Suzanna Shkreli, a Democrat running for Congress in Michiganâs 8th Congressional District, announced today the endorsement of President Barack Obama. Obama called Shkreli âa tough and smart leader,â and said she would be, âa fighter for Michiganâs working families, and work to level the playing field so that everyone has a shot at the American dream. In Congress, I know that Shkreli will stand up and fight to protect Social Security and Medicare, protect a womanâs right to choose, and end the crushing burden of student loan debt. All Michigan families can count on Suzanna Shkreli to stand up for them, too.â Shkreli is running to unseat Republican incumbent Mike Bishop. Stu Sandler is a spokesman for the Bishop campaign and said, âItâs not surprising as Suzanna Shkreli is the hand-picked candidate of Nancy Pelosi and Congressional Democrats. Liberal Democrats want a liberal candidate who will help Hillary Clinton and Congressional Democrats pass their liberal agenda of Obamacare, tax hikes, gun control, amnesty for illegal immigrants, and exhibiting weakness against radical Islamic terrorism. Suzanna Shkreliâs liberal agenda does not fit the 8th district.â But Shkreli said she was âbeyond honoredâ to have the Presidentâs endorsement and that in Congress she would take on the tough fights just as sheâs done in the courtroom prosecuting criminals. Shkreli is a resident of Clarkston, which is in the district, but works as an Assistant Prosecutor in Macomb County. She added that if elected she would, âstand up for Michigan families to make college more affordable, protect Social Security and Medicare, and keep good-paying jobs here in Michiganâs 8th District.â (JK)
President Obama Endorses Shkreli In Race For CongressPresident Obama Endorses Shkreli In Race For Congress
↧
↧
Hamburg Township Homes Destroyed By Fire, Investigation Continues Hamburg Township Homes Destroyed By Fire, Investigation Continues
Two homes were destroyed by fire in Hamburg Township over the weekend. The first fire was reported around 6:30pm Saturday at a home on Lagoon Drive in the Ore Lake View subdivision and is believed to have started in the garage. Thick, dark smoke could reportedly be seen for miles and the fire spread quickly since homes along the lake are much closer and only separated by about 10-15 feet. Hamburg Township Deputy Fire Chief Nick Miller tells WHMI the first arriving units got on scene within about four minutes of dispatch but the fire had already vented itself and exited the primary building, starting the second home on fire. While will be up to the insurance companies to make final determination, Miller says more than likely both are going to be considered total losses. Crews arrived within four minutes of original dispatch and fire at the second home was already about 20% involved. The family who lived in the primary home managed to escape safely while the neighbor next door was not home at the time of the event. Miller says it took about 90 minutes to really get the fire under control, without any concerns of it getting larger or spreading but crews from multiple agencies were on scene for about 6-7 hours. He says the overhaul process took some time because a gas meter that supplied gas to one home actually burned below ground so Consumers Energy had to locate the supply line in front of the home, dig a hole and cut the gas off, which took a few hours. After it was shut off completely, crews were able to finish extinguishing the fire. Miller says the fire does not appear suspicious in nature and the cause remains under investigation. Miller says they had initial response from Green Oak Township firefighters but then went to a second alarm fire, which brought in units from Putnam Township and Brighton to the scene. As the event went on, he says they brought in additional assistance from the Northfield Township Fire Department. Meanwhile, a Go Fund Me account has been set up to assist the displaced family as nothing in their home was salvageable. A link is available below. (JM)
↧
New Ordinance In Howell Would Regulate Micro-Alcohol ProductionNew Ordinance In Howell Would Regulate Micro-Alcohol Production
Micro-alcohol production will be regulated in the City of Howell under a new ordinance. Micro-alcohol production is said to be a fast-growing industry and some municipalities are creating ordinances to define and regulate the related businesses in their community. The City of Howellâs Planning Commission held a public hearing on a new city-initiated ordinance that will establish standards for micro-alcohol production in the city. Howell City Manager Shea Charles says the ordinance was initiated at the request of Planning Commission members after a site plan was approved a few months ago for a brew-pub in downtown. Charles says it is a use that is not clearly defined within the cityâs code and the board took the initiative to clarify some standards. The ordinance defines what a brewpub, microbrewery, small distiller and small wine producer is. The businesses must meet the stateâs licensing requirements. Brewpubs produce more than 18,000 barrels of beer per year, while microbreweries brew up to 60,000 barrels per year for off-premise consumption. Small distillers manufacture up to 60,000 gallons of spirits per year and small wine producers manufacture up to 50,000 gallons of wine per year. The Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the ordinance to the City Council. (DK)
