A community lunch in Brighton next week will include a discussion with several local legislators about a variety of hot topics. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding its Political Power Lunch-Unplugged on Monday, May 9th at Oak Pointe Country Club from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Congressman Mike Bishop, State Senator Joe Hune, and State Representatives Lana Theis and Hank Vaupel will all attend the event to partake in a discussion with the community. Guests are encouraged to bring their questions for the legislators on any issue they feel are of importance. Chamber President and CEO Pam McConeghy says it has been an âinteresting year politicallyâ and she is looking forward to hearing the perspective the panel will bring. The Chamberâs Power Lunch series is designed to provide an update on economic and political issues trending locally and statewide, with insight from industry leaders. Registration information and more details about the lunch can be found at the link below. (DK)
Panel Of Legislators Will Share Insight At Political Power Lunch Panel Of Legislators Will Share Insight At Political Power Lunch
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Duck Again Uses Local School Courtyard To Lay & Hatch EggsDuck Again Uses Local School Courtyard To Lay & Hatch Eggs
A duck has grown attached to a Livingston County elementary school's courtyard, returning each year to lay her eggs before walking the hallways with her ducklings to get out. The duck named Vanessa has appeared at Village Elementary School in Hartland for the past 13 years. Ruth Darrah, now a retired teacher, makes sure the duck gets a helpful welcome each year. The duck flies into the closed-off courtyard, crawls under a specific shrub, digs out her nest and lays her eggs. After the ducklings hatch, Darrah and others tape black construction paper along the walls, creating a clear path for the ducks to get to a nearby pond. This year's hallway waddle took place last Thursday with 11 ducklings making their way to nearby wetlands. School officials say the kids love to see the baby ducks with their mother, waddling around the courtyard and they look forward to her visit each year. (JK)
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Linden Man Looking To Make Strides Against Pancreatic CancerLinden Man Looking To Make Strides Against Pancreatic Cancer
An event later this month will be raising money to help those suffering from a particularly deadly form of cancer, and one local man is hoping people will support his efforts to battle the disease. Dave Johnson of Linden was diagnosed a year ago with pancreatic cancer after experiencing a severe back spasm that sent him to the doctor. Many listeners will remember Johnson as the former Sports Director at WHMI, but heâs hoping to create awareness of the disease and help fund hope for himself and the more than 50,000 other Americans who will receive that diagnosis each year. Johnson is no stranger to cancer after his wife Tami underwent treatment and surgery for oral cancer several years ago. But Johnson says pancreatic cancer is something in its own category, with only 8% of patients surviving after five years. The money raised will go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to fund research grants, advocacy efforts, patient support, and awareness activities. Johnson says he knows the odds are against him, but he has every intention to see his 8-year-old son graduate high school and knows that will be more likely if the appropriate resources are made available. Youâll find a link to Johnsonâs fundraising page below. (JK)
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Howell Woman Charged In Fatal Motorcycle Crash To Appear In CourtHowell Woman Charged In Fatal Motorcycle Crash To Appear In Court
A Howell woman will appear in court next week on charges related to a fatal motorcycle crash on D-19 in Marion Township. The hearing next Monday for 31-year-old Lisa Finlayson in 53rd District Court was previously pushed back at the request of her attorney for further investigation. Finlayson is charged with operating a vehicle while impaired by liquor causing death after an August 18th crash that claimed the life of 51-year-old Lawrence Pettis of Howell. She is also charged with a moving violation causing death and operating while intoxicated with an occupant less than 16. Finlayson remains jailed after a motion to reduce her bond was denied and she was ordered to surrender her driverâs license at arraignment. Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post said Pettis was driving a 1989 Honda Goldwing northbound on D-19 when he was struck from behind by a 2007 GMC Sierra pickup driven by Finlayson, also traveling northbound on D-19. Police say the pick-up struck the motorcycle, which was pushed into another vehicle, a 2002 Toyota Echo. Pettis was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Toyota, Finlayson and her 3-year-old son, who was a passenger, were not injured. (JM)
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Two From Livingston County Attend Security ConferenceTwo From Livingston County Attend Security Conference
