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US-23 Ramp Closures Tonight, Weather PermittingUS-23 Ramp Closures Tonight, Weather Permitting

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The Michigan Department of Transportation has scheduled ramp closures tonight at the I-96/US-23 interchange in Brighton. M-DOT says the following ramp closures will take place tonight, weather permitting: - Northbound US-23 exit ramp to eastbound I-96 closed - Southbound US-23 exit ramp to eastbound I-96 closed The ramp closures will start at 10pm and last thru 5am Thursday. The detour will be westbound I-96 to Spencer Road (Exit #147) to eastbound I-96. (JM)

Charges Moved To Juvenile Court For Defendant In School Shooting PlotCharges Moved To Juvenile Court For Defendant In School Shooting Plot

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One of the three defendants charged with plotting to shoot up a local school has had charges against him dropped in adult court. 16-year-old Lamarr Dukes of West Bloomfield had been charged in Genesee County Circuit Court with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and false report or threat of terrorism. But on Monday, those charges were dropped and his case transferred to juvenile court. Dukes was charged along with 19-year-old Ryan Stevens of Linden and 16-year-old Cody Brewer of Wolverine Lake after authorities say they conspired to bring guns to Linden High School last October, kill a student Stevens felt had disrespected him online and then shoot the school up. 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. Dukes and Stevens, who pleaded guilty in August as part of a plea deal that dismissed the conspiracy charge, will be required to testify against Brewer, who is set for trial October 12th. Sentencing for Stevens, which will take place in adult court, was set for November 8th. (JK)

Gas Main Break Disrupts Service & Traffic In Downtown Howell Gas Main Break Disrupts Service & Traffic In Downtown Howell

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A gas main break impacted businesses and shut down some streets in downtown Howell today. Construction crews working on a parking lot project near Clinton and Walnut hit a two-inch plastic gas main while working this morning. No evacuations were deemed necessary but various intersections were closed to traffic in downtown Howell through early afternoon. Consumers Energy spokeswoman Debra Dodd says crews knew they hit the gas main right away and the intersection adjacent to the parking lot was closed until Consumers could make repairs. Dodd estimates 25-35 customers were affected by the gas main break, many of which were businesses along Grand River. She says gas was shut off by 10:15am and service was restored by 12:30pm, noting Consumers Energy crews made sure everything was running safely before they left. While this parking lot involved a different contractor, Dodd says there have been at least three other breaks across the street from this project caused during sewer work. Dodd tells WHMI it has been a very busy summer downtown and not in a good way as they would prefer these breaks not happen but whenever they do, they quickly respond to make sure everything is safe and that customers get service restored as soon as possible. Even though this break was caused by large equipment, Dodd says it’s a great reminder to know the approximate location of where you can and cannot dig safely since it’s that time of year when everybody is trying to hustle up and get outdoor projects done. She says they recommend anyone planning on doing any digging, even serious digging with a shovel, should call 8-1-1 or contact Miss Dig and request free staking of underground utilities at least three days in advance. (JM)

Howell Homecoming Parade Will Temporarily Close Part Of Grand RiverHowell Homecoming Parade Will Temporarily Close Part Of Grand River

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A homecoming event in downtown Howell this Friday will shut down part of Grand River Avenue for a little while. The Howell High School homecoming parade will take place this Friday. Grand River Avenue will be closed from National Street to Byron Road from 4 to 6pm. The Howell Police Department is asking that motorists instead use Sibley and Clinton Streets as an alternate route. Parking will not be allowed on Grand River between those same hours as well and drivers are asked to find alternative parking. You can find a map of the planned closure on the Howell Police Department’s Facebook page.

Monday Picnic At Local Habitat For Humanity ReStore To Mark "World Habitat Day"Monday Picnic At Local Habitat For Humanity ReStore To Mark "World Habitat Day"

