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Circuit court judge denies motion to re-sentence juvenile lifer

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Bosie Smith

From MDOC

A Washtenaw County judge denied a motion last week calling for the resentencing of 37-year-old Bosie Smith, the Ypsilanti man tried and convicted of murder as a juvenile in 1992.

Judge Archie Brown issued a written statement Jan. 28 denying Smith’s motion for relief from judgment of sentence, citing a recent state court ruling that may or may not withstand a separate juvenile lifer ruling last week in a federal court.

Due to the written ruling, Smith’s Jan. 30 hearing in the Washtenaw County Trial Court was canceled.

Juvenile lifers nationwide like Smith were all given hope last June when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that, “mandatory life without parole for those under the age of 18 at the time of their crimes violates … ‘cruel and unusual punishments.’”

The high court ruling had its first test in Michigan a few months later when 21-year-old Raymond Carp was the first juvenile lifer to request a resentencing. The Michigan Court of Appeals denied Carp’s request, saying the Supreme Court’s ruling doesn’t apply retroactively to offenders who have used up their appeals.

The case eventually could be heard before the Michigan Supreme Court.

Smith was 16 on April 13, 1992 when he fatally stabbed 23-year-old Kenneth Campbell in the chest with a steak knife outside a home on Grassland Drive in Ypsilanti. The two had fought earlier in the day because Smith brushed up against the shoes of another young man, according to court records. Campbell, who was described as being much bigger than Smith, hit Smith repeatedly on the head with a milk crate, court records said. Smith left the home with a friend and returned sometime later with a steak knife, according to records. The two fought again, though this time Campbell was fatally stabbed in the chest.

Smith has exhausted the direct appeals process, but his attorneys — he is being represented pro bono by two lawyers with Miller Canfield — instead used a different legal procedure called collateral review. A direct appeal questions a jury’s decision whereas a request involving collateral review doesn’t.

Smith’s attorneys argued that the sentencing judge — now-retired Judge William Ager — indicated that the life without parole sentence was wrong when Smith was convicted in 1992, according to Brown’s written opinion.

Prosecutors claimed the Carp decision, which ruled there would be no retroactive resentencing in collateral review cases, according to the opinion.

Brown agreed.

“Given the state of current Michigan law, (the defendant’s) arguments are without merit,” Brown wrote in the opinion. “The (defendant) is not arguing that the decision was incorrect, but that under (the Supreme Court ruling), the defendant should be resentenced to time served. The court does not have legal authority pursuant to Carp … to grant (the) defendant’s request.”

Dave O’Brien, one of Smith’s attorneys, said the federal court decision last week bodes well for Smith and other juvenile lifers, however.

“It changes the landscape,” O’Brien said.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge John O’Meara ruled that in light of the Supreme Court’s decision, Michigan’s parole statute, under which the juvenile lifers were sentenced, is unconstitutional. Moreover, the decision should be retroactively applied, according to the decision.

“If ever there was a legal rule that should — as a matter of law and morality — be given retroactive effect, it is the (Supreme Court) rule,” O’Meara wrote in his opinion. “To hold otherwise would allow the state to impose unconstitutional punishment on some persons but not others, an intolerable miscarriage of justice.”

How O’Meara’s decision last Wednesday will play out in courts hasn’t been tested yet, but O’Brien was hopeful and said he will continue to fight for Smith.

“We’re still trying to piece it all together,” he said.

John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.


Isalita's much-anticipated '100% Puro Mexico' experience lives up to the hype

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As an example of how much anticipation has accompanied the opening of Isalita, some local bloggers openly begged for an invitation to the friends and family opening. And just three days after the place opened, foodie friends were already texting to ask if we'd been. Situated next door to Italian sister restaurant, Mani Osteria, on East Liberty Street in Ann Arbor, Isalita's electric energy does feel like the "100% Puro Mexico" of its tagline.

Incorporating the complex flavors and techniques of authentic Mexican cooking (like toasting, re-hydrating and grinding whole chiles and hand-making tortillas), Isalita's food has little in common with the Tex-Mex cheese-covered belly bombs that most Americans know as "Mexican food." At the same time, the carefully conceived and intricately executed "Mexican street food" small-plates menu is closer to the chef-driven offerings of places like the Frontera Grill in Chicago than the streetside menudo vendor in Guanajuato.

Isalita offers that distinctly American luxury of elevating an already varied and delicious cuisine with the best ingredients and resources that a chef can bring to bear. It's a recipe that worked for Mani and seems as though it's working just as well at Isalita — the place is usually packed.

Since Isalita doesn't accept reservations (except for parties of six or more), we thought we could easily slip in by going at the twilight hour preferred by blue-hairs looking for AARP specials. We were wrong. Our group, including two restaurant reviewers with partners in tow, arrived at what felt like spring break in Puerta Vallarta with the volume already on high. Told that the wait was about an hour, we bellied up to the backs of the people already at the bar.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Isalita
341A E. Liberty St. Ann Arbor
734.213.7400
www.isalita.com
  • Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 4-11 p.m.; Sunday, 4-9 p.m.
  • Plastic: All
  • Liquor: Full bar
  • Prices: Small plates inexpensive individually, but become expensive for a full meal. For example, $7-$12 for a plate of three small tacos
  • Noise level: Loud
  • Wheelchair access: Yes
Isalita has a full bar with a host of the tequila drinks you would expect—some that sound especially interesting, like a frozen blood orange margarita—and even house-bottled cocktails. They also serve a few wines, and Mexican beer (Corona, Dos Equis, etc.) and soft drinks (Coke and Jarritos). I enjoyed both the Jamaica (a cherry-red, tart, hibiscus flower tea) and melon agua fresca (sweetened watermelon juice with lime), which tasted just like Mexico to me.

Shouting to hear each other and huddled around a couple of bar stools with our drinks, we shared our first order of chips and truffled guacamole. Served with a dark and mysterious "huitlacoche escabeche" of gently pickled mushroomy topping, the rich avocado had a subtle but distinctive undercurrent of earthy truffle umami with tiny sparks of cilantro and jalapeno around the edges. Paired with warm corn chips freshly fried, I would have been happy just eating that all night.

