The campaigns of Republican Congressman Mike Bishop and his Democratic challenger, Melissa Gilbert, are trading accusations about ignoring invitations to various events in Livingston County. Bishopâs campaign on Monday released a statement criticizing Gilbertâs lack of attendance at an open question forum with the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce. Bishop spokesman Stu Sandler said that Gilbert skipped Mondayâs gathering after making it clear that she would only participate if audience members were not allowed to ask questions. That was confirmed by Brighton Chamber CEO and President Pam McConeghy, who said she had originally asked for a meet and greet between the candidates, but Gilbertâs campaign informed her she would not attend if there was a live question and answer forum with Bishop in the room. In response, Gilbert campaign manager James Stretch called the accusation âironic,â pointing out that Bishop had been invited to a meet and greet with local teachers in March hosted by the Michigan Education Association but declined to attend, although Gilbert was there. Stretch then said Bishopâs campaign lied afterward that they never received an invite. At the time of the March forum, Dane Morris, President of the MEA Retired Chapter Livingston County, said the organization requested a meeting with Bishop, but never received a response. Sandler denied they were ever invited. He added that Gilbertâs absence Monday was a (quote) ârefusal to face real voters and the mediaâ and called it âanother reason why voters are rejecting her Hollywood values.â Stretch countered that as a representative of the 8th District, it was Bishopâs âresponsibility to listen to every one of his constituentsâ and that he failed at that when he refused a meeting with the districtâs teachers.
Congressional Campaigns Accuse Each Other Of Ignoring ConstituentsCongressional Campaigns Accuse Each Other Of Ignoring Constituents
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Rezoning Of Vacant School On HoldRezoning Of Vacant School On Hold
Officials in Pinckney have postponed rezoning a recently sold school property until they hear from the buyer. Pinckney Elementary may have potential new owners, but they havenât contacted the Village Council or Zoning Administration about plans for the site. In April the Pinckney Community Schools Board of Education approved the sale of the property to a business with plans to turn the site into a law enforcement training facility. Last night Zoning Administrator Diane Kay-Hougaboom and Village Attorney Dave Stoker suggested waiting to rezone the property until they hear from the buyers. Kay-Hougaboom says the parcel is currently zoned as public lands, which means it can be used for a school, park or playground. She says the village had other plans. Kay-Hougaboom says the group that presented the offer to the schools have not at this point asked the village for zoning approvals to change the zoning, but the proposed change that they had in the works would not comply with the use they had proposed. She says they figured they would put what they were doing on hold until they know what is going on with the offer so they won't put any additional obstacles in the way of any development. Kay-Hougaboom says the village will put off making any decisions on the property, but if they havenât heard from the potential buyer by the end of summer, they could move forward with plans to zone the property high density residential. She says she believes the buyer plans to ask for commercial zoning, but no one has come forward yet. The Detroit based group currently operates a facility that uses airsoft guns and technology to train law enforcement in a closed environment. Kay-Hougaboom says the village has plans to develop the parcel into high-density residential includes single family homes on small lots. (DS/JK)
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County Set To Hold First Hazardous Waste Collection Event For 2016County Set To Hold First Hazardous Waste Collection Event For 2016
Livingston County residents looking to get rid of some old items can take advantage of an event later this month in Howell. County residents and businesses will have an opportunity to conveniently recycle a variety of items including aerosol cans, any kind of battery, pesticides or other poisons, oil-based paint and other chemicals, including gasoline and fuel oil, as well as old smoke detectors and compact fluorescent bulbs. The collection event will take place Saturday, May 21st from 9am until noon in a parking lot of the Livingston County West Complex at 418 South Highlander Way in Howell. While the collection is offered free of charge to county residents, no materials will be accepted without an appointment. Youâll find details and contact information through the link below. (JK)
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County Discusses Conversion Of LETS To Transportation AuthorityCounty Discusses Conversion Of LETS To Transportation Authority
