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VOL. 142, NO. 34

DEXTER LEADER
75
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012
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School AD resigns after 2 weeks

By Erica McClain
Heritage Media

Dexter resident Dale Dedrick rides dressage with her horse Bonifatius, also known as Erik.

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One on one with Tony Pisto

After just days on the job, Darren Kecskes has quit as the Dexter Community Schools athletic director, confirmed Superintendent Mary Marshall last week. Another opportunity came along that I just could not pass up, Kecskes said. This had nothing to do with Dexter because everyone there is great. It was just one of those things. It was an opportunity I couldnt not take. Kecskes was hired Aug. 1 to replace Brett Steele, who left the district in April, citing a difference of opinion in how the athletics and community services departments were run together.
PLEASE SEE RESIGN/3-A

Click on the jobs tab on the home page of our websiteror a g edirectly to h e i t go . c o m http://jobs.heritage.com.

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Merchants to hold free event

The merchants of Dexter Crossing Shopping Plaza will host the free Family FunFest from noon to 4 p.m. this Saturday. Doug Marrin, owner of Foggy Bottom Coffee House, characterizes the event as a way for merchants to say thanks to the community for a great summer as the school year draws near. The free event will include a moonwalk, obstacle course, and giant slide. Face painting, prizes and even some impromptu dance lessons will also available. There will be food, drinks and an ice cream Sunday bar offered. The Family FunFest is
PLEASE SEE FUNFEST/3-A

Dexter paralympian sets sights on London

By Danny Shaw
Heritage Media

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hen diagnosed with lupus nearly two decades ago and losing the use of her hands, Dexter resident Dale Dedrick thought she might not be able to ride a horse again. Now, as she readies herself for the London 2012 Paralympic Games as a Team USA Paralympian, Dedrick couldnt have been more wrong. A year ago if you had told me Id be in the Paralympic Games, Id say youre out of your mind, the 56-year-old para-equestrian said. Ive got a new lease on life, and I know that sounds clich, but its true. During her stint as

an orthopedic surgeon at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Dedrick was diagnosed with Lupus, which can damage and destroy healthy tissue in Dedrick the body. It attacked her joints and muscles and even caused severe heart disease, causing her to retire in 1992. But that didnt stop Dedrick from continuing her life-long passion horseback riding. Ive been back riding for a number of years now but I just started riding para-dressage a year ago, Dedrick said. Ive ridden able-bodied dressage for a long time in the 80s, but it was a year ago in June

I started paradressage. Dressage is a very formal, disciplined and routined style of riding requiring hundreds of hours of training with the horse and involves the rider and horse executing a series of memorized movements. Washtenaw County is represented not only by the Dexter native, but also by Dedricks trainer, Roz Kinstler of Whitmore Lake. Kinstler has worked with Dedrick for several years and began training Dedrick for professional para-equestrian riding about four years ago. This has been quite an interesting journey, Kinstler said. Were head-

ed to London, England to represent the U.S. and its just unreal. Kinstler said while training a para-rider is different than an ablebodied rider, she doesnt compromise on the quality of work something shes constantly surprised with. Dale is just great, Kinstler said. I have to be a little more cautious of her health conditions, but other than that I train her basically the same I would anyone else. Shes so inspiring. Dedricks mount is a smokey gray 14 yearold, German-bred grey Hanoverian named Bonifatius, or Erik as she and Kinstler call him. Erik is stabled at Ann
PLEASE SEE LONDON/3-A

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INDEX
Editorial Calendar Page 6-A Page 3-C

Death Notices Page 16-A Sports Community Page 1-B Page 1-C

Shop owner spreads the word: Dont text and drive

By Amy Bell
Heritage Media

A Dexter man is using what some would consider a close call as a way to educate the public. In the winter of 2012, Brad Taylor, owner of Dexter Collision at 8296 Dexter-Chelsea Road, was texting and driving in his Ford F-150 along Huron

River Drive when he went off the road. Though his truck received minimal damage, Taylor wanted to start a campaign to let people know the dangers of texting and driving. Oftentimes, its one of those things you think will never happen to you, and before you know it youre in a ditch somewhere or

worse, he said. A lot of people have stopped by and taken pictures of the display, which features a wrecked 1998 Mercury Sable and a large sign with red lettering that reads Stop Texting! It draws a lot of attention, it turns a lot of heads, he said, adding that
PLEASE SEE TEXTING/3-A

Brad Taylor, owner of Dexter Collision, put this car and sign in front of his business as a reminder for drivers.

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