As the weather warms up, the Livingston County Department of Public Health is hoping to educate residents on animal bites and rabies prevention. According to LCDPH Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow, spring tends to be the season for animal bites. Last year there were 270 reported in the county. Moxlow told WHMI that many of these cases are preventable, but if you still get bit, take action immediately. To help reduce or prevent animal bites, the DPH recommends that pet owners keep their pets healthy and current on vaccinations, train them to accept new people and other animals, and get them spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering can help animals be calmer and less likely to bite. They also suggest for everybody, including non-pet owners, to call Animal Control if they see a pet acting strange, leaving animals alone when they are caring for young, and avoiding contact with any wild animals. Wild animals like bats, skunks, wolves, and raccoons are the most likely to be carrying the rabies virus. Rabies can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal by a bite, or by coming in contact with cuts, scrapes, or open wounds. Rabies incubates in the body usually for 3 to 8 weeks before entering the brain where it is almost always fatal if not treated. The DPH advises anyone who is bit by an animal to wash the area with soap and water, and then seek medical attention. For more information on how to prevent or treat animal bites from the DPH, visit our website. (MK)
Prevent Animal Bites And Rabies This SpringPrevent Animal Bites And Rabies This Spring
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Down Power Line Shuts Down US-23, Sparks Grass FireDown Power Line Shuts Down US-23, Sparks Grass Fire
A downed power line led to a grass fire and freeway closure this afternoon in Green Oak Township. Southbound US-23 was closed at Lee Road, resulting in significant traffic delays on both northbound and southbound US-23, as well as through the roundabout. It happened around 1:15pm and the downed power line also sparked a nearby grass fire, which was extinguished by firefighters. The freeway re-opened around 3:13pm but residual back-ups remained. (JM)
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Doubts Mount As To Validity Of Gilbert's Rationale For Dropping OutDoubts Mount As To Validity Of Gilbert's Rationale For Dropping Out
Speculation continues to mount that the real reason behind Melissa Gilbertâs decision to drop out of her race for Congress had more to do with the poor state of her campaign than with her health. The Brighton Democrat announced Tuesday that she was dropping out of the race to unseat Republican incumbent Congressman Mike Bishop. Gilbert cited head and neck injuries sustained in 2012 as her reason, saying doctors told her she is âphysically unableâ to continue the campaign. Gilbert said she plans to vacate the ballot in accordance with the law, which does allow for a nominated candidate to withdraw their name for medical reasons. That means she would likely have to hold off on requesting her removal until after the August primary. But with speculation that the lackluster state of Gilbertâs campaign may be the true reason for her withdrawal, Ken Sikkema of Public Sector Consultants and a former GOP Senate Majority Leader, says elections officials need to take a hard look at this "I could see how that could be open to manipulation and abuse down the road if somebody wins a primary and gets on the ballot who they (the party) doesn't think is going to be a good General Election candidate, all of the sudden is physically unfit to run for office." Susan Demas of âInside Michigan Politicsâ says many people are wondering whether the ongoing controversies Gilbertâs campaign has endured were more of a factor in the decision. "I'm not sure this was something Gilbert wanted to get out of or if she was pressured, but either way, I think it's rather clear her campaign was not working. I certainly don't think that national and state Democrats were happy with the way she was performing. Mike Bishop just kept punching at her on taxes (and) on Roman Polanski, that interview she gave a decade ago, and she just didn't have any good answers." Judy Daubenmier, the chair of the Livingston County Democratic Party, scoffs at the notion Gilbert is using her health as an excuse to get out of a poorly run campaign. She says no one would willingly put themselves through that kind of public embarrassment. Daubenmier says if that were the case, Gilbert would be better off to perfunctorily finish out the campaign and be done with it. As for replacing Gilbert on the ballot, she says she is awaiting further direction from the state party. (JK)
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Angry Parent Questions School Policy Following Alleged Bathroom IncidentAngry Parent Questions School Policy Following Alleged Bathroom Incident
A local parent is taking issue with an area school district regarding their policy on bathroom use by students as it relates to gender. A parent of a student at Southwest Elementary School was angered to hear his 9-year-old son had encountered a girl using the same bathroom as him at school last week. The parent indicated that he had had a conversation with Howell Public Schools Superintendent Erin MacGregor about the districtâs policy on such an issue and was not pleased by the response. Tune in Thursday morning for the complete story. (DK)
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Howell City Council Considering New Design Options For Parking Lot Project Howell City Council Considering New Design Options For Parking Lot Project
