A former state representative and county commissioner is seeking a seat at the local level. Bill Rogers is running on the Republican ticket in the August primary for the Genoa Township supervisor seat. As with past offices, Rogers says heâs been receiving calls asking and encouraging him to consider running for various seats. The Genoa Township position is currently held by longtime Supervisor Gary McCririe and Rogers tells WHMI that was certainly taken into account when making his decision. Rogers says he has always taken the stance that he would not run against a Republican incumbent so the seat wasnât even on his radar. When it popped up McCririe would be not be seeking re-election, Rogers said he started receiving attention and encouragement so after some consideration, he has decided to move forward. Since leaving his state house seat due to term limits, Rogers has been focused on his business, EBI Incorporated, a custom modular system home builder based in Brighton Township. Rogers feels his experience at the state and local levels will be both helpful and beneficial in the long haul. Depending on what the state does, Rogers says infrastructure and roads in particular, could be a discussion that resurfaces. Rogers said heâs been blessed to have the Genoa Township area as a county commissioner, chair of the county board and then as a state representative and now he has an opportunity to bring it down even more local. He noted the township is very well run and in a good financial position, so heâs just hoping to continue that kind of tradition if elected. While there is always room for improvement everywhere, Rogers says itâs nice not walking into a hornets nest and being able to work forward - instead of starting behind and then playing catch up. Meanwhile, McCririe has been involved with Genoa Township since 1992 and has served as supervisor for the past 16 years. As for future plans, McCririe tells WHMI heâs getting married and plans to focus more on his real estate business but will also be doing consulting work on land use and public policy issues. (JM)
Rogers Seeks Genoa Township Supervisor Seat Rogers Seeks Genoa Township Supervisor Seat
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Livingston County Prepares For Tornado Drill DayLivingston County Prepares For Tornado Drill Day
Livingston County will likely participate in a statewide tornado drill next month. The drill is scheduled for Wednesday, April 13th at 1:30 pm. The Department of Emergency Management is requesting that anyone who is able to, take part in the drill. Emergency Manager Therese Cremonte says drills are important because it helps people prepare for the event and minimizes chaos. In the event of a real tornado, Cremonte says the best thing to do is get to the lowest level of the building youâre in and find a small room. If youâre outside, Cremonte says again, find a building you can take shelter in. If there is not one nearby and youâre in your car, seatbelt yourself in and remain in the vehicle. Cremonte says despite what television and movies depict, do not leave the car to take shelter under a bridge or overpass. The wind can actually create a strong vortex underneath structures and individuals risk the chance of getting hit by debris. Cremonte says along with safe practice situations, the drill will also lead to discussions about what to do in emergency situations which help work out any miscommunications. A resolution for Livingston County to partake in the drill was approved by the Public Safety and Infrastructure and Development Committee on Monday. It will move directly to the Board of Commissioners for final approval. (DK)
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Pavement Program Seeking Township Partners For Current Construction SeasonPavement Program Seeking Township Partners For Current Construction Season
The Livingston County Road Commission is working to identify which townships will take part in a shared-funding project this year. The county-wide Pavement Preservation Program began eight years ago when the Road Commission decided to put away a chunk of money annually to be used for pavement rehabilitation and preservation on primary roads. The program has a budget of $800,000 and allots a maximum of $100,000 for each community. The communityâs leaders choose a road they feel is in bad condition and then match the funding from the Road Commission to complete the chosen project. Managing Director Mike Craine says in some cases the municipalities will even exceed that amount and have done quite a bit of investing in the program. Craine says the Road Commission is working to finalize a list of all the townships that intend to participate this year as a few are still on the fence. Craine tells WHMI thatâs because some of the roads that need the most work donât meet the programâs criteria in that the chosen road must be a primary road and classified as such by authorities higher than the Road Commission. These are determined by mileage and how itâs used. Craine says unfortunately, sometimes the road that is most in need is a local road, not a primary. These criteria and other major projects scheduled for this yearâs construction season makes it difficult for some townships to participate in the program. The goal is to have a complete project list and schedule by April 14th so that the work may be completed within the 2016 construction season. Commissioner John Dunleavy says he would like to see all of the communities go through with project agreements. (DK)
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Longtime Genoa Township Supervisor Won't Seek Re-Election Longtime Genoa Township Supervisor Won't Seek Re-Election
