The Howell Public School district is seeking bids to acquire school buses and playground equipment to fulfill a list of the districtâs determined needs. After the district sold the property Latson Elementary School was located on, the Board of Education made a list of priorities and upgrades to their schools they felt were necessary. Among that list is upgraded playground equipment and four school buses, which Superintendent Erin MacGregor says will be for two the schools the Board feels has the greatest immediate need- Challenger and Southwest Elementary. Board of Education Trustee Deborah McCormick says she did not vote in favor of the decided Capital Needs Projectâs list and feels the new equipment for the elementary schools is a âwaste of moneyâ. McCormick feels the Board needs a more secure plan of action for the districtâs facilities before taking action on some of the CNPâs items. MacGregor however, feels the playground equipment is a necessity and could travel as buildings are restructured. The CNP has allotted $60,000 for the playground equipment and $385,000 for the buses. On Monday, the Board voted unanimously to seek bids immediately for the buses and equipment, which would need to come back to the trustees for final approval. (DK)
Howell Public Schools Seeking Bids For Buses And Playground EquipmentHowell Public Schools Seeking Bids For Buses And Playground Equipment
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Whitmore Lake Man Enters Plea To Road Rage IncidentWhitmore Lake Man Enters Plea To Road Rage Incident
A plea has been entered for a Whitmore Lake man charged in a road rage incident in which police allege he fired a handgun. 37-year-old Billy Joe Jackson the III had been charged with felonious assault and reckless use of a firearm from an incident last summer, in which police arrested Jackson after they say he fired a handgun after a collision with another vehicle. In Washtenaw County Trial Court last week, he entered a no contest plea to a single count of assault with a dangerous weapon. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but is treated as such at sentencing. Authorities say the August 5th incident began on southbound US-23 near Joy Road and ended on eastbound M-14 in Superior Township. The victim, a 25-year-old Brighton man, claims his SUV was hit and Jackson had fired a gun. Jackson also called 911 and admitted putting his gun out of the driverâs side window and firing a single shot. Neither the Brighton man nor Jackson was injured in the incident. Sentencing has been set for May 19th. (JK)
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Health System Leaders Discuss Benefits Of New & Improved Facilities Health System Leaders Discuss Benefits Of New & Improved Facilities
Representatives from several health systems that are investing into Livingston County discussed the coming healthcare upgrades in Howell this morning. Rob Casalou, President and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Health System, Peter Karadjoff, President of Providence-Providence Park Hospital, and Tony Denton, CEO of the University of Michigan Health System, were guest speakers at the Good Morning Livingston breakfast program in Howell. All three systems have recently announced or started work on new and existing facilities in Livingston County to improve healthcare locally. Upgraded facilities at St. Joeâs Brighton and Livingston hospitals will open this fall, U of M will open a new medical facility on Challis Road in Brighton in summer of 2018, and Providence Park will open their ambulatory center on Latson Road in Howell in May of 2017. Karadjoff says the area has become a central point for the health systems to gather their resources to tackle major health concerns. He tells WHMI the investments totaling over $200 (m) million dollars will also address the community need for closer facilities. Casalou says the investment into outpatient facilities will actually lower healthcare costs over time by moving the treatment away from more expensive settings. Each health system will be providing different services through the new facilities with a focus on primary care, specialty care, and short-stay hospitals. Denton says instead of working separate and competitively, the systems are able to provide a full range of services to patients all within the county. (DK)
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Suspicious Situation/Possible Attempted Abduction Reported In Hamburg Suspicious Situation/Possible Attempted Abduction Reported In Hamburg
The Hamburg Township Police Department is investigating a suspicious situation/possible attempt abduction which occurred on Monday, April 11th near Ore Lake Road and Riverside Drive. The department reports at approximately 1pm, a 12-year old girl was walking home when she observed an occupied vehicle parked in the roadway. Police say the driver of the vehicle, who was the only occupant, proceeded to call out to the girl asking her if she would like a ride home. As the girl continued to walk, the driver allegedly told her âI have something in the car that you might like.â The vehicle then fled the area last seen traveling northeast on Riverside from Ore Lake Road. The suspect is described as a white male in his 50âs or 60âs with white hair wearing glasses and a blue shirt. The vehicle is described as a dark blue 4-door car with âround tail lights.â Anyone who may have information related to the incident is asked to contact the Hamburg Township Police Department at (810) 231-9391. (JM)