↧
Motorcyclist Killed In Weekend Crash In Highland TownshipMotorcyclist Killed In Weekend Crash In Highland Township
A motorcyclist was killed in a Saturday crash in Highland Township. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Highland Township substation and the Highland Township Fire Department responded around 8:17pm to the area of W. Highland Road and N. Duck Lake Road for an injury accident. A 60-year-old White Lake man was operating a 2000 BMW motorcycle, traveling eastbound on Highland Road. Police say a 64-year-old White Lake woman in a 2012 Honda CRV caused the crash and was traveling westbound on Highland Road when she failed to yield and turned left in front of the motorcycle, which had the right of way. The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead by an ER physician. The female driver was not injured and was wearing a seatbelt. Authorities say alcohol was not a factor in the crash and the sheriffâs office Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation. (JM)
↧
Public Turns Out To Support Embattled PTO PresidentPublic Turns Out To Support Embattled PTO President
Sherri Osterman, the president of the Hilton Elementary PTO, spoke at the public comments portion of the Brighton Board of Education meeting Monday, criticizing board Trustee John Conely, who has filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service. Conely charges that because the Hilton PTO is a registered non-profit it may not campaign for or against a candidate for election. In his IRS complaint, Conely alleges that Osterman violated the PTOâs constitution and by-laws on September 12 when she distributed election material at a PTO meeting and then again the next morning at a PTO PAC meeting. Conely says the material advocating for specific candidates running for school board on November 8th is also a violation of district policy. Osterman previously apologized to the board for the actions, which she said were oversights on her part and not intentional. Monday night the board was told that certain of its members were guilty of âmistreatmentâ and needed to work more harmoniously and cohesively as a board. Another parent who addressed the board said that the actions and statements of a few had âembarrassedâ the district and were giving it a bad name because of the negative publicity, and that it could also adversely affect property values. Conely did not respond to comments by Osterman and others who voiced criticism of him at the call-to-the-public. While the majority of the audience members expressed their support of Osterman, at least three of those commenting were critical of her actions. Wes Nakagiri, president of the Hartland-based Tea Party group RetakeOurGov, said that as a 501©(3) group, PTOs need to stay completely neutral or they would lose their non-profit status. Nakagiri offered to help the Hilton PTO and other non-profit groups on the ins-and-outs of the law pertaining to such tax-exempt organizations. (TT)
↧
↧
Despite Objections, Brighton Twp. Planning Commission Moves Massive Development ForwardDespite Objections, Brighton Twp. Planning Commission Moves Massive Development Forward
Despite opposition from local residents, the Brighton Township Planning Commission moved plans forward for a new multi-unit rental property. Residents living near the proposed development located on Pickerel Lake voiced their concerns again about traffic on Grand River, wetlands setbacks and the need for the development last night. Despite the lack of a marketing study, four of the six members of the planning commission recommended conditional rezoning of the 147 acre property just to the west of Woodruff Lake to Residential Multifamily from Office Service. Township Trustee Mike Slaton and Planning Commissioner Jeff Stinedurf voted no. Kim Logie-Bates says she knows something will be built on the site, but she objected to the idea of rental units as it will negatively impact property values. Logie-Bates told commissioners she is extremely concerned with the fact that the township is looking at moving this forward again without some kind of a marketing study that shows that there is an actual need. Logie-Bates says she understands the complex could be bigger, or that the developer could even put in an office building, but it has been six weeks since the