After several requests from area residents and a suggestion from a board member of an outside audit, meeting minutes from the 2012 Brighton Area Schools Bond subcommittee were finally posted to the districtâs website on Tuesday. Superintendent Greg Gray says that the minutes, which encompassed the latter part of 2013 and all of 2014, were never missing, but werenât posted to the website through an unintentional oversight. Julie Hine, a district parent who has repeatedly questioned why the minutes werenât posted, said she was happy that public pressure had prompted action calling it âa matter of transparency.â She also noted that two current board members, John Conely and Bill Trombley, were members of the bond committee during the time in question and should have produced the minutes from their "sent" email files. Gray says that the subcommittee, which oversaw the implementation of the $88.5 million bond, was not required by law and not subject to the Open Meetings Act. Nevertheless, he says it was created by the board, but run by the bond construction company, which had the responsibility of taking meeting minutes per their contract and that when there was a personnel change at the company, the new person didnât realize the minutes were supposed to be sent to Grayâs assistant for posting. Board Vice President Dave Chesney suggested at Mondayâs board meeting that perhaps an outside audit of the bond was needed due to the minutes not being posted. Gray says that the bond is already audited by an outside firm every year. He also dismissed suggestions that any of the money was used improperly, saying that, âAll of the items that are part of the bond have gone through the board of education,â and that the board, âhas voted on every single project that weâve done.â (JK)
Following Repeated Requests, Bond Subcommittee Minutes Posted Online Following Repeated Requests, Bond Subcommittee Minutes Posted Online
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Jim Harbaugh Announces Marion Township Teen As Honorary WolverineJim Harbaugh Announces Marion Township Teen As Honorary Wolverine
For many young men, signing with a college football team is the pinnacle of their young lives. Larry Prout Jr. of Marion Township, who was born with multiple medical challenges and has endured 91 surgeries in his short life, reached that pinnacle on Tuesday, when became part of the University of Michigan football team on Tuesday during a press conference in Ann Arbor. Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh calls Larry an inspiration and said the relationship between Larry and the Wolverines was "love at first sight." Larry, who is 15 and a ninth grader, has spent much of his life at C.S. Mott childrenâs hospital and has been home-schooled for most of his school career. He also takes a pair of classes at Pinckney High School, where football team there has adopted him as well, giving Larry a jersey and bringing him down to the sidelines. Larryâs mother, Kathy, says the U-M experience has taken Larry and her family full circle, from Larry going to his siblings events to his siblings accompanying him to U-M football games. Larryâs pairing with the U-M football team was made possible by Team Impact, a nonprofit organization that pairs chronically ill kids with athletic teams. The Michigan lacrosse team has a player through Team Impact, as have teams in various sports at six other colleges and universities in Michigan. (TR)
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Second Weekend Closure Of Crouse Road Bridge CanceledSecond Weekend Closure Of Crouse Road Bridge Canceled
Thereâs some good news for motorists regarding a local bridge project. The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced that the Crouse Road bridge closure at US-23 has been cancelled for this weekend. MDOT officials say that crews were able to complete the needed concrete repairs on the bridge deck and barrier wall last weekend. However, work will continue at the structure with intermittent lane closures on US-23. MDOT also advises that next summer, the bridge will need to be closed again for approximately 3 days to complete the needed repairs. (JK)
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3rd Annual "Brew Haha" To Benefit Livingston County Habitat For Humanity 3rd Annual "Brew Haha" To Benefit Livingston County Habitat For Humanity
An event tomorrow will offer up some laughs while raising money to build affordable housing in Livingston County. Livingston County Habitat for Humanity is hosting its 3rd annual Brew Haha, with Comedians Tim Steele and Billy Rae Bauer headlining this Thursdayâs event at Brewery Becker on Main Street in Brighton. Habitat for Humanityâs mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. The local organization is in the midst of planning a dedication event for a home just finished in Conway Township for a family of three. Executive Director Larry Pfeil says it's always a great time and seats to the show tend to fill up fast. Tickets for Thursdayâs Brew Haha are $15 each, with will-call at the door. More information is available through the link and attachment below. (JM)
