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Anti-Drug Run Seeks Volunteers and Runners To Sign UpAnti-Drug Run Seeks Volunteers and Runners To Sign Up

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Volunteers are needed for the Livingston County Community Alliance’s upcoming 5k fundraiser. The Livingston County Community Alliance will hold its 12th annual Run Against Drugs 5k and kids’ run on August 29th. The event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the LCCA, and all of the proceeds will go toward programs to fight substance abuse in Livingston County. Much of the money raised will actually go back into the community in the form of mini-grants awarded to youth projects to fight substance abuse. Registration to run in the 5k is open, but organizers are also putting out the call for volunteers to help out. Pinckney Coalition Coordinator Amy Johnston says they are needed for guiding runners, directing traffic, helping with the kids’ run, serving food, and providing general help throughout the event. Those interested in helping out or signing up for the 5k race can contact the Livingston County Community Alliance at livingston.community.alliance@gmail.com or by calling Kaitlin Fink at 517-545-5944. More information can also be found by following the link below. (TD)

Brighton City Council Delays Enforcing New Parking RulesBrighton City Council Delays Enforcing New Parking Rules

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The Brighton City Council has decided to delay enforcing new parking rules after hearing a report from Downtown Development Authority and Community Development Director Matt Modrack. The second and final reading of the ordinance was to have taken place Thursday night and the new parking ordinance was supposed to take effect on August 1. However, Modrack told council that “the stakeholders” in the community need to be more familiarized with the program, and additional public education needs to be done for everyone who parks downtown: shoppers, diners, business owners and employees. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI that council concurred with Modrack’s recommendation, and the matter will be brought back to council for consideration next spring. The ordinance would set time limits for specific areas of downtown, such as 2-or-3 hours, or unlimited parking, with the limits enforced at specific times of the day, such as 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Violations would be determined by a smart phone “app” used by the parking enforcement officer, and tickets would be issued using a portable Bluetooth printer. However, initially, at least, the method of placing chalk marks on tires would likely be employed. The revenues would go to the Downtown Development Authority fund since the DDA would be paying for the part-time enforcement officer. Signage would be erected along the parking spaces indicating time limits for spaces in that section of downtown. (TT)

Northridge Condo Problems PersistNorthridge Condo Problems Persist

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Once again, problems at the Northridge condominium development are before the Brighton City Council for public scrutiny. Council Member Jim Bohn, himself a Northridge condo owner, has been a frequent critic of the development, and says his only interest is that those who purchase condos get their full money's worth. Bohn gave a detailed presentation to council in which he asserted there are numerous non-compliance problems at the development. Problems such as construction crews working at the site way beyond the legally-approved hours, a slope next to a pond which is eroding, construction materials and trash left at the site for extended periods, lack of privacy landscaping between condominium sections, trees cut down and not removed as required by the site plan and other issues. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI that city staff will be looking at the problems and, in fact, have already been in contact with Northridge developer Steve Davis. In addition to Northridge condo owners’ complaints, nearby homeowners in adjacent Hamburg Township have complained about flooding and excessive water runoff from the development, a problem which is being addressed by a change in the direction of the runoff flow. Foster says city engineer Gary Markstrom of Tetra Tech will be reviewing an amended site plan and will report to council at its next meeting on Aug. 6th. Foster says he will also be sending Davis a letter directing him to take action on the alleged violations to bring the site plan into compliance. The huge development of about 600 condos on Brighton’s southwest side has been ongoing for the past decade in several phases. They include Northridge, Northridge Hills, Northridge Woods, and Northridge Ponds. (TT)

Former Police Officer Wants Stepped Up Coverage in Genoa TownshipFormer Police Officer Wants Stepped Up Coverage in Genoa Township