The Livingston County Board of Commissioners says theyâre willing to explore the idea of establishing a transportation authority in the community. On Monday, the Board discussed a resolution from the City of Howell that supports the conversion of the Livingston Essential Transportation Service into a county-run transit authority. Commissioner Dave Domas called the resolution from the city a âbold stepâ, but he agrees that a self-governing entity that provides more services for the community will be needed eventually based on the residents' needs. County Administrator Ken Hinton believes the next step is to further vet the idea and potentially set up a focus group to answer some of the expected questions. Commissioner Don Parker was reluctant about passing any authority on to a study group in the interest of tax payer dollars, but Hinton says the steps forward are all very preliminary. Commissioner Domas says he believes Hinton will provide âsuggestions on how to proceed to gather information needed to make an intelligent assessment.â The Board hasnât taken official action in regards to the creation of a transportation authority. As for now, many of the Commissioners agreed they are simply looking into the idea. (DK)
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Search For Fenton Superintendent Begins With Round One Of Interviews TonightSearch For Fenton Superintendent Begins With Round One Of Interviews Tonight
The first round of interviews begins tonight to find a permanent superintendent for Fenton Area Public Schools. Fentonâs Board of Education has worked with a consultant from the Michigan Association of School Boards to identify 5 candidates to interview for the districtâs superintendent position. Dr. Doug Busch took on the job as interim superintendent last year when former superintendent Tim Jalkanen resigned with over a year still left on his contract. Dr. Busch kept his regular position as Executive Director of Finance and Personnel this past year in addition to the role of interim superintendent. He tells WHMI he feels the district is in a good place and the school year will end on a high note. Dr. Busch says he is taking things on a year-by-year basis and felt now was not the right time to seek the permanent position as superintendent. All interviews are open to the public. The chosen applicants will interview tonight beginning at 6pm and interviews will continue on Wednesday evening. Dr. Busch says he anticipates the Board of Education will then narrow the pool and bring finalists back for a last interview on Tuesday, May 17th. Those interviewing were chosen from a group of 27 applicants and Dr. Busch says their qualities fall in line with the ideals and qualifications the Board is seeking. A list of the candidates can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Howell Student Who Assaulted Girlfriend On Campus Pleads Guilty Howell Student Who Assaulted Girlfriend On Campus Pleads Guilty
A Howell High School student who allegedly assaulted his girlfriend at the school and attempted to flee from police has entered a plea. On Monday, 17-year-old Theodore Joseph Kohlman was bound over to Circuit Court, where he made a plea agreement with prosecutors. Kohlman pleaded guilty to 3rd degree fleeing a police officer, domestic violence, assault and battery, four counts of malicious destruction of property, and two counts of resisting a police officer. The charges stem from an incident that occurred April 26th, when Kohlman reportedly physically assaulted his girlfriend on campus, then left the building and went into the schoolâs parking lot. Howell Police Chief George Basar says Kohlman then got into his pickup truck and started ramming his girlfriendâs unoccupied car, which also caused damaged to two other vehicles in the parking lot. Kohlman attempted to flee the scene but was stopped by responding officers on the high school drive near M-59. Chief Basar says Kohlman was aggressive toward officers, who took him into custody at gunpoint. He remains lodged in the county jail on a $500,000 bond. Kohlman is petitioning to be sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which will expunge his record if he successfully completes probation. If Kohlman is not granted the sentencing conditions by 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader at a hearing June 16th, he will be allowed to withdraw his plea. (DK)
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Two BHS Choirs To Perform At State Arts FestivalTwo BHS Choirs To Perform At State Arts Festival
Two choirs from an area high school have been selected to perform at a statewide arts festival this weekend. Armonia, a Brighton High School vocal ensemble, as well as Bel Canto, the top auditioned choir at Brighton High School, have both been named Michigan Youth Arts Distinguished Ensembles. They will both participate in the 54th annual Michigan Youth Arts Festival beginning this Thursday in Kalamazoo. Nearly 1,000 Michigan high school student artists have been invited to attend this yearâs festival and were chosen from a pool of more than 250,000 across the state. Armonia will perform on Friday, May 13th during the 1pm Vocal Recital at the Dalton Center. Choir boosters say they were selected as the only Vocal Small Ensemble from the South Site of State Solo and Ensemble Festival. Members of Armonia include Michaela Larsen, Caroline Roberts, Riley Williams, Hayley Yarbrough, and Alyssa Zamora. They are accompanied by Kim Kingshott, and coached by Karen Roberts. Bel Canto will also perform on Friday, but at the 7pm Gala Concert in Miller Auditorium. They were selected as one of two Outstanding Choirs to represent the entire State of Michigan. Members of Bel Canto include Katelyn Arrowsmith, Olivia Bush, Jordyn Goldberg, Macy Goller, Kay Gucciardo, Mackenzie Huntman, Hailey Iglewski, Chloe Ilacqua, Shannon Laird, Michaela Larsen, Lexie Leatherman, Jessica McIntosh, Rachel Nault, Maddie Parshall, Izabel Powers, Caroline Roberts, Julianne Roberts, Taylor Seaman, Izabella Silver, Olivia Somsel, Alexandra Stavros, Madelynn Stuenkel, Riley Williams, Hayley Yarbrough, Alyssa Zamora, and Ryan Zultowski. The group is accompanied by Kim Kingshott, and directed by Phil Johnson. The three-day festival will feature workshops and master classes for the students, as well as more than 20 student performances and exhibitions, all of which are open to the public. Additional information is available through the link below. (JK)
