A deal by the Michigan Department of Transportation is coming under fire that would halt costly lease payments for passenger railcars for a proposed commuter project between Ann Arbor and Howell that has yet to come to fruition. More than $10 million has already been invested in the railcars that were bought by the Great Lakes Central Railroad for about $114,000 each in 2004. But under the recent deal by MDOT, the state is unlikely to receive any compensation if the cars are sold. The cars, which date back to the 1950âs and 60âs, were planned for the proposed service, known popularly as WALLY, or the Washtenaw and Livingston Line. But despite the millions of dollars invested in refurbishing them, the state would only receive compensation if they sell for more than $900,000. Mark Campbell, a former president of the Michigan Northern Railway, told the Detroit Free Press he can't envision the railcars selling for anywhere close to that and in his opinion the state should have simply purchased the cars and paid to store them. Lawmakers were outraged after the Free Press reported in February of 2015 that the state was paying $1.1 million a year in lease payments for 23 passenger railcars that were sitting idle in an Owosso rail yard while awaiting the launch of commuter passenger services between Ann Arbor and Detroit and Ann Arbor and Howell. The latest deal from MDOT does eliminate the lease payments, but at the apparent expense of giving up the millions in equity already invested in the cars. Mark Dobronski, president of the Adrian & Blissfield Rail Road, told the Free Press that the deal is âridiculousâ and has made a bad situation worse. Tim Hoeffner, director of MDOT's office of rail says the agreement allows MDOT to take possession of the cars when commuter service is ready, which isnât expected until late 2019, and will set out a profit-sharing schedule should the parties agree to sell all or some of the railcars. (JK)
MDOT Deal Gives Up Equity In WALLY Railcars In Exchange For Ending Lease PaymentsMDOT Deal Gives Up Equity In WALLY Railcars In Exchange For Ending Lease Payments
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Silhouette Of City Of Fentonâs Namesake On Public Display Silhouette Of City Of Fentonâs Namesake On Public Display
A significant piece of art representing the City of Fentonâs history is now out of an old storage closet and on public display. A silhouette of William Fenton, for which the City was named, is on public display in Red Fox Outfitters inside of the old Fenton Bean Company building downtown. The piece had sat for years in a storage closet inside of the former headquarters of Citizens Bank in downtown Flint before being donated to the Fenton Historical Society. Fenton was the first president of Citizens National Bank. The piece is over 100-years-old and was created by one of William Fenton's sons. Local legend has it that Fenton won naming rights to the town after a poker game with his business partner Robert LeRoy. Fenton won the first hand and got to name the town, while LeRoy won the second hand and named the cityâs main street after himself. The Detroit News reports the card game went on until all of the cityâs streets and parks were names. Photo: Dominic Adams / AP
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Milford Woman Found Competent For Trial In Husband's Beating DeathMilford Woman Found Competent For Trial In Husband's Beating Death
A psych exam has determined that a Milford woman accused of fatally beating her husband is competent to stand trial. Yvonne Cortis was charged with open murder in December following the death of 68-year-old Greg Cortis, who died from injuries sustained in the November 30th crowbar attack. She was sent to the state forensic center for a competency exam, which was returned to district court in Novi February 25th with a finding that she was indeed able to assist in her own defense. Cortis, who was also charged with a count of animal torture for beating the family dog in the attack, is now set for an exam on April 28th. Family members have said the 58-year-old Milford woman has a history of mental illness. Police say Cortis admitted to beating her husband and dog to put "them out of their misery." She remains jailed on a $1 million dollar bond. (JK)
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Flint's Women Warriors Lead The Way In Water CrisisFlint's Women Warriors Lead The Way In Water Crisis
