An event later this month will raise funds for a local youth center to benefit children and young adults in the county. The âA Home for the Holidaysâ benefit is one of the only major fundraisers The Connection Youth Services organization holds each year. Youth Services helps struggling kids and young adults in Livingston County by providing resources for those in need. Mentoring, food, counseling, clothes, gas and even a place to stay are just a few of the services the center offers. The fundraiser will be held on Saturday, November 21st, at Johnson Center Cleary Universityâs Howell Campus. The event will include appetizers, dinner, a full cash bar, a silent and live auction, photo booth, psychic reader, pie raffle and live music. The cost is $45 per person or $350 for a table of 8. Group tickets must be purchased in advance. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30. For tickets and more information, call the Livingston Family Center at 810-231-9591. (DK)
Local Youth Services Center Seeking Support Through Upcoming FundraiserLocal Youth Services Center Seeking Support Through Upcoming Fundraiser
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"Food For Fines" Library Program Collects For The Needy By Cancelling Out Fees"Food For Fines" Library Program Collects For The Needy By Cancelling Out Fees
Community members with overdue book fees at the Pinckney Library can now pay their dues by helping out local families in need. The Pinckney Community Library is gathering donations and giving grace to those with overdue fees through their âFood for Finesâ collection. Any overdue items from the library can be returned and fines will be waived through November 21st in exchange for an up-to-date non-perishable food item. One food item per one overdue item will cancel out one fee. All of the food collected will be donated directly to families in need that are living in the Pinckney and Putnam Township area. The library is also serving as a collection point for the local food bank located at Farley Hill Elementary School. The library is located on Putnam Street in Pinckney and more information can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Auditor Gives Glowing Audit Report to Brighton School BoardAuditor Gives Glowing Audit Report to Brighton School Board
The auditor for the Brighton Area School District didnât spare the superlatives when giving his annual audit report Monday night. Auditor Bruce Dunn of the auditing firm Maner Costerisan told the board that he seldom, if ever, has such good news to bring to a board of education, and his firm does the audits for about 90 school districts around Michigan. Dunn said the Brighton School District went from a $4.5 million budget deficit to a $1.5 million positive fund balance â in just one year. At one time just a few years ago the districtâs deficit stood at $15 million. Assistant Superintendent of Finance Maria Gistinger said there is plenty of credit to go around. Dunn said a lot of districts in Michigan are deficit districts â meaning they have a budget shortfall, but Brighton is the only one he knows of that have turned things around financially so quickly. Dunn said Brightonâs next goal should be to achieve a fund balance of 5% or more for two years in a row. Dunn also said the combined enrollment count of 7,463 - which includes students from other districts and shared services students from private schools - as additional reasons for Brightonâs improved finances. It is the highest combined enrollment for the district since 2002. (TT)
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Gray Named Superintendent of the Year by MASAGray Named Superintendent of the Year by MASA
Brighton Area Schools Superintendent Greg Gray has been honored by the Michigan Association of School Administrators, which has named him "Superintendent of the Year" in Region 8. Gray was presented a certificate recognizing him for his achievements at Monday nightâs board of education meeting. Gray tells WHMI he was honored to receive the award, which was presented to him by Saline School Superintendent Scot Graden. In naming Gray Region 8 Superintendent of the Year, MASA stated that Gray is being recognized for âhis exceptional leadership of the Brighton Area Schools and his engagement in the community around efforts to raise student achievement.â In addition, a press release by MASA stated that Gray has also shown leadership throughout Livingston County and the region. He was lauded for the districtâs elimination of the Brighton budget deficit and helping to pass an $88.4 million bond issue to improve district facilities. Region 8 includes the public school districts in Livingston, Washtenaw, Jackson, Hillsdale, Lenawee and Monroe counties. Gray is in his seventh year as Brighton school superintendent. (TT)
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Wednesday Meeting To Focus On Future Of SELCRA Wednesday Meeting To Focus On Future Of SELCRA
The future of the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority will be discussed further during a meeting on Wednesday. Thereâs been talk of disbanding SELCRA and moving programs under the auspices of Brighton Area Schools due to the continuing financial challenges but no formal decision has been made. The intergovernmental meeting will feature SELCRA board members and other representatives from the member municipalities of the city of Brighton, Genoa, Green Oak and Brighton townships. Some topics to be discussed include the best recreation service model to residents in the region, an overall SELCRA assessment and challenges for viability. A moderator will lead discussion on stable funding options for SELCRA. Among those talking points will be increased funding and usable assets, a possible funding model change to a flat rate, different millage options and possible integration under the Brighton school district. Both the city of Brighton and Genoa township have expressed a desire for the authority to disband while the other two municipalities have not taken an official stance. Wednesdayâs intergovernmental meeting starts at 6:30pm at the Brighton Community Center. (JM)
