A wide variety of community investments were announced as part of the Livingston County United Wayâs budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Of the investments approved for the fiscal year beginning July 1st, more than half are in the form of contributions to local partner organizations for services they provide to Livingston County residents. Community Investments Director Donna Gehringer says this represents a big departure from the old system of funding programs, and dozens of volunteers worked for hundreds of hours to determine how best to distribute the money. Among the new investments for the United Way is an eviction diversion pilot through the Homeless Continuum of Care, which provides one-time rent assistance dollars to those who will have trouble staying in their homes. Gehringer tells WHMI programs previously sponsored by the United Way will return as well, including the Livingston Promise, which provides scholarships to at-risk children to attend preschool, as well as a home-repair workshop to teach local homeowners how to cut down on their energy bills. More information on how the United Way is spending its investment dollars can be found by following the link below. (TD)
United Way Announces Community Investments For Coming Fiscal YearUnited Way Announces Community Investments For Coming Fiscal Year
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Tragic Events at South Carolina Church Spur Benefit Concert in Brighton Tragic Events at South Carolina Church Spur Benefit Concert in Brighton
The community will come together tomorrow night to pray and sing in remembrance of those slain during a senseless massacre at a Charleston, South Carolina church. Peaceful demonstrators descended on downtown Charleston by the hundreds today to form a heart chain in honor of the nine parishioners slain one week ago at the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Federal authorities are investigating the shooting at the historic black church as a hate crime and two public defenders were appointed today for the suspect. In light of the tragic events, concerned citizens of the Brighton community are coming together with hearts filled with love and sponsoring a benefit concert at the St. James AME Church on Old US-23. The concert will begin at 7pm Thursday under the direction and guidance of the Pastor Reverend Yolanda Whiten. Various performers are scheduled to take the stage and prayers will be offered. Donations will also be accepted to assist the families of those slain. Everyone is welcome and details are available in the attached flyer. (JM)
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D-19 Fully Re-Opens to Traffic at I-96 in HowellD-19 Fully Re-Opens to Traffic at I-96 in Howell
After more than two weeks, D-19 has re-opened at I-96 in Howell, with traffic repositioned for the next phase south of the freeway. The closure was put in place June 8th, resulting in lengthy detours for local motorists. D-19 opened around mid-day and the westbound I-96 off-ramp re-opened around 3pm after crews finished up some electrical work and rewired the traffic signal. The work was part of the first stage of the D-19 improvement project and was completed on schedule despite some rain according to Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine. Crews removed and realigned existing pavement, constructed a center left turn lane for northbound traffic and then widened the road a bit. Craine says theyâve now put southbound D-19 traffic onto a temporary lane and basically slid traffic from the south side of the freeway over to the west, near the Best Western and Bellaâs Market. He says that will allow crews to work on the opposite east side of the road and begin building a center left turn lane in the Schroeder Park Drive and old Pinckney Road area. That stage will take approximately five to six weeks - with traffic shifted for roughly three weeks on each side if the weather cooperates. Craine tells WHMI first theyâll rebuild the east side, followed by the west side and there will be no more road closures but a lot of flag control. It will be a strictly enforced 25mph work zone and there will also be an increased police presence in the area during the construction. The final phase of the project will involve milling and repaving D-19 down to Parker Middle School. (JM)
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Water Service Repairs Could Cause Traffic Issues In Brighton Saturday Water Service Repairs Could Cause Traffic Issues In Brighton Saturday
Some traffic issues are possible early Saturday in Brighton due to water service repairs. The city advises that both eastbound and westbound traffic on Grand River will be reduced to one lane between Cross Street and Liberty Street from midnight through 10am Saturday, June 27th. The city cautions that certain intermediate vehicular traffic inconveniences may occur during that time. The closure is needed so the Cityâs contractor and Utilities Department personnel can make repairs to a water service. (JM)