The Genoa Township board will have new leadership come November as the longtime supervisor looks to step down. Supervisor Gary McCririe confirms that he will not be seeking re-election to the seat heâs held for the past 16 years, although his involvement with Genoa Township stretches back to 1992. McCririe is getting married and tells WHMI heâs also looking forward to focusing more on his real estate business but also doing consulting work on land use and public policy issues. As of Tuesday, the only candidate that had filed to run as a Republican for the supervisor seat was Bill Rogers, a former state representative and previous chair of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners. However, candidates have begun to emerge for other open seats in the township. Clerk Polly Skolarus is being challenged by Dan Wholihan, who chairs the Livingston County Republican Party. Nick Fiani has filed to run for the treasurer position currently held by Robin Hunt. Fiani resigned his position as president of the Brighton Board of Education in January of 2015 midway through his term and regularly butted heads with fellow board members as well as teachers and parents. After resigning, he sought a seat on the Livingston Educational Service Agency board, but all five public school boards chose to cast their votes for incumbent Julie Hill. Fiani also launched an unsuccessful bid for a state house seat. The deadline to file for all elected county and township positons is April 19th. The outcomes of contested races in the August 2nd Primary Election will determine which candidates move on to the November General Election. (JM)
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Vietnam Veterans Honored With Anniversary Pin CeremonyVietnam Veterans Honored With Anniversary Pin Ceremony
Almost 200 Vietnam veterans from Livingston, Ingham and northern Oakland County were honored with a memorial pin at a ceremony in Genoa Township Tuesday. Congressman Mike Bishop hosted the Congressional Salute to present the Vietnam Veteran lapel pin, to those that served during the war that are currently living in Michiganâs 8th District. The pin is authorized by Congress to honor the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The ceremony was held at Crystal Gardens and had a huge turnout of service members representing each branch of military and their family members. Hansel Keene, Livingston Countyâs Veteran of the Year, served in the Marine Corps and was among those to receive a pin. Keene tells WHMI he didn't know what to expect as the event was the first of its kind in the area, but was pleasantly surprised with the response. Congressman Bishop says he was humbled to be a part of the ceremony and feels it is important to show veterans the appreciation they did not receive when they first returned home from the war. Ron Zupko, who served in the Navy, says the recognition from an elected official means a lot and he and many others are grateful to be acknowledged. Each attending veteranâs name was called to receive a pin and a proclamation. State Representative Hank Vaupel, also a Vietnam Veteran, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Vaupel says the chance to thank so many veterans and have them together in one room was âincredible.â (DK)
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Flint Official Tells Lawmakers That State Ordered No Use Of Corrosion ControlFlint Official Tells Lawmakers That State Ordered No Use Of Corrosion Control
A local lawmaker was among those questioning a Flint city official on the failure to add corrosion control to the cityâs drinking water that allowed lead to leach from old pipes and poison the water for more than a year. State Senator Joe Hune (second from left) took part in a legislative committee hearing Tuesday in which Flint Utilities Director Mike Glasgow testified that he intended to treat Flint's drinking water with anti-corrosive chemicals after the city switched from the Detroit system to the Flint River nearly two years ago but was overruled by a state environmental regulator. Glasgow said he met with Michigan Department of Environmental Quality district engineer Mike Prysby shortly before the switchover in April 2014. He said Prysby told him a year of testing was required to determine whether corrosion control was needed. Hune, a Republican from Hamburg Township, asked Glasgow during the hearing why he didn't disregard that order and add the phosphate. Glasgow responded that he had always respected the DEQ's judgment and added that it would have taken up to six months to acquire and install equipment for the treatments. The failure to use corrosion controls enabled lead to leach from pipes and fixtures and contaminate the water supply. Elevated lead levels have been detected in some homes, businesses and schools - and in the blood of some children. Glasgow said pressure from superiors to move quickly also influenced him. Less than two weeks before the switchover to the Flint River, he had complained to another DEQ official that he needed more time for staff training and other preparations, writing in an email that the management above him seemed âto have their own agenda.â A report released last week by an independent task force described the state as "fundamentally accountable" for the crisis partly because of the DEQ's instruction to omit corrosion controls. It also assigned lesser blame to the state Department of Health and Human Services, local and federal agencies and emergency managers Gov. Snyder had appointed to oversee city operations. (AP) Dr. Mona Hannah-Attisha speaks in front of the the Joint Committee on the Flint Water Public Health Emergency. Credit: Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press.