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State Leaders Promote Workforce Inclusion With "Hidden Talent Tour"State Leaders Promote Workforce Inclusion With "Hidden Talent Tour"
Michigan leaders are breaking down barriers with a tour to encourage opportunities for people with disabilities. Good Morning Livingston welcomed the Michigan Hidden Talent Tour at Crystal Gardens in Howell this morning. The Talent Tour is a statewide initiative that is promoting the hire of workers with disabilities. After the governorâs office received reports that numerous businesses across the state were struggling to fill positions, the campaign was created to showcase the skills of Michiganders regardless of their diagnosis. Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley (right) and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein (left) were the keynote speakers and sat on a panel to discuss and answer questions on the subject. They were joined by Rod Jones from Work Skills Corporation, John Moyer from Asahi Kasei Plastics North America and Michelle Kozak (center) also from Asahi Kasei, all of whom had positive experiences with or as a disabled person in the workforce. Justice Bernstein was born blind and from personal experience, he tells WHMI someone with a disability can bring an extraordinary perspective that is beneficial to an entire company. The panel discussed the benefits of an inclusive work environment, how to start that inclusion in oneâs own company and how accommodating a disabled person is not nearly the difficult struggle itâs made out to be. Calley says the tour strives to see the good in people and match that up with opportunity. (DK)
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Governor Rick Snyder Signs Fuel Tax, Registration Fee Hikes Into Law Governor Rick Snyder Signs Fuel Tax, Registration Fee Hikes Into Law
Governor Rick Snyder has signed controversial road spending bills that include fuel tax and registration fee hikes. Snyder signed a $1.2 (B) billion road funding package during a ceremony at the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association in Lansing. The long-elusive legislation raises the gasoline tax hike by 7.3 cents and vehicle registration fees by 20 percent in 2017. It also permanently shifts existing state funds toward road work starting in three years. Michigan's net annual transportation spending increase could total $825 million within five years. Critics say the package provides less than a half of the $1 (B) billion per year that M-DOT needs just to fix the stateâs trunkline roads and waits five years to achieve even that. While the package expands property tax credits in 2018, income tax cuts could be triggered later that many worry will blow an $800 (m) million hole in the stateâs general fund. Snyder dismissed those concerns and called the legislation a âsustainable investmentâ. The local impact and details of the plan are still being evaluated by the Livingston County Road Commission. Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI itâs a broad and far reaching package of bills. He says while glad legislation moved forward, they are still evaluating impacts on future projects for Livingston County. More information complied by the Associated Press from the Senate and House Fiscal Agencies about the plan is attached. (JM)
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Great American Smokeout Set for November 19thGreat American Smokeout Set for November 19th
People are encouraged to give up smoking in November during the annual Great American Smokeout again this year. The third Thursday of every November has been designated as a day when the American Cancer Society asks people to try quitting smoking. The organization says by doing so people take steps toward healthier lifestyles. While many people find quitting smoking difficult, the Livingston County Department of Public Health says using the Great American Smokeout on November 19th as a target date, and adding a combination of therapies and other resources can help. According to the health department the Michigan Tobacco Quitline is a free resource that helps many people give up the tobacco habit. Those who qualify are able to get free nicotine replacement therapy. To find out more about the Michigan Tobacco Quitline or the Great American Smokeout visit WHMI.com. (DS)
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DNR Issues Reminders For Hunters As Firearm Season ApproachesDNR Issues Reminders For Hunters As Firearm Season Approaches
Firearm deer season is scheduled to begin this weekend and the Department of Natural Resources has issued some helpful reminders for hunters. Firearm deer season runs November 15th through the 30th and the DNR is encouraging hunters to remember important safety rules. A base license is a requirement for residents and nonresidents and must be purchased. Hunters can only purchase other licenses after they have had a base license for at least a year. Individuals should also be aware of any antler point restrictions that may be effective in the area and should wear hunter orange. Deer hunting hours can be found in the 2015 Hunting and Trapping Digest which is located at the link below. This is important as times vary dependent on the day. Chronic-wasting disease has been found in free-ranging deer in Ingham County, which calls for mandatory deer registration in Alaiedon, Bath, Delhi, DeWitt, Meridian, Williamstown, Woodhull, Wheatfield and Lansing. To kick off firearm season, Marion Township will be holding their 8th annual Buck Pole Contest on Sunday at the township hall. Hunters can gather for bragging rights, contests and fellowship. (DK)