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Brighton District Court May Close And Move To HowellBrighton District Court May Close And Move To Howell
The 53rd District Court in Brighton may soon be shuttering its windows and moving its operations to downtown Howell. The state Supreme Court made the recommendation through its Management Assistance Program that was supported by Chief Judge of Livingston County Courts, David Reader. Reader, along with Brighton District Court Judge Theresa Brennan proposed a plan to the County Board of Commissioners that would move the Brighton staff into the Historic Howell Courthouse. Operation of the Brighton facility is not required on a day-to-day basis leading to what the judges said were inefficient returns on taxpayer dollars. One example given was needing to pay a security officer to watch the front door on days where they donât have a docket. Reader said the Brighton court is often light on cases and that moving the staff closer to the judicial center in west Howell would open up opportunities to better utilize staff. Brennan said she loved Brighton and would prefer to stay there, but recognizes it is fiscally irresponsible to stay open there. The early plan, according to Reader, is to use the downtown courthouse for 18 to 30 months while an expansion is built at the judicial center. There, Brennan would see a proposed docket entirely of divorce cases and personal protection orders. Board Chairwoman Kate Lawrence announced that she has started an ad hoc committee with Commissioners Don Parker and Gary Childs to further investigate the costs and logistics of making such a move. Reader estimated that if the decision was made, they could have the downtown Howell courthouse ready in roughly 6 weeks. (MK)
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Chamber Of Commerce Event Endorses Mike Bishop For CongressChamber Of Commerce Event Endorses Mike Bishop For Congress
Congressman Mike Bishop received support from local leaders, members of the business community and chamber of commerce representatives at an event in Brighton Tuesday. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted an endorsement ceremony for Bishop, who is seeking re-election to Congress after one term in office. The event coincided with the Chamberâs celebration of October as Chamber of Commerce Month. State representatives, local officials and community members showed their support for the former Michigan Senate majority leader, who says he is âgrateful beyond wordsâ. Representatives from the U.S. and Michigan Chamber of Commerce also attended the ceremony to endorse Bishop. Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce tells WHMI he sees Bishop as a âtremendous leaderâ and âstrong championâ for the business community. Kevin Courtois, Manager of Congressional and Public Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, says Bishopâs voting record makes it evident that he goes to bat for the business industry in the 8th district. Furthermore, Courtois says Bishop knows what growth and opportunity means for business, recognizes that his constituents come first and supports policies that help them succeed. Bishop says he is honored to be endorsed by job providers and small business starters, and is looking ahead to 28 more days of campaigning. (DK)
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10-Year-Old Fowlerville Student Killed In Crash, Family & Others Seriously Injured 10-Year-Old Fowlerville Student Killed In Crash, Family & Others Seriously Injured
A 10-year-old boy who attended a Fowlerville elementary school was killed and several others seriously injured in a head-on crash over the weekend. The crash happened before 3pm Sunday on Fowlerville Road, north of Lovejoy Road in Antrim Township. The Shiawassee County Sheriffâs Department reported that a 49-year-old Fowlerville man driving northbound crossed the center line and hit a vehicle carrying a family of four from Byron. 10-year-old Brody Rocco was killed in the crash. His parents, Marc and Casya, remain hospitalized with injuries ranging from severe to critical. The condition of the Fowlerville man and the boyâs sister are not known but authorities earlier said she was not seriously injured. Brody attended 5th grade at Kreeger Elementary in Fowlerville and played on a recreational soccer team while his sister is a 3rd grader at Smith Elementary. Counselors have been on hand at both schools for students and the community is coming together to assist the family. A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help with funeral and medical expenses, missed wages and any other miscellaneous items. The link is available below. (JM)
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Wednesday Rollover Crash Shuts Down US-23, Sends Woman To HospitalWednesday Rollover Crash Shuts Down US-23, Sends Woman To Hospital