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Livingston County's Mental Health Profile ReleasedLivingston County's Mental Health Profile Released
Mental health has been identified as one of the top five areas not being adequately addressed in Livingston County. The Livingston County Department of Health has released the third volume in a continuing informational series focused on mental health. Livingston Countyâs Road to Community Health aims to break down the results of the 2014 Community Health Status Assessment. Mental health has been identified as one of the top five most serious health issues in Livingston County and the profile examines mental health services, depression, quality of life, implications and suicide. It examines the prevalence of poor mental health but also the need for mental health services. The profile shows residents with less income were more likely to report poor mental health and the 36% of local adults that did was significantly higher than the state. Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow tells WHMI there has long been a stigma surrounding mental health but itâs something that affects a lot of people, noting the number of those who reported needing mental health services is likely low. In 2014, about 17% of Livingston County residents reported that they or someone in their family needed mental health services in the past year. Moxlow says 88% of those accessed services, which is good, but there is still a big disparity when looking at income and insurance status. The county is also said to be experiencing a shortage of psychiatric services for children. Moxlow says an action team is working to address the various issues associated with mental health in Livingston County. She says itâs also looking at the shortage of treatment providers in the county as well as ways to address the stigma associated with mental health, which can actually act a barrier to people getting the services they need. Moxlow noted substance abuse and mental health share risk and protective factors. The county profile states that up to half of people with a serious mental illness will develop a substance use disorder at some time in their lives â noting the most negative impact of mental health can be suicide. Livingston County has reported an average of 26 suicide-related deaths in the past five years. The full profile is available on the Livingston County Department of Public Healthâs website, along with past volumes through the link below. (JM)
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Milford Township Man Arrested On Indecent Exposure ChargesMilford Township Man Arrested On Indecent Exposure Charges
A Milford Township man is facing charges after police say he exposed himself while asking for directions from a 13-year-old girl. 27-year-old Kenneth James Kimball was arraigned Tuesday on a charge of aggravated indecent exposure following his arrest the day before. Milford Police say they were called to the Childs Lake Estates mobile home park Sunday afternoon after receiving a report that a man had exposed and fondled himself while asking a girl for directions. The girl told officers the incident happened after the man had driven by her and then turned around before stopping and asking for directions. Milford Police say after the girl provided a description of both the suspect and the SUV, officers located a matching vehicle parked at a home in the neighborhood. When initially questioned by officers, Kimball reportedly denied having anything to do with the incident. However, a follow-up investigation determined Kimball was also a suspect in several other similar incidents. A warrant was then issued and he was arrested. Kimball remains jailed on a $100,000 cash bond pending a probable cause conference, which is set for April 6th in Oakland County District Court in Novi. If convicted, he would face up to two years in prison. (JK)
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Howell Woman Admits To Using Friend's Credit Card Without PermissionHowell Woman Admits To Using Friend's Credit Card Without Permission
A Howell woman who used her friendâs credit card to rack up thousands of dollars in charges without her knowledge has pleaded guilty in the case. Last week, 59-year-old Glenda Sue Price pleaded guilty as charged to one count each of identity theft, larceny in a building and stealing/retaining a financial transaction device without consent. Prosecutors agreed to delay Priceâs sentencing 11 months, which is tentatively scheduled for February 9th of 2017. Until then, Price is on probation and is required to pay $13,543.79 in restitution- $12,369.79 to Discover Card Services and $1,174 to the victims, Chere and Robert Wolf of Oceola Township. Court records indicate Price has paid back $400 thus far. The Wolfâs had hired Price as a caregiver for their family and Chere even considered her a friend. When Chereâs card was declined at a location she hadnât used it at, she found that over $12,000 had been charged to her card. Price reportedly used the card without the Wolfâs permission for over 3 months in 2015. Priceâs criminal history includes theft charges that were eventually dismissed due to a lack of evidence and a conviction of embezzlement. (DK)
