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District Creates Director Of Accounting Position & Makes HireDistrict Creates Director Of Accounting Position & Makes Hire

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The Brighton Area School District now has a director of accounting. The new position was created with the retirement of accountant Cheryl Quinn. Assistant Superintendent of Finance Maria Gistinger has been in dire need of an accountant after she lost Quinn, who was part-time, at the end of May. At the last meeting Superintendent Greg Gray recommended that Chris Gray be hired, but she is Gray’s wife, and the board was concerned about the perception that the hiring would be construed by the public as nepotism, which the superintendent said was not the case. Nonetheless, given the short time frame involved, with the annual district audit underway, the position had to be filled as soon as possible. The board was told there were no qualified candidates interested in it as a part-time position, and he should post it as seeking a full-time director of accounting. Gray’s recommendation – which the board accepted – was Marcus Leon of Allendale, an accountant with a school district in Western Michigan. Leon was formerly an intern in the Brighton Area Schools. He received his master’s degree in accounting from Walsh College in 2011. Leon’s salary of $84,000 is set in accordance with the master contract the Brighton Area Schools’ Administrators Association has with the district. That compares with a salary of $49,000 that would have gone to Mrs. Gray, had the position stayed part-time. (TT)

Motorcyclist Passes As Family Says Police Identify SuspectMotorcyclist Passes As Family Says Police Identify Suspect

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The motorcyclist involved a crash last week on US-23 has passed away according to family members. 49-year-old Bert Loomis of Gaines crashed his motorcycle Thursday afternoon after police say a maroon Pontiac four-door sedan used the emergency-access turn-around between Clyde Road and M-59. Several vehicles reportedly had to avoid the sedan, which also caused Loomis to lose control and drop the bike. He was rushed to the University of Michigan Medical Center and originally listed in critical condition. But his wife says that after a period of time on a ventilator so doctors could remove his organs for transplantation, Loomis passed away Friday afternoon. She also says police have identified the person driving the sedan thought to be involved in the crash, although that hasn’t been officially confirmed by authorities. While Loomis was wearing a helmet, his wife said it did not fully cover his head and that the injuries he sustained were to the part of his head below the helmet’s rim. She urged riders to wear MDOT-approved helmets. (JK)

Deadline Approaching For School Board VacancyDeadline Approaching For School Board Vacancy

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The deadline is approaching to apply for an opening on a local school board. The vacancy is the result of an announcement last month that Michelle Hutchinson was stepping down from the Hartland Consolidated Schools’ Board of Education effective August 31st. Hutchinson, who is battling cancer, has served on the Hartland board since 2009 and is currently the board’s secretary. District residents interested in filling her seat may submit a letter and resume to the Hartland Board of Education. Hutchinson’s replacement will be appointed to serve through December 31st, 2016. If the appointee wishes to serve beyond that time they will have to run for election in November 2016 and, if elected, would then serve through December 2020. All applications must be received no later than this Thursday, August 20th with all applicants expected to come before the Board for interviews at the August 24th regular meeting at 7:30am in the Boardroom of the Educational Support Service Center on M-59. You’ll find application details online through the link below. (JK)

Township Supervisor Says Resident's Land Donation Was Gracious GiftTownship Supervisor Says Resident's Land Donation Was Gracious Gift

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The Handy Township Board of Trustees has voted to accept a donation of land from a property owner. The undisclosed donor inherited three lots of high density residential land on Garden Lane 11 years ago and is now donating it to help her community. The board voted unanimously to pay the $4,200 in summer taxes, closing costs, and title insurance in exchange for warranty deeds on the lots. The board believes that the land is very marketable and that the price they are receiving it for makes the risk minimal. Township Supervisor Ed Alverson said the donor’s only request other than the taxes and closing costs was that the proceeds the township makes off the properties be spent to benefit the residents of Handy Township. The board estimated being able to resell the land for $50,000 to $80,000, which they would put into the general fund for potential future uses. (MK)

Why Is The Howell Melon Not Just a Canteloupe?Why Is The Howell Melon Not Just a Canteloupe?