developer last came to the planning commission and was asked to produce a marketing study; and there is still nothing that shows that there's an actual need for this development. Township Planner Kelly Mathews says the vote only allows developers Manchester Brighton to move forward if certain conditions are met. The recommendation is based on the developer getting a marketing study, plans for an escrow of funds to install a traffic light, and approval from the townshipâs attorney. Mathews says until those conditions are met, the developer cannot seek a recommendation from the Livingston County Planning Commission. Once Manchester Brighton has a recommendation from county planning, they will need to come back to Brighton Township for two more meetings, including another public hearing. After the conditional rezoning, the developer will have to bring site plans back for approval. Construction on the 555 planned units, which includes a three-story senior living facility wonât get underway until sometime next year. (DS)
↧
St. Joe Mercy Livingston Appoints New Nursing OfficerSt. Joe Mercy Livingston Appoints New Nursing Officer
A new head of nursing has been appointed for a local hospital. Sharon Blanche was recently appointed by St. Joseph Mercy Livingston as the hospital's new chief nursing officer. Officials say that in her role, Blanche will oversee quality and safety standards and all nursing functions at both St. Joseph Mercy Livingston hospital in Howell and the St. Joseph Mercy Brighton health center. Blanche is already familiar with the system after arriving at St. Joe Livingston this past March to serve as the hospital's interim executive director. Blanche has 40 years of health care experience, having previously worked in Critical Care Nursing at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa, as executive director of the Mercy Heart Center, and more recently as administrative director of special projects. Blanche holds a nursing degree from Morningside College and a master's degree in administrative studies from the University of South Dakota. (JK)
↧
Mini-Grants Offered In Fight For Substance Abuse PreventionMini-Grants Offered In Fight For Substance Abuse Prevention
The Livingston County Community Alliance is encouraging local groups to get involved in the fight against drugs by offering $500 mini-grants. The grants have been released as a way to help reduce substance abuse among local adolescents, including the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, prescription drugs, inhalants, and narcotics. Projects must involve local youths in their planning and implementation in order to be considered for the grant money. Proposals may seek to reduce substance abuse through community awareness, direct prevention programs or activities to youth to prevent future use. Applications are due by November 18th at 3pm. Recipients will be notified by December 14th. More information and application forms can be found through the link below. (JK)
↧
Howell Police Presented With AED In Memory Of Mackenzie Watts Howell Police Presented With AED In Memory Of Mackenzie Watts
A life-saving device will be going up in the lobby of the Howell Police Department in memory of a Howell student athlete who passed away almost eleven years ago. Mackenzie Watts was just 15 when she collapsed and died in November of 2005 after suffering a seizure on the deck of the Howell High School pool while competing in the swim teamâs season-ending relay event. It was later determined that she suffered from a heart condition that her parents say might have been revealed by an EKG. George and Laurie Watts first created a scholarship fund in their daughterâs honor, which later morphed into the Mackenzie Watts Memorial Fund. It provides scholarships but also funds toward cardiac-related events testing, equipment and education. They worked with the Sparky Defibrillator Challenge to donate one unit to Howell Police and a second to the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department in her memory. The Sparky team is committed to raising funds to outfit police cars and agencies across the county with automatic external defibrillators or AEDâs. The Howell unit was presented during Monday nightâs City Council meeting and George Watts tells WHMI theyâre thrilled to do it and honor Mackenzieâs memory because whenever people see or hear her name, it makes them proud. He says hopefully theyâll be able to get enough in the right places so if people do have heart issues, they can be taken care of. Watts noted it will be eleven years next month since Mackenzieâs passing and they encourage student athlete heart checks so that parents donât have to go through what they experienced. Police Chief George Basar told WHMI theyâre really pleased to receive the donation in name of Mackenzie Watts, which will be mounted in the lobby with a plaque commemorating the donation to the department. Basar says officers already have the devices in police cars but they came to realize that they donât have one in the lobby should they have a cardiac-related event inside the building. (JM)
