Several groups joined forces yesterday in downtown Brighton to show Livingston County residents they are loved and welcomed. This marks the 4th year that the Rainbow Rally has been held at the Brighton Millpond, inviting members of the community to join in making Livingston County a safe and welcoming place for LGBT individuals. Lacasaâs Community Education Director and Volunteer Coordinator, Nicole Matthews-Creech Nicole Matthews-Creech says the event is a way to raise awareness that there are safe places for people to go. She says oftentimes people leave the county because it is not welcoming. Beth Duman represented the Livingston County Chapter of PFLAG or Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. She says the Rainbow Rally is designed to support people in the county who feel uncomfortable being out and create a supportive presence where people can know that there are safe places in Livingston County for both gay people and families and friends. Duman says Livingston County is not a place where traditionally people feel safe and they want to create a safe zone here. She says there were churches that are safe zones represented along with the PFLAG organization and Lacasa. Duman says it's really tough being gay and with all the stuff that's going on right now that's anti-transgender it's very sad and very pathetic that people can be that not-understanding of other people. Also represented at the rally were the Community Unitarian Universalist Church, St. Paulâs Episcopal and the Livingston County Democrats. Duman says they want to let people know where the safe places are. Matthews-Creech says the event continues to grow each year with more information and participation. She says the rally attracts a few hundred people each year. (DS)
4th Annual Rainbow Rally at Brighton Millpond4th Annual Rainbow Rally at Brighton Millpond
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Upcoming Blood Drive Features Barbeque and Other IncentivesUpcoming Blood Drive Features Barbeque and Other Incentives
The Red Cross and a local business have teamed up to boost summer donations with an upcoming event in Fenton. Suburban Propane has locations throughout Livingston County and is planning a cookout event on Monday, June 13th to help raise awareness of the need to donate blood during the summer months. Donors who stop by the Fenton VFW between noon and 6 pm will be treated to hot dogs and hamburgers. They will also receive the added incentives of a $10 Visa Gift card and a Red Cross T-shirt during the â100 Days of Summer, 100 Days of Hopeâ event. Donor recruitment representative for the Great Lakes Blood Services, Colleen OâCallahan says during the summer months there are fewer people showing up at blood drives, but the need is just as great. She says the cookout event is a good opportunity for donors to help make sure summer blood supplies remain stable. To schedule an appointment visit the Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org. (DS)
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Brighton City Police Praised by CitizensBrighton City Police Praised by Citizens
If two recent e-mails are any indication, the Brighton Police Dept. is doing a good job of not only keeping the peace and solving crime, but also going beyond the minimum effort that is required of them. City Manager Nate Geinzer told those in attendance at the Brighton City Council meeting last Thursday that he received a couple of e-mails indicating what many folks already knew â that Brighton has a very good police force. City Police Chief Tom Wightman tells WHMI that one case involved Brighton patrol officer Tom Sliwa, who provided valuable assistance after a crime last year in a neighboring township. The second e-mail was in regard to a traffic stop by officer Don Bishop, who saw a car on the side of the road recently and offered assistance to a young driver who was having car trouble. The man was afraid he would be late for an interview at his employerâs that involved a promotion. Officer Bishop calmed the distraught driver down and offered to transport him to his place of employment. Wightman says that all Brighton police officers are taught to be calm, civil and courteous, regardless of the circumstances. (TT)
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Brighton Council, Planning Commission to Meet TonightBrighton Council, Planning Commission to Meet Tonight
The Brighton City Council and Brighton Planning Commission will meet in joint session this evening to discuss the current city ordinances. City Manager Nate Geinzer tells WHMI the meeting is being held because the cityâs zoning and sign ordinances are woefully out of date and need to be revised and updated. Geinzer says the two groups will initiate discussions on the different challenges the various city codes present and the areas on which the city wishes to focus. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. in council chambers of city hall and the public is invited to attend. (TT)
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Arraignment Set Tuesday In Federal Court For Former Howell TeacherArraignment Set Tuesday In Federal Court For Former Howell Teacher
