As the battle continues between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump, voters are being reminded that in many states, other names also will be on the November ballot. Former GOP congressional aide Evan McMullin (right) announced his candidacy last week. He joins third party and independent candidates Gary Johnson (center) of the Libertarian Party and Jill Stein (left) with the Green Party as long-shot candidates. Political science professor John Clark at Western Michigan University says the nation's long two party system tradition makes it nearly impossible for anyone other than major party candidates to win the presidency. "Unless you count maybe Ross Perot's run in 1992, there hasn't been a minor party candidate or an independent candidate that's had close to 20 percent of the national vote,â he points out. âAnd it's been a long time since one has won any Electoral College votes." The electoral system is based on plurality rule, with the win going to the candidate who gets the most votes. Clark says the result is a two party system that would take a constitutional amendment to change. But Clark notes third party and independent candidates do serve a purpose by shaping election outcomes in the short term, or major political parties in the long run. This year, Clark expects minor parties to play the role of spoiler, and cites the best example as Ralph Nader's Green Party campaign in 2000. While Nader didn't receive a lot of votes, Clark says it was a close election, where even 200 votes in a state such as Florida could have changed the outcome to swing in Al Gore's favor instead of President George W. Bush. "This may or may not be that kind of super close election, but there's every reason to think that it's not going to be a huge landslide,â he points out. âAnd if that's the case, then siphoning off votes from one of the major party candidates could mean that one of these minor party candidates is a spoiler." A poll last week showed in a four-candidate race, Clinton was ahead of Trump, 44 to 38 percent, Johnson had 10 percent of the vote and Stein got 4 percent. The Public News Service contributed to this report. (JK)
WMU Professor Says Third Party Candidates Likely To Play Spoiler This NovemberWMU Professor Says Third Party Candidates Likely To Play Spoiler This November
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Tobacco Study Shows County Smoking Rates Higher Than National AverageTobacco Study Shows County Smoking Rates Higher Than National Average
The Livingston County Department of Public Health has released their most recent study of tobacco use among residents. Volume 5 of the Health Departmentâs âRoad to Community Healthâ series focuses on the prevalence and consequences of tobacco use throughout the community. The study found that in 2014 20% of county residents reported as being regular cigarette smokers. Thatâs comparable to numbers for the entire state, but slightly above the nationwide average of 18%. The study reports that secondhand smoke includes 250 chemicals which are harmful to humans and causes an estimated 7,300 lung cancer deaths nationwide each year. Only an estimated 3.6% of residents reported using smokeless tobacco, but the Health Departmentâs concern is that is more popular with younger individuals. They warn that smokeless tobacco still contains nicotine, is highly addictive, and increases the likelihood of the user becoming a cigarette smoker. As for consequences, 6% of county adults have reported being diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease from tobacco use. COPD is lung disease that blocks airflow and can cause Emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Lung Cancer is still the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with smoking being responsible for 90% of cases. The average age for Livingston County adults who are newly diagnosed with lung cancer is 60.1 years old. Thatâs 5 years younger than the state average. A full copy of the publication can be found on the Health Departmentâs website at www.lchd.org. (MK)
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House To Be Demolished In City Of Howell For Parking Lot Project House To Be Demolished In City Of Howell For Parking Lot Project
The Howell City Council recently approved demolition of a home to make way for a parking lot. The City is poised to go out to bid later this month for a project that involves the full reconstruction of parking lot #2 â referred to as âthe pitâ. Itâs located behind Gusâs and Coney Island - bordered by Clinton, Walnut and Center Streets. A home on Center Street will need to come down first and City Manager Shea Charles told WHMI he anticipates demolition will begin in the next week or so. Charles says City Council approved the demolition of a house at 121 North Center Street and that property will be incorporated in an expanded parking area, parking lot #2, known as the pit. He says the Citry is currently in the design phase for that, planning to have the project under construction and completed this fall. In regard to storm water management for the project, it was decided to use a sort of modified version of rain gardens and have water drain towards natural drainage areas inside the parking lot. Charles noted that addressed some environmental concerns and based on design criteria and underground piping, they should be able to accommodate 100-years on the parking lot. Charles further advised Council of potential utility-related delays with the project. He says the intent is to go out to bid August 19th, pending confirmation from utility companies that they can meet the timeline. A bid would then be awarded September 12th. If that happens, construction should start on or about September 20th with a completion date of November 15th. (JM)
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Hamburg Township Buys Former Septic Dumping SiteHamburg Township Buys Former Septic Dumping Site
