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"Hotel District" Keeping Pace With Brighton Developments"Hotel District" Keeping Pace With Brighton Developments

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Brighton, a town which at one time lacked a single major chain hotel, will soon have three. And down the road, it could have a fourth, which city officials say will comprise a “hotel district.” It’s due in large part to the growth of the Mt. Brighton Ski Area and a new, 320,000-square-foot medical center planned by the University of Michigan Health Systems. Currently, the city has two chain hotels: the 94-room Homewood Suites by Hilton at Library Drive and Challis Road, and the 106-room Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Brighton Towne Square off West Grand River and I-96. Now under construction is a third hotel within the Brighton city limits: The Hampton Inn on Challis Road, with 79 rooms, slated to open around Nov. 16th of this year. Just outside Brighton is the 88-room, two-suite Courtyard by Marriott, off I-96 in Genoa Township, on Conference Center Drive. Brighton Mayor Jim Muzzin tells WHMI the new hotel projects will enhance Brighton’s reputation as a destination community. What will be the fourth hotel in the Brighton area — a 4-story, 105-room Holiday Inn Express & Suites - is now under construction just off US-23 at Whitmore Lake Road and Maltby Road, just south of Brighton. The new hotel is expected to open after the first of the year. According to Green Oak Township officials, the new Holiday Inn Express will cater to families using the Legacy Center, a professional sports complex a mile or so away at Rickett and Winans Lake Road that is being built in phases and caters to athletes from all over the state and midwest. Livingston County Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Barb Barden tells WHMI that another major reason for the new hotels is the $10 million expansion and renovation project at Mount Brighton that was completed in time for the 2014 ski season. Barden says new sports facilities serve to make an area more attractive as a destination. She says the new hotels will improve the convention and visitors bureau’s ability to get the message out about Livingston County being a great place to visit, with amenities like a highly rated ski resort and professional athletic training facilities Muzzin adds that the new $175 million U of M Health Center, to be constructed on Challis Road, has spurred interest in other new development in Brighton. Although still in the planning stage, the new U of M Health center is expected to be completed sometime next year. (JK)

Vigil For Fenton Township Family Postponed to SundayVigil For Fenton Township Family Postponed to Sunday

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UPDATE: Thursday's vigil has been moved out to Sunday due to the Linden Community Schools district canceling classes. A vigil is set tonight for a Fenton Township family found dead in their home last weekend. The vigil will be held at 7pm at Linden High School for the Quasarano family, who were discovered by family members on Sunday in their Fenton Township home. It’s believed they died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a portable generator that had been set up in the basement’s home because of a power outage. An opening prayer will be offered by Daniel Patz, senior pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Linden, where the family worshiped. Three of the Quasarano children attended Linden Elementary School and a balloon release will be held at the end of the vigil. Meanwhile, the family will be laid to rest Saturday after an 11am service at Flint Central Church of the Nazarene. Interment will take place at the Fairview Cemetery in Linden.

Body Found In Burned Out House Identified As Missing Girl Body Found In Burned Out House Identified As Missing Girl

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A body found in a burned-out Detroit house has been identified as a missing child, a case initially investigated by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department. The Wayne County Medical Examiner's office made the identification of 4-year-old Savanna Walker on Wednesday night. Due to the severity of injuries on the body, police could not confirm her death and had been awaiting a DNA comparison. A cause of death has not yet been determined. An Amber Alert was issued Saturday for the girl - the same day the bodies of an adult and child were found in the vacant house on the city's eastside. The adult was later identified as Savanna's mother, 39-year-old Heidi Walker, who was reported missing days earlier by her oldest daughter who lives in Howell and had initially reported concerns to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department. Heidi and Savanna formerly lived in Howell and Pinckney. Meanwhile, Marcus Hightower is charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, unlawful imprisonment and arson. Police say the 34-year-old Hightower had been dating Heidi Walker and was the last person seen with Savanna. (JM)

