The woman hoping to be Livingston Countyâs voice in Congress will be one of the guest speakers next month at the Livingston County Democratic Partyâs annual dinner. Melissa Gilbert, candidate for the Democratic nomination for 8th District Congress, will attend along with Brandon Dillon, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. The 33rd annual Winans Dinner will be held Friday, May 20th, at the Lakelands Golf and Country Club in Hamburg Township. While most know her from her role as Laura Ingalls on the 1970âs hit TV show âLittle House on the Prairie,â Gilbert served four years as president of the Screen Actors Guild as well as the AFL-CIO Executive Council. She and her husband Tim Busfield live in Genoa Township, where they run a small production company, Grand River Productions. Brandon Dillon was elected chair of the Michigan Democratic Party in 2015 after serving two terms as a Kent County commissioner and then as a state representative. Tickets start at $60 each, although preferred seating with Gilbert is $150. The dinner is named in honor of Edwin B. Winans, who lived in Hamburg Township and was governor of Michigan from 1891 to 1893. (JK)
Local Dems To Host Gilbert At Annual Winans DinnerLocal Dems To Host Gilbert At Annual Winans Dinner
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DDA To Pay For PSD Marketing ConsultantDDA To Pay For PSD Marketing Consultant
The Brighton Downtown Development Authority will provide funding for the hiring of a marketing consultant to perform a study for the Principal Shopping District. The DDA, at its meeting Tuesday, voted to fund the $13,500 cost of hiring Cristina Sheppard-Decius of POW! Strategies. Brighton Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Pipoly explained that the Brighton PSD operates with a very limited budget and lacks the financial resources to pay for such extra services as a consultant. Pipoly, who is on both the PSD and DDA boards, said the PSD wants to know if it is getting the best bang for its buck relative to where it spends its advertising dollars. Among other duties, Sheppard-Decius will be charged with doing a study of the strategy of advertising locally to bring customers downtown from the local area vs. advertising outside the immediate area to bring shoppers in to downtown Brighton from other communities. In addition to starting POW! Strategies, she is the executive director of the West Dearborn DDA. Sheppard-Decius is also the former DDA director in Ferndale and has been recognized for spearheading the renaissance of Ferndaleâs now vibrant downtown. (JK)
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"Bras For A Cause" Fundraiser Returns To Livingston County "Bras For A Cause" Fundraiser Returns To Livingston County
After taking a brief hiatus, a fundraiser for breast cancer research is returning to Livingston County. âBras for a Causeâ will be held at Mt. Brighton on Friday, April 29th, from 7 to 10 pm. The unique fundraising fashion show, sponsored by the Livingston County Chapter of the Womenâs Council of Realtors, will collect donations for the American Cancer Society for research and support services. Male models will take to the runway, showing off decorative, custom-made bras, then retrieve money from the audience following an auction for the brassieres. Carrie Woodruff, Chair of the event, says the bras are made by local business owners and brokers from real estate companies. She tells WHMI what makes the event so successful is the guestsâ and participants connection to their cause. A local breast cancer survivor is scheduled to speak at the event about her story, how the community helped, and where she sought treatment. The fundraiser will also include 50/50 drawings, massages, a henna tattoo artist, and a DJ. Tickets can be purchased online for $37 at the link below. (DK)
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Area Agency on Aging to Offer Fall Prevention ClassArea Agency on Aging to Offer Fall Prevention Class
Area seniors are encouraged to attend fall prevention classes offered by a local agency. The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is offering health and wellness classes for seniors, with one upcoming class focuings on fall prevention being offered in both Howell and Brighton. A Matter of Balance is a class designed to help reduce the fear of falling while increasing activity. Participants will learn exercises to increase flexibility, range of motion, strength and balance, and to think of the fear of falling as controllable. The eight-week course is an interactive workshop and offered first in Howell at Village Manor Retirement Community 9501 E. Highland Rd. on Tuesdays from May 10th through June 28th from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. The class will be repeated in Brighton at Independence Village of Brighton beginning Thursday, July 21st, running through September 8th, from 1 to 3pm. To register or for more information contact the Area Agency on Aging 1B by clicking the link below. (DS)
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Prison Guard From Brighton Arraigned In Circuit Court On Drug ChargesPrison Guard From Brighton Arraigned In Circuit Court On Drug Charges
A state corrections officer from Livingston County charged with selling prescription drugs has been arraigned in circuit court. 30-year-old Lawrence David Tylutki of Brighton was arraigned last week in Oakland County Circuit Court on the charges. A pretrial hearing was scheduled for May 4th. 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 in March of 2015 and was still on probationary employee status at the time of his arrest. 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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Libraries Launch "Bridge To Literacy" Program To Benefit Hamburg & Pinckney Students Libraries Launch "Bridge To Literacy" Program To Benefit Hamburg & Pinckney Students