Once we were finally seated at a table (that had been empty for nearly half an hour), our friendly and well-prepared server explained the menu to us, going over the nacho, ceviche, taco and "botanas de calle" (street food) options and offering spot-on recommendations. She also told us to expect two to three of the small plates per person, and that once we placed our order, the food would start coming "as soon as it feels like it," in no particular order as fast as the kitchen had it ready. And it did.

Like the truffled guacamole, other dishes that I'd heard recommended turned out to be excellent. For example, the silver dollar circles of hamachi ceviche surrounded by bright orange habanero sauce tasted like an afternoon by the sea in Ensenada. Served with fresh orange and pineapple salsa mixed with finely chopped cilantro and onion on top, only the ball of fresh lime granita in the middle was odd for being dessert-sweet (but still refreshing and yummy).

Highlights of the meal for me included the elote, grilled corn on the cob, blackened in spots, with its husk braided into a whimsical ponytail for a handle. Spread with chipotle mayonnaise and dusted with chile pequin, the corn was juicy, chewy and smoky from the grill with a pleasant tingle of heat from the chiles.

The duck flautas were filled with deeply savory shredded duck confit, rolled into tortilla cigars and deep-fried. Crowned with shredded lettuce and a party of spiky matchsticked radish, then squiggled with crema and strewn with bits of cotija cheese, I loved the contrast of textures, temperatures and flavors in this dish.

The miniature tacos at Isalita come three to a plate and they are remarkable in part because of the two staff members who make the 600-800 corn tortillas each day in-house, according to Chef Brendan McCall. All of the tacos that we tried were wonderful, and each had its own proponent at our table. I thought the al pastor (with a thick slice of guajillo-basted pork belly brightened with pickled pineapple) and the forest mushroom (with sliced shiitakes, corn, and huitlacoche), were especially memorable. The baja fish tacos (with chunks of fish deep fried in a crunchy coating of plantain and corn chip crumbs), and the carnitas (tender chunks of pork with sweet onion slices on top) were also delicious.

The bite-sized gorditas were unlike any I'd had before. These "little fatties" were tiny and delicate, deep-fried with a masa crust enclosing a cheesy filling of chipotle sauced chicken.

The queso fundido has four kinds of cheese (oaxaca, chihuahua, queso fresco and cheddar) ground together and melted in a small skillet (Chef McCall told me they use the same combination for their nachos). We got the house-made chorizo version, but with such a vibrant spectrum of other amazing flavors in the meal, this dish was just a bunch of melty cheese and did not stand out for me.

The enchiladas, a verde and a rojo version, were brand-new menu items when we were there. A single tortilla enclosed a crab and shrimp filling with a tart tomatillo sauce for the verde. And a face-slappingly spicy, but deeply flavorful, mole-inspired tomato-based sauce around a shredded chicken filling for the rojo.

The one place where I felt the menu was lacking was the desserts (aka Postres). Tres leches cake is usually all about the rich dairy goodness of the "three milks." But the Isalita version is a small round of cake incompletely soaked with sweetened milk and accompanied by a small amount of mango puree, a few kiwi pieces and a shower of toasted coconut. Although it was entirely edible, the disconnected components of fruit salad seemed to remove the focus on the pure dairy celebration that is the reason to order tres leches.

Even less inspired, the sundae had a couple of big scoops of vanilla ice cream with a small amount of delicious salted caramel sauce and teeth sticking candied pepitas, but was marred by a chocolate sauce that tasted like it was straight from the Hershey's tube.

It's hard to fault Isalita on their sweets, though. With a few exceptions, Mexico is not known for incredible desserts. But still, how about some wonderful flan, or a sweet ending inspired by cajeta or candied fruit? Or some delicious paletas in crazy flavors? There are lots of possibilities for the chef to employ his formidable talents, so I'm hopeful that this part of the menu will get the attention it deserves once the rest of the place is under control.

And speaking of getting the rest of the place under control, although they weren't playing any background music, the noise level was high enough to make conversation seriously difficult. That might explain the demographics that we observed there: serious foodies, young women and families with children seem to make up a large portion of Isalita's customer base. And we did have a Bill Ford sighting, too.

We asked owner Adam Baru what kind of tips the auto mogul leaves as Baru, with a look of both consternation and excitement, was canvassing his way back and forth across the crowded 130-seat dining room, stopping in to check on every table. Baru only laughed, saying he didn't know yet.

With the high level at which McCall's kitchen is functioning (McCall says he reads every customer comment card every night) and the fine service, it appears that Baru's biggest worry at the moment might be too much popularity.

I have heard some complaints regarding paying up to $12 for a small plate of mini-tacos, when for half that you could get an entire (probably delicious) meal at a nearby taqueria. I'd say the taqueria value proposition is entirely different from Isalita's. If a big meal at a low price is what you're looking for, you should probably not put on your club-hopping party dress to stop at Isalita.

However, if you're looking for a delicious, beautiful and delicate meal that will make you homesick for San Miguel de Allende (whether or not you've ever been there), along with fine service and a good chance to spot celebrities, you should head over to stand in line at Isalita.

Kim Bayer is a freelance writer and culinary researcher. Email her at kimbayer at gmail dot com.

Lots of U-M grads showing up on prime time TV this season

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Lucy Liu

CBS

Those who dabble in Wolverine-spotting—that is, taking note of University of Michigan grads who appear in recurring roles on prime time television shows—have had lots to chew on lately.

Looking beyond the obvious, marquee stars - "Elementary"'s Lucy Liu and "Glee"'s Darren Criss—here's a current snapshot of U-M grads now appearing on television dramas and comedies. (And if we've missed one, please add your contribution in the comments.)

Jon Glaser, "Parks and Recreation": Slimy Pawnee dentist and Councilman Jeremy Jamm, Amy Poehler's new arch nemesis, makes deals behind the scenes, then doesn't see them through and uses the tagline, "You just got Jammed!" Glaser also appeared regularly in sketches on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien."