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Former Dexter Community School IT Director Facing SentencingFormer Dexter Community School IT Director Facing Sentencing
The former director of information technology for Dexter Community Schools is facing sentencing after pleading no contest to embezzlement. Brian Tungl was hired as IT director in 2011 and it wasnât long before school officials started noticing missing equipment and irregularities. MLive.com, reported that Tungl was charged by the Washtenaw County Prosecutorâs Office for embezzling more than $50,000 and unauthorized access of computers. DCS Superintendent Chris Timmis said he used his position to manipulate records and abuse taxpayers. Timmis said Tungl took computers, iPads, cameras and many other pieces of electronic equipment. In 2014, the school district started investigating his purchases and inventory. Tungl took two medical leaves and later deleted the school districtâs inventory before resigning, according to Timmis. The police opened an employee theft investigation in 2015, and Tungl submitted his plea this past April 11th. The maximum penalty for his embezzlement charge is 15 years in prison and $25,000 - or three times the value of the money or property embezzled, whichever is greater. He is due for sentencing on May 23rd. (MK)
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Health Department Investigating Possible Norovirus OutbreakHealth Department Investigating Possible Norovirus Outbreak
The Livingston County Health Department is investigating reports of people who say they were sickened over the weekend after eating at a Green Oak Township restaurant. The health department was contacted about a group of people who had norovirus-like illness after eating at Buffalo Wild Wings in the Green Oak Village Place Mall. Health educator Chelsea Moxlow tells WHMI they started to get reports Monday morning and responded immediately but itâs an ongoing investigation. She says nurses are working with those who reported being ill and their food team went to the restaurant, which has remained opened for business. Moxlow stressed it really is a routine investigation and the health department is responding. Itâs an ongoing investigation but so far inconclusive that it might have been a food-borne illness. Because they donât have any samples to confirm the virus or what type of outbreak it is, Moxlow says they really canât say what the cause is. She added that this spring in Michigan, there have been over 100 outbreaks of norovirus, which is extremely high compared to past years. Moxlow says itâs also very likely that secondary infections will happen from person to person, from those who are ill and people they come in contact with. Moxlow says if someone is ill, whatâs really important is that they wash their hands and not prepare food for other people. (JM)
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Debt-Ridden Farmland Awarded To Only Bidder For RentDebt-Ridden Farmland Awarded To Only Bidder For Rent
The Handy Township Board of Trustees has accepted an offer to rent out troubled farmland. The bidding period had ended on renting 40-acres of the former Mitch Harris property which has been incorporated into the Green Grid LLC property without any offers. The property is part of 155 acres of land that has debt and chargebacks owed by the township of around $3.8 million. At Tuesday nightâs regular meeting, a resident expressed interest during public comments and the board agreed to extend the time period and hear his bid while discussing new business. What they settled on was $20 per acre for remainder of the calendar year. Township Supervisor Ed Alverson believed it was better to let someone start working on the land than have nothing happening at all. Alverson said the land had a lot of brush that had overgrown in the area and there were reports of weeds being four to five feet high. It appears the Mitch Harris Building Company had been moving sand and other materials into the area before abandoning it which will have to be dealt with as well. Alverson said that because of all work to be done, he expects it would be tough to grow a great crop in this first year. The hope from the board is that this will start the work to help sell the land next year or fetch a better price for renting. Alverson stated that normally they would hope to get $80 to $90 per acre. (MK)
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New Restaraunt Announced For Current Diamonds Location In Downtown HowellNew Restaraunt Announced For Current Diamonds Location In Downtown Howell
Following the relocation of a favorite downtown Howell eatery, a new restaurant has been announced to take its place. In April, owner/chef Adam Merkel announced that after nearly 33 years, Diamonds Steak & Seafood was moving this summer into what had been Mr. Bâs Rustic Tavern. In an announcement Tuesday on Facebook, Merkel said an Italian restaurant named Cello would move into the old Diamonds location. Merkel says Cello will be âan approachable, fun, modern Italian restaurant & wine bar open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.â According to Merkel, once Diamonds opens up later this summer in its new location, Cello will immediately operate the space at 209 E. Grand River with what he called a whole new renovated look and a much expanded bar with extra seating. (JK)