↧
↧
Hartland Board Chooses Chuck Hughes As Next SuperintendentHartland Board Chooses Chuck Hughes As Next Superintendent
A longtime employee of Hartland Consolidated Schools has been chosen as the districtâs new superintendent. Chuck Hughes has served as Hartlandâs Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the last five years, but will have a new job title come January 1st. Hughes was unanimously chosen last night by the districtâs Board of Education to replace Superintendent Janet Sifferman, who is retiring. Hughes and Scott VanEpps, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel and Student Services, each underwent a lengthy public interview just a couple of weeks ago for the job. The board agreed that both candidates were worthy and the decision was extremely difficult, but ultimately chose Hughes, who says he is honored. He says the district has inspired him and he plans to continue a successful path forward for its schools. Prior to his current position, Hughes worked in the district as a high school principal for 12 years. During that time period, Sifferman served as superintendent. Sifferman was not allowed to participate in the boardâs vote, but says both of the candidates have worked with her in her cabinet. She feels Hughes is a good fit because he is well known around the community and has a vast knowledge of the district. Sifferman and Hughes were both emotional upon hearing the decision and during hugs after the meeting. As for retirement plans, Sifferman says she is going to move to Arizona and become a âsnowbirdâ. She plans to spend half of the year there and the other half back in Michigan, visiting with family. (DK)
↧
Scary Storytelling At The Opera HouseScary Storytelling At The Opera House
A night of scary stories is planned at the Howell Opera House. Professional storytellers from around the state will converge in Howell this Saturday night to help get kids and adults into the Halloween spirit. Kids stories will begin at 7pm on the first floor, with admission being free. The Scary Story Adult Concert begins at 9pm in the 2nd floor haunted theater. A $20 donation benefitting the Opera House is asked for attending that show. The donation includes dessert and coffee refreshments. There is also a family concert designed for those ages 14 and up. The stories there will start out spooky and get scarier as the moon rises in the night sky. Tickets can be reserved for the adult event by calling the Howell Opera House at (517) 540-0065. (MK)
↧
Livingston County Deputies Celebrating Mo-vemberLivingston County Deputies Celebrating Mo-vember
Livingston County deputies are turning November into Mo-vember. In recent years, facial hair on men in November has taken to symbolizing support of loved ones with cancer much like the color pink has done with breast cancer awareness in October. This year, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department is combining the two. While mustaches are allowed within the department, beards and goatees are normally not. Undersheriff Mike Murphy told WHMI that one of his deputies pitched the idea and they have decided to run with it. Murphy said the beards will still have to be neatly trimmed and they wouldnât be allowing any âZZ Tops or lamb chops.â Murphy said a minimum $50 donation is required by any deputy who wishes to participate. So far 30 have signed up. The funds raised are being pledged to the American Cancer Society, specifically for breast cancer research. Murphy half-joked, stating that while the beards will be acceptable throughout November, come December 1st all deputies better show up for work cleanly shaven. (MK)
↧
Complaints Allege Democratic TV Ads Break Campaign Finance LawComplaints Allege Democratic TV Ads Break Campaign Finance Law
The Democrat running for Congress in Michiganâs 8th District is named in complaints filed by a conservative group alleging illegal advertising practices this fall. The Washington D.C.-based Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust filed a legal complaint Tuesday against the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and a dozen of its candidates, including Suzanna Shkreli of Clarkston. The assistant Macomb County prosecutor is running against Republican Congressman Mike Bishop. The group alleges the committee is exploiting a legal loophole and that Democrats and candidates coordinated spending for entire ad buys, exceeding the $48,000 limit on such spending for each candidate. The television advertisements link Republican House candidates to Donald Trump. Bishop campaign spokesman Stu Sandler issued a press release stating âSuzanna Shkreli was handpicked by liberal party bosses and Nancy Pelosi. Suzanna Shkreli is down in the polls and desperate so she worked out this scheme with liberal special interests to help manipulate the law to help her floundering campaignâ. Shkreliâs campaign manager Brian Lenzmeier responded to say âThis is a baseless complaint from a partisan group with extensive ties to shady, right-wing secret money groupsâ. He added âWe have been communicating with voters about Mike Bishopâs unequivocal support for Donald Trump and this is his latest attempt to avoid having to answer for Trumpâs record of bragging about sexual assault, denigrating the record of a war hero, mocking a disabled reporter and insulting the Gold Star family of a fallen soldier.â (JM)
