Top stories for 2015 - Weather, roads and Raisin Township

The leading stories for 2014 in the Tecumseh area involved weather, roads and the government of Raisin Charter Township. All three either broke records or broke hope that conditions would get better in a reasonable period of time.The WeatherRecord snowfall and sub-zero temperatures will be remembered for the winter of 2014 that provided little respite. A snowfall delivered seven inches starting New Year’s Day with five more inches by January 6. Temperatures that week hit a low of minus 16 degrees. A second arctic blast closed out the month with temperatures of minus 12 degrees. By the time a third arctic blast hit the area in February, residents learned the meaning of a polar vortex, a sustained weather pattern pulling arctic air and precipitation into our region.RoadsTemperatures only compounded the poor condition of area roads, already in disrepair and neglect after years of tightened budgets for road maintenance. In addition, the severe weather lead to a record number of water main breaks. Road salt became hard to get and the city began restricting salt for use on intersections. City residents approved a road millage in November to address the problem.Raisin TownshipThe number of meetings for the Raisin Township Board doubled in 2014 as members squabbled over, among other things, its leadership, public safety department, fire trucks and the proper way to discuss agenda items.If there was one constant at the Raisin Township Charter Hall, it was chaos. Board members and its supervisor were often quick to blame the other when disputes arose. It was a difficult year for Raisin Township that witnessed: recall petitions for both the supervisor and all members of the board; resignation of the public safety director; supervisor under pressure to resign; letters of distrust between public service employees and the supervisor distributed to local media; investigations of sexual harassment and hostile workplace environment; and the hiring a superintendent due to the ongoing problems. The following is a recap of top stories for 2014:January• New Year’s Day was ushered in by a snowstorm leaving seven inches of snow in the city. City crews began putting down salt on New Year’s Eve day, and worked New Year’s Day as well. • Columnist Lee Smith ended her long-running, award-winning column “potpourri” at The Herald after 28 years. • Annual migration study showed Michigan no longer top outbound state; Tecumseh relatively ‘stable’ through decade of population loss.• Record-setting temperatures dipped to a minus 16 degrees after snow had reached an accumulation of nine inches, as recorded at the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The City of Tecumseh announced a Snow Emergency, requiring that all vehicles be removed from streets, and schools and many businesses were closed, mail delivery was curtailed and U.S. 12, from Clinton to Saline, was closed to traffic.• Nanci Prezioso announced closing of Wild Iris.• The historic building that served as Tecumseh’s community center for many years and welcomed visitors from the city’s east side was renamed as The Hayden-Ford Mill Building.• O’Reilly Auto Parts submitted plans to the Tecumseh Building Services Department as the company moved forward with its intention to locate a store in Tecumseh.• Raisin Township closed Holloway fire station. Roads continue to be topic at township board meetings.• Governor declared energy emergency due to temporary heating oil and propane shortage.• Tecumseh Public Schools Board President Ed Tritt remained in position following a school board organizational meeting.• Gov. Rick Snyder said Michigan’s comeback continues.• Donation of $50,000 aided Carnegie Library project.• Kent Ellsworth Losee was sentenced in Lenawee County Circuit Court to a 23-month to five-year prison term for stalking a neighbor’s minor daughter.• The second arctic blast to hit the Tecumseh area this month arrived with temperatures dropping to -12 degrees overnight.• Tecumseh Police Department Officers Sgt. BJ Horn and Sgt. Jeff Wright received Lifesaving Awards at Tecumseh City Council meeting after administering CPR to Arthur Acuna until the rescue team and ambulance arrived.February • Kevin Andrew O’Connor, of Adrian, owner of O’Connor & Sons Flooring at 2920 W. Russell Road in Tecumseh, was charged for his alleged role in an extensive sports betting ring. Four others, Deborah Kay Johnson, 62, of Tecumseh; James Melvin Johnson, 68, of Jackson; Thomas Allen Demlow, 57, of Adrian; and Gregory Todd Worker, 48, of Onsted, were also charged. • Area schools, businesses affected by extreme cold, snow accumulations.