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Brighton to Replace Old Streetlights with LED LightsBrighton to Replace Old Streetlights with LED Lights

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The city of Brighton will soon embark on replacement of 225 of its older street lights with modern, LED lights, in a joint project with DTE. The City Council Thursday night voted to proceed with the project, which City Manager Dana Foster says will save the city an estimated $20,000 a year in electricity costs. Foster tells WHMI the project involves replacing the existing mercury vapor and sodium vapor street lights in the commercial sectors of the city with the high-efficiency, longer-lasting LED lights. Although the city will be paying $80,000 for the streetlights, it will save a considerable amount once the original investment is recouped in a few years in energy savings. Although DTE is asking the Michigan Public Service Commission for a rate increase, Foster points out that the estimated savings are not based on current rates, but rather the new rates if approved by the state regulatory commission. Foster says the street lights to be switched to LED include those along the Grand River corridor and the southwest side of town. The proposed CIP program calls for all of the city’s nearly 700 street lights to be replaced with the more energy-efficient LED lights by the end of the 2017-18 fiscal year.(TT)

Burn Ban Declared in Green Oak TownshipBurn Ban Declared in Green Oak Township

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Dry conditions have led a local fire department to issue a burning ban until further notice. The Green Oak Township Fire Department instituted the ban due to increased fire risk. The department says the ban will be lifted only when conditions are favorable and there is enough moisture to suppress some of the dry conditions. As municipalities have different ordinances and burning regulations, residents should contact their local fire departments before attempting any open burns. (JM)

District Officials Work To Get Out Vote For Rec MillageDistrict Officials Work To Get Out Vote For Rec Millage

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Officials in the Pinckney Community School District are working to inform the public about the upcoming recreation millage proposal that will go before voters on May 5th. The point-3 mill tax would bring in about $312,000 per year, which the district would spend on costs associated with recreational facilities that are open to the public such as the swimming pool, ball fields, and playgrounds. A similar proposal was narrowly defeated in November, and Superintendent Rick Todd says supporters urged the district to try again in May. However, it could be a tough sell with a controversial tax increase from the state already on the ballot. Todd told the Pinckney Board of Education last night that officials in the district, as well as other municipal offices, have been talking to people in support of the millage. The district’s social media sites are also being used to inform residents about the millage and what it would support. Rather than try to change opponents into supporters, which would be unlikely in the time period they have, those promoting the millage have been trying to encourage those who would support it already to get out to the polls in May. Todd tells WHMI there would be no immediate negative repercussions if the bill does not pass, but it would be very helpful as the district works to get itself out of debt. (TD)

Hefty Sentence Handed Down In Oceola Home InvasionHefty Sentence Handed Down In Oceola Home Invasion

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An Allegan County man has been sentenced in connection with in an armed home invasion in Oceola Township last year. 18-year-old Cody James Debruyn of Shelbyville was sentenced Thursday to serve at least 22 years in prison for his part in the armed home invasion last June of a home on Hughes Road. DeBruyn was sentenced on 26 total counts, including home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, larceny in a building and felonious assault. For those he was given a 20-40 year sentence. He was also ordered to serve an additional two years for using a firearm to commit a felony. Police testified DeBruyn was at a cookout in Grand Rapids when co-defendants Richard Quam and Ronald Morrell began discussing trying to acquire $50,000 to start a business. That’s when DeBruyn mentioned he knew someone in Livingston County that was a drug dealer and would have lots of money, at which point Quam and Morrell began putting on camouflage and arming themselves with guns and knives. Police say the trio, along with Morrell’s 27-year-old wife Rebecca and their kids, then drove to the victim’s home. Mrs. Morrell and her kids are alleged to have waited in the car while the home invasion took place. Rebecca Morrell is accused of participating in the action through the use of a walkie-talkie. Her husband pleaded no contest to 26 charges against him and is set for a March 30th sentencing, while Mrs. Morrell is facing six charges in the case and is set for trial in April. Quam was previously sentenced to 15-40 years. (JK)