↧
↧
Howell Township Adopts Updated Master PlanHowell Township Adopts Updated Master Plan
An updated master plan is helping one township consolidate some zoning while also protecting its natural resources. The Howell Township Planning Commission adopted the document which will serve as the roadmap to community development for the next 5 years at their regular meeting Tuesday night. Normally the township Board of Trustees would approve the plan, but they passed a resolution at a recent meeting allowing the Planning Commission that honor. One of the areas the commission was looking to improve upon was simplifying the zoning around the airport. The numerous overlapping zones from the old plan have now been re-designated under one airport zone. The new zoning district will allow businesses that could tie into the airport like rental car establishments or gas stations to have an easier time with selecting a location and operating their business. The other major update in the plan was amending a recreation preservation zone along the Shiawassee River. The board felt it was important to recognize the river as a natural beauty and designated it a protected area to help preserve it for future generations. Sloan said this does not change any property ownerâs rights. A copy of the master plan can be found online at www.howelltownshipmi.org, or by stopping in at the township office. (MK)
↧
School Board Candidates Discuss Hot Topics At Brighton ForumSchool Board Candidates Discuss Hot Topics At Brighton Forum
The candidates running for a seat on the Brighton Area Schools Board of Education voiced their thoughts on various topics at a public forum last night. The candidate forum, hosted by the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Voter's Voice, WHMI and the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus, gave voters a chance to hear from eight candidates. Four seats are up for election on the school board with Trustees Bill Trombley and Andy Burchfield running for re-election. The rest of the candidates include James Alexander Jr, Gerry Mann, Alicia Reid, William Rockwell, Jason Tracey and Roger Myers. An issue that received strong responses at the forum, and has been an item of contention at recent board meetings, is the use of the Brighton High School pool by out-of-county organizations and associated usage fees. The majority of the candidates agreed the district and its taxpayers should have first priority when it comes to using the schoolâs facilities. Myers went for a diplomatic approach. He says outside clubs and organizations should be allowed to use the schoolâs facilities, and that the district needs to be fair and equitable. Some candidates felt the current school board was at fault for not providing enough clarity to help administration create the policy. Reid says she lives and dies by written policies, but made it clear that she feels the issue is a âfailure of policyâ. Reid says the school board should provide clear guidance to the administration. Mann and Rockwell agreed, and feel public input is needed to structure the policy. Another hot topic discussed was whether the district should authorize charter schools. Trombley was adamant in his opposition. He says he never has and never will have any affiliation with charter schools and reminded the audience that he voted against a previous attempt to do so. Burchfield says the oversight required to authorize a charter is a lot of work and would detract from the district's core mission. Alexander says he doesnât have much background knowledge about charters, but felt that those efforts would be better spent in the BAS district. The candidates seemed to agree to one degree or another that they did not believe it was in the districtâs best interest to authorize charter schools. Tracey agreed that BAS should not authorize charters, but says he does support them in general and feel they have a place among other educational institutions. Other topics discussed at the forum were state recommended LGBTQ guidelines, open carry of guns in schools, endorsement from the teacherâs union, learning opportunities, and school of choice students.