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Longtime Humane Society Shelter Administrator Among Those Ousted In ShakeupLongtime Humane Society Shelter Administrator Among Those Ousted In Shakeup
Big changes at the Humane Society of Livingston County are bringing about big concerns from former employees and volunteers. Longtime staff and volunteers claim they were forced out and say recent changes do not promote the safety, health or welfare of animals. Among those let go were Shelter Administrator Barb Benford (pictured), who recently celebrated 30 years with the organization. Several long-time volunteers and others familiar with the situation say she was convinced to resign from the board, but was then immediately fired, along with two other members and longtime staff. Among them was Kyle Baker, a former board member and volunteer for the past 12 years. She told WHMI it was like an abrupt, corporate takeover. Baker felt it would have been more beneficial to work together to make things better instead of just terminating everybody; adding they were working with the new board, which was more involved. The amount of shelter experience, or lack thereof, among the new members and staff is being questioned, with one particular alleged incident cited as a prime example. A Facebook page started by the former staffers and volunteers titled âHumane Society Livingston County Takeoverâ states that newly hired Executive Director Deb Drick let a dog loose into the lobby during her first week with the organization, and that it then attacked a longtime lobby cat named Huey, who survived but lost a leg. Posts on the Facebook page allege that employees were told not to talk about it. Jennifer Nagle was among those terminated after twelve years with the organization and says if what happened to Huey is true, thatâs a prime example of the lack of shelter experience current employees have - which is especially concerning for the animals. Those behind the changes maintain poor management by past leadership led to the bleak financial forecast for the shelter and unsustainable status quo as hefty annual deficits were paid out of an endowment fund, which is a compilation of several large donations. Board President Joe Miskovich says the non-profit is hemorrhaging over $158,000 annually â which is not sustainable if the shelter wants to remain in the community. He says in order to secure the longevity of the shelter for the animals; they had to make drastic changes because the old mindset of keeping fingers crossed or hoping somebody wealthy in the area dies and leaves behind an endowment is not a good business plan. Miskovich says the board went through a strategic planning process that resulted in clear goals and a vision designed to serve as a road map to sustainability. He says numbers show that from 2004 through January of 2016, the Humane Society was running an average annual deficit of roughly $158,000, and those deficits were being paid for out of a much-depleted endowment fund. At the end of the day, Miskovich tells WHMI they had to have a fresh start and it wasnât easy but had to be done and to just continue the status quo would be "insanity." Miskovich and Drick told WHMI every decision being made is for the betterment of animals at the shelter and in order to make the changes necessary, they needed to have a fresh start and a clean slate to build off of. Drick denies being the responsible party in the Huey incident and says while regrettable, the veterinarian informed her incidents like that will happen when you have dogs and cats in the same building. Drick added theyâre not deterred by the negativity and are there for the right reasons, doing the best they can with sound advice from experienced people. Drick stressed she was not brought in to make animal decisions and her role is administrative, noting they already have staff to make those decisions and are hiring new people to help reach goals outlined during the strategic planning process. (JM/JK)
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Former Hartland School Board Member Passes AwayFormer Hartland School Board Member Passes Away
A well-known woman described as a champion for children, education and the Hartland community has passed away. Michelle Hutchinson passed away Monday after what was said to be a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Hutchinson served on the Hartland Consolidated Schools Board of Education from 2009, up until last August. She was known for her volunteer work with the Reaching Higher program, PTO and various youth-serving committees. Friends and family say being a single mother, Hutchinson dedicated her life to serving children in the community and was perpetually optimistic. In her honor, friends have organized an event June 25th that involves a full day of random acts of kindness, which Hutchinson was known for. Additionally, the Michelle Hutchinson Memorial Fund has been established to help cover expenses related to a summer memorial and celebration of her life but also provide a scholarship fund for her young daughter, Taylor. A link to the Go Fund Me account is available below. (JM)
