A local congressman who helped secure compensation for fungal meningitis victims and their families says the request has been approved. In July, $40 (m) million in compensation was set aside for victims and families impacted by the fungal meningitis outbreak of 2012. Congressman Mike Bishop today announced that the Department of Justice has approved the Massachusetts Attorney Generalâs application for the funds. The funds are now available through the Massachusetts AGâs office and all known victims and their families can learn how to apply for compensation through the link below. Bishop says itâs a reassuring step in the continuing fight for justice and theyâre much closer to getting them the help they need â stressing these families have gone through unimaginable heartache losing loved ones, caring for the sick and facing financial uncertainty for the last four years. The New England Compounding Center in Massachusetts was responsible for distributing 17,000 doses of a tainted steroid in 2012. Of the 778 people who became sick, at least 76 have died â including 19 in Michigan. Congressman Bishopâs district was hit particularly hard. 15 people died and many others became sick after receiving the NECCâs tainted steroid injections at a clinic in Livingston County. (JM)
Bishop: $40 Million Funding Request For Fungal Meningitis Victims Approved Bishop: $40 Million Funding Request For Fungal Meningitis Victims Approved
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Hamburg Library Hosting Arts & Crafts FairHamburg Library Hosting Arts & Crafts Fair
A community event rooted in the tradition of celebrating Michigan art and culture is approaching next weekend. The Hamburg Library will host its 8th Annual Fine Arts & Craft Fair on Saturday, October 8th. Officials say attendees can unearth an extensive selection of pottery, sculptures, wood carving and textiles. Also featured will be artwork and paintings in different mediums, photographs, hand-made jewelry, gem stones, and glasswork. Home based goods and light refreshments will be available. The arts and craft fair will run from 9am to 4pm next Saturday. (JM)
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Inmate Admits To Charges In Mill Pond Escape AttemptInmate Admits To Charges In Mill Pond Escape Attempt
A plea has been entered by an inmate of the Livingston County Jail who tried to escape near the Brighton Mill pond. On Friday, 40-year-old Nicole Vermeylen of Flushing pleaded guilty to home invasion, stealing or retaining a financial transaction device without consent and escape while awaiting trial for a felony. The charges stem from the August 3rd incident, when Vermeylen and 32-year-old Lisa Finlayson of South Lyon attempted to escape after they were transported over to the 53rd District Court in Brighton for hearings. The two were being escorted from the court building and into a patrol car when they made a break for it. Finlayson jumped into the Mill Pond, but was pulled out shortly after with a dredger. Vermeylen broke into a house and helped herself to a change of clothes but was arrested as she was leaving the home just after noon. 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. Vermeylen also pleaded no contest on Friday to a lesser offense of fourth-degree child abuse- a misdemeanor. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed the charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Her sentencing agreement calls for 18 months to 15 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. She will be sentenced October 20th. Finlayson is due back in court October 14th for a pre-trial hearing. (DK)
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Body Acceptance Movie Coming To Walled LakeBody Acceptance Movie Coming To Walled Lake
An independent movie about being comfortable within oneâs body is the centerpiece of an event being brought to the area by a former Brighton woman. Three years ago Taryn Brumfitt, a former bodybuilder, posted pictures online of herself before and after having three children that was shared over 100 million times. Critical response was also met by thousands of email of support which inspired Brumfitt to make the documentary of her journey. Brighton High School graduate Katie Morell got a chance to meet Brumfitt and in-turn was motivated to bring the movie and its message to southeast Michigan. The film, Embrace, will be screened on Wednesday, October 5th at the Commerce Township Stadium 14 Cinema in Walled Lake. Morell, who works as a freelance journalist in the San Francisco-area, told WHMI that this a story that all people, no matter how big or small, can bring something away from. The film begins at 7:30pm on the 5th. For people wanting even more of an experiences, there are related events at the theatre both before and after. A free chair yoga class will be held from 6:30 to 7pm, no yoga clothing required. A photographer will also be on hand to take pictures in front a large version of the movieâs poster for those whoâd like a bit of the red carpet experience. Following the movie, Morell will be on-hand to host a panel of experts discussing body image and acceptance. Tickets are $11 with a limited amount remaining. They can be purchased by visiting the link below. (MK)
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Annual LACASA Candlelight Vigil Set For TuesdayAnnual LACASA Candlelight Vigil Set For Tuesday