A rollover crash involving entrapment shut down US-23 in Fenton Township Wednesday afternoon and sent a woman to the hospital. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office and the Fenton Township Fire Department responded to the scene of the crash that involved a single vehicle on southbound US-23 near Silver Lake Road at around 1pm. The driver has been identified as a 26-year-old Novi woman, who traveling southbound on US-23. Genesee County Undersheriff Chris Swanson told The Tri-County Times that witnesses said the woman changed lanes, swerved, over corrected and lost control, which caused her car to veer off the freeway and strike a tree on the driver's side. Swanson said the woman was hospitalized in critical and unstable condition. Southbound US-23 was subsequently shut down at Thompson Road and remained closed until roughly 4:12pm for investigation and crash reconstruction. (JM)
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Hartland To Host 2nd Annual "State Of The Township" Address Monday Hartland To Host 2nd Annual "State Of The Township" Address Monday
Hartland Township will host its second annual State of the Township address next week. Community leaders, residents, government representatives and the business community are encouraged to attend the event at the Hartland Township Hall on Monday at 4pm. Supervisor Bill Fountain will discuss the townshipâs finances, infrastructure goals and detail developments coming to the township. The 2016 Volunteer of the Year will also be announced. The event is held annually to update the community on what has been achieved over the last 12 months but also preview whatâs to come in the year ahead. Fountain says the event is one more tool to achieve the high level of transparency they believe is needed in government. The 2015 address was presented to a standing-room-only crowd and organizers say theyâre hopeful this yearâs address will be equally well attended. Officials say the address will be recorded and a video made available on the Hartland Township website for those who are unable to attend. (JM)
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Local Advocate Leading "Real Men Wear Pink" Fundraising EffortLocal Advocate Leading "Real Men Wear Pink" Fundraising Effort
One local community leader is showing his passion for pink in his efforts to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society (ACS) launched a new program this year called âReal Men Wear Pinkâ. The program is comprised of distinguished community leaders who are passionate about raising funds for the âMaking Strides Against Breast Cancerâ event. Rick Beaudin, a Pinckney-based realtor and Board of Directors Chairman for the Pinckney-Putnam-Hamburg-Hell Chamber of Commerce, is the programâs only representative from Livingston County. He will be participating in the walk held in Ann Arbor Saturday. Beaudin will be the Master of Ceremonies at the event which will take place at Washtenaw Community College. Additionally, Beaudin will also be a part of a fundraiser at Zukey Lake Tavern in Pinckney on Sunday. From 5 to 8pm, part of the proceeds collected from an all-you-can-eat pizza and pasta buffet at the tavern will be donated to the âReal Men Wear Pinkâ program. Beaudin lost his father to cancer years ago and it led him to become actively involved in the fight to someday put an end to cancer. Beaudin has committed to wearing pink during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Beaudin says anyone who canât attend this weekendâs events but still wants to donate can do so online. A link to the donation page can be found below. (DK)
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Correction Officers Pack Board Room To Protest Denied Wage IncreaseCorrection Officers Pack Board Room To Protest Denied Wage Increase
Corrections officers in Livingston County have spoken up against a refused pay raise. Deputies, their families, and supporters overfilled the Board of Commissioners boardroom at the County Administration Building in Howell, Tuesday night. The decision had recently come down to not grant corrections officers at the county jail the same 2.5% wage increase their colleagues were receiving. An independent arbitrator had recommended the raise which equates to around 64-cents per hour. Detective Matt Young sits on the executive board as a negotiator for contracts and told WHMI this was an unprecedented decision. He said it was the first time the deputies had not been awarded the raise going back as far as they could tell, and that it was a shame. Young stated that officers are leaving to work in other counties and they are having a hard time attracting new hires because the pay in Livingston County is too low. Many officers spoke up during both public call portions of the boardâs regular meeting. The board listened to several stories of how the job has changed and been made more difficult since accepting federal inmates, some of them being murderers, rapists, or traffickers. Some told stories of being assaulted, receiving death threats, and having fecal matter thrown on them by inmates. Several just wanted the board to see the face of someone whom their decision is affecting. Chairwoman Kate Lawrence said afterwards that all of the commissioners learned a lot of what the officers go through on a daily basis and it will be taken into consideration. County Administrator Ken Hinton said they are working on dates to meet with the correction officerâs union, and once those are established they will meet and bargain with good faith. (MK)