Arraignment is set this week in federal court for a former teacher and coach at Howell High School charged with possessing child pornography. 59-year-old Duane Millar is facing two counts of possession of child pornography filed last month in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. At a status conference Thursday, he was granted approval for a court-appointed public defender, with an arraignment and pre-trial conference scheduled for June 7th. A search of Millarâs East Lansing home in March followed a three-month investigation by the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The U.S. Attorney's Office says Millar had child pornography in an email account and on various computers and media storage devices. Howell Public School officials say Millar is no longer an employee of the district. Spokesman Tom Gould says that as soon as the district was made aware of the charges, Millar was placed on administrative leave. The district was in the process terminating his employment when they received his resignation. Millar had taught world language and coached cross country and track. Millar remains free after posting a $10,000 bond. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. (JK)
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United Way Looking For Volunteers, Work Sites As Day of Caring Celebrates 15th YearUnited Way Looking For Volunteers, Work Sites As Day of Caring Celebrates 15th Year
The largest single-day volunteerism event in Livingston County is set for later this summer. The 15th annual Day of Caring will be held on Wednesday, August 17th, as officials with the Livingston County United Way encourage everyone from high school students to retirees to volunteer for community assistance projects, which include sprucing up area parks and recreational facilities, painting, minor general repairs at senior citizens homes, visits with area shut-ins and cleaning up and improving area playgrounds. Over the years the community service âblitzâ has grown substantially, last year bringing in 1,500 volunteers at 115 different work sites. And as they have in the past, Citizens Insurance is offering challenge grants to encourage local youth to volunteer for the Day of Caring. Volunteers are invited to register individually or as groups. They can designate preferences for location, type of project, special skills they have, and whether theyâd be available for a half-day or full-day time commitment. In addition to recruiting volunteers, the Day of Caring committee is also looking for work sites for this yearâs event, including area nonprofit organizations, church facilities, and/or individuals needing assistance, where volunteers can lend their time and skills. Youâll find complete details at the United Wayâs website a link for which is posted below. (JK)
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St. Joseph Mercy Brighton Celebrates Cancer Survivors St. Joseph Mercy Brighton Celebrates Cancer Survivors
A local medical facility hosted an open house to celebrate cancer survivors and its 10th anniversary yesterday. The Warren R. and Lauraine A. Hoensheid Cancer Center at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston in Brighton opened its doors to a few hundred people to celebrate the milestone and Cancer Survivorâs Day. Center president Dave Brooks says since the facility opened in 2006 some 5,000 patients have received care there. Howell assistant varsity football coach, Ken Richards, tells WHMI there is a unique bond between patients and caregivers. He says there is a bond of kinship between cancer survivors and that they're very open about their stories. He says the tell the whole thing; the good the bad and the ugly, and that's something not common in everyday life. He says he gets to hear things told exactly the way they are and he can relate it to his own story. He says as soon as he walked into the cancer center he couldn't help but notice the wonderful staff. Richards reiterates the old adage that says do a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life; he thinks a lot of the people at the cancer center do that. Richards is still receiving treatment, but he and survivor Alicia Petrucci shared their recoveries as part of the afternoon program. Both Richards and Petrucci talked openly about their cancer diagnosis and how they came to realize they could not tackle the disease alone. Brooks says even being able to talk about cancer in terms of survival is because of advancements in care. Brooks says it is great that there is now a cancer survivor's day because a few decades ago people didn't even call it cancer; they called it the "C-word". He says people were so afraid of it, but now many cancer patients survive, sometimes long periods of time. He says it's a great reflection on both the scientists involved in cancer care and treatment as well as the clinicians like those at St. Joe involved in offering exceptional cancer care. The celebration also included remarks from cancer center benefactor Lauraine Hoensheid, who talked about how she got involved in its founding. She was instrumental in helping raise the $5 (m) million it took to bring cancer care to Livingston County. After the brief program cancer survivors were invited to plant flowers in the courtyard outside. The plantings and a new tree dedicated to Hoensheid recognized the dayâs theme of Growing Hope. Picture courtesy of Kelly Bergen. (DS)