A community-wide domestic violence candlelight vigil will be hosted by LACASA Center to honor local victims who lost their lives to domestic violence. The annual vigil, now in its 20th year, will be held from 7 to 8pm Tuesday at the historic county courthouse in downtown Howell. Guests will gather in the courthouse amphitheater to view a memorial tribute to the Michigan children, women and men who have lost their lives to domestic violence. LACASAâs Teen Advisory Council will speak about the groupâs efforts to raise awareness in the high schools about teen dating abuse and teen dating violence. The Howell High School a cappella Choir will also perform as candles are lit in remembrance of lives lost and to celebrate the courage of survivors. LACASA is a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services for survivors of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault from Livingston County. Youâll find details through the link below. (DK)
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Local Police Officer Recognized With MADD Award Local Police Officer Recognized With MADD Award
A local police officer is being recognized for her commitment to putting an end to impaired driving. Officer Rebecca Kuzdek has worked at the Fowlerville Police Department since 2011. Kuzdek was one of six officers from across that state that was honored with the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Outstanding Officer Award. The recipients received the award at the MADD ceremony held in Mt. Pleasant on Thursday. Fowlerville Police Chief John Tyler nominated Kuzdek and says she is very active in seeking out Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and Operating Under the Influence Drivers (OUID). Between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2015, Kuzdek made 25 OWI and OUID arrests. The Fowlerville police departmentâs jurisdiction is just 3.3 square miles. Kuzdek is the first female officer in Livingston County to become a Drug Recognition Expert and is one of only three in the county. She is also a Standardized Field Sobriety Training instructor. Chief Tyler says Kuzdek is a very hard worker and great asset to the police department and Fowlerville Community. Kuzdek will be honored and recognized at the Village of Fowlervilleâs Council Meeting on Monday. (DK)
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Community Baby Shower Will Connect Parents To Local Programs And ServicesCommunity Baby Shower Will Connect Parents To Local Programs And Services
A community event this month hosted by a handful of local organizations will help new and expecting parents connect with available resources in Livingston County. The 2nd annual Community Baby Shower will be hosted by the LACASA Centerâs Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Council, the Great Start Collaborative of Livingston County and United Healthcare on Saturday, October 15th. The baby shower will be held from 9am to 12pm at the Heart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church on Burkhart Road in Howell. Holly Naylor, CAP Council Coordinator, says the goal of the event is to reach out to new and expecting parents to let them know what resources in the community can assist their family. Local government agencies, libraries, parent support groups, breastfeeding support and businesses with goods and services for young families will all be present. The event will also include educational programs, games, free food and door and raffle prizes. More information about the baby shower can be found through the link below. (DK)
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Ceremony Set Wednesday In Hartland To Honor Vietnam VetsCeremony Set Wednesday In Hartland To Honor Vietnam Vets
A ceremony planned this week will honor local Vietnam veterans in remembrance of the Vietnam Warâs 50th anniversary. Congressman Mike Bishop will be presenting veterans from Michiganâs 8th Congressional District with the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin. The pin is authorized by the United States Congress in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and is available for any veterans who served between 1955 and 1975. The pinning ceremony will take place at 2pm on Wednesday, October 5th at the Hartland Fire Station, 3205 Hartland Road. The ceremony is open only to veterans and their families and will also feature remarks from Commander Douglas Kuhn, American Legion Post 415. Local Vietnam War-era veterans who have not yet received their pin can contact Stuart Pigler in Congressman Bishopâs Brighton office at (810) 227-8600. (JK)
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Former Brighton DDA Director Remembered at MemorialFormer Brighton DDA Director Remembered at Memorial
A capacity crowd was on hand at the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce Saturday to pay tribute to a legend in Brighton who recently passed away at the age of 62. Former Downtown Development Authority Director Matt Modrack died on Aug. 11 at the University of Michigan Medical Center with his family at his bedside. Many community leaders eulogized Modrack as a visionary who was the force behind downtown Brighton's renaissance after a devastating recession. Those who attended gathered in a large tent provided by the Corrigan family in case it rained, on the front lawn of the chamber. But instead of rain, the sun unexpectedly came out just as the memorial started. That lent weight to the stated purpose of the memorial â as a celebration of Modrackâs life. As Chamber CEO and President Pam McConeghy put it, when Matt Modrack arrived in Brighton in 2005, âItâs like the storm hurricane 'Matthew' came. He was tough, but once you broke through, there was nobody better to be a friend to. Iâm extremely sorry to see him go, weâre all grieving, this community is grieving.â Brighton Mayor Jim Muzzin tells WHMI that downtown Brighton wouldnât be the success that many other communities envy, had it not been for Modrackâs drive, determination and dedication. In addition to local movers and shakers, Modrackâs widow, Barbara, was present, along with their two grown daughters and numerous extended family members. There were also delegations from Lapeer and Farmington Hills, where Modrack had also spent much of his career in city government before coming to Brighton. In recognition of what Modrack accomplished, not just for Brighton but the area, a representative of the Legacy Center in Green Oak Township announced that Modrack had been selected as the recipient of the Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award. The posthumous award was presented at the memorial to Barbara Modrack. (TT)
