News Briefs

Jim Slezak Slezak launches bid for State Senate

DAVISON — State Rep. Jim Slezak, D-Davison, will run against Burton City Councilwoman Paula Zelenko for the 26th State Senate District seat this summer.

Slezak, serving his first term as 50th District State Representative, said Tuesday he filed for the opportunity last week as well.

He made no further comment about his decision to run, aside from stating he will formally announce his candidacy later this week or early next week.

Zelenko also filed last week for her chance at the seat being left open by State Sen. Deborah Cherry, who is term limited.

She has served as a Democrat from Burton since 2002, winning re-election to the position in 2006.

She has already garnered support from various officials, including Lt. Gov. John Cherry, Burton mayor Charles Smiley, Genesee County Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright, Genesee County Board of Commissioners chairman Jamie Curtis and the entire Burton city council.

Zelenko and Slezak will vie for the Democratic nomination in the Aug. 3 primary election.

Two Republican candidates have filed in the race for the 26th Senate district. Former 51st District State Rep. David Robertson and former 43rd District State Rep. Fran Amos, both of whom served from 2003-2008, will compete for the senate spot.

The 26th Senate District covers a large area including Clio, Otisville, Columbiaville, Mt. Morris, Burton, Davison, Grand Blanc, Goodrich and the townships of Vienna, Mt. Morris, Forest, Thetford, Richfield, Davison, Grand Blanc and Atlas in Genesee County and stretches into

north Oakland County. — Roberto

Acosta

Euchre tournament benefits ACS

DAVISON — Madden’s Lounge, 809 N. State Rd., hosts “A Tisket A Tasket’s De-Feeting Cancer Relay for Life” euchre tournament Feb. 27. The event opens at 5 p.m. with the tournament beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Cost is $10 per person and is a 10-game play. Payback will go to the top three individuals. Advance registration can be done at Madden’s or by calling Michele Spinney at 810-287-1835. -- N.B.

Texas Hold ‘Em

DAVISON — The Military Order of Cooties Pup Tent 32 hosts a Texas Hold ‘Em 7 p.m. Feb. 5 at Davison VFW 4087, 9474 Lapeer Rd.

The entry fee is $30 for $1,500 in chips. The fee also includes food and pop.

An extra $500 chip can be purchased for $5. All seven players from the final table will receive prize money.

Doors open at 6 p.m.

Details: Call the VFW Clubroom at 810-658-9069. — N.B.

Eye Fight Back

DAVISON — The Davison Area Senior Center, 10135 Lapeer Rd., presents Eye Fight Back: Personal Self-Defense for the Family 12:30 p.m. Feb. 8.

This self-defense program combines military and law enforcement training techniques, designed for woman, youth and seniors.

This program covers vehicle safety, home security, confrontation avoidance, self-defense techniques, and escapes.

Cost is $5 per person. Call 810- 658-1566 to reserve a seat. — N.B.

Pasty sale

DAVISON — Davison VFW Post 4087, 9474 Lapeer Rd., announces its pasty sale 3-6 p.m. Feb. 4-5. Advance orders need to be placed no later than Jan. 29.

Cost (donations) is $3.50 for a beef or turkey pasty and $4 for a jalapeno/beef pasty. Beef or turkey gravy is 50 cents. The next pasty sale will be in April. Details or to order: Call Carol at 810-653-1302. — N.B.

Book donations needed

DAVISON — The Friends of the Davison Library are accepting books for the used book sale at the library. Donations will be accepted Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5 p.m. beginning Jan. 30- 31.

No textbooks will be accepted. Details: 810--653--6278. — G.G.

MCC to host discussion on “greener future”

FLINT — Mayor Dayne Walling will join a diverse panel of experts who will come together at Mott Community College to talk about "Flint's Greener Future: From Saving Our City to Sustaining It," the topic of a panel discussion scheduled for 7:30-9 p.m., Feb. 9 in the MCC Regional Technology Center auditorium, located on the Mott Community College main campus, 1401 East Court St. in Flint. This event, which is presented by the Flint Area Public Affairs Debates, is free and open to the public.

Details: 810-762-7827. — G.G.