A sentence has been handed down for a South Lyon woman convicted in an alcohol-related crash that claimed the life of her mother. 51-year-old Janet McGahey was ordered to serve between 1 and 15 years in jail at her sentencing hearing Wednesday in Oakland County Circuit Court. She pleaded guilty last month to a charge of Operating While Intoxicated in connection with the fatal crash that took place in September of 2015. Authorities say McGahey was traveling on 11 Mile Road with her mother, 89-year-old Betty Whitfield of Lyon Township, in the passenger seat. They say after stopping at the intersection of Milford Road, she became distracted while talking on her cell phone and pulled out in front of a delivery truck, which struck the passenger side of her vehicle. McGaheyâs mother was pronounced dead at the scene. The truckâs driver was not injured. McGahey was hospitalized at the time for her injuries, but later released on bond, pending her trial and sentencing. However, following yesterdayâs hearing, she was remanded to the Oakland County Jail to await transfer to the Michigan Department of Corrections. (JK)
Prison Time Ordered For South Lyon Woman In Drunk Driving DeathPrison Time Ordered For South Lyon Woman In Drunk Driving Death
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"Zemp" To Be Celebrated At Opera House Event"Zemp" To Be Celebrated At Opera House Event
An event celebrating the life of one of Howellâs most revered citizens is taking place next month. Duane Zemper recently passed away at the age of 96 and left behind a legacy of preservation for historic photos, volunteerism, and mentorship. Family, friends, and history lovers alike are invited to free event at the Howell Opera House on Thursday, November 10th at 7:30pm that will kick off a campaign for a memorial recognizing him. Zemper, who was affectionately known by man as "Zemp," owned and operated the oldest, continuously operated family-owned studio in the United States. He was also an active, engaged member of the Howell Rotary Club. He was a cross-country All-American at Eastern Michigan University and a U.S. Olympic Track qualifier before World War II set him on the photo journalist path. Zemper was assigned to the 457th Bomb Group where he took pictures later used in the Emmy Award winning film âWWII: Through the Lens of Duane Zemperâ which will be shown at the celebration. Zemper also was co-founder of the Howell Area Archives and responsible for preserving photos of Howell dating back to the 1800s. You can learn more about the Duane Zemper Legacy Project online by visiting the link below. (MK)
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Michigan War Dog Memorial To Lay K-9 Samson To Rest Saturday Michigan War Dog Memorial To Lay K-9 Samson To Rest Saturday
A four-legged hero will be memorialized at a ceremony in Lyon Township this weekend. The Michigan War Dog Memorial will bury K-9 Samson this Saturday with full ceremonial honors. The cemetery is located on Milford Road in Lyon Township and the ceremony will begin at noon. Samson worked with the White Collar K-9âs agency and assisted various police departments during large security events. The ceremony will feature bagpipes, taps, and a âcanine salute to their fallen comrade.â Eight German shepherds who have been trained to howl on command will do so for 30 seconds in honor of Samson. President Phil Weitlauf is inviting the community to attend the event to honor and pay their respects to Samson, who Weitlauf says has protected the community for many years. The MWDM has made a goal of expanding knowledge and awareness of K-9âs that serve and protect, while continuing restoration and maintenance of the cemetery grounds. For more information about the burial or the organization, visit the Michigan War Dog Memorialâs website at www.mwdm.org. (DK)
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Salvation Army's 4th Annual Red Tie Gala To Feature Live Monopoly GameSalvation Army's 4th Annual Red Tie Gala To Feature Live Monopoly Game
A live Monopoly game with properties, community chest winning and maybe a night in "jail" are all planned as part of an event to jump start the season for a local non-profit that works to serve those most in need. The Salvation Army of Livingston County will host its 4th annual Red Tie Gala at Mt. Brighton on Saturday, November 5th. Major Prezza Morrison tells WHMI the event serves as the kick off for the local Corpsâ Christmas appeal and is an opportunity to have a good time, get to know people, build relationships and play a unique, live game of Monopoly. Tickets include a gourmet dinner, dancing, a property and game play. Itâs a new theme and Morrison says attendees will get a card representing a piece property to exchange throughout the evening and collect those required on a monopoly board to win a prize. Morrison says individuals will also be dressed up as some of the characters from the popular board game while table decorations will feature the different game pieces. Tickets to the Salvation Armyâs The Red Tie Gala are available and are $50 per person or $270 for a table of six. Sponsorships and volunteers for the event are also being sought. More information can be found through the link. (JM)
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Improvement & Renovation Projects At Brighton District Library Continuing Improvement & Renovation Projects At Brighton District Library Continuing
Improvements are continuing at the Brighton District Library with one project wrapping up and another of importance coming up in the near future. The library continues to move forward with its commitment to use funds from the 2015 millage replacement to improve services and the building. A community update issued by Library Director Cindy Mack notes that a garden access and drainage project was recently completed to allow easier accessibility into Millieâs Garden but also ease water issues that affect that area during heavy rainstorms. There are now two ADA-compliant entrances to the garden, which can be accessed from the parking lot and the side exit near youth services. Then in mid-November, officials will be embarking on a project to renovate all of the libraryâs restrooms. Mack advises that the project will require the closure of the family restroom in the Youth Services Department from mid-November to early December. The two main restrooms will then be closed for approximately two months, starting in mid-December. Mack assures every effort will be made to minimize patron disruption but says visitors will likely encounter noise and dust at times and patience will be appreciated. BDL Photo. (JM)
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Suspect Taken Into Custody After Three-Hour Police Standoff In Pinckney Suspect Taken Into Custody After Three-Hour Police Standoff In Pinckney