Around 13 Inches Of Snowfall Recorded In Hartland AreaAround 13 Inches Of Snowfall Recorded In Hartland Area

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Wednesday and Thursday’s winter storm dumped around a foot of snow or more in some local areas. The National Weather Service says all told, the heaviest amounts from 12 to 14" occurred in a stripe across Lapeer County, southern portions of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, and northern portions of Oakland and Livingston Counties. 13 inches of snowfall was reported in Hartland over 28 hours, between 10-11 inches in the Howell area and a little over 9 inches recorded in Pinckney. The Brighton, Whitmore Lake and Gregory areas had between 8-9 inches while portions of South Lyon got around six inches of snow. The Weather Service says to the south and east, much of the precipitation fell as rain or a wintry mix, drastically reducing snowfall totals. The heavy accumulation locally caused numerous accidents and prompted school closings due to the condition of back roads and rural areas as many communities were still digging themselves out. (JM)

Brighton Area Fire Department Leading The Way In Fight For Air FundraiserBrighton Area Fire Department Leading The Way In Fight For Air Fundraiser

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A local fire department has more than tripled its original fundraising goal for an intense challenge. On Sunday, firefighters from local and neighboring counties will climb 71 flights of stairs at the Detroit Renaissance Center to raise money for the American Lung Association (ALA). As if that isn’t enough of a challenge, they will also do the climb while wearing full gear and their self-contained breathing apparatus, which tacks on about 50 extra pounds. The Fight For Air Climb supports the ALA’s mission to further research, patient education and advocacy efforts in the fight against lung disease. The Brighton Area Fire Department has participated in the fundraiser for the last 5 years, but Sgt. Bryan Berry says the department has stepped up their game this year. Berry says the normal 10-25 participating firefighters have jumped to 35 and their fundraising dollars have increased exponentially. Berry says they’ve never broken the $3,000 mark in their fundraising efforts but as of Thursday, the department had raised $10,664 and has the highest donation total of all participating fire departments. This is Berry’s 4th year taking part in the climb and he says it has a special meaning to him because he lost his mother last year to lung disease. Donations can still be made to the Brighton Area Fire Department at the link below. (DK)

Pinckney Rape Suspects Remanded To District Court For ExamPinckney Rape Suspects Remanded To District Court For Exam

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The two Pinckney High School students charged in the rape of a female student are due back in court next month. 17-year-old Nicklaus Lefebvre and Jacob Houck were remanded to 53rd District Court for a preliminary exam. The two are charged in connection to a reported rape of a female Pinckney High School student that allegedly occurred at a residence in the village in December. Authorities say Houck and Lefebvre sexually assaulted the 15-year-old after giving her alcohol. The two defendants face charges of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Lefebvre is also charged with child abusive commercial activity for allegedly taking pictures during the incident. A third student had been charged in the alleged rape as well, however that suspect’s case was resolved in juvenile court. If convicted on the current charges, Lefebvre and Houck could face up to 15 years in prison. The two are due back in court March 7th. (DK)

With Advocacy Restored To Central Role, Organization Seeks To Step Up FundraisingWith Advocacy Restored To Central Role, Organization Seeks To Step Up Fundraising