The Flint water crisis continues to be a topic of political discussion after last nightâs Democratic Presidential Debate in Flint, but many of those who are closest to the issue say it only came to light because of local women who refused to remain quiet. Whether it was the foul smell and brown color or the resulting rashes and hair loss, many Flint residents were immediately concerned after city switched its water source in April 2014. But it was a study months later that finally opened eyes. Hurley Medical Center Pediatrician Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha's discovery of what she calls a "frightening" increase in lead levels in the children of Flint is credited as a pinnacle moment in the controversy. But she says those who fought from the beginning are the true heroes of the story. "They messed with the wrong mommas. Leane Walters, her lead level in her water exceeded toxic-waste levels and she never stopped fighting. Another strong momma, Melissa Mays, mobilized a lot of grassroots support. Another amazing women, Nayyirah Shariff, a community activist. The mayor, Karen Weaver, she's the one that declared the state of emergency." Hanna-Attisha contends it was the actions of these women, along with other folks on the ground, that finally got the ball rolling on the government's response and elevated the crisis into the national spotlight. Mays (pictured) says despite her concerns and those of other Flint residents, it wasn't until January of 2015 that notification arrived stating chemicals that are a byproduct of disinfection were in the water. But she notes officials continued to claim the water still was safe for most people. "When they told us that it could cause cancer, that was when we started protesting and started digging in more. We started having our water tested and found out that there were high levels of lead in several people's homes. So that's when we went on this whole mission to expose the truth." Others in the community suspect that once the issue fades from the national spotlight, it will be these local activists who will ensure the situation gets fixed. Hanna-Attisha says what happened in Flint is a public health disaster that is neither a political issue nor a campaign issue, but instead a humanitarian issue that needs urgent action. (JK) With help from Mary Kuhlman, Public News Service. Picture courtesy of Melissa Mays Facebook page.
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High Voter Turnout Projected Locally For Tuesday's Presidential PrimaryHigh Voter Turnout Projected Locally For Tuesday's Presidential Primary
As Tuesdayâs Presidential Primary approaches, the Livingston County Clerkâs Office is projecting high voter turnout. Clerk Elizabeth Hundley and Elections Coordinator Joan Runyan both believe it will be a high voter turnout election, possibly between 45% to 50%. The last presidential primary election was in 2012 with turnout around the 22% range but Runyan says thereâs certainly a lot more hype with Tuesdayâs election. Runyan tells WHMI the election will be conducted as a "closed" Presidential Primary, which is open to all registered voters as there is no political party registration requirement in Michigan. Upon arriving at the polls, voters will be asked to indicate which primary they want to vote in and if they want to receive the Democratic Party ballot or the Republican Party ballot. Outside of the presidential candidates, the only issue that will appear on Tuesdayâs ballot is a building and site sinking fund millage renewal proposal for voters within the Byron Area Schools district. As for the candidates local lawmakers will be supporting Tuesday; Congressman Mike Bishop previously supported Jeb Bush, who dropped out, and heâs now expressed support for Ohio Governor John Kasich. Actress and Democrat Melissa Gilbert of Brighton who seeks to replace Bishop for the 8th Congressional District seat has endorsed former U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. Term-limited Republican Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township has endorsed Donald Trump. As for local Republican State Representatives, Lana Theis of Brighton Township has endorsed Texas Senator Ted Cruz while Hank Vaupel of Handy Township already voted absentee. Vaupel did not disclose who he voted for but told WHMI due to the divisiveness of the primary, he is not endorsing anyone and would be comfortable supporting any of the Republican Party candidates for president. Detailed information about Tuesday's Presidential Primary election is on the Livingston County Clerkâs webpage. There is also a link there to the Michigan Voter Information Center website where voters can view polling locations, requirements and sample ballots. (JM)
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Home Invasion Suspects Get Prison TimeHome Invasion Suspects Get Prison Time
Lengthy prison sentences have been handed down to two Detroit men that were charged in connection to a home invasion in Genoa Township. Police say five men took part in the home invasion last June, when they robbed a residence on Crystal Valley Drive at gunpoint. Toursean Pressley, Jemantae Perkins, Terence Ayers and Tyler Ayers of Detroit and Kennie Whitby of Green Oak Township were charged with varying counts of 1st degree home invasion, armed robbery and felony firearms. On Monday, Pressley was sentenced to 20 to 50 years in prison for 13 counts of armed robbery which will run concurrent to a 12 to 20 year sentence for 1st degree home invasion. Pressley also received a consecutive 2 year sentence for several counts of felony firearms. Perkins was sentenced to 10 and a half to 40 years in prison for the armed robbery charges and 10 and a half to 20 years for home invasion. Tyler and Terence Ayers are expected to be sentenced April 25th. Whitby is the only suspect in the case that will go to trial and is charged with resisting and obstructing police as well as the home invasion, armed robbery and felony firearm charges. He is scheduled for a final settlement conference April 8th. (DK)