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Local Lawmakers Tout State's Veterans Service CenterLocal Lawmakers Tout State's Veterans Service Center
Two local legislators, who are also both U.S. Army vets, are highlighting services available to the stateâs veterans. State Representative Joe Graves, an Argentine Township Republican, and State Representative Hank Vaupel, a Handy Township Republican, are encouraging local veterans to take advantage of the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center on this Veteranâs Day. The center connects veterans with not only federal, but state and local services through one toll-free number. Graves says on Veteranâs day showing paperwork or a designated driverâs license has its own benefits. Graves says having your paperwork up to date and in order is a good first step and they can assist vets with that. Also, with proper ID veterans can have free breakfast, lunch and dinner on Veteran's Day. Vaupel adds that family members can also receive services. For details, call 1-800-642-4838 or visit the website through the link below. (DS/JK)
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Howell Man Accused of Molesting Boy, Lying About Leukemia DiagnosisHowell Man Accused of Molesting Boy, Lying About Leukemia Diagnosis
A Howell man is accused of not only duping the community with Leukemia claims but molesting a 13-year-old male. 21-year-old Zachary Phillip Jones was arraigned Tuesday afternoon on various charges tied to an investigation by Howell Police and is being held in the Livingston County Jail on a $2.1 (m) million bond. Jones is charged with identity theft, false pretenses of $1,000 or more, three counts of 1st degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of 2nd degree CSC. He was a volunteer coach for the Highlander Way Middle School wrestling program last year but also had some involvement with the Howell Hurricanes youth wrestling organization. Jones allegedly used a false doctorâs letter to back up his claims of being diagnosed with stage 4 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and having limited time to live. Many in the community rallied behind him and offered support by organizing fundraisers and setting up online donation accounts. However, a disturbing discovery was made during the course of that original investigation by Howell Police in which Jones was alleged to have committed sexual acts with a 13-year-old male. Jones is scheduled to appear in 53rd District Court for a probable cause conference November 17th before Judge Carol Sue Reader. Meanwhile, Howell Public Schools Spokesman Tom Gould tells WHMI that Jones submitted to a criminal background check per policy, which came back clean. He says the district has since sent a letter to parents of students on the wrestling team last year to make sure theyâre aware of the charges brought against Jones. Allegations of misconduct or additional information in the case should be directed to Howell Police. (JM)
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20th Annual Stuff The Bus Returns To Help Families In Need20th Annual Stuff The Bus Returns To Help Families In Need
A local organization will hold their yearly event to collect items for families in need next month. The Livingston Essential Transportation Service will proudly be holding their 20th annual Stuff the Bus event this year. On December 4th and 5th, the LETS bus will be parked outside of the Walmart in Howell from 11 am to 6 pm. The organization is looking for donations to fill the bus that will make the holiday season a little brighter for those in need. Wish lists will be handed out to anyone looking to shop for the families and the drive collects new, unwrapped toys, non-perishable foods, and clothing. Cash donations and gift cards are also appreciated. All of the proceeds will go to local non-profit agencies as well as area families who may be struggling. Items can also be dropped off at LETS by December 4th, which is located on West Grand River in Howell. For more information on the Stuff the Bus event, contact Katrina at 517-540-7848. (DK)
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Fee Increases Prompt Questions From VolunteersFee Increases Prompt Questions From Volunteers
Officials will gather at Kensington Metropark Thursday to consider a plan to raise entrance fees at all of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks in southeastern Michigan. The board that operates the 13 parks will consider proposals to increase daily fees to $10 from $7 and annual ones to $35 from $30. It would be the second fee increase in three years. During the same meeting, officials will consider a 2016 budget that includes $500,000 for an expansion to administration offices at Kensington Metropark, which is located in eastern Livingston and western Oakland counties. Another proposal up for consideration is an increase in the top rate for dockage at Kensington to $800 per year from $500. But the request for fee increases while also asking for spending on administration is drawing criticism from some park volunteers who question the boardâs priorities. The new daily rate would be double the $5 the parks charged in 2013. Combined with other fee increases, officials say that the new rates would raise at least $1.7 million for the Metroparks to offset revenues that have been lost by decreased property values. Officials also say they have plans to make improvements in the parks, including adding a toll booth and lane to the west entrance of Kensington. The Metroparks board meets at 10:30 Thursday morning at its administrative offices on High Ridge Drive.