A new program will put more resources in the hands of local students through the issuance of joint library cards and get them started on a journey to success. A Bridge to Literacy is a special partnership formed between the Hamburg Township Library, Pinckney Community Public Library and Pinckney Community Schools. The new partnership is the first of its kind in Livingston County and the fourth in the state. It will provide the districtâs more than 3,000 students with a single library card during the 2016/2017 school year. The one card will offer full access to materials at either library. Hamburg Library Clerks Carol Bossio and Christie Wagner pursued the program, which they say encourages a love of reading but also lifelong learning throughout the community â at that starts in the library. Wagner says the Connect Ed Library Challenge, a 2015 White House initiative, targeted schools and libraries to work together and strengthen their relationship for the good of students. She tells WHMI they viewed it as a win-win and a wonderful opportunity to work with the schools. While most schools still have libraries, theyâre typically manned by volunteers according to Bossio. She says the program offers the opportunity to build on whatâs unfortunately been taken away from schools because of state budget cuts - libraries and support within those libraries. Youth Librarian Sarah Castle is coordinating the program for the Pinckney Library and told WHMI sheâs hoping students will take advantage of it. She says they were glad to have been included in providing the learning opportunity to students, especially so because of increased access to electronic resources, online learning and language programs, news bank databases and e-audio books. A joint resolution in support of the program was signed by Hamburg Township, Putnam Township and Pinckney Community Schools. Hamburg Township Supervisor Pat Hohl thanked the library board for bringing the initiative forward, saying âanything we can do to get more books into the hands of our students is absolutely a good thing.â The new program will be implemented in schools during the fall semester. Parents have been notified by the schools and feedback is said to have been very positive to date. (JM)
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Vets Council Names Veteran & Auxiliary Of The YearVets Council Names Veteran & Auxiliary Of The Year
A yearly banquet for the Livingston County Veteransâ Council recognized its new representatives on Saturday. The 2016 Veteran of the Year is Alvin Groff, a disabled and retired veteran who spent 22 years in the military. Groff served in the Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, and the first Desert Storm. He is a member of the Brighton Veteransâ Memorial Council, Disabled Veterans for the Internal Revenue Service Military Outreach Program, and spends his weekends collecting money for veterans in the community. Groff tells WHMI the Veteransâ Council is a huge asset to the area. Groff says it is a great honor to be nominated and selected, and he enjoys all that he does for the communityâs veterans. Also awarded at the Veteransâ Council Banquet was Peg Ogden, who was named 2016âs Auxiliary of the Year. The American Legion Ladiesâ Auxiliary is a service organization that advocates for veterans and patriotism, while providing support to military members and their families. Pictures courtesy of Joyce Fisher. (JK)
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Howell Senior Survivor Raising Funds For Stiggy's DogsHowell Senior Survivor Raising Funds For Stiggy's Dogs
A group of local high school students are again raising funds for a local charity. This year's Senior Survivor charity fundraiser at Howell High School is hoping to raise as much money as possible to assist Stiggyâs Dogs, the Howell Township-based group that rescues and trains shelter dogs to become service dogs for veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries. The organization was founded in memory of Corpsman Third Class Benjamin "Doc Stiggy" Castiglione, a 2006 Howell High School graduate who gave his life while serving in Afghanistan. The event features a group of seniors who spend the entire week inside the school undergoing various challenges in order to stay in the game. Last year the competition raised a record-breaking $41,215 to benefit the Childrenâs Leukemia Foundation of Michigan. This year the goal is to raise $50,000. The winner of Senior Survivor and the grand total raised for Stiggyâs Dogs will be announced during a pep assembly on Friday. The event was started to create a memorial scholarship for Mackenzie Watts, a Howell student athlete who died in 2005. It has since expanded to support other charities and has raised more than $130,000 for various charities. (JK)
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Brighton Historical Society Looking For Cemetery Cleanup VolunteersBrighton Historical Society Looking For Cemetery Cleanup Volunteers
The Brighton Area Historical Society is conducting its 8th annual Old Village Cemetery Cleanup on Saturday, May 7th this year. Coordinator Jim Vichich tells WHMI the society is calling on all area residents to join in the volunteer effort and bring work gloves, rakes and leaf blowers. In the last three years, the group has restored 92 headstones that were broken and lying on the ground, in some cases buried under up to a foot of accumulated dirt. Another 90 headstones that were leaning precariously have been taken out of the ground, stabilized and placed on new concrete bases. Vichich says in order to properly maintain the cemetery and keep it from deteriorating all over again, the annual cleanup is necessary, along with the continuing job of restoring old headstones. The historical society is now in the 4th year of the 10-year project to repair and restore the old headstones, some of which date back to the Civil War. In fact, a Revolutionary War veteran is also buried at the cemetery. Vichich says the society typically gets about 50 volunteers for the cleanup effort, about 20 of whom are students from the Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy. In addition to the annual Old Village Cleanup, the members gather once each month from May through October to perform more work on the cemetery. (TT)
