In one local city a group of students is asking for legislation to regulate the use of cell phones while driving. About a month ago, students from St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in Fenton asked the City Council to take a look at adopting a law to ban the use of electronic devices while driving. Monday night Police Chief Rick Aro told city council members that texting and driving is already against the law. He says the city of Detroit is the only other city that has a law requiring hands free devices for drivers. He says if the city of Fenton were to adopt such a law, they would have to post signs at all the entrances to the city. He also says it would be hard to enforce on the stretch of US-23 that runs through the city limits. City Manager Lynn Markland says the city needs to talk to local legislators before making a decision to move forward. He says he thinks the city recognizes the need for that type of ban, however it would be difficult to enforce on a city by city basis, especially if you have a highway running through your community like we do. He says they are talking about having their state senator or state representative take a look at the issue. It's an issue that really should be addressed at the state level, not a city by city issue. Markland says legislators; Senator Dave Robertson and or Rep. Joe Graves will be invited to a meeting in the near future to get a sense of where the State of Michigan is on a potential ban. Aro says currently even without a ban, the police can pull people over who use their cell phones if they appear to be driving carelessly. Council member Scott Grossmeyer proposed drafting a resolution to the state in support of any legislation they put forward. The council agreed to bring in the legislators for more discussion either in March or April. (DS)
City of Fenton Discusses Possible Cell Phone BanCity of Fenton Discusses Possible Cell Phone Ban
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New Brighton City Manager Attends First City Council MeetingNew Brighton City Manager Attends First City Council Meeting
Newly-hired Brighton City Manager Nate Geinzer is now finishing his second week on the job. Geinzer sat in the city managerâs chair in council chambers for the first time at the City Council meeting Thursday night. Geinzer says he is impressed with the city staff he has to work with and expects it to be a long association. Geinzer replaces long-time city manager Dana Foster, who left in December after 24-and-a-half years to become internal auditor for the Brighton-based Corrigan Oil Company. Geinzer was assistant to the city manager in Farmington Hills for four years and held a management assistant position in Farmington Hills the five years prior to that. He also worked for the city of Berkley as downtown development authority manager. While attending college, Geinzer was an intern for the city of Brighton and later was employed in the community development dept. and then as Principal Shopping District consultant. Geinzer is an 11-year Brighton resident, and he and his family continued to live in the city during his years of employment in Farmington Hills. Geinzer has a master's degree in public administration from Eastern Michigan University. (TT)
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Meeting Attempts To Answer Questions About Brighton Twp. Sewer SystemMeeting Attempts To Answer Questions About Brighton Twp. Sewer System
The sewer system and related taxes in Brighton Township have been a point of contention for many years and frustrations came to a head at a public meeting last night. Township Manager Brian Vick hosted an informational meeting at Cornerstone Church in Brighton to discuss the history of the sanitary sewer system project and answer residentsâ questions. In 2000, $27.8 million in bonds was issued by the township to construct the system and property owners say they were led to believe their portion of the cost would be a $12,400 assessment. The number did not include interest, which is more than $16 million, or increased rates because of the lack of system users. Resident Jim Sarna tells WHMI he thinks users have been overcharged, having paid well over the original assessment. Vick answered those claims by pointing to documents from 1999 that indicate there is a possibility of a rate increase for users if the revenue stream isnât enough to make the bond payments. Attendees also questioned why certain property owners who should be on the system have not been forced to hook up to it, which would help alleviate the burden on the original users. Some of those situations were justified by special circumstances, like design issues and transmission lines. However Vick admitted he simply did not know why some properties had not been included in the assessment roll and says thereâs âno paper trailâ to answer why. The meeting was long and many residents voiced frustration and anger. But Vick tells WHMI it was a necessary conversation that the township can use to move forward. Clerk Ann Bollin says the current REU rate is under review and feels the board needs to adopt a formal plan of action to show their commitment to the public. Unfortunately, those that are fed up with the system and taxes donât have a legal exit strategy. Vick says there is no process in place that allows residents to unhook from the sewer system, nor is there a provision in the budget to refund money they think they are owed. Despite the bad news, Vick says the dialogue between users on the system and the township isnât over. (DK)