Two Livingston County administration staff and one of the County Commissioners headed to Indiana for specialized training. Security Administrator Renee Bingham and Director of Information Technology, Rich Malewicz spent two full weeks at Camp Atterbury learning how to identify and fend off cyber-attacks. The two local officials joined National Guard officials, state police and other security officers from across the country the training exercises. Livingston County Commissioner and chair of the security committee Steve Williams says the first week was a detailed training followed the second week by a practice exercise that tested their skills. Williams attended one day of the exercise and another day of networking last week. He says cyber security training will help the county be ready in case of threat. He says the county is better prepared to prevent people from gaining access to sensitive information. Williams says part of the event was networking and part of it was technical learning gave them ways to better protect the county's own systems, including Public Health, Central Dispatch, the Sheriff's Department and the courts. He says there is a lot of sensitive information out there and they want to make sure no one gets to it that isn't supposed to and that it is available to those who need access to it. He says also they will be a resource for the townships, two cities and the villages. Additionally, they now know who to talk to when they need help from the outside. This was the fourth year of the Cyber Shield training, but the first time Livingston County officials attended. Williams says the exercise included a simulated situation where individuals took on various roles. He says one team played the hackers who virtually ambushed the investigators and security personnel. He says the training was well executed and will give the county the ability to protect sensitive information. He says although the county doesn't administer a lot of infrastructure this will help keep people from trying to steal information to use for SPAM or for identity theft purposes. Williams says the county wants to protect its information above and beyond what is necessary. He says Cyber Shield also gave them much needed contacts so they can get outside help when necessary. (DS)
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Bank, Medical Center Highlight Development Coming To Genoa TownshipBank, Medical Center Highlight Development Coming To Genoa Township
A new medical center and bank branch were granted final approvals by the Genoa Township board Monday night. A Flagstar Bank will be going up on Latson Road, north of I-96 while the Howell Medical Center will be located on the north side of Grand River between Meadowview and Char-Ann Drives. Development overall is starting to increase in the township, which Supervisor Gary McCririe told WHMI is nice to see - going back to the years before the crash of 2008. The bank has been in the discussion phase for some time, trying to find a suitable location in the township. McCririe says when the I-96/Latson Road interchange went in and the old Latson Elementary school property became available, the timing was right and itâs the perfect situation with the traffic light there. Developers appearing on behalf of the bank at the meeting noted that all conditions previously stipulated could be met. Meanwhile, the Howell Medical Center project involves construction of a new building on Grand River adjacent to existing property. It was referred to as a very cooperative project from beginning to end, which made it through the approval process quickly. McCririe says both are really nice projects that will be an asset to the township. (JM)
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Parking Lot Brawl At Genoa Restaurant Still Under Investigation Parking Lot Brawl At Genoa Restaurant Still Under Investigation
An argument that escalated into a parking lot brawl involving a baseball bat at a Genoa Township eatery remains under investigation. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department is still conducting various interviews related to the afternoon incident on April 22nd at Bubba Changs. The Chinese-American buffet is owned by John and Jeremy Hamilton. Jeremy Hamilton was initially jailed after allegedly using a baseball bat to smash up a 2008 Honda Odyssey while John fled the scene. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI Jeremy was released pending further interviews and both men have since obtained legal counsel. He says they hope to have their report submitted to the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office by the end of the week, which would determine if any criminal charges are filed. Authorities previously said 51-year-old Guan Han Chen was fired but had returned to the business in an attempt to collect some back wages and personal belongings. An argument escalated in the parking lot and a 21-year-old man suffered a skull fracture and tissue injuries on his back after being attacked with a baseball bat. He was hospitalized and treated for the non-life threatening injuries. (JM)
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Event Asks About Restoring Trust In State GovernmentEvent Asks About Restoring Trust In State Government
A public forum this week is looking for feedback in order to improve trust between the state government and citizens. The Livingston County United Way will host the Community Conversation this Thursday, May 5th at 6pm at their offices on Dorr Road. The public meeting will be facilitated by the Center for Michigan, an Ann Arbor-based nonprofit and nonpartisan group that seeks public input to help guide lawmakers. Organizers encourage the public to attend so they can gather opinions on a variety of topics including government services, the stateâs political system and management of public finances. Participants will use a clicker to electronically log in their answers. Past issues the Center for Michigan has gathered input on include preschool funding, investing in the Pure Michigan tourism campaign and the reform of state business taxes. Space at the Community Conversation is limited so guests are asked to RSVP online through the link below or by phone (810) 494-3000. (JK)
