What's your favorite part of the Saline Community Fair?

It seems all of those I've spoken too about the Saline Community Fair couldn't be more excited for this beloved annual event to get under way.

That said, different people have expressed interest in various aspects of the fair, with everyone seeming to have their own traditions associated with the event.

With this in mind, I'm considering generating an article, or two, by following around several folks, attempting to experience the fair from their diverse points of view.

If you're interested in sharing your fair-related traditions or rituals with myself and our reading audience, contact me as soon as possible at showard@heritage.com.

Milan schools are looking great

I hope all of you have the chance to check out my article on the summer-long renovations that are currently wrapping up at Paddock, Symons and Milan Middle School.

http://heritage.com/articles/2010/09/02/milan_news_leader/news/doc4c7d77ac3a2c8361505521.txt

Superintendent Girbach gave me an extensive tour last week, and his assertion that most everything is new other than the cinder block walls seems very obviously true.

He said his goal in all of this was to modernize the buildings, via the millage funds approved in February of 2009, so that the district can stop spending such an egregious amount of operating funds simply maintaining failing infrastructure every year.

This way, as Girbach said, these dollars can stay in the classrooms where they belong.

He said these refurbished school buildings are something the children attending them can be proud of, and that they are safe and secure and will be ready to open September 7.

That said, Girbach also mentioned the district will hold a community open house this year in addition to the parental open house, so that all who are interested can see for themselves how their tax dollars are being spent.

Expect a date for the community open house to be announced soon. Girbach said it will likely be in October.

Renovations to the high school and the construction of a new team building will take place next summer.