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Local Man Charged With Embezzling Millions Found Competent For TrialLocal Man Charged With Embezzling Millions Found Competent For Trial
A Tyrone Township man charged with looting an Oakland County credit union over the past 12 years has been found competent to stand trial. 36-year-old Michael LaJoice, the owner of the Chasse dance studio in Fenton, is charged with 14 counts stemming from his admission to police that he stole money from the Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union in Independence Township, where he had served as Chief Financial Officer. In January, LaJoiceâs defense attorneys requested he undergo a mental exam at the state forensic center. At a review hearing February 23rd, he was deemed competent to stand trial and is due back in court later this month for a probable cause conference. Police say it appears LaJoice stole from the credit union through multiple withdrawals of $100,000 which were then deposited into several personal accounts. Prosecutors have described LaJoice's $1.3 million, 5,800-square foot home in the northeast corner of Tyrone Township as lavish, and completely unsupported by his listed salary of $65,000 from the credit union. Liens have been placed on seven properties LaJoice owned, many of them part of the proposed Riverview development in downtown Fenton. The $31 million retail and residential project along the Shiawassee River had received approval just the week before LaJoice was arrested. A sign advertising the development has since been removed. Oakland County investigators said they've also seized $1.2 million in assets connected to LaJoice's alleged embezzlement. LaJoice remains jailed on a $1 million dollar bond. (DK)
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Longtime Work Skills Corporation Leader Stepping DownLongtime Work Skills Corporation Leader Stepping Down
The longtime leader of a locally-based service organization is stepping down after nearly 40 years at the helm. Work Skills Corporation announced today that Rod Jones has stepped down from his role as CEO after 38 years, but will remain involved in an advisory capacity. In his place, the organizationâs Board of Trustees appointed Tina Jackson as President and CEO. Jones is credited during his tenure with establishing and growing WSCâs employment and training services and production operations. The Work Skills mission is to provide employment and training services to people with barriers to employment. That took a big step forward in 1990 when Jones expanded the company to include staffing services and education. Since then it has also moved into home health care and more recently residential services with the opening of a six bed home for traumatic brain injured persons. WSC also developed an art program and opened Studio West in downtown Brighton. Jones said the decision to step down as CEO was a difficult one, but that itâs his intention to remain a part of the company to advise and consult and as such will now hold the title of Operations Advisor. As for Jackson, she was been with Work Skills for more than 25 years and has been a part of all the various aspects of its operations, including active involvement with the Work Skills Foundation.
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Green Oak Township To Replace Engine 81 And Rescue 81Green Oak Township To Replace Engine 81 And Rescue 81
The Green Oak Township Board of Trustees has agreed to the purchase of two new fire apparatuses. Fire Chief Kevin Gentry presented his plan to update the departmentâs vehicles this year at the boardâs meeting Wednesday night. Rescue 81 and Engine 81 are coming up on being 17 years old each. The typical life span for these vehicles is 20 years. Gentry was hoping the board would approve the purchase of the two new apparatuses for roughly $850,000 combined. Gentry said they were offered 3.1% financing from the maker with no payment needed for one year. Treasurer Susan Daugherty commented on how she had been in brief discussions with the bank the township uses and believed they may be able to get a better rate. Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles believed that it was worth inquiring further to make sure they were getting the best interest rate. He said that 3.1% was okay, but if they could get 2.6% or 2.4%, that would save the township a lot of money in the long run. The board approved this plan unanimously and added that if a deal too good to pass up on the current vehicles came in early, that St. Charles and Gentry would have permission to accept it. Gentry also informed the board of the need for a new ladder truck coming up in 2020 and presented two options. One would be to purchase a new one outright for $1.1 million dollars. The other is to refurbish the existing ladder and bring it up to current code. The fire department and board believe they can save around 50% if they take the refurbish option. (MK)
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Upcoming Fundraiser To Benefit S.A.L.'s Friendly Face Fund In Milford Upcoming Fundraiser To Benefit S.A.L.'s Friendly Face Fund In Milford