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Run/Walk Event To Bring A Glow To Howell High School CampusRun/Walk Event To Bring A Glow To Howell High School Campus
A local organization trying to help the disabled find meaningful employment will be the beneficiaries of an event next month organizers say will light up the night. The 2nd annual Torch 180 Glow 5k Run & Walk will be held on Friday, May 13th at Howell School to benefit Torch 180. The Howell High School Interact Club will be organizing the event with 100% of the proceeds helping Torch 180 purchase a commercial kitchen to host food-industry training courses for people with disabilities. The all-ages event is perfect for all fitness levels including people who just want to have some fun and support a great cause. The run will include hundreds of dollars of free prizes scattered throughout the course, as well glow stations that will help the runners light up the night. There will also be live music and a chance to walk through The Torch food truck. Youâll find details through the link below. (JK)
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Suspects Arraigned In Green Oak Store Theft & Police ChaseSuspects Arraigned In Green Oak Store Theft & Police Chase
Arraignment has been held for four of the five suspects arrested after a police chase that forced officials at two Brighton schools to keep students inside. 19-year-old Nelson DeJesus, 20-year-olds Savannah Haley and Dillon McMullen and 21-year-old Angelina Bonasera were arrested April 19th after a retail fraud was reported at the Kohlâs store near the Green Oak Village Place mall. Responding officers observed five subjects get into a Volvo sedan and leave. When police attempted to stop the car, which had been reported stolen out of Washtenaw County, the suspects tried to flee by driving up an embankment but ended up crashing in the area behind Kohlâs and Costco. They then fled the vehicle on foot. Green Oak Police, with the assistance of several other agencies, set up a perimeter and eventually took all five into custody. The search prompted both Scranton Middle School and Hawkins Elementary School to issue a 'shelter in place' warning which kept students from leaving their buildings. One of the five was later taken to a hospital after suffering a medical event, which police say was possibly drug related. The other four were all arraigned last week on first-degree retail fraud charges and have Probable Cause Conferences scheduled in 53rd District Court on May 4th. DeJesus also faces two counts of carrying a concealed weapon while McMullen is charged with fleeing and eluding, and reckless driving. Haley also is charged with possession of a controlled substance. The fifth suspect is set for arraignment May 9th. (JK)
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Hartland District To Appeal Lawsuit Ruling To Michigan Supreme CourtHartland District To Appeal Lawsuit Ruling To Michigan Supreme Court
A lawsuit against Hartland Consolidated Schools filed by a former administrator is heading for the stateâs highest court. Tracey Sahouri sued the district in 2012, alleging it violated the Whistleblower Protection Act when it removed her as principal from Creekside Elementary School. She claims it was in retaliation for reporting âirregularitiesâ in how the district administered state-mandated student achievement tests. She was later re-assigned to a teaching position. The district sought to dismiss the lawsuit, which was denied by a Genesee County Circuit Court judge. That prompted an appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals, which last week upheld its decision allowing Sahouriâs Whistleblower Protection Act claim to proceed. Hartland Superintendent Janet Sifferman tells WHMI that the district will now appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court. The district contends Sahouriâs re-assignment was based on the conclusions of a state report that determined teachers at Creekside improperly gained access to material from the tests in 2011, which constituted a breach of security. Sahouriâs attorney, Tom Pabst, has said that Hartland administration led what he called âan out-of-control lynch mobâ that trashed Sahouriâs career in part due to a ticket she received in the summer of 2011 for allowing a minor to consume alcohol at her Argentine Township home during a graduation party. The ticket was later dismissed and Sahouri settled a lawsuit over the matter with Argentine Township for $150,000. The district has contended that incident had nothing to do with its decision regarding Sahouri. (JK)
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City Of Howell Considering Cost-Sharing To Install Lights At D-19 Park And RideCity Of Howell Considering Cost-Sharing To Install Lights At D-19 Park And Ride
The city of Howell is still on the fence about whether or not they will help fund lighting fixtures for the D-19 park and ride lot. Marion Township recently approached the city with a proposal to provide lighting for the park and ride lot at I-96 and D-19. The township is asking the city to consider cost sharing for the installation of the lights, which Howell officials are still mulling over. The park and ride property is owned by the Michigan Department of Transportation because of its proximity to the highway, however MDOT declined when Marion Township approached them first with the request to fund light installation. The discussion between Marion and Howell may be a bit premature, though. Howell City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI before the two municipalities can move forward to even consider the project, Marion would need to enter into an agreement with MDOT that would allow the township to fund and proceed with the project. Charles says once thatâs handled, the big question is whether the city will participate and he encouraged city council members to be prepared to answer that in the near future. Council members are requesting more data and reasons supporting why the lights are imminently important as the await dialogue between Marion and MDOT. (DK)