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Fired Howell Superintendent Hired By Ionia SchoolsFired Howell Superintendent Hired By Ionia Schools
A mid-Michigan school district has offered its top job to the man who was fired by the Howell school board, and then later paid him a settlement offer. The Ionia Public Schools Board of Education on Tuesday offered Ron Wilson the job as their next superintendent after their first choice, Kingsley Superintendent Keith Smith, ended negotiations for the position after receiving a salary increase from his current district. Ironically, thatâs the same situation by which Wilson was hired in Howell back in 2010. The school board then had offered the position to Grass Lake Superintendent Brad Hamilton, but he backed out to stay in Grass Lake. The board then offered the job to Wilson. He was fired in November of 2014 after the Howell board determined he had obtained mileage reimbursements he was not entitled to and then lied about afterward. Wilson sued the district for wrongful termination but eventually settled the dispute for $350,000. Since his firing, Wilson has worked as the Sales Director for Eidex, a Grand Rapids-based educational software company. One of the other accusations that the Howell school board had made against Wilson was that he had failed to disclose a consulting opportunity with Eidex while recommending the companyâs software for purchase by the board. (JK)
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Brighton Planned Parenthood To Close In April Brighton Planned Parenthood To Close In April
Brighton Planned Parenthood patients will need to seek care outside of Livingston County come May. The Brighton Health Center is slated to close on Friday, April 29th. The building the health center currently leases on Grand River has been sold, resulting in the permanent closure of the Brighton location. Vice President of Advancement for Planned Parenthood Mid and South Michigan Wendy Lawson tells WHMI the closure is not based on any lack of need, noting the Brighton Health Center was very well utilized serving over 2,000 patients every year and they appreciate all of the support from Brighton community over the past 15 years. Lawson says they had rented the facility and the landlord, who has been a big supporter, moved out of state and decided to divest of income property in Michigan. As the sale happened relatively quickly, Lawson says they didnât have time to come up with a decision or another location but itâs certainly something they will be looking into. Letters have been sent out informing patients of the pending closure, who will need to travel to health centers outside of Livingston County for care and services. The closest are located in Ann Arbor, Flint and Lansing. Patient records are electronic, thus do not need to be transferred to another Planned Parenthood location. However, any patients wishing to transfer their records to a provider outside of the system have the option to do so. Lawson notes that all Brighton staff have been offered positions at health centers nearby and the hope is that patients will use the Ann Arbor West location on Stadium Boulevard. (JM)
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Howell Student Wins Distracted Driving Billboard ContestHowell Student Wins Distracted Driving Billboard Contest
Billboards featuring a local students design highlighting the dangers of distracted driving will adorn state highways this April. Howell High School senior Jordan Belanger beat out 90 other entrants to win the 2016 Distracted Driving Billboard Challenge. The contest was set up by the Traffic Improvement Association of Michigan, the Michigan State Police, and State Farm. Belangerâs design, titled âDonât Juggle Your Attention,â highlights the struggles of trying to drive while performing other tasks like using a cell phone or eating. According to the TIA, there were over 7,300 accidents, including 26 deaths caused from motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver in Michigan last year. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that drivers using a hand-held device are four times more likely to get into an injury-causing accident, with texting drivers being 23 times more likely. (MK)
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Brighton Auto Tech Program Enjoying RenaissanceBrighton Auto Tech Program Enjoying Renaissance