• Underwood Chevrolet sold dealership to the Suburban Collection.• Jet’s Pizza readied to open in Tecumseh. • Firefighters battle early morning blaze at 8905 Hawthorne Boulevard in the Hawthorne Hills subdivision in Tecumseh Township. No one was injured in the fire. • Tecumseh Packaging Solutions building demolished at S. Evans and Russell Rd. The building once was a part of Tecumseh Products.• Tim Jakacki, President of ProMedica Herrick and Bixby Hospitals gave insight into ProMedica plans and future of Herrick Hospital with purchase of property Mission Pointe at 5640 N. Adrian Hwy. Jakacki expected the planning process regarding the property could begin as early as this year.• An incident at a Raisin Township Board of Trustees meeting was labeled a misunderstanding, according to Raisin Township Supervisor Jay Cavanaugh. Ed Mathis, an assistant fire chief in the Raisin Township Department of Public Safety (DPS), left the meeting following discussion where DPS Director Scott Lambka had referred to what he called a “hiring freeze” in the department.• Tecumseh Middle School eighth grade students were each given Chromebook laptops to use through 12th grade.• Raisin Township identified roads for projects, and officials put $200,000 toward road improvements. The cost to fix all roads in township estimated at $8.3 million.• Planning Commission extended site plan approval for McDonald’s restaurant. • Tecumseh City Council approved sewer rate increase of 14 cents per thousand gallons of water sold. The increase became effective on or after April 1 of 2014. • Tecumseh Police Department hired Brett Coker. He was previously employed by the Raisin Township Police Department. • D&P Communications merged with TC3Net. • Clinton schools to sought 18 mill, non-homestead tax renewal.• Area roads took beating from harsh winter as city crews took first crack at fixing potholes.• Third round of extreme cold impacted Michigan residents with the National Weather Service forecasting statewide temperatures to hover around 0 degrees with wind chills at 20 below or lower.• Raisin Township Supervisor Jay Cavanaugh announced appointments during a special meeting to a committee that will study the possibility of the township having a 24-hour, seven days a week police department.March• Britton Deerfield Schools sought one additional mill for building repairs, maintenance.• Limited supply of road salt lead city to restrict application to intersections.• Tecumseh Mayor Richard Johnson decided to not seek reelection in November 2014 election. • Due to the number of inclement weather days used by the district during the current school year, Clinton Community Schools added six school days to the end of the school year. The severe winter required the district to call off school on thirteen school days.• Lev’s Bakery won “People’s Choice Award” for best bakery in the Ann Arbor region with an online poll on annarbor.com.• The City of Tecumseh was unlikely to receive full $375,000 for street projects. • Historic woolen mill, former cafe to become Clinton Arts Center. • Members of the Raisin Township Department of Public Safety submitted a letter of no confidence to the township’s Board of Directors, stating that they believe “Jay Cavanaugh, Township Supervisor, has displayed increasingly poor (even harmful) leadership and does not support Public Safety and its importance to our community.”• Trustees on the Raisin Township Board voted to hire local attorney Fred Lucas to conduct an investigation into allegations made against Township Supervisor Jay Cavanaugh.• Tecumseh School Board members approved a contract for $16,000 with TMP Architects, Inc. The firm will conduct a district-wide facilities assessment to determine the condition of the school’s buildings.• Tecumseh Brewing Company coming downtown to the former location of Cowboys Grill at 128 W. Chicago Blvd. • Snow, ice, and extreme temperatures made conditions difficult as city crews fought 14 frozen water lines and 17 water main breaks, including one on E. Chicago Blvd.• Raisin Township staff and officials to get sexual harassment and hostile workplace training following board of trustees vote.• Three local entrepreneurs presented the idea of bringing a fresh burger restaurant called Chomp Burger to Tecumseh. City-owned property sought for restaurant.• Raisin Township Board wondered if game of chess being played after release of deputy supervisor Dale Witt.