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Oceola Township Will Receive Credit For Hacker Road ProjectOceola Township Will Receive Credit For Hacker Road Project
A pricey road project will be split between two local townships and the Livingston County Road Commission. During this construction season, Hacker Road from Golf Club Road to just north of M-59 will be rebuilt in an effort to correct drainage problems and improve visibility. Funding for the estimated $5.5 (m) million dollar project will be split between the Road Commission and Hartland and Oceola Township. On Thursday, the Oceola Township Board of Trustees discussed the contract between the authorities. Supervisor Bill Bamber tells WHMI the township will need to front roughly $2 (m) million. Bamber says the Road Commission cannot put more than $1 million dollars into the project this fiscal year so they want to put $1 million into it in the next fiscal year. In exchange, the Road Commission will credit Oceola Township around $300,000 towards fixing the bridge on Eager Road. The bridge was closed in October by the Road Commission as a result of an inspection that found the load-carrying capacity of the bridge had been compromised. The Board of Trustees has previously said theyâd like to see that project completed by Thanksgiving. (DK)
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Howell Native Named Special Olympics Athlete Of The YearHowell Native Named Special Olympics Athlete Of The Year
A local man is a story of inspiration, following a new title he recently earned at the Special Olympics state games. Lane Heximer of Howell was named the â2016 Special Olympics Michigan Inspirational Athlete of the Yearâ at the closing ceremony for the summer games on Friday. Over 3,000 people attended the ceremony, held at Central Michigan University. Heximer, who has been involved with Special Olympics Michigan for over 10 years, says he is âbeyond excitedâ and âthere are no wordsâ to explain how he feels. Heximer has competed in basketball, soccer, softball, and poly hockey. Coaches and teammates say Heximer is a great leader with a positive attitude and a true inspiration. Heximer will have the honor of running the last leg of the torch run to light the Flame of Hope at the 2017 State Summer Games Opening Ceremony. He will also become an honorary member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Heximer says he plans to continue to give motivational pre-game speeches and encourage his fellow athletes. (DK)
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Event Will Remember & Honor Those Lost To SuicideEvent Will Remember & Honor Those Lost To Suicide
An event tomorrow night will both remember lost to suicide and help heal those left behind. Each year, the Livingston County Survivors of Suicide Support Group remembers those who have been taken from them as a result of suicide with a commemorative balloon launch. This year the launch will be held at the offices of Livingston Community Mental Health, across from the Howell Police Department. The event has been described as a, ââ¦beautiful opportunity to remember and honor loved ones who have been lost to suicideâ which âbrings the community together and offers support to friends and family who are grieving. It is also a time to reflect on advocacy, providing an outlet for educating communities on suicide risk and prevention.â The 13th annual event will be held Tuesday at 8pm. A support group meeting will precede the launch. (JK)
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Construction to Start Next Year on New Brighton Holiday InnConstruction to Start Next Year on New Brighton Holiday Inn
The Brighton City Council put its final stamp of approval on the new Holiday Inn Express hotel at its meeting last Thursday. City Manager Nate Geinzer tells WHMI that the hotel will be located near the planned, 300,000-square-foot University of Michigan Brighton Health Center, west of the present Holiday Inn. According to the developers, Stellar Hospitality of Farmington Hills, the current Holiday Inn Express will be completely remodeled and rebadged as part of a different hotel chain. The new hotel will be of brick and stone, and will be go up at the intersection of Murphy Drive and Nemco Way. The developers say the new medical center and the nearby revamped Mt. Brighton Ski Area are among the reasons why the new hotel is being built. Plans are to start construction next summer, with completion sometime in 2018. The facility will have several suites and an indoor pool, and future plans may include a stand-alone restaurant. Stellar Hospitality is also the developer of the Homewood Suites by Hilton and a Hampton Inn under construction next to the Homewood Suites on Challis Road. (TT)
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Fowlerville Grads Run The Gladiator GauntletFowlerville Grads Run The Gladiator Gauntlet