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Department of Public Health Looks Toward AccreditationDepartment of Public Health Looks Toward Accreditation
One Livingston County department is one step closer to completing its strategic plan and working toward accreditation. Last night the General Government and Health & Human Services Committee agreed to send the Department of Public Healthâs proposed five year strategic plan on for approval. The Livingston County Board of Commissioners will hear the plan at its meeting next Monday night. Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow told the committee that the department has been working on the strategic plan since last November and in January came up with four main priorities. She says the objective is to make sure the public gets the best service. She says the strategic plan is a community plan for the department that includes four priorities. The priorities are developing a strategic workforce, increasing public awareness, enhancing collaboration and partnerships, and achieving financial stability. Moxlow says the strategic plan what they will be doing over the next five years to ensure the high level of services they provide. Moxlow says the priorities will help make sure that all of their programs are able to continue at a high level of quality. She says increasing public awareness is a way to make sure the public image of the department is positive and showcases the programs they provide. She says typically people donât hear much about the Public Health Department until something goes wrong, so this will be an effort to make sure they are publicizing things every day, especially when there is something positive to report. She says they will also be working on partnerships both within and outside of the county to make sure there is no duplication of effort, but there is a high level of services. Moxlow says if the strategic plan is approved by the full board it is the main building block in the effort toward national public health accreditation. (DS)
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LESA Holds Round One Of Interviews For Superintendent PositionLESA Holds Round One Of Interviews For Superintendent Position
The first round of interviews was held Monday to find a new superintendent for the Livingston Educational Service Agency. LESAâs top position will become vacant when current Superintendent Dan Danosky retires in June. The two candidates selected to interview for the position, Brighton Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Gray and LESA Deputy Superintendent Mike Hubert, both have extensive backgrounds in education and close ties to the area. The two sat through separate interviews with LESAâs Board of Education and then took questions from the audience. The board was curious about each applicantâs leadership qualities and style, and Hubert says his is a compilation from all he has learned. Dr. Gray, on the other hand, says his changes as he sees fit for a variety of situations. He describes leadership as a pendulum and that one must swing back and forth between how to lead in different circumstances. Dr. Gray says being a superintendent is a âlonelyâ job and it is important to know your role in every scenario. A second round of interviews for the candidates will be held Thursday. The board of education plans to make their choice and appoint a new superintendent on May 11th. The board did not discuss Mondayâs interviews except to say both candidates are âvery good.â (DK)
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Byron Man Charged In Chase Bank RobberyByron Man Charged In Chase Bank Robbery
A charge of bank robbery has been filed against a man who allegedly robbed a bank in downtown Byron and fled on a bicycle. 42-year-old Jeffrey Wayne Robinson of Byron, who was arraigned in 66th District Court on Thursday, is charged with one count of bank robbery. The charge stems from a reported robbery that occurred last week at the Chase Bank in downtown Byron. The Shiawassee County Sheriffâs Office says Robinson, who was wearing sunglasses and a hoodie, entered the bank and handed the clerk a note demanding money. He did not indicate or appear to have a weapon. An undetermined amount was taken and he fled the scene on a bicycle. Robinson was later arrested at an address in White Lake and lodged in the county jail. He is being held on a bond of $250,000 cash/surety. Robinson is due back in court May 17th for a preliminary examination. If convicted on the current charge, he faces up to life in prison. (DK)
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Foundation Purchases Red Cross Building In Howell, Announces "Rebirth" Of ChapterFoundation Purchases Red Cross Building In Howell, Announces "Rebirth" Of Chapter
A local foundation has announced what it calls the rebirth of the Livingston County Red Cross headquarters in Howell. The Kellogg Family Foundation is purchasing the building on Grand River in Howell, which will be offered for use, free of charge, to the Livingston County chapter. The chapter has been a part of the community since 1917 and remains active but the majority of staffing and services were eliminated as part of a nationwide consolidation plan implemented by the American Red Cross. In late 2014, it was announced that four regional chapters in Michigan would be run by a single headquarters in Detroit. The facility has remained open for some programs, but with the understanding that the building would eventually be sold. Dr. Thomas M. Kellogg, foundation chairman, recently outlined the process to bring the Red Cross back and said keeping the organization in the community is exactly what his late parents would have wanted. A âcall for serviceâ drive is currently being formulated and more information is expected to be forthcoming. Local volunteers are said to be celebrating and preparing to get the chapter fully back up-and-running and provide needed services to the community. (JM)
