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Brighton Board Ratifies Teacher Contract ReopenerBrighton Board Ratifies Teacher Contract Reopener

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At a special meeting Monday, the Brighton Board of Education Monday voted 6-0, with one abstention, to ratify the tentative agreement reached in a salary reopener in the teachers’ union contract. The Brighton Education Association, which represents the district’s 301 teachers, had ratified it last week. The five-year contract, which has two more years to go, contains a wage freeze, but also has a salary and benefits reopener which can be requested by the union annually. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI the contract contains a 1.25% salary hike, and goes into effect September 1st. Gray says an incoming teacher with a bachelor’s degree and no experience will earn $40,209 the first year, whereas at the top of the salary scale, a teacher who is at step 13 with the maximum number of years will earn $81,239 in the coming year. Another group of employees will be getting an increase: Schedule B and C employees, who comprise such part-time job categories as the band and choir directors, curriculum coordinator and academic coaches, and will get a 4% increase in their stipend. Athletic coaches are not included in that category. Board president Jay Krause abstained from voting on the teacher contract, telling WHMI that he abstained in light of board member John Conely’s concerns. Conely has been critical at recent meetings of board members who vote on teacher contracts while having spouses employed by the school district. However, Krause has pointed out many times that his wife, an educational assistant at Hilton School, is paid from Title I federal funds, not through local taxpayer dollars. Superintendent Gray has also told the board that four attorneys’ legal opinions have indicated there is no conflict. (TT)

New Trial Denied For Local Couple Convicted Of Child Abuse New Trial Denied For Local Couple Convicted Of Child Abuse

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A motion for a new trial by a Deerfield Township couple convicted of child abuse has been denied. In June, Angela and Eric Corcoran were convicted of 2nd degree child abuse for mentally and emotionally abusing their 16-year-old adopted son. The alleged abuse reportedly began in 2012 and continued through February of 2015. Authorities say the couple kept the teen isolated in their basement, with only a camper toilet to use as a bathroom and a dirty mattress without any sheets, blankets or pillows. The teen also claims he was mistreated by the couple’s biological children and was forced to eat alone. The Corcoran’s have maintained their innocence and their defense attorney had previously said the case amounts to the government overstepping its bounds with the couple’s parenting style. The couple sought a new trial after a local woman came forward, claiming she had seen the Corcoran’s adopted son come and go freely from their home and that he had not been locked in the basement as some media outlets had reported. The woman’s testimony however, did not sway Livingston County Judge Michael P. Hatty, who denied the Corcoran’s’ motion for a new trial Monday. The couple is scheduled to be sentenced September 22nd and each face up to ten years in prison. (DK)

Brighton Board Ratifies Teacher Contract ReopenerBrighton Board Ratifies Teacher Contract Reopener

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At a special meeting Monday, the Brighton Board of Education voted 6-0, with one abstention, to ratify the tentative agreement reached in a salary reopener in the teachers’ union contract. The Brighton Education Association, which represents the district’s 301 teachers, had ratified it last week. The five-year contract, which has two more years to go, contains a wage freeze, but also has a salary and benefits reopener which can be requested by the union annually. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI the contract contains a 1.25% salary hike, and goes into effect September 1st. Gray says an incoming teacher with a bachelor’s degree and no experience will earn $40,209 the first year, whereas a tenured teacher at the top of the salary schedule with 30 years of service and a master’s degree plus 30 credit hours will earn $81,239 in the coming year. Another group of employees will be getting an increase: Schedule B and C employees, who comprise such part-time job categories as the band and choir directors, curriculum coordinator and academic coaches, will get a 4% increase in their stipend. Athletic coaches are not included in that category. Board president Jay Krause abstained from voting on the teacher contract, telling WHMI that he abstained in light of board member John Conely’s concerns. Conely has been critical at recent meetings of board members who vote on teacher contracts while having spouses employed by the school district. However, Krause has pointed out many times that his wife, an educational assistant at Hilton School, is paid from Title I federal funds, not through local taxpayer dollars. Superintendent Gray has also told the board that four attorneys’ legal opinions have indicated there is no conflict. (TT)

Howell Woman Arrested After Wedding Reception Assault On HusbandHowell Woman Arrested After Wedding Reception Assault On Husband