Hamburg Township is now the owner of a piece of land located in one of the municipalityâs hot spots. The foreclosed 6.5 acres was headed to tax auction when the township purchased it for $8,187. Supervisor Pat Hohl says the township isnât sure what they plan to do with the land just yet, only that they knew they wanted it. The site, which sits in the middle of the townshipâs village center, had once been a septic dumping site for Campbell Septic Services. Hohl says this caused some concern for environmental reasons and the Board communicated with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and local Health Department to remedy the contamination. At a cost of roughly $6,500, the municipality employed a local environmental engineering firm to perform an environmental assessment. Thinking long term, Hohl says the township will likely clean the site up and either develop or sell it. He says the current plan is to work with a future user so that the township may have a voice in how the land is used. (DK)
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Money Found In Parking Lot Returned To Elderly Woman Money Found In Parking Lot Returned To Elderly Woman
Local authorities say money discovered by a good Samaritan in a grocery store parking lot has been returned to itâs rightful owner. The Michigan State Police â Brighton Post reports the lost money was returned to a 73-year-old Livingston County woman, who lost it while shopping near the Kroger store on Grand River in Brighton Township. The woman called the Brighton Post and described the amount of money, $265.00, and how it was packaged - with a money clip, thus it was returned. The woman was said to be very appreciative of the good Samaritan who turned the money in. Police said without assistance from the media, the money would have not have been returned. (JM)
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Iron Chef Sets Attendance Record Iron Chef Sets Attendance Record
Nearly 300,000 meals will now be made available for needy Livingston County residents thanks to last weekâs Iron Chef event. The 12th annual competition to benefit Gleaners Food Bank of Livingston County raised approximately $95,000. The organization says a record-setting 655 guests attended the fundraiser, which pitted defending champion Chef Eirik Kauserud of La Vita Bistro in Pinckney against Chef Jeffrey Bane, Dean of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at Cleary University in Howell. The three-course battle of culinary skill required both chefs to utilize a âsecret ingredientâ in each dish, which this year was coffee, followed mid-way by a âcurve-ballâ addition of Vernors soda. While Chef Kauserud won the fan favorite vote, the panel of judges gave the overall win to Chef Bane. Iron Chef Proceeds will benefit Gleanersâ Shared Harvest Pantry in Howell. The âclient choiceâ pantry is arranged similar to a grocery store and allows Livingston County residents experiencing a âfood emergencyâ the opportunity to browse and select their own food. (JK)
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Heavy Rainfall Predicted Could Result In Localized FloodingHeavy Rainfall Predicted Could Result In Localized Flooding
Several inches of rainfall are expected in the area tonight through tomorrow morning and the Emergency Management Department is working to prepare the community in the event of a flood. The National Weather Service has predicted one to three inches of heavy rain in Livingston County, which could result in localized flooding. Livingston County Emergency Management says the worst weather is expected in the overnight hours and determining water depth is difficult, but even more so at night. During a flooding event, residents should unplug all electrical equipment and should not walk or drive in flooded areas. Emergency Management also asks that individuals stay away from downed power lines and avoid making contact with flood waters because of sharp debris and hazardous materials. Youâll find additional information about tonightâs weather and flood procedures at the link below.
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Body Found In Lobdell Lake Monday AfternoonBody Found In Lobdell Lake Monday Afternoon
A man's body was found floating in Lobdell Lake in Argentine Township. The body was spotted floating face down in the water around noon today by two people riding a personal watercraft on Lobdell Lake in an area near Oak Hill Drive, which is a popular swimming area. The Argentine Township Police and Fire Departments responded. The man's name was not immediately released but authorities have said they believe the man was 50-years-old, lived out of state and was visiting family in the area. Police say the man last was seen Sunday evening. A wallet was found on the body. An autopsy and toxicology testing will be performed to determine how the man died but authorities have said they do not suspect foul play as there were no obvious signs of trauma on the body. (JM)
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Volunteers Sought For Local Community Service Club Volunteers Sought For Local Community Service Club
A meeting in South Lyon tonight will share how the community can get involved with a local volunteer service club that is just getting its start. The meeting will be held from 7 to 8:30pm in the community room at the Salem-South Lyon District Library on Pontiac Trail. Organizers of the new Kensington Valley Citivan Club are seeking âcommunity minded individualsâ who want to make a difference through the clubâs efforts by addressing the areaâs needs. The KVCC hopes to create an exceptional community and will serve Lyon Township, South Lyon, New Hudson, Salem Township, Green Oak and Northfield Township. Interested community members do not have to be a resident of those areas to join. Members of the Plymouth-Canton Citivan Club will be at tonightâs meeting to explain the clubâs structure, goals and projects that will help establish it in the community. Citivan is recognized as a volunteer service organization in 47 countries around the world and is celebrating 100 years of service.