Thereâs no easy or perfect solution when it comes to a costly parking lot project in downtown Howell. The Howell City Council was presented with different design options for parking lot #2 behind East Clinton Street and Grand River during Mondayâs meeting, east of the Howell Carnegie District Library. Engineers were directed to look at some alternatives due to higher than anticipated cost estimates. The first option is the most comprehensive at $900,000 but includes burial of overhead utilities and thorough storm water management. The second option is less costly and pegged between $400,000 to $500,000 but does not bury utilities and involves less storm water management. Council did not make a specific recommendation last night and wanted more time to consider options and potential budget ramifications. Howell City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI staff sought more direction on which path to pursue and a lot of information was presented but council is working through the options and could offer final direction during the June 13th meeting. Some factors being taken into consideration include various storm water issues but also future development patterns in that area as two city blocks are under-utilized. If those are developed, Charles says it could impact what kind of parking needs are warranted, such as a deck. The parking lot #2 project was originally expected to begin after Melonfest in August but that could change. Some members had concerns about how the decision to postpone design could possibly impact the project. Therefore, council took action on a separate, updated notice-of-intent resolution to issue bonds that includes potential debt from $1.5 (m) to $2 (m) million for all of the projects. That gives council flexibility to proceed in the process. Board member Michael Mulvahill said he felt it was important city staff notify businesses and others in the downtown district so they can begin planning appropriately. Council also finalized a construction engineering proposal for parking lot #4 behind the Heart of Howell and the corresponding alley. That contract assures everything will be built to specifications but includes additional oversight due to some complexities such as the narrow alley and historic buildings. That project was previously approved and is slated to begin soon with completion before Melonfest. (JM)
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Fowlerville Students Win United Way Video CompetitionFowlerville Students Win United Way Video Competition
Fowlerville High School students took top honors in a video competition for the Livingston County United Way. The focus of this yearâs competition was to âpaint a better pictureâ for local residents with a focus on community involvement through the non-profit organization. Forty-seven videos were submitted from groups of students across the county and were judged by a special selection committee. Five students (Kyle Henrickson, Kenneth Kline, Austin Youmans, Caleb LeFebrve, and Andrew Dyc) from Amanda Tomassiâs broadcasting class won the top prize of $500 for their video entitled, âGrab a Brush.â Rena Pomaville, a board member for the Livingston County United Way said the studentsâ video showed a âcreative inspiration and technical know-howâ that really made it stand out among the competition. Students from Hartland High School (Beth Biernacki, Amanda Mounard, and Holly Neuens) took second place, and third went to a group representing Brighton High Schoolsâ Digital Multimedia Club (Grant Lewis, Ryan Lewis, Jonathon Singer, Sean Smith, and Scott Smith). The winning video will be shown at local presentations throughout the year, on the Livingston County United Wayâs website, and posted to their social media. (MK)
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AAA Michigan Projects Highest Traveler Volume In Nine Years For Holiday WeekendAAA Michigan Projects Highest Traveler Volume In Nine Years For Holiday Weekend
Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner and AAA Michigan is offering some tips for those traveling. AAA Michigan is estimating that approximately 1.2 million Michiganders will travel 50 miles or more from their homes to destinations to enjoy the holiday weekend. That projection is a two percent increase from last year and is the highest travel volume for Michigan in the last nine years. AAA spokeswoman Susan Hiltz tells WHMI there are several reasons why the number of travelers is jumping this year. Hiltz says the labor market is improving, gas prices are lower in relation to last year, and people are eager to get outside and enjoy the weather. To prepare for the journey, AAA recommends that motorists check their vehiclesâ tire pressure and battery life before hitting the road. AAA is also offering some safety tips because of the additional drivers on the road and usual celebratory events. Hiltz says while they are just the basics, it is important for motorists to remember to buckle up, donât drink and drive, and ditch the distractions. Image courtesy of AAA. (DK)
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Local Woman Charged In Fatal Crash Bound Over For TrialLocal Woman Charged In Fatal Crash Bound Over For Trial
A Howell woman facing charges related to a fatal motorcycle crash on D-19 in Marion Township is headed to trial. 31-year-old Lisa Finlayson appeared in 53rd District Court on Tuesday for a probable cause conference, where she was bound over to Circuit Court for trial. 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. 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. Future court dates for Finlayson have not been set at this time. (DK)
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Oldest Documented Blanding's Turtle Recaptured At Livingston County ReserveOldest Documented Blanding's Turtle Recaptured At Livingston County Reserve