Here are audio links to the forum;
Opening StatementsQuestion 1 - What is your opinion of BAS becoming an authorizer of charter schools and do you have any association with charter schools that could pose a conflict? (Starts with Roger Myers)Question 2 - Do you think BAS is doing enough to provide learning opportunities for all students; for example through online learning or vocational education? (Starts with Jason Tracey)Question 3 - What would be the educational benefits of a year-round school calendar versus the traditional agrarian schedule?Question 4 - Have you been endorsed or supported by the Brighton teacher's union and how would you handle a future request for a salary or benefit increase?Question 5 - Should there be a cap on the number of Schools of Choice students allowed into BAS in order to limit growing class sizes?Question 6 - What is your position on the voluntary LGBTQ guidelines recently approved by the State Board of Education and do you think BAS should adopt them? (Starts with Alicia Reid)Question 7 - Do you think the state's Open Carry law that allows the holder of a concealed pistol license to openly carry a firearm inside a school is appropriate and what should the district's policy be?Question 8 - Do you feel non-community based athletic clubs should have the same access to district facilities as Brighton-based organizations?Closing Statements (Rogers Myers starts)
↧
Milford Police Officers Administer Narcan, Save Two Overdose Victims Milford Police Officers Administer Narcan, Save Two Overdose Victims
Two Milford Police officers are being commended for their life saving actions in administering Narcan to two individuals who overdosed on heroin and survived. Officers Nicole Adams and Daniel Caldwell are being commended for their lifesaving actions during separate incidents on October 20th and October 22nd in which they administered Narcan to victims who were unresponsive and later admitted injecting heroin. Every single Milford Police officer has been trained through Community Emergency Medical Services and the Narcan kits were made possible through a partnership grant with the Oakland County Department of Mental Health. Police Chief Tom Lindberg says itâs a sad reality that society needs something like Narcan but itâs satisfying to know officers have been trained and have this tool to save lives. When asked if officers are coming into contact more with these types of situations, Lindberg told WHMI it appears that heroin and opiate addiction and use is at a very much high right now, noting itâs not just heroin but any opiate based-prescription or illegal drug that Narcan or Naloxone will work against, although some are more effective than others. Lindberg says heâs exceptionally proud of the officers and that they reacted the way they did, noting the system worked the way itâs supposed to from when the officers got on scene to the time that firefighters and paramedics arrived but then also the follow-up treatment at the hospitals. He says itâs vitally important the individuals get ongoing treatment because a number of times, law enforcement agencies throughout the county will get dispatched to the same person multiple times and deploy Narcan to help save them so the follow-up treatment and assessment is equally important. Officer Nicole Adams is being commended for her actions on October 20th in which a 9-1-1 call was received about a 23-year-old female curled up in ball on the sidewalk at the intersection of Highland Avenue and West Commerce. Adams arrived first on scene and observed the victim unresponsive with eyes closed and twitching. She administered one dose of Narcan and within 30 seconds, the victim became semi alert and began to cry. She was hospitalized for further treatment and police say she admitted to injecting heroin earlier in the evening. The actions of Officer Daniel Caldwell on October 22nd are also being highlighted. He responded to a 9-1-1 call from a private home in the area of South Hill and East Dawson involving a resident of the home who was unconscious and turning blue. The caller advised the victim had a history of opiate addiction and was in recovery. Caldwell administered one dose of Narcan and within two minutes, the victim began to breathe more normally and eventually regained consciousness. Officials note that while the Narcan kits can have positive results they are not a miracle cure and will not bring someone back to life. (JM)
↧
Hughes Road Project To Result In Lengthy Travel Delays Thursday & Friday Hughes Road Project To Result In Lengthy Travel Delays Thursday & Friday
A road project in Genoa Township is expected to result in travel delays for the remainder of the week. Road construction on Hughes Road between Grand River and Forest Ponds Drive is scheduled to take place this Thursday and Friday. The Livingston County Road Commission advises the project involves milling the existing pavement and replacing with new material. Hughes Road will not be closed but traffic will be maintained by flag control and motorists should be prepared for long delays. The road commission is recommending finding an alternate route. (JM)