An upcoming fundraiser in Milford will benefit special needs clients that sometimes find themselves in need of a friendly, familiar face. Supportive Alternative Living or S.A.L. assists adults with developmental disabilities to live independently in their own homes or apartments, with specialized plans tailored to their individual needs. Funding cuts and Medicaid and Medicare restrictions have taken a toll on the organization, prompting new fundraising efforts to help serve their special needs clients. As many need a lot of medical attention or procedures, they are in and out of the hospital a lot, meaning theyâre left alone with unfamiliar hospital staff. The Friendly Face Fund provides an opportunity for S.A.L. staff to provide care outside of a clientâs home, who are familiar with their medical history. S.A.L. officials say the organization has been operating quietly for 27 years but Thursday, March 10th will be their first fundraiser for the Friendly Face Fund. Among the prizes up for auction is the opportunity to serve as Milford Police chief for a day. Chief Tom Lindberg tells WHMI the age of the winner will determine how theyâll tailor the day but the hope is that the community, businesses and merchants will step up to support the program, which has a large impact locally. He says itâs an important event as 18 individuals live in the community and rely on S.A.L. Lindberg says he makes an effort when out in uniform to stop by and visit their homes so they get used to seeing police and that way if there is an emergency, theyâll have more of a comfort level instead of a fear factor. In addition to the silent auction, next Thursdayâs fundraiser at the Village Bar and Kitchen in Milford will feature free appetizers, 50/50 raffle, wine cork pull and entertainment provided by a popular Frank Sinatra performer. Further details about the fundraiser and organization are available in the link and attachment below. (JM)
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Man Charged In Break-In & Scuffle At Milford Police Officer's Home Heads To TrialMan Charged In Break-In & Scuffle At Milford Police Officer's Home Heads To Trial
A local man charged after breaking into a Milford police officerâs home who recently violated bond by failing to stay sober has been bound over for trial. 30-year-old Alexander Jay Odden of Milford appeared in 52-1 District Court in Novi for an exam this afternoon, where it was determined there was enough evidence to bind the case over to circuit court for trial. Odden faces charges of 1st degree home invasion and assault and battery in connection with the January incident in which the officer and his wife fell asleep watching a movie at their home in the Village and awoke to find an intruder inside. Odden allegedly ignored orders to stop and tried to flee, and a scuffle ensued. The officer was able to restrain him and Odden was eventually taken into custody. Odden has various prior convictions and recently violated bond by failing to appear for court-ordered drug and alcohol testing, as well as testing positive on seven separate occasions. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Oakland County Circuit Court March 16th. (JM)
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New Hudson Man Charged In 1991 Cold Case MurderNew Hudson Man Charged In 1991 Cold Case Murder
A New Hudson man has been arraigned on charges related to a murder case that is over two decades old. 51-year-old Michael McIntyre is charged with one count each of Felony Murder and First Degree Premeditated Murder for the attack of his ex-girlfriendâs mother, Diane Ross. In August of 1991, Ross, then a 43-year-old double amputee, was aggressively beaten by a male intruder in her home and died several hours later from her injuries. The victimâs daughter had recently broken off a relationship with McIntyre around that time. Rossâ grandson, who was just 5 years-old then, was present at the time of the murder and sought help for his grandmother following the incident. The case went unsolved for 25 years, but in 2014 the Department of Attorney General was asked to join the investigation with the Midland County Sheriffâs Office after new evidence was revealed by investigators. Authorities say the physical evidence pointed toward McIntyre who was arrested and charged today. McIntyre pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Midland County Circuit Court and his bond was set to $1 million cash or surety for each murder charge. McIntyreâs next appearance in court is expected to be scheduled at a later date. (DK)
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Celebrity Dance Competition To Benefit Local CharityCelebrity Dance Competition To Benefit Local Charity
Local celebrities will be taking to the dance floor in a charity event to benefit local senior citizens. Livingston County Catholic Charities is holding their annual Salute to the Stars and Celebrity Dance Competition next Saturday, March 12th, at Crystal Gardens in Howell. In addition to the dancing, there will be food stations, a cash bar, and a mini auction. Items up for bid include University of Michigan football tickets and a signed hockey puck from Detroit Red Wings forward, Justin Abdelkader. Online voting for the four dance teams participating is already underway for $5 per vote. Those votes will be combined with votes and judging at the event to determine the âCommunity Favoriteâ and âOverall Dance Competitionâ awards. Voting donations will support the LCCCâs many senior citizen outreach programs. LCCC offers these programs for free to seniors in need; a majority of which live at or below 150% of the national poverty level. Tickets to the event are $60 per person, with tables of eight available to purchase. For more information, or see the teams competing, visit their website at www.livingstoncatholiccharities.com. (MK)
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Yearly Breakfast Meeting Will Recognize Community VolunteersYearly Breakfast Meeting Will Recognize Community Volunteers