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SELCRA wants new user agreement with Brighton Area SchoolsSELCRA wants new user agreement with Brighton Area Schools
Representatives of the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority Board were at the Brighton school board meeting Monday night to ask for a revised draft user agreement between the school district and Green Oak and Brighton Townships. The city of Brighton and Genoa Township will be severing their ties with SELCRA in less than four months, after deciding they would rather their recreational and athletic programs be run by the school district. The result will be a 50% reduction in the participation by area municipalities in SELCRA. Brighton Mayor Jim Muzzin was at the meeting and told the board that leaving SELCRA, which will take place on July 1, was a difficult decision. Green Oak and Brighton townships have said that they are going to continue with SELCRA, regardless of what the city and Genoa do. Green Oak Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles told the school board that the two townships need a decision on what lies ahead so they can plan â both their respective budgets and in their responsibility to afford recreational opportunities for their residents. SELCRA Director Derek Smith told the board that the authority needs revisions in its user agreement with the Brighton Area Schools. Smith said that for instance, instead of being charged a flat fee of $30,000 a year for rental of school facilities as now, SELCRA would like to be charged for facility use on a percentage basis. Another problem, he said, is that SELCRA is given a lower priority than district schools when there are conflicts with school schedules. For example, he said, this yearâs daddy-daughter dance had to be rescheduled three times because it conflicted with a school-sponsored activity. Smith said SELCRA would also like to conduct some activities that are now run through Brighton Community Education, such as fitness classes. He said SELCRA is looking to hold such classes in places other than school facilities, such as township halls or even fire stations, to not compete with school programs. Supt. Greg Gray told township and SELCRA representatives in attendance that a draft user agreement should be ready for his boardâs consideration in two weeks. (TT)
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Board Of Commissioners Oppose Gov. Snyder's Budget Proposal Board Of Commissioners Oppose Gov. Snyder's Budget Proposal
County officials are not looking favorably upon a budget proposal from the Governor that calls for a funding switch within the mental health services system. Gov. Rick Snyder is proposing Medicaid dollars be transferred from a 4-county mental health partnership and put towards private health plans in 2017. The partnership is made up of Livingston, Washtenaw, Monroe and Lenawee County and some leaders are taking a stance against Gov. Snyderâs plan. Many are questioning the necessity for the fund transfer because the proposal is scarce in its reasoning. Executive Director of Livingston County Community Mental Health, Connie Conklin, says a lot of assumptions are being made as to how the transfer is beneficial. Itâs been suggested that it could have a potential cost savings or improve health care integration, but Conklin says thereâs not a lot of evidence for either of those theories. The House Chair pulled the language at an appropriations meeting last Friday and said the proposal would not receive support, thus removing it. The issue is expected to be considered by the Senate on Thursday. Conklin tells WHMI a model should precede the proposal and that a work group, chaired by Lt. Governor Brian Calley, is looking into that. The Livingston County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution in opposition to the Governorâs proposal on Monday and Washtenaw County recently did the same. Conklin says the remaining counties in the partnership, Lenawee and Monroe, may be considering a similar resolution as well. (DK)
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Flint Pediatrician Wants To "Flip The Story" Of Water CrisisFlint Pediatrician Wants To "Flip The Story" Of Water Crisis