Local Private Schools Awarded State Grant Funds to Help Boost Safety Local Private Schools Awarded State Grant Funds to Help Boost Safety

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Some area schools will get a share of $4 (m) million in funding to boost school safety. Michigan State Police say more than 217,000 students will benefit from the safety improvements thanks to funding through the Competitive School Safety Grant Program. None of Livingston County’s public districts or charter schools were among the recipients but three private schools will receive some funding. Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran School in Hartland received the largest local award of approximately $48,000. St. Joseph Catholic School in Howell was given more than $12,700 and Cornerstone Christian School in Brighton will receive nearly $4,900. Another award of $566,244 went to the Washtenaw Intermediate Schools District. The money announced Friday will be used to purchase equipment and technology to improve the safety and security of school buildings, students and staff. Grant recipients have until September 15th to spend their awards. (JM)

County Increases Local Health Department FeesCounty Increases Local Health Department Fees

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The County Board of Commissioners passed two resolutions this past week, the first asking the state to improve funding to the Department of Public Health and the second increasing associated fees. The first resolution asserts that the Essential Local Public Health Services funding provided by the state to conduct mandated public health services has not only failed to keep up with the rate of inflation, but actually seen significant reductions over the past few years. While the Michigan Public Health Code of 1978 requires that local governments and the state share the cost of mandated services 50-50, local funds for mandated services now comprise more than 70% of that funding. Compounding the problem, a new state-mandated service took effect on January 1st requiring parents seeking vaccination waivers to be provided with educational material. The resolution asks the state to reinstate more than $2.5 million statewide to help pay for those services, including more than $25,000 in Livingston County alone. In the second resolution the county board approved a new fee schedule for the Department of Public Health aimed at compensating for the lack of appropriate state funding. This include increased fees for soil evaluation, sewage disposal and water supply permits, immunizations, and food service permits. Those new fees took effect on Wednesday. (TD)

Tanning Salon Owner to Serve Jail Time for Photographing Naked Customer Tanning Salon Owner to Serve Jail Time for Photographing Naked Customer

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The owner of a Hartland Township tanning salon charged with photographing an unclothed customer will spend time behind bars. 41-year-old Eric William Matlack of Hartland Township was sentenced to 90 days in the Livingston County Jail and five years of probation in court Thursday. He earlier pleaded no contest to a single count of capturing/distributing an image of an unclothed person following the incident August 9th. Matlack is the owner of Tan del Sol on M-59 and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department says he admitted to taking a photograph of an unclothed woman who had just finished a tanning session. Matlack allegedly stood on a chair in an adjacent room to take the photo with a cellphone, when the victim saw a flash and heard a click. Matlack’s attorney had sought to suppress his client’s initial conversation with a detective but Circuit Court Judge Miriam Cavanaugh later ruled his statement was admissible. In addition to the jail time and probation, Matlack will also be listed on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. (JM)

Howell Fire Marshal Les Rodwell Retires, Ready For Next ChapterHowell Fire Marshal Les Rodwell Retires, Ready For Next Chapter

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Friday afternoon was bittersweet for retiring Howell Fire Marshal and Deputy Chief Les Rodwell, who officially signed off while surrounded by a large group of family, friends and the local public safety community. There were jokes and laughter as Rodwell made his farewell call to 911 Central Dispatch, something sprung on him at the last minute. He said it has been a pleasure to serve the county and having dispatch telling him where to go. Rodwell, pictured on left with Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless, was honored for his 37 years of dedicated service during an open house at the department’s main station on Grand River. During the majority of that time, he also worked as a police officer with the Howell and Pinckney Departments, the latter of which he retired from last July. Rodwell says he’ll miss everyone but is looking forward to enjoying life. He told WHMI the community is in great hands and offered one final fire safety plug reminding residents to check their smoke alarms. Also during Friday’s open house, Rodwell was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the City of Howell and a special legislative tribute plaque for his service. Although he’s retiring, Rodwell expects he’ll stay busy as he still serves on a number of fire safety boards and committees. Photo Credit: Howell Area Fire Department Facebook Page (JM)