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A Genoa Township man is pushing for dedicated police patrols in the community. Kurt Skarjune is a retired police officer who resides in the Lake Edgewood Condominiums and wants the township to research contracting some level of dedicated patrol coverage. The township is currently covered by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan State Police, who respond to incidents based on priority and whatever patrol car is closest. Skarjune tells WHMI part of his motivation came after tire thefts in his neighborhood and he’s since been researching response times and costs associated with having dedicated patrols. Skarjune acknowledged that additional revenues would need to be generated, through either a township tax assessment similar to trash service or a police millage. Skarjune feel 16 minutes for an average response time is not acceptable and plans to present signatures from 60 people in the neighborhood when he approaches the township in the near future, as well as others from an online petition that went live June 2nd and respectfully requests that the township board research the possibility of establishing a dedicated police presence in Genoa Township. Based on his estimates, Skarjune says it would cost roughly the same amount per resident as the current trash pickup tax and they need to be proactive with how crime is handled in the township. A link to Skarjune’s online petition is available below. As of Wednesday, five signatures had been collected out of a 1,000 signature goal. Meanwhile, Supervisor Gary McCririe says historically; both departments have done an admirable job of providing the necessary coverage for Genoa Township and they’re pleased with the level of service being provided at this time. McCririe tells WHMI this does come up occasionally and the sheriff has approached the township in the past to discuss the very issue. He says it gets right down to a discussion about funding and where the township is going to prioritize its spending. McCririe says the service is currently being provided and residents are currently paying taxes to provide those services – emphasizing that they are not hearing a cry from residents to levy any additional millages, taxes or special assessments. McCririe says occasionally they’ll hear from residents who feel response times should be faster but it is also a fact that most of the activity the sheriff’s department responds to involves people from outside of Livingston County so asking residents to pay additional taxes for services has been a difficult discussion. He added that if a dedicated road patrol millage was to move forward, it would be more appropriate for the County Board of Commissioners to initiate it because they are in the business and have been. He says if the county wants to fund road patrol at a stepped up level from what's being done today, then they need to go to the voters and ask if people would be willing to pay additional monies for that. (JM)

Suspects In Genoa Township Home Invasion Now Bound Over For TrialSuspects In Genoa Township Home Invasion Now Bound Over For Trial

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The remaining suspects charged in a Genoa Township home invasion have been bound over for trial in Livingston County Circuit Court. Kennie Whitby of Brighton, as well as Jemantae Perkins, Toursean Pressley, and Terence Ayers of Detroit were arraigned in Livingston County Circuit Court on Wednesday. The last suspect, 25-year-old Tyler Ayers of Detroit, had been bound over previously. The cases of all five men were consolidated as well. All five men are facing one count of home invasion and 13 counts of armed robbery. Whitby is also charged with resisting a police officer, Tyler Ayers is charged with assault, and Pressley and Terence Ayers are both charged with multiple felony firearms counts. State Police from the Brighton Post say troopers were dispatched to an armed robbery in the 3500 block of Crystal Valley Drive in Genoa Township on June 4th. A total of fourteen victims reported that three men entered the residence and robbed them at gunpoint. One victim was struck in the head with a metal baton during the robbery, causing extensive bleeding. They reported that the men took their cash, jewelry, car keys, and cell phones before fleeing on foot. After fleeing a traffic stop, all of the suspects were located and arrested over the next three days. (TD)

Pinckney-Area Residents Discuss Ways To Stop Proposed PipelinePinckney-Area Residents Discuss Ways To Stop Proposed Pipeline

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The ET Rover pipeline and what can be done to stop it was the focus of a special meeting at Pathfinder School in Pinckney last night. The proposed pipeline would cut through several states on its way to Canada, and is currently planned to cut through Livingston County from north to south. The current route for the pipeline would send it through populated areas near Pinckney, and residents at last night’s meeting expressed their concerns about the project’s impact on safety, the environment, and local property values. The meeting included a panel of four presenters who discussed their experiences of technical details about pipeline projects in Michigan. One of the panelists was attorney Kim Savage, who specializes in right-of-way law. She told the audience of more than 80 people that they can fight in court to keep the pipeline off their property, and urged them to never sign anything they do not understand or are not comfortable with. One of the meeting’s organizers was Ron Kardos of Oceola Township, who shared experiences he has had dealing with other pipelines. He cautioned residents that allowing ET Rover to come to fruition could lead to more pipelines following the same route in the future. A majority of those who attended were not being directly impacted by the ET Rover pipeline, and only wanted to educate themselves on the issue of pipeline construction in Michigan. (TD)