There were high-fives and a celebratory bottle of wine after researchers found an 83-year-old turtle at Livingston County preserve. The University of Michigan says researchers this week recaptured a Blanding's turtle at the E.S. George Reserve near Pinckney. The female was first captured and marked in 1954 as part of a long-running turtle study. Justin Congdon, a retired professor from the University of Georgia, has studied turtles for decades. In a statement, he says it's been a goal to find one of the turtles marked back in the 1950s. There may be less than 15. The elderly turtle was measured, examined and returned to a swampy area. It still has eggs, and biologists say it could live past 100. Congdon says that the previous longevity record for a Blanding's turtle was a 76-year-old individual from Minnesota. In addition to Blanding's turtles, painted turtles and snapping turtles are also studied at the 1,297-acre reserve, which was established in 1930. There are an estimated 1,500 painted turtles at the reserve, along with about 250 Blanding's and 250 snapping turtles. While the population of Blanding's turtles at the reserve appears to be stable, that's not the case elsewhere. It is protected by Michigan law as a special concern species. And a study is underway by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assess the status of five reptiles and amphibians to determine whether Endangered Species Act protection is warranted. Blanding's turtles were one of the five species. Image credit: Christopher Dick
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Bathroom Policies Questioned By Angry Howell Public Schools Parent Bathroom Policies Questioned By Angry Howell Public Schools Parent
The angry parent of Howell elementary student is raising issues about bathroom use as it relates to gender. Matt Stewart says his 9-year-old son came home from school last Friday and informed them that there was a girl using the same bathroom as him, at the same time. His son attends Southwest Elementary School and Stewart reached out to the district regarding bathroom use and policies. The district says the U. S. Departments of Justice and Education have issued significant guidance on the rights of LGBTQ students. Superintendent Erin MacGregor tells WHMI this is a new and rapidly developing area of law and Howell Public Schools intends to comply with its legal obligations in this, as well as all other, respects. With respect to restrooms, MacGregor says the government stated that transgender students must be allowed to access those facilities âconsistent with their gender identity.â Any student who desires additional privacy in light of this directive may, however, make use of individual-user restrooms. He further commented that safety throughout school buildings, including restrooms, is addressed by district staff on a daily basis. Stewart says he doesnât think these are decisions that 9 and 10 year olds should be making and is upset that MacGregor made the call to implement a new policy and not inform Howell parents beforehand. He believes the district has, âdecided to humiliate and intimidate our children.â MacGregor maintains that the measures will be implemented consistent with that guidance in a way to, âensure the safety, privacy, and dignity of all involved.â(JM/JK)
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Red Cross Offers Incentive For Blood Donors Over Memorial HolidayRed Cross Offers Incentive For Blood Donors Over Memorial Holiday
Blood donations are being sought at nearby locations, with extra incentive for those who give over the Memorial Day weekend. The American Red Crossâs summer awareness campaign is kicking off to remind the community that every donation helps save lives. Communications Manager Todd Kulman tells WHMI the Red Cross sees a significant drop in donations during the summer. Kulman says even the most dedicated donors can struggle to find time during the holiday to give. In fact, during the months of June, July and August, about two fewer donors schedule an appointment to give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need. To encourage donations, those that give around Memorial Day will receive a Red Cross T-shirt. Youâll find additional information about donations dates and sites at the link below. (DK)
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Vietnam-Era Veterans Receive Anniversary Pins At South Lyon CeremonyVietnam-Era Veterans Receive Anniversary Pins At South Lyon Ceremony
More than 50 veterans of the Vietnam-era took part in lapel-pinning ceremony Monday at the Salem-South Lyon District Library. The event was organized by White Lake Republican State Senator Mike Kowall, whose office said originally 29 Vietnam veterans planned to attend. In all, itâs estimated 250 people turned out for the ceremony. Each veteran received a 50th Year Vietnam War Commemoration lapel pin, a poster for each branch of service and a bumper sticker âthat said, âVietnam War - I Served.â Kowall said that the symbolism attached to the pins is significant. âThe Commemoration honors all Vietnam veterans, whether they served in-country, in-theater, or were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period. All were called to serve and the overwhelming majority of these veterans served honorably and admirably.â Also in attendance were Library Director Doreen Hannon and former Mayor Tedd Wallace. Hannon said it was a special experience to be able to look into the eyes of so many veterans and thank them personally. Donna Olson is the head of adult services at the library and said the library staff was excited to, âshow their appreciation to the men and women who sacrificed so much for us.â Photo courtesy of Lindsay Gerhardt (JK)