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While thousands may have enjoyed the Howell Melon Festival this weekend, many likely have no idea what makes it more than just a run of the mill cantaloupe. For some the reason it’s special is because it’s home grown, and for others it is just sweeter. Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor says he isn’t sure of the real reason, but thought it had to do with genetics. He says it is sweeter, but doesn't know why, and that if it's picked on just the right day, it lasts only a day or two. Manor isn’t too far off. Kathy Otto, granddaughter of one of the men responsible for the Howell Honey Sweet melon was at Melon Fest this year. She recalled growing up in the melon patch and decided to bring the history of the Howell Melon to the festival this year. She wants people to know that the Howell Melon was unique. Otto says her grandfather Howard Dankers, his brother Harry along with Willard Wiltse and Stanley Knight started growing the melons back in 1924. They had the seed patented in 1925 and sold melons nationwide. She says the melons were perfect. She says the seed for the Howell Honey Sweet Melon was licensed and only certain people could plant it. The melon had to be perfect, too. If it wasn't people who bought it could bring it back for either their money back or a different melon. Otto says there aren’t any more original growers of the Howell Honey Sweet since the seed was licensed to only the families of the four men who patented it. Other farms grow the sweeter variety of melon, and she says since the only difference is in the seed the Howell Melon should still be celebrated. (DS)

Spencer Road Closure Set To Begin This WeekSpencer Road Closure Set To Begin This Week

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Traffic headed east on Spencer Road toward Pleasant Valley should plan an alternate route in the coming weeks. Repairs to the bridge over Mann Creek, between Van Amburg Road and Pleasant Valley Road, could begin this week. The bridge will be closed while two beams are replaced and two are reinforced on the culvert beneath the road. Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine says the repair is being done on an emergency basis. The bridge provides access to an elementary school just to the west and the only other crossing is at Hyne Road. The repairs should be done and the road reopened by Labor Day. During construction drivers can take a suggested detour at Grand River or US-23 as alternates. (DS)

South Lyon Credit Union Robbery Suspect Caught & ChargedSouth Lyon Credit Union Robbery Suspect Caught & Charged

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Police say they’ve located and arrested the man who robbed a South Lyon credit union last week. South Lyon Police say that after an intensive investigation, the suspect in the August 12th armed robbery of the Vibe Credit Union on Pontiac Trial, south of Nine Mile Road, was identified as Brian Daniel Randolph, a 23 year-old Wixom resident. After initial attempts by South Lyon and Wixom Police to locate Randolph were unsuccessful, the FBI and Oakland County Sheriff’s Office were called in to assist. Randolph was then apprehended in Detroit by the Oakland County Violent Crime Task Force last Friday. A large portion of the money taken in the armed robbery was recovered from Randolph’s rental vehicle following his arrest. Randolph was charged with a count of armed robbery and another count of bank robbery. Following his arraignment, bond was set at a half million dollars. Randolph is next due in court August 26th for a pre-exam conference.

New Law Encourages Breastfeeding Anytime, AnywhereNew Law Encourages Breastfeeding Anytime, Anywhere

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Although it’s been controversial in the past, local health officials say communities should make women feel comfortable to breastfeed in public. A new Michigan law gives mothers the right to breastfeed in public at any time. As August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Michigan, a variety of activities are planned throughout the state to discuss the importance of breastfeeding in regards to the health and well-being of mothers and children. The Michigan Department of Community Health and Human Services as well as the Livingston County Department of Public Health WIC program are asking people to celebrate the new law. Breastfeeding is said to benefit infants by strengthening their immune systems and helping to protect them against thing such as obesity and diabetes. Health officials say it benefits moms by protecting them from certain cancers such as breast and ovarian as well as post-partum depression. Officials say that despite the documented benefits of breastfeeding, women were sometimes forced to breastfeed in areas like bathrooms while out in public. Local Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow, told WHMI that under the new law, women will be able to breastfeed anytime and anywhere in public places and establishments. More information and assistance regarding breastfeeding can be found through the link or attachment below. (RS)

The Torch Event To Help Familes In Need Get Ready For Back To SchoolThe Torch Event To Help Familes In Need Get Ready For Back To School

