Newton Unable To Fund Survey for Tribal Center
By Ryan Schlehuber

Newton Township has told a cultural organization that the township cannot contribute the land survey for a community center the group hopes to build. The decision came at a township board meeting Wednesday, October 10, at which the Scott Point Tribe of American Aboriginals asked the township to fund the cost to survey 11 lots the group has purchased. The group says it wants to build an office and community center in Gould City in the next 18 to 24 months.

The nonprofit corporation was formed in 2005 to promote and preserve Native American culture. It is headed by Jerry Blanchard of Gould City, who asked for township assistance in a letter written and submitted by the organization's secretary, Kim Blanchard.

"He wants the township to pay for the survey so it won't be disputed by other property owners," said Newton Township Supervisor Bob Brotherton about Mr. Blanchard's request. "I believe a community center would be a really nice thing for this town, but we cannot afford to pay for it."

The letter states that the community center would be accessible to all residents of Newton Township at no cost to them or the township.

Land Donations for Ball Field Finally Secured

Public access to Newton Township's baseball field was finally secured by the township as the board worked out a land donation and easement with property owners Dale Laidlaw and Kurt Doepke, who each donated 15 feet of property adjacent to the ball field.

The township agreed not to sue Mr. and Mrs. Laidlaw for any more of his property, and will construct a fence between the easement and Mr. Laidlaw's property by next summer.

The board will now discuss an offer to Mr. Doepke for another acre of land for parking at the field, Mr. Brotherton told The St. Ignace News. He said the board may offer him $5,000.

"The major hurdle was the easement issue," said Mr. Brotherton. "Now we have access to the ball field from the road."

Mr. Laidlaw purchased land from the Mackinac County Road Commission a few years ago, however, township officials are still puzzled as to why there was never an easement to the ball field in place before. It was never an issue until Mr. Laidlaw, concerned about someone potentially being injured on his property, denied access to the field last summer.

The issue was delayed by a lien against Mr. Laidlaw's property, which he has resolved.

Firefighters Seek Raise

One issue to be discussed at Newton Township's next meeting Wednesday, November 7, is Fire Chief Neil McArthur's request for a pay raise for firefighters, collectively from $8,000 to $12,000. Chief McArthur is also seeking raises for the department's executive officers, including himself, the assistant chief, and two lieutenants. Combined, the officers receive $3,200. He is asking for $4,200.

The issue was tabled at the September 12 township meeting owing to Chief McArthur's absence.

The Newton Township Fire Department compensates firefighters on a point system, awarded for fire calls and meetings attended. The fire department is hoping the raises will entice more people in the area to volunteer as firefighters, Mr. Brotherton said. There are 10 firefighters in the department.

Compared with other townships, like neighboring Portage Township, Newton Township firefighters are getting paid quite well, argued Mr. Brotherton.

"Portage gives $20 for each call a firefighter responds to, and $10 for each meeting they attend," he said. "They have 19 firefighters, yet their payroll is half that of ours."

Well Water Tested

Results from tests on the township hall's well water are expected to be presented at the next meeting.

The water at the hall has continuously failed chemical tests by the state. Township Clerk Alice Zdebski said when she takes samples of water from the hall's faucets, she lets the water run for about five minutes. She has been sending in samples of water to the state for periodic tests.

Perhaps letting the water run more will flush out any residue that collected in pipes, board members agreed. In the meantime, the use of water at the township hall is prohibited.

Mr. Brotherton speculated they may have to dig deeper into the well or condemn the well and drill another one.

New Sign on 80-acre Hiking Trail Property

The 80 acres of land that was purchased by the township from Mackinac County this year will now be called Newton Township Hiking Trails. A sign now marks the area.

The township board will need to discuss what to do with the three trailers and hunting camp that was left on the property, which reverted to county ownership for unpaid taxes, Mr. Brotherton said. The township purchased the two 40- acre lots for $2,300 and, according to state law, it must be put to public use.