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A community picnic is planned next week to commemorate World Habitat Day. Livingston County Habitat for Humanity will be hosting a picnic on Monday at the ReStore on Grand River in Brighton to help bring attention to the need for adequate housing around the world and locally. Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. Executive Director Larry Pfeil tells WHMI more than 30 years ago, the United Nation General Assembly took an important step based on the idea that everybody deserves a decent place to live and declared the first Monday of October World Habitat Day. He says Habitat International and its affiliates around the world join with partners to recognize the basic right of everyone to have adequate shelter. Pfeil says what Habitat has found over the years as people are put into a stable environment is that it opens up opportunities for them, their health is better, kids do better in school, families and marriages are more stable and they become all that God has intended them to be. Monday’s celebration picnic will run from roughly 11:30 to 1pm. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to talk about the Habit for Humanity program, mission and projects along with various community partners. Pfeil says they’ll have a tent out in front with free hotdogs and refreshments so people can come in and see the store, noting the ReStore is their largest annual fundraiser and the money from it helps them build homes in Livingston County for families in need. Pfeil says they are currently planning a dedication event for the home they just finished in Conway Township for a family of three, noting resources from the ReStore went to help complete that home. Pfeil says the local affiliate also tithes money to Habitat International under a covenant agreement, which is used to build elsewhere in the world. Pfeil says the local tithe this year was designated to be used in Bangladesh, which has been classified as one of the neediest countries in the world. He notes Habitat International was started in 1976 and to date, has built one million homes housing over five million people in 93 countries. Pfeil says anyone is welcome to attend Monday’s picnic and in conjunction with World Habitat Day, everything at the ReStore will be 20% off –with the exception of paint, paint supplies and carpet squares. Further details are available in the link below. (JM)

VINA Community Dental Center Opens Crowdsourcing CampaignVINA Community Dental Center Opens Crowdsourcing Campaign

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A local non-profit dental facility is teaming up with a hospital system and is looking for the public’s help. The VINA Community Dental Center has helped nearly 2,000 uninsured patients in Livingston County with dental care since opening their clinic in Brighton back in 2008. Earlier this summer they joined forces with St. Joseph Mercy Livingston in an effort to provide better service to even more patients. When low-income, uninsured patients visit the emergency room at St. Joseph’s for dental pain, they will be referred to the VINA Clinic for treatment. The patient will then be monitored in order to prevent a return visit to the ER. The program is also aimed at helping prevent the overuse of antibiotics and narcotic pain medications, while providing a reliable dental home to patients. To help jumpstart this process, St. Joesph Mercy Livingston has provided a $12,500 grant to the VINA Clinic with an offer to match an additional $12,500. Now, VINA has opened a crowdsourcing campaign hoping to raise the funds to be matched and is asking the public to help. Anybody wishing to help can find the campaign online at https://www.crowdrise.com/vina-st-joseph-hospital-match/fundraiser/vina-community-dental-center. (MK)

City Reviewing Two Offers On Highland-Howell Property City Reviewing Two Offers On Highland-Howell Property

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The City of Howell has received two offers on a large piece of property it’s been looking sell. The Howell City Council met Monday night and received an update on the status of the undeveloped Highland Howell property. The parcel is located near Lucy Road and a listing price of $5 (m) million was previously agreed to, although negotiable. Terms of the two offers have not been disclosed but both proposals were said to have lengthy due diligence periods. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the two offers of $2.5 (m) million and $3 (m) million are being reviewed with real estate officials and an update will be presented to council in two to four weeks. The parcel is located on the south side of the city near Lucy Road and has a number of favorable characteristics, although there are some access issues. City officials said early on that any potential sale would not happen overnight since it’s a large piece of property totaling 212 acres with wetland issues. (JM)

Construction Set To Begin On New UM Brighton Health Center Construction Set To Begin On New UM Brighton Health Center

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Construction is set to get underway on the University of Michigan Brighton Health Center South. The U-M Health System plans to build a new 320,000-square-foot health center to provide expanded primary and specialty care in the Brighton area. The facility will be built on 32 acres owned by the University at Challis Road and Karl Greimel Drive. Once operational, the University of Michigan Brighton Health Center South will bring over 300 jobs and serve over 250,000 patients a year. The new Brighton Health Center South will bring more than 40 University of Michigan specialty services to children and adults under one roof. The city says it’s looking forward to the opportunities that this new development will bring to the community. The number of patients visiting clinics has risen steadily and officials have said the project follows the high demand for high-quality care, noting new-patient appointment volume has increased by 38% in the past five years. U of M Health System operates three existing health centers in the Brighton area, which will remain open. The new building project is expected to take nearly two years to complete. It’s unclear if this week’s rainy weather has impacted the project start date but construction equipment is on site. U of M representatives told WHMI Thursday afternoon that construction is underway. (JM)

Howell DDA Releases Annual Report, Announces New Cleary PartnershipHowell DDA Releases Annual Report, Announces New Cleary Partnership

