The Brighton Area Schools has a new director of operations. He is Scott Jacobs, who has been the construction superintendent for the George W. Auch Co. of Pontiac since 1990. During the course of those 26 years, Jacobs completed the construction aspect of several Brighton Area Schools projects, including the bond issue that resulted in an addition to Brighton High School and construction of Scranton Middle School and Hilton Elementary. Jacobs has also been the construction superintendent for major building projects in the Pinckney and Walled Lake school districts; also Schoolcraft College, the Hamburg Library and Henry Ford Hospital. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that Jacobs will be a great addition to the school district. Jacobs replaces Matt Marino, who recently accepted a similar position with the Hartland Consolidated Schools. (TT)
Brighton Schools Names New Operations DirectorBrighton Schools Names New Operations Director
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Hoarding Seminar Will Discuss The Issue And How To InterveneHoarding Seminar Will Discuss The Issue And How To Intervene
A training course in Howell next month will address an issue that affects 1.4 million homes in the U.S. each year, though it may not seem quite as prevalent. The session to discuss the issues and interventions of chronic disorganization and hoarding behaviors will be held Thursday, September 22nd at the EMS Headquarters on Tooley Road. The session will be presented by the Washtenaw County Hoarding Task Force from 1:30 to 4pm. The course is geared towards health professionals, emergency service staff and home visitors, but anyone is welcome. The Planning and Resource Development Manager at Area Agency on Aging 1-B, Andrea Mulheisen, says the goal of the seminar is to help attendees understand hoarding and chronic disorganization. Most importantly, she tells WHMI the course will discuss what the community can do to help those dealing with it. Mulheisen says itâs hard to know just how many people struggle with hoarding. Chronic hoarders tend to stay in their homes and when they do go out in public, they are not likely to invite anyone back to their place. She says hoarding is more prevalent in older adults because it takes time for the issue to develop. The seminar is expected to draw a large crowd and it is requested that those interested in attending RSVP by emailing Anne Rennie at arennie@cmhliv.org. (DK)
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Building & Service Improvements Planned At Brighton District Library Building & Service Improvements Planned At Brighton District Library
The new Brighton District Library director is getting settled in and offering the community a preview of whatâs to come. Library Director Cindy Mack began her new role on August 3rd and says sheâs thrilled to be working in such a supportive community with a vibrant, dynamic staff and Library Board. The library is in the midst of planning and budgeting for significant building and service improvements over the coming years. In a community message, Mack says theyâre keen on working to exceed community desires and expectations through the delivery of quality programs, materials, services and upgraded facilities. Mack says they will soon begin completely renovating the library restrooms as part of a project that should be done by late December. The libraryâs materials budget has been increased by 44% and Mack says they are continuously purchasing new items for their collection. Most recently, a downloadable service called Hoopla has been added where patrons can electronically check out and view books, audiobooks and music. (JM)
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Appeals Court Ruling Could Apply To Local District Court Judge Appeals Court Ruling Could Apply To Local District Court Judge
A recent state appeals court ruling could apply to one local judge. The Michigan Court of Appeals says a judge who is trying to get around an age limit and stay in office can't be listed as an incumbent for a different seat. Peter O'Connell can't run for re-election in 2018 because he'll be 70. So he's been suing the state to try to get his name on the ballot this year as an incumbent for another seat. A victory would extend his service on the appeals court. But that court said that "incumbent" is linked to a specific office - and O'Connell can't be the incumbent for a seat now held by Judge Michael Gadola. The appeals court made its ruling Thursday, which could apply to 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader in Livingston County, pictured. Her seat is up in 2018 and due to the current age limits under Michigan law; she could still serve but would not be eligible to run again. Judge Reader is running against fellow Judge Suzanne Geddis in November. Judge Geddis must prevail in the election to keep her seat, while Judge Reader will retain her current seat win or lose. Measures in both the House and Senate to remove the age limits for judges have languished for a year, including House Joint Resolution S sponsored by Republican State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township. He introduced the legislation after learning Judge Reader would be barred by the age limit from seeking re-election. (JM)