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Brighton Super Says M-STEP Test to Require Less Time for Area Students Brighton Super Says M-STEP Test to Require Less Time for Area Students
Students in public schools around the state will be spending less time this spring taking the M-STEP test, which was introduced last spring and replaces the Michigan Educational Assessment Program, or MEAP. M-STEP is an acronym for âMichigan Student Test of Educational Progress.â In response to an outcry by parents and teachers, who complained the test takes too long and takes too much teaching time, the state Department of Education has reduced testing time by 2.5 hours. Brighton School Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI he agrees with the reduction. Students in grades 3 through 8 take M-STEP in language arts and math, and 4th and 7th graders also take a science test. High school juniors take the M-STEP test in science and social studies and the Scholastic Aptitude Test, which qualifies as a college entrance exam, in math and language arts. M-STEP is an online test, as opposed to the MEAP test â used for 40 years in Michigan - which involved the use of paper and pencils. State officials say the M-STEP test is far less vulnerable to cheating than the old MEAP test. The M-STEP test began Monday in several grades and will continue through May. (TT)
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State Board of Education President To Speak At Livingston Dems MeetingState Board of Education President To Speak At Livingston Dems Meeting
The man at the center of a debate in Michigan over the rights of transgender students will speak at an event in Brighton later this month. John Austin, president of the Michigan State Board of Education, will be the featured speaker during the Livingston County Democratic Partyâs executive committee meeting Thursday, April 28th. The featured topic of Austinâs appearance is âHow Democrats Can Retake Michigan and Rebuild Our Schools and Communities.â But undoubtedly one issue that is sure to be discussed are the draft voluntary guidelines from the State Board of Education that include recommendations on how to address transgender K-12 students who want to use bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. Austin has vigorously defended the guidelines amidst withering criticism from Republican legislative leaders who say they undermine parental authority. Austin says the guidelines are meant to make sure public schools are safe for all students and were prompted in part to make sure Michigan schools comply with federal civil rights law. Austin, who is a former member of the Fenton Planning Commission, was first elected to an eight-year term on the State Board of Education in 2000, with his current term expiring January 1st. The April 28th meeting will be held at the county Democratic Party headquarters in the Woodland Plaza in Brighton. For more information, call (810) 229-4212 or email livcodems@gmail.com. (JM/JK)
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Livingston County To Participate In Statewide Tornado Drill Today At 1:30PMLivingston County To Participate In Statewide Tornado Drill Today At 1:30PM
Local county employees and residents will participate in a drill later today designed to help prepare for severe weather. A statewide drill to prepare local businesses, residents and county employees for a tornado will take place this afternoon at 1:30 pm. Last night the Livingston County Board of Commissioners agreed to participate in the statewide preparedness event. The drill asks community members to prepare so they know where to go and what to do in the event of a tornado. Board Chair Kate Lawrence says the event prepares county employees as well. She says it is a statewide drill to support the safety and well being of the county employees and members of the community. Prior to the drill county employees will be discussing where they will go for safety. The board approved a resolution to participate because Michigan often experiences severe weather that threatens the health and safety of residents. The event is an attempt to prepare the community for the possibility of tornadoes and severe weather that can lead to tornadoes during the coming months. In preparing for the drill people are encouraged to find a safe place to go to take cover, and stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. The drill is an opportunity to practice how and where everyone should shelter and make plans ahead of time so property safety and emergency procedures can be followed. In passing the resolution, the board requests that all county agencies and facilities participate. (DS)
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Testimony Continues In Trial Of Oceola Man Charged In Officer's DeathTestimony Continues In Trial Of Oceola Man Charged In Officer's Death