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The Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority released their annual report and announced a new project, Wednesday night. The DDA Board released the 2015-16 report highlighting many of the past years positives that have been happening in the downtown district. Among honors received was top-10 Great American Main Street Status and were ranked as the #2 downtown in the country by USA Today. The DDA also established 501c3 status this past summer. In the past year, 19 new businesses have opened creating 46 new jobs. DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly said the $4.3 million in private and public investments they’ve raised have gone a long way towards helping establish downtown Howell as a place to be. She also thanked the community for offering over 4,200 volunteer hours that allowed many of their functions to be possible. The board also introduced a new program and partnership with Cleary University and their marketing curriculum. The C-U Downtown program will find students working to highlight and promote downtown Howell as the heart of the community. The 10-week program will focus on shopping, dining, and the architecture within the city. A copy of the DDA’s report will be online soon at www.DowntownHowell.org. (MK)

Lee Road Bridge Reopened Over US-23Lee Road Bridge Reopened Over US-23

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After nearly three weeks, a major overpass in the Brighton area has reopened. The Michigan Department of Transportation says that the Lee Road bridge over US-23 in Green Oak Township is now open to traffic. The bridge has been closed since September 12 for repair as part of a larger bridge repair project along the US-23 corridor this fall in Livingston County. The $2.2 million project involves several other bridges which are set to receive preventative maintenance work. Single-lane closures on the White Lake Road bridge are expected to last until October 13th; the Crouse Road bridge the weekends of October 7th and 14th and Center Road until October 19th. That’s the same day the complete closure of the Faussett Road bridge over US-23 will start and is expected to last through November 5th. MDOT detours include Old 23, Clyde Road and Runyan Lake Road. But the reopening of the Lee Road bridge today comes as a major relief for drivers, especially those trying to get to the Green Oak Village Place Mall. Even though the freeway ramps on both northbound and southbound US-23, as well as all three Lee Road roundabouts, remained open while the work was taking place, the inability to cross the freeway was a major headache for many. However, a three-day closure is still planned next spring to work on the Lee Road bridge surface.

Howell High School Taking Part In Michigan College Month Howell High School Taking Part In Michigan College Month

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Howell High School will be participating in Michigan College Month in October as part of efforts to foster a college-going culture. Several events throughout the month will promote the various post-secondary education options available to seniors and provide help applying for college and financial aid. Counselors and staff have several activities planned including decorated halls, signs on classroom doors indicating where a teacher attended college, fun games and swag giveaways for students who complete a college application. Staff and volunteers will also help seniors complete applications for two and four-year colleges and technical and trade programs. The school's goal is to have every senior apply to at least one post-secondary education institution, complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid and apply for at least one scholarship. HHS Dean of Students Lisa O’Connor says with so many post-secondary education options for students to choose from, it can become overwhelming. She says they want to ensure seniors have the knowledge, resources and support they need to research and apply to various schools and programs. Further details are available in the press release. (JM)

Handy Township to Try to Purchase Delinquent PropertyHandy Township to Try to Purchase Delinquent Property

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One local township hopes purchasing a delinquent property will help its bottom line. Handy Township officials agreed to transfer $275,000 out of the general fund to its sewer fund this morning to take to the state’s tax sale next week. The township hopes to purchase what is known as Red Cedar Phase 3, which has been delinquent for about 8 years. Township Supervisor Ed Alverson says the 16.64-acre parcel has the potential of 112 REUs, which will help boost the sewer fund if it is developed. He says the township will attempt to purchase the property because it doesn’t want to see it purchased for just $100. If it is purchased privately, there is the potential that the township would not see any tax revenue from it, and it wouldn’t benefit the sewer fund. Alverson says the sewer fund has been struggling since the recession nearly a decade ago. He says there are three Sewer Assessment Districts in Handy Township; most of these were developed around 2005, and the great recession came along in about 2007 to 2008. He says they had several developers who walked away from their commitments to these SADs, so the sewer fund is anemic at best. Alverson says it's not in good shape because of all the people that defaulted on their payments. The township is cautiously optimistic if the real estate market holds up over the next 5 to 8 years the sewer fund will dig it's way back out and will be in the black again. Alverson says the first two phases of Red Cedar Crossings were sold and are being developed. The third parcel apparently was not sold and the original owner defaulted. Alverson says this is one of two developments left that could help the township recoup some of its loss. The 200 acres known as the Mitch Harris property won’t go to tax sale until August of 2017. Alverson says the township has been working with Livingston County for several years to bring down the debt on that property, which has the potential for 279 REUs. He says currently, taxes, interest and penalties on that property are up over $3.8 (m) million. Alverson says the township is doing what it can to resuscitate the sewer fund, but it will take several years before it is solvent again. (DS)

