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Tyrone Plans Informational Campaign Ahead Of Public Safety VoteTyrone Plans Informational Campaign Ahead Of Public Safety Vote

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1/7/15 - Tyrone Township officials are planning to run an informational campaign over the next few months to help residents understand exactly what losing their public safety assessment would mean. Tyrone residents currently pay an assessment to fund contracts with the Fenton City Fire Department, Fenton Township Fire Department, and Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority for fire services. That assessment also funds a contract for 40 hours of dedicated patrols in the township by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department. However, that assessment will expire in 2016, and voters in November rejected a ballot issue to extend it. Some residents have expressed a desire to not have emergency services, but township officials believe the vote was mostly a result of residents misunderstanding the extension as a tax hike. The township could give voters a second chance to pass the extension in the May election, and Clerk Keith Kremer says it is important for residents to understand what is at stake. He says if the fire protection contracts expire, it is possible that the hurdle of billing Tyrone residents directly and trying to collect on those bills could result in fire departments refusing to respond to homes in the township at all. Additionally, he says the amount residents pay in homeowner’s insurance would likely rise by a greater amount than is charged by the assessment due to the increased ISO rating that comes with a lack of fire service. Tyrone officials plan to put out information in assessment mailers, online, and through other means to inform residents about the ramifications of not renewing the assessment. There is a February 10th deadline to get the renewal back before voters on the May ballot. A special election for the renewal would cost the township $10,000-20,000. (TD)

Griffith, Williams Retain County Board Leadership RolesGriffith, Williams Retain County Board Leadership Roles

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1/7/15 - The chair and vice-chair of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners for 2015 were selected at the board’s first meeting of the year on Monday. By unanimous vote, Carol Griffith was chosen as the board president for the third year in a row. Commissioner Steve Williams was once again chosen as the board’s vice-chair. Griffith she is honored by her selection, and based on the number of extra hours she puts in, Williams described her as the best bargain in the county for taxpayers. Williams himself was named as part of the county’s new Legislative Committee. He says Griffith wanted the board to work more closely with Lansing, keep better tabs on upcoming legislation, and to serve as a conduit of information that keeps residents, legislators, and county staff more informed. Although it does not yet have an official schedule, that committee will meet for the first time in January. (TD)

Linden Woman Struck By Car Friday Remains Critical Linden Woman Struck By Car Friday Remains Critical

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1/7/15 - A Linden woman remains hospitalized in critical condition after being hit by a car last Friday. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Department and the Fenton Township Fire Department were called out to North Fenton Road Friday night for a pedestrian accident involving injuries. The Tri-County Times reports that the 52-year-old woman and her boyfriend had been waiting for a table at a busy cantina restaurant around 8pm so he left in his vehicle to check out another restaurant. While he was gone, the woman apparently walked outside and started to cross North Fenton Road when she was struck by a vehicle that was driven by a 16-year-old Fenton female. The victim has been identified as Michelle Holm and she was transported to Genesys Health Park in Grand Blanc, where she remains listed in critical condition. Police say she was wearing dark clothing and the department has been unable to locate any witnesses but noted that the teen was not suspected of any alcohol or cell phone use. The road is not well lit in that area and investigators told the Times that they aren’t sure why Holm walked out into the road. (JM)

Howell DDA Gets Budget PrimerHowell DDA Gets Budget Primer

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1/8/15 - The Howell City Manager gave the new members of the Main Street Downtown Development Authority a crash course in the process of creating a budget yesterday. The DDA board has several new members and, with a fiscal year ending in June, they have to begin work on a new budget in short order. During yesterday’s meeting in City Hall, Manager Shea Charles covered a variety of topics for the new members. Topics of discussion covered the history of the DDA, where its funding comes from, how it is spent, and current challenges facing the authority. Charles says meetings like this are held every few years depending on the makeup of the DDA board and how much experience new members have in the areas of governmental budgeting and finance. He says balancing the budget will still be a challenge, but the coming fiscal year should see the first small increase in revenue the DDA has gotten since the recession. (TD)

Suspect In Ice Arena Break-Ins Bound Over For TrialSuspect In Ice Arena Break-Ins Bound Over For Trial