Overnight Closures on Southbound US-23 at I-96 Next Week Overnight Closures on Southbound US-23 at I-96 Next Week

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More overnight lane closures are planned next week as part of ongoing construction at US-23 and I-96 in the Brighton area. The Michigan Department of Transportation says there will be overnight closures on southbound US-23 and at several ramps so that crews can place beams for the new I-96 bridge over southbound US-23. The closures are scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday between 11pm and 5am on southbound US-23 at I-96, the southbound US-23 ramp to eastbound I-96 and the westbound I-96 ramp to southbound US-23. When the freeway and ramps are closed, M-DOT says a detour will be posted that directs motorists to westbound I-96 to Grand River to eastbound I-96 and then back to US-23. All of the work is weather dependent. M-DOT Photo. (JM)

Howell-Area Motorcyclist Killed In Head-On CrashHowell-Area Motorcyclist Killed In Head-On Crash

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A Howell-area man who died following a head-on motorcycle crash Thursday has been identified. The Green Oak Township Police Department reports that officers were dispatched to a crash scene just after 6pm on Emerson Drive, west of Kensington Road. Upon arrival, they found a 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 600 motorcycle had struck a 1995 Ford F-250 truck. Police say the motorcycle was operated by 28-year-old Donald Lee Thompson III, who had recently moved to the Howell area from Ionia County. Police determined Thompson was traveling above the speed limit in the eastbound lane of Emerson Drive, when he failed to properly negotiate a curve, crossed over the centerline and hit the pickup truck head-on. The truck’s driver said he saw the motorcycle approaching and had slowed to a stop to try and avoid a collision. Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene. The pickup truck driver, a 49-year-old Howell man, was uninjured. Police say they were assisted at the scene by the Green Oak Township Fire Department, Livingston County Sheriff, Livingston County EMS and the county’s Medical Examiner. The investigation into the crash continues with the assistance of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department Accident Investigation Team. (JK/JM)

American Red Cross Seeks Summer Blood DonorsAmerican Red Cross Seeks Summer Blood Donors

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The American Red Cross is asking eligible donors to donate blood during the challenging summer months to help meet the constant need. Donors are encouraged to choose a day to give during the “100 Days of Summer, 100 Days of Hope” campaign. Officials say summer is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at hospitals and transfusion centers, in part because many donors are less available to give blood due to travel and other activities. With more summer days ahead, the American Red Cross says every donation is important and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those who need it. Donors of all blood types – but especially those with types AB, O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed to help ensure blood products are available to hospital patients this summer. More information about upcoming blood donation opportunities in Livingston County is available in the link and attachment below. (JM)

Old Fuel Storage Building & Structures at Page Field Being Demolished Old Fuel Storage Building & Structures at Page Field Being Demolished

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An old fuel storage building adjacent to Page Field in the City of Howell is coming down. During Monday’s Howell City Council meeting, a proposal was approved with the city’s environmental engineer related to the demolition of structures at Page Field. The proposal will take the city through the entire process - including bidding, oversight and any required environmental reporting. The total project cost is estimated at $20,000 and the building demolition was previously budgeted for, while the proposal with VEC Engineering included a fee not to exceed $6,000. Howell City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the city owns an old fuel depot building adjacent to Page Field on Roosevelt Street, and council had set a priority to get the building knocked down. A building, nine concrete structures and a block wall at Page Field will be demolished. In addition, miscellaneous steel structures and fencing at the site will be removed. The area will then be graded and seeded. The company will be documenting activities and is to prepare a report once the work is complete. As there may be environmental issues, it will also coordinate sampling and testing for disposal as needed. (JM)