• Raisin Township Supervisor Jay Cavanaugh voted no as Raisin Board of Trustees approve purchase of new fire truck. • City of Tecumseh received a surprise Stormwater-Asset Management-Wastewater grant of $652,519 to aid in drafting asset management plan at the city’s Utility Department.• Tecumseh High School gradate David Van Tuyle pursues art career with Nickelodeon.• Automatic renewal for Clinton Supt. Sean McNatt put on hold as Clinton Community Schools Board needed an evaluation tool. • The extreme winter weather in Tecumseh was tough on local roads, and with little funding available, residents expected rough going until economic conditions improved.April• Raisin Township Trustees voted 6-1 during a special meeting at the Raisin Community Center to create a superintendent position• Lenawee County Road Commission continued to push for help with Occidental Hwy. Lenawee County Road Commission Managing Director Scott Merillat said, “Occidental is falling apart.” • Tecumseh High School graduate Kate Wallich made her way into Seattle art scene.• Tecumseh Senior Center Director Megan Porter moved to Community Relations and Marketing position at Cambrian Assisted Living.• Tecumseh Police Sgt. Kevin DeCatur retired after 26 years as Tecumseh Police officer.• Appraisals underway for proposed Chomp Burger restaurant on city-owned property located at the corner of E. Chicago Blvd. and N. Maumee Street. • Raisin Township hoped to find “Kevin Welch caliber” candidate for superintendent/manager position.• Severe winds reaching speeds of 70 mph swept across Michigan, leaving 450,000 homes and businesses without power statewide. • Tecumseh High School hosted Celebrate Tecumseh, a community-wide expo that brought businesses and organizations together under one roof to provide information on products and services.• The Raisin Township Board of Trustees voted to dismiss Lenawee County attorney Fred Lucas from his task to investigate allegations made in February regarding Township Supervisor Jay Cavanaugh fostering a hostile workplace.• ACO Hardware announced store closing at Tecumseh Plaza.• Raisin Township officials approved moving forward with a series of road repairs for 2014 that had been proposed by the Lenawee County Road Commission.• Tecumseh City Council members authorized city personnel to list city-owned property at 102 N. Maumee Street, across from City Hall, on a 4-3 vote in regards to the proposed Chomp Burger restaurant.• Sharon Wimple, a Democrat from Tecumseh, launched her campaign as a candidate for the 57th District Michigan House of Representatives. • Area school children learned about agriculture through Project RED. May • J. Trees Cellars Tasting Room opened for business at Hayden-Ford Mill. • Tecumseh City Council voted unanimously to list city-owned property at 102 N. Maumee St., across from City Hall, with Howard Hanna.• Raisin Township Board of Trustees reaffirm fire truck purchase with another vote in light of allegations regarding the March 17 meeting at which the first approval took place. Township Supervisor Jay Cavanaugh voted against the purchase.• Tecumseh City Council approved a $5.1 million 2014-15 fiscal year budget. • The Raisin Township Board of Trustees voted 6-1 to select Jim Palmer to fill a new position as Interim Superintendent.• The Raisin Township Board of Trustees approved an $18.9 million industrial facilities tax exemption for Wacker Chemical.• The Raisin Township Board of Trustees appointed a new Roads Committee to help educate the public regarding proposals that might be brought forward to address Raisin Township roads in the future. Named to the committee were Steven McGee, Jeremiah Johnson, Thomas Mitchell, and Paul Smoke.• Tecumseh Brownfield Redevelopment Authority met and approved the reimbursement request of $77,763.22 for eligible activities associated with Tim Horton’s Café and Bake Shop located at 901 W. Chicago Blvd.• Tecumseh Middle School students in Math Equations Team swept competition. • Raisin Township considered reinstating opening prayer at meetings. • Kim Otto named director of Tecumseh Senior Center.June • Delinquent on taxes, former Tecumseh Products site owner said, “My business is not your business,” in regards to site’s future.• Todd Thieken, Director of Curriculum and Technology at Tecumseh Public Schools, accepted the position of superintendent at Dearborn Heights School District 7.• Raisin Township appointed Lacasse as contact in lawsuit on alleged violations of Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act. • Hitching Post Antiques Mall celebrated 30 years. • Tecumseh City Council unanimously passed a resolution to consider becoming part of the Ann Arbor SPARK SmartZone.