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Local Voices Sound Off In Victims Of Police Brutality CompositionLocal Voices Sound Off In Victims Of Police Brutality Composition
A composition about the victims of police brutality features the voices of three area students and a film about the piece will premiere on Wednesday. Jonathan Miller of Howell, Josh Partridge and Jeff Walker from Brighton, are members of the University of Michigan Menâs Glee Club, which recently debuted their performance of âSeven Last Words of the Unarmedâ. The piece, composed by Atlanta-based Joel Thompson, represents the lives of individuals who met an unfortunate fate, their last words, and the movements that occurred in the aftermath of the incidents. Walker tells WHMI he believes it is important to honor the lives of the victims and that the âpowerfulâ piece does that with classical influences. Walker says some members of the Glee Club were concerned about the piece at first because of the controversy that surrounded most of the cases. He says the Glee Club is not looking to make a political stance, but instead incite a conversation about the issue. Michigan Media has since created a documentary about the composition, called âLove, Life & Lossâ. A free screening and a worldwide premiere of the film will be held tomorrow night at 7:30 pm in Auditorium A of Angell Hall in Ann Arbor. (DK)
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Livinston County To Put Veteran's Millage On August BallotLivinston County To Put Veteran's Millage On August Ballot
Voters will be asked to approve a millage in August to help support veteranâs programs. The Livingston County Board of Commissioners approved ballot language last night to put a millage request on the August ballot. Commissioner Don Parker and Livingston County Veterans Services Director Jon Waggoner presented commissioners with the details of what the .139 mill levy will do if it passes. Waggoner says if it passes the millage will raise about $1.08 (m) million in the first year. It will be used to support the veterans programs and services in the county. Waggoner says the additional funding will allow his department to add a fourth counselor and expand mental health services. He says there is also a need for a second part time driver to help transport veterans to and from the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Ann Arbor. Commissioner Parker says this millage replaces a previous levy used to support the indigent veterans fund. Parker says there was a previous millage, but the state's Attorney General told them they have to take it to the voters and that's what brought about this discussion. The .05 mill levy supported the indigent veterans fund. Parker says now the question is what is the need and what is the millage that will serve that need? He says after many hours with the veterans board and many hours crunching numbers, pricing all of the proposals in terms of what they thought the need would be for the next six years, they came up with this millage rate and it will go on the August ballot. Parker says there are currently around 12,300 veterans living in Livingston County who will benefit from the millage. He says he believes veterans deserve the best care possible and wants to see Livingston County be the gold standard in the state. He worked on a committee alongside Waggoner and veterans John Colone and Hansel Keene to hash out the details of the millage. Commissioners agreed unanimously to the millage language. Commission Chair Kate Lawrence commented that although they donât like to levy more taxes this is one they can all support. In addition to mental health and transportation, the millage will pay for an additional court coordinator for the veteranâs court. If it passes, the millage will cost the average homeowner about $10.00 more per year in taxes. (DS)
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Pinckney Students Charged In Rape Case Sentenced To One Year Of Jail, ProbationPinckney Students Charged In Rape Case Sentenced To One Year Of Jail, Probation
Two Pinckney High School students charged in the sexual assault of another student have been sentenced. On Monday, 17-year-old Nicklaus Lefebvre and Jacob Houck were each sentenced to three years of probation, with the first year spent in the Livingston County Jail. The two were sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act which means their criminal records would be erased upon successful completion of probation. Authorities say Houck and Lefebvre sexually assaulted a 15-year-old female Pinckney High School student after giving her alcohol at a residence in the Village last December. Houck pleaded guilty last month to charges of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Meanwhile, LeFebvre pleaded guilty to three counts of 3rd degree CSC. In exchange, a charge of child abusive commercial activity that was filed for his allegedly taking pictures during the incident was dismissed. A third student had also been charged but that case was resolved in juvenile court. (DK)
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Man Making Trek On Horseback From Washington To HowellMan Making Trek On Horseback From Washington To Howell