Just a few years ago the Brighton High School auto technology program was in danger of being completely scrapped. The number of students enrolled had declined dramatically, the facilities were third-rate, and there wasnât a consensus in administration to continue the program with a student body that largely planned to go to college. The program had also lost its long-time teacher and had a temporary, part-time instructor. But in 2013, the auto tech lab was completely gutted and remodeled and Rocky Roberts, who had elevated an already-good robotics program in Pinckney, was hired to take over. Under his leadership, the program has been given new life, and Roberts says the number of students has grown to 126. Additionally, GM and Toyota have contributed a significant amount of equipment to the Brighton High School program. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI the auto tech program has prospered under Robertsâ tutelage. On March 17th, a team of Toyota management level officials from the Toyota Technical centers in Ann Arbor and Saline, and as far away as California, came to Brighton to see the auto tech program. Roberts says from that meeting â the first time Toyota officials had ever toured a high school auto tech program â a future partnership could result. Roberts says the Toyota officials âwere impressed with the state-of-the-art equipment and the functionality of the lab,â plus the quality of the students enrolled in the program. A renovation of the auto tech lab was not in the original $89 million bond issue passed in 2012, but Roberts credits Brighton school board members Bill Trombley and John Conely with holding contractorsâ feet to the fire, and ultimately, enough was saved to allow for the $347,000 renovation. GM, Toyota, and Conelyâs Auto Sales in Brighton also have contributed much in the way of equipment for the program. (TT)
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Michigan Supreme Court Denies I-96 Shooter's Appeal Michigan Supreme Court Denies I-96 Shooter's Appeal
The Michigan Supreme Court has denied an appeal from a Wixom man sentenced to prison for a series of shootings along the I-96 corridor that kept motorists on edge for weeks. The state's high court announced its decision affirming the 2014 conviction of Raulie Wayne Casteel on a combination of terrorism and weapons charges in an order released Wednesday. Casteel was arrested after a series of shootings in Livingston, Ingham, Shiawassee and Oakland counties in October of 2012. The Michigan Court of Appeals last year upheld the conviction by a Livingston County jury. Casteel is serving an 18-40 year sentence, adding to the six-plus-year sentence that stemmed from a related case in Oakland County. Casteel's attorney argued his client was troubled but not a terrorist. While he had admitted to the shootings, Casteelâs attorney said his client was mentally ill and on medication. The application to the Michigan Court of Appeals claimed that Casteel was denied the right to present a defense when the trial court prohibited expert testimony regarding his mental illness. The appeals panel disagreed and further refused his argument that there wasnât sufficient evidence to support the juryâs conviction on the terrorism charge. Casteel remains incarcerated at the Oaks Correctional facility in northern Michigan. His earliest chance for parole is November 2030. (JM)
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Panel Discussion Kicks Off April As Sexual Assault & Child Abuse Prevention MonthPanel Discussion Kicks Off April As Sexual Assault & Child Abuse Prevention Month
A local congressman joined a local non-profit organization in its effort to raise awareness of child abuse and sexual assault prevention in Livingston County. Congressman Mike Bishop was in Howell yesterday to help kick off a month of events in April to draw awareness to the availability of services through LACASA and recognize their efforts in the fight against child abuse and sexual assault. President and CEO of LACASA Bobette Schrandt headed up a panel discussion that brought together local law enforcement with the presence of Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy and Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt, and two members of Congress. She says Bishop put the event together after a recent visit to LACASA when he realized many people donât understand what the organization does. He also brought with him a Congresswoman from Indiana, Jackie Walorski who put a national perspective on the issue of sexual assault. Bishop says he wants to help raise awareness of LACASAâs services. He says he wanted to meet the people who provide services here in Howell for domestic violence and child abuse. He