An Oceola Township man charged in connection with a crash that killed a Hamburg Township Police sergeant continues for a third day today. 54-year-old Steven Mark Kelty of Oceola Township is charged with driving with a suspended license causing death in the accident, which killed Sergeant Jim Sanderson, a 20-year veteran of the Hamburg Township Police Department. Keltyâs trial continued Tuesday with eyewitness testimony from a motorist traveling behind Sanderson prior to the crash. Phillip Wimp said he heard a loud bang and a scream when Sandersonâs motorcycle impacted Keltyâs SUV around 5:40am on September 26th, 2014 at Figurski Drive and Latson Road in Genoa Township. But under cross-examination, Wimp couldnât say definitively whether Sanderson stopped his motorcycle before turning onto Latson Road. The prosecution alleges Kelty caused the crash by driving in the opposing lane of traffic. Keltyâs attorney, Heather Nalley, has argued that Sandersonâs actions that morning were the key cause of the crash. The prosecution plans to present as many as seven more witnesses if time permits with the crash scene reconstructionist testifying possibly on Thursday. Kelty is also charged with operating a motor vehicle with the presence of a schedule one substance causing death; in this case marijuana, and with being a third time habitual offender for prior drunk driving convictions. Testimony is schedule to resume at 8:30 am in Livingston County Circuit Court before Judge Miriam Cavanaugh. If convicted, Kelty faces up to 30 years in prison. (DS/JK)
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Pinckney Sisters Launch New Online App For Type 1 Diabetes Pinckney Sisters Launch New Online App For Type 1 Diabetes
Two sisters diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes have developed a new online app designed to make it easier for others dealing with the disease. 14-year-old Reece Ohmer, at right, is a 9th grader at Pinckney Community High School while her sister, 12-year-old Olivia, attends Pathfinder Middle School. Olivia was diagnosed first at the age of three so both have learned from each others experiences over the years. Both are self-proclaimed Type 1 Diabetes experts who say theyâve turned what could have been a negative experience into a positive by helping others. The two sisters are involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, now known as JDRF, as well as the Teen Advisory Council at the University of Michigan that helped them create and launch the Type 1 Diabetes Emoticons App earlier this month. Thereâs a lot of management that comes with Type 1 Diabetes such as daily finger pricks and they must regularly monitor what theyâre eating as well as how much insulin theyâre taking, which can require a lot of communication. Reece and Olivia explained to WHMI that they wanted to help others by creating an easy way to communicate about blood sugars with parents, family members and doctors instead of writing super long messages so Dr. Joyce Lee and Michigan Hackers helped put the idea in motion. Reece noted that everyone on the teen council has a different disease or disorder so the goal is to make teen management and care more effective but also teen friendly since many had the problem of typing out long messages. They say everyone liked the idea and the feedback has been really positive, which was a great incentive and push forward for diabetes care and management. The Type 1 Diabetes Emoticon App is available for free download on the Apple platform but will soon be available for Android. Both Reece and Olivia will be showcasing the new app as part of a presentation during the Adolescent Health Conference at U of M on Monday, April 18th. Both will be part of a panel of children and doctors in which theyâll discuss the idea behind the new app, how it was developed and the impact. Olivia pointed out they wouldnât be a part of so many great things had they not been diagnosed and got involved, telling WHMI itâs exciting to find ways to help make dealing with Type 1 Diabetes better. The entire Ohmer family takes part in the âWalk to Cure Diabetesâ to benefit JDRF but the two sisters previously initiated a sock drive in which more than 700 wacky pairs were collected by students to help cheer up recovering pediatric patients at C.S. Mott Childrenâs Hospital. Meanwhile, Reece and Oliviaâs mother Amy has detailed their experiences on a blog that can be accessed through the link below, along with more information about the new app. (JM)
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Employers Seek Employees At Job Fair To Be Held This WeekEmployers Seek Employees At Job Fair To Be Held This Week
Community members looking for employment or a new job will have the opportunity to meet with over 50 employers at a one-stop shop this week. The annual Livingston Regional Job Fair will be held at Crystal Gardens in Howell on Thursday, April 14th, from 3 to 7 pm. The event is a partnership between the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce and Michigan Works! to find qualified people to fill open positions. William Sleight, Director of Livingston County Michigan Works!, says there will be a wide variety of companies recruiting at the job fair and that there truly is âsomething for everybodyâ. Sleight says there is a labor shortage in key areas and the job fair is an opportunity to connect employers with job seekers. Sleight recommends job seekers come dressed professionally, bring a resume, and be prepared for on-site interviews. Sleight says the biggest mistake potential employees make at the job fair is wandering around without talking to the companiesâ representatives. He suggests attendees go out of their way to engage employers to make a first impression.