Former Car Dealership Employee Sentenced in Embezzlement CaseFormer Car Dealership Employee Sentenced in Embezzlement Case

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A former employee of a local car dealership has been sentenced in an embezzlement case. 38-year-old Douglas Terry Flucke of Jackson was originally charged with two counts of embezzlement by an agent – one felony count between $1,000 and $20,000 and one misdemeanor count between $200 and $1,000. The charges were filed in connection with incidents that occurred in August of 2011 at Fowlerville Ford. Court records show that in June, Flucke pleaded guilty to the lesser charge in exchange for the felony count being dismissed by prosecutors. At his sentencing in Livingston County Circuit Court this past week, Flucke received two days of time already served in the Livingston County Jail. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,824. (JM)

Howell Schools To Ask State To Back Technology BondsHowell Schools To Ask State To Back Technology Bonds

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Some technology grants being considered by the Howell Board of Education could get backing from the State of Michigan’s credit rating. Residents in the district are currently paying 6.75 mills on old bonds, but that rate is scheduled to go down regularly. The proposed new bonds would not increase the millage, but they would freeze it at the current rate for five years. This would generate funding for new technology in the district in a way administrators say would be sustainable. At its most recent meeting, the school board approved a motion to ask the state to back the proposed bonds. The district has an A+ credit rating, but due to its size the State of Michigan has a AA- rating, which carries a little more weight. Associate Superintendent of Finance Rick Terres tells WHMI that would sweeten the deal for local taxpayers, saving them money in the long run. Terres says they expect to hear back from the state within three weeks, and the board will likely decide at its August 10th meeting whether to put the proposed bonds before voters in November. The bond proposal was prompted earlier this year by administrators, including then-Interim Superintendent Jeremy Hughes, who described the district’s technology as surprisingly out-of-date. (TD)

Weekend Weather Brings High Heat & Humidity, Prompts AdvisoriesWeekend Weather Brings High Heat & Humidity, Prompts Advisories

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With summer finally heating up, many Livingston County residents are likely welcoming some fun in the sun but officials warn that the combination of extreme heat and high humidity can become life-threatening. The National Weather Service is promoting safe practices and says don’t let the sunny days and warm nights fool you as heat waves can be lengthy and deadly. Heat is Michigan’s number two weather-related killer so officials say it’s important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses. Those most susceptible are the very young or elderly, or those who have conditions or illnesses affected by the heat. By taking the proper precautions, officials say individuals can beat the heat and minimize their risk of heat-related illness. It’s advised to drink plenty of fluids, wear clothing that allows for good air circulation, stay out of the sun and in the air conditioning if possible, wear sunscreen, check on relatives and neighbors, and never leave children or pets in vehicles. Complete heat safety information is available through the link below. (JM)

Brighton Rotary: Top of the Mountain Dash or Crash Event to ReturnBrighton Rotary: Top of the Mountain Dash or Crash Event to Return

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The Brighton Rotary Club says an inaugural event far exceeded expectations and has already set the date for a re-run. The Brighton Rotary Club announced this week that the Top of the Mountain Dash or Crash raised $28,000 after expenses. Officials say the club had a clear goal in hosting the Dash or Crash 5K obstacle run at Mt. Brighton this summer: involve the community in a fun event that would raise money for worthy projects. Peggi Mintz recently ended her term as the service club’s president and came up with the idea for the obstacle course fundraiser. She says the event was an unqualified success thanks to the combined efforts of community volunteers, the Rotary Club, sponsors and the 500 participants who braved the challenging course. The date for next year’s Dash or Crash will be Saturday, June 25th at Mt. Brighton. Funds raised will support Brighton Rotary projects including the Rotary Raiders that builds residential ramps for low-income residents, literacy programs, Gleaners Community Food Bank and college scholarships for Brighton-area students. The Brighton Rotary Club also supports global efforts to build schools, provide safe drinking water, improve vision and eradicate polio. (JM)