Heart Of Howell Owners Named Fantasy Of Light Grand Marshals Heart Of Howell Owners Named Fantasy Of Light Grand Marshals

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A local couple that has devoted themselves to the city of Howell has been named as this year’s Grand Marshals for the annual Fantasy of Lights Parade. Joe and Becky Parker, who own the Heart of Howell and Frontal Lobe in downtown Howell, say they are honored and thrilled to have been chosen as the Grand Marshals for the parade. Aside from their businesses and the investments they’ve made into the city, the Parkers are said to be known for their generous charitable contributions to an array of organizations. The Parkers moved to Howell in 1989 and raised their two daughters there. Joe Parker says it was his daughters that convinced him to invest in the city and it was then that their family devoted themselves to Howell’s growth. Pat Convery, president of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, says the Parkers are an asset to the chamber and entire community. The 33rd annual Fantasy of Lights Parade will be held Friday, November 25th. More information about the Fantasy of Lights can be found at Howell.org.

New Cleary University President Officially Inaugurated New Cleary University President Officially Inaugurated

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Livingston County’s only university held a ritual ceremony last night to inaugurate the school’s new president. Jayson Boyers has served as Cleary University’s president for a year now. The school, with has a main campus in Genoa Township, welcomed the president to his position with a unique event. Boyers was given the choice to be inaugurated at the beginning of his term, or take part in an investiture ceremony within the first year. Boyers chose the latter because he says he felt it would be more meaningful to get to know the community before speaking to them about his vision. He says the ceremony is unique because it links the work of past presidents to the school’s future. An investiture ceremony is an academic tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. Boyers was presented with a mace walking stick, which was a gift to the university’s founder, and a medallion that symbols authority. After he accepted the two symbolic objects, he shared his goals with guests. Boyers says he wants to build more relationships between the school and community organizations and businesses. Boyers tells WHMI he feels Livingston County is the perfect place to foster those relationships. In fact, Boyers feels Cleary’s success depends on the connections made with the community, saying the school “…must partner or perish.” Boyers says he has enjoyed his first year as president, and that it has been challenging, all-consuming and wonderful. (DK)

Life Of Beloved Brighton Leader To Be Celebrated SaturdayLife Of Beloved Brighton Leader To Be Celebrated Saturday

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The life of a longtime City of Brighton public servant will be honored and celebrated at an event Saturday. Family, friends and colleagues of former Downtown Development Authority and Community Development director Matt Modrack are invited to gather tomorrow for the memorial at the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce building from 11am to 1:30pm. The 62-year-old Modrack passed away in August after a lengthy struggle with heart issues. Modrack has been described as a larger-than-life figure who molded the downtown into the success it is today as a shopping, dining and recreational destination. There will be a meet & greet and lunch with Modrack’s family after the memorial. Additional details are available through the Brighton chamber at 810-227-5086. (JK)

Drick Fired From Humane Society, Pursuing Legal Action Drick Fired From Humane Society, Pursuing Legal Action

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The former executive director of the Humane Society of Livingston County is pursuing a wrongful termination lawsuit against the non-profit. Deb Drick was terminated following an executive session of the Board of Directors September 19th. She was notified the next day that her position was being eliminated, effective immediately, as part of a reorganization. Drick believes otherwise and told WHMI she feels the termination was due to her pushing for a policy about animals being adopted out with biting tendencies and her halting an adoption she believed to be dangerous. Board President Joe Miskovich disputed the various allegations, saying there are proper protocols and temperament tests before any animal is adopted out. He says adoptions are at the discretion of the animal welfare director, Karen Kazyak, who has over 25 years of experience. In one instance, Drick objected to a dog being adopted out to a family with several children due to a verbal account of it snapping at a baby. He says the family had lengthy interaction with the dog prior to adoption and couldn’t be happier, noting the verbal account was disclosed and there have never been any issues. He says that, six of the seven board members voted to terminate the position of Executive Director, "to help foster a better collaborative environment for staff, volunteers and board members. It was also evident that with the staff we have in place, the E.D. position was not needed to run the shelter. Deb was never terminated because of fighting adoptions." Meanwhile, other board members have resigned since Drick was terminated, including Mary Helfmann, Mike Moloney and Daria Devantier. The reasons why have not been disclosed. Drick was hired in April after Shelter Administrator Barb Benford was let go after 30 years with the organization. At that time, officials said Drick was hired to bring about change within the non-profit related to procedures and structure, and Drick acknowledged she had no formal animal experience. Drick has also retained Pinckney attorney Jim Fett to represent her in a suit against the HSLC, as well as several board members personally. WHMI has left messages seeking comment from Helfmann and Moloney. Drick's statement is attached below, along with Miskovich's response. (JM/JK)