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1/8/15 - A suspect in a string of recent break-ins at a local ice arena has been bound over for trial. 18-year-old Kyle Robert Bradley of Howell is accused of breaking into the Grand Oaks Ice Arena four times between October 28th and December 9th. He is facing charges of breaking and entering as well as larceny in a building. On Tuesday, his case was bound over to Judge Miriam Cavanaugh’s courtroom for trial in Livingston County Circuit Court. Authorities say he confessed to all four break-ins while in custody. A new case has also been opened against Bradley, who is being charged in Livingston County District Court with assault and battery. He is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on January 12th. (TD)

Citing Howell Situation, Huron Valley Super Reviews Expenses Citing Howell Situation, Huron Valley Super Reviews Expenses

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1/8/15 - Hoping to avoid a situation like the one in Howell, the Huron Valley Schools superintendent is having his expense reimbursements reviewed for transparency. There have been no reported problems with Superintendent Jim Baker’s expense reimbursements, but he has requested that the district’s board of education review the expenses regardless. Baker told the South Lyon Herald this was done in light of the recent situation at Howell Public Schools, and that the move would increase transparency in the district. Board President Rebecca Walsh says Baker is always very careful to take account of every expense when attending events and conferences. In the Howell school district, former Superintendent Ron Wilson was fired after the board determined he applied for and received mileage reimbursements he knew he was not entitled to and then lied about it afterward. Wilson is now suing the district for lost wages and personal suffering. (TD/JK)

Brighton District Closes On Sale Of Lindbom School Brighton District Closes On Sale Of Lindbom School

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1/8/15 - The future is looking bright for a local school district that has seen its share of financial struggles. ACA Brighton Holdings, LLC purchased the vacant Lindbom Elementary School property for $1.45 (m) million and has been working in conjunction with American Classical Academies on the deal. It’s planning to convert the building at Sixth and State Streets in downtown Brighton into a charter school to be renamed the Lindbom Classical Academy. The district had been working to sell the vacant building on State Street for some time but the prospect of selling it for conversion into a charter school became a hot-button issue, with a Dearborn teacher who lives near the site and his wife being outspoken critics of the sale. American Classical Academies made clear its desire to open a charter school from the beginning, although it still must clear the obstacle of getting a charter. It’s been a long process to try and sell the building while also working to erase a multi-million legacy deficit but Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI they closed on the sale with the company and deposited the check around 10am Wednesday. As part of efforts to balance the budget, the school system was restructured and Lindbom Elementary School was closed in 2010. The district was already projected to be out of its legacy deficit situation but Gray says the sale will propel them that much further this year. Gray says the sale also takes the building off the books, which will add another $60,000 a year to the budget because of all the annual costs associated with keeping the heat on to a certain temperature and performing general maintenance to keep it in good condition. Despite criticism of the purchase and conversion of a former public school into a charter, board of education members have said they felt the two entities could work harmoniously together. (JM)

Applications Accepted for Hartland Township Clerk Position Applications Accepted for Hartland Township Clerk Position

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1/8/15 - Hartland Township is accepting applicants for the vacant clerk position. The township is seeking applicants interested in completing the term left vacant by the recent passing of Clerk Larry Hopkins, which runs through November 2016. The clerk acts as the official keeper of township records and manages elections. It’s a full-time staff position as well as an elected member of the board of trustees. Qualified candidates must be at least 18-years-old, a U.S. citizen and a registered voter, and have been a Hartland Township resident for at least 30 days although property ownership is not required. Interested candidates should complete an application available on the township website and submit it along with a resume no later than January 18th. The board is looking to conduct interviews on January 20th, with possible follow-up interviews January 27th and asks that interested candidates be available after 5pm those days. The board will make the final appointment sometime after that. (JM)

Local Salvation Army Close to Reaching Campaign GoalLocal Salvation Army Close to Reaching Campaign Goal