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Brighton Super Says Contract Talks Underway For 2016-17Brighton Super Says Contract Talks Underway For 2016-17
The Brighton Board of Education has begun the process of contract negotiations with the teachersâ and administrators unions for the 2016-17 year. The first closed session between the board and Superintendent Greg Gray was held on Monday, after the regular school board meeting. Gray says the very little of substance was discussed, since no formal negotiation sessions have yet been held between himself and the unions. Gray is also the human resources director for the school district and as such, is the districtâs chief bargainer. Gray tells WHMI the two sides are in the fact-finding phase of talks at this time. The approximately 300 teachers are represented by the Brighton Education Association and are now completing the second year of a five-year contract. Although the original contract contained no wage increases, provisions were made for a salary and benefits reopener this year. Gray says Brighton is a âhard capâ district â an option given by the state for districts in a financial bind which caps health insurance costs at about $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for a couple and $15,000 for a family â with allowance for market value increases each year. As such, he says, there will be very little âwiggle roomâ for benefits increases. The Brighton Educational Support Personnel Association, or BESPA, which represents most hourly workers in the district, is also locked into a 5-year contract. However, unlike teachers, BESPA does not have a wage and benefits reopener until next year. Also scheduled for contract negotiations this year is BASAA, which represents all administrative positions except for the superintendent and two assistant superintendents. The administratorsâ association includes school principals, assistant principals, and department directors. (TT)
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Mason Road Bridge Reopens, Road Commission Says Repairs Are TemporaryMason Road Bridge Reopens, Road Commission Says Repairs Are Temporary
The Livingston County Road Commission says the completed repairs to a local bridge are just a âBand-Aidâ approach until it can be replaced. Repairs to the Mason Road Bridge between Burkhart and Norton Road in Howell and Marion Townships are now complete and the road has reopened as of this afternoon. The bridge was closed on Tuesday after a recent inspection found that elements on the underside of the bridge were quickly deteriorating. Managing Director Mike Craine says an inspector from OHM Advisors waded underneath the bridge and was able to âsee the skyâ through holes in the concrete. Craine believes heavy truck traffic and motorists coming across the bridge at speeds higher than the posted limit are huge factors in its crumbling stature. Metal plates were placed underneath asphalt to help with distributing heavy loads along the stretch. Craine says this should buy the Road Commission a few years until the structure can be replaced entirely. (DK)
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State Board Of Canvassers Rules On Petitions In Local Races State Board Of Canvassers Rules On Petitions In Local Races
Decisions by a state board will have ramifications for two local races. The Board of State Canvassers met in Lansing this morning to consider challenges filed against nominating petitions. In the 8th District Congressional race, the board agreed unanimously that Linda Keefe did not have enough valid signatures to make the ballot. Keefe was seeking the Democratic nomination and would have challenged former child star Melissa Gilbert â who is pictured and just recently announced she was dropping out of the race. With both Gilbert and Keefe off the ballot, itâs unclear if Republican Congressman Mike Bishop will have a challenger in November or not. Meanwhile, the Board of State Canvassers also ruled in a local judicial race. It unanimously found that 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader filed the required number of petition signatures and will be on the August 2nd primary ballot. Judge Readerâs seat is up in 2018 but due to current age limits under Michigan law, she could still serve but would not be eligible to run again. Therefore, she is seeking the seat currently held by fellow 53rd District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis, who filed the petition challenges. Judge Geddis must prevail in the election to keep her seat, while Judge Reader will retain her current seat either way. Facebook Photo: Diamonds Steak & Seafood. (JM)
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Bishop Takes To House Floor In Effort To Reverse Meningitis RulingBishop Takes To House Floor In Effort To Reverse Meningitis Ruling
Congressman Mike Bishop took to the House floor this week in his effort to convince the Obama Administration to reverse course on a ruling regarding compensation for victims of the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak. Earlier this month, Bishop and 17 of his House colleagues sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget, demanding the administration reverse or provide justification for its decision to block Department of Justice funds from being issued to victims of the outbreak, which hit Livingston County particularly hard. 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 76 deaths, nationwide. A total of 15 people who received tainted steroid injections in Livingston County died as a result of the infection. Speaking on the House floor Tuesday, Bishop urged imminent action to provide compensation for victims. He said that the day-to-day lives of victims have been irretrievably altered. Bishop said that as the suffering continues, victims are also being financially ruined. He pointed out that co-pays on some of the drugs and treatments required are up to $5,000 per month and that despite multiple, bipartisan requests from Congress, the Department of Health and Human Services has rejected all requests to wave its rights to collect Medicare liens placed on a comprehensive settlement issued last year. He says that means victims will end up with very little money and that to date, âthey still havenât seen a dime.â (JK)