Halloween Spooktacular Returning To PinckneyHalloween Spooktacular Returning To Pinckney

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The village square in Pinckney will get a spooky makeover next month for the return of a popular family event. Pinckney’s Downtown Development Authority is bringing back the Halloween Spooktacular for the fifth year-in-a-row on Friday, October 28th. This free-to-the-public event begins at 6pm and gives families a chance to get into the Halloween spirit before the real trick-or-treating takes place. Speaking of, during the Spooktacular local businesses and sponsors will be handing out candy to children from the trunks of their costumed cars. The boy scouts will be making s’mores for attendees using a 10-pound marshmallow as the anchor. That evening, the Spooky Forest will be transformed to become more family friendly in nature. Kids of all ages will be able to walk through it and see the actors, lights, and sounds in action. The costume contest has been broken up to include more age groups this year. Everyone from newborns to adults will have an opportunity to show off their best disguises for prizes. Refreshments, music, games, and more also will be available until the event closes at 8:30pm. For more information on the event the village’s website at www.villageofpinckney.org, or visit the Spooktacular’s Facebook page online. Photo - Facebook (MK)

Corrections Officer From Brighton Found Guilty On Drug ChargesCorrections Officer From Brighton Found Guilty On Drug Charges

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A state corrections officer from Livingston County has been convicted of selling prescription drugs. An Oakland County Circuit Court jury on Thursday found 31-year-old Lawrence David Tylutki of Brighton guilty on multiple counts of delivery and or manufacture of a controlled substance and possessing a firearm in the commission of a felony. Tylutki was arrested February 25th in Farmington Hills after agents with the Oakland County Narcotics Enforcement Team witnessed him deliver 250 Roxicodone, Adderall and Xanax pills to an undercover informant near a high school at 11 Mile and Middlebelt roads. An additional 290 pills and prescription slips were later found in his car. Tylutki was hired as a corrections officer at Parnall Correctional Facility in Jackson last March and was still on probationary employee status at the time of his arrest. Tylutki, who was in uniform and armed with a .40 caliber handgun when he tried to sell the pills, faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced October 19th. (JK)

2017 Road Reconstruction Projects & Infrastructure Improvements In Howell2017 Road Reconstruction Projects & Infrastructure Improvements In Howell

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Some streets in the City of Howell that haven’t been reconstructed in more than 40 years will be getting attention next year. The Howell City Council discussed the 2017 road program and an engineering proposal during Monday night’s meeting. Multiple streets in the City have been identified as having poor surface conditions and are in need of infrastructure improvements. The proposed locations for the reconstruction projects include National Street from the Sibley intersection south to the City limits, East and West Park Streets from Clinton to North Street, Crane Street from Jewett to Center Street and Gregory Street from Washington to Brooks Street. Preliminary costs are not to exceed $175,000. Mayor Nick Proctor was interested in having staff and engineers look into the feasibility and costs associated with adding curbs on some streets where the asphalt is deteriorating on the sides and causing rutting. He felt curbing might be more cost effective compared to repeatedly fixing the edges of the roads. City Manager Shea Charles stated during the meeting that adding curb and gutter gets real expensive, real fast - especially in a historical neighborhood. He also cautioned water drainage issues need to be taken into account with curbing and some streets might not be feasible. Staff will be bringing back updated construction and engineering costs for Council review. Members postponed a vote since the projects won’t be starting up until early spring and there isn’t any time crunch. (JM)

Weekend Closures At I-96 & US-23 Weather Dependent Weekend Closures At I-96 & US-23 Weather Dependent

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Despite the rainy weather, motorists are being advised of possible closures this weekend at the I-96/US-23 interchange. The eastbound I-96 ramps to both northbound and southbound US-23 will be closed from 10pm Saturday to 10am Sunday. The Spencer Road ramp to eastbound I-96 will also be closed from 6pm Saturday to noon Sunday. Then on Monday, the westbound I-96 ramp to southbound US-23 will be closed. Detours will be posted. A listing of the planned closures is available through the link below. M-DOT officials say there is a chance they may need to be rescheduled due to inclement weather. (JM)
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