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1/8/15 - The Salvation Army of Livingston County says although not out of the woods yet, they have reached 93% of the 2014 Red Kettle campaign goal. Envoy Prezza Morrison says they have about $24,000 left to go and are hoping to reach it with some extra community support. Morrison says while $362,000 could seem like a lot, the funds support the Salvation Army’s ongoing ministry throughout the entire year with food, shelter, clothing, energy and rental assistance, holiday activities, prescriptions, summer lunch bunch and programs for seniors. Some good news is how many people they were able assist this past year and Morrison says a big thank you is owed for everything the community has done so far. Morrison says by reaching the goal, they will be able to continue helping thousands in the community this year - adding those who choose to donate funds should bear in mind that they could actually be helping someone close to them or even a next door neighbor. As for the donation shortage, Morrison says everything went well, there were just some odds stacked against them right off the bat with the weather and not having all of the kettle locations filled. However, she noted an increase in the number of volunteers this year with a lot of groups, individuals and families that took time to ring a bell. Morrison spotlighted another local story of inspiration involving a South Lyon boy who collected and donated 75 coats. She says it’s been amazing to see all of the young people stepping up in the community and selflessly giving from their hearts simply because they know there’s a need and they want to help. Donations are being accepted toward the campaign through January 31st. Those wishing to donate online can do so at www.onlineredkettle.org. Donations can also be mailed to The Salvation Army of Livingston County P.O. Box 647 Howell, MI 48844. Individuals wishing to drop off donations can do so at the Corps community building at 503 Lake Street in Howell. (JM)

Road Commission: Ballot Proposal Would Bring Needed Revenue Road Commission: Ballot Proposal Would Bring Needed Revenue

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1/8/15 - The Livingston County Road Commission is working to promote a ballot proposal that has caused some controversy among Michigan voters. Lawmakers voted to put a proposal before voters in May that would replace the current gasoline and diesel fuel tax with a sales tax increase. Should the bill pass, the sales tax would rise to 7% and motor fuel tax would be eliminated on October 1st of 2015. It is estimated that the passing of this tax increase would bring $1.2 billion a year for distribution to road agencies and $300 million to the school aid fund. A $130 million increase is projected for the comprehensive transportation fund, which serves public transportation, and the constitutional revenue sharing payments to cities, villages, and townships would gain $95 million. Mike Craine, Director of the Livingston County Road Commission, tells WHMI this issue is difficult to present to voters, despite its many benefits. Craine says the Road Commission is planning partnership meetings with local schools and municipalities to demonstrate the necessity of the resources the tax increase would bring. He also believes voters will be more favorable of this bill if the Road Commission is able to identify what they plan to use the funds for in road improvements. As the proposal is relatively new and will be voted on within a few months, Craine says the Livingston County Road Commission needs to “do what they can” in the short amount of time to encourage the passing of the proposal. (DK)

School Closing for FridaySchool Closing for Friday

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All classes in all buildings for Stockbridge Community Schools and Williamston Community Schools, including the Kids' Corner, will be closed on Friday, January 9th.

Aboltionist Group Educates About Human Trafficking With FilmAboltionist Group Educates About Human Trafficking With Film

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1/9/15 - A local group of activists is working to end that they call modern day slavery. The Livingston County Abolitionist Project has dedicated their efforts to fight against human sex trafficking which not only occurs on a worldwide level, but also right in this area. LCAP meets at Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Brighton once a month and had a special presentation last evening. The group presented, “Chosen: An Anti-Trafficking Documentary” as January is Trafficking Awareness Month. The film depicts the true account of two girls’ experiences being trafficked, though they do not fit the typical stereotype many picture a victim as. Kim MacDonald, Executive Director of LCAP, tells WHMI information is key in preventing this problem from occurring. The event also hosted singer/songwriter Amy Savin, who works with the A-21 campaign. Savin was inspired to get involved two years ago and now uses her concerts and shows to spread awareness about A-21’s efforts to end human slavery. Savin tells WHMI the power of the truth encourages involvement. LCAP is working to implement the “Chosen” documentary into all schools in Livingston County and have their own booth at the farmer’s market in Brighton this year. (DK)

Fenton Police Seeking Tips On Hit-And-Run That Damaged PoleFenton Police Seeking Tips On Hit-And-Run That Damaged Pole

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1/9/14 - The public is being asked to contact the Fenton City Police Department with information regarding a hit-and-run accident that destroyed a festive light pole this week. At about 10:30 Wednesday morning, the department responded to an accident at the corner of Silver Lake Road and River Road. The collision left a nearby light pole on the ground. The vehicle involved was described as a pewter-colored Jeep Cherokee driven by a woman with no passengers. Witnesses say the car suffered heavy damage to the passenger side, had its rear passenger window shattered, and possibly deployed its airbags. It fled the scene westbound on Silver Lake Road. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fenton City Police Department at (810) 629-5311. (TD)