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Fowlerville Officials Donate Groundwater Model To School DistrictFowlerville Officials Donate Groundwater Model To School District
The Village of Fowlerville recently donated a unique groundwater model to Fowlerville Schools through a state grant. Since 2005, the Village of Fowlerville has been working through the Michigan Wellhead Protection Program, a federal program aimed at protecting drinking water within local communities. Communities that participate in the voluntary program take steps to safeguard their drinking water sources from contaminants. Among the many facets of the program are public education activities. Village officials say they worked with the Michigan Rural Water Association to apply for grant funding through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. A portion of the grant was dedicated to educating students in Fowlerville and paid for a physical representation of the water cycle. Because residents in the Village of Fowlerville receive their drinking water from groundwater, officials say the model is especially relevant as it gives students the opportunity to witness what happens when a drinking water well becomes contaminated. They add that the model provides students with a clear understanding of how groundwater and contamination move throughout the water cycle. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about local geology and environmental factors that impact the quality of water that is underneath their feet. For more information about the Village of Fowlerville Wellhead Protection Program or to get involved, please contact Kathy Arledge, Village of Fowlerville Clerk/Manager at 517-223-3771. Pictured is Fowlerville Community Schools Superintendent Wayne Roedelreceiving the model from Village President Wayne Copeland. (JK)
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Tour De Livingston Returning October 9thTour De Livingston Returning October 9th
Bicyclists of all skill levels invited to participate in a charity event that will take them to many fun and interesting areas in the region. The 9th Annual Tour de Livingston is scheduled to kick off from Mt. Brighton on Sunday, October 9th. The event is being run by the Howell Rotary Club and is in support of the Livingston County United Way. Proceeds from the ride will support their Basic Needs Fund, which provides for multiple programs like helping families keep their lights on. In the first 8 years of the ride, the Howell Rotary Club has raised over $215,000 for the fund. As for the tour itself, many different diverse courses are available to ride. There are 10 and 29-mile courses, along with a 5-mile family ride that stops at an ice cream shop. A 38-mile course will take cyclists onto the track at the GM Proving Grounds. A trip through Hell, and back can be made by participants wanting to brave a 62-mile ride. And finally, for the advanced cyclists, there is a 100-mile Century Ride. Early registration rates are available until October 8th. Adults can ride for $40, tandem riders for $60, and children 12-and-under can participate for just $5. Breakfast and lunch are included. For more information or to register, visit www.tourdelivingston.org. (MK)
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South Lyon Man Sentenced For Stealing Car With Child InsideSouth Lyon Man Sentenced For Stealing Car With Child Inside
A local man has been sentenced after stealing a car with a 1-year-old boy inside. 52-year-old Eric Lynn Scheffer of South Lyon was sentenced last week to a term of 2 to 15 years in prison for his guilty plea in Oakland County Circuit Court to two counts of unlawful driving away of an automobile and stealing a financial transaction device. Police say Scheffer stole a car August 22nd that was parked in a driveway on Hagadorn Street in South Lyon. The owner of the vehicle said he had momentarily left his son inside the running car while he went inside his father-in-lawâs home to retrieve some items. The father said he saw the car being driven away and called the police before jumping in his father-in-lawâs truck to give chase. Police said Scheffer eventually abandoned the vehicle on Calkins Road, north of 10 Mile with the 1-year-old still inside. South Lyon Police Chief Lloyd Collins soon spotted Scheffer in the area and stopped him. He claimed to be looking for his cellphone, which was later found inside the stolen vehicle. Scheffer later confessed, claiming he didnât know there was a child in the car when he stole it. (JK)
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Eberspaecher Celebrates Grand Opening Of Expanded Brighton Facility Tuesday Eberspaecher Celebrates Grand Opening Of Expanded Brighton Facility Tuesday