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A Livingston County woman was arrested Saturday after police say she physically attacked her husband at a northern Michigan wedding reception. Deputies with the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office were called to a residence in the Village of Cedar in response to a reported fight in progress. Upon arrival, deputies found a wedding reception in progress where witnesses said a fight had broken out between the 41-year-old Howell woman and her husband, who were both intoxicated. The witnesses added that the woman had repeatedly struck her husband during the fight. When deputies attempted to interview the woman, she tried to walk away and get into a vehicle. She was detained, and after being interviewed, arrested for domestic assault and taken to the Leelanau County Jail. The suspect's husband was not injured during the assault. (JK)

Brighton Sidewalk Repair Project Expected To Begin SoonBrighton Sidewalk Repair Project Expected To Begin Soon

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A sidewalk repair project that is long overdue in the City of Brighton is expected to begin soon. Director of Public Works Director Dave Blackmar says there are some residential areas in the city where the sidewalks have become uneven, mostly due to tree roots pushing the sidewalks up. The uneven surface creates trip hazards and the DPW has been working to correct the issue for some time now. Blackmar tells WHMI the project had been put off due to a lack of money but city council was finally able to buckle down this year and make funding the project a priority. Now that funds have been secured, the first phase of the city’s comprehensive sidewalk repair and maintenance program is ready to begin. A firm timeline for the project has not been set at this time, but Blackmar says contractor Lacaria Concrete Construction will be ready to start after the upcoming Labor Day weekend. The DPW is also asking that residents report any trip hazard spots that are not listed for the project’s first stage. Those problem areas may be fixed in a future stage of the program. Those spots can be reported by contacting the DPW at 810-225-8001. A link to a map that shows where the repairs will occur is available below. (DK)

Milford Woman Hospitalized After Crash Caused By Jeep of Teens Milford Woman Hospitalized After Crash Caused By Jeep of Teens

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A Milford Township woman was hospitalized following a crash Monday evening. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two car injury crash at the intersection of Wixom Road and Meadow Circle in Commerce Township around 6:20pm. Police say a 16-year-old operating a 2009 Jeep Liberty westbound on Wixom Road caused the crash when he turned left in front of a 2010 Mercury Mariner, driven by a 68-year-old Milford Township woman. She was hospitalized and listed in serious condition while a 94-year-old male passenger is listed in critical condition. Police say the 16-year-old driver of the Jeep fled the scene on foot after the crash but was later identified by deputies. He was transported to a hospital by his mother and was listed in stable condition. The Jeep Liberty had three male passengers inside the vehicle - aged 21, 15 and 16. Police say all three fled the scene but were later identified. Police said alcohol did not appear to be a factor although drugs were suspected on the 16-year-old driver of the jeep. A blood sample was obtained pursuant to a search warrant and the crash remains under investigation. (JM)

Ceremony Will Honor Fallen South Lyon MarineCeremony Will Honor Fallen South Lyon Marine

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A ceremony to honor the memory of a fallen South Lyon Marine is set to take place next week. The Lance Corporal Dominic Ciaramitaro USMC Athletic Complex will be dedicated Thursday, September 1st at 6:40pm at South Lyon High School. It’s being held by South Lyon VFW Post 1224 and the South Lyon Community Schools in memory of Ciaramitaro, a former South Lyon student, who died in combat in April of 2011 while fighting in Afghanistan. The district has encouraged students and the community at large to honor the “hometown hero” by dressing in red, white and blue for the football game that will follow against the Howell Highlanders. Among those expected to attend are members of Ciaramitaro’s family and Marines who served in his unit from the Third Battalion, 9th Marines. In addition to a military color guard, there will also be a moment of silence and wreath laying. The South Lyon High School Band is also expected to play the National Anthem, Taps, and the Marine Corps hymn during the ceremony. Fundraising also continues for an engraved memorial to Ciaramitaro. You’ll find a link to that below. (JK)

Howell Schools Exceed Most State Averages In M-STEP TestHowell Schools Exceed Most State Averages In M-STEP Test

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Results from a statewide test show that students at Howell Public Schools have grown in some content areas but fell short of previous scores in other subjects. The results from the 2015-2016 summative test, the M-STEP, were released Tuesday by the Michigan Department of Education. Michigan students took the test for the first time last year. The purpose of the M-STEP is to see where students measure up against the state’s higher standards in English language arts and mathematics. Superintendent Erin MacGregor says the Howell Public School district’s data closely mirrors the state’s average data. In areas where the state average increased, Howell’s did as well and the same with areas where there was a decrease. However, the district’s M-STEP scores exceeded state averages in all but one grade level content area. MacGregor expects the district’s scores will rise over time as improvement teams review the data to determine where students can improve and how to make that happen. In the meantime though, MacGregor is pleased and says there were even double digit gains in some grade levels and content areas. You can view Howell’s results at the link below. (DK)