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Bishop Lobbys For Reversal Of OMB Decision On Meningitis Victim CompensationBishop Lobbys For Reversal Of OMB Decision On Meningitis Victim Compensation
Congressman Mike Bishop is trying to convince fellow lawmakers to lobby the Obama Administration to reverse a decision regarding compensating victims of the 2012 tainted steroid meningitis outbreak. The New England Compounding Center pharmacy in Massachusetts was responsible for distributing 17,000 doses of a tainted steroid that resulted in over 750 cases, including 64 deaths, nationwide. Nineteen of the deaths happened in Michigan, with at least eight being from Livingston County. According to a spokesperson for Bishop, a proposal had been put forward that would award victims of the outbreak money from a crime victims fund that is managed by the U.S. Department of Justice. Some reports put that amount at $25,000 per victim, although that is not confirmed. However, that effort has reportedly been blocked by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, citing budget concerns. In response, Bishop has been talking with fellow lawmakers in Washington to encourage them to seek a reversal of that decision. Many local victims of the outbreak have also been writing to the White House directly, as well as administration officials urging reconsideration, pleading that they have been forgotten and that recent legal settlements will only pay them pennies on the dollar to offset their mounting medical bills. Many of them spoke with WHMI in April about their plight, with one, Betty Ruttman of Fowlerville, saying she is paying the price for the government trying to cut costs. You can hear that interview by Clicking Here. Earlier this year, Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters unsuccessfully sought to convince Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell to waive Medicare liens attached to a $200 million compensation fund set up for victims, saying that the NECC was allowed to make the deadly compounds because âneither the federal nor state government were actively regulating and monitoring compounding companiesâ¦â HHS declined the drop the liens saying it would not be consistent with current policy. Meanwhile, local residents are continuing their efforts. Kathy Pugh of Fowlerville, whose mother was one of the victims, recently wrote President Obama, begging him to âdo the right and moral thingâ and reverse what she called âcruel and heartless decisions.â (JK)
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Hamburg Township Woman & 7-Year-Old Daughter Reported MissingHamburg Township Woman & 7-Year-Old Daughter Reported Missing
Police are asking for the publicâs help in attempting to locate a Hamburg Township resident and her young daughter. The Hamburg Township Police Department says 30-year old Amanda Elizabeth Hayward was last seen leaving her residence in the area of Chilson Road and Bishop Lake Road in a black 2001 Chevy Prizm around 3am Monday with her 7-year old daughter, Sapphire Elizabeth Palmer. Police say Haywardâs purse with credit cards and cash was found on the side of the road several miles from her residence at approximately 6:30am on Monday. Her daughter failed to show up at school in Hamburg Township on both Monday and Tuesday. Amanda Hayward is described as a white female with long strawberry blond hair, blue eyes, 5â7 in height and weighing 120 pounds. Sapphire Palmer has long red hair and green eyes, stands 4 feet tall and weighs 55 pounds. She was last seen wearing a purple night gown. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Amanda Hayward and/or her daughter or who observes a black 2001 Chevy Prizm bearing the Michigan License Plate âCC86371â is asked to immediately call 911. Other information regarding this case should be directed to the Hamburg Township Police Department at (810) 231-9391. (JM)
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Department Of Public Health's Five Year Plan Approved By County OfficialsDepartment Of Public Health's Five Year Plan Approved By County Officials
The Livingston County Department of Public Health has cleared one hurdle in the process towards becoming nationally accredited. On Monday, Health Promotion coordinator Chelsea Moxlow presented the final draft of the Departmentâs five year strategic plan to the Livingston County Board of Commissioners. The plan has been in the works since late October and its approval from the county will allow the department to apply for national accreditation. Moxlow says the goal is for the department to become the known and trusted leader and partner to ensure and promote improved public health outcomes by December 31st of 2020. Moxlow says every objective in the strategic plan ties into that vision, as they look toward improvement. One important facet of the plan, according to Moxlow, is evaluating partnerships and fostering new ones. The plan also looks to establish financial sustainability, focus on prevention efforts, better communicate with residents and governing bodies, and expand their use of technology. Moxlow says the department is proud of their plan because of the input it received from its employees. While she feels the department is already operating successfully, she says there is âalways room for improvementâ and the goal is to be as efficient as possible. (DK)
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Lansing Man Charged With Robbing Local Bank Bound Over For TrialLansing Man Charged With Robbing Local Bank Bound Over For Trial