Five Candidates Seek Two Howell City Council Seats Five Candidates Seek Two Howell City Council Seats

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Five candidates with track records of community involvement have applied for two open seats on the Howell City Council. Council will conduct interviews Monday evening in the newly renovated lower level of Howell City Hall, starting at 5:30pm. The five candidates include Robert Ellis, a retired physician and U.S. Air Force Colonel who serves as the current treasurer of the Howell Downtown Development Authority Board; John Davis, a supply supervisor with the Michigan Department of Corrections and Logistic Specialist Chief with the U.S. Naval Reserves; Jan Lobur, a certified prevention specialist and educator with LACASA who previously served on the Howell school board; James Lewis who is the current manager of major giving with Detroit Public Television and Michael Mulvahill, the current vice president of the Howell DDA Board and a sales representative for a large landscape product distributor. The two vacancies follow the resignation of former Mayor Pro-Tem Al Schlittler at the last meeting, where Councilman Nick Proctor was also appointed mayor. Whoever is chosen to fill Proctor's former seat would serve until 2017 while the person appointed to fill Schlittler's seat would serve until the November election. Monday’s interviews are open to the public and it’s possible that Council could vote on the appointments during the regularly scheduled meeting to follow. It will start at 7pm or 10 minutes after the conclusion of the special meeting, whichever is later. (JM)

Former State Democratic Leader To Address Local PartyFormer State Democratic Leader To Address Local Party

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The former Michigan Democratic Party chairman turned political consultant will be talking about gerrymandering and redistricting reform during a local event this week. Mark Brewer, the former Michigan Democratic Party chairman of 18 years, will be speaking at the Livingston County Democratic Party’s monthly meeting on Thursday, March 26th. After stepping down from his role with as party chair in 2013, Brewer now works as a political consultant and lawyer focusing on election law with a Detroit-based firm. He’s expected to discuss redistricting reform in Michigan and gerrymandering, which is the process of dividing or manipulating election districts so as to favor one political party. Redistricting is currently handled by the state legislature, meaning lawmakers are responsible for drawing new maps. Next Thursday’s program will start at 7pm at the Hamburg Township Library on Merrill Road and a meeting of the party's executive committee will follow. For more information, contact the Livingston County Democratic Party. (JM)

Drain Commission Seeking Lower-Cost Project On Lake TyroneDrain Commission Seeking Lower-Cost Project On Lake Tyrone

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The Livingston County Drain Commission is proposing a revised design for sewer improvements on Lake Tyrone that would reduce the cost, impact, and risk of the project. The State of Michigan has informed local officials that the sewer system on the lake will soon exceed acceptable levels of phosphorous and nitrate. After considering on-site treatment, the drain commission eventually decided to connect the system to a pump station on Clyde Road and send the waste to Linden for treatment. However, when bids for the project came in recently, they were much higher than originally projected. Drain Commissioner Brian Jonckheere says this is common in a recovering economy, especially if there has been a long gap between the engineering and bidding processes. To help address this disparity, the drain commission is now planning a revised process for connection that involves more lateral drilling, which would greatly reduce the surface-level disturbance and decrease the amount by which the cost exceeds estimates. This plan would also reduce the risk for the contractors by minimizing the amount of work being done near the lake’s edge. The revised project is estimated to cost about $2.4 million, and work could begin in October. Residents have previously expressed opposition to the project, since they would be required to fund the work through an SAD even though the sewer system is currently working just fine. (TD)

Prison Ordered For Fowlerville Man Convicted In Robbery SpreePrison Ordered For Fowlerville Man Convicted In Robbery Spree

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The Fowlerville man who police say went on a robbery spree last September has been sentenced to prison. 38-year-old Brian Thompson McCollum of Fowlerville was ordered to spend between 9 and 25 years behind bars for his earlier guilty plea to two counts of armed robbery. McCollum admitted using a toy gun to rob the Countryway Party Store in Iosco Township and Angelo’s Party Store near Howell on September 24th. His attorney argued that his client’s life spiraled out of control after he became addicted to pain medications from a bout of back pain a couple of years ago. Police say the spree began earlier that same day in Webberville when McCollum held up the Webberville Village Drug Store. He was sentenced to a 7 to 25 year prison term last month in Ingham County on that charge. (JK)