Howell Nature Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic Exceeds Donation Goal Howell Nature Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic Exceeds Donation Goal

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The Howell Nature Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic will remain open for business thanks to the generous support of the community during an urgent appeal. Officials said the response has been overwhelming with offers of support still coming in – which will make a difference in many wild lives. As of Tuesday, $68,000 has been raised to help injured and orphaned wild animals, which will keep the clinic doors open through 2016 and beyond. The clinic cares for hundreds of animals at any given time and is staffed 95% by volunteers. It was forced to close for a week after experiencing an unprecedented number of injured and orphaned animal cases in 2016. It was able to reopen on Monday for new animals. Officials ask that individuals continue to support the vital community service as every year presents a struggle for funding and wild patient cases continue to increase. Information about the various ways to help wildlife rehabilitation and education programs is available through the link below. (JM)

Trump Supporters Gather For Flash Mob In BrightonTrump Supporters Gather For Flash Mob In Brighton

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More than 100 supporters of one presidential nominee gathered together in Brighton to publicly show support for their candidate. A pop-up mob for Republican Donald Trump inhabited a stretch of Grand River’s sidewalks near Charles Orndorf Drive near Meijer, Tuesday afternoon. Supporters from all over the county came to the gathering dressed in red, white, and blue and waved signs and pictures supporting Trump for an hour and a half. Tea Party activist Wes Nakagiri said that the reaction garnered from passerby’s was very positive. He said there was a lot of honking and thumbs-ups given, with a few lewd gestures sprinkled in from dissenters. State Representative Hank Vaupel from Handy Township was on-hand and said that this event helps officially kick off the Michigan campaign for a Trump presidency. Tuesday’s rally was part of a grassroots initiative that took place in 25 communities across the state simultaneously. Vaupel also encouraged everybody to get out and vote, no matter whose side you’re on, because it’s a right that a lot of people have died fighting for. (MK)

MDOT Open House Discusses Upcoming Bridge Repair Project MDOT Open House Discusses Upcoming Bridge Repair Project

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A maintenance project to fix six bridges in Livingston County will soon be underway. An open house was held at the Green Oak Township Hall Tuesday night so interested residents and stakeholders could learn more about the Michigan Department of Transportation’s $2.2 (m) million dollar project. Mark Sweeney, Manager of the Brighton Transportation Service Center, says a detailed schedule has not been set yet but the work will occur starting this fall and finish up sometime next summer. The fixes will include deck patching, joint replacement, overlays, repairs on concrete and steel structures and filling in painted areas. Sweeney tells WHMI the work seems minimal but is necessary in order to get the full life expected out of the bridges. The bridges at Lee, Crouse, Clyde, Faussett, Center and White Lake Road will be rehabilitated, though two of the locations will require complete closure. The bridges at Lee and Faussett Road will be closed for the project’s duration, beginning at Lee Road mid-September. The contractor has a maximum of 21 days, 18 of which are allotted for 2016. The other locations will stay open and traffic will be maintained through signal control. Sweeney says many are concerned about the Lee Road bridge closure because it is a central spot to access the shopping center but also for those commuting to and from work. Sweeney admits the detours “aren’t great” but says the closure will be relatively short and asks that motorists bear with MDOT. Additional information about the repairs and detours can be found at the link below. (DK)

Majority Of Road Restrictions Lifted For Labor Day WeekendMajority Of Road Restrictions Lifted For Labor Day Weekend

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A large majority of traffic restrictions will be lifted during the holiday weekend to make traveling more convenient. The Michigan Department of Transportation will be suspending as much construction work as possible beginning at 3pm on Friday until 6am Tuesday. Traffic restrictions will be lifted on 92 of the 131 active projects statewide. MDOT Spokeswoman Kari Arend says MDOT will be suspending road work and moving construction barrels wherever possible. Arend says MDOT has no choice but to leave some lane restrictions in effect and asks that motorists stay alert, avoid distractions and use caution while driving in work zones. You can find more information about what work zones will have active restrictions at the link below. (DK)

Building Services Agreement Approved In City Of Howell Building Services Agreement Approved In City Of Howell