Hunter Foster, "Bunheads": This Tony Award nominated star of "Little Shop of Horrors" as well as "Urinetown" on Broadway plays brother to, you guessed it, his real-life sister, two-time Tony Award winning star of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and "Anything Goes," Sutton Foster, on this show about a Vegas showgirl who ends up teaching dance classes in a small town.

Matt Letscher, "The Carrie Diaries": Letscher, who got his start at Chelsea's Purple Rose Theatre, plays Tom Bradshaw, who's trying to raise young Carrie and her sister on his own, after the death of their mother.

Brian Letscher, "Scandal": Matt's brother, who got an economics degree from, and played football for, the University of Michigan, plays Tom, a secret service agent.

Christine Lahti, "Hawaii Five-O": Lahti plays Doris McGarrett, who abandoned her family years ago in order to protect them, and then showed up on her son's doorstep at the end of last season.

Miriam Shor, "The Good Wife": This past fall, Shor appeared in a multiple-episode arc playing a Chicago-based journalist with info about Alicia's affair.

Bernardo de Paula, "Shameless": De Paula plays Beto, a druglord's henchman.

Barrett Foa, "NCIS: Los Angeles": Foa plays Eric Beale, a geeky NCIS technical operator and intelligence analyst who likes surfing and social networks.

Yuri Sardarov, "Chicago Fire": Sardarov plays a firefighter named Otis, who's often the comic relief.

Andy Mientus, "Smash": Mientus plays Kyle, "a poor kid from Brooklyn with dreams of writing for Broadway." He's best friends with Jimmy, another new character, played by 2012 Tony Award nominee Jeremy Jordan ("Newsies"). A sneak peek at Mientus' first appearance on the show is online. (Of course, as AnnArbor.com recently noted, "Smash" will also be using some songs written by U-M grads Benj Pasek and Justin Paul this season.)

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.

Meet retired astronaut Jack Lousma at the Yankee Air Museum's 'Launchpad Party'

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If you think the Yankee Air Museum focuses only on vehicles that fly in the stratosphere, you are wrong. It's like you don't even know them. So you'll want to take some time to visit them on Saturday when they will unveil NASA Fly Me to the Moon at a special "Launchpad Party."

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Jack Lousma

Bring the kids to see this fun, educational exhibit and try out some of the activity stations. There will be interactive science experiments, a shuttle repair station, astronomy observation station, Moonwalk, velcro wall and bungee run. You will also get the chance to fly the education simulator in a NASA F-18 over Cape Canaveral.

There will also be an opportunity to take a photo with Jack Lousma, a former astronaut who grew up in Ann Arbor and graduated from U-M, from 6:15-7:15 p.m. He was also on the astronaut support crew for the Apollo 13 mission and was the one who received the message, "Houston, we have a problem." So be sure to say that to him, he certainly never tires of it. Actually, that might be true. How many people would actually know that fact?

Get there early. The first 200 kids will receive goodie bags. Light refreshments will be provided. The exhibit will be at the museum through May and can be viewed during normal museum hours.

Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. 5-9 p.m. Free. The museum is located at 47884 D St, Belleville. www.yankeeairmuseum.org.

University of Michigan top producer of Peace Corps volunteers

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John F. Kennedy delivers the speech that launched the Peace Corps on the steps of the Michigan Union on Oct. 14, 1960.

The idea for the Peace Corps was first launched at the University of Michigan and, more than 50 years later, the school continues to be one of the top producers of volunteers.

This year 93 U-M graduates are serving as Peace Corps volunteers, making the school the fourth largest producer of corp volunteers. Last year it was No. 5, according to the Peace Corps.

U-M is tied with the University of Colorado at Boulder for the No. 4 spot.

Since the agency was created in 1961, 2,515 Michigan graduates have served overseas, making U-M the No. 4 all-time producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

In an Oct. 14, 1960, speech outside the Michigan Union in Ann Arbor, presidential candidate John F. Kennedy challenged students to volunteer two years of their lives to help people in developing countries. In March 1961, shortly after assuming office, he signed the executive order creating the Peace Corps.

“How many of you who are going to be doctors are willing to spend your days in Ghana? Technicians or engineers, how many of you are willing to work in the Foreign Service and spend your lives traveling around the world? On your willingness to do that, not merely to serve one year or two years in the service, but on your willingness to contribute part of your life to this country, I think will depend the answer whether a free society can compete," Kennedy said then, according to a transcript of his speech. "I think it can. And I think Americans are willing to contribute. But the effort must be far greater than we have ever made in the past."

Peace Corps volunteers serve in more than 75 countries throughout Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East.

They work with a community overseas for 27 months, providing technical assistance in six program areas — education, youth and community development, health, business and information and communications technology, agriculture, and environment.

Of the 316 Michigan residents currently serving in the Peace Corps, 34 are from Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor ranks No. 4 in the nation among metropolitan areas for producing Peace Corps volunteers per capita.

Overall, 6,866 Michigan residents have served since the agency was created.

Top 5 Peace Corps producers:

  • 1. University of Washington 107
  • 1. University of Florida 107
  • 3. University of Wisconsin-Madison 103
  • 4. University of Colorado Boulder 93
  • 4. University of Michigan 93

Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.

Man suffers cut to face after being hit with glass at Ann Arbor bar

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A 22-year-old Ann Arbor man suffered a cut above one of his eyes early Wednesday when a stranger struck him in the face with a glass.

Ann Arbor police Lt. Renee Bush said the man was at Scorekeepers, 310 Maynard St., at 1:32 a.m. Wednesday when he accidentally bumped into another man. Bush said the man, who the victim did not know, then hit the victim in the face with a glass.

The 22-year-old man refused medical treatment.

Bush said the suspect is described as approximately 21 years old. No other description was available.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call the Ann Arbor police anonymous tip line at 734-794-6939 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP (773-2587).

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Chelsea's Berkley Edwards signs with Minnesota as Washtenaw County's highest-rated football signee

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Berkley Edwards ran for 1,394 yards a senior in 2011.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

There were plenty of reasons Berkley Edwards became a high-profile football recruit.

His breakout speed, with a 4.4 40-yard dash and a 10.6 100-meter dash.

His 1,394 rushing yards last fall as the focus of the Chelsea High School football team's offense.