Fowlerville Community Schools started a new tradition last week. On Friday, the graduating class of 2016, donned their purple caps and gowns and paraded through all of the other school buildings on Fowlerville Schools' campus in an event dubbed âThe Gauntlet.â Graduates were given the opportunity to express their gratitude to former teachers and inspire younger students, while also being applauded for their accomplishments. The teachers and students lined the hallways, waved banners, clapped, cheered and gave hugs and high-fives as the graduates walked past. The recreation department even had a âSenior Limboâ where all of the graduates had to limbo under a sign stretched across the hallway. Grace Damerow, Fowlervilleâs Technology Director and Principal of its Online Learning Academy, says there were many teary eyes as the graduates left each building for the final time. She called it a âgreat new tradition that exemplifies Gladiator Pride!â
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8 Mile Road Bridge Over Northbound US-23 To Re-Open Wednesday 8 Mile Road Bridge Over Northbound US-23 To Re-Open Wednesday
The 8 Mile Road bridge over US-23 in Northfield Township is expected to re-open well ahead of schedule. The Michigan Department of Transportation announced that repairs have been completed and the 8 Mile Road bridge over northbound US-23 will open this Wednesday â three weeks ahead of schedule. The bridge has been closed since early March. It had to be demolished after being damaged in a crash involving an oversize load. M-DOT spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI crews repaired the span using an expedited contracting process. Arend says from the very beginning of the project, they were able to use expedited scheduling to be able to remove the span over northbound US-23 and safely re-open the freeway. She says M-DOT used that same expedited contract scheduling to get the bridge repaired and open in time for the summer season. MDOT says it will seek reimbursement from the trucking company for 100% of the cost of the bridge repairs. Meanwhile, the repairs to the bridge were necessary as traffic will be maintained on it when the 8 Mile/US-23 interchange is reconstructed during the 2017 season. (JM)
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Congressman Bishop Hosts Reception for Service Academy StudentsCongressman Bishop Hosts Reception for Service Academy Students
Congressman Mike Bishop met Monday night with seniors from area high schools heading off to service academies this summer. Nine students from schools throughout the Eighth Congressional District had the chance to meet with the congressman after a yearlong process of applying to the Air Force Academy, West Point Military Academy and the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. McKenzie Resconich is a Brighton High School senior on her way to the Naval Academy at the end of June. Although she wasnât able to attend a reception at the Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, her mom went on her behalf. Kim Resconich says the academy recruited her daughter because of her years as a competitive swimmer. She says her daughter hadnât considered the academy at first. She says her daughter fell in love with the Naval Academy, but she also went to the Air Force Academy. She says when McKenzie went to the Naval Academy everything fit together; she really loved the team, the coaches, the academics and the whole town of Annapolis. Resconich says her daughter is very excited to get her degree there because it is such a prestigious place to be and also that she will be required to serve afterward for five years. She says McKenzie knew a little about the academy because she has a cousin who attended and is now a Top Gun pilot, but it really wasn't on her radar until they started contacting her for the swimming; then after her visit it just fit her personality. Resconich says receiving a recommendation from Bishop was one of the requirements to enter the prestigious school. She says McKenzie also had to pass a physical fitness test, write essays and get letters of recommendation before being accepted. Resconich says after she graduates from the Naval Academy, McKenzie will be required to give back to the Navy with five years of service. The younger of her two daughters, Resconich says sheâs honored that her daughter wants to serve her country, but it is hard to see her leave for college. Bishop hosted the reception to congratulate the seniors, saying heâs proud of them all. He says during his time in congress this is the best thing he does. (DS)
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Hartland Farms Students Perform Motown HitsHartland Farms Students Perform Motown Hits