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Health Department Purchases More Vaccines As Demand IncreasesHealth Department Purchases More Vaccines As Demand Increases
The Department of Public Health will be purchasing additional vaccines to restock their supply following an increase in requests for them. Vaccines are purchased throughout the year by the Livingston County Department of Public Health but the department recently had to amend their budget in order to purchase more. On Monday, the Department of Public Health requested a transfer of funds which was approved by the Health and Human Services Committee. Clients are charged the cost of the vaccine plus an administration fee which will offset the cost and essentially reimburse the department. Elaine Brown, Deputy Health Officer and Preventative Health Services Director, says two things have led to the spike in vaccination requests. New recommendations were released this year for the PCV13 vaccine for people that are 65 years or older. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also did a statewide recall for the HPV vaccine which targets adolescents. Brown says in this format, a recall is simply a reminder that the individual should get the vaccine, which has driven more patients to the clinic. Until the vaccines can be purchased, Brown assures that the department has their shelves stocked, but only âjustâ. (DK)
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Hartland Township Concerned About Declining Road PatrolsHartland Township Concerned About Declining Road Patrols
One local township is concerned about diminishing road patrols over the next three to five years. Hartland Township officials talked about the downward trend in county road patrols last night at a special meeting. Township Manager James Wickman told board members that heâs met with neighboring township supervisors and managers about the issue. Although crime in Hartland Township and the neighboring communities is low, Wickman says the trend over the last decade is going in the wrong direction. He says the consensus is that the lack of county road patrols is an issue for the Livingston County Sheriff Department. Wickman says what heâs hearing is that the county should support road patrols and keep policing the townships. He says Hartland and neighboring townships would support a road patrol millage. Another option floated by Trustee Joe Petrucci was the possibility of starting a police authority between the four townships in the Hartland area. Petrucci says the cities with their own police departments wonât support a county wide millage. Wickman says that would be an undesirable plan B. Another option would be to provide a township police department under the authority of the county. Township Manager James Wickman says looking at the policing model for Livingston County is a concern. Road patrol numbers have declined and that's unsettling. He says if the trend continues he and other township officials fear for what the future holds. He says they don't think the current model is sustainable. Road patrol numbers are going to stay what they are for the next three to five years, and if there is one critical incident or if there is further degradation of road patrols that is just not a good thing for our county. Wickman says the townships will continue to talk about all possible solutions over the next several months. (DS)
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Veterans Honored in Howell During Annual CeremonyVeterans Honored in Howell During Annual Ceremony
A 21-gun salute followed by a unique version of âTapsâ was part of a tribute at the downtown Veteranâs Memorial in Howell Wednesday morning. The annual Veteranâs Day Ceremony honored those who have served and those still serving in the armed forces. Members of the Howell and National Air Guard ROTC high school students along with a crowd of local residents gathered around the memorial monument at the Livingston County Courthouse for a ceremony that included the a historical perspective of the day and prayers. The event was hosted by the Marine Corps League and The American Legion Devereaux Post 141. The keynote speaker for the event was 2002 Howell High School graduate Army Staff Sergeant Kelly Simon who told the crowd Veterans Day is a day of triumph for all those who've served to keep us free and continue to do so today. She says veterans are part of a uniquely American collective and whenever America or her interests have been threatened, men and women across this nation rise to her defense. The 13 year active duty Army representative says veterans serve to protect the values we hold so dear. Following the ceremony, veterans and their families were invited to a luncheon at the American Legion Hall at Grand River and M-59 in Howell. (DS)
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Intergovernmental Meeting Held To Discuss SELCRA's FutureIntergovernmental Meeting Held To Discuss SELCRA's Future