His pedigree, with a dad and brother who both played for Michigan and in the NFL.

But according to his coach, being a big time recruit didn’t particularly interest the senior running back.

“He doesn’t ever really get caught up in the spotlight or any of the individual stuff. He’s really a team guy,” Chelsea coach Brad Bush said.

“I think that’s one of the things that’s made him a great player and what people like about him is that he’s a high-character guy. I don’t think that the fact that his last name is Edwards and his dad and his brother, I just don’t think that made a big impact on him.”

According to the University of Minnesota athletic department, Edwards sent in his National Letter of Intent to Minnesota at 7:22 a.m., becoming the highest-rated of the 17 Washtenaw County football players who are expected to sign their NLI Wednesday on National Signing Day. Edwards, a three-star recruit according to Scout and Rivals, is the only one to sign with a BCS conference school.

According to Bush, the Gophers will be getting a big-play back.

“He’s got big-time acceleration and speed,” Bush said. “That’s the first thing when you watch him on film that you see. He can really run. I think everybody’s looking for someone that can be a big-play or a breakaway threat.”

While Edwards ultimately landed on Minnesota, he was also connected to two other Big Ten schools during his recruitment.

Last spring, his brother Braylon Edwards famously took to his Twitter account and criticized Michigan for not recruiting his brother. The Wolverines never offered Edwards a scholarship.

Edwards also held a scholarship offer to Iowa that the Hawkeyes later rescinded when Edwards wouldn't make an early decision.

The Gophers play Iowa and Michigan in back-to-back weeks, Sept. 28 and Oct. 5, this fall, and Edwards admits those games will hold more meaning for him.

"Those will be two big games," Edwards told the St. Paul Pioneer Press this week. "I want to definitely prove to (the Wolverines) that at least they should have offered me. But things happen, and it is what it is. (With Iowa,) I waited. But for me, I had to make sure the decision I made.”

At Minnesota, Edwards is listed at 5-foot-9, 160 pounds, and has answered more than a few questions about his being a small back in big-time college football. But according to his coach, he’s already bigger than that, and will add even more size in college.

“He’s 185 pounds, I think before he’s done playing college football he’ll be a 200 pound back, and that’s plenty big,” Bush said. “He was always in the last few years, in many ways a marked man, and he got the ball a lot and he was very durable, never missed a practice, never missed a game.”

And once Edwards is at Minnesota next fall, his focus will be what's going on on the field, not off of it.

"I would talk to him about what was going on with recruiting, but 95 percent of our conversation was about what was going on with our team," Bush said. "He’s not the kind of guy that talks about stats or is worried about stats.”

More football commitments

Caleb Ashby, Saline: According to "The D Zone" a Michigan high school football recruiting website, and later confirmed by Saline, Ashby will continue his playing career at Wheaton College. The senior linebacker missed his entire junior year with an injury, but made up for lost time in his final season. Through ten games, Ashby had 23 solo tackles during the regular season, 35 assists, 18 tackles for loss, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles, an interception, three fumble recoveries, two sacks and two blocked kicks.

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Former Saline teammates Caleb Ashby, left, and Casey Schukow, right, will continue their playing careers at the next level.

Joseph Tobianski | AnnArbor.com file photo

Nate Bossory, Chelsea: Bossory will continue his playing career at the Air Force Academy. Bossory was starting quarterback at Manchester for two years before transferring to Chelsea where he was a backup quarterback and started at tight end.

Tyler Brooks, Willow Run: Brooks will continue his playing career at Minnesota West Community College.

Eric Davis, Manchester: According to "The D Zone" Davis will continue his playing career at Heidelberg University.

Drew Diedrich, Father Gabriel Richard: Diedrich will continue his playing career at Cornell University. A two-way lineman, Diedrich was a solid run and pass blocker on offense and on defense had 49 solo tackles, 18 assists, 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

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Milan's Arthur Dukes III, will continue his playing career at Morgan State University.

Arthur Dukes III, Milan: Dukes will continue his playing career at Morgan State University. Dukes rushed 172 times for a Washtenaw County-leading 1,473 yards and 17 touchdowns during the regular season as Milan finished a perfect 9-0. Including playoff totals, the senior running back finished his career with 2,455 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Kendric Fowler, Father Gabriel Richard: According to "The D Zone", Fowler will continue his career at Siena Heights University. Fowler was an offensive lineman for the Fighting Irish.

Daniel Hugan, Huron: Hugan will continue his playing career at Northern Michigan University. A versatile player, Hugan had 46 receptions 460 yards and two touchdowns, 34 rushes for 125 yards and a touchdown, had 19 punt/kick returns for 450 yards and a touchdown and on defense had 15 solo tackles, four assists and three pass breakups.

Tyler Palka, Saline: Palka will continue his playing career at Saginaw Valley State University. A quarterback, Palka completed 131-of-191 passes (68.6 percent) for 1,719 yards and 15 touchdowns and also led Saline in rushing with 90 carries for 650 yards and six touchdowns. Combined with his Ohio statistics (Palka transferred from Toledo Whitmer this year) Palka threw for 3,007 yards and 32 touchdowns in his two years as a starter and rushed for 1,115 yards and 11 touchdowns in the regular season.

Ty Peterson, Milan: Peterson will continue his playing career at Concordia University. Peterson, a linebacker, had 58 tackles, an interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries for Milan in 2012.

Devere Pipkins, Willow Run: Pipkins will continue his playing career at Siena Heights University. Pipkins had 39 receptions for 894 yards. He also rushed for 360 yards and four touchdowns and on defense was the team's leading tackler.

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Lincoln's Tyree Waller, right, will continue his playing career at Central Michigan University. Chelsea's Michael Steinhauer will also play for the Chippewas.

Casey Schukow, Saline: Schukow will continue his playing career at Hillsdale College. A defensive lineman, through ten games (statistics not available for Week 11), Schukow had seven solo tackles, 31 assists, 14 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and four sacks for Saline. Was also an all-conference offensive lineman earlier in his high school career.

Kendrick St. Amieis, Willow Run: St. Amieis will continue his playing career at Minnesota West Community College.