A high school reunion in Livingston County this summer is prompting a 67-year-old man to travel by horse all the way from Washington State. Vern Herrst began his trip Friday from the Methow Valley in northern Washington to Howell, where he grew up on a farm in Oceola Township. He moved out west after serving 22 years in the Navy. His 50th high school reunion in Howell is in August. Herrst, who is a cancer survivor, says he has "always wanted to do something like this" and that "who knows how many more chances" he'll have. He plans to go through Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He expects the biggest problem he will have is crossing the Mackinac Bridge. Herrst said he may need to borrow a horse van, or see if he can arrange for a ferry crossing. The trip is also a fundraiser to support agencies that helped in Herrst's fight against myeloproliferative disease, and he hopes to bring in $1 or more per mile on behalf of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Washington/Alaska Chapter. You can find out more about Herrstâs trip on his Facebook page, and weâve put that link below. (JK)
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Brighton's "The Bridge" Alternative High School Named Tops in StateBrighton's "The Bridge" Alternative High School Named Tops in State
The Bridge â the Brighton Area School Districtâs alternative high school - has copped top honors as the Michigan Alternative High School of the year. Announcement of the award was made at Monday nightâs Board of Education meeting. The school has about 80 students and seven full-time teachers. The award comes from the Michigan Alternative Education Organization and will be presented to Colleen Deaven, who has been principal at The Bridge for the last five years, at the annual spring conference Thursday at Treetops Resort in Gaylord. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI he is proud of the staff and students at the school for achieving the honor. Deaven says the traditional school isnât for everyone, and The Bridge may be a better choice for many students who donât âfit inâ the regular classroom setting. Conversely, Deaven says students who can fall through the cracks at a traditional school â perhaps because they need more individual attention or lack social skills âoften thrive at a school like The Bridge. The alternative high school is located in the BECC building at Church and East Main streets in Brighton. (TT)
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Bishop Announces Winner Of Congressional Art ContestBishop Announces Winner Of Congressional Art Contest
Local high school artists and their parents were invited to find out the winner of a local art competition Monday night. There were 17 entries in this yearâs 8th District Art Competition, but only one of them could win the top prize. Congressman Mike Bishop (left), a Rochester Republican hosted a reception at the Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce to honor participants and recognize the winner. There were a variety of pieces, including photography, digital art, watercolor and mixed media. Rochester Hills junior, Jenna Willis (center) took the top honor this year with her chalk drawing. Willis says her art teacher pushed her to enter. She says the chalk image is a of herself as a child during an annual trip to Petoskey State Park when she and her family would Petoskey stones. She says she thought it depicted Michigan well and was one of her favorite Michigan memories. Willis says her art teacher really wanted her to enter it last year, but she didn't have anything ready in time. Willis says she plans to pursue a career in art and will be looking at art school in Savannah, Georgia. Bishop says the arts are important and he wants to encourage young people to pursue careers in art. He says he got involved to support the arts, in particular the young people who are incredibly talented that were featured in the competition. He says it was a hard decision, but they are trying to encourage the arts and encourage younger people who have special talents to reach for the stars and continue to pursue their dreams and know their work is appreciated. Bishop says not everyone in congress hosts the competition, but it is something he believes is good for young people. He represents the 8th district, which includes Livingston, northern Oakland and Ingham counties. Students who participated and their families were invited to the reception. Artist John Sauve of Brighton (right) was one of this yearâs judges and says it was a tough decision to choose the winner. Bishop says he thinks everyone is a winner and deserves an award, but there could be only one. All of the entrants received a certificate, but Willis will also receive two round trip airline tickets to attend a special ceremony in Washington, DC in June. She plans to take her father along and says she looks forward to seeing all of the artwork that will be on display with her own. (DS)
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Diamonds Restaurant Relocating, Mr. B's Closing In Downtown Howell Diamonds Restaurant Relocating, Mr. B's Closing In Downtown Howell
As one restaurant in Downtown Howell relocates and expands, another community favorite at the four-corners will be departing. After nearly 33 years, Diamonds Steak & Seafood will be expanding and moving into the current Mr. Bâs Rustic Tavern space this summer, next to The Silver Pig. In an announcement on Facebook, Owner/Chef Adam Merkel said they understand that âchange isn't always better but getting better requires changeâ. He says old favorites and some new surprises can be expected fare-wise. Merkel says they will continue to operate Mr. Bâs through this summer until they close for renovations. The building itself will be remodeled from ceiling to floor and a new grand entrance will be built from the atrium to connect the two spaces. Meanwhile, a separate announcement is anticipated May 10th detailing the location of a new modern Italian concept. Facebook Photo. (JM)
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