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Brighton High School Students To Raise Funds & Awareness During Pink WeekBrighton High School Students To Raise Funds & Awareness During Pink Week
Pink Week, being celebrated to increase awareness for breast cancer and raise funds for the cause, is set next week in the Brighton Area Schools. Most, but not all, of the activities will take at Brighton High School. The BHS Leadership Class has organized all the activities, which will begin with the Powderpuff Football game at the high school field on Monday at 7pm. Senior Katie Bishop says the game will feature the school's Juniors taking on the Seniors and while they know it's for a good cause, there's still plenty of competition. There will also be a Pink 5k run Wednesday at 6:45 and then a Survivor Walk at halftime at next Fridayâs football game. Proceeds from all the events will go to the St. Joe Mercy Brighton Cancer Center. Those who wish to support Pink Week and breast cancer awareness can stop by the Brighton High School main office to make a donation or purchase a T-shirt. Senior Tommy Hill has also constructed two large pink ribbons that are being displayed around the community through the week. Those who wish to support Pink Week and breast cancer awareness can stop by the Brighton High School main office to make a donation or purchase a T-shirt. (JK)
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Livingston Home Prices Up, While Sales Decrease In SeptemberLivingston Home Prices Up, While Sales Decrease In September
While the housing market remains active, the latest numbers are mixed when it comes to Livingston County. Figures released today by Farmington Hills-based Realcomp II Limited indicate that the median sale price of homes in metro Detroit jumped 7.8% in September to $167,700, while home sales decreased 5.6% compared to a year ago. That was also the case in Livingston County, where sales dropped 9.2%, while the median home sale price increased 17.2% to $239,000. Realcomp officials say that the spike in sale prices is being driven by a continued lack of inventory, which they attribute to multiple factors, including low interest rates that often prompt refinancing instead of listing and short-term rentals that are keeping a collection of homes off the market. RealComp CEO Karen Kage said sales typically slow down in the last quarter of the year, but because inventory is so much lower than in the past, that could change if more owners decide to sell their homes or listings continue to decrease. (JK)
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Road Commission Agrees To Plans For 8 Mile BridgeRoad Commission Agrees To Plans For 8 Mile Bridge
A new roundabout proposed near the Livingston County line is prompting questions about who will maintain it. The Livingston County Road Commission agreed to take over a portion of 8-Mile Road that will lie in Livingston County after new bridge construction happens next year. Road Commission Director Mike Craine says currently Washtenaw County maintains the roadway, but once the three new roundabouts are installed there will be a portion of the new bridge and one of the circles in Livingston County. He tells WHMI the two counties are working on the details. Craine says that by putting this into Livingston County, it created a kind of a conflict in how the state funding for road maintenance occurs, so they're working our way through it with Washtenaw County. He says Livingston County may just take over maintenance for that entire area, or they may enter into an agreement with Washtenaw County so they continue to maintain what they do and then Livingston County will give them whatever dollars we get from the state for that portion that's in Livingston County. Craine says the new roundabouts will have just one lane around each and across the bridge, which should eliminate some of the problems drivers face on Lee Road to the north. He says the circles will be designed similar to the one installed on Chilson at Coon Lake Road earlier this year. He says the county wonât be responsible for any of the over $100 (m) million cost to build the roundabouts but will take over maintenance when it is completed. The Michigan Department of Transportation will build the new bridge just north of the old bridge so that traffic will not be stopped or re-routed. He says the new bridge will be shorter and straighter, eliminating some of the problems with access ramps to US-23 and Whitmore Lake Roads. Craine says there is no set date for completion yet, but expects the bridge to be open sometime in spring of 2018. (DS)