Many of the exhibitors at the event are located in Livingston County but Sleight says there are a few that are not, or have positions in nearby areas. The job fair will also include employee workshops, human resources professionals to review resumes, and door prizes. More information about the event or companies that will be present can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Suspended Prison Guard From Brighton Bound Over For TrialSuspended Prison Guard From Brighton Bound Over For Trial
A state corrections officer from Livingston County charged with selling prescription drugs has been bound over for trial. 30-year-old Lawrence David Tylutki of Brighton will be arraigned in Oakland County Circuit Court on the charges April 20th after a district court judge determined there was enough evidence to send his case to trial. Tylutki was arrested February 25th in Farmington Hills after agents with the Oakland County Narcotics Enforcement Team witnessed him deliver 250 Roxicodone, Adderall and Xanax pills to an undercover informant near a high school at 11 Mile and Middlebelt roads. An additional 290 pills and prescription slips were later found in his car. He was charged with multiple counts of delivery and or manufacture of a controlled substance and possessing a firearm in the commission of a felony. Tylutki was hired as a corrections officer at Parnall Correctional Facility in Jackson last March and was still on probationary employee status. He has since been suspended without pay by the Michigan Department of Corrections. Tylutki, who was in uniform and armed with a .40 caliber handgun at the time of his arrest, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the charges. (JK)
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Livingston County Board of Commissioners Agrees to Compensation ProposalsLivingston County Board of Commissioners Agrees to Compensation Proposals
The Livingston County Board of Commissioners agreed to two compensation proposals Tuesday night. The board of commissioners agreed to split the compensation resolution that included salaries for themselves and six elected officials into two separate issues. Commissioner Dave Domas asked that the resolution be split so commissioners would have the opportunity to vote on them separately. After some lengthy discussion on compensation for the elected officials, both resolutions passed. Commission Chair Kate Lawrence says some officials will see a decrease in pay. Lawrence says the three open seats for the Clerk, the Sheriff and the Register of Deeds will decrease, but the remainder will increase by 1 percent. She says the county commission salaries will remain the same for the next two years. Lawrence says for the time being, commissioners do receive healthcare benefits, but that may be revisited at a later date. On the issue of the elected officials two commissioners voted against putting the compensation in place. Commissioner Domas and Steve Williams asked to send the resolution back to the Personnel Committee for more study. Domas thought the officials should be compensated according to their years of experience, even if they are newly elected. Williams says the countyâs elected officials are already paid more than their counter parts in other comparable counties. He says there are other variables to look at, but thinks there is more to be addressed on the issue. Williams says he doesnât think any of the elected officials is overpaid, but wants to look into the matter further. The resolution as passed decreases pay for the three officials up for election in November and grants one percent increases to the Prosecutor, Drain Commissioner and Treasurer. (DS)
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Washington Post Blogger Speculates On Rogers Presidential RunWashington Post Blogger Speculates On Rogers Presidential Run
As the possibility of a contested convention looms this summer for Republicans, speculation from a national political writer says a Livingston County favorite son could lead the party to victory in November. Washington Post blogger David Ignatius wrote a post Monday titled, âFive military leaders Republicans could draft for a run for president,â and included the name of former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers of Howell. If Donald Trump fails to capture the nomination on a first ballot and delegates are then free to vote for whomever they want, Ignatius promoted Rogers, a former Army officer and FBI agent who led the House Intelligence Committee from 2011 to 2015. Ignatius said Rogers had the ârare talent, among conservative Republicans, of working effectively with Democratsâ and that he âtook a broken, divided House Intelligence Committee and, by allying with the Democratic ranking member, made the committee work.â While that prompted some local Republicans to ponder the possibility, a former lawmaker who worked with Rogers says itâs nothing to take too seriously. Ken Sikkema is a former GOP state Senate Majority Leader who told WHMIâs âMike & Jon in the Morningâ that while there is tremendous respect for Rogers, heâs still relatively unknown nationally. Sikkema says the likely nominee will be Trump and that speculation otherwise âisnât based in reality.â Rogers, meanwhile, is currently a national security commentator on CNN. (JK)
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Hamburg Township Man Denied Drug Court, Sentencing AdjournedHamburg Township Man Denied Drug Court, Sentencing Adjourned