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Argentine Police Chief Running For Genesee County Sheriff Spot Argentine Police Chief Running For Genesee County Sheriff Spot
A local police chief has announced his bid for Genesee County Sheriff. Argentine Township Police Chief Dan Allen formally announced his candidacy Tuesday. Allen says his professional policing, life experiences and expertise uniquely qualifies him for the position. He previously worked as a United States Security Forces Official and later retired as a sergeant following a 20-year career with the Flint Police Department. During his leadership with the Argentine Township Police Department, Allen has been recognized for the investigation, arrests and convictions of those responsible for the death of 4-year-old Dominic Calhoun - a high profile child abuse case that garnered national headlines. More recently, the department worked with the FBI to help prevent a potential plot to shoot up Linden High School from becoming a reality. That case involves three suspects and is currently moving through the court system. Allen says his campaign focus is public safety, not parades and public relations; adding he believes Genesee County needs to move into the 21st century in policing and operation of the county jail. (JM)
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New Foam Trailer To Help Fight Large Flammable & Combustible Liquid Fires New Foam Trailer To Help Fight Large Flammable & Combustible Liquid Fires
A new specialized foam trailer is another tool in the local arsenal to help fight fires and save lives. The Brighton Area Fire Authority recently took delivery of a specialized foam trailer, which can be utilized throughout Livingston County. It carries two totes that can hold 660 gallons of specialized foam used to fight several types of large fires involving flammable and combustible liquids including gasoline, kerosene and ethanol. Different concentrations can be used for the type of liquid burning. Deputy Brighton Fire Chief Mike Evans tells WHMI the mixture of water and foam concentrate basically blankets and smothers the fire. He says the fires could involve tanker trucks in highway accidents that have overturned while others might involve above-ground storage tanks of fuel or other types of flammable liquids. Training on the new equipment was provided recently to firefighters from Brighton, Hartland, Green Oak, Hamburg, Howell, Fowlerville and Unadilla Township. Evans says training will continue and also include Livingston Countyâs Hazmat Team. The foam trailer was purchased with Michigan Homeland Security Grant funds issued through FEMA, which are administered by Livingston County Emergency Management and a local planning committee. (JM)
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Washtenaw Passes Special Education MillageWashtenaw Passes Special Education Millage
Sinking fund millages for school districts in Linden and Chelsea were approved on Tuesday as was a special education millage in Washtenaw County. Although voters in Green Oak and Hamburg Townships rejected a special education millage put forth by the Washtenaw Intermediate School district, it overwhelmingly passed in the rest of the districts voting for it, 59-41%. The 1.5-mill increase will generate funds to cover the non-reimbursed costs of providing special education services in Washtenaw County, including the Chelsea, Dexter and Whitmore Lake school districts. Local public schools are required to provide special education services for students up to age 26. In Washtenaw County, there are approximately 6,500 students who receive those services. Meanwhile, voters in both Livingston and Genesee County approved a sinking fund renewal for Linden Community Schools, which will allow the district to maintain facilities, grounds and athletic complexes. That measure passed by a more than 2-1 margin by voters who cast ballots in Deerfield and Tyrone Townships. It passed with 75% of the vote in Genesee County. And in the Chelsea School District, a sinking fund millage was also approved by a nearly 62-38% margin. (JM/JK)
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Hartland Water System Under BudgetHartland Water System Under Budget
The Hartland Township Board of Trustees had good news regarding their taking over of the water system six months ago. The board announced during a work session following their regular meeting Tuesday night that they are currently under their half-year budget by 21%. The original budget led the board to believe they would be saving the township roughly $97,000 this year by handling business in-house, rather than contracting it out. Township Manager James Wickman was hopeful that this news would stabilize the water system which had previously been working at a loss. Wickman also said that the township will reevaluate rates once they get a full year of operations under their belt. Department of Public Works director Bob West helped lead the presentation, noting that the one of the townshipâs most notable successes was coming in $11,000 under budget with cost-of-entry expenses like equipment and trucks. Also during the work session, the board reformed a subcommittee to start planning the details needed to put up a new pavilion in Heritage Park. The committee will begin to consider square footage and a budget for the structure, which could potentially house concession stands, restrooms, and storage. Construction on the pavilion is anticipated to begin next year with it being ready for use by fall 2017. (MK)