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Questions Follow After Parent Open Carries Gun At School Orientation Questions Follow After Parent Open Carries Gun At School Orientation
Howell Public Schools is investigating an incident in which a parent open carried a gun during a middle school orientation event and posted a photo on social media. Francis Winegarden posted a photo of himself with a gun on his hip and two children at Parker Middle Schools orientation on Thursday. The photo was posted on Michigan Open Carry Inc. - a public Facebook group. A link is below. Winegarden wrote âOpen carried at parker middle school in Howell MI for the kids orientation...No problem at all!!!..nice thing was I had a chance to educate a few people in the process!!!â Howell Superintendent Erin MacGregor tells WHMI he learned about the open carry situation Friday when it was brought to his attention from a parent in the district. MacGregor says he is still collecting all of the facts before contacting the authorities, which complies with district policy. Specifically, district policy prohibits visitors from possessing weapons except for law enforcement. Per policy, individuals are required to check in with the main office, notify administration and show their permit if they are open carrying a gun. The district will then notify authorities to verify the permit is legitimate. State law does permit a person to open carry on school grounds with a permit. He says they proceed by contacting law enforcement to seek support and guidance, stressing student safety is their first priority. MacGregor says they have procedures in place to ensure student and staff safety if a weapon is brought on school grounds. (JM/JK)
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Local Realtor Of The Year NamedLocal Realtor Of The Year Named
Local real estate professionals have honored their best and brightest this year. The Livingston County Association of Realtors®, which represents over 600 REALTORS® in Livingston County, held their annual ceremony last week, naming their Realtor® of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Affiliate of the Year. John MacLeod, a broker/owner with Partners Real Estate Professionals in Howell was honored as the Realtor® of the Year for 2016. MacLeod, who serves as the Past President of the association, is also a member of the Forms taskforce, Fill the Gazebo Food Drive and Governmental Affairs committees. In addition, heâs a member of both the Brighton and Howell chambers of commerce. Carl Vagnetti, an Associate Broker with RE/MAX Platinum in Brighton, was named the 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award. He serves as the Chairperson for the Fill the Gazebo Food Drive committee and serves on the Grievance/Professional Standards, Building and Forms committees. And finally, Abby Cooper, a partner with Cooper & Riesterer PLC in Brighton, accepted the 2016 Affiliate of the Year award. Cooper is an instructor for the association and a member of the Brighton Rotary, Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce, Livingston County Real Estate Investors Association, Brighton Veterans Memorial Committee and Legal Services of South Central Michigan. (JK)
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Marion Township Looks To Shut Down Barn Wedding VenuesMarion Township Looks To Shut Down Barn Wedding Venues
One local township wants to put a stop to special events being held in three rural barns. The Marion Township Board of Trustees has been wrestling with three property owners who are hosting weddings in their barns against a township ordinance. Township Clerk Tammy Beal says the properties on D-19, Jewell and Cedar Lake Roads are not safe. Beal says the ordinance says the owners need a special use permit, and it only allows two per year. She says those with event facilities are going to want more than two per year, and so the people who are having weddings in their barns aren't happy with that. Beal says the barn owners haven't come to the township for permits, but they've discovered there have been events going on that aren't fire safe or handicapped accessible, or approved by the health department. She says the township is trying to make it safe for the people attending these events. Beal presided over Thursday nightâs board meeting in the absence of Supervisor Bob Hanvey, and asked for input about what to do about violations. She said despite the barns' conditions, the townshipâs ordinance only allows for two special events per year, per location, and in some cases there have been three or more. Trustee Les Andersen says in the case of the Jewell Road property, the owners claimed the most recent wedding was held for a family member and there was no charge, but says there is no way to prove that one way or the other. Beal says it is not a matter of whether or not the events are for family, it is about keeping people safe. She says the properties are all zoned residential, so they also would need a zoning change to be used for commercial. The board passed a motion to have the townshipâs attorney prepare documentation ordering the facilities to stop holding events, and to take the owners to court if necessary. (DS)