Sentencing has been moved back yet again for a Hamburg Township man who led a police chase while intoxicated. 66-year-old Terry David Phillips is charged with one count of 3rd degree fleeing a police officer, operating while intoxicated and driving on a suspended license. The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred in September when Phillips led a police chase after an attempt was made to pull him over. An officer used his patrol vehicle to cause Phillips to spin out. Phillips then tried to accelerate and hit a tree and power junction box. He was arrested and lodged in the county jail. Phillips pleaded guilty at a hearing last month where a sentencing agreement was made with prosecutors. The agreement included a drug court referral and a 6 month cap in the Livingston County Jail. Phillips will be required to pay restitution to Hamburg Township and DTE for the damage caused in the crash. 53rd District Court Judge Miriam Cavanaugh has denied the drug court recommendation from prosecutors for Phillips, and his sentencing was moved back twice. The agreement allows Phillips to withdraw his plea, however a new sentencing date has been set for April 21st. Phillips is already serving time in the county jail for an August incident prior to the aforementioned for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, lack of insurance, driver having open intoxicants in the vehicle and operating with a blood alcohol content of .17 or more. (DK)
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Veteran's Court In Need Of MentorsVeteran's Court In Need Of Mentors
Qualified mentors are needed to help military veterans navigate through an alternative court process. The Livingston County Veteranâs Court diverts eligible veteran defendants into a judicial process that takes into special consideration the hardships they may have endured. According to the Veteranâs Foundation of America, the program is 18-24 months long and will consider all misdemeanors and some felonies. Defendants are teamed up with a mentor through the process who is a veteran themselves and can provide appropriate support. Hansel Keene, an Air Force veteran who served two tours of duty in Vietnam told WHMI the mentors play an important role as a friend, when a defendant might need it most. He said they are not there to discuss legal issues, but to try and remove roadblocks and aid the veteran in any other way they can. The programâs goal is to have a one to one ratio of mentors to mentees, but currently most mentors are seeing two defendants, with some as many as four. To become a mentor, Livingston County Veteranâs Services is looking for veterans who understand the military and the sacrifices that people make for it. Keene said volunteers need to be compassionate, have good character, and understand that they are working in the background, and not in the limelight. Anyone who feels they may be fit to become a mentor should contact Josh Parish at LCVS by phone, at (517) 546-6338. (MK)
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Howell Public Schools Holds State Of The District AddressHowell Public Schools Holds State Of The District Address
Howell Public Schools had their first ever state of the district presentation Wednesday night at Parker Middle School. Superintendent Erin MacGregor opened up the address by saying that he felt like a having strong school district meant they had a strong partnership with the community and with families. That being said, thereâs been a steady decline in enrollment the past decade, but should stabilize in five years. MacGregor attributed to the loss of students to lower birth rates state-wide, the economic downturn of 2007-2008, and giving student a school-of-choice option. Graduation rates are up. MacGregor reported they are at 90.4%, up from 80% in 2007. Howell Public Schools is also performing as-well-as or slightly better than their peers, and above state averages in M-STEP testing, which has replaced the MEAP. ACT scores are up 1.4 points since 2008, a feat that MacGregor said was difficult and impressive to accomplish. The superintendent also took the opportunity to thank the community for the passing of a technology bond that will allow for upgrades in all the schools. Upgraded classrooms, computer labs, and wireless networks are all in the near future. MacGregor said some of the biggest areas for improvement were in the maintenance and efficiency of facilities, including improving custodial needs. He also stated that they need to make sure that students of the same grade are getting the same quality education no matter which school they attend. MacGregor, who came from Plymouth Schools last year, said that he immediately noticed the sense of the pride in the community and believes that they will make great things happen. (MK)
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Michigan State Police Sgt. Says Kelty "At Fault" In Fatal CrashMichigan State Police Sgt. Says Kelty "At Fault" In Fatal Crash
Testimonies continued yesterday in the trial of an Oceola Township man charged in connection to a crash that claimed the life of a Hamburg Township Police sergeant. 54-year-old Steven Mark Kelty of Oceola Township is charged with driving with a suspended license causing death in the accident, which killed Sergeant Jim Sanderson, a 20-year veteran of the Hamburg Township Police Department. Kelty is also charged with operating a motor vehicle with the presence of a schedule one substance causing death; in this case marijuana, and with being a third time habitual offender for prior drunk driving convictions. Keltyâs trial continued with testimony from Michigan State Police Crash Scene Reconstruction Specialist, Sgt. Allan Avery. Sgt. Avery discussed formulas used to identify where Keltyâs vehicle and Sandersonâs motorcycle were at the time of impact, which he says is key in determining who was at fault in the crash. Sgt. Avery also testified that the debris from the crash can locate where the vehicles were. Kelty had previously stated that he was in the center turn lane when he and Sanderson collided, but Sgt. Avery says that makes âabsolutely zero senseâ based on the evidence and stated that he believes Keltyâs Chevrolet Trailblazer was on the wrong side of the road. Sgt. Avery testified that his conclusion is that Kelty was âat faultâ in the crash. The trial continues today and the attorneys, jury, and Judge Miriam Cavanaugh are planning on taking a field trip to the crash scene. Kelty faces up to 30 years in prison. (DK)