Governor Rick Snyder will be in town Tuesday as part of an event to celebrate the grand opening of a local companyâs recently expanded facility. The Eberspaecher Group is recognized as on the worldâs leading system developers and suppliers of exhaust technology, vehicle heaters and bus air conditioning systems. The company has tripled the size of its existing 110,000-square-feet facility off Charles Orndorf Drive in Brighton. Robert Lorence is the commercial vehicle business unit director for Eberspaecher North America. Lorence tells WHMI the family owned company was started in Germany 150 years ago and is now a leading global automotive supplier with three business units, with exhaust being the largest. He says the companyâs groundbreaking technologies keep it one step ahead with emission standards, which are becoming increasingly more stringent. Lorence says the Brighton facility has been growing ever since itâs groundbreaking and this latest expansion is significantly larger than others prior. He says thereâs 300,000-square-feet of manufacturing space and 40,000-square-feet of administrative space for a building essentially the size of six football fields. Tuesdayâs grand opening will highlight the companyâs significant investment and collaborations with the State of Michigan, the City of Brighton, Ann Arbor Spark and others. Governor Snyder, state and local government officials, automotive industry professionals and community members will join Eberspaecher executives during Tuesdayâs event. A ceremonial ribbon cutting is planned, along with facility tours and displays showcasing Eberspaecherâs technology. (JM)
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Event Celebrates New Canoe Slide At Island Lake State Recreation Area Event Celebrates New Canoe Slide At Island Lake State Recreation Area
Sunday marked the grand opening of a new feature on the Huron River at Island Lake State Recreation Area. The Friends of Island Lake State Recreation Area group celebrated the grand opening Sunday of the new Island Lake Canoe Portage Rail and the first led hike on the new Friends Foot Trail. The hike departed from the trailhead at the Kent Lake beach parking lot, near the new canoe slide and was followed by a ribbon cutting and cake to celebrate the new canoe rail at the Kent Lake dam. The project was funded through a grant from REI and volunteers. Itâs described as a great new resource that will help paddlers access the Island Lake Recreation Area and the five-mile Huron River Water Trail. The Crossroads Group of the Sierra Club helped host the event, along with the trail hike preceding it. A map is attached, along with more information through the link. (JM)
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Vigil, Community Events Help Shine Light On Domestic Violence This OctoberVigil, Community Events Help Shine Light On Domestic Violence This October
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and a number of events are planned locally. LACASA Center will hold its 20th Annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil Tuesday night, followed by two âLetâs Talk About Itâ community forums on domestic violence. The LACASA Center is again launching its county-wide âShine the Lightâ campaign in remembrance of domestic violence victims and in honor or survivors courage. LACASAâs Communications Director Robin OâGrady says theyâve had a great response since starting it several years ago and they offer lights with awareness posters for a nominal fee at LACASA, including string lights, porch lights and purple light lanterns. She says the community tends to think domestic violence doesn't exist but itâs really very prevalent and something a lot of people donât talk about. LACASAâs 20th Annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil will be held tomorrow in the amphitheater of the historic County Courthouse in downtown Howell from 7 to 8pm. The public is invited to gather in remembrance of lives lost and to show support for survivors of interpersonal violence. Meanwhile, members of LACASAâs Community Education Department will provide information during two âLetâs Talk about Itâ events on the dynamics of domestic violence, local statistics, services available at LACASA, and tools for community members to get involved and make a difference for survivors. OâGrady says it will have a conversational atmosphere and make people feel comfortable to broach the topic because itâs not an easy one. The first forum will be held this Wednesday from 7 â 8:30pm at Fowlerville United Brethren Church. The second will be held next Tuesday, October 11th from 7 to 8:30pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Brighton. Details can be found in the attachment below. (JM)
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State Charter Association Not Happy With Livingston Classical Academy Using "Loophole" To Get AuthorizedState Charter Association Not Happy With Livingston Classical Academy Using "Loophole" To Get Authorized
The state charter school association is calling out a controversial cyber-charter and a local district for utilizing âloopholesâ to gain authorization and open this fall. The Livingston Classical Academy (LCA) is a new charter school authorized by Whitmore Lake Public Schools, which opened in Whitmore Lake Middle School for the current school year. The cyber school âloophole" process that LCA used to get authorized was featured in a recent report on Michigan Radio, and previously on WHMI. Dan Quisenberry, President of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies, says they had concerns with the authorizing of LCA from the start, and those concerns were amplified with the recent report. He says theyâve been working with the founders of the Livingston Classical Academy for at least five years and they were not able to obtain a charter from a number of authorizers. He says âOpening a charter school in Michigan is extremely difficult, as it should be. Livingston Classical Academy was not able to demonstrate that they were prepared to open a high-quality charter school. Instead, as the report pointed out, they looked for a loophole.â Quisenberry commented itâs sad that the founders could be playing with the chartering process in Michigan this way, which could ultimately damage the classical-model concept and tarnish the brand of innovative chartering with traditional districts. He said itâs also troubling that the Whitmore Lake Public Schools district apparently sees this as nothing more than a debt-reduction strategy, which is not quality authorizing. The association is now calling on LCA founders, the board and Whitmore Lake Public Schools as the authorizer to do whatâs right and add a true cyber component. District officials have defended the decision to authorize the charter and rent out space to the school, despite questions being raised about the legality of a school only being authorized as a cyber charter but pursuing construction of a main school campus. LCA officials previously stated the academy has always been public about the intent to construct a âbricks and mortarâ school campus. Quisenberryâs full comments and a link to the original article is available below. (JM)