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Dansville Man Sentenced In 7-Year-Old Waldenwoods Rape CaseDansville Man Sentenced In 7-Year-Old Waldenwoods Rape Case
A Dansville man has been sentenced on charges related to a 7-year-old rape case from Hartland Township. 36-year-old Christopher Craig Bennett was originally charged with two counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct for an incident that allegedly occurred in May of 2009 at the Waldenwoods Resort. Authorities say Bennett, who worked as a park ranger at the resort, raped a then 16-year-old female who was staying at the campgrounds. Last month, Bennett pleaded no contest to one count of seduction. In exchange, the original two counts of 3rd degree CSC were dismissed without prejudice. Bennett was sentenced Thursday to four months in the Livingston County Jail with a credit of 12 days served and two years of probation. (DK)
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Local Man Charged In Restaurant Parking Lot Brawl Heads To TrialLocal Man Charged In Restaurant Parking Lot Brawl Heads To Trial
A Fowlerville man facing charges related to a baseball bat attack that occurred in the parking lot of a Genoa Township restaurant is headed to trial. 23-year-old Timothy Borg is charged with assault with intent to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery. He was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial on Thursday. The charges against Borg stem from his alleged involvement in a brawl that occurred in the parking lot of Bubba Changâs, a Chinese-American buffet owned by John and Jeremy Hamilton. Borg was employed as a dishwasher at the restaurant that closed down shortly after the April 22nd incident. Authorities say 51-year-old Guan Han Chen (aka Andy Chen) was fired from Bubba Changâs, but had returned to the business in an attempt to collect back wages and personal belongings. An argument escalated in the parking lot and a 21-year-old man, believed to be Chenâs son, suffered a skull fracture and injuries on his back after being attacked with a baseball bat. Jeremy Hamilton allegedly used a baseball bat to smash up Chenâs 2008 Honda Odyssey while Chen testified Johnnie used it to attack his son as he Borg held him in a bear hug. Johnnieâs wife, Angela Hamilton, is charged with tampering with evidence for allegedly hiding the bat afterward. All three Hamiltonâs also appeared in court Friday, but their cases were adjourned until September 30th. (DK/JK)
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Hartland Man's Lawsuit Against Mobile Home Community SettledHartland Man's Lawsuit Against Mobile Home Community Settled
A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit filed by a blind and disabled Hartland Township man. 66-year-old Philip Cusumano filed a federal discrimination lawsuit in U.S District Court in Detroit in August of 2014 against the Hartland Meadows manufactured housing community, claiming he was being denied the ability to use his wheelchair on sidewalks. Court records indicate that a settlement between the parties was reached last Tuesday, although details were not released. In the complaint, Cusumano alleged Hartland Meadows engaged in handicap discrimination in violation of the Fair Housing Amendments Act. He has been confined to a wheelchair since 2012 and suffers from numerous health issues. Cusumano said he relies on clear sidewalks to get around in his wheelchair, including to his mailbox, but that the already-narrow paths were often blocked by residents parking on the street and sidewalks. The complaint, which requested Hartland Meadows enforce its own policies prohibiting parking on sidewalks, asked for damages based on Cusumanoâs emotional distress and pain and suffering because of the defendantâs failure and refusals to grant reasonable accommodations. Cusumano said all he really wanted was the parking rules enforced and some sort of economic recovery. While he couldnât disclose details, he said he was in agreement with the terms of the settlement. Lawyers for Hartland Meadows previously denied the allegations and said they acted within the bounds of good faith for legitimate and non-discriminatory reasons. (JK)
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Howell Public Schools to Consider Options for Underused BuildingsHowell Public Schools to Consider Options for Underused Buildings
