New Militia Standoff-- Maine? Update 10

[delayed in posting]

Good morning newsgroups readers.

Yesterday's Traverse City  Record Eagle reports on the continuing
situation with  Lyle Barkley. Considering all the problems experienced
by Self Defense Pact Militia recently, I very much doubt that Mr.
Barkley can count on any support from that quarter.


++++++++++++

Keith Matheny, `Deadline for Brief Looms: Trailer Dispute Has Already
Sparked Threats,`
Traverse City Record-Eagle, 031130.


HORTON BAY - A Bay Township man in a dispute with local government
over trailers on his property has until Monday to file documents or
face dismissal of his appeal of a Charlevoix County court ruling.

Lyle Barkley has threatened an armed confrontation with officials who
attempt to enforce a district court ruling that he remove two,
12-by-60-foot trailers and a 24-by-34-foot former school portable from
his land off Camp Daggett Road.

Representatives of state and national militia groups have said they
will defend Barkley and his family if they are "attacked" by police or
government officials.

District Judge Richard May this year sided with township officials who
maintained the buildings were not properly permitted and violate local
zoning and construction codes.

Barkley appealed the decision to circuit court. But in a hearing this
month, circuit Judge Richard Pajtas found Barkley had abandoned his
appeal by failing to file a brief with the court. By statute, Barkley
now has until Monday to file the document outlining the legal reasons
why May's ruling was erroneous and should be overturned.

Barkley said he and people assisting him intend to file a brief by
Monday. But he blasted the court's denying him a jury trial, or the
ability to present new evidence.

"Half of the facts we've brought out weren't brought out by the people
helping me with my legal case before," he said.

Bay Township attorney James Murray said Barkley is improperly trying
to do more than have Pajtas review May's decision.

"Mr. Barkley is simply confused as to the appeal process," Murray
said. "You don't enlarge the record, and add new documents and
evidence. It's not a re-trial."

Pajtas had earlier asked both sides if they had considered mediation
to resolve the dispute. But negotiating a resolution with Barkley
would not be appropriate, Murray said.

"I don't think you reward threats against the life and safety of a
zoning administrator and a sheriff and a township by sitting down and
negotiating once a judge has declared (Barkley) in violation of the
law," Murray said.

Barkley said he should not have needed permits of any kind for adding
the buildings onto his property.

"This thing is all unconstitutional, and I feel I am within my
rights," he said.