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Brighton Township Board Questions SELCRA InvoiceBrighton Township Board Questions SELCRA Invoice
Some Brighton Township officials are uneasy about committing money to the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority without knowing more about the programâs new model. Brighton and Green Oak Township are the remaining two municipalities that are members of SELCRA, after the recreation programâs operations underwent a shakeup toward the end of last year. With a new director, Phillip Biscorner, and less participating members, SELCRA is only a month or so into its first fiscal year under the new changes. The organization has drawn up a budget of $487,000, with Green Oak contributing $100,000 and Brighton Township $150,000. Brighton Township received an invoice from SELCRA for $87,000 for its preliminary membership contribution which confused some trustees. Clerk Ann Bollin was curious why the organization had submitted an invoice for that amount when their budget reflected $150,000 from Brighton Township. Trustee Patrick Michel and Cathy Doughty, who are also SELCRA board members, say the invoice is just what the organization is asking for during the transitional period until they can further sort the budget and their expenses out. Bollin didnât like the disparity between the invoice and budgeted funding, and Manager Brian Vick agreed the situation is âtrickyâ, especially because the organizationâs new model is fairly unknown at this time. He tells WHMI it is âreasonable to assumeâ things will become clearer once the re-organized SELCRA gains some momentum heading into its first year. At their meeting Monday, the Brighton Township board voted to pay the invoice to SELCRA, though Bollin and Trustee Lucille Weaire voted against doing so. Doughty says simply, if the township wants a recreation program, theyâre going to have to pay for it. (DK)
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Genoa Township Board Talks Trash Service Monday Night Genoa Township Board Talks Trash Service Monday Night
Genoa Township has a new refuse collection and recycling provider although contract formalities are still being worked out. Duncan Disposal is currently in the midst of a sale to Rizzo Environmental Services and various issues were discussed during Monday nightâs meeting of Genoa Township board, including complaints from residents related to missed pick-ups and cans being thrown on the road. Both consent and a waiver of contract are needed from the board for Duncan to proceed with the sale, which the board ultimately tabled as lawyers are still tweaking language. It will see how that trial period goes before considering the transfer of agreement from Duncan to Rizzo. Supervisor Gary McCririe told WHMI he doesnât see any reason at this point why a transfer would not be approved. He says with any sale of a company and transition period, there can be problems but those will get resolved and the board has been assured that they will. Treasurer Robin Hunt commented she understands confidentiality agreements but was still disappointed the township was not notified about the pending sale sooner â saying it came as surprise and was pretty rough. She said her office has been fielding a lot of complaints since Rizzo took over routes, saying several streets were missed entirely â some two weeks in a row â but things are improving. Owners and representatives from both companies were present at the meeting and apologized for some poor planning and assured the board the level of service residents are accustomed to will continue. It was further noted that 85% of Duncanâs workforce has been hired by Rizzo and most will be on the same routes. Meanwhile, collection fees will remain the same as in the Duncan contract. McCririe says the board negotiated regular escalations associated with those fees to coincide with the economy a number of years ago and that will not change. He says recycling services will still be provided and a large item sticker program will also continue the same as it has in the past. Photo: Rizzo Environmental. (JM)
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Linden Man Enters Plea In School Shooting PlotLinden Man Enters Plea In School Shooting Plot
A Linden man charged with plotting to shoot up a school has entered a plea after reaching a deal with prosecutors in the case. 19-year-old Ryan Stevens had been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and false report or threat of terrorism for the incident last October in which authorities say he conspired with two co-defendants to bring guns to Linden High School, kill a student he felt had disrespected him online and then shoot the school up. But in Genesee County Circuit Court on Monday, prosecutors agreed to drop the more serious charge of conspiracy to commit murder after Stevens pleaded guilty to the false report or threat of terrorism, a five-year felony. Heâll be sentenced September 13th. Had he been convicted on both charges, he would have faced up to life in prison. Stevens told the judge that he never had any intention of carrying out the threats and was just boasting. The threats came to light after the student being targeted by the three contacted authorities. Argentine Township Police then discovered social media postings about carrying out a potential school shooting. Meanwhile, 16-year-old co-defendant Lamarr Dukes is expected to enter a similar plea in juvenile court while 16-year-old Cody Brewer recently rejected a plea offer and is set for a pretrial hearing August 24th. Stevens and Dukes are expected to testify against him as part of their deals. Stevens was also sentenced Monday for an unrelated charge of possession of child sexually abusive material and ordered to serve three years of probation, with 180 days on an electronic tether. That charge came about after investigators looking into the school threat found material on his phone indicating he had videotaped a sexual encounter between a 13-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy at a Flint Township motel. (JK)
