Email: daniel.lai@patch.com
Phone: 734-223-6947
Hometown: Allen Park
Birthday: Aug. 31, 1982
Bio: I became editor of Dexter Patch after three and a half years at Heritage Newspapers covering the Manchester, Dexter and Chelsea areas. Prior to that, I worked for a small community newspaper in Taylor, Texas. I'm a 2006 graduate of the University of Texas College of Communication and I've worked extensively in print media for more than seven years.
When I first started off in journalism, it took me awhile to wrap my head around what it truly meant to be a community journalist. After years of covering local meetings, events, people, and places, I am a strong advocate of community journalism and I hope to turn this site into the best source of news for the Dexter community. I believe everyone has a story to tell and they just need the write person to tell it. I've met many fascinating people over the years – from the painter to the brain surgeon – everyone's lives fascinate me, and that's why I love to write about people.
In addition to my duties as an editor and reporter for Patch, I am an avid bass player in a classic rock cover band called Delirious Love. We perform in both Wayne and Washtenaw counties, and I look forward to bringing the band out to Dexter to perform during Dexter Daze and other events. Dexter is a great community, and I am eager to hit the ground running.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
Though journalists try to remain neutral, if I had to choose, I tell people that I am a liberal conservative. In other words, there are issues that both liberals and conservatives support that I agree with. You have to be informed about the issues and do your own research. I don't believe decisions can be made by listening to talking points on FOX or CNN.
Religion
I am a practicing Catholic. I perform with the young adult church band every first and third Sunday at my church. However, I am open to all religious beliefs and values. I believe we should all be able to co-exist together and respect each other's values and beliefs.
Local Hot-Button Issues
Most of the hot-button issue right now may or may not be hot-button issues in a year from now. However, the economy, taxes, public education and road/bridge repairs are pretty important to this community. I welcome any and all comments or story suggestions on these and other news items affecting our readers on a daily basis. I can be reached at daniel.lai@patch.com.
Eighth grade student Anna Mason's winning essay was selected by judges during the 2013 Airplane Day fundraiser for the United Nations Foundation in Dexter.
The Dexter High School Drama Club will feature a series of short one-act plays on March 7-10.
Area bakeries and restaurants will offer holiday specials for customers during Easter weekend.
Artist Jill Andrews will display her 'character dolls' at Silver Maples gallery in Chelsea through April 30.
The 40th annual fair will feature artists across Michigan showcasing pottery, weaving, wood working, and more.
More than $9,000 of equipment was taken from a construction site during the weekend, according to police.
The team participated in the first game of its season at Kettering University on March 2.
The following information was supplied by the Chelsea Police Department. Arrests do not indicate a conviction.
Township board members will discuss possible purchase of a fourth property at the Multi-Lakes Water & Sewer Authority meeting Thursday.
Families affected by the Dexter tornado can sign up for tree replanting services at Lafontaine Chevrolet on March 15.
The local pub will feature seven limited release beers for customers on March 7.
Nominees include anyone who performed a courageous act in an attempt to save someone's life.
Here's a look at some events going on around the Dexter area today.
A laptop and camera were removed from a residence in the 2700 block of E. Delhi Road on Friday.
The Chelsea eatery is open seven days a week through fall.
The Sylvan Township treasurer operates Rerun Records and organizes the area's largest record show in Ann Arbor four times a year.
The new site includes searchable links for government documents, an improved events calendar, and a business directory, among other features.
The township board of trustees will meet at 7 p.m. to discuss property acquisition for a permanent fire station.
Here's a look at some events going on around the Dexter area today.
The high school junior was undefeated this season and came in second at the state finals on Saturday.