A local service organization will once again recognize volunteerism and commitment with an annual breakfast meeting. Livingston County United Way will celebrate the âSpirit of the Communityâ on Wednesday, March 23rd at the Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Howell. The annual meeting and volunteer recognition breakfast will begin at 7:30 am and will celebrate the energy and partnerships that strengthen the community. The organization will share successes from the last year as well as their future goals and direction. Several awards will be presented to businesses and individuals for their service and dedication to the area. The event will be hosted by Dan Danosky, Livingston Educational Service Agency Superintendent and current United Way President. The cost for the breakfast is $23 per person. To reserve a spot, call United Way at 810-494-3000 or register online at www.lcunitedway.org. (DK)
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"The Martian" Chosen For 2016 Livingston Reads Selection"The Martian" Chosen For 2016 Livingston Reads Selection
A community wide reading event is again underway, showcasing a book full of surprises centered on a quest to stay alive. The bestselling novel âThe Martianâ by Andy Weir is the selection for the 12th annual Livingston Reads event. Itâs described as a fictional story with some really accurate science. All six public libraries in Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Hamburg, Howell and Pinckney are participating and have various events and activities planned around the book and theme. Jerilee Cook is the head of reference and adult services at the Howell Carnegie District Library. Cook tells WHMI itâs a survival story about an astronaut on an exploration of Mars who is presumed dead after a dust storm. She says the suspense of the book will appeal to a large audience, as Livingston Reads is a one book, one community project.
All six public libraries typically get together and select a book but Cook says this year was different and patrons were able to choose one from a number of books that would promote discussion instead of being presented with a title. Livingston Reads will run through the end of April and copies of The Martian are available at local libraries. All six libraries have partnered for two events including a private screening of the Oscar-nominated film âThe Martianâ at 7:00 tonight at the Historic Howell Theater. The event is free and exclusive to library patrons but space is limited and will be determined on a first come first serve basis. A library card must be presented to gain entrance to the show. Then on April 7th, all six libraries will participate in a live Skype interview with the author where Weir will talk about his experiences with writing, engineering and self-publishing. Questions will be collected at each library in advance of the video call. More information about the different programs and events to reflect the themes of the book at local libraries can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Airport Police Officer Enters Pleads In Retail Fraud CaseAirport Police Officer Enters Pleads In Retail Fraud Case
A plea has been entered by an airport police officer who is charged with retail fraud. 44-year-old Tina Marie Bubp of Deerfield Township is an employee of the Wayne County Airport Police. She is charged with 2nd and 3rd degree retail fraud as a result of an investigation into a retail fraud complaint from the Meijer stores in Hartland and Howell. The incidents reportedly occurred in October of last year. On Wednesday, Bubp pleaded guilty as charged as part of a Cobbs agreement with no jail time. That means Bubp will be allowed to withdraw her plea at sentencing if the judge imposes a jail sentence or strays from the probation conditions laid out. Those terms include probation for anywhere between 9 months to 2 years and Bubp cannot partake in police work while on probation. She will also be required to pay restitution for the stolen goods to the amount of $943. Bubp is scheduled to be sentenced April 27th. (DK)
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Brighton Council Told City Water Has Extremely Low Lead Levels Brighton Council Told City Water Has Extremely Low Lead Levels
The Brighton City Council was told Thursday night that homes in the city have extremely low levels of lead. At the meeting, Utilities Director Tim Krugh gave a report to council on the status of the cityâs water system. Krugh said the city is in full compliance with all federal and state standards as set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Federal rules for lead and copper limits in community water systems were adopted in 1991 and are now in the process of being revised. Krugh said Brightonâs water system wasnât established until 1938, and none of the water lines are lead â they are all made of copper. Krugh said in light of the Flint water crisis, citizens and city officials have asked him how Brightonâs water stacks up, and whether it is completely safe. In Flint, which switched in April of 2014 from Lake Huron water to Flint River water to save money, between 6,000 and 12,000 children have been exposed to drinking water with high levels of lead. Lead concentrations in the human body are known to result in lower intelligence levels and other problems. Krugh tells WHMI he can confidently state that the levels of lead in Brighton residences are extremely low. Krugh says that Brighton performs water testing every three years in 20 older