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Families with loved ones who have developmental disabilities often get help and guidance through a local nonprofit organization, although officials say their ability to assist these vulnerable members of the community is being stretched thin. The Arc of Livingston has been helping improve the quality of life for these individuals for over 50 years. Deb Calandrino is a Family Advocate for the Arc. Her role is to come in as a neutral party and make sure the child gets the best services they are eligible for. One of the parents Calandrino has been working with is Larry and Kathy Prout, whose son, Larry Jr., was born with multiple severe birth defects and has had over 90 surgeries to date. His parents entered him in early start programs and believed he was capable for a general education kindergarten class. Kathy told WHMI that the school system wanted to put their son in a cognitive learning classroom. She and her husband didn’t think that was necessary. The Prout’s believed that if their son was put on that track, that it would be tough to get him off of it. When the school wanted to perform a neuro-psych exam, the Arc helped the Prouts find an independent psychologist to perform the test, which determined that Larry Jr’s physical disabilities did not affect his learning capability, allowing him to be placed in a general education classroom with the assistance of an aid for his physical disabilities. Calandrino adds that recent issues in the organization over the role of advocates have been settled and they’re hoping now to get back on track. But she says their biggest roadblock is a lack of funding, pointing out that they are a private, nonprofit organization that receives no government support and is almost entirely reliant on fundraising. She says one of the biggest misperceptions is that the ARC has a large staff working 40 hours a week, when in fact she is currently the only family advocate on staff and is only working 20 hours a week. You can hear all about the Prout’s journey and how the Arc helped them on WHMI’s Viewpoint, Sunday morning at 8:30. (MK/JK)

Wish For Windows Project At Fowlerville Senior Center Halfway To Goal Wish For Windows Project At Fowlerville Senior Center Halfway To Goal

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A community effort to replace old, drafty and broken windows at a local senior center that also houses an online learning program for students is coming along even faster than organizers had hoped. “Wish for Windows” is a project between Fowlerville Community Schools and the Fowlerville Senior Center to raise money to replace all 31 windows of varying size in the building. The windows were installed in 1968 and are said to be in pretty bad shape. FCS Technology Director Grace Damerow also serves as principal of the Fowlerville Online Learning Academy, which has a computer lab and offices located within the senior center where students study and work online. The total cost of the windows and installation is approximately $11,000 and Damerow tells WHMI they’re halfway to their goal thanks to the generosity of the community and a recent donation of a large window from the Fowlerville Rotary. Damerow says it’s been very humbling and both the seniors and the students are very excited, with some organizing a pop can drive to boost donations. She says the lesser expensive windows went pretty quickly and they’ve also have some individuals and businesses sharing sponsorships and donating half a window. Details about the Wish for Windows project, sponsorship forms and an electronic donation link are available on the Fowlerville Community Schools website. A link is below. (JM)

Five Suspects In Two Counties Due Back In Court On Pot ChargesFive Suspects In Two Counties Due Back In Court On Pot Charges

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Follow-up court dates have been set for all five area men charged in connection with an alleged marijuana growing operation. Joseph Zubor of Gregory, Jeffrey Allen Michael of Fowlerville, Dennis James of Howell and Darryl Scott Berry of Howell, along with Johnny Glenn Cooper of Fenton are charged in the case. Michael, Berry, James and Zubor were all arraigned earlier this month in 53rd District Court in Howell and are scheduled for a probable cause conference on March 1st, with an exam set for March 7th. Cooper is charged in 67th District Court in Fenton, where he will undergo a probable cause conference on March 10th. The charges stem from an investigation into an alleged marijuana growing and distribution operation that authorities believe was carried out under the pretense that it was for use as medical marijuana. 15 pounds of marijuana, almost $200,000 in cash and around 550 plants were seized from the men’s homes. All five face charges of delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance, in this case marijuana. Berry, who police have said was in charge of the ring, is charged with conducting criminal enterprises, five counts of a controlled substance for delivering or manufacturing marijuana and two counts of conspiracy. Cooper is also charged with conspiracy. (DK/JK)

Pinckney Hosts 10th Annual Side-By-Side ConcertPinckney Hosts 10th Annual Side-By-Side Concert