Barbecue Blues Festival Returning To Downtown BrightonBarbecue Blues Festival Returning To Downtown Brighton

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Downtown Brighton is gearing up for its yearly celebration of food and music in September. The 10th annual Smokin’ Jazz and Barbecue Blues Festival is set for September 11th and 12th. Main Street from Grand River to First will be lined with barbecue vendors from 5pm until midnight on Friday, and noon to midnight on Saturday. Local and nationally known jazz and blues acts will be performing at a music stage on Mill Pond Lane from 5pm to midnight both days. Admission to the concerts is $5, with the shows being 21 and over after 9pm. Free shuttle service will be offered throughout the event with pick up locations at Brighton High School and the Meijer parking lot. More information on the event can be found at the link posted below. (MK)

Pinckney High To Host Annual Senior Power Day Next MonthPinckney High To Host Annual Senior Power Day Next Month

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A free event next month aims to provide local seniors with information, services, food, and entertainment. The 28th annual Senior Power Day will take place at Pinckney High School on August 7th. The free event runs from 9am to 3pm, with free transportation provided by the Livingston Essential Transportation Service. The event draws hundreds of local seniors every year, and provides them with services and information on programs available to them locally. This year’s event has a baseball theme, called “Sliding into Aging,” and Livingston County Consortium on Aging Board Chair Pam Bolam tells Senior Power Day will include useful features like a document shredder and the Big Red Barrel for disposal of prescription medications. In addition to vendors and services, the event will feature food from Senior Nutrition as well as entertainment, including Detroit Tigers Historian Kerry Ferrell as the keynote speaker. Although the event is free, seniors who want a ride from LETS will have to arrange to be picked up, and those who want a lunch from Senior Nutrition should register in advance. Follow the link below for more information. (TD)

Public Safety Complex Hosts Health And Safety Fair FundraiserPublic Safety Complex Hosts Health And Safety Fair Fundraiser

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Several local organizations are coming together to support research in the medical field. The Livingston County Public Safety Complex welcomed the first annual Health and Safety Fair on Sunday. The free event had a dual purpose; educate the community while raising funds for air medical research. Livingston County EMS, Survival Flight and the Michigan Association of Air Medical Providers hosted the fair with the intention to promote safety and the medical industry. Denise Landis, Manager of the Critical Care Transport System at the University of Michigan, says air-medical companies are struggling to prove their worth to health care systems. Though patients often need critical care and must be air-lifted to the hospital, air-medical companies are often challenged with reimbursement. Landis tells WHMI she hopes the fair will be informational and fun as a thank you to the county. Tours of the Survival Flight Livingston County Base and EMS headquarters were held to provide insight to the medical evacuation teams’ day to day mission. Blood pressure screenings and CPR classes were also offered to encourage wellness. A classic car show, face painting, therapy horses and a bounce house rounded out the event to make it fun for all ages. The National International MedEvac Foundation, which raises awareness and funds for training programs for air ambulance crews, will receive the entirety of the fair’s proceeds to further research. (DK)

Brighton Township To Consider Plans For Veteran-Focused DevelopmentBrighton Township To Consider Plans For Veteran-Focused Development

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Plans are back on track for a condo complex designed for veterans and those with ambulatory difficulties near Fonda Lake. The site plan hasn’t changed much over the last several years, but Mike Van Buren’s circumstances have. Van Buren, owner of Scenic Pointe has been planning a development on Scenic Bluff Drive since 2008 and last week the Brighton Township Planning Commission gave him approval again. The 14 duplex type condo units will tentatively go before the Brighton Township Board tonight. Van Buren says nobody considers housing directed toward these populations. He says tough economic times stalled a seven unit site condo project in the beginning. A later project was stopped by investment choices, and then in 2012 his wife was stricken with cancer. She has since recovered, so now he is ready to move forward. Van Buren says he doesn’t anticipate any problems with site plan approval since he has already been through this before. (DS/JK)