A Lansing man facing charges in connection with a Brighton area bank robbery has been bound over for trial. 33-year-old Brian Dewayne Ali Jr. is charged with five counts of armed robbery, four counts of bank robbery, four counts of unlawful imprisonment and a habitual offender charge. At a probable cause conference Wednesday, he was bound over to Circuit Court for trial. Ali was arrested last month in Lansing by members of the Michigan State Police 1st District Fugitive team. Search warrants were conducted at several locations, and evidence â including cash believed to have been taken during the bank robbery â was recovered. The incident leading to Aliâs arrest occurred on April 4th when a male suspect, dressed as a woman, entered the PNC Bank at 8130 West Grand River in Genoa Township. Police say the suspect, brandishing a handgun and what appeared to be a bomb, announced a robbery. He then fled in a blue Ford Mustang with an undisclosed amount of cash. Ali remains in the Livingston County Jail under a $1.5 million bond. A request to amend his bond has been denied. Future court dates for Ali have not been scheduled at this time. (DK)
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Portion Of Hughes Road Getting Paved In Genoa Township Portion Of Hughes Road Getting Paved In Genoa Township
Hughes Road in Genoa Township will be repaved this construction season. The Genoa Township Board met in early May and approved an $85,000 contract with the Livingston County Road Commission. The work will take place this construction season, on a stretch of Hughes Road from Grand River to Forest Ponds. The board explored paving a longer portion, but the cost was deemed too much at this time. Supervisor Gary McCririe tells WHMI projects of this nature will have a slight impact on traffic but because itâs not a complete reconstruction, it should be minimal. McCririe says the road commission puts out a call for projects every year and then looks for local municipalities to match money available for the overlay projects. Itâs a competitive process and Genoa Township submitted Hughes Road as their project with matching funds and was successful. McCririe said it was as much as they could get accomplished with the monies available and allocated this year but hopefully in the future, theyâll be able to do the next section of the road. (JM)
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Pinckney Students Take First, Second, And Third At Robotics CompetitionPinckney Students Take First, Second, And Third At Robotics Competition
Students from one local school swept the podium at a state robotics competition. The Pinckney High School Robotics Program took home all the prizes from the Robotics and Automation Contest that was held at Michiganâs SkillsUSA competition in April. Students competed in teams of two in a competition designed to emulate an industrial problem. They had to plan out the process, draw schematics, program the robot, and do the wiring. Teams were judged on the quality of these aspects, and then given a test on robotics. This year, students also had sets of parts to look through and identify which were good pieces and which were scrap. First place winners Sarah Tolfree and Jacob Wallace. Brett Schnabelrauch and Alexander Slepak took second. Third place winners were Matthew Majewski and Dominic Wells. Pinckney also had two students, Elliot Lyons and Jacob Lewinski, take third place in the Mechatronics Contest. They had to perform tasks like programming a controller to perform certain functions and troubleshoot work cells that they had never seen before. Some of the students will now go on to represent Michigan at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. That competition takes place next month in Louisville, Kentucky. (MK)
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Chickenpox Cases Up, Officials Reccomend VaccinationsChickenpox Cases Up, Officials Reccomend Vaccinations
Chickenpox cases are up and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is advising parents to get their children vaccinated. Preliminary numbers are reporting a 57% increase of outbreaks within the state through April, compared to the same time frame last year. Livingston County Department of Public Healthâs Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow said that in Livingston County, there have been 10 cases this year through April 30th. Normally, she said, the county has only seen 3 or 4 by the time. Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is caused by a virus in the herpes virus family. Symptoms are an itchy, blistery rash, often accompanied by fever, tiredness, headaches, and loss of appetite. The virus is highly contagious can be easily spread by coughing, sneezing, or contact with bodily fluids. Once it is contracted, it has the capability of remaining in the body as a latent infection and coming back later in life as shingles. Chickenpox used to be very common, but since the vaccination was introduced in 1995, there has been a 97% decrease in outbreaks. The vaccine is a requirement for children entering school or daycare services. The Center for Disease Control also recommends adults born after 1980 who have not had the virus or been vaccinated previously do so, as well. Studies show the vaccine is 89% to 98% effective in preventing mild to moderate chickenpox, and 100% effective at preventing severe cases. (MK)
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