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Film Premiere And Panel Event Will Focus On Child Abuse Awareness And PreventionFilm Premiere And Panel Event Will Focus On Child Abuse Awareness And Prevention
A documentary screening and panel discussion in Howell this evening will bring attention to child abuse prevention and awareness. April is National Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the LACASA Center is commemorating that through an event that begins tonight and continues through the weekend. The premiere of âHappy Valleyâ, a film about the aftermath of the Pennsylvania State University scandal, will be shown at 6:30 at the Historic Howell Theater. The documentary follows the events of November 2011 when the schoolâs football defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky, was charged with 45 counts of child sex abuse. A community discussion will be held after the screening to discuss awareness efforts and child abuse prevention in Livingston County. The film will run through the weekend at the theater. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit lacasacenter.org. (DK)
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Construction On I-96 Near Fowlerville Begins TomorrowConstruction On I-96 Near Fowlerville Begins Tomorrow
Construction on I-96 near Fowlerville begins tomorrow for a project that will take about two and a half months to complete. The repairs begin tomorrow evening on I-96 between M-52 and Fowlerville Road, which will include concrete pavement patching and ramp resurfacing at the I-96/M-52 interchange. Nighttime single-lane closures on westbound I-96 start at 9 pm through 5 am and are expected to continue through the week. Michigan Department of Transportation Spokeswoman Kari Arend says as part of the project, there will be a total of four, around-the-clock weekend lane closures. The first of those will start April 22nd and will only affect westbound I-96 traffic. Arend says MDOT understands how busy that corridor is and the plan is to have a minimal impact on traffic, so closures will be during off-peak hours. The closures will also be split between eastbound and westbound I-96 to reduce its affect. The project is expected to be completed at the end of June. (DK)
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SELCRA Director Derek Smith Resigns SELCRA Director Derek Smith Resigns
Derek Smith, who has led the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority for the last several years, has resigned, effective April 28th, two weeks from today. Smith handed in his letter of resignation at the SELCRA Board of Directors meeting Wednesday night. Smith has accepted a position as director of the Independence Township Parks, Recreation and Seniors Department. Smith says itâs been a great five years and he learned a lot; adding his family loves the community, his kids go to school here and theyâve always participated in a lot of events. Smith tells WHMI it has been a great experience but heâs taken SELCRA about as far as he can so itâs time to move on and heâs looking forward to his next venture. Smith thanked all of the sponsors, partners and municipalities that make up SELCRA, saying itâs been great for his family and a pleasure working with them to provide recreation services to the area. Smith added heâll still be very much a part of the community and will be around to support whatever venture they get into next. Dan Mulvahill, the SELCRA Board president says âHe gave five good years of his life, but had to look for a better opportunity, with more security for his family.â Mulvahill says he doesnât know if SELCRA can survive after June 30th with two of the four municipalities gone. âI donât know whatâs going to happen after June 30th,â Mulvahill said. "It could exist, but it would look vastly different.â Of Derek Smith, Mulvahill said: âHe did an extraordinary job, given the tools he had (with no facilities) and barely enough funds to operate.â SELCRA, formed in 1992, is subsidized by a combination of annual contributions from each municipality and fees charged for the various sports and recreation programs. Those include sports such as soccer, baseball, basketball and softball and overseeing karate and fencing. Also, SELCRA organizes and promotes recreational activities such as the annual daddy-daughter dance and festival events at the Mill Pond in downtown Brighton. Smith says that SELCRA has been hurt financially in the last few years by the emergence of church-sponsored recreational activities and the arrival of Legacy, a sports facility south of Brighton that focuses on youths with potential for becoming professional athletes in the future. As a result, Smith says, the amount of revenue SELCRA receives in fees from participation by youths has diminished, and the only alternative has been to ask the local municipalities to make up the difference. However, faced with requests for additional money beyond their annual contributions, the city of Brighton and Genoa Township eventually balked, saying could get the same quality of service, at a much lower cost, from the Brighton Area Schools through its Community Education Dept. Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray has said the school district is willing to offer much the same recreational and athletic programs to the city of Brighton and Genoa Township as SELCRA has, and at a lower cost, since its Community Ed. Dept. is already in place. Brighton Township and Green Oak Township have said that they prefer that SELCRA remain a viable organization and they want to continue their SELCRA membership into the new fiscal year, which starts July 1st. The membership of the city of Brighton and Genoa Township in SELCRA officially ends on June 30th. (TT/DK/JM)
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