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With Back to School time around the corner, a local nonprofit will be visiting several communities helping out those in need. Starting next Tuesday, August 25th in Fowlerville, The Torch mobile food truck will be holding their 2nd Annual Back 2 School Bash, with free school clothing for kids of all ages, haircuts by appointment and a meal, all for free. The Back 2 School Bash will come to Brighton on Wednesday the 26th and then Howell on Thursday the 27th. Rhonda Callanan and Sarah Ruddle are The Torch creators and say they understand that many families find it difficult to handle the costs of getting kids back to school and they want to help out as much as they can. So giving away clothing and arranging for a free haircut and meal is obviously enticing for parents, but they also made sure that kids will want to come along also by offering free slushies in Fowlerville and Brighton courtesy of Slushy Star and then Gwen Haggerty-Bearden is covering the cost of free ice cream sundaes at the Howell stop. You can find details online through the link below. (JK)

As Services Set For Motorcyclist, Police Identify Turn-Around DriverAs Services Set For Motorcyclist, Police Identify Turn-Around Driver

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The driver police say may have caused a crash last week on US-23 that claimed the life a Genesee County motorcyclist has been identified. 49-year-old Bert Loomis of Gaines crashed his motorcycle last Wednesday afternoon after police say a maroon Pontiac four-door sedan used the emergency-access turn-around between Clyde Road and M-59. Several vehicles reportedly had to avoid the sedan, which also caused Loomis to lose control and drop the bike. He passed away Friday from his injuries. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department says that the driver of the Pontiac Grand Am has been identified as a 22-year-old South Lyon woman. She has been interviewed regarding the case. Her identity was made possible by a passing motorist from Toledo, who witnessed the aftermath of the crash. Believing that the Maroon Pontiac may have been involved, he was able to obtain the vehicles registration information, and pass it along to authorities, who say that by being observant and taking the time to get involved, the Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division will now accurately be able to reconstruct the crash. Once their investigation is complete, a report will be sent to the Livingston County Prosecutors Office for review and possible criminal charges. Meanwhile, services for Loomis will be held Tuesday at 10am at the Sharp Funeral Home Miller Road Chapel in Swartz Creek. Interment will follow at Byron Cemetery. (JK)

Brighton Township Talks About Gravel Pit in Closed SessionBrighton Township Talks About Gravel Pit in Closed Session

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The legal action between Brighton Township and gravel pit owners continues. It’s an issue that has been ongoing for years in Brighton Township. A former gravel pit that was supposed to have been turned into condominiums and a park is still in dispute. Last night the township board entered into closed executive session to discuss communications from its attorney about the Clearwater Development LLC gravel pit property at the corner of Jacoby and Kensington Roads. Township Supervisor Tom Murphy says he cannot comment on the closed session because of the confidentiality of the matter. At issue is a joint planned development agreement signed in 1987 between the township and then property owners Sunset Sand and Gravel. At that time the township agreed to allow Sunset to continue mining for gravel until the end of a 20 year period, at the end of which, the property was to be restored and a condominium development and park were to be built. That never happened. Sunset went bankrupt and the company was taken over by Clearwater Development, LLC, who indicated that they were not going to comply with the agreement between Sunset and the township. In 2014 the township took legal action against Clearwater to force the company to comply with the previous agreement. Murphy says he will give an update when information becomes available. (DS/JK)

County Board Officially Opposes Bill To Restrict Restaurant Licensing FeesCounty Board Officially Opposes Bill To Restrict Restaurant Licensing Fees

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A resolution passed by the Livingston County Board of Commissioners last night officially opposes a bill currently being considered in the Michigan Senate. Senators from both sides of the aisle sponsored Senate Bill 423 when it was introduced on June 30th. The bill, if passed into law, would amend the Public Health Code of 1978 by placing restrictions on the kinds of licensing fees that can be charged to restaurants after January 1st of 2018. The county expressed its opposition to the bill last night, and will be sending messages to Senator Joe Hune, Representative Lana Theis, and Representative Hank Vaupel informing them of its position. County Environmental Health Director Matt Bolang says in addition to some state funding, his department relies on fees charged to restaurants to provide services, distribute information, and investigate foodborne illness outbreaks. He tells WHMI he does not know how they would make up the projected deficit of $215,000 per year if this bill goes through. There may be staff cuts or service reductions, or the county may have to pick up the bill. Senate Bill 423 has been referred to the Senate Agriculture Bill for review. (TD)

Plea Entered In New Year's Day Choking IncidentPlea Entered In New Year's Day Choking Incident

