Salvage yard is topic of petition

Pete Preus, a prospective owner of the salvage yard, has said the business will be a good neighbor and that he hopes to make it an example for other auto salvage yards.

Planning commissioners repeatedly reminded residents that they can base a recommendation on township ordinances — not on residents’ preferences.

“I would assume that if we deny this, (the investors) would have legal recourse,” planning commission Chairman John Noakes said

[Read the whole story here at the Jackson Citizen Patriot.]

Man erects billboard to call attention to son’s condition

The property belongs to Mike Bennett , a former truck driver from Texas, who  wears a blond mullet tucked behind a Harley Davidson cap and keeps pit bulls in his backyard.

But his appearance and his privacy fence send deceptive messages. Bennett is also the father of eight children, and his privacy fence protects his 8-year-old autistic son, Jacob, from wandering into traffic.

Jacob also inspired the triangular sign that stands in the center of the intersection, which bears Jacob’s photo and the words “I Live on this Curve. I Have Autism. Help Me Find the Missing PUZZLE PIECE for Autism.”

Since Bennett erected it a year ago, that sign has attracted more attention — and caused Bennett more trouble — than any of his yard decorations.

[Read the whole story here at the Hillsdale Daily News]

Lead removal gives families hope

Owen Campbell, a 3-year-old autistic child from Hillsdale, can hardly sleep in the Hillsdale Motel room his family moved into on Monday.

He would prefer his own bed in the family’s duplex at 60 S. Howell St. But the family is waiting until the end of the week, when contractors will finish removing lead paint hazards from their home, potentially alleviating some of Owen’s long-term health problems.

Owen’s mother, Tammy Campbell, said she doesn’t like seeing her house fenced off and posted with “lead hazard” signs, but she knows this week’s inconveniences will start paying off in just a few days.

[Read the whole story here at the Hillsdale Daily News.]

Day lets children explore artistic and dramatic sides

Jill Carey, a junior at Carthage College in Wisconsin, knew she was facing a challenge when a dozen kids quietly shuffled in front of her for their first acting lesson Monday morning.

Most of them ranged between 10 and 14 years in age. Some wore nervous grins, but eighth-grader Zach McElhenie let his long dark bangs hide his expression.

When Carey started the improvisation drills, though, the students — McElhenie included — slowly forgot their shyness and let their acting talents come alive, Carey said.

[Read the whole story here at the Hillsdale Daily News.]