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Students from Pinckney involved in all of the district’s orchestras took the stage Thursday night alongside professionals at the Jane Tasch Performing Arts Theatre. For the past 10 years the Pinckney Community Schools Orchestras have partnered with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra for the annual Side by Side Concert. Started in 2006 with a grant from the Southeast Michigan Community Foundation, the concert is something students and professionals look forward to. Pinckney Orchestra Director Jeff Campbell says the concert takes a lot of planning to put together and the students only have one dress rehearsal with the full symphony orchestra. He says in the months before the concert Maestro Arie Lipsky and several of the first chair string players come to Pinckney to teach the students. Senior Ryan Keogh says being able to play violin with the professionals is inspiring. He says he's been involved with the orchestra program since he was in 6th grade and has been playing with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra since 7th grade. He says the concert has always been his favorite thing about being in the orchestra because he is playing with such great musicians and it's just really fun and enjoyable because in his opinion it is the best concert that the school puts out. He says just being able to play with musicians of the caliber of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra is inspiring to him. Keogh says he has other career plans after high school, but also wants to compose music. Symphony orchestra violinist Linda Etter says the concert is also inspiring to her. She says she enjoys working with the students before the concert in sectionals and seeing them grow. She says it's been fun for her to come back over the years and see the kids grow up. The ones that she started with in the younger orchestra in the first few years are now first violins in the high school orchestra. She says it's fun to remember the kids from way back when, what they were like when they were little squirrely 7th graders and now they're in the high school orchestra. Etter says it gives her inspiration and hope for the next generation of both violinists and music lovers because she hopes all these students will continue to come to orchestra concerts and they'll always know what it's like to be on stage playing. Campbell says this year’s concert was a bit of a family affair with two former students returning to the Pinckney stage. Flutist Kelly Sulick took time out of her job as professor of flute at the University of Virginia. She was the featured soloist at the concert. Another alum, Stefan Mohrman joined the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and played the French Horn. (DS)

Meeting Monday To Detail Bridge Replacement DetailsMeeting Monday To Detail Bridge Replacement Details

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Anyone who uses McGregor Road or accesses Portage Lake in the Pinckney area is advised to attend a meeting next week about an upcoming bridge replacement project with a big impact. The Washtenaw County Road Commission is hosting a public information session to detail the bridge project on McGregor Road over the Portage Lake outlet, which is between the Livingston County line and Dexter Township. It’s scheduled to begin this spring. The meeting will be held this Monday, February 29th at the Portage Yacht Club on Dexter-Pinckney Road. It will start at 6pm with a brief presentation where residents and commuters will learn details about the project, including proposed detour routes, residents’ access to their property during construction, and projected timelines. The presentation will be followed by an open house format, providing individual citizens with the opportunity to discuss the proposed project with road commission staff and the construction contractor. (JK)

Electrical Hazard Shuts Down Main Street In Downtown Whitmore LakeElectrical Hazard Shuts Down Main Street In Downtown Whitmore Lake

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Most of downtown Whitmore Lake is expected to be without power for an extended period of time. An electrical hazard shut down Main Street, requiring traffic to be detoured. DTE crews arrived on scene this afternoon to assess the issue and determined the safest way to fix the electrical hazard was to shut off power. Officials say it is unknown how long it will take to resolve the issue or re-open Main Street. The Northfield Township Police Department asks that motorists avoid Main Street between Pine Street and Jennings Road at the railroad tracks and seek alternate routes. (JM)

Emails: Former Snyder Aides Urged Switch Away From Flint River In 2014 Emails: Former Snyder Aides Urged Switch Away From Flint River In 2014

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According to just released emails, two lawyers in Gov. Snyder's office urged his top aides to switch Flint back to Detroit's water system only months after the city began using the Flint River. Both the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press report that Valerie Brader and Mike Gadola expressed concerns about Flint's water in October 2014, citing E. coli and General Motors plant's switch because the water was rusting engine parts. It was a year before the state helped Flint return to Detroit's system after water leached lead from pipes into homes. In emails to then-chief of staff Dennis Muchmore and others, Brader said it was an "urgent matter to fix." Gadola, Snyder's then- legal counsel, called the idea of using the Flint River as a water source "downright scary." Muchmore said he and the others had discussed their concerns with the governor, but no action was taken for almost a year until after independent analysis confirmed the water had indeed been contaminated. The dissent within Snyder's own administration only became public this week because Brader did not include an agency subject to open records laws in the email, writing,. "P.S. Note: I have not copied DEQ on this message for FOIA reasons." Michigan is one of only two states that exempts the governor's office and Legislature from public records disclosure.(AP)