• Owner of the former Tecumseh Products property discovered to be $85,965 behind in taxes.• Economic impact from Michigan International Speedway reaches $414 million annually.• Monroe Bank and Trust opened branch in Tecumseh.• Volunteering opportunities expand at Tecumseh Public Schools after the Tecumseh HOPE (Helping One Pupil Excel) program ends. • Tecumseh’s Public Utilities Department “Annual Water Quality Report” gave good marks for city water.• Holy Cross Children’s Services “Boysville” ended residential treatment at Macon at the end of June. • City of Tecumseh began to weigh options, which included additional taxes and fees for trash pickup, to fix local streets. • Raisin Township road committee met to discuss what possibilities were available that they could present the township board to help bolster road funding.• Tecumseh Public Schools board approved $24.1 million budget. • Clinton Community Schools Board wrote letter of reprimand about Supt. Sean McNatt. • Tecumseh police investigated a complaint at Tecumseh Park (The Pit) where at least 16 blowgun darts had been found on the beach area and in the water.• Outdoor sculpture garden, amphitheater proposed at Tecumseh High School. • Raisin Township Board of Trustees heard road funding options. July• Parachutists set four state skydiving records at Skydive Tecumseh. • A number of construction projects in various stages of completion around Tecumseh are reminders that the Michigan economy is slowly rebounding after Michigan was hit hard by the recession.• Raisin Township leaned toward special assessment to cover road maintenance.• Tecumseh teens Dakota Gonzales and Curt Orlowski were killed in a car crash when a truck crossed the center divide on US 23 colliding with the car carrying the two young men. Erin Lara was in the car with Gonzales and Orlowski and survived the crash. • Hundreds attended vigil for Dakota Gonzales and Curt Orlowski. • Joshua Cody Barnes, 20, of Hudson, was arrested after he allegedly robbed Tecumseh Big Boy.• Tecumseh City Council voted to send road-funding millage to the voters. • Raisin Township Board voted to seek funding for roads through township-wide special assessment district. • New proposed natural gas pipeline would pass through Lenawee County near Tipton. • Police said “we do not know” if shooting blowgun darts violates city ordinance.• Raisin Township approved the hiring of attorney Richard Fanning of the Keller Thomas Law firm in Detroit to investigate a new harassment complaint filed by Township Supervisor Jay Cavanaugh.• Blowgun darts close Tecumseh Park (The Pit) beach for second time. • Joe and Sherri Tuckey to receive Musgrove Evans Award for 2014.• Tecumseh City Council approved the second reading, and adoption, of Ordinance No. 1-14, amending Chapter 50 Sec. 50-321 (B) that prohibits the usage of fireworks between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m. on the day before, of and after a national holiday.• Two members of the Lenawee County Sheriff Department’s dive team searched the shoreline for blowgun darts at Tecumseh Park (The Pit) after another dart was found.• Strong winds and rain swept through the area, downing trees and limbs, including a portion of a large tree at Frosty Boy where two people were sitting in their truck when it was struck. No injuries were reported.August• Toledo crisis brought many people to area looking for safe water.• Tecumseh partners with Adrian to create a SmartZone Local Development Finance Authority. • Tecumseh students organized 5K run to benefit Dakota Gonzales and Curt Orlowski Memorial Scholarships. The Tecumseh teens were killed in a car crash in July. • Raisin Township Board of Trustees moved forward with the intent to create a special assessment district in the face of community opposition. The five-year, $95-per-parcel agreement was a point of contention amongst the board.• Heroin arrests made in Clinton and Macon showed heroin investigations a top priority for region’s narcotics force.• Tecumseh Middle School student Avery Miller’s app reached over 390,000 downloads and was interviewed on National Public Radio.• Lenawee County Sheriff’s shot and killed an armed man identified as 54-year-old Rick Ronald Pifer in Fairfield Township.• Brittany E. Ames, 22 of Tecumseh, dies in a Monroe County car crash. She was a 2011 graduate from Tecumseh High School.