Hearing Delayed for Man Charged in Fatal Tyrone Township Incident Hearing Delayed for Man Charged in Fatal Tyrone Township Incident

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A hearing next month will determine if evidence can be introduced against the driver police say was responsible for killing a man in Tyrone Township last year. 50-year-old Theodore Ostapchuk was arrested at the scene of a crash along US-23, south of White Lake Road on February 21st, 2014. A preliminary breath test indicated he had a blood-alcohol content of .16% - twice the state’s legal limit for driving. Killed in the crash was 31-year-old Leroy Leon Batson of Mount Morris. Police in the Fenton area had earlier issued a “be on the lookout” bulletin for Batson’s car after motorists reported he was driving erratically. A medical examiner concluded Batson died from injuries related to the crash. The Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office authorized a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death against Ostapchuk last November. A second charge of operating a vehicle with high blood alcohol content has also been added. A motion recently filed by prosecutors in the case seeks to introduce evidence of intoxication, THC levels and the report from the City of Fenton Police Department. That was scheduled to be heard earlier this month but has been moved out to August 13th. Ostapchuk’s trial was also adjourned to late September. (JM)

Email Release Prompts Questions About Recall Group's MotivationEmail Release Prompts Questions About Recall Group's Motivation

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An email released by the Howell Recall Committee is raising questions about the motivations of the group and its organizers. The email, from Howell School Board President Mike Yenshaw to the president of the Dearborn School Board, seeks further information about the academic credentials of former Howell Superintendent Ron Wilson. The issue at hand was whether or not Wilson had a doctorate after two Dearborn newspapers and the district’s website referred to him as Dr. Wilson. That eventually turned out to be a mistake. Wilson was one of the finalists for the Dearborn Superintendent at the time, but failed to make the final cut. The leaders of the Howell Recall Committee, Don Cortez and Matt Ikle, believe the email indicates poor judgment by Yenshaw and should never have been sent. They've further insisted that it interfered with Wilson's efforts to obtain the Dearborn job despite the fact that it was sent on June 23, twelve days after Wilson had been passed over. Yenshaw says he sent the email strictly as a means of clarifying Wilson's credentials, as he had no doctorate while he served as Howell Superintendent, and questions had been raised that if he did have a doctorate, was it obtained while he was working for the district, and if so, were district resources used to earn it. Yenshaw says that's a legitimate question as Wilson was fired over the misuse of district resources and has sued the district for wrongful termination. He added that his, “only motive behind this innocuous e-mail was watching out for the best interest of the district.” His full statement is on our website. But the appearance of the email, obtained by Cortez and Ikle and released to local media, has created the appearance that the recall committee is in coordination with Wilson's legal strategy. On July 10th, WHMI sent an email to Don Cortez informing him that we planned to air a story that afternoon on the status of the recall. An email was received less than ten minutes later from Cortez stating “Matt Ikle will be stopping by with a document that will explain the waiting period that we have been floating in.” Ikle arrived several minutes later and said the email was proof Yenshaw was directly interfering and working to sabotage Wilson’s employment search, saying that Wilson's lawyers referred to the email as “Christmas in July,” again in spite of the fact that it was sent nearly two weeks after Wilson was out of the running. In a follow-up conversation with Cortez, he stated the committee never gathered any of the 4,700 signatures needed to put the recall on the ballot, despite making numerous public statements about community support and how well the recall was progressing. In light of the email's release, WHMI asked both Cortez and Ikle to explain how they received a copy of the email and to explain the rationale to make a major public display of recall efforts at the beginning of the process, but then never following through in any way to obtain any actual signatures. They have declined to respond. (JK)
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