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Howell Board of Education Accepting Applications For Vacant Board SeatHowell Board of Education Accepting Applications For Vacant Board Seat
The Howell Public Schools Board of Education is accepting applications to fill a vacant seat. The Board is looking to fill the spot vacated by Michael Moloney following his resignation earlier this week. Interested candidates need to be at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of the Howell school district. To apply, an âInterest in Board Vacancy Formâ or a brief letter of intent for candidacy must be hand delivered to the Board of Education office no later than 3pm Friday, July 3rd. Upon delivery, candidates will receive a set of detailed qualifying questions which must be returned by July 10th. The Board will narrow the field down during its regular meeting on Monday, July 13th, and invite selected candidates back for an interview during a special meeting on July 20th. The Board will vote on an appointment at that time and the selected individual will serve the for the remainder of Moloneyâs term, which ends December 31st, 2016. For a copy of the application form, visit HowellSchools.com or attached here.(MK)
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Pinckney Free Clinic Celebrates Verizon GrantPinckney Free Clinic Celebrates Verizon Grant
A student-led clinic in Pinckney is bringing health education to the public through technology, as part of a grant they received from the Verizon Foundation. Representatives from Verizon came to the Student Run Free Clinic yesterday to see the fruition of the $30,000 grant. The clinic is volunteer-based and run by University of Michigan medical students and their professors. Leaders at the clinic used the grant to purchase four iPads and two laptops, and then create an informational health education website. Verizon Wireless Major Account Manager Dan Hiramanek says the project is âamazingâ. He shared with the eventâs attendees why the studentâs efforts are paramount. The website addresses several issues in video format that patients expressed an interest in. For continuityâs sake, the stars of the videos are clinic physicians themselves and provide education on insurance and mental and physical health. Dean of the University of Michiganâs Medical School, Dr. James Woolliscroft, came to the studentâs reveal as well. He tells WHMI the clinic is unique in its leaders and demographic. Dr. Brent Williams, Clinic Physician and Advisory Board Member, says the students have shown determination since the projectâs beginning. He says the self-proclaimed âTeam Verizonâ has taken advantage of millennial status and being among a working class community. âTeam Verizonâ is hoping to officially launch the website by this Saturday. Medical students pictured from left; Ethan Scott, Briam Stamm, Jamie-Josh Peterson, Molly Laux. Picture courtesy of Julia Ruth Brennan. (DK)
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LESA Weighing Special Education Millage In NovemberLESA Weighing Special Education Millage In November
A special education millage proposal is being considered for the November ballot in Livingston County. The Livingston Educational Service Agency will be gauging support from local school districts over the next month to determine if there is support to proceed with a Headlee Restoration Millage on the ballot. It would essentially allow LESA to capture lost revenue from the Headlee Amendment and bring it back up to the 1988 level. Any proceeds would go directly to local school districts toward the cost of special education. LESA has lost over one mill due to the Headlee Rollback, which equates to a little over $7 (m) million. If restored, that would cover about half of their unfunded special education costs. However, the resolution has prompted LESA critic and former Brighton School Board President Nick Fiani to question the need for a millage increase, suggesting again that LESAâs fiscal house was not in order. LESA Superintendent Dan Danosky insists the agency is fiscally sound, and told WHMI the budget for the upcoming fiscal year included an extra allocation to help local districts cover their special education costs. An EPIC MRA poll was also conducted in early June and revealed that 58% of likely Livingston County voters would vote yes. The LESA board is considering proceeding with millage, but only if there is unanimous support by all five local school districts in Livingston County. LESA is looking for official action from each of the districts before the board acts on August 5th. (JM/JK)
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Livingston County Finance Committee Approves Sewer BondLivingston County Finance Committee Approves Sewer Bond