• The Tecumseh City Council unanimously approved the use of a state grant to help in the development of upper-floor housing in downtown Tecumseh.• Future of Tecumseh Adrian SmartZone hinged on acceptance by the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone. • Gillin Eye Care prepared to open in downtown Tecumseh location. • Tecumseh Schools plan for future with Strategic Plan. September• Raisin Township Public Safety Director Scott Lambka resigns and suggests the elimination of the Public Safety Director position in his resignation letter. • Police department warned of vehicle break-ins. • Raisin Township residents protested road tax at the first of two public hearings held on the proposed special assessment district in the township that would be used to generate road repair funding. • Cambrian Memory Care celebrated grand opening. • Tecumseh City Council approves the purchase of body-worn video cameras for Tecumseh Police Officers. • Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti City Councils approved accepting the Tecumseh/Adrian SmartZone as their satellite district. Approval hinges on Michigan Economic Development Corporation. • Raisin Township Board of Trustees approved, 4-3, the creation of a special assessment district to be used to levy a $85 assessment on every parcel of property in the township. • Former Tecumseh High School Principal Robert Scheick won appeal in age-discrimination suit against Tecumseh Public Schools. • Shopko and Wendy’s managers charged with embezzlement. • Tecumseh Public Schools Board refunded 2005 bonds and School Bond Loan Fund. • A proposal made by Raisin Township Supervisor Jay Cavanaugh to reduce the pay of the supervisor, clerk and treasurer was turned down by the Raisin Board of Trustees. • Lenawee County Drain Commission rejected lone bid for Red Mill Pond dam repairs after bid was more than double the $315,000 estimated cost. • Raisin Township Board of Trustees voted to retain former Raisin Township Department of Public Safety Director Scott Lambka as interim director. • RadioShack opened in downtown Tecumseh.• Tecumseh Police investigated a potential threat of violence against students and staff at Tecumseh High School after two anonymous phone calls were made to the school, tipping off administrators. Two 16-year-old students were identified as possible perpetrators. • Tecumseh City Council honored Tecumseh Police Department Officers Kelley Hissong and Greg Walsh with the Departmental Citation award for their handling of a domestic assault on June 26 where a man had armed himself with two shotguns and told officers that they would have to shoot him. The armed man was subdued without any shots fired. • Two Tecumseh High School (THS) students who were arrested for allegedly plotting to cause a threat of violence against THS students and staff were formally charged with a Threat of Terrorism.• Severe storms swept through the area, downing trees, closing some local roads and cutting power to residents. • In a 4-3 vote, the Raisin Township Board of Trustees approved the tax assessment roll for the already approved assessment district. Residents will pay $95 per parcel, per year for five years to help fund road repairs in the township.• Parents upset that the book, “My Princess Boy,” which is about gender nonconformity, read to elementary classes.• Michael Miller and family accept son’s gender nonconformity. • Clinton Arts Center announced the start of classes downtown in October.October• Accelerated students at Tecumseh Middle School have new fifth grade program through partnership with Siena Heights University.• Antiques and Vintage on the Boulevard opened for business in Tecumseh. • Lenawee County Drain Commission moved ahead with Red Mill Pond Dam repairs in house after lone bid falls through. • Purchase agreement signed for former Tecumseh Products property. • Tecumseh City Council began looking at allowing backyard chickens within the city and possible adding restrictions to office use in the downtown B-2 Business district. • Patterson Elementary ranked in top five percent of schools in the state. • Proposal for backyard chickens drew crowd, with both those in support and opposition, to council meeting.• Jeremey Lee Perry, was arraigned on first-degree child abuse by video at the Lenawee County jail. The Raisin Township Fire Department responded to a call for a three-month-old, un-responsive baby that was in the care of Perry.• Two Tecumseh teens charged with Threat of Terrorism await pretrial. • Demolition began on the building that last housed Kim’s Kafe in downtown Clinton for the new home of the Clinton Arts Center.