The music class of a local school hosted a concert Monday night to showcase what theyâve learned over the year. Over 100 students from Daryl Beanâs sixth grade music class at Farms Intermediate School in Hartland entertained parents and guests with songs from Motown including the Stevie Wonder classic 'Sir Duke.' The concert at Hartland High School featured the kids singing and playing the kazoos. Between song sets Bean showed videos the kids made as digital reports about the Detroit recording era and some of its more popular artists. Bean says the idea for the concert came from a desire to show his classes the music produced close to home. He says he's always looking for new projects to do in the classroom and was considering the fact that because Hartland is so close to Detroit, how little students really knew about Motown and its artists, and he thought there is a great pool of music and culture and society that is just an hour away and it would be great if they knew a bit more about it. He says he decided this year to just try it and see what would happen if they used Motown as a touchstone for the whole year and then create some projects like the concert to go along with it. Bean says throughout the year his students learned and practiced songs and spent time in small groups producing their videos. He says they loved the music. The songs chosen for the concert included a handful of Motown favorites including a Jackson 5 medley arranged by Bean. The students were accompanied by professional musicians from the Detroit area. Bean says in order to learn more about Motown and its era students took a field trip to the United Sound Systems Recording Studio in Detroit. They also studied the history of Motown to create the videos shown during the presentation. (DS)
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Worker Falls Off Roof In Oak Pointe But Escapes Serious Injury Worker Falls Off Roof In Oak Pointe But Escapes Serious Injury
A worker escaped serious harm during a roofing accident Monday in a Genoa Township. Livingston County EMS and the Brighton Area Fire Department were among responding agencies to the Oak Pointe subdivision Monday, where a roofer fell off a roof while working at a residence on Pine Eagles Court. Deputy Brighton Fire Chief Mike Evans told WHMI it was an EMS call, but the individual was a very lucky young man with no major injuries. The worker was transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor as a precaution. (JM)
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Fowlerville Man Who Offered Child $20 To Undress Bound OverFowlerville Man Who Offered Child $20 To Undress Bound Over
A local man who allegedly asked a young girl to undress at the Fowlerville Wal-Mart is headed to trial. 25-year-old Dandre Fuller, who is originally from Lincoln Park, but has a Fowlerville address according to court records, is charged with accosting a child for immoral purposes as a result of an alleged exchange between him and a young girl at the Fowlerville Walmart May 10th. On Monday, Fuller was bound over to Circuit Court and a request from his defense attorney to reduce his clientâs $100,000 bond was denied. In regards to the incident in question, Fowlerville Police say the girl was in the store when she was approached by a man who offered her money if she would âtake down her pants.â The girl immediately left and reported the incident to her parents. They went to the police two days later and Fuller was located in the Fowlerville area and taken into custody. If convicted as charged, he would face up to four years in prison. (DK)
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Hartland Parents Unhappy With Proposed Changes To Media Center StaffingHartland Parents Unhappy With Proposed Changes To Media Center Staffing
A number of passionate parents, teachers and students asked the Hartland Board of Education to reconsider staffing changes being proposed as part of the budget for the upcoming school year. The majority of those who spoke during Monday nightâs meeting had concerns related to media center programming, saying âa library without a librarian just isnât a libraryâ. No formal program cuts are in the proposed budget for the 2016/2017 school year but four certified media specialists would be re-assigned to different teaching positions within the district. The media centers would remain open but instead be staffed on a rotating basis by specialist teachers. One media specialist noted the importance of their roles and certifications when it comes to integrating resources, curriculum and technology for students and teachers. Three of the four elementary schools currently have certified media specialists â Village, Creekside and Lakes. Round Elementary previously lost its media specialist but the actual media center/library remains open and is staffed via a rotating schedule of specialist teachers including art, music and physical education. One separate certified specialist currently oversees the media centers at the intermediate, middle and high school levels. Superintendent Jan Sifferman told WHMI if they did not have to constantly worry about their budget, they would have fully staffed media centers but stressed they will remain open for students and teachers will go in with them. Sifferman says they are reorganizing media centers and shuffling staff around, as they do every year at this time, to fill some vacancies in the district due to retirements and leaves of absence. Sifferman says clauses are included in all district labor contracts to maintain a 5% fund balance. That includes administrators, teaching staff, maintenance, food service employees and an affiliate