Hamburg Man Sentenced For Drunk Driving, Still Faces Trial In Police ChaseHamburg Man Sentenced For Drunk Driving, Still Faces Trial In Police Chase

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A Hamburg Township man who violated his bond when he led a police chase while intoxicated has been sentenced for a previous drunk driving case. 66-year-old Terry David Phillips was sentenced Tuesday to 180 days in the Livingston County Jail with a credit of 106 days served on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, lack of insurance, driver having open intoxicants in the vehicle and operating with a blood alcohol content of .17 or more. That incident occurred in August. Phillips violated his bond in November when he led a police chase after an attempt was made to pull him over. An officer used his patrol vehicle to cause Phillips to spin out. Phillips then tried to accelerate and hit a tree and power junction box. He was arrested and lodged in the county jail. From that incident, Phillips faces charges of fleeing a police officer in the 4th degree, operating a vehicle while intoxicated and driving with a suspended license. Phillips is scheduled for a final settlement conference March 4th in that case. If a resolution cannot be reached, he is scheduled for a jury trial March 7th. (DK)

No More Jail Time For Man Charged With Faking Prescriptions In MilfordNo More Jail Time For Man Charged With Faking Prescriptions In Milford

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Sentencing has been handed down for a Garden City man busted by Milford Police for filling out fake prescriptions. 29-year-old Daniel Rayburn pleaded no contest earlier this month to felony charges of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, identity theft, and fraudulent insurance acts. The charges were filed following his arrest January 26th after he exited a Walgreen’s in Milford where a pharmacist became suspicious of several prescriptions for commonly abused street drugs that had been called in. After checking with the physician’s office that supposedly wrote the prescriptions, it was discovered that the doctor in question was on vacation and that Rayburn was not their patient. In court Thursday, Rayburn was ordered to serve 30 days in jail, but also given credit for 30 days served, He must also serve 18 months of probation. His driver’s license was also suspended for six months. (JK)

Telecommunicator's Week Will Recognize Local DispatchTelecommunicator's Week Will Recognize Local Dispatch

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Livingston County will once again show its support for the 911 dispatchers that keep the community safe. April 10th through the 16th is National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week. Each year, the Federal Government recognizes those that work in 911 dispatch centers and provide necessary information to emergency responders. On Monday, the Public Safety and Infrastructure and Development Committee approved a resolution in show of support of Telecommunicators’ Week and local dispatchers. 911 Deputy Director Chad Chewning tells WHMI dispatchers are unsung heroes that too deserve recognition. A ceremony for the 911 staff will be held during the recognition week and Dispatcher of the Year and Life-Saving awards will be given out. Chewning says in the past, the fire service has come in and cooked breakfast for the dispatchers to thank and support them. (DK)

Seasonal Staffing Approved At Thompson Lake Boat Launch In HowellSeasonal Staffing Approved At Thompson Lake Boat Launch In Howell

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The Thompson Lake boat launch entrance in the City of Howell will be staffed this upcoming season – a move that could help curb traffic and past complaints about alleged boating violations. Last summer, concerns were raised by some residents and boaters on Thompson Lake about loud noise, unsafe boating habits and their personal rights being violated. Issues between a few somewhat escalated, prompting increased enforcement on the lake. During a recent Howell City Council meeting, a letter of understanding was approved between the City of Howell and the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority to staff the boat launch at Lake and Roosevelt Streets from May 1st through October 1st. City Manager Shea Charles says the city is bringing back staffing at the boat launch to help manage traffic but also provide a presence that could help mitigate concerns on the lake such as noise. Staff will record all parking violations at the site and verify that seasonal and daily passes on vehicles are valid, as parking is limited. Any parking ordinance enforcement would be handled by the Howell Police Department. Officers will continue to monitor the situation on Thompson Lake along with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department Marine Patrol Unit and take take enforcement actions if warranted. Photo: Google Street View. (JM)