The school board in one local district has started discussing the process of âright-sizingâ its facilities. Last year when Superintendent Erin MacGregor took over leadership of the Howell Public Schools, he put a strategic plan in place that called for taking a close look at the districtâs facilities. MacGregor told the board last week that overall the districtâs enrollment is down, and isnât expected to rebound because of a lower birthrate. He says the districtâs incoming kindergartners are not keeping up with the number of outgoing seniors, and that has been the trend for the last several years. MacGregor says for now this is just the start of work on plans. He says the reason he's recommending it to the board is that in the strategic plan it was determined that the district needs to right-size. He says right sizing can mean a lot of different things, so that's why they need a process in place. He says the recommendation made with regards to the use of Three Fires Elementary; which is one of the district's newest buildings, is because it is right now at only about 32 percent utilization. He says they will take a look at that, but need a process to look at it. Nothing more was discussed during the meeting, other than to say, how can they better use Three Fires. He says in his mind there are a lot of different options to look at with regards to that. MacGregor says at this point there are no plans to close any buildings, but the board will start looking at the scope of the process early next month. He says the process will be phased over the next four months. Once the board approves the scope of the project the next step will be to form a committee made up of parents, students, staff, faculty and administrators who will look at options. There will be two public forums; one in September and one in November, so the community can have input. MacGregor wants to have a recommendation ready for board approval by the December 2nd meeting. MacGregor says this is a sensitive issue for the community and every consideration will be given to repurpose the facilities. Local resident Randy Beard spoke up during public comment saying he hoped for more out of the 2004 bond issue that built Parker Middle School. He says he believed his kids would have access to more advanced technology classes, but that didn't happen. He says he would like to see something done with Parker, such as making it a magnet school and suggested the board stop looking at statistics, but rather how to draw more students into the district. (DS)
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Trump Flash Mob Coming To BrightonTrump Flash Mob Coming To Brighton
Supporters of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will be holding whatâs being touted as a flash mob in Brighton this week. On Tuesday, August 30th several events throughout the state are planned where supporters will wave signs at passers-by. In Livingston County a group plans to meet at the corner of Grand River and Charles H. Orndorf from 4 to 5:30 pm. Livingston County coordinator for the Brighton event Wes Nakagiri says the Brighton event is less a flash mob than a way to draw attention to Trump. He says he expects a congregation of anybody who's interested, and doesn't really know how many people are going to show up. He suspects there could be a fair amount of interest, and says there will be people coming in from Genesee and Oakland Counties. He says it will be a way to have a little bit of fun, waiving signs along Grand River and getting a little bit of attention to the grass roots effort for Donald Trump, which he says he really thinks is significant in Michigan. Nakagiri says the flash-mob will be more of a rally where people will be waving signs in support of Trump. Although not typically a political event, a flash-mob is when a group of people assemble suddenly in public, perform a dance or some other artistic expression and quickly disperse. Nakagiri says the so called flash mobs across the state are expected to bring together people fed up with the political establishment who see Trump as someone who represents the interests of the middle class. More information is available at the Michigan Conservative Coalition's Facebook page. (DS)
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Fiani Bid For Statewide Ballot Falls ShortFiani Bid For Statewide Ballot Falls Short
A local Republicanâs attempt at getting onto the statewide ballot in November has fallen short. The Michigan Republican and Democratic Party state conventions were held over the weekend, where delegates selected candidates to appear on the November ballot for Michigan Supreme Court, State Board of Education, and the governing boards of the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and Michigan State University. Former Brighton School Board President Nick Fiani was among five Republican candidates hoping to get on the ballot for Wayne State University, but failed to make the ballot. Instead, state Republicans chose Dr. Michael Busuito, of Troy and Kim Shmina of Fair Haven, a nursing instructor at Wayne State. Fianiâs attempt to make the ballot follows unsuccessful bids for Genoa Township Clerk, the Livingston Educational Service Agency board and the State House for the 42nd District. The only election Fiani has won for the Brighton Board of Education, from which he resigned in late 2014 after serving only two years of his four-year term. (JK)