Despite complaints from residents along Woodland Lake that the system is much too large and costly; the Livingston County Finance Committee approved a resolution pledging its full faith and credit for refunding bonds. Commissioner Steve Williams voted against the resolution, saying he wants to see documentation that the township is pursuing new users to the system and that it is able to pay for the the system the county is giving its backing for. About a half-dozen residents from Woodland Lake were on hand at the early morning meeting Wednesday to try to persuade the commission not to pass the resolution, which would lower the interest rate on an $8 million bond by just over 2%. The residentsâ concerns were more that Brighton Township hadnât followed through on promises made and that their assessments had continued to rise upwards of 500% over the last 13 years. Committee chairman Don Parker says he sympathizes and can empathize with the residents of Woodland Lake, but at issue is paying the bond. Parker says the county pledges their full faith and credit, so it is in everyone's best interest to approve the bond and reduce the interest rate. Parker also says if the county is going to try to affect policy change they need to get out of the full faith and credit business. Five of the 8 commissioners present voted to pass the resolution refunding the sewer bond. Along with Williams, Commissioners Gary Childs and Bill Green voted no. The resolution will go before the full board for passage on July 6th at 7 pm. (DS)
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First Aid, CPR & AED Training Event Planned For Next MonthFirst Aid, CPR & AED Training Event Planned For Next Month
A local nonprofit will host full first aid and CPR training at its Howell headquarters next month. The training will be held on Tuesday, July 14th from 6pm to 10pm at the Child Connect for Family Success building, located on 2710 E. Grand River. The event will include training in first aid, CPR, and operating an automated external defibrillator. The cost is $50 per person. Research-based education and training is part of the mission statement for Child Connect, which also focuses on providing resources to young children and their families in the area. For more information on how to register for the training program, call (517) 548-9112. (TD)
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Civil War Soldier From Brighton Gets New HeadstoneCivil War Soldier From Brighton Gets New Headstone
An area Civil War veteran has received a headstone to honor his memory. John Sylvan Prosser grew up in Brighton during the mid-1800âs before enlisting with his cousin in the 20th Michigan Infantry, fighting for the Union Army. He was fatally wounded at the Battle of Spotsylvania in Virginia and died a day before his 21st birthday in 1864, being buried on the battlefield. The Brighton Historical Society discovered there was no headstone for Prosser at the battlefield or at the Old Village Cemetery in Brighton where his immediate family rests. They came into contact with a great-great-nephew from Denver and together through the Department of Veteran Affairs were able to install a brand-new headstone in his memory at the Brighton cemetery between his parents and sister. Jim Vichich, President of the Brighton Historical Society, tells WHMI that he believes it is important to remember the sacrifices of the men and women who enlist. The Brighton Historical Society is hoping to hold a dedication event on Veteranâs Day for the Civil War soldiersâ headstones they are repairing this summer. They host a headstone rebuilding event on the fourth Monday of every month from June through October starting at 9am. For more information or to volunteer to help, contact Jim Vichich at 517-304-7722. (MK)
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Health Assessment Will Help County Officials Plan Future ActionHealth Assessment Will Help County Officials Plan Future Action
Livingston County is relatively healthy, but still has room for improvement, according to a survey released this week. A joint venture of the County Department of Public Health, Michigan State University, and a variety of local nonprofits, the 2014 Community Health Assessment surveyed hundreds of local residents. Similar surveys are conducted regularly every 4-5 years. The questions asked focused on the residentsâ health, risk factors, behaviors, and access to medical care. The information gathered will help the DPH develop a community health improvement plan, which will help coordinate public health efforts between local organizations. That plan should be completed by December. In general, Livingston Countyâs health assessment compared favorably to Michigan and the nation as a whole, but that does not mean there is no room for improvement. According to the survey, 27% of Livingston County is obese, 10% of adults are heavy drinkers, and 26% of adults engage in binge drinking. Additionally, almost 20% of the adult population of the county smokes, including 42% of those without insurance. Livingston County also has about 40% fewer doctors per person than the rest of the state. The full assessment can be viewed at the DPH website. (TD)
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Prison Ordered For Whitmore Lake Man In Arson CasePrison Ordered For Whitmore Lake Man In Arson Case