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A Florida man accused of choking a woman on New Year’s Day in Livingston County has entered a plea in the case. 42-year-old Billie Gene Tobler of Tampa was originally charged with unlawful imprisonment and assault by strangulation after the January 1st incident. He’s accused of choking the woman twice while they were visiting her friend in Brighton. After they left, the victim said she eventually convinced Tobler to stop at a store so she could use the restroom, where she contacted authorities. The unlawful imprisonment charge was dismissed in February and Tobler was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial. But then prosecutors added a new felony charge of interfering with a witness against Tobler based on allegations that, while in jail, he contacted the victim and made statements that were intended to interfere with her potential testimony. However, Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI that Tobler has since entered a no contest plea to Assault by Strangulation, a ten-year felony, and being a habitual offender. In exchange, the other counts were dropped. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but will be treated as such when Tobler is sentenced on September 17th. (JK)

Church Still Fully Supports LCS Relocation Despite Application Withdrawal Church Still Fully Supports LCS Relocation Despite Application Withdrawal

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Monday night’s meeting of the Genoa Township Board was standing room only but could have been confused with a religious service based on the amount of scripture quoted. The board previously rejected a permit that would have allowed Brighton Nazarene Church on Brighton Road to lease space to Livingston Christian Schools this fall, thus allowing Light of the World Academy to move into its old location. While the church, which is in the midst of a separate renovation/expansion project for its Sunday school program has since withdrawn applications with the State of Michigan for the LCS addition, church officials say that was done for reasons unrelated to the current controversy and that they are still in complete support of Livingston Christian Schools relocating to the church. Jill Slater is the church's children's director and serves on their building committee. "On Monday, August 17 Brighton Nazarene Church withdrew its application with the State of Michigan for a building permit which would have included the school. Our building is in the final stages and the plan is to complete the building under its current permits with the county and township. When the special use for school is approved we will reapply for the school with the State as a completed building not as a new build permit. We are thrilled at the prospect of the school being part of our church ministry at The Naz." Leaders from the schools, parents and their children spoke during call to the public, although the issue was not a formal agenda item. Some who spoke during the meeting were more vocal and emotional than others. One stated it was “not a decision against the schools but a decision against God himself.” Following a closed session, members voted to retain the services of Seward, Peck and Henderson to represent the township in pending litigation regarding Livingston Christian Schools, which filed a federal suit after the permit was denied. It was noted that the board received more than 200 pieces of correspondence on the issue. Those in support of denying the permit urged the board to not be intimidated by a group that didn’t plan for contingencies and oppose what they called a "frivolous lawsuit." The denial was based on a number of factors including traffic, past problems with Brighton Nazarene and various complaints from neighbors. Meanwhile, LCS has the ability to stay in its current location in Pinckney, as does Light of the World at Shalom Lutheran Church. However, LOTW would have to remain a private Montessori instead of re-opening as an authorized charter school. The change would have allowed the academy to capture public tax dollars, instead of parents paying costly tuition. (JM/JK)

Superintendent Ready To Kick Off Outreach Tour For Howell SchoolsSuperintendent Ready To Kick Off Outreach Tour For Howell Schools

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Local officials are looking for community suggestions to build up the Howell Public School district with an outreach tour. Superintendent Erin MacGregor will be connecting with the community during his “Listen and Learn” tour. The efforts have already begun, but will take a more aggressive approach once the school year begins. MacGregor says the goal is to build relationships and trust, while seeking input. He tells WHMI he hopes to bring positive changes to the Howell School district. MacGregor hopes to gather feedback from the tour for two to three months, then brainstorm with a team of people that are district and community-based. The information will be used to guide strategic planning and dictate goals for the schools. MacGregor says the improvements will encompass students and teachers and focus on increasing academic achievement. The Superintendent also addressed the ongoing negotiations with a new teacher’s contract in the district. Financial matters, language and the calendar are just a few items they are working through. He says the Board of Education continues to have good conversations with the teachers and strategy was discussed at a special meeting Monday night. He declined to comment on any specifics of where negotiations are currently at. (DK)

Sheriff's Department Investigating Trailer Theft in BrightonSheriff's Department Investigating Trailer Theft in Brighton