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Howell Teen Jailed On Felony Charges After Crashing Into Waterford HomesHowell Teen Jailed On Felony Charges After Crashing Into Waterford Homes
A Howell teen is jailed on multiple charges following a serious injury accident in the Waterford area. The Waterford Township Police and Fire Departments responded to the accident that happened around 2:47am Sunday. Police say 18-year-old Jordan Watson of Howell was traveling south on Scott Lake Road in excess of 90mph in a 2010 Ford Edge when the vehicle crossed over Elizabeth Lake Road onto Edgefield Drive, where it left the roadway and drove into the attached garage of an unoccupied home. The vehicle continued out though the side wall of the garage and struck the side of an adjacent home, where it came to rest. The residents of the second home were not injured. Police say there were four other occupants in the vehicle at the time of the accident: a 17-year-old female from Commerce Township, a 19-year-old male from Highland, a 13-year-old male from Pontiac and a 14-year-old male from Waterford. Police say all occupants of the vehicle were sent to local hospitals with very serious injuries. All have since been released, except the 19-year-old. The driver and the 17-year-old front seat passenger were wearing seatbelts. The Oakland County Prosecutorâs Office issued an eight count felony warrant and Watson has since been arraigned in 51st District Court. He faces four felony counts of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury (one count for each passenger) and four felony counts of Operating while License Suspended, Revoked or Denied Causing Serious Injury (one count for each passenger). Bond was set at $50,000 cash with no 10% and Watson remains lodged in the Oakland County Jail awaiting his next court date on October 25th. (JM)
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Bond Park To Be Re-Dedicated In PinckneyBond Park To Be Re-Dedicated In Pinckney
A celebration in Pinckney is planned later this month for a former community member and the park named after him. Loy Bond was the first Director of the Department of Public Works in Pinckney. Bond, who was affectionately known as âBondy,â had a strong dedication to the children of the community and was known for his saying, âItâs all about the kids.â He passed away in 1981 at the age of 66 and the Village made note his impact by naming the field at Pondside Court, Loy Bond Memorial Park. A 35th anniversary re-dedication of the park has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday October 23rd at 3pm. Anyone who remembers Bond or has special memories of the area is asked to come share those thoughts at the event. The Village is also asking for help in replacing the signage for the park, as it no longer exists due to deterioration. The Village does not have money in the budget to replace the sign, and they are asking the public for help so that may unveil a new sign at the event. Donations may be mailed to or dropped off at the Pinckney Village Office located at 220 South Howell Street. Photo- Village of Pinckney (MK)
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Brighton's Tridge To Get New DeckingBrighton's Tridge To Get New Decking
A city of Brighton crew has been working hard this fall with a maintenance project to spruce up the downtown area. The original decking on the Tridge - the pedestrian footbridge over the Mill Pond - is now 20 years old and was starting to rot, and will be replaced with new wood boards. The Tridge extends from the Imagination Station Playground on the west side of the pond to the center, and then forks off â one fork going to Main Street and the other to the Old Village Cemetery. The Tridge has been a popular attraction over the years, and is frequently full of walkers strolling across, sometimes stopping to take in the picturesque scene and view the wildlife. City officials say the problem is that the original boards were beginning to warp, to the point where in winter the cityâs ATV with snowplow attachment, used mostly for sidewalks, was having difficulty removing the snow. The city purchased 920, 2-by-6 boards at a cost of $6,000 for the Tridge project. The project cost was reduced considerably by using city employees for the labor, rather than subcontracting the job to a private company. The boards on a much smaller pedestrian footbridge next to the Mill Pond spillway and the CoBACH Center have already been replaced. The Tridge had mixed reactions when it first opened, but most residents now consider it an integral part of the downtown landscape. The Tridge decking replacement project is being paid for by the Downtown Development Authority out of its general fund. (TT)
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Road Commission Agrees To Start Design Work On Challis RoadRoad Commission Agrees To Start Design Work On Challis Road
The Livingston County Road Commission agreed to start planning to rebuild a portion of Challis Road in Brighton.