group that includes secretaries, para-professionals and lunchroom aides. Sifferman says if they are going to dip below that, then all employees give a pay âgive-backâ and this year, they all gave 2.69%. In order for there to be no pay âgive-backâ for next year, Sifferman says they needed to find one million dollars in the budget so the shuffling of staff was an attempt to reduce that pay give-back for all district employees. More than a handful of parents and teachers asked the board to reconsider and find another place to cut, stressing the importance of getting kids excited about reading and learning at a young age but also the invaluable resources certified specialists provide. It was an emotional subject for a few, who explained how their children have blossomed and excelled because of the media specialists. Some further questioned the level of research behind the decision. Sifferman said because of state of funding for public schools, they are always mindful of their budget but noted the finance committee meets regularly and did so publicly directly prior to last nightâs board meeting. While concerns were expressed by some, many in the packed audience were friends and family of new teacher hires and students receiving awards or making presentations that clapped and cheered throughout the meeting. Sifferman commented the district has a great class of new hires who are all superb and theyâre proud to have them. The budget will be up for approval when the Hartland school board meets June 27th. (JM)
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Two Suspects Plead In Kohl's Theft And Police ChaseTwo Suspects Plead In Kohl's Theft And Police Chase
A plea has been entered by two of the individuals facing charges for their involvement in a retail fraud incident at a local store. On Friday, 19-year-old Nelson DeJesus and 20-year-old Savannah Haley pleaded guilty to charges related to a retail fraud incident at the Kohlâs store in Green Oak Township and police chase that occurred April 19th. Police responding to the report observed five suspects get into a vehicle which was discovered to have been stolen. A chase ensued and the suspects fled on foot after they crashed into an area behind Kohlâs and Costco. DeJesus, Haley, 21-year-old Angelina Bonasera, 20-year-old Dillon McMullen, and 26-year-old Keshawn Jones were all apprehended and charged. Jones failed to appear for his arraignment May 9th and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. DeJesus has pleaded guilty to 1st degree retail fraud, two counts of resisting/obstructing a police officer, and one count of carrying concealed weapons. Haley pleaded guilty to organized retail crime, resisting/obstructing a police officer and possession of a controlled substance. They are scheduled to be sentenced June 23rd along with Bonasera who pleaded guilty to 1st degree retail fraud and resisting/obstructing a police officer last month. McMullen is due back in Circuit Court for a pre-trial hearing July 1st. (DK)
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Howell Fire Academy Graduates 15Howell Fire Academy Graduates 15
Fifteen students from area high schools graduated from an academy that will put them on track for a career. Last night the third class of fire cadets were given certificates of completion from the Howell Fire Academy. The Brighton Area Fire Departmentâs Lt. Tom Kiurski led the class again this year and says every year it gets more streamlined. He says most of the students are already working as junior fire fighters in their local departments, and nearly all have taken the state certification exam. Kiurski tells WHMI the students go through a rigorous training that includes being outfitted in firefighter gear and doing regimented training. He says they have done everything they needed to meet the state minimum requirements so they can be certified fire fighters. He says he predicts they all will be certified fire fighters, but they have to wait for some results to come back in. He says he's very proud of all of them. They started at the end of August last year, meeting for three class periods every day so after 550 hours together they got some good training in and are ready to go. The training also gave them leadership skills and prepared them for just about any situation. One of the five female cadets in the class is Brighton senior Kirsten McGhan. She says her gender didnât matter in the training, and she plans to continue even when she leaves for college in the fall. She says the training exceeded her expectations and prepared her a lot better than she thought she would be. McGhan says they were made into very responsible adults and it made her into a more responsible and more respectful person. She says she plans to go to Western Michigan University in the fall and hopes to find a fire department in Kalamazoo where she can work part time on call. McGhan says she would recommend the course to anyone because it taught her how to be a better adult. Several area fire chiefs were on hand to help with the graduation ceremony in the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. (DS)
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