The Michigan women who fought to expose the toxic lead in Flint's water say their efforts to protect the community are just getting started. In response to the crisis, state and federal investigations are under way, and millions of dollars to assist residents is expected from Michigan lawmakers and Congress. But activists say a whole city is contaminated by lead and there will be life-long repercussions. Lead poisoning is linked to developmental and behavioral problems, and a spike in cases of Legionnaire's disease in Flint recently came to light. Other issues include figuring out the disposal of the plastic water bottles coming into the city, fixing Flint's corroded pipes, and ensuring residents have access to safe, healthy water. Flint pediatrician Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha has been a national and international voice in the crisis, and has met with congressional leaders and Environmental Protection Agency officials. But she says it's time to flip the story. Hanna-Attisha is among those at Hurley Medical Center who are creating a public pediatric health initiative focusing on the fallout. "We cannot sit back and just see. We have to try to intervene early for these children, so we are actively working on this initiative, getting the resources we need so that our children have a brighter future tomorrow." Flint mom Melissa Mays launched the "Water You Fighting For?" group to ensure people are not kept in the dark. When people don't think they are getting the truth, she says, they need to stand up and start digging. "It was started by citizens, it was pushed through by citizens, and we are still the ones helping each other. We are the ones taking the water donations door to door. We are the ones getting the information out. It has been 100 percent citizen driven." Flint women also are involved in a myriad of lawsuits related to the crisis, including a new class-action suit filed Monday seeking damages for those injured from exposure to the introduction of lead and other substances. (JK) With help from Mary Kuhlman, Public News Service.
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Former Police Sergeant Arraigned On Embezzlement ChargesFormer Police Sergeant Arraigned On Embezzlement Charges
A former police sergeant has been arraigned on embezzlement charges that forced his extradition back to Livingston County. 54-year-old William Scott Cook was arraigned Monday in 53rd District Court with a felony charge of embezzlement between $20,000 and $50,000. He was released on a $100,000 personal bond pending a probable cause conference on March 15th. Cook was recently arrested and jailed in Tennessee on a warrant from Livingston County, where he is alleged to have embezzled the money from his mother, while he had power of attorney. The Hamburg Township Police Department investigated after being contacted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services last May, which had concerns related to the finances of Cookâs mother. She had lived with him for a short time in Hamburg Township before being transferred to a nursing home. Cook was a longtime sergeant with the Pinckney Police Department when he resigned unexpectedly last April via email. (JK)
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Higher Than Normal Voter Turnout Expected For Today's Presidential PrimaryHigher Than Normal Voter Turnout Expected For Today's Presidential Primary
Today is Michigan's Presidential Primary and the Livingston County Clerkâs Office is projecting higher than normal voter turnout. Elections coordinator Joan Runyan believes there will be high voter turnout, possibly between 45% to 50%. That compares to the last presidential primary election in 2012 when turnout was in the 22% range. Runyan tells WHMI the election will be conducted as a "closed" Presidential Primary, which is open to all registered voters as there is no political party registration requirement in Michigan. Upon arriving at the polls, voters will be asked to indicate which primary they want to vote in and if they want to receive the Democratic Party ballot or the Republican Party ballot. Outside of the presidential candidates, the only issue that will appear on todayâs ballot is a building and site sinking fund millage renewal proposal for voters within the Byron Area Schools district. As for the candidates local lawmakers will be supporting today; Congressman Mike Bishop previously supported Jeb Bush, who dropped out, but has now expressed support for Ohio Governor John Kasich. Actress and Democrat Melissa Gilbert of Brighton, who seeks to replace Bishop for the 8th Congressional District seat, has endorsed former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Term-limited Republican Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township has endorsed Donald Trump. As for local Republican State Representatives, Lana Theis of Brighton Township has endorsed Texas Senator Ted Cruz while Hank Vaupel of Handy Township already voted absentee. Vaupel did not disclose who he voted for but told WHMI due to the divisiveness of the primary, he is not endorsing anyone and would be comfortable supporting any of the Republican Party candidates for president. Detailed information about today's Presidential Primary election is on the Livingston County Clerkâs webpage. There is also a link there to the Michigan Voter Information Center website where voters can view polling locations, requirements and sample ballots. (JM/JK)
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Pinckney Village Looks to Merge DDA and Planning CommissionPinckney Village Looks to Merge DDA and Planning Commission