Michael Steinhauer, Chelsea: Steinhauer will continue his playing career at Central Michigan University. The senior defensive tackle was second on Chelsea’s team with 34 solo tackles despite constant double teams. He also had nine assists, 11.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception.

Tyree Waller, Lincoln: Waller will continue his playing career at Central Michigan University. Waller was dangerous all over the field, but did the most damage at receiver with 36 receptions for 861 yards and nine touchdowns in eight games (statistics not available for Week 8). The senior also rushed 25 times for 212 yards and three touchdowns and had 22 solo tackles, two assists, two interceptions (one returned for a score) and a fumble recovery on defense (defensive stats through six games).

Joey Zakrajsek, Saline: According to "The D Zone", Zakrajsek will continue his career at Olivet Nazarene.

Did we miss someone? Email sports director Pete Cunningham at petercunningham@annarbor.com to have someone added to the list.

Pete Cunningham contributed to this report.

Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kyleaustin@annarbor.com or 734-623-2535. Follow him on Twitter @KAustin_AA.

Ann Arbor's Zack Pearlman to appear on 'Workaholics' and 'Community'

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Pioneer High grad Zack Pearlman - star of the film "The Virginity Hit" and MTV's (canceled) "The Inbetweeners" - will appear on the Comedy Central show "Workaholics" on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 10 p.m.

Pearlman said he plays "a future Columbia University roommate of a popular character from season 2 (played by Charlie Saxton) and my co-star from 'The Inbetweeners,' Mark L. Young (who played Neil). We lead the underground high school betting ring at Rancho Cucamonga High School. The 3 boys (Anders, Adam and Blake) get caught up in betting on high school sports and after losing, put it all on the line for one game."

Pearlman's appearance on the NBC comedy "Community," meanwhile, is slated to air in March. Stay tuned for more specifics as the air date draws closer.

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.


Suspect in shooting death had pleaded guilty in armed robbery case 4 days earlier

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Avantis Parker

Courtesy of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office

A man charged with murder in the shooting death of an Ypsilanti Township resident last week had pleaded guilty to one felony and no contest to two others four days before the shooting, court records show.

Avantis Dominique Parker, 21, of Northville, was arraigned at the Washtenaw County Jail Wednesday on a charge of open murder and three other felonies in the death of Brandon Charles Jan. 29. He also faces one charge each of open murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, being a felon in possession of a firearm and carrying a concealed weapon. He’s being held in the jail without bond.

Family members who attended the arraignment said Parker is innocent. His attorney entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf.

Charles, 28, was found dead in the driver’s seat of a Ford sedan at 10 p.m. Jan. 29 in the 600 block of Calder Avenue in the West Willow neighborhood of Ypsilanti Township. He died of multiple gunshot wounds to his torso just hours before he was scheduled to testify in a criminal case in Detroit.

It's unknown if there is another suspect in the shooting that deputies are searching for, or if Parker or someone else actually fired the shots that killed Charles.

On Jan. 25, four days before the shooting, Parker, 20, pleaded no contest to assault with intent to rob while armed and armed robbery and pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to court records. One count of armed robbery will be dismissed at sentencing, records show. Those charges stemmed from an incident in Ypsilanti Township on April 24, when he was accused of pulling a handgun on a pizza delivery driver.

Police tackled Parker before he was able to get to a gun hidden in a blanket after being confronted about the incident.

Parker and his then-girlfriend Sophie Peak were both charged in that case. Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office deputies alleged Parker pointed a gun at a man who was delivering a pizza Peak had ordered. The delivery driver backed away from Parker, who fled the area before deputies were called, investigators said.

When deputies came to the scene, Peak came out of her home and claimed the pizza from the driver, deputies said. She did not pay for the pizza, and the driver and deputies went to her door to get the money, deputies said.

Parker answered the door and deputies began questioning him about the incident. During questioning, Parker lunged for a blanket, and deputies tackled him and shook out the blanket, causing a gun to fall out, deputies said.

Parker was held in the Washtenaw County Jail but was released on May 2 after paying a $25,000 surety bond. He’s been free on bond since then.

According to court documents, Parker was scheduled to turn himself in at the Washtenaw County Jail on March 1 to start serving a jail sentence. He’s scheduled to be formally sentenced in that case at 9 a.m. on April 17.

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Brandon Charles

Parker was arrested in connection with Charles’ death on Tuesday, deputies said.

Parker was mostly silent during Wednesday's arraignment, allowing his attorneys to do most of the talking. Most of what the attorneys said was inaudible to the general public watching the video arraignment in the Washtenaw County Service Center.

Todd Perkins, one of Parker's attorneys, said he's not received information on the case from prosecutors to this point and declined to comment on the case at this point.

Charles was set to testify Jan. 30 in a road rage incident in Detroit on New Year’s Day. Police said Charles and his girlfriend were shot multiple times after the vehicle they were in collided with a vehicle in which Willie Lee Wimberly and Steven Deshaun Smith-Rush were riding. As of last week, police were still investigating any link between that shooting and Charles’ death.

It’s unclear if Parker is in any way connected to that shooting.

Charles’ funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at the C&H Community Home for Funerals, Lucille’s Memorial Chapel. The chapel is at 411 S. Adams St. in Ypsilanti. There will not be a public visitation held prior to the funeral. Charles will be buried at the United Memorial Gardens in Plymouth. Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Scholarship fund established in memory of Julia Niswender

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Julia Niswender is pictured, left, with her twin sister Jennifer, right.

Courtesy photo

The family of Julia Niswender has set up a scholarship fund at Eastern Michigan University in memory of her.

The EMU student was found dead in her apartment in December and police are still investigating the death, which was ruled a homicide.

Jennifer Niswender, Julia's twin sister, said the scholarship is in Julia's name and will be available for EMU students who are twins.

"We are encouraging anyone who just wants to donate to do that through the bank fund that is set up," Jennifer said.

The Julia Niswender fund, which is also being called the Justice for Julia fund, is set up through the Monroe Bank and Trust . An employee at the bank said those who do not live in the area can send in checks or money orders to 102 E. Front, Monroe St., Monroe Charter Township.

