys, stepped into the classroom to listen
to teachers and students. I exposed and made public the lack of proper record keeping in the District, a major cheating scandal in the High School, and tried to provide additional resources to a Special Education Program that needed to be restructured. I encourage the residents of the Tecumseh Community to petition the State Governor to compel the Michigan Department of Education to assume control over the District, dissolve the School Board, and replace the entire Administration. Perhaps then the students of our community will have an opportunity to succeed as both sides of this debate who have engaged in a “scorched Earth” policy will be removed from the ability to influence the outcome. The only thing that matters is the success and education of our children. They are the future. As a result of this, I resign my position as the Superintendent of Tecumseh Public Schools effective Friday, June 14, 2019. Godspeed to all stakeholders of the TPS community. Respectfully Submitted, Ryan
Rhoades Editor’s note: Tecumseh school board president Tim Simpson sent The Herald this explanation for why the board approved Ryan Rhoades interim superintendent contract at the March 25 board meeting, even though concerns about Rhoades had been raised by five administrators earlier during that meeting. “Mr. Rhoades was appointed the lone superintendent on March 12, 2019, and the state requires that a Superintendent must have a contract. Mr. Rhoades was still the superintendent when he was on paid non-disciplinary leave. So must have a contract according to state law,” Simpson said. In addition, Rhoades’ contract had an ‘at-will’ clause and was not a full-blown superintendent contract that would give superintendents tenure rights under Michigan law. “By also approving the contract, it helped protect the school system in case the board needed to remove Mr. Rhoades and the district would not have to pay out the term of his contract,” he said.
shoe
Clinton Historical Society seeks sale donations
The annual U.S. 12 Heritage Trail Garage Sale along the U.S. 12 corridor, stretching over 180 miles from New Buffalo to Detroit, offers everything from antiques, collectibles, furniture, dish-ware, fresh garden produce, homemade jams and jellies, live entertainment and more. The Historical Society of Clinton will host a sale August 9-10 during the event at the American Legion Hall, 115 Jackson St., Clinton. The society is seeking donations (no clothing or large furniture items) and will accept them Thursday Aug. 8 at the Legion Hall. Those who wish to donate items before then may contact Sharon Scott at 456.7198. For more information or to register a sale, visit us12heritagetrail.org. To have a sale placed on the Clinton map, contact Scott.