One local villageâs Downtown Development Authority could soon be merged with its Planning Commission. In the next month the Pinckney Village Council may decide to blend the boards in order to save resources. Zoning Administrator Diane Kay-Hougaboom is also chair of the DDA and asked for an opinion from the Planning Commission on the potential decision. Last night she told commissioners that one reason for the merger is that it is difficult to keep both boards fully staffed. There are two seats on the planning commission that will soon be vacant. Commissioner Mike Gergel recently stepped down as chair and Patricia Sullivan has indicated she will leave in April. Members of the DDA will be able to apply for either seat. Kay-Hougaboom says the two boards have similar goals. She says Pinckney is a relatively small village and they have several elected and appointed boards. She says the DDA and Planning Commission have very similar goals; to help improve the village and to help move the village forward in a positive direction. The goal she says is to not duplicate work and to have one board who can meet and do the administrative functions of both. That way the DDA committees can do the projects that everyone knows and loves. Kay-Hougaboom says the discussion was just to get a consensus from commissioners. A similar conversation is expected at the DDA meeting on March 15th. Kay-Hougaboom says the only real change will be the addition of an agenda item to pay the DDA bills and annually review the budget. She says most of the work of the DDA is done in committees and their projects are self-supporting. DDA committees will still handle their own business as far as planning events like Spooktacular, Lighting the Park, and the St. Patrickâs Day Parade. Kay- Hougaboom says she expects the Village Council to make a motion on the merger sometime in April. (DS)
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Another Mistrial Declared For Woman Charged In Fenton Man's MurderAnother Mistrial Declared For Woman Charged In Fenton Man's Murder
Thereâs been a second mistrial for a woman charged in the shooting death of a Fenton man. Proceedings to pick a jury in the case against 52-year-old Mary Lou Bigford were halted Monday in Isabella County Circuit Court when the judge ruled a fair trial would not be possible. Prosecutor Risa Hunt-Scully told the Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun that jurors may have had discussions about the case contrary to the courtâs instructions. A previous attempt to try Bigford, who is charged with first-degree murder, ended in January when Hunt-Scully mentioned lab results on a bullet found in Bigfordâs car and bullet fragments found in Howardâs body. Bigfordâs defense objected, saying they had seen the lab results just days before. Chief Judge Paul Chamberlain questioned why a postponement was not requested before they selected a jury. He then declared a mistrial. Police say Bigford 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. Bigfordâs daughter had accused Howard of sexually abusing their daughter, which the Fenton resident adamantly denied. Multiple investigations also failed to substantiate the abuse allegations. Bigford, who will now face a third attempt at a trial, remains held without bond in the Isabella County Jail. (JK)
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U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop Delivers Legislative Update In Livingston CountyU.S. Rep. Mike Bishop Delivers Legislative Update In Livingston County
Congressman Mike Bishop paid a visit to Livingston County this morning to discuss some of his concerns, legislative movement and what heâs focusing on in the upcoming year. The 8th Congressional District Republican says his first year in Congress has been a âgreat experienceâ and shared it with guests at the Howell Chamber of Commerce's Good Morning Livingston monthly breakfast. Bishop applauds the leadership of House Speaker Paul Ryan, who has appointed a task force for each issue Congress is focusing on, including national security, jobs, healthcare, poverty and opportunity and restoring the Constitution. In addition to working on several committees involved in those issues, Bishop has made legislative moves including a college financial aid bill that passed last year, as well a mobile workforce bill that he is currently pursuing. Reflecting on todayâs Presidential Primary election, Bishop also wants to encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote. He tells WHMI it is important that the people are involved and their vote truly makes a difference. Bishop, who is supporting Ohio Governor John Kasich, says that contrary to the conventional wisdom he's not so sure current GOP front-runner Donald Trump will be the party's nominee. The Congressman took time to praise Livingston Countyâs family environment, which he says is a very caring community. Bishop, who will be challenged in November for his seat by Brighton Democrat Melissa Gilbert, says he has always appreciated the region he represents and is looking forward to the year ahead. (DK/JK)