Jennifer Niswender said she and others will be at EMU from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., next Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Center located at 900 Oakwood St. to accept donations.

Justice for Julia T-shirts and bracelets are also being sold, with all of the profits going into the scholarship fund.

"We are doing this at EMU next week because we haven't been able to get up there with them yet," Jennifer said. "A lot of people in Monroe have them, but EMU was such a big part of Julia's life, so we want people up there to have them, too."

Julia Niswender, a Monroe High School graduate, was 23 when she died. She aspired to go into the field of electronic media and film and met journalist Anderson Cooper during a trip to New York that she cherished.

"She so badly wanted to finish school because she wanted to pursue her dreams," Jennifer Niswender previously told AnnArbor.com.

Communication, Media & Theatre Arts Department Head Kathleen Stacey said the family announced its plans to create a fund at an event held on campus earlier this year. Stacey said her department has already set aside $500 for the scholarship and is continuing to raise more money for it.

Stacey said she is hopeful the scholarship can be awarded to a student by the next fall semester. EMU students have also been raising funds for the scholarship.

Stacey said Julia Niswender was one of her students and the department decided to donate toward the fund because of the effect she had on other students and professors.

"We miss her," Stacey said. "Julia was a major and minor in the department and on the day we found out about Julia, we found out about a part-time lecturer who passed away as well. Everyone was so heavy hearted."

At an EMU event, Niswender's mother talked about the fact that education was important to her daughter, Stacey said. So, she hoped establishing a scholarship would enable others to pursue a degree.

"Everybody could feel the sorrow, so we wanted to make sure we did something," Stacey said. "No one even thought twice . ... She had that kind of outgoing personality where you would know Julia was in your classroom in the best way possible."

Details for the scholarship fund, including when the applications may open, are still being worked out. More information will be made available in a few weeks.

Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.

Winter storm watch issued for Ann Arbor area Thursday night

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A storm system headed toward Ann Arbor could dump up to 5 inches of snow on the area Thursday night, forecasters say.

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Ann Arbor residents are likely to be shoveling more snow later this week

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com file photo

The weather service has issued a winter storm watch in effect from Thursday evening through Friday morning.

Snow is expected to increase in intensity late Thursday evening and persist into Friday morning, the Weather Service said. The snow also could mix with sleet, forecasters said.

Accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are possible.

Visibility could drop to a quarter of a mile Thursday afternoon and Thursday night, the weather service said.

For updated forecasts and weather conditions anytime, check AnnArbor.com's weather page.

Should Ann Arbor change school start times? New survey asks parents

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Previous coverage:

Ann Arbor Public Schools parents are being asked to weigh-in on whether the district should change high school start times.

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Some research shows teens are naturally night owls. Ann Arbor Public Schools launched a parent survey about the possibility of pushing back high school start times.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

Ann Arbor Communications Director Liz Margolis sent an email to parents across the district at about 4 p.m. Wednesday with a link to a survey. The survey asks parents to consider whether a start-time adjustment of 15 to 20 minutes later would negatively affect them.

The email from the district states a change in start times at the high schools also would affect the start and end times at the elementary and middle schools.

"We encourage all parents to share their viewpoint on this potential change," Margolis wrote.

The survey will be available for parents' feedback until Tuesday.

A multi-faceted committee of district employees and community members was established in the fall to research high school start times, the benefits and drawbacks and to explore the possibility of changing the secondary start time in Ann Arbor.

In December, administrators presented an initial report from the committee to the Board of Education that revealed committee members did not find any compelling evidence in favor of pushing back the school day for Ann Arbor teens.

The committee was charged with analyzing how a later start time could affect transportation, athletic schedules and childcare arrangements. It was the committee's recommendation to launch a parent survey.

Some national studies have found that teenagers are predisposed to sleeping between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. because of how and when teens produce melatonin. Melatonin is a chemical that, according to studies, make teens naturally night owls.

But there are conflicting studies, especially about how start times affect test scores, school officials said.

High school start times in Ann Arbor currently are around 7:40 a.m.

At the December board meeting, trustees gave the administration the OK to proceed with a parent survey. But largely, board members expressed they did not want to spend too much time on the topic right now, especially if the benefits of a later start time were not overwhelming, they said.

Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.

Trio of Pioneer field hockey players ink National Letters of Intent and more signings

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Football players may get most of the attention on National Signing Day, but they're not the only athletes for whom the day is a monumental occasion.

Several non-football playing athletes in Washtenaw County are expected to sign their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, including a trio from Pioneer High School state championship field hockey team that are accepting offers from NCAA Division I Universities.

Women's Soccer

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Pioneer senior Jenny Fichera, left, signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Rice University on Wednesday.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com file photo

Jenny Fichera, Pioneer: Fichera will continue her playing career at Rice University. In addition to playing for Pioneer, Fichera plays for the Michigan Hawks. Rice won a Conference USA championship last season.

Melissa Needham, Saline: Needham will continue her playing career at Bowling Green State University. She plans on signing her National Letter of Intent on Friday.

Women's Field Hockey

Eliza Stein, Pioneer: Stein will continue her playing career at the University of Michigan. Stein was an All-State selection as a senior. She'll join Pioneer alumni Emy Guttman and Haley Jones on the Wolverines' roster.

Shelby Supica, Pioneer: Supica will continue her playing career at Michigan State University. Supica was an All-State selection as a senior. Her cousin, Sydney Supica, plays for Indiana University.

Molly Thompson, Pioneer: Thompson will continue her playing career at Georgetown University. Thompson was an All-State selection as a senior. Her sister, Kelsey Thompson, plays for Northwestern University.

Softball

Maegan Winkelseth, Ypsilanti: Winkelseth will continue her playing career Eastern Michigan University.

Men's Swimming and Diving

Chris Klein, Pioneer: Klein will continue his career at the University of Michigan. Klein earned All-State honors last year in the 200-yard individual medley, 100 breaststroke and 400 freestyle relay.

Men's Cross Country

Nick Aukerman, Pioneer: Aukerman will continue his running career at Calvin College.

