The Martin Township Board Wednesday evening agreed to a “one-time exception” by approving the hire of a Martin High School senior to a position on the fire department.

Martin Fire & Rescue Chief Kurt Knight told the board the lad has passed all tests and met all other requirements to be a firefighter. His only problem is he’s not quite 18 years old and he cannot by law drive a fire truck until he’s 21.

The vote to hire the high school senior nonetheless was unanimous.

The board also approved Knight’s recommendation to welcome Drew McPherson to the department. McPherson formerly was affiliated with the Otsego department.

In other business Wednesday night, the Township Board:

• Learned that longtime local representative to the Wayland Area Emergency Services Board Stuart Peet has resigned because of the press of business.
• Fielded a suggestion from Treasurer Sue Tiemeyer to build a pickle ball court on the edge of the parking lot at Wheeler Library. She told colleagues the sport has become terrifically popular and “It’s something we can do for our community.”
• Noted the paving project on 124th Avenue has been completed and Supervisor Glenn Leep remarked, “Looks nice, rides nice.”
• Agreed to pick up half the costs of repairing the local siren with the Village of Martin.
• Was told by Clerk Jennifer Wharton that a total of 409 people voted in the Aug. 6 primary, but only 36 took advantage of early voting.