Meeting Held To Resolve Dispute Between Brighton BusinessesMeeting Held To Resolve Dispute Between Brighton Businesses

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1/9/15 - According to the Brighton city manager, a meeting Thursday with opposing sides over alleged site plan and ordinance violations was both productive and cordial. The meeting, between Dunnage Engineering President Jerry Joseph and Corrigan Oil President Mike Corrigan, was in regard to Joseph’s contention that some of the actions by Corrigan on and near the Advance Street light industrial area constitute ordinance and site plan violations. Joseph has complained that the crushed asphalt dust from the Corrigan property blows into his parking lot and is tracked by Corrigan trucks onto Advance and Second streets. He also says Corrigan trucks have worn down the pavement on Advance Street and that impounded vehicles were being stored at the site. He later submitted a list of alleged ordinance violations, including removing landmark trees without approval, applying crushed asphalt that does not meet city specs and not getting a certificate of occupancy for a new parking lot. Joseph also asserts that Corrigan should have obtained a special land use permit for the storage of oil in large tanker trucks. City Manager Dana Foster, in an e-mail to Joseph, said that according to city Planning and Zoning Director Amy Cyphert, there is no such designation as a "landmark" tree in the zoning ordinance and that the property owner can remove trees on his property upon receiving permission from the city manager. Foster also said that, unlike buildings, certificates of occupancy are not required in connection with parking lots. Foster added that a special land use permit is also not required for such activities as oil storage in districts zoned 1-B. Corrigan assured the city that he would submit a formal site plan for the Whitney St. parking lot and a revised site plan for the Corrigan Oil’s headquarters on Second St. in the near future. He also said that, granted site plan approval, he would complete the parking lot in conformance with the site plan during the 2015 construction season. Foster said that if Corrigan submits the site plan application by the Feb. 13th deadline, the matter will be on the City Planning Commission agenda for the March 16th meeting. Joseph and Corrigan could not be reached by WHMI for immediate comment. Photo courtesy of Google Street View. (TT/JK)

Howell Interim Superintendent Skeptical Of Switch From ACT to SAT Howell Interim Superintendent Skeptical Of Switch From ACT to SAT

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1/9/15 - The man currently serving as interim superintendent of Howell Public Schools says his first reaction to changes with state testing announced this week was total surprise. Dr. Jeremy Hughes, who previously served as deputy superintendent and chief academic officer with the Michigan Department of Education, says he knew alternatives were being examined but this appears major. All high school juniors in Michigan will take the SAT college entrance exam instead of the ACT starting in 2016. The state said the College Board, the administrator of the SAT, won a three-year contract worth $17.1 (M) million. Hughes says he has heard about the lower cost, which given the economy and funding situation is understandable, but he hopes that wasn’t the only motivation. Hughes remains worried about the transition because when you start giving a college entrance test to every student, there will be a corresponding drop in traditional scores. He says the ACT has essentially been used as a yardstick to measure the readiness of students for post-secondary education and there have been noticeable gains since 2008. He feels suddenly switching to something brand new will take another three, four or five years to gauge progress in getting kids ready for education beyond high school. Overall, he feels there have been too many changes in testing, which are confusing to teachers and schools. State officials said the College Board's bid was $15.4 (m) million less than the next bidder and was scored 10-percentage points higher by an evaluation committee of educators. ACT will continue to provide its job skills assessment for all high school students under a three-year, $12.2 million contract. The contracts still need final approval from the State Administrative Board. (JM)

Recycle Livingston Closes Again Due To Frigid WeatherRecycle Livingston Closes Again Due To Frigid Weather

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1/9/15 - The cold temperatures and associated wind chills are prompting a local recycling operation to close its doors again this weekend. The forecast for Saturday calls for windy, frigid conditions and as such, Recycle Livingston in Howell will be closed. The agency also had to close its doors on Wednesday due to the extreme weather, but officials say whenever questionable weather conditions exist, the safety of their volunteers comes first. They apologize for the inconvenience, but they are planning to be open next Wednesday, January 14th, weather permitting. They also remind residents that they have changed their Wednesday hours, which are now 10am to 4:30pm. (JK)

Crampo Re-Elected To Head Pinckney School BoardCrampo Re-Elected To Head Pinckney School Board