says when he visited LACASA it occurred to him that not enough people know what they do, and bringing together the law enforcement as well, connected the dots. It is something he would like to duplicate around the state if he could. Bishop says as a prosecutor in Oakland County he worked with similar agencies there and hopes to continue to raise awareness throughout the state. Schrandt says the event was also a kickoff to a month of events set to get community members involved and aware of the issues. She says she hopes the event creates an awareness, letting the community know that LACASA is there and there is support for the cause. She says she also wants people to know all of the activities that are happening for the month of April, which is sexual assault prevention and child abuse awareness month. Events planned include the children's pinwheels, the film they're showing regarding sexual assault, their Denim Day, which many people aren't aware of, and the Clothesline Project, the tee-shirts that are around the community. She says it's really a program to let people know they're there, get information and that there's help available. She says it is also to recognize the community for all they are doing. Schrandt says LACASA provides a safe place where victims of abuse can get the help they need. She says there has been an increase in recent years of reported child abuse cases, but she believes it is because more people are willing to come forward. She says she doesnât necessarily think that the rise is due to a higher incidence of abuse and thinks the community is doing an excellent job of getting involved. Pictured left to right; Schrandt, Bishop, Walorski, Vailliencourt and Murphy. (DS)
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Special Use Permit For Cell Tower In Hamburg ApprovedSpecial Use Permit For Cell Tower In Hamburg Approved
Cell phone coverage may soon be improving in Hamburg Township. The Planning Commission at a special meeting Wednesday night approved a special use permit and recommended site plan approval for a wireless communications facility at 6060 E. M-36. Planning Commission Chairman Fred Goetz (GETZ) said that construction of the 180-foot, galvanized grey tower would not be a hindrance to residents. Goetz said that it should cause no interruption in traffic and no harm to the environment. Representatives for the communications company, TowerCo, said that three major phone carriers have identified the location as an area in which their coverage could improve. Previously, going back to 2009 T-Mobil and AT&T had been granted the permits for the same land, but were unable to begin construction. The TowerCo representative said Verizon has since become interested and is anchoring the renewed interest. Once built, TowerCo would lease out space on the tower to all three carriers. The 50-foot by 50-foot area will be enclosed by an 8-foot high wooden fence with additional trees planted around parts of the perimeter. The site plan now goes to the Hamburg Township Board of Trustees for approval, before construction can begin. (MK)
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Destroyed Overpass To Be Replaced This SpringDestroyed Overpass To Be Replaced This Spring
The replacement of a US-23 overpass that had to be torn down after an accident will begin sooner than later. The Michigan Department of Transportation says that the 8 Mile Road bridge over northbound US-23 at the Livingston County border with Washtenaw County will be repaired this spring and reopened to traffic by summer. The bridgeâs structural beams suffered significant damage after being struck by a tractor trailer hauling an oversized load on March 10th. After quickly determining the structure over the northbound lanes of US-23 needed to be removed for safety reasons, crews were able to demolish that portion of the bridge and clean-up the debris within 24 hours. While an exact start date has yet to be announced, MDOT plans to use an expedited contracting process to get the replacement underway as soon as possible. Officials say reopening the bridge will restore emergency response time and assist businesses in the community during the busy summer travel months. MDOT also says they will seek reimbursement from the trucking company for the full cost of the bridge repairs. Then, next year, a larger road and bridge project will begin on US-23 that includes a new 8 Mile Road bridge and upgrades to the interchange. The new bridge will be built just to the north of the existing structure while traffic is maintained on the existing bridge. Once the new bridge is complete, the existing bridge will be removed. MDOT says that while the bridge itself will remain closed during construction, the impact on US-23 traffic will be kept to a minimum with lane closures confined to overnight and weekends. (JK)