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The City of Howell has a new contract for building services incorporating a change in scope to accommodate a higher level of building activity being experienced. The City had previously contracted with the Livingston County Building Department but roughly two to three years ago, began contracting with Code Enforcement Services, a division of Carlisle-Wortman. Howell City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI a staff person from CES will be in the office three days a week, four hours a day, to help with walk-in traffic and some other things the City is experiencing, including code enforcement and building issues. Charles says the initial agreement was short term and restricted slightly to get a sense of what worked or didn’t and timing needs. Now a couple years into the agreement and based on experience, the City will be shifting the approach to a more on site presence. Craig Strong will still remain the City’s building official, however having the inspector in the office should help address issues faster. Building permit activity has been consistent for the last two to three years and Charles says they don’t anticipate any significant change over the next couple of years. He says the agreement does have a 30-day out clause for both parties so if something dramatic does change, then they can rework the agreement within a 30-day period. The building services contract was approved during an August meeting of the Howell City Council. It was noted during the meeting that the City will be receiving a higher level of service with the new contract, for roughly the same amount of money. (JM)

First Half Of Hacker Road Reconstruction Completed, Second Half BeginsFirst Half Of Hacker Road Reconstruction Completed, Second Half Begins

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A reconstruction project is expected to pose some traffic problems beginning today in Oceola and Hartland Townships. Earlier this month, Hacker Road between Golf Club and Norlynn Drive was reconstructed and then reopened today. A second portion of Hacker Road, north of Norlynn Drive to south of Bergin Road, will be closed for pavement and reconstruction work. The Livingston County Road Commission says that stretch of Hacker Road will be closed beginning today and a completion date has not been scheduled at this time. The project involves major earthwork that will alter the road’s profile and includes deep cuts and fills. The road commission notes that during the work, emergency response routing will be affected and some homes will also have restricted access. Updates will be provided as the project schedule progresses. (DK)

Howell Woman Sentenced For Role In Fatal Crash Howell Woman Sentenced For Role In Fatal Crash

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A Howell woman charged in connection with a crash that killed a motorcyclist on D-19 near Keddle Road last summer has been sentenced. 32-year-old Lisa Finlayson was sentenced Thursday on charges related to the August 18th crash in 2015 that resulted in the death of a Howell man. Finlayson has been sentenced to 86 months to 15 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. She pleaded guilty last month to a felony charge of Operating with the Presence of Cocaine Causing Death and a misdemeanor of Operating with the Presence of Cocaine with an Occupant less than 16. In exchange for the plea, a misdemeanor charge of moving violation causing death was dismissed without prejudice. The crash that occurred just over a year ago claimed the life of 51-year-old Lawrence Pettis of Howell. Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post said Pettis was driving a Honda Goldwing northbound on D-19 when he was struck from behind by a 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. Pettis was pronounced deceased at the scene. Finlayson, and her 3-year-old son, who was a passenger, were not injured. Earlier this month, Finlayson attempted to flee while being transported to 53rd Brighton District Court for a hearing in the case of the fatal crash. She was captured and charged with one count of escape while awaiting trial for a felony. A hearing in that case was recently adjourned to September 9th to continue plea negotiations. (DK)

MDOT Grant Will Create Road Construction Jobs In Fenton Township MDOT Grant Will Create Road Construction Jobs In Fenton Township

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Over 50 jobs will be created in Fenton Township as the result of an economic grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation. The Transportation Economic Development Fund helps finance highway, road and street projects that are critical to the movement of people and products. MDOT is awarding a state transportation economic grant totaling $896,000 that will leverage over $9.1 (m) million dollars in private investment. Performance Fabricating, which specializes in steel fabrication and robotic welding, plans to construct a new 100,000-square-foot production facility and headquarters on Thompson Road in Fenton Township. The Genesee County Road Commission will reconstruct Thompson Road between Torrey Road and the northbound US-23 ramps. The reconstruction is expected to increase safety, improve the road surface and enable full truck loads for vehicles accessing Performance Fabricating. The total cost of the project is $1.4 (m) million dollars including $896,000 in grant funds, $284,000 from the Road Commission, and $240,000 from Fenton Township. (DK)

Driver Of Stolen Vehicle Who Fled Police Heads To TrialDriver Of Stolen Vehicle Who Fled Police Heads To Trial