The design of a new three lane segment of the road between Carl Greimel Road and the rail road tracks was prompted by the construction of a new 300,000 square foot medical facility. Road Commission Director Mike Crain says the preliminary plans for improvements will change the configuration of Challis Road, straightening it out slightly and adding a turn lane. Crain says what the road commission is proposing to do is build a 3-lane road there, modernize it with continuous left tern lanes, new drainage system, and pedestrian facilities so that it ties into all of the existing non-motorized traffic. What they are trying to do is address the impacts of this 300,000 square foot facility that will be opening in August/September of 2018. What they're trying to do is get this built before that first day and it's going to be a horse race. Crain says currently the stretch of 2-lane road is on a portion of a growing commercial corridor, and needs to be updated to meet the needs of the area. The Road Commission is trying to solve problems with the road that also take into consideration the I-96 and Grand River interchange. He says they are working with MDOT because the interchange and that portion of Grand River Avenue are already congested. He says other issues they are dealing with include making sure trees are taken down around bat nesting season and replacement of a water main. Crain says the road is also the main route to Mt. Brighton, which he says has become a real asset to the county and they donât want to interrupt traffic during ski season. Tetra Tech will be doing the final design on the project, which is expected to cost around $3 (m) million. Crain says construction could start sometime in early October of 2017 and be completed by spring of 2018. Picture courtesy of Google Street View. (DS)
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Bishop & Shkreli Face-Off At Hartland ForumBishop & Shkreli Face-Off At Hartland Forum
A candidate forum in Hartland Township last night hosted incumbents and their challengers in judicial, state and congressional races. The event, held at the Hartland Educational Support Service Center, featured questions submitted by the community. Candidates were allowed to rebut their opponentsâ answers, which led to some spirited discussions. 8th District Congressman Mike Bishop and his challenger, Democrat Suzanna Shkreli, addressed issues like campaign funding, immigration policies, terrorism and student debt. One hot topic was Bishopâs support for Donald Trump. Bishop indicated that he does not condone many of Trumpâs words or actions and that the subject was a diversion from what they really should be debating. Shkreli, who is Macomb Countyâs Assistant Prosecutor, discussed her efforts in the courtroom to protect women. She says remarks that Trump made that recently came to light are âdeeply disturbingâ and continues to question Bishopâs endorsement of the presidential candidate. Shkreli and Bishop didnât agree on much, but shook hands following the debate and thanked one another. The forum also hosted candidates for 53rd District Court judge, and those in the race for the position of 42nd and 47th State Representative. (DK)
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Howell Chamber Celebrating Michigan Chamber of Commerce Month With Open HouseHowell Chamber Celebrating Michigan Chamber of Commerce Month With Open House
The Howell Chamber is celebrating Chamber of Commerce Month with an event next week. October is Michigan Chamber of Commerce Month, a chance for organizations to celebrate local chambers and their contributions to Michiganâs economic climate. The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting members and the public to an Open House and Networking Workshop on Thursday, October 20th. The event will feature refreshments, door prizes, giveaways and networking as officials anticipate the Howell Chamber's finalist position for "Outstanding Chamber of the Year". The networking workshop is planned from 3 to 4:30pm and will be followed by the open house from 4:30 to 6pm. Both the workshop and open house will take place at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Building at 123 E. Washington Street. For more information, visit the link below. (JM)
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