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Local authorities have a lead in a case of a stolen trailer but are asking for some help from the public. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department reports that a 27-foot enclosed trailer was stolen from the area of Grand River and Delphi Drive in Brighton Township. The theft occurred at around 3:15pm on Sunday, August 2nd. The department says the suspect vehicle appears to be a Z71 GMC extended cab pickup from the 2001-2006 model years. The truck is blue in color with a side-step and has a hard bed cover. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Detective Curt Novara with the Sheriff’s Department at 517-540-7952 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JM)

Prison Time Ordered For Highland Man On Child Porn ChargesPrison Time Ordered For Highland Man On Child Porn Charges

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A Highland Township man has been sentenced in Oakland County on charges that he filmed himself having sexual relations with underage girls. 37-year-old Nino Tanzini will serve 6-15 years in prison following his no contest pleas in January to three counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct. That sentence was handed down Monday in Oakland County Circuit Court, where he was given credit for 473 days already served. But his time behind bars may grow much longer after he is sentenced next week in federal court after pleading guilty to two counts of producing and possessing child pornography. Authorities say Tanzini had sexual relationships with two girls beginning when they were 14 and 16 years of age. In both cases, the girls said they started long-distance romantic relationships via email with young men, who then suggested they gain sexual experience by visiting Tanzini. Both girls said they then met up with Tanzini, who would take photos or videos of the acts. They eventually became aware that their online boyfriends were in fact Tanzini himself, posing as the younger men online. Tanzini’s wife, who has since divorced him, turned the contents of his external hard drive over to police, who say they found explicit photographs and videos of both girls. Tanzini faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced Monday, August 24th in U.S. District Court in Detroit. (JK)

Free Movie Friday For Families w/ Special Needs Children Free Movie Friday For Families w/ Special Needs Children

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A local church is hosting a sensory-friendly movie showing for families that have children with special needs this Friday. The Special Needs Ministry of Venture Church in Howell earlier launched a free monthly respite program called Buddy Break, which was in the planning stages for two years before being implemented and made possible through a partnership with Nathaniel's Hope. Referred to as VIP Kids, children are able to make friends, play games and enjoy various activities while their caregivers get a break from ongoing responsibilities for three hours, one day every month. The Buddy Break Family Movie Night will feature a free showing of Big Hero 6 this Friday from 7 to 9pm at Venture Church on M-59, west of US-23. Crafts, snacks, games and a photo booth are also planned. Families interested in attending are asked to RSVP via email at buddybreak@ventureon59.com. A link to more information about the Buddy Break program and upcoming events is available below. (JM)

Livingston County Animal Control Reminding Pet Owners to License DogsLivingston County Animal Control Reminding Pet Owners to License Dogs

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A new campaign is underway to help educate local pet owners about dog licensing laws. State law requires all dogs over four months of age to be vaccinated for rabies and licensed within the owner’s county of residency. It’s not a one-time process as the licenses must be renewed every one or three years, depending on the vaccination. Livingston County Animal Control Director Andy Seltz says the vaccinations and licenses go hand in hand as a public health and safety measure, noting officers frequently come in contact with citizens who are not in compliance and unaware of the requirements or simply forgot. However, Seltz tells WHMI they like to give owners the benefit of the doubt and educate them first before pursuing enforcement action. He says they routinely work with citizens and provide time to obtain the licenses and vaccinations prior to issuing citations, adding pro-active measures tend to benefit the community more. Dog licenses may be purchased through Livingston County Animal Control, the Livingston County Treasurer’s Office or local municipalities and owners should remember to bring proof of vaccination paperwork. Details are available in the attachment and link below. (JM)

Local Officials Not Anticipating Problems With Utility Tree Cutting EffortsLocal Officials Not Anticipating Problems With Utility Tree Cutting Efforts

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DTE Energy will be headed to Howell Township and the City of Howell this fall to trim and remove trees that interfere with overhead power lines. According to the company, trees account for two-thirds of DTE’s power outages and reduce the dependability of transmitted power. Tree trimming and removal efforts will take place in the Howell area beginning next month and last to December. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI this is a regular process performed every few years, and as long as there are no changes to DTE’s typical practices there should not be a problem. Citizens in South Lyon were so upset about DTE tree trimming and removal efforts this summer that the city put a halt to the program and scheduled a special public meeting so their concerns could be addressed. Charles says there are no plans for such a meeting in Howell at this time. (TD)
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