An intergovernmental meeting between the Southeastern Livingston County Recreational Authority and the four municipalities that fund it was held on Wednesday night. Twenty one members from the SELCRA Board, Brighton City Council, and Brighton, Green Oak and Genoa Township Boards of Trustees met to further discuss the financial future of the organization. SELCRA has recently struggled to find money for operations in the face of their existing Joint User Agreement with Brighton Area Schools and competition from private youth recreation businesses. SELCRA Director Derek Smith informed the panel that they are working with a budget that is a fraction of what other communities of comparable size run at, and that it is only enough to barely maintain, let alone provide for future growth. Representatives from Genoa Township expressed feelings that they were working with a failing business model and were leaning towards dropping out if the situation couldnât be reversed. Brighton Mayor Jim Muzzin echoed that sentiment for the city. Green Oak Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles wasnât ready to throw in the towel, however, telling WHMI that BAS had recreation back in the 1990âs and gave it up, creating the need for SELCRA. Brighton Township was with Green Oak in agreement towards trying to work out a new financial model. It was the decision of the panel at the end of the night to draw up a new JUA that would better help SELCRA exist with Community Education. After drafting a new proposal, they will attempt to meet with the Brighton Board of Education as early as possible to discuss a new agreement. (MK)
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White Lake Sex Offender & Wife Charged With Trafficking In Child PornWhite Lake Sex Offender & Wife Charged With Trafficking In Child Porn
A White Lake Township sex offender and his wife have been charged by federal authorities with possessing child pornographic materials including images of children as young as two months old. A warrant was executed Monday by the FBI at the mobile home of 29-year-old Colin Matthew Boyle after investigators say they learned he had accessed a website with child pornography. Boyle already has two prior criminal sexual conduct convictions in Macomb and Oakland counties. A criminal complaint filed this week in U.S. District Court in Detroit accuses the Boyles of producing, distributing, receiving and possessing child porn. Colin Boyle is accused of accessing a post with a link to an image that depicted an adult molesting a baby girl believed to be about 2 months old. Officials say that Boyle, a registered sex offender, admitted to downloading child porn online. Subsequently, agents found a folder on the manâs computer with several such videos as well as a camera with explicit video involving a 1-year-old girl with a male voice that officials say resembles Boyle. They say that the girl was known to the couple. Boyleâs 25-year-old wife, Anngela, admitted to both sending and receiving child porn from her husband, adding that it was the only thing that sexually excited him. The coupleâs two children, ages 2 and 3, are reportedly now in the custody of a grandmother. Both suspects face a detention hearing Friday in federal court on the charges. (JK)
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Local School Districts Report Fall Student Count Numbers Local School Districts Report Fall Student Count Numbers
Livingston Countyâs public school districts are reporting fairly positive student count news. There are two student count days in Michigan â one in the spring and one in the fall. The fall count occurs on the first Wednesday of October and accounts for the majority of state funding. Based on what student projections each individual district built into their budget, the majority are still ahead â even those experiencing decreased enrollment. Fowlerville Community Schools was the only local district that had an increase in enrollment according to the unaudited count of 2,906. The district reported an increase of 44 students from last year, as well as an increase of 74 students from what had been budgeted. In Hartland, the student count was the same for both years at 5,536. Superintendent Jan Sifferman commented theyâre pleased they didnât lose any students considering the school aged population is declining in Michigan and the birth rate is declining in Livingston County. Howell Public Schools experienced a decrease in enrollment from last year but had projected a greater loss budget-wise so Superintendent Erin MacGregor says theyâre pleased to be ahead. Howellâs current enrollment is 7,322. MacGregor says the overall decrease can be attributed to the variance between the size of the graduating senior class of over 600 students and the incoming kindergarten class of 490 students. Brighton Area Schools hit its projected budget mark of 5,938 - which was 50 less students than last year. The district was still calculating shared service numbers but reported that they looked about the same. Pinckney Community Schools have not yet reported numbers. (JM)
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Proposed Amendments By SEMCOG Include Fix For I-96 Congestion Proposed Amendments By SEMCOG Include Fix For I-96 Congestion
A plan to ease traffic congestion on a particularly jam-packed stretch of I-96 is in the works. The morning and afternoon peak hours are especially difficult for motorists on a part of I-96 that runs through Novi, Wixom and Lyon Township. A study done by the Michigan Department of Transportation found a possible way to address the capacity problem and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments have made it a part of a series of amendments to their Transportation Improvement Program. The project suggests using an existing wide shoulder along the stretch as a travel lane by directing commuters through interactive signs when traffic becomes particularly heavy. Carmine Palombo, Deputy Executive Director of SEMCOG, tells WHMI the projectâs completion is a few years away with the current financial resources that are available. SEMCOGâs Transportation Coordinating Council will review the TIPâs proposed amendments the first week of December. They will then move on to the Policy Board and Executive Committee for approval. If all governing bodies give it thumbs up, a preliminary engineering study has been budgeted for. Palombo says the projectâs cost would be fairly minimal and would make the traffic flow move more efficiently. (DK)
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