Livingston County Diaper Drive Set To Go In April Livingston County Diaper Drive Set To Go In April

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A month-long collection drive to help ensure infants and toddlers in Livingston County don’t go without one of their most basic necessities will kick off in April. The Great Start Livingston Parent Coalition will host the 5th annual county-wide diaper drive in which donations of un-opened disposable diapers of any size will be collected at various sites throughout the month of April. The coalition is made up of parents committed to improving the lives of local children and the drive is one way it has committed to helping meet the needs of the community’s youngest learners. Great Start Parent Liaison and Diaper Drive Coordinator Sarah Smith says more local families are relying on federal programs to get by but diapers are a very expensive basic need, and one that federal programs don’t cover. Gleaners Community Food Bank serves as the major distributor of the diapers and Smith tells WHMI the inventory of 19,000 collected last year was used up in less than two months. In addition to a number of community partners, the Brighton, Hartland and Howell libraries will have drop-off bins. Businesses or organizations willing to serve as collection sites are needed throughout the month of April to collect diapers and/or monetary donations. Further details are available in the attachment. (JM)

Local High School Robotics Team Returns To Search For MIA'sLocal High School Robotics Team Returns To Search For MIA's

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A team of 10 students from Stockbridge High School will be taking its two robotic submarines to a small island nation in the western Pacific Ocean to help search the sea for missing servicemen from World War II. The Stockbridge Advanced Underwater Robotics Team will be visiting the Republic of Palau for the fourth year in a row as part of the nonprofit Bent Prop Project. The team will partner with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography to identify underwater target sites where remotely-operated robotic submarines will search for the remains of World War II servicemen who are classified as missing-in-action. One of the Stockbridge robots is the Open ROV, which is sold commercially, but the other was designed and engineered by the robotics team with off-the-shelf electronics and personal modifications. The Bent Prop Project is designed to give the students real-world experience with their devices while reclaiming pieces of history. (JK)

Howell Fire Chief & Wife Win Local Celebrity Dance CompetitionHowell Fire Chief & Wife Win Local Celebrity Dance Competition

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Livingston County Catholic Charities celebrated its 30th year of operation at its annual Salute to the Stars and Celebrity Dance Competition this weekend with a win by a local fire chief and his wife. The event featured four dance teams of local celebrities who performed dance routines at the event held Saturday at Cleary University’s Johnson Center. Three judges, including last year’s winning team, determined the overall winners for this year to be Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless and his wife LuAnn, who also won the fan favorite award, which featured online videos of the couples dancing in which the public could cast a vote for their favorite for a $5 donation. The online voting for all four couples alone raised $2,820. Saturday’s event also featured an awards ceremony where Catholic Charities recognized long-time volunteer Barbara Lynch and the Pregnancy Help Clinic, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. All proceeds will go toward substance abuse prevention programs offered to local people through LCCC. (JK)

Livingston County's January Jobless Rate Up Slightly Livingston County's January Jobless Rate Up Slightly

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Livingston County’s unemployment rate held mostly steady from December to January. Typical jobless rate increases and seasonal payroll job reductions were recorded in January according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Local and regional jobless figures were released recently and revealed that all of Michigan’s 83 counties recorded unemployment rate increases in January. Livingston County’s individual unemployment rate increased just slightly by one tenth of a percentage point to 6%. However, Livingston County’s overall ranking among other counties was much improved over the month, jumping to 17 from 38. Additionally, data shows positive trends over the year. The state says unemployment rates since January 2014 have declined in every metropolitan area and county in Michigan, while payroll jobs rose in every metro region. (JM)

Fenton Gets Set To Kick Off Streetscape ProjectFenton Gets Set To Kick Off Streetscape Project