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Howell City Council To Take Up Rec Authority Resolution In September Howell City Council To Take Up Rec Authority Resolution In September
The Howell City Council postponed adoption of a resolution for continuation of the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority as one member was absent. The Authority put an operational millage before voters in the August Primary election but it failed to pass. It would have provided the Authority with a stable funding source to provide programs, activities and a new recreational facility, as it is funded through contributions from participating municipalities. Articles of Incorporation state that in the event a levy is not approved by voters, then the Authority will dissolve unless two-thirds of the participating municipalities determine, by resolution, it should continue. Based on conversation during the meeting, all members present indicated a desire to continue the Authority and were very supportive of programming but wanted to hold off since Councilman Bob Ellis, the Authority board treasurer and city representative, was absent. Members said they value his opinions and input but also felt there wasnât a major rush since participating municipalities have 90-days to take up resolutions. The resolution that was postponed during last weekâs meeting states Council strongly supports continuation of the Authority to meet the parks and recreation needs of the Howell community now and in the future. As to why the millage failed, officials said it could have been that they didnât hit the streets early enough to educate voters. Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor commented that citizens in every precinct of the City of Howell and Oceola Township voted in support of the millage. Another observation noted was that those who cast absentee ballots were heavily against the proposal while those voting at the polls were heavily in favor. (JM)
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Local Tattoo Shop Brings Back Project Semi-Colon For Mental Health AwarenessLocal Tattoo Shop Brings Back Project Semi-Colon For Mental Health Awareness
A local tattoo shop is again hosting a fundraising event for the public to bring awareness to mental health issues and let individuals know they arenât alone in their struggles with suicide, depression or cyber bullying. Eternal Tattoos on Grand River in Howell has brought back Project Semi-Colon. Five artists will be doing semi colon tattoos from 11am to 10pm on Friday, September 9th for a minimum donation of $5. Artists include Stelios Chimpouras, Kyle Dunbar (from televisionâs Ink Master) David Gee, Alissa Petelin and Candy Dunbar. When a semi-colon is used in a story, the author had the option to end the sentence but chose not to. The semi-colon tattoo represents an individual choosing not to end their life story. Last year, the event raised more than $7,000 for Livingston County Community Mental Health and helped remodel the lobby of the agency but more assistance is needed. More than 400 tattoos were done by artists last year. While that would seem tiring to some, Stelios told WHMI what motivates him are the people. Stelios tells WHMI all of the artists are in it together to help out the community and do something nice for community mental health. He says the semi-colon tattoo is easily identifiable and helps promote understanding and awareness without words. He says every person who sits in his chair has a story and itâs something he can relate to most times so they have that in common right from the get-go, without even knowing each other. Stelios says suicide awareness is something that needs to be spoken about instead of swept under the rug or the people being thought of as just ânot all thereâ. He stresses depression can affect anybody whether white-collar or blue-collar, rich or poor so they want to reach out to everybody. Stelios says they are not expecting as big of crowds and lines like before, adding this will probably be the last year for this type of event. Helpers, sponsors and donations of water and snacks are being sought for the September 9th event, along with food trucks. Those interested should contact Eternal Tattoos in Howell or visit their Facebook page through the link below. (JM)
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Winning Mega Millions Ticket Worth $2 Million Sold At Grand Party Store Winning Mega Millions Ticket Worth $2 Million Sold At Grand Party Store
