hammer4nc
September 26, 2003, 08:41 PM
Link: http://www.record-eagle.com/2003/sep/26stand.htm
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Attorney questions purpose of meeting with owner of trailers
Barkley: 'I still don't dare go out'
By KEITH MATHENY
Record-Eagle staff writer
HORTON BAY - A Bay Township landowner threatening an armed confrontation over the court-ordered removal of trailers from his property is scheduled to meet local officials next week to discuss the standoff.
But the township's attorney questions what can result from the gathering. "I don't plan on going to this meeting and re-trying the case," said township attorney James Murray. "It's difficult to understand what Mr. Barkley's position is, other than that he doesn't want to comply with the court order," Murray said. "He's had his day in court, not once but twice."
Lyle Barkley last summer sandwiched two, 12-by-60-foot trailers between existing trailers on his four acres off Camp Daggett Road, and also added a 24-by-32-foot former school portable. Barkley, his wife, and various relatives live in the trailers.
Barkley insists he won't allow the trailers to be removed. "They are not going to take them out," he said. Several militia groups have indicated they will help defend the Barkleys by force of arms. Charlevoix County Sheriff George T. Lasater said Thursday's meeting will include himself, prosecutor Mary Beth Kur, county building official Ken Doty, at least one township representative, as well as Barkley, and whoever he invites along. Barkley said he planned to bring friend and neighbor Robert Taylor and Alanson minister Norman Olson, a senior advisor to the Michigan Militia Corps Wolverines.
The meeting, Lasater said, is intended to "maintain a line of communication between both sides." Lasater said no decisions have yet been made on when he might act to enforce the court's order on the Barkley property.
Barkley initially received permits from the township in the summer of 2002, but the permits later were revoked. Officials said Barkley had requested permission for additions, not additional homes.
The case eventually went to district court, where a judge sided with the township. Barkley installed the trailers this summer. In August, Judge Richard May found Barkley and two other family members in contempt. The trailers were ordered removed by Sept. 18, and the Barkleys now face 26 days in jail for failing to pay an $800 fine.
May's ruling allows the township to enter the property and remove the structures. Barkley said he has not left his property since the conflict began. "I still don't dare go out and do any jobs or anything," he said. "I don't know if I will be arrested or not. We're more or less fortified in here."
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(emphasis added)
Sheriff Lasater came off as a voice of reason in this case, defusing a volatile situation. In contrast, what possible benefit is gained from the township attorney making a statement like this?
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Attorney questions purpose of meeting with owner of trailers
Barkley: 'I still don't dare go out'
By KEITH MATHENY
Record-Eagle staff writer
HORTON BAY - A Bay Township landowner threatening an armed confrontation over the court-ordered removal of trailers from his property is scheduled to meet local officials next week to discuss the standoff.
But the township's attorney questions what can result from the gathering. "I don't plan on going to this meeting and re-trying the case," said township attorney James Murray. "It's difficult to understand what Mr. Barkley's position is, other than that he doesn't want to comply with the court order," Murray said. "He's had his day in court, not once but twice."
Lyle Barkley last summer sandwiched two, 12-by-60-foot trailers between existing trailers on his four acres off Camp Daggett Road, and also added a 24-by-32-foot former school portable. Barkley, his wife, and various relatives live in the trailers.
Barkley insists he won't allow the trailers to be removed. "They are not going to take them out," he said. Several militia groups have indicated they will help defend the Barkleys by force of arms. Charlevoix County Sheriff George T. Lasater said Thursday's meeting will include himself, prosecutor Mary Beth Kur, county building official Ken Doty, at least one township representative, as well as Barkley, and whoever he invites along. Barkley said he planned to bring friend and neighbor Robert Taylor and Alanson minister Norman Olson, a senior advisor to the Michigan Militia Corps Wolverines.
The meeting, Lasater said, is intended to "maintain a line of communication between both sides." Lasater said no decisions have yet been made on when he might act to enforce the court's order on the Barkley property.
Barkley initially received permits from the township in the summer of 2002, but the permits later were revoked. Officials said Barkley had requested permission for additions, not additional homes.
The case eventually went to district court, where a judge sided with the township. Barkley installed the trailers this summer. In August, Judge Richard May found Barkley and two other family members in contempt. The trailers were ordered removed by Sept. 18, and the Barkleys now face 26 days in jail for failing to pay an $800 fine.
May's ruling allows the township to enter the property and remove the structures. Barkley said he has not left his property since the conflict began. "I still don't dare go out and do any jobs or anything," he said. "I don't know if I will be arrested or not. We're more or less fortified in here."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(emphasis added)
Sheriff Lasater came off as a voice of reason in this case, defusing a volatile situation. In contrast, what possible benefit is gained from the township attorney making a statement like this?