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Pope Kisses Brighton Choir Director's Baby As They Perform In St. Peter's SquarePope Kisses Brighton Choir Director's Baby As They Perform In St. Peter's Square
An elite Brighton High School choir got the performance chance of a lifetime as they were able to sing before Pope Francis at the Vatican as part of their concert tour of Italy. The choral group that is making the tour is comprised of the 37 best singers from the four main Brighton High School choirs and three after-school ensembles. The group performed an Easter Sunday concert in Florence and then did some sightseeing around Rome before having the chance to perform for the Pope in St. Peterâs Square at the Vatican on Wednesday. But choir Director Phil Johnson says as Pope Francis passed by he did something quite unexpected, stopping his car right where the choir was singing. He then motioned for Johnson's 5 month old daughter, Adeline, to be brought to him. He then kissed her forehead, had his security detail hand her back and then kept going. He called it "a surreal experience." Johnson joked that he told his daughter afterward that it was all downhill from there. He also says she became an instant celebrity as others wanted to touch her and have their picture taken with her. But that wasnât the only highlight of their day as the choir then sang the 5pm Mass at St. Peterâs Basilica. Johnson says the kids were nervous singing in a location like that that was full of so much history and world-renowned art, but they sang like professionals and brought great pride to the district. The choir will finish up their trip before returning home this weekend. You can listen to his full interview through the link below. (JK)
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Event Celebrates Stars & Night Sky At Island Lake Rec Area Event Celebrates Stars & Night Sky At Island Lake Rec Area
Local star gazers are encouraged to get outside and enjoy the night sky next week. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced that a number of state parks will be open for self-guided star gazing and views of the night sky as part of International Dark Sky Week April 4th -10th. The Island Lake Recreation Area in Green Oak Township is among 20 state parks participating according to park manager Andy Haapala. He tells WHMI the campaign encourages people to get outside and enjoy the night sky, away from light pollution. Haapala says they tend to see many people at the Spring Mill Pond beach area, which is wide open with little tree cover and offers great views of the night sky. A number also set up telescopes throughout the week. Haapala says another star gazing event, the 2nd annual meteors and sâmores, will be coming up in August allowing visitors to enjoy the treats and views through astronomy telescopes. The Island Lake Recreation Area is a 4,000-acre park featuring open brush land to mature hardwood forests and pockets of open meadows. Island Lake is also the only hot air balloon port in the state park system. The park entrance is off of Kensington Road. Haapala says while the park gates will be open for International Dark Sky Week, a recreation passport is still required for entry. (JM)
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Survey Finds Entry-Level Labor Needed In Livingston CountySurvey Finds Entry-Level Labor Needed In Livingston County
Data from a local study shows that many businesses would be willing to transport employees in from other areas to fill vacant lower-wage positions. Ann Arbor SPARK, the Workforce Intelligence Network, the Economic Development Council of Livingston County and the Howell, Hartland and Greater Brighton Area Chambers of Commerce recently conducted a transportation survey of workers in Livingston County. The study found that over 50% of businesses in the county have unfilled positions, most of which are entry level jobs. The results also showed an interest from employers to collaborate on a transportation program, so that potential workers outside of the region could be brought in. Phil Santer, Ann Arbor SPARKâs Vice President of Business Development, says local businesses have had âsuccess in attracting talent from neighboring regions.â Ultimately, survey administrators say there is a need for entry-level labor in the area. According to the survey responses, there are more than 830 unfilled jobs in the county at 98 companies; which is roughly 8 unfilled jobs per company. Of those open positions, 72% are in the $10 to $16 wage range. Santer says the information indicates plenty of employment opportunity and that Livingston County businesses are growing and contributing to the economy. (DK)
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