• Area medical facilities prepared for Ebola, even though chances low it would impact Lenawee County. • Appleumpkin Festival chairperson Jan Fox said the annual event was “100 percent perfect” with ideal weather, variety of activities and record number of vendors.• Lenawee County Drain Commission crews drained Red Mill Pond as repairs began on Evans Street dam. • In a 6-1 vote, Raisin Township Board of Trustees extended the interim superintendent position through 2015, with current Supt. Jim Palmer filling the role.• Michigan playwright Max Bush worked with Tecumseh Youth Theatre students. • Tecumseh City Council secured salt contract with the State of Michigan. The city is spending $90,870 on 1,500 tons of road salt.• Replacement sidewalk program caused stir as residents’ trees are cut down by the city. • Dam repairs moved forward with removal of the large, damaged steel gate at the Red Mill Pond dam. • Tecumseh voter registration up heading into 2014 election.• Tecumseh Public Schools welcomed J. Judson Lohman as the district’s new marketing coordinator.• Raisin Township Supervisor Jay Cavanaugh named in recall petition. • Raisin Township Board of Trustees voted to keep Public Safety Department and seek a replacement for the Public Safety Department Director position left vacant by former director Scott Lambka. • Tecumseh Public Schools and local police collaborated on crisis plan with implementation of ALCIE Training. November• Anytime Fitness prepares to open in Tecumseh Plaza.• Children’s author Johnathan Rand visited Herrick Park Elementary School. • Tecumseh voters passed millage to support bond to fix local roads, and elected Jack Baker as new Tecumseh mayor. • Repairs to Red Mill Pond dam are completed with installation of the repaired dam gate. • Local artists moved into Carnegie building after years of fundraising and renovation. • Former Tecumseh Public Schools Supt. Gene Cooley killed in accident. • Tecumseh Public Schools Board ratifies new teacher contract. • Two Tecumseh teens charged with Threat of Terrorism for threats made against staff and students at Tecumseh High School await pretrial.• Recall petition sought removal of Raisin Township Board of Trustees Larry Crittenden, Tom Hawkins, Dale Mitchell, Debra Brousseau, Betty Holdridge and Kami Johnson. • Jersey’s Tavern opened in Tecumseh at 828 N. Evans Street at the corner of Macon Hwy. • Raisin Township Board of Trustees drafted public safety director job description. • Fire damaged KFC in Tecumseh. • Strong winds led to power outages, street closures in Tecumseh area. • Travis Cunningham, of Monroe, was taken into custody on an arrest warrant issued by the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office stemming from the car crash that occurred on July 3 that killed Tecumseh teens Dakota Gonzales and Curt Orlowski and injured Erin Lara.• Gary Heldt and Cory Nangle apprehended in robbery of Shell Gas Station in Clinton. • Raisin Township Board members refuted charges in recall petition. December• Lenawee County Sheriff Deputies Mike Osborne and Alex Perdue saved Raisin Township resident John Williams from an early morning house fire. • Tecumseh Public Schools Board rated Supt. Kelly Coffin “highly effective” in evaluation. Coffin received a $5,000 raise, bringing her 2015 salary to $130,000.• Proposed natural gas pipeline set to bisect Lenawee County.• Backyard chickens proposal voted down by Tecumseh City Council. • Local veteran Mahlon Sebring recounted role in Normandy invasion and Battle of the Bulge.• Tecumseh City Council moved forward with proposal to restrict downtown business usage by directing Tecumseh City Manager Kevin Welch to begin collecting information that could eventually modify the ordinance to restrict downtown office space usage. • Body-warn cameras used by officers with the Tecumseh Police Department. • Herrick and Bixby Hospitals set to join at future ProMedica facility on M-52. Future use for Herrick Hospital remained uncertain. • Paul Pfeifer named new director of hidden Lake Gardens. • Residents addressed Tecumseh City Council to reconsider decision on backyard chickens. • Signed purchase agreement for former Tecumseh Products property falls through. • City of Tecumseh received three grants totaling $55,075 for local arts programs from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs along with the Community Arts of Tecumseh (CAT) receiving a $2,500 as well.• Lenawee Community Foundation received permanent home thanks to a donation from Old National Bank.