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Pinckney Students Waive Hearing In Rape CasePinckney Students Waive Hearing In Rape Case
A case in which two Pinckney High School students are charged in connection with the alleged rape of another student will return to Circuit Court. 17-year-old Nicklaus Lefebvre and Jacob Houck were remanded to 53rd District Court last month. The two appeared there on Monday for a hearing where they waived a probable cause conference which would determine if there were grounds for the belief they committed the crime. Both are charged in connection to a reported rape of a female Pinckney High School student that 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 suspectâs case was resolved in juvenile court. If convicted on the current charges, Lefebvre and Houck could face up to 15 years in prison. The case will now return to Circuit Court where trial dates will be set. (DK)
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Five Howell High School Students Head To State DECA Competition Five Howell High School Students Head To State DECA Competition
A group of students from a Howell High School marketing club will compete at a state competition this weekend in Detroit. DECA is a marketing club that allows students interested in pursuing a career in business an opportunity to explore several different areas of the business world such as marketing, finance and management. Five members of Howell High Schoolâs DECA club qualified for the state competition based on their scores at a district event held in January - Holly Goad, Ruth Kemppainem, Andrew Lindlbauer, Joe Minor and Madyson Woods. Goad is the Howell High School DECA president and says going into the competition, the goal is to apply their knowledge to a real world scenario and thereâs no prep better than what they learned in the classroom. At the district event, Goad was given a retail merchandising scenario in which she had to create a marketing strategy to help a major discount retailer reach a younger demographic. Lindlbauer was given a quick serve restaurant management challenge where he had to create a customer loyalty program for a hamburger restaurant. The five students will compete at the state competition held March 11th â 13th at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The top scoring students will advance to the DECA International Career Development Conference in Nashville, Tennessee in April. (JM)
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'Got Art' Student Exhibit Opens At Howell Opera House'Got Art' Student Exhibit Opens At Howell Opera House
Students from all over Livingston County have their artwork exhibited over the next few weeks in Howell. The 17th annual county-wide student art exhibit, GOT ART opened at the Howell Opera House last night. The event is sponsored by the Livingston Arts Council and encourages students to work in a variety of different mediums. Over the next five days artists from sixth through 12th grades will have their work showcased. Grace Combs is a student at St. Patrickâs Catholic School in Brighton. She says being chosen means a lot. She says art is just a hobby of hers that she enjoys. She thinks that it's pretty special being chosen and its a good opportunity to spread and share her artwork. She says her teacher chose eight kids from her grade and she was one of them. She has two pieces of art displayed in the exhibit.
The studentsâ art was chosen by their teachers for submission and each instructor could submit up to 25 pieces for the exhibit. Students worked in all types of media, including photography, oil and acrylic paintings, clay sculpture, and pencil drawings. The exhibit showcases the studentsâ talent and imagination, and encourages them to be creative. Doors will be open from 5 to 8 pm Wednesday through Friday and from noon to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday and is free to the public. Elementary grades K-5 will be exhibited from March 14th to the 19th. Click the link below for more on the event. (DS)
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South Lyon Woman Sentenced To One Year In Jail For Fatal Crash South Lyon Woman Sentenced To One Year In Jail For Fatal Crash
A South Lyon woman charged in a fatal crash that killed a motorcyclist has been sentenced. 22-year-old Breanna Lyn Clever was sentenced to one year in the Livingston County Jail after earlier pleading no contest to a moving violation causing death in connection with the August death of 49-year-old Bert Loomis of Gaines. She was sentenced Tuesday by 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader, who said Clever made a terrible choice, further commenting the fact she didnât stop or return to the scene knowing something had happened was âunforgivableâ. Cleverâs defense attorney said his client did not intend to hurt Loomis and argued for a shorter jail sentence, noting Clever is pregnant and has other children to care for. Police say Clever made an illegal U-turn using the emergency access turnaround between Clyde Road and M-59, which caused several cars to swerve to avoid hitting her. As a result, Loomis had to brake suddenly, lost control of his motorcycle and hit a truck. He passed away two days later from his injuries. Cleverâs vehicle registration information was obtained from a passing motorist, although charges werenât authorized against her until December. Clever told officers she did indeed make the U-turn and saw the crash in her rear-view mirror, but didnât feel responsible for the collision. (JM)