New Trial Starts Monday For Woman Charged In Fenton Man's MurderNew Trial Starts Monday For Woman Charged In Fenton Man's Murder

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Jury selection starts next week set for a woman charged in the shooting death of a Fenton man after a mistrial was declared in the original trial. Proceedings to pick a new jury will start Monday in Isabella County Circuit Court for 52-year-old Mary Lou Bigford, who is charged with a multitude of counts, including first-degree murder. Police say she shot and killed 39-year-old Lawrence Howard Jr. last April as he sat inside his car in the parking lot of the Mt. Pleasant apartment complex where she lived with her daughter and granddaughter. Bigford’s daughter had accused Howard of sexually abusing their daughter, which the Fenton resident adamantly denied. Multiple investigations also failed to substantiate the abuse allegations. Opening arguments in the first trial began January 15th, but when the prosecution mentioned lab results on a bullet found in Bigford’s car and bullet fragments found in Howard’s body, the defense objected, saying they had only seen the lab results just days before. After a brief recess, Chief Judge Paul Chamberlain questioned why a postponement was not requested before they selected a jury. He then declared a mistrial. (JK)

Pedestrian Fatalities Increasing, Law Enforcement Offers Tips On Staying SafePedestrian Fatalities Increasing, Law Enforcement Offers Tips On Staying Safe

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Local police departments are reaching out to pedestrians with some suggestions on how to be safe while out walking. The Northfield Police Department says the number of pedestrians that have been killed in recent years have increased- in 2014, 142 fatalities were recorded and over 2,400 pedestrians were involved in motor vehicle accidents. Officials say teens are now the most at-risk youth for pedestrian injuries because of the distraction of technology devices. Law enforcement suggests walking on sidewalks and paths as provided, but if you must walk on the road, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Authorities also say to be aware of vehicles that are backing up or turning and always make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of their car. Most injuries reportedly happen mid-block or at someplace other than an intersection so walkers are encouraged to cross the road using traffic signals and crosswalks. Because of the distraction of technology, law enforcement officials encourage everyone, teenagers especially, to stop using devices when approaching a street or walking through a parking lot. For more information about pedestrian safety, visit www.Safekids.org. (DK)

Howell Schools Agree to Buy New ScoreboardsHowell Schools Agree to Buy New Scoreboards

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Spring sports teams in one local district could have new scoreboards before the tournament season begins. The scoreboards on the baseball and softball fields in Howell will be replaced this spring. Last week the Howell Public Schools Board of Education approved the purchase of the two scoreboards. Athletic Director Dan Hutcheson told board members that he thinks the existing scoreboards were put in place when the fields were built back in the early 1990s. He says the lighting technology is outdated and expensive to repair. The district approved the purchase of new scoreboards from a company called Daktronics for nearly $28,000. The bid was the median bidder, but Hutcheson says they have good customer service and a local representative. Superintendent Erin MacGregor says the project is one of several priorities. He says last year before his arrival the board discussed when the Latson Road property was sold, that there was a given amount of that money with the sale that the board then prioritized some capital needs in the district. He says they are things that they rellay need to get to and previously hadn't had the funds to be able to do that. MacGregor says with the Latson Road sale they were able to prioritize those things, and this is one of those priorities that came out of that. Along with that they had some technology needs and some building repair issues, so they are just starting to chunck those items out, get bids on the process and move forward from there. The district sold a 14.5 acre parcel of land at Latson Road and I-96 last year, netting the district more than $5 million. Funds for the new scoreboards and other projects will come from a portion of those proceeds. Hutcheson says the new boards have the latest technology, are wireless and user friendly. MacGregor says the district has a good working relationship with Daktronics and expects the new scoreboards to be installed within the next six-weeks. (DS)
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