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Brighton Township Wants To Revive And Clarify Former SAD PolicyBrighton Township Wants To Revive And Clarify Former SAD Policy
Brighton Township officials are looking into revisiting a prior Special Assessment District policy to remove and place restrictions where needed. At a Board of Trustees meeting Monday night, the township approved three assessment rolls to generate money for road maintenance in the Paradise Farms subdivision, on Kendor Drive and on Ridgecrest Lane. SADs established for those areas brought about some conversation about the need to reevaluate the townshipâs provisions and restrictions when it comes to assessing property. Township Manager Brian Vick says he thinks itâs a âgreat ideaâ to bring the policy back and clarify its language to accommodate various scenarios. He says the township had a moratorium on SADsâ for several years. When it was lifted, the township did implement some perimeters. Vick says the township is now able to see how those perimeters are impacting residents and their desire to implement SADs. Vick says the parameters may be too restrictive or donât take certain elements into consideration in some of the SADs that have come forward. Vick says several scenarios have come up in the last year to highlight the townshipâs need to clarify its policy. One is redistributing taxes and how the township should apply charge-backs to other users in the district when an assessment goes unpaid. Vick says the township also needs to address their stance on vacant lots and whether they will be assessed. The townshipâs current policy does not have a provision in the event a vacant lot is not being assessed and then is built upon. Construction projects and determining if the applicant approaches the board or residents first is also a major scenario that needs clarification. The board has not set an official date for when they plan to discuss the former policy and changes. (DK)
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Locally-Based Veteran's Support Group Announces New DirectorLocally-Based Veteran's Support Group Announces New Director
A local veteranâs organization will have a new face at the helm, while its founder moves into a new position. Stiggyâs Dogs today made official the appointment of Julia Liljegren as the Howell Township-based nonprofitâs new Executive Director. She succeeds Founder Jennifer Petre, who will now become the President of the Board of Directors. Petre says the appointment marks an historic point in the organizationâs evolution. Stiggyâs Dogs is best known for helping veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury transition to civilian life with the help of a service dog. But Liljegren says her vision will be to, âstrengthen and grow the Stiggyâs family by enhancingâ¦servicesâ so they can serve more veteran/dog teams and, âserve them better.â Liljegren has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, most recently serving as Regional Education Manager at the National Wildlife Federation, and before that as Executive Director of the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce. Petre said she is excited to be stepping into her new role as President of the Board, which she believes will allow her to apply her strengths to the organization in ways she couldnât when she was focused on day-to-day operations. Stiggyâs Dogs was founded in 2010 by Petre in memory of her nephew, Navy Hospital Corpsman Benjamin (âDoc Stiggyâ) Castiglione, who gave his life while serving as a medic with U.S. Marines in Afghanistan. All of Stiggyâs Dogsâ services are provided at no cost to the veteran. Youâll find more information through the link below. (JK)
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Armed Robbery Suspects Sought Near ChelseaArmed Robbery Suspects Sought Near Chelsea
Suspects deemed âarmed and dangerousâ were being sought near Chelsea following an early morning incident. Michigan State Police Troopers from the Brighton Post were dispatched at approximately 2:37am to a residence in the 7300 block of Lingane Road for an armed home invasion. Sergeant Mark Thompson tells WHMI two male subjects are in custody and troopers were looking for one or two others. Thompson said no injuries were reported and the investigation is ongoing. Police were advising area residents to not answer the door for strangers and motorists to not pick up hitchhikers or stop for anyone waving them down. (JM)
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Hartland Area Residents And Businesses Without Phone & Internet ServiceHartland Area Residents And Businesses Without Phone & Internet Service