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1/9/15 - The officers for the Pinckney School Board for 2015 were sworn in at the board’s regular meeting last night. Michelle Crampo was chosen as school board president for the second year in a row. She says the past year has included challenges relating to finances and student enrollment, but the district has made the best of the situation and faced the issues head-on. She says she is grateful for the vote of confidence from her fellow school board members and looking forward to continue in her capacity. Former board president Anne Colone was once again chosen as the board’s vice-president, and Terri Bankes was once again named board treasurer. New to her position is Deb Reynolds, who is now the board’s secretary. She says she did not join the board planning to become the secretary, but she has experience working on other boards and is looking forward to the responsibility. Reynolds is also working on a committee that will handle marketing for the district. (TD)

Brighton School Board President ResignsBrighton School Board President Resigns

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1/9/15 - The president of the Brighton Board of Education says he submitted his formal letter of resignation, effective today. Nick Fiani was the youngest person ever elected to the board at 24-years-old and has served two years of a four-year term. In stepping down, Fiani says everything he desired for Brighton has already been accomplished and he’ll be seeking election to Livingston Educational Service Agency board. He noted elimination of the legacy deficit, the recent sale of the vacant Lindbom Elementary School and improvements in student achievement among other district wide accomplishments. During his time with the district, Fiani regularly butted heads with some board members and parents but also openly criticized LESA finances, the granting of a bonus to LESA staff, as well as the LESA board and Superintendent Dan Danosky. Since LESA seats are only open and up for election every two years, Fiani told WHMI he felt this would be an excellent time to seek election to that body as it may be time for new faces and perhaps some room for improvement. Fiani says Brighton has achieved great success and this is a great opportunity for him to oversee not only Brighton but all of the schools in Livingston County and share his experience and knowledge. There are five members on the LESA board, with each one historically representing one of the five local public school districts. The seat of board member Julie Hill is up for election this June, and she will be running for re-election. Interested candidates need only be a registered Livingston County voter and file a petition to run. Meanwhile, the Brighton Board of Education will need to appoint an individual to fill out the remainder of Fiani’s term lasting through December 2016. The school board selects its new officers at the beginning of each calendar year so a new president will be chosen during Monday night’s meeting. With recent changes in membership, some in the community felt it was unlikely Fiani would be re-elected president and that played a large role in his decision to step down. As for how the LESA election process works, each constituent school board delegates one member to cast a ballot for a candidate on its behalf, with majority ruling. That election is scheduled to take place the first Monday in June. (JM)

Howell High School Plans Financial Aid Help SessionsHowell High School Plans Financial Aid Help Sessions

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1/10/15 - Howell High School is planning two upcoming events to help students and parents navigate the college financial aid process. The first will be Financial Aid Night, which will take place on January 13th in the high school auditorium. That event will instruct 11th and 12th grade students and their parents on the various types of college financial aid that are available and how to apply for them. Then, on February 10th and 11th, the high school will host help sessions for seniors and their parents who plan to apply for federal student aid. The Free Application for FAFSA Help Nights will be held in rooms H-7 and H-13. Space is limited for both events, and those interested in attending are asked to make reservations by contacting the Howell High School Guidance Office. (TD)

Officials Encourage Residents To Care For Animals In Cold WeatherOfficials Encourage Residents To Care For Animals In Cold Weather

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1/10/14 - Dogs may enjoy playing in the snow, but Livingston County Animal Control is reminding residents that their four-legged friends need to be protected from the winter weather. Director Debbie Oberle says while wild animals can survive the frigid months outdoors, house pets are not accustomed to the cold and are less equipped to handle it. She says even with their protective coats animals can suffer the same problems as humans out in the cold, including hypothermia and overexposure. Residents should regularly check their animals for peeling skin or cracked, bleeding paws, which can be symptoms of these problems. Pets should have access to shelter and a warm bed, as well as extra food to help keep their body temperatures up in the cold. Oberle also warns that cats who are allowed to wander outside are likely to seek out the warmth of a car engine, and their owners should make sure their pets will not be injured when they start their vehicles. In addition to small pets, livestock like horses and cows needs some help surviving the frigid winter weather. Oberle says these animals need extra food in the winter to help keep their body temperatures up. She says one of the most prevalent problems with big animals is frozen water supplies. Livestock and small pets alike need access to liquid water to drink while outdoors, and most farm supply stores will have dishes that contain heating elements to prevent their drinking water from freezing. (TD)
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