A Whitmore Lake man accused of burning down a South Lyon home has been sentenced to prison. 24-year-old David William Luark pleaded no contest to one count of second-degree arson for allegedly setting the fire that destroyed a home on University Avenue. He was sentenced last week to serve between 9 and 30 years behind bars, with credit for 172 days already served. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $10,000. South Lyon Police say Luark, who is the ex-boyfriend of a 21-year-old woman who lived in the house, was drunk when he was dropped off at the house and invited to sleep on the couch by the womanâs brother, who was a friend. The brother reportedly awoke around 1am to find Luark smashing the family television, and left the home to call the police. The house was on fire by the time they arrived. Luark barricaded himself inside his own home for about three hours before surrendering to police. The house was completely destroyed in the fire and two dogs were killed. (TD)
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Supreme Court Upholds Nationwide Health Care Law SubsidiesSupreme Court Upholds Nationwide Health Care Law Subsidies
The Supreme Court today upheld the nationwide tax subsidies under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, in a ruling that preserves health insurance for millions of Americans. The justices said in a 6-3 ruling that the subsidies that 8.7 million people currently receive to make insurance affordable do not depend on where they live, under the 2010 health care law, officially known as the Affordable Care Act, but more commonly referred to as Obamacare. The outcome is the second major victory for Obama in politically charged Supreme Court tests of his most significant domestic achievement. Local reaction to todayâs ruling is, unsurprisingly, breaking along party lines. Republican Congressman Mike Bishop, who represents the 8th District which includes Livingston County, issued a statement that said while the âruling leaves the subsidies intact, itâs clear Obamacare has become more about policy technicalities than affordable, patient-centered care.â He said Republicans will continue fighting what he called âan unsustainable law.â Dan Wholihan, who heads up the Livingston County Republican Party, said he couldnât comment specifically about the decision until he read it in full, but did say that at a minimum the individual mandate needs to be repealed. On the other side is Judy Daubenmeier, head of the Livingston County Democratic Party. She called the ruling a, âhuge victory for all health care consumers in Americaâ that preserves the subsidies for 228,000 Michigan residents who bought insurance on the federal exchange â including about 16,000 in the 8th Congressional District. She hoped it would end what she called âthe frivolous legal challengesâ to the Affordable Care Act. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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Howell High Robotics Students Plan Unique FundraiserHowell High Robotics Students Plan Unique Fundraiser
A unique fundraising event will take place next month to help sponsor the expansion of the Howell High School robotics team. The SCOTS BOTS Team 4776 competes for Howell every year at the FIRST Robotics Competition. The team is hoping to expand in the coming school year, and to pay for the extra overhead it will be hosting the Robotics Quartermania Fundraiser at the Howell American Legion Post on July 18th. The event is part raffle, part auction, and part bingo, with participants bidding on prizes using numbered paddles, raffle balls, and quarters. The prizes donated by various businesses include a $500 voucher for Norwegian Cruise Lines, water park passes, NASCAR tickets, and gift cards. Paddles can be purchased at the door for $5 apiece or $10 for three. Complementary food will also be provided. For more information, follow the link on our website. (TD)
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Cleary University Announces New PresidentCleary University Announces New President
A local university has named its new president. Jayson M. Boyers, vice president and managing director of continuing professional studies at Champlain College in Vermont, has been selected by the Board of Trustees as the next president of Cleary University. The 43-year-old Boyers will succeed Thomas Sullivan, who is retiring as president of Cleary University in October after 26 years at the helm. Boyers, whose hire is effective October 1st, will become the tenth president in Cleary University's 132-year history. Raymond E. King III, chair of the Cleary University Board of Trustees, said Sullivan gave Cleary stability and direction and they feel Boyers will continue that positive momentum. âCleary's academic offerings continue to grow, the campus continues to grow with the new apartment complex, our international program has expanded our educational reach and intercollegiate athletics have transformed our University and helped it thrive. We look forward to seeing how Jayson will take us forward." Boyers said that, "Cleary University's historic