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Officials say big, beautiful changes are on the way to downtown Fenton and the public is being invited to weigh in during an informational meeting this week. The City of Fenton Downtown Development Authority will hold an informational meeting this Wednesday updating the public on the large-scale 2015 Downtown Streetscape Project. Assistant City Manager Michael Burns, who also serves as executive director of the Downtown Development Authority, says they’ve been planning for this project since late 2010 and are finally ready to begin construction. It will update the look of the downtown district and work should start the first week of April. Burns tells WHMI the contractor and engineers will be available during to give a general overview of the project and how it will be staged. Work should start in April and be completed in November. Beginning today and lasting through Wednesday, crews will be on site to begin placing barrels and detour signs in the construction zone south of the Shiawassee River. They will also do some necessary exploratory excavation in the area but there will not be lane closures at this time. Burns encourages business owners in the downtown district and residents around that area to attend Wednesday’s meeting, as there will be traffic issues to deal with during the project. It will be held at 6:30pm in council chambers at Fenton City Hall. Additional Downtown Fenton Streetscape Project information is available through the link below. (JM/JK)

Proposal Would Create Bus Routes Between Ann Arbor & BrightonProposal Would Create Bus Routes Between Ann Arbor & Brighton

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While debate continues over establishing commuter rail service between Ann Arbor and Howell, there’s a new plan that could create bus routes between Ann Arbor and Brighton. Saying traffic congestion on U.S. 23 between Brighton and Ann Arbor has reached unacceptable levels during morning and evening peak periods, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority voted 7-1 last week in favor of a resolution saying that if three conditions are met, the authority will provide bus routes that could take Livingston County residents down to Ann Arbor and back. As stated in the resolution, the three conditions are funding beyond current sources to build and maintain a park-and-ride lot along U.S. 23, the availability of funding to operate the service at a market-based fare that will foster ridership, and provisions for express buses to have the ability to bypass traffic congestion so the service will be reliable and competitive with travel by car. The resolution comes as Michigan Department of Transportation prepares to implement a $76 million project on US-23 north of Ann Arbor that would utilize an active traffic management system to add an additional lane for priority traffic by the end of 2017. The proposed bus route would then conceivably be able to then use that lane. One of the conditions appears to already have been met as MDOT has offered to provide the land and money to build a park-and-ride lot, likely near the county line, if the authority operates it. The bus plan comes amid ongoing efforts to establish similar service using passenger rail cars between Ann Arbor and Howell. (JK)

Businesses Sought To Participate In Annual Job FairBusinesses Sought To Participate In Annual Job Fair

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Businesses hoping to gain exposure and connect with potential employees at an annual job fair have just a few days left to take part. Employers interested in participating and wishing to take full advantage of the 2015 Livingston Regional Job Fair’s promotional efforts have until this Thursday, March 26th to register. The event is again sponsored by the Livingston County Michigan Works agency and will take place Thursday, April 16th from 3-7pm at the Crystal Gardens banquet center in Genoa Township. Previously the fair had been held during the mid-day, but organizers say the new time will make it easier to attract all job-seekers, even those currently employed. Last year, more than 50 employers recruited candidates in manufacturing, retail, banking, insurance, real estate, health care, and information technology. More information can be found through the link below. (JK)

Charges Authorized in Traffic Crash That Killed Hamburg Police SergeantCharges Authorized in Traffic Crash That Killed Hamburg Police Sergeant

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Charges have been filed against a local man involved in an accident that claimed the life of a Hamburg Township Police Sergeant. Livingston County Prosecutor William Vailliencourt announced today that his office has filed charges against Steven Mark Kelty of Oceola Township as a result of an investigation by the Michigan State Police. Sergeant Jim Sanderson was killed in the traffic crash that occurred at the intersection of Latson Road and Figurski Drive in Genoa Township September 26th. Kelty has been charged with one count of driving while license suspended causing death and one count of operating a motor vehicle with the presence of a schedule one substance causing death. The criminal complaint identifies that controlled substance as marijuana. Kelty has also been charged as a third time habitual offender and had prior operating while intoxicated convictions in 2002 and 1995. Kelty is in custody and was expected to be arraigned in the 53rd District Court later today. (JM)
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