↧
↧
Former Teacher Caught With "lures for children" While Awaiting SentencingFormer Teacher Caught With "lures for children" While Awaiting Sentencing
Officials made a disturbing discovery in the car of a former teacher and coach at Howell High School awaiting sentencing in a child pornography case. 60-year-old Duane Millar pleaded guilty last month in federal court to a single count of receiving child pornography and was free on bond pending sentencing February 6th. But court records indicate his bond conditions were modified after police say they found two stuffed animals, rope, tape and a baseball bat in his car after he was pulled over October 5th by East Lansing Police for driving with an expired license plate. The documents indicate the materials were âviewed as lures for children.â He was ordered to not possess or publicly display such materials, ââ¦including childrenâs games, toys, videos or clothing without approval from his probation officer.â He was also ordered not use or possess alcohol after empty beer bottles were found in his home and full cases of beer in his garage. The child pornography charges were filed followed a search of Millarâs East Lansing home in March after a three-month State Police investigation. Illicit material was found in an email account and on various computers and media storage devices. Soon after the charges were filed, Millar resigned his position with the Howell district, where he had taught world language and coached cross country and track. Millar faces between 5 and 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years of probation and up to $250,000 in fines. (JK)
↧
Local Animal Shelter Volunteer Recognized With Statewide AwardLocal Animal Shelter Volunteer Recognized With Statewide Award
A volunteer with a local organization has been honored for her hard work through a statewide award. Fran Lawton, a volunteer with the Livingston County Animal Shelter, was recently recognized by the Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers and chosen to receive the âVolunteer of the Yearâ award. Lawton was presented the award at the Great Lakes Animal Welfare Conference in Battle Creek October 24th and 25th. Lawton was nominated and chosen for the award from a group of her peers in a process that included animal welfare professionals from across Michigan. She was honored in front of over 300 professionals from the Great Lakes Region during the conference. Director Andy Seltz says Lawton goes above and beyond for the pets at the shelter. Lawton is said to play an integral role within the organization. She provides photos of each animal that enters the shelter to highlight their attributes. Shelter staff says this has led to a high rate of return to owners and higher adoption rates. Lawton says she is very honored to receive the award. She feels providing aid to shelter pets is a very rewarding experience, as well as being recognized for her hard work.
↧
Teen Substance Abuse Seminar Educates Adults About Signs, Symptoms & TrendsTeen Substance Abuse Seminar Educates Adults About Signs, Symptoms & Trends
A substance abuse program held in Brighton last night offered information and resources to adults looking to educate themselves on teen drug usage. Cheryl Phillips, Coordinator at St. Joseph Mercy Health System, was one of the eventâs presenters and believes the message she delivered is pertinent in any community. The seminar discussed the signs, symptoms and current trends of teen drug usage. Participants were also able to enter a mock bedroom of a teenager (pictured) that was set up to resemble a teenage drug userâs room. They were then asked to identify drug and alcohol related paraphernalia placed within the room. Phillips says drug abuse and addiction has no barrier, which means everyone needs to remain educated about it. Phillips says is important to stay informed because the message is constantly changing. Phillips cited prescription drug abuse as an example. She says it was not an issue 10 years ago, but it has since become one of the primary problems in drug abuse. Phillips says the drugs, ways to hide them and access to them is continually evolving. Thatâs why she feels it is necessary that adults continue to inform themselves. She tells WHMI the lack of campaigns negating drug abuse also adds to the problem. Phillips says there is a generational gap when it comes to that. She feels advertisements that communicate that âdrugs are badâ were brought to the fore front more in the past than they are now. Guests at the event learned about different kinds of drugs and substances that are abused, nicknames for them, what household items are used to make them and the effect they can have. Phillips says the goal was to educate the group, but also encouraged anyone who is concerned someone they know is using to take the next steps needed to help them stop. (DK)
↧