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Sanders & Trump Win Michigan, Also Favored Choices Among Local Voters Sanders & Trump Win Michigan, Also Favored Choices Among Local Voters
Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump reigned victorious in Michiganâs presidential primary election, also generating the most support from local voters. Trump won pivotal primaries Tuesday, putting more pressure on rivals who are trying to stop his drive for the Republican presidential nomination. On the Democratic side, Bernie Sanders claimed victory over Hillary Clinton in an industrial Midwest state where voters expressed concerns about trade and jobs. Clinton easily carried Mississippi but was locked in a close race with rival Sanders. Livingston County Republican Party Chairman Dan Wholihan attributed Sandersâ success to what he called Clinton's "very questionable ethics" and while he doesnât agree with the politics of Sanders, he believes the Vermont Senator doesnât have the types of scandals Clinton does. Wholihan told WHMI votes are being split all over the Republican Party and the big challenge will be to unite all of the different groups and supporters within it. With the primary over, Wholihan says Republicans need to come together as there are some big issues at stake. As to Trumpâs growing appeal, He says a lot of people in the county and the state are tired of Washington D.C. and Trump basically represents a punch in the nose to D.C. As for the strength of GOP candidates, he says everyone has strong core support but the county and state are split between four different Republican candidates and no one is close to a majority so theyâll need to unite the party in order to defeat Clinton in the fall. Chair of the Livingston County Democratic Party Judy Daubenmier said it was an exciting night for Michigan to be in the spotlight and a big change from the last few times when the state vote on the Democratic side hasnât mattered that much. Sanders led the local vote all night, which Daubenmier thinks was driven mainly by his trade message, wage insecurity and working families. She tells WHMI it felt as though the Clinton campaign was more focused on urban areas and lacked local efforts, compared to what was being done for Sanders. Regardless, Daubenmier feels the longer his campaign goes on, the better to help build excitement â stressing Democrats cannot be complacent or assume that Trump will be easy to beat if he is the GOP nominee. She also felt the polls were way off in Michigan, noting it has been a number of years since there has been a competitive primary on the Democratic side. Daubenmier tells WHMI Sanders came on late and gathered a lot of momentum over the last few days when he really started campaigning in the state. Neither the local Republican or Democratic Party endorsed candidates in Michiganâs presidential primary. However, a lot of registered voters elected to vote absentee and there was steady turnout reported at polls across Livingston County Tuesday. Outside of the presidential candidates, the only proposal that appeared on Tuesdayâs ballot was a building and site sinking fund millage renewal for voters within the Byron Area Schools district. That passed in the three Livingston County precincts. Complete local election results are available on the Livingston County Clerkâs webpage. A link is posted below. (JM)
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Local Group Leaps Into U of M Polar PlungeLocal Group Leaps Into U of M Polar Plunge
Employees of a local business stepped up and took the plunge for a good cause recently. Five members of team Leaps and Bounds Leapfrogs from Leaps and Bounds Therapy Services in Howell and Brighton took part February 19th in the University of Michiganâs Polar Plunge. Altogether the group was able to raise approximately $500 for Special Olympics. Unlike the Livingston County Polar Plunge, which had participants jumping into Leith Lake behind Brighton High School, the U of M Polar Plunge provided a pool of ice cold water placed on the field in Michigan Stadium for plungers to jump into. Wolverine football coach Jim Harbaugh kicked off the event with a pep talk to the participants, who altogether raised over $106,000 for Special Olympics. Harbaugh exhorted the plungers to (quote) "Do it with some style, do it with some flare, and do it for fun." The group from Leaps and Bounds, certainly had style, with each wearing frog costumes and holding frog-themed inflatables. (JK)
Rachel Chan assisted with this story.
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