Women's Track and Field

Bria Johnson, Huron: According to Huron High School girls track and field coach Keri Kirk, Johnson will continue her career at either West Pointe Military Academy, Eastern Michigan University or Wayne State University. Kirk said Johnson plans to sign by April 1, the National Letter of Intent deadline. Johnson was a member of Huron's state championship 800-meter relay team and will likely be a long jumper in college.

Did we miss someone? Email sports director Pete Cunningham at petercunningham@annarbor.com to have someone added to the list.

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.

Ypsilanti joins Ann Arbor in opposing Southeast Michigan Regional Transit Authority

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The city of Ypsilanti will support Ann Arbor in its effort to request Washtenaw County be removed from the Southeast Michigan Regional Transit Authority.

City officials said Tuesday that plans to explore a possible urban core regional transit system with Ann Arbor and Saline, and the townships of Ann Arbor and Pittsfield should move forward.

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The city of Ypsilanti is supporting the effort to create a transit authority for Washtenaw County's urban core.

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

The Ypsilanti City Council voted unanimously in favor of a resolution that will be sent to Gov. Rick Snyder, the Michigan Legislature, Governmental Consultant Services Inc. consultant Kirk Profit and the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners.

Council Member Pete Murdock announced plans in January to bring forth the resolution.

The RTA legislation passed through the state House Dec. 6, with a 57-50 vote and was signed into law in December. The legislation created an RTA for the city of Detroit and Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

Murdock said he was approached by Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje, who emailed him and Ypsilanti Mayor Paul Schreiber asking them to consider voicing their opposition.

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Richard Murphy

Courtesy photo

The Ann Arbor City Council unanimously passed a resolution objecting to the RTA Dec. 10 during a special meeting.

Murdock said the city should devote its efforts to maintaining a long relationship with Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Transit Authority. Murdock said over the past month, he's met with several county officials to discuss how the legislation impacts the area.

"I think we all generally came up with the conclusion that we need to form some regional authority that consists of the core urban area," Murdock said. "It's critical to have Ann Arbor as part of this. ... They have an interest in having Ypsilanti as part of their services."

Although council passed the resolution, some members expressed concern over what message it would send.

"My concern is if we pull out of the larger picture, is it ultimately going to affect our funds or our ability to continue our millage," said Mayor Pro Tem Lois Richardson. "Won't we still be competing for the same dollars that the RTA is?"

Murdock said there is some concern regarding how federal money would be allocated.

"People are a little nervous about how that's going to go," he said.

Richard Murphy, one of Washtenaw County's representatives on the RTA governing board, addressed council and advised members to be cautious before supporting the withdrawal of Washtenaw County.

"I believe it has significant benefits," Murphy said. "We wouldn't want to see Ypsilanti give up its seat at the table without careful consideration. ... We want to be part of the conversation about regional transit."

Murphy said the RTA will expand the eligibility for federal transit funding, and it opens the door for the first realistic financing plan to implement an Ann Arbor- Detroit Commuter Rail system.

Murphy said the only way for the county to be removed is by an act of legislation.

Murphy acknowledged that there are some flaws with the legislation that the board is working to sort out.

Mayor Paul Schreiber said the county has an immediate transit problem that needs to be solved now.

"I think that the RTA at this point doesn't work for us," Schreiber said. "I think the RTA is the right thing to do long term, but it just isn't right for us now. ... Washtenaw County transportation has been punched in the gut."

Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.

Four-star quarterback Brogan Roback highlights 21-player Eastern Michigan recruiting class

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Eastern Michigan football coach Ron English signed 21 new recruits to EMU Wednesday.

AnnArbor.com file

An 18-month process to bring in the highest-rated recruit in program history ended Wednesday, when Brogan Roback faxed his National Letter of Intent to Eastern Michigan.

Roback, a quarterback from Toledo St. Johns, is rated a four-star recruit by both Rivals and Scout. He’s the first four-star recruit to commit to the Eagles since online databases began in 2002.

The Eagles signed 21 players in their 2013 signing day class, but none is more important than the quarterback coach coach Ron English began recruiting more than a year-and-a-half ago.

“We offered Brog a long time ago, and really knew that we needed to get him in here, and we’re really just very happy that we did,” English said Wednesday.

The Eagles had no quarterbacks in their 2012 signing day class, as they geared up to “really recruit” a player for this year’s class, as English said last year. Roback committed in June, and didn’t waver from his commitment.

Roback was originally thought to be the heir to Alex Gillett, who began his fourth year as a starter in 2012. But Gillett was benched in favor of sophomore Tyler Benz in the Eagles third game of the season. Benz, who will be a junior next year, completed 53 percent of his passes for 1,511 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Having a player of Roback’s stature commit to EMU raises the program’s stature, English said.

“I think it’s always helpful in terms of your perception,” English said. “I think we’re getting better, to be honest. Every year the recruiting is getting better.”

Roback is the jewel in what English calls a talented class, one that he’s hoping can help his team improve on a 2-10 mark from last year.

He’s also hoping the class can help fill in the ranks for a program that’s thin in its oldest class. The Eagles’ 2009 recruiting class, signed just over a month after he was hired, was thin, and EMU felt it on the field last year.

“Last year we had freshmen, sophomores and some seniors but no juniors,” English said. “So we ended up playing a lot of first-year guys who had never played and second-year guys who didn’t play very much.”

This year's class includes three junior college transfers and 18 high school recruits. Three of those recruits come from the state of Michigan: DB Jaleel Canty (Lansing Everett), CB Daquan Pace (Detroit Cass Tech) and LB Derric Williams (Lake Orion).

Canty is a former Cincinnati commit, but found his scholarship offer pulled a month ago when Tommy Tuberville became the Bearcats’ new head coach. A three-star athlete according to scouting services, Canty brings plenty of speed to the defensive back position.

“He’s explosive,” English said. “He’ll be one of the favorites to win the sprint championships this year in Michigan.”

Canty is one of several EMU signees who had interest from larger programs, according to English, including linebacker Nathan Adams, who had interest from Iowa, and Mario Swann, who had interest from Indiana.

“A class that I’m really excited about,” English said. “Obviously they’re young and have to grow into being college players, but a talented class and a class that I like every man in.”

Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kyleaustin@annarbor.com or 734-623-2535. Follow him on Twitter @KAustin_AA.


Veterans visiting Ann Arbor impressed by the kindness of strangers

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Recently while visiting Ann Arbor, my Marines veteran friend and I, an Air Force veteran, were having breakfast at a local Denny's restaurant. We had hats on that identified us as veterans.

There were three gentlemen sitting at the booth across from our table. One of them stated he also was an Air Force vet.

After they left the restaurant, our waitress came over and explained that the men had picked up our check as a way of thanking us for serving our country. They left no names and said nothing to us before leaving other than thanks for your service.

As Vietnam vets, we would like to thank them and tell them it really was unexpected, but very much appreciated.

Jim Gasaway, Air Force

Andy Sciackitano, Marines

Lowell, Indiana

Police: Investigation continues in reported rape of U-M student

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Ann Arbor police said Wednesday there’s no new information to release regarding the alleged rape of a University of Michigan student by a taxi cab driver Sunday.

Ann Arbor police Lt. Renee Bush said Wednesday the department’s detective bureau continues to investigate the incident and re-interviewed the woman on Tuesday.

According to police, the woman got in a car at 2 a.m. Sunday in the 1200 block of South University Avenue. The woman told police it was a taxi, but it’s unclear what company the driver worked for and whether the car was a city-licensed taxi or a state-licensed limousine.

The woman told police the man drove her to a parking lot near her apartment in the 300 block of Madison Street. The man forced himself on the woman and police are investigating the case as third-degree criminal sexual conduct, which involves penetration.

Police began investigating the incident Sunday afternoon after the woman went to the University of Michigan Hospital to be treated.

The only description available of the driver is that he is white with short hair that was possibly brown.

U-M sent out a crime alert to the campus community in reaction to the incident.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call the Ann Arbor police anonymous tip line at 734-794-6939 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP (773-2587).

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

In-district transfer spots at Ann Arbor Public Schools announced

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The time is now to switch elementary or middle schools in Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor Public Schools announced Wednesday it will accept applications for in-district transfers through March 8.

Parents may fill out an application to send their child to an elementary or middle school that is beyond the attendance boundary in which they reside.

Traditionally, Ann Arbor has offered limited availability solely at its elementary and middle schools. However, for the first time this year, seats also are open at Huron and Pioneer high schools.

Families of students who receive these transfers are assigned to their requested school instead of their residence-determined school. Once accepted through an in-district transfer, the student can stay for all grades offered at that school, according to the website.

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Forsythe Middle School has 10 open spots for sixth-graders in fall 2013.

File photo

Ann Arbor's research services and child accounting department works with building-level staff each winter to determine how many seats it will offer for the following fall based on current capacity, enrollment and class size data.

Tappan is the only middle school that will not offer seats for in-district transfers for the 2013-14 academic year. Clague, Forsythe, Scarlett and Slauson all will have 10 open spots for sixth-graders.

Angell, Bach, King, Lakewood and Lawton elementary schools are not open to in-district transfers for fall 2013.

Kindergarteners through fifth-graders can apply to transfer to Abbot, Carpenter and Mitchell elementary schools. Dicken and Northside have space available in kindergarten through fourth grade. Eberwhite can accept students in kindergarten through third.

Allen Elementary School was excluded from last year's in-district transfer list. However, it is open to accept kindergarteners this year.

Logan Elementary has space available in all grades but third. Burns Park also can accept students, except those entering third or second grade.

Bryant and Pattengill, which operate as one school community in two buildings, have open seats for their respective populations. Bryant will accept in-district transfers in grades kindergarten through second, and Pattengill will accept applications from third- through fifth-graders.

Kindergarteners and first-graders can apply at Haisley and Wines elementary schools.

Thurston has space available in second grade and Pittsfield has space in kindergarten and fifth grade.

Transportation is not provided to families that accept in-district transfer offers. Families will be notified by mid-April if their applications are approved. If more students apply than seats are available at a particular school, a lottery will take place.

Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.

Sheriff's office warns of credit card scam, but no local cases reported

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Washtenaw County residents probably don't have to worry about a scam involving flowers, wine and a credit card reader, even though they may have gotten an alert about it Wednesday.

According to a Nixle alert sent out by the Sheriff’s Office, a person delivering a gift of flowers and wine may ask the recipient to use a credit or debit card to pay a $3.50 delivery charge. "Paying" with the card allows the scammer to steal the victim's account information and then use it to get money at ATMs.

But Derrick Jackson of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office said nothing like this has been attempted locally.

"It's just a heads up," he said.

He said the information was passed along by another police agency , but he wasn't sure which one.

According to the alert, a company called Express Couriers may call homes to confirm a resident will be home to receive a package. About an hour after the call, a person shows up posing as the delivery man.

According to the alert, the man delivers “a beautiful basket of flowers and wine.” The man requires a credit or debit card to be swiped to pay for a $3.50 charge he says is necessary for the delivery of the wine. A week later, charges come from ATM machines across the country because the credit card machine the man used created a “dummy” card with all the resident’s account details.

A Google search turns up information about a a nearly identical scam that happened in 2008 in Sydney, Australia.

Anyone who experiences a similar suspicious incident is encouraged to call his or her local police agency.

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Washtenaw County jury hears testimony in 2006 fatal beating case

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Jonathan Aiden

Courtesy of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office

A Washtenaw County jury this week has been hearing testimony in the case of 32-year-old Jonathan Aiden, who is accused of open murder in the beating death of a man at a Scio Township car dealership in 2006, the Dexter Leader reports.

Aiden's uncle, Shane Roscoe, was convicted of the murder last year and was sentenced to life in prison.

Aiden is accused of helping Roscoe beat 55-year-old William Kenney to death during a break-in. Roscoe was convicted of breaking into the dealership, stealing auto equipment and materials and beating Kenney, an employee.

Aiden now faces five charges: open murder, breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony, safe-breaking, conspiracy to commit breaking and entering and conspiracy to commit safe-breaking.

The trial, which started Monday, is expected to continue throughout the week at the Washtenaw County Trial Court, the Leader reports.

Read the Dexter Leader article.

John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

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