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Fill the Gazebo Food Drive Saturday, Cash Matching Offer Ends TodayFill the Gazebo Food Drive Saturday, Cash Matching Offer Ends Today
This weekend marks the 14th annual Livingston County Fill the Gazebo food drive. The Livingston County Association of Realtors hosts the drive to benefit Gleaners Community Food Bank every year. Food and/or monetary donations may be dropped off from 9am to 1pm this Saturday at various locations in Brighton, Howell and Hartland. There will be drop-off lanes on Main Street near the Mill Pond gazebo in downtown Brighton as well as in downtown Howell at the historic courthouse. Other locations include:
Any Livingston County Realtor Office
Kroger stores in Brighton, Howell and Hartland
VG's Stores in Brighton, Howell
Gordon Food Service in Brighton
The association set a goal to raise $15,000 and collect 5,000 pounds of food so members have been conducting food/money drives, hosting parties and donating online to reach that goal. An affiliate member, Talmer Bank & Trust, has also agreed to match up to $5,000 of monies collected through Wednesday. All donations will be utilized to support Livingston County community members in need during the upcoming summer season. (JM)
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Two Howell Technology Students Take First Place At Competition Two Howell Technology Students Take First Place At Competition
Two local students are on their way to a statewide technology competition after winning first place awards at regionals. Howell High Schoolâs Logan Huff and Austin Rhodes each won their respective categories at the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Societyâs region eight student project competition. Huff won the game category, along with the âBest of Divisionâ award, with a custom-made chess set he created using computer-aided-machining software and computer-numerical-control machines. Rhodes used the same process to create pieces for a model cannon he assembled to claim first place in the machine models category. Both students spent nearly a year perfecting their projects. Next up for Huff and Rhodes is the 88th Annual MITES Professional Development Conference and Student Project Competition in Lansing. That event begins next week, running from Wednesday, May 11th, through Saturday the 14th. (MK)
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Lyon Township Planners Deny Kroger Request To Add Gas StationLyon Township Planners Deny Kroger Request To Add Gas Station
A grocery storeâs proposal to add a gas station to a planned development in Lyon Township has been struck down by commissioners. The Kroger grocery store had sought to amend the Copperwood planned development on 10 Mile Road by adding an 18-pump gas station to the mix. Residents who were heavily against the idea started a petition online, urging the townshipâs Board of Trustees and Planning Commission to reject the proposal from Kroger. The petition has since garnered over 130 signatures, citing a decrease in property value, as well as safety and health hazards as their oppositional basis. The petition also states that the gas station would not be accessible from 10 Mile Road and an increase in traffic to the already âaccident-laden intersectionâ would bring chaos. The Planning Commission denied Krogerâs request, noting the disapproval of local residents. The company does have the option to appeal the decision to the Board of Trustees, though no such request has been brought forth at this time. (DK)
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Theis Supports FOIA Expansion As Long As Privacy Concerns Are AddressedTheis Supports FOIA Expansion As Long As Privacy Concerns Are Addressed
A local legislator says she supports an effort to expand the stateâs Freedom of Information Act, but wants to make sure that constituent privacy is maintained. A group of 37 legislators introduced a package of 10 bills in March that would open up the governor's office and the Legislature to open records laws. Right now, both bodies are exempt from Freedom of Information laws. The effort came about in the wake of the Flint Water Crisis when pressure forced Governor Snyder to release emails and other related documents. The bills are now before the House Oversight and Ethics Committee, which includes State Representative Lana Theis. The Brighton Township Republican says opening up access is something she has always supported. "I'm excited about the idea of us becoming more fully transparent. It's something I've been promoting for a long time. Brighton Township was the first township in the state to put their checkbook online. It's something that I advocated strongly for." Theis says her only reservation is that constituent privacy be maintained so that information such as tax details isnât inadvertently released among public documents. If passed, the bills would create the Legislative Open Records Act or LORA and would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2017. The committee will further discuss them on Thursday. (JK)
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