city homes. The homes were all built before 1985, and as a result, many had pipes with solder containing 40% lead. Krugh said any lead that gets into homes in Brighton comes almost exclusively from solder. In 2015, the last testing period, 17 Brighton homes had non-detectable levels of lead and the remaining 3 had one part-per-billion. The federal limit is 15 parts-per-billion, beyond which action is required to reduce the lead content. Since 1994, the city has been adding phosphate to the lines, which provides a protective coating. In addition, the city does flushing of the water lines each year in the spring and fall to remove any minerals which may have accumulated. The city operates two water treatment plants: Challis Road and the Pierce Street plant near downtown. They serve the city of Brighton and portions of Genoa and Hamburg townships. Krugh said those who want the latest water quality report should go to the cityâs website (brightoncity.org), to âservices and departmentsâ, then click on âutilitiesâ and âwater quality report". (TT)
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Local Bank Again Offers College ScholarshipsLocal Bank Again Offers College Scholarships
The application process continues for community scholarships being offered to high school seniors in Livingston County. Up to ten scholarships of $1,000 each are available for high school seniors in Livingston County to continue their academic or vocational education. The scholarships are offered by First National Bank as part of its 2016 Community Scholarship Program. Five teacher classroom grants of $250 will again be presented as part of the program this year. Those will be selected as part of the scholarship process and no application is necessary. Officials say the scholarships benefit the future leaders of the community while the grants help local teachers with their important work. Students interested in applying must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, community service participation, a written essay, recommendation letters, and note challenges, if any, overcome to graduate. Scholarship applications are available from high school counselors and online through the link below. Completed applications are due by March 25th. (JK)
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Two Men Facing Marijuana Charges Bound Over Two Men Facing Marijuana Charges Bound Over
Two local men charged in connection to an alleged marijuana growing operation are headed to trial. 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. On Tuesday, James and Zubor waived their examination and were bound over to Circuit Court. Michael appeared in 53rd District Court for a motion hearing to modify his bond; however it was not entertained because it was not filed on time. Court records indicate Michael and Berry are scheduled for an examination April 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 distributing 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 menâs 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)
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Hockey Matchup in Brighton Benefits Local CharitiesHockey Matchup in Brighton Benefits Local Charities
Local hockey enthusiasts were able to get close to Detroit Red Wings legends while supporting three local charities and the family of a fallen police officer yesterday. The 7th Annual Hockey Night in Brighton featured the Detroit Red Wing Alumni Association playing against The Well Church All Stars Hockey Team at the Kensington Valley Ice House. Doug Moffat, who took this year off as goalie for the All Stars, says the team hoped to raise at least $20,000. 100 percent of the proceeds benefitted The Arc of Livingston, Reaching Higher, Shop With a Cop and the family of Michigan State Police Officer Chad Wolf. Wolfâs widow Erin and their four children dropped the puck to start the game. MSP Trooper Olivia Sivy is based at the Brighton Post and says they all become family. She says the event is one of the church's biggest fundraisers for the year to help with a number of organizations including Shop With a Cop and this year they were supporting Trooper Wolf's family and just doing what they can to help them out. She says once you put on a uniform they all become family, so it doesn't matter whether they'd met him or not, and she had, it doesn't matter, you support them all. She says they are there for each other one way or another. Sivy has been with the Michigan State Police for just about four years and is also a member of The Well Church. She says she hopes people see that law enforcement is a valuable part of the community and that they support one another. Moffat says he thinks this yearâs crowd was a record for the event, with over 700 tickets sold. The goalie for the All Stars in this yearâs match-up is Frank Renko. He says it's his fifth year of the seven playing and they just love it. He says there is a wonderful spirit and supporting the charities with the game and the family coming out during the puck drop and the picture of the Wings was very emotional for him. He says he really feels for them and he hopes God blesses them in the future and through the game they could be blessed also. At the final buzzer the All Stars team, which boasted five women, fell to the Red Wings 14 to 10. Moffat says no one on the team is professional players, but many do play regularly. Red Wing goalie George Bowman says playing for charity is what they do, and it is a fun family event. A dinner and silent auction followed the game at Cornerstone Church in Brighton.