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A Lansing man who attempted to break into a car and fled from police has been bound over for trial in Livingston County. 20-year-old Moses Jamal Lingua is charged with receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle, third degree fleeing a police officer, breaking and entering a vehicle to steal property less than $200, no license and possession of marijuana. Lingua was bound over on those charges to Livingston County Circuit Court Wednesday. The charges stem from his involvement in the incident that occurred August 3rd in Genoa Township. State Police at the Brighton Post were called early that morning to the 2800 block of Ontario Court for a report of suspicious subjects attempting to break into a car. The dispatched trooper observed a white vehicle leaving the area and attempted to make a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle, a 2007 Mercury Milan, refused to pull over and fled. A chase (captured on the police car video posted here) ensued down D-19 for approximately two miles until the Milan attempted to enter westbound I-96, at which point the trooper used a maneuver that caused the suspect vehicle to spin out of control into a ditch and rollover. The vehicle, which was reported stolen by the Lansing Police Department, was driven by Lingua. 19-year-old Malachi Irving and 18-year-old Laron Wilcox, also of Lansing, were passengers in the car. Irving and Wilcox are scheduled to be arraigned September 14th. (DK)

Denim & Diamonds Fundraiser Helps Victims of AbuseDenim & Diamonds Fundraiser Helps Victims of Abuse

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A fundraiser event helps raise funds and awareness of domestic assault programs in the county. Later this month LACASA will hold one of its largest fundraisers of the year. The sixth annual Denim & Diamonds event is set for Friday, September 16th will be held in its new location. Special Event Coordinator for LACASA Danielle Moore says there is a lot in store for the evening. She says the event is a fundraiser that LACASA hosts each fall to raise support and the funds for the critical programs for the victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. It’s a western themed fundraiser so there’s a lot going on from wild West gambling, a barbecue cooked meals, two types of raffles, and we’ll also have a bonfire, then there’s going to be live music all night long by Carrie Holms, and a western themed photo booth and top the night off with a fire works show. Moore says raffle prizes include a diamond worth $6,000, a 55 inch television and a special edition Richard Lim print depicting a scene from Downtown Howell. She says the family friendly event will also include a horse show provided by Rach Riding of Milford. This year’s event will be held at the Cross W Ranch on D-19 in Howell, which is a rustic barn with a new horse arena. Moore says western wear isn’t a requirement, but some people choose to dress up in hats, boots or even a tiara. Tickets are $100 each and are available on the LACASA website or through the link below. (DS)

One Million Michiganders To Hit The Roads This Labor Day WeekendOne Million Michiganders To Hit The Roads This Labor Day Weekend

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Around 1 million Michiganders will be hitting the road this weekend for the unofficial end of the summer season. Sunny weather and rising temperatures projected for Labor Day weekend are expected to turn many of Michigan’s favorite getaways into popular destinations. However, Public Affairs Specialist for AAA, Gary Bubar, believes the roads won’t be as packed as they were during some of the earlier summer holidays, like Memorial Day and the 4th of July largely because some schools have already begun their new year. Bubar expects that low gas prices and a more favorable economy than the couple years will help destinations like Mackinaw City, Traverse City, and Frankenmuth thrive this weekend. Many of Michigan’s inland lakes will also see crowds of people looking to get in one last summer hurrah. To help ease traffic flow, the Michigan Department of Transportation is suspending many of their construction projects this weekend, opening up extra lanes on many highways. State Police and local enforcement will also be out in full force so drivers are reminded about the dangers of drinking and driving along with cell phone use. (MK)

Golf Outing To Raise Money For Scholarships In Memory Of Fallen OfficerGolf Outing To Raise Money For Scholarships In Memory Of Fallen Officer

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It’s a final call for golfers to take part in an outing Friday that will raise money for a scholarship fund established in memory of a police officer from Livingston County who lost his life in the line of duty. The Patrick O’Rourke Memorial Scholarship Fund will hold its 2nd annual golf outing tomorrow at The Golf Club at Mt. Brighton. For $75 per person or $300 for a team of four, golfers will get eighteen holes with cart, a gift bag, along with a continental breakfast, light lunch at the turn and a pig roast dinner at the end. Sergeant O’Rourke was a West Bloomfield police officer living in Tyrone Township. On September 9th of 2012, after his shift was over, O’Rourke responded to a call about someone potentially seeking to harm themselves. He was shot and killed by the very person he was trying to help. His family established the scholarship fund in his memory. His family says they want to help young people pursuing careers in law enforcement and criminal justice, while honoring Patrick’s memory For information on how to sign up for the Patrick O’Rourke Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Outing, ckick on the link below. (JK)
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