connection to business and career position it to transform communities, industries, and student's lives through a business focused education. He believes Cleary could have a âmajor impact in the talent development and economic strategy of this state and the Great Lakes region." In the press release announcing his selection, it was noted that Boyers had helped Champlain College attain the largest new fall enrollment in five years and increased overall total enrollment from 600 to more than 1,100 active students in his first 18 months. In addition to a Master of Leadership Development degree and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Liberal Studies, Boyers is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University with an expected completion in 2016. (JK)
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Brighton Church Holds Benefit Service For Charleston Victims' FamiliesBrighton Church Holds Benefit Service For Charleston Victims' Families
The recent massacre in Charleston has led local residents to take action. A white gunman opened fire during a prayer meeting at the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina last week. Nine were killed in what is being investigated as a hate crime. The St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Brighton held a service last night in honor of those affected by the shooting. All were welcomed by Pastor Reverend Yolanda Whiten to join in prayer, worship and find peace as a community. St. James is the only African Methodist Episcopal Church in Livingston County and is a part of the same organization as the Mother Emanuel Church. Pastor Whiten felt a call to aid the sister church, which led to the benefit service. Several pastors attended the service and prayed for the nationâs youth, healing, forgiveness and the lives torn apart. Pastor Whiten tells WHMI she was overwhelmed by those who gathered and connected. Various performers led songs of praise and offerings were gathered. All donations collected at the service will be used to assist the families of the victims. Referring to the shooter, who is currently in custody, Pastor Whiten says she âcanât imagine the pain and torment that someone must be in at 21 years oldâ to commit such a crime. (DK)
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U of M Law Clinic To Defend Joshua Burns During AppealU of M Law Clinic To Defend Joshua Burns During Appeal
A clinic dedicated to defending those it believes were wrongly convicted joined the fight to free a Brighton man convicted of 2nd degree child abuse. Joshua Burns is currently serving a one-year sentence in the Livingston County Jail after being found guilty of abuse based, in part, on the testimony of medical professionals who said the injuries on his daughter Naomi were consistent with child abuse. The Michigan Innocence Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School has chosen to represent Burns during his appeal process. The Michigan Innocence Clinic has litigated several cases involving alleged child abuse based on the shaken baby syndrome diagnosis, including one in which they were able to get the defendant exonerated. Clinic director David Moran says he does not think the medical experts were acting with malice when they testified against Burns, but simply working on outdated science. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Maura Campbell says her department cannot say much about the case at this time, and Burnsâ fate is in the hands of the court. She did point out that her department relied on the opinions of medical professionals to make all of its determinations. The Michigan Innocence Clinic has made a motion to have Burns released from custody pending his appeal. Moran says the appeals process can take years, and it would be unfair for him to serve out his entire sentence when his guilt is still being questioned. That motion will be heard by Judge Miriam Cavanaugh on July 2nd. (TD)
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Major Cuts Result In A Balanced And Approved Budget For Howell SchoolsMajor Cuts Result In A Balanced And Approved Budget For Howell Schools
The Howell Public Schoolsâ Board of Education has unanimously approved and adopted the districtâs proposed budget for the upcoming year. Interim Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Hughes says reducing the 2015-2016 budget has been a âdifficult processâ but was finally possible. The $1.6 million dollar budget reduction came from eliminating staff in what the Interim Superintendent calls a âpeople businessâ. Seven classroom teaching positions were removed and the district is taking advantage of retirements. Dr. Hughes tells WHMI a large cut came from transportation for schools sports. Custodial changes were made along with the adjustment to transportation. The Director of Operations for Howell Public Schools has moved on to the Plymouth Canton district and Dr. Hughes says the position has not yet been filled. Utilizing two employees from other departments, he says the current situation is âexperimentalâ but also cost saving. Dr. Hughes says all of this âtightening upâ is what resulted in balance. The proposed budget was passed on Monday at Dr. Hughes last meeting as Interim Superintendent. He says he has fallen in love with the district and admires itsâ hard workers. (DK)