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Memorial Day Car Show To Benefit Disabled Veterans Memorial Day Car Show To Benefit Disabled Veterans
Car enthusiasts will have a chance to indulge their passion and help out local veterans this holiday weekend. The 11th Heritage Benefit Car Show will be held Memorial Day, Monday, May 30th from 10am-3pm at the Livingston East Complex, Chilson Road and Grand River in Genoa Township. Organizers say there will be DJ entertainment, door prizes, 50/50 raffle and food provided by Smokey House BBQ. There will also be judging of the various vehicles, including a special military class. Proceeds will go to Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 125 and The Family Impact Center. Follow up car shows to benefit the DAV will be held at Bakers of Milford on July 3rd and at the Island Lake State Recreation Area on September 17th. (JK)
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Man Sentenced For Stalking Former TeacherMan Sentenced For Stalking Former Teacher
A man charged with stalking his 6th grade teacher has been sentenced. 51-year-old Steven Kremski pleaded guilty to charges of stalking and malicious use of a telecommunication device in what police refer to as an odd case of obsession stretching back 36 years. He was recently sentenced to five years of probation and 110 days in jail, the latter of which he has served already. Kremski was also ordered to get substance abuse treatment and counseling. The calls began in 2011 but steadily increased over the years and became more frightening to the now 81-year-old teacher, who lives in Livingston County. They ranged from heavy breathing to professing love or holiday greetings, but in one Kremski stated he had located the graves of her relatives. Unadilla Township Police investigated and eventually caught Kremski on surveillance video using a pay phone at Bishop International Airport in Flint. Thatâs where he was arrested in January after placing two calls to the teacher while police were on route to apprehend him. (JK)
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Blue Frog Bookstore For Sale, Owners Hoping Business Can Live On Blue Frog Bookstore For Sale, Owners Hoping Business Can Live On
A local independent bookstore is looking for a buyer. Although theyâre selling, Rob Vedro and his sister-in-law Penny donât want their dream to fade away and say every community deserves a place like Blue Frog Books in Genoa Township. With a new baby boy, Rob Vedro decision to sell was both a family decision and a monetary one. The business was taking away from goals set when they first opened, which was to have more family time. He says theyâve built a solid customer base that continues to grow and the store has great potential. Rob told WHMI they would stay if they could, they just ran out of time and itâs with great pain they have decided to end their involvement but theyâre hoping to sell the existing business with inventory and fixtures. The selling price is not being disclosed but Vedro says it will be an attractive offer because this is not about taking care of their debts or bills. He says whatâs important is finding someone to keep the business going and allow the bookstore to live on. If no buyer can be found, the store will close but Vedro says the mission remains to find someone with the same dream and work something out. The full announcement from Blue Frog Books is attached below. Meanwhile, the final event for the bookstore will be Saturday, June 4th and feature Randy Pearsonâs new collection of short stories. (JM)
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Mom Who Went Missing With Daughter Fights For CustodyMom Who Went Missing With Daughter Fights For Custody
A local mom who went missing with her child and then was found in Florida recently is fighting to maintain parental custody of her daughter. Amanda Hayward of Hamburg Township and her daughter, Sapphire Palmer, were reported missing under suspicious circumstances on May 10th. An Amber Alert was issued after authorities determined the pair was traveling with Douglas Stanko, a registered sex offender. Hayward and her daughter then turned up at her motherâs Florida home two days later, where Stanko had reportedly dropped them off before returning to Michigan. Sapphire was taken into custody by Child Protective Services on a Michigan Court order. CPS is fighting to have Hayward found unfit as Sapphireâs parent and cites Haywardâs âparanoid delusionsâ and her traveling in the company of a registered sex offender in their petition seeking custody. It was Haywardâs father who originally stated he thought his daughter was having paranoid episodes and that she believed she was being spied on. Hayward originally denied traveling with Stanko, but has since claimed that she did not have knowledge of his sex offender status. The case is moving towards trial next month, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for June 6th. (DK)
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