Several businesses and residents in Hartland Township serviced by AT&T are reporting a lack of phone and internet service due to a regional outage. Businesses along M-59, Hartland Township Hall and Hartland Consolidated Schools have all reported issues with their phone and internet service. The Hartland Schoolsâ website says that AT&T has indicated road work at M-59 and Hacker caused the outage and an estimated time of repair has not been established. A representative from Farms Intermediate School says âit appears as though a contractor at M-59 and Hacker dug up a large bundle of fiber that connects that AT&T central office, which is a communication hub, with end users and other central offices.â The initial estimate for repair was midnight last night but a short while after that deadline passed, the representative received multiple emails indicating that AT&T was still trying to detect the problem and working to repair it. Hartland Township Hall phones are reportedly affected by the outage and are not expected to be operational until Friday. WHMI has placed multiple calls with AT&T for further information on the situation but has not yet received a response. (DK)
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Overnight Closures At I-96/US-23 Interchange At Brighton Overnight Closures At I-96/US-23 Interchange At Brighton
Closures at the US-23/I-96 interchange in Brighton have been rescheduled for tonight. The Michigan Department of Transportation says the closures were cancelled Monday night due to the rain. The following closures will take place between 11pm tonight and 5am tomorrow morning:
- Southbound US-23 will be closed at I-96
- The ramp from southbound US-23 to eastbound I-96
- The ramp from westbound I-96 to southbound US-23
The posted detour during the closures will be westbound I-96 to Grand River Ave (exit 145) to eastbound I-96 to US-23. (JM)
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McHattie Park Little Free Library Grand Opening ThursdayMcHattie Park Little Free Library Grand Opening Thursday
Children in South Lyon will soon be able to take a break from the playground and curl up under a tree with a book. The grand opening of the Little Free Library in McHattie Park is scheduled for tomorrow, August 18th. The library is the brain-child of the Salem-South Lyon District Library Friends Club. The 6-foot 7-inch high by 8-foot 10-inch wide building will be located between the play structure and the trail at the park. Kids will be able to browse and borrow from the assortment of donated books and return them when they are finished with them. Many local children participated in the building and painting of the structure and have also volunteered to help maintain it. The little library has cedar shingles, 3 automatic closing Plexiglas doors, and a U-shaped design that lets the kids pass through it. Many activities are also planned for the grand opening. There will be face painting, popsicle stick crafts, balloon swords, and more. The ribbon cutting and festivities begin at 10am Thursday morning. Photo- Facebook (MK)
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Parking Lot & Alley Project Should Be Ready For Howell Melonfest Parking Lot & Alley Project Should Be Ready For Howell Melonfest
An ongoing parking lot project in the City of Howell should be mostly complete in time for this weekendâs popular Melonfest event that draws thousands to the area. The City has been rehabilitating parking lot #4 and the corresponding alley, which is the block behind the Heart of Howell building. New water main and sewer have been installed and other aspects involved burying overhead utilities and rehabilitating the adjacent parking lot. It was relayed during a recent City Council meeting that there have unfortunately been some scheduling issues with Detroit Edison and thus staff was not sure if they would be able to hit the completion deadline of roughly this Friday and Melonfest weekend. Although the utility poles might not be gone, the area will still be paved enough to be walkable during Melonfest. It was noted that everything should be turned over into the underground service - AT&T, Comcast and Edison - but poles will not be gone and the top coat will not be on. It will not be available for parking but officials noted that area is usually used for vendors anyway. After Melonfest, crews will come through and remove the poles, put the base in and then pave the entire area. Mayor Nick Proctor commended Director of Public Services Erv Suida and staff on various construction projects throughout the City and a ârobust outreach effortâ in communicating and meeting with businesses. (JM)
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Mill Pond Escapees Bound Over For Trial On New ChargesMill Pond Escapees Bound Over For Trial On New Charges
Two Livingston County Jail inmates have been bound over for trial on charges related to their escape attempt near the Brighton Mill Pond. 32-year-old Lisa Finlayson of South Lyon and 40-year-old Nicole Vermeylen of Flushing each face one count of escape while awaiting trial for a felony. The two were bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court Tuesday on those charges, which stem from the August 3rd incident. The two female inmates had been transported over to the 53rd District Court in Brighton for hearings. Finlayson had been in custody for operating while intoxicated causing death. Vermeylen had charges of 2nd degree felony child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. While a deputy was escorting them from the court building and into the patrol car, they made a break for it and shed some of their jail attire in an attempt to better blend in. Finlayson jumped into the Mill Pond but was retrieved with a dredger and taken into custody shortly after. After Vermeylen took off, she broke into a house and helped herself to a change of clothes but was arrested as she was leaving the home. As a result of the break-in, Vermeylen is also facing charges of home invasion and stealing or retaining a financial transaction device without consent. She was arraigned on those charges Thursday and is due back in court August 23rd for a probable cause conference. (DK)
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