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Driver Involved in Hit &Run Pedestrian Crash Sought By Police Driver Involved in Hit &Run Pedestrian Crash Sought By Police
Local authorities are asking for the publicâs help in locating the driver involved in a hit and run pedestrian crash late Thursday night in Genoa Township. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department reports that a 45-year-old man was struck by a passing vehicle while jogging down Brighton Road near Timber Bend Drive around 11pm. The victimâs identity is not yet being released in order to allow him time to make contact with his family. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI the department is asking that the responsible driver or potential witnesses come forward but they could also use some assistance from the public. He says they ask anyone who notices a vehicle that sits a bit higher off the ground, probably a truck or van, with a smashed out mirror to contact the department. Murphy says heâs hoping that whoever struck the individual didnât realize it was a human being and mistakenly thought they hit a tree branch or something. Murphy says fortunately, the man is expected to make a full recovery and they were able interview him today. He says the victimâs arm was well shattered and he sustained significant injuries but they are not believed to be life threatening at this point. Further details about the incident can be found in the attached press release.(JM)
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Supreme Court Strikes Down Gay Marriage Bans; Affirms The Right In All 50 StatesSupreme Court Strikes Down Gay Marriage Bans; Affirms The Right In All 50 States
The Supreme Court declared today that same-sex couples have a right to marry anywhere in the United States. Gay and lesbian couples already can marry in 36 states and the District of Columbia. The courtâs 5-4 ruling means the remaining 14 states, including Michigan, will have to stop enforcing their bans on same-sex marriage. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion, just as he did in the courtâs previous three major gay rights cases dating back to 1996. âNo union is more profound than marriage,â Kennedy wrote, joined by the courtâs four more liberal justices. Meanwhile, two nurses who challenged Michigan's same-sex marriage prohibition are celebrating the ruling. April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse told reporters in Ann Arbor shortly after the ruling was released that it's a good day in history. DeBoer and Rowse initially went to court to win the right to jointly adopt each other's children, not to confront Michigan's ban on gay marriage. They say their children will come to understand the importance of the Supreme Court's ruling. Dan Wholihan, head of the Livingston County Republican Party said that while there are varying opinions about gay marriage within the GOP, the U.S. Supreme Court âis not supposed to be a legislative body. An issue like this should fall under the political question doctrine and should have been decided by legislative bodies and/or ballot initiatives and not the courts.â Judy Daubenmier, head of the Livingston County Democratic Party reacted to the decision by saying, "Marriage should be available to all couples who love each other, whether of the same or different sex, and I am so happy that today the U.S. Supreme Court recognized that being able to marry is a fundamental right. All Americans deserve to share in the legal, emotional, and social benefits of marriage." She added that the "minority justicesâ claim that this ruling is a threat to democracy is ridiculous. Expanding rights to a group of people long denied them does not threaten anybody elseâs rights. Religious groups can still refuse to recognize these marriages, just as some of them refuse to recognize marriages between divorced people, and they will not be compelled to perform these marriages." However, Michigan's Roman Catholic bishops say the decision will have a ripple effect on the right to religious liberty. They say the Catholic church will continue to teach that marriage "is and can only be the union of one man and one woman." The bishops, which include Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron, say the decision marks a "profound legal turning point." The statement released by the Michigan Catholic Conference also is from bishops in Lansing, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Marquette and Gaylord. The ruling will not take effect immediately because the court gives the losing side roughly three weeks to ask for reconsideration. But some state officials and county clerks might decide there is little risk in issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. (AP)
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