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Roundtable To Provide Information On SBA Loan ProcessRoundtable To Provide Information On SBA Loan Process
Small business owners seeking financing for their current venture or local entrepreneurs looking to start a new business can take advantage of an event later this month that will corral area experts. The TEAM SBA Roundtable on Small Business Lending will be held on Wednesday, March 23rd from 9am to noon at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce in downtown Howell. The free gathering aims to give current or prospective small business owners insight into the Small Business Administration Guaranty Loan Program and the criteria used by loan officers to evaluate a loan request. Chamber officials say the assembled experts will seek to demystify the lending process, debunk myths about SBA programs, and share real-life examples of successful loan applicants. Gerald Moore, Michigan SBA District director, says the roundtable format is unique by providing access to the SBA and small business lenders in an interactive process. Youâll find details through the link below. (JK)
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Submissions Sought For "Barn Of The Year" Awards Submissions Sought For "Barn Of The Year" Awards
Livingston Countyâs vast array of barns could earn someone recognition as part of a statewide contest. Nominations are being accepted for the Michigan Barn Preservation Networks âBarn of the Yearâ awards and should include an application, survey form, story and photos. The non-profit organization is committed to the rehabilitation of barns for agricultural, commercial, residential and public uses. Recognizing barns must adapt in order to survive, the contest also seeks to honor those who have modified their barns in a sensitive and creative manner to accommodate an alternative use. The network offers knowledge and resources for barn rehabilitation, which was especially helpful for Jerry Damon, who remodeled a barn in Cohoctah Township. Heâs now a board member and the awards chairman. Damon retired a few years ago and says his son owned a farm north of Howell and had an old barn that he was looking to either move or tear down. After his wife agreed to the plan, Damon says they spent five years converting it into a home and the network helped him through the process, so now heâs giving back to them. He says itâs a very open and contemporary space on the inside but has the traditional facade on the outside, noting a great deal of time was spent trying to make it as energy efficient as possible.
Damon tells WHMI theyâre looking for submissions from the general public who are either owners or those who might just admire a barn. He says submissions are being sought in four different categories; continued family, private and agricultural use, family/private adaptive use, nonprofit agricultural or adaptive use and commercial agricultural or adaptive use. A one page application and survey, a story about the barn and photographs with different perspectives should be included with nominations, which must be postmarked by April 1st. Details are available on the Michigan Barn Preservation Network website through the link below. A committee reviews submissions and winners announced at the 2016 Michigan Barn Preservation Networkâs Annual Conference in May. (JM)
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Alliance Promotes Post-Secondary Education & Career AwarenessAlliance Promotes Post-Secondary Education & Career Awareness
Growing tomorrowâs talent today. Thatâs the goal behind a collaborative venture with community based programs focused on keeping local talent local and grooming students for future careers. While many Livingston County high school students are enrolling into post-secondary education, statistics show that a less than desirable percentage are actually following through - thus the Livingston Career and College Access Network was created. Itâs a consistent theme statewide in that some students have no clear path for a career and continuing education is expensive. Locally, 70% of Livingston County students are enrolling into some sort of post-secondary education but only 40% are completing any kind of award, certificate or degree. Career and College Readiness Coordinator for the Livingston Educational Service Agency Laura Hoehn tells WHMI theyâre looking at state and local data to help determine future forecast for students who will be entering the workforce. Hoehn says theyâre focusing on implementing the MI Bright Future program as well as supporting students and families to become more fluent in understanding what direction and education setting is the best for them and the process of how to pay for that. MI Bright Future is an online career development system that helps connect local high school students to businesses and future careers. Itâs said to be âthe bridgeâ between the business community and industry, students and the education sector. The interactive online mentorship portal connects directly with a career cruising platform in local high schools. Launched about a year ago, Business Recruitment Consultant Brooke Franklin says theyâre working to connect with the business community to set up profiles on the site and document what type of opportunities are out there for youth. Businesses can have different levels of engagement in a database shared by four counties. Ann Arbor Spark is the economic development service provider for Livingston County, which works to help companies grow and succeed locally. Business Development Manager Anna Zinkel says the talent need is not industry specific. She pointed to a survey of local companies that revealed 54% had immediate hiring needs. The Livingston Career and College Access Network will be sponsoring upcoming events through community collaborations such as talent tours, college roads trips, scholarships, paying for college nights, internships and mentoring. Further information about is available in the link and attachment below. (JM)
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