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Overnight Lane Closures On US-23 Start Tonight, Continue Through FridayOvernight Lane Closures On US-23 Start Tonight, Continue Through Friday
A bridge maintenance project will result in overnight lane closures on US-23 starting tonight and last through Friday. The Michigan Department of Transportation says there will be overnight single lane closures in each direction on US-23 between Clyde Road and Faussett Road. Beginning at 7:30pm, there will be a single lane closure on northbound US-23 until 10am the next morning. A single lane will also be closed on southbound US-23 beginning at 7pm and remain closed until 6am the following morning. The closures will take place starting tonight and continue each night through Friday. MDOT Spokeswoman Kari Arend says the work is part of a maintenance project on several bridges in Livingston County that will continue through November. Crouse Road at US-23 will also be closed down as part of the project for two weekends this month. This Friday, Crouse Road will close at 6pm until Monday the 10th at 6am. The work will close down the road again Friday, October 14th at 6pm through Monday the 17th at 6am. The detour during the closure will be Old US-23 to M-59 to Hartland Road. (DK)
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Large Crowd Walks For Alzheimer's Awareness In BrightonLarge Crowd Walks For Alzheimer's Awareness In Brighton
Hundreds of community members participated in an event to raise funds and awareness about Alzheimerâs disease in downtown Brighton over the weekend. On Saturday, over 600 local residents took part in the Alzheimerâs Associationâs Walk to End Alzheimerâs- a movement event organizers say works to reclaim the future for millions. Participants raised more than $90,000 to fund Alzheimer's care, support and research programs. Walkers completed one or three mile routes and learned about Alzheimerâs disease and how to get involved. Participants were provided with information about advocacy opportunities, clinical studies and support programs and services. The event also included an emotional tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimerâs disease. Maggie Gibbons, Walk Manager for the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, says the cause has touched the lives of far too many. She feels the community embraces the event every year and says it's inspiring to âlook out at a sea of purpleâ and know theyâre making a difference.
Photo credit: Alzheimer's Association Michigan Great Lakes Chapter
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Local Church Looks To Give Back To Community With Building ExpansionLocal Church Looks To Give Back To Community With Building Expansion
A Genoa Township church welcomed itâs buildingâs expansion with a large crowd of guests and government officials at a ceremony over the weekend. The Brighton campus of the 242 Community Church opened in 2013, taking up residency in the former Brighton Athletic Club. 242âs congregation has expanded significantly and now its building has as well to match. The church held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday following their second evening service for the grand opening of their 35,000 square-foot addition. Construction of the expansion began in March and includes a full basketball court, student auditorium and several conference rooms. Eric Rauch, Executive Pastor at 242, tells WHMI the goal was to give back to the community and create a space that can be used seven days a week, noting itâs not just a building for the church but a community center as well. Several members from local chambers of commerce and government officials attended the event to speak and help cut the ceremonial ribbon. Rauch says this is indicative of the support 242 has received from local leaders in their vision for the building to be a church but also a community center. Rauch says itâs exciting to finally see the buildingâs transformation because obviously, the church loves a good redemption story. (DK)
Facebook photo.
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Overnight Closures Planned At I-96/US-23 InterchangeOvernight Closures Planned At I-96/US-23 Interchange
Some closures will be in effect today and tomorrow as part of the ongoing work on the I-96/US-23 interchange. The Michigan Department of Transportation advises there will be a single left lane closure on westbound I-96 at US-23 between 9 am and 3pm. The ramp from northbound US-23 to westbound I-96 will be closed starting at 10 pm tonight through 5 am tomorrow morning. The detour during this closure will be eastbound I-96 to Kensington Road to westbound I-96. There will also be a single right lane closure on eastbound I-96 from Spencer Road to US-23 starting at 8 pm tonight through 5am tomorrow morning. In addition, starting tomorrow through Friday, there will be a rolling closure in each direction on I-96 and on northbound US-23 within the interchange for shoulder work. There are intermittent single lane closures between 9 am and 3 pm daily for this work. (DK)
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