A Mega Millions lottery ticket worth $2 (m) million sold at a local party store has yet to be claimed. The lucky player that purchased the ticket added the Megaplier option at the Grand Party Store on Whitmore Lake Road in Brighton. The playerâs ticket matched the five white balls drawn â 10-11-31-41-44 for a $1 (m) million win. With the Megaplier option, the prize was bumped up to $2 (m) million. Meanwhile, the Michigan Lottery page lists another unclaimed prize from the local area. A Fantasy 5 ticket worth $215,806 was sold at the Howell BP on February 3rd. (JM)
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Brighton Man Killed In Motorcycle CrashBrighton Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash
A Livingston County man is dead after a motorcycle crash in Green Oak Township Sunday night. Green Oak Township Police say they were called to an injury crash just after 9:45 Sunday evening on Silver Lake Road east of Kensington Road. Officers were advised a motorcycle had hit a downed tree and crashed. That was just minutes after Green Oak Township firefighters had been dispatched to a reported tree down in that same area, but had yet to arrive on the scene. Upon arrival, officers found a 2015 Victory Vegas motorcycle had hit a downed tree and ejected the rider, identified only as a 23-year-old Brighton man. A witness on the scene said he had tried to warn the motorcyclist of the downed tree by waiving his flashlight as the motorcycle approached. But the rider failed to stop and struck the tree at what police called a âsignificantâ speed. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead while on the way to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. He was not wearing a helmet. Green Oak Police were assisted at the scene by the Green Oak Township Fire Department, Livingston County Sheriff and Livingston County EMS. The crash remains under investigation. (JK)
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Reorganization Of Law Clerk Positions Will Save Money For CourtsReorganization Of Law Clerk Positions Will Save Money For Courts
The reorganization of two positions within the Livingston County Courts is expected to improve efficiency and save money. A resolution was approved last week by the countyâs Board of Commissioners that will mix things up for the courtâs law clerks. The Court had employed three full-time law clerks. The resolution calls for the reclassification of one of the positions to a full-time research attorney position, elimination of one of the clerk positions entirely and in its place create a full-time clerk/video operator position. The resolution was requested on behalf of Chief Judge David J. Reader, after consulting with the State Court Administrative Office and his fellow judges. Judge Reader believes the changes will maximize the judicial resources available and increase efficiency. The reorganization will result in savings of an estimated $10,000 per year and promote timely resolutions of cases. (DK)
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Bicyclist Killed In Crash Near Chelsea Was World Champion Triathlete Bicyclist Killed In Crash Near Chelsea Was World Champion Triathlete
A bicyclist who struck and killed by a vehicle near Chelsea last Friday was a renowned triathlete. Troopers from the Michigan State Police Brighton Post were dispatched to Dexter-Chelsea Road near Fletcher Road at approximately 10:40am. Police say preliminary investigation indicates a 2005 Chevy Avalanche, driven by 70-year-old Terry Lacroix of Chelsea, was traveling west on Dexter-Chelsea Road and had passed a vehicle going in the same direction. Police say Lacroix was traveling in the eastbound lane of the road and beginning to transition back to the westbound lane when he crashed into a bicyclist. 63-year-old Karen McKeachie of Ann Arbor was bicycling in the eastbound lane of Dexter-Chelsea Road when she was killed in the crash. The elite athlete was inducted into the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame in 2014. Troopers were assisted on scene by the Chelsea Fire Department and Huron Valley Ambulance. Police say the crash remains under investigation and when completed, the report will be submitted to the Washtenaw County Prosecutorâs Office. Facebook photo. (JM)
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Negri Remains On Top In Recount Of Hamburg Township Treasurer's Race Negri Remains On Top In Recount Of Hamburg Township Treasurer's Race
With the exception of a few votes, a recount was not enough to change the election outcome in the Hamburg Township treasurerâs race. Jason Negri prevailed in the August primary election for the township treasurer position over former board member and candidate Mike Bitondo. The recount was performed around 1:00 Monday afternoon and wrapped up before 5pm. Clerk Jim Neilson tells WHMI Bitondo requested a recount of voting precincts 7 and 8, as well as all eight precincts of the absentee voter counting board. Bitondo lost the August primary by 22 votes. After everything was tallied during the recount, Neilson says Bitondo gained three votes and Negri gained one. Thus, Negri will be running unopposed on the November ballot. (JM)
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