A police standoff involving multiple departments in the Village of Pinckney ended safely with the suspect being taken into custody. The incident started around 9am at a home on Cricket Crossing where a Pinckney officer had been conducting a welfare check and discovered a 45-year-old man from Genesee County had violated a personal protection order. Police Chief Jeff Newton tells WHMI when confronted with that, the suspect refused to surrender and locked himself in the home. Newton says the joint Special Response Team was called out, consisting of members from the Green Oak, Hamburg and Brighton Police Departments. In all, he says officers from Pinckney, Brighton, Green Oak, Hamburg, Unadilla and Michigan State Police all responded to the scene. Newton says the suspect ultimately surrendered after a roughly three-hour standoff and was taken into custody shortly after noon. Newton says initially they couldnât confirm that there was anybody in the home but they had reason to believe the homeowner was there and had concerns for the homeownerâs safety, which resulted in the deployment of the Special Response Team. Once it was determined there was one other subject inside the home, police had to talk the suspect into coming outside. Newton says they were ultimately able to get everybody out of the home safe with no injuries. The suspect was lodged in the Livingston County Jail pending charges and Newton says the investigation is continuing. (JM)
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September Jobless Rates Fall Seasonally In Local & State Labor Markets September Jobless Rates Fall Seasonally In Local & State Labor Markets
September jobless rates fell seasonally in Livingston County and all regional labor markets. Livingston Countyâs September unemployment rate stood at 4.2%, dropping four-tenths of a percentage point from August. Livingston currently ranks 38th among Michiganâs 83 counties. The Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives reports September jobless rates were at a 2016 low point in many Michigan regions and were generally similar to year-ago rates. Some of the largest over-the-year employment additions were recorded in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn region, which includes Livingston County. (JM)
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Milford Police Encourage Safety This Halloween Milford Police Encourage Safety This Halloween
Hundreds of witches, goblins, super heroes and princesses will take to Milford neighborhoods looking for treats on Monday. The Milford Police Department is encouraging everyone to have a fun and safe Halloween since it can be an enjoyable time for children and adults alike. However, the department is also urging safety due to the recent creepy clown sightings. Incidents involving people dressed up as clowns freaking people out or breaking the law have been reported throughout Michigan and other states. Different reports also made the rounds on social media, fueling multiple rumors in various communities. Police Chief Tom Lindberg cautions that this year may create some additional challenges for residents and police with the clown scaring incidents. He says it is not appropriate for homeowners, teens or young adults to jump out and attempt to frighten or scare trick or treaters. Lindberg tells WHMI it just doesnât seem like appropriate timing this year and anything that can be done to make it more of a pleasant experience would be greatly appreciated by law enforcement. The recommended âtrick or treatâ hours in the Village and Township of Milford are between 6 and 8pm, as well as most local communities. Lindberg says they encourage individuals to report all incidents and âif you see something, say somethingâ. In addition to the common-sense type Halloween safety tips and reminders, Lindberg says motorists need to remain alert and drive safely since children will be out on local streets. (JM)
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Wolverines Win Annual VINA Tailgate Fundraiser Wolverines Win Annual VINA Tailgate Fundraiser
Competition between Michigan and Michigan State fans is nothing new, but when used to benefit the VINA Dental Clinic in Brighton, it is extremely beneficial. Spartans and Wolverines took their rivalry to the next level last night at a fundraiser held at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township. The 8th annual tailgate brought fans from each team together as it does every year to raise money for the VINA Dental Clinic. VINA provides dental care to low-income patients and those without insurance. Since it opened in 2008, the clinic has treated thousands of patients, typically treating up to 20 new patients a month. Lisa Izant is on the Tailgate Committee and has volunteered at VINA as a dental hygienist for a number of years. She tells WHMI she enjoys helping people âget their smiles backâ. The tailgate is the largest fundraising event for the clinic of the year, raising money through a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and games. It also pits the teams against one another in a challenge to see which team can raise more money. Spartans won last year, but it was the Wolverines who came in ahead this year. The final numbers are still being tallied, but committee members say it was clear that Michigan won. Michigan fans are hoping their winning streak will continue at Saturdayâs game. (DK)
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State Rep Candidates Debate Open Carry & Charter Schools At ForumState Rep Candidates Debate Open Carry & Charter Schools At Forum
The two men running for 47th District State Representative in the upcoming election stood on opposite sides of several issues at a recent candidate forum. Incumbent Republican Hank Vaupel and political newcomer and Democrat Keith Vanhouten appealed to voters at a recent candidate forum in Hartland. A question and answer session revealed that the two only saw eye-to-eye on the need for more government transparency. Vanhouten says one of the main issues heâs focused on is eliminating openly carrying guns in schools, stating âthere should be no guns in schools periodâ. Vaupel however says whether that is necessary or a good idea, the point is that if a person has their concealed pistol license, they have the right to openly carry in schools. Vaupel says as a state official, he upholds that right. The candidates also had opposite thoughts when it came to state funding for private schools. Vaupel feels it is necessary in order to cover state mandates, but Vanhouten cited Separation of Church and State and feels the state should never provide funding to private schools. During their closing remarks, Vanhouten brought up campaign funding and says as a first-timer, the process has been âeye-openingâ. Vanhouten says Vaupel has raised $187,000 in his last two races. He asked voters to ask themselves where the money came from when they see Vaupelâs campaign signs and who the candidate is beholden to. Vanhouten says his campaign has been self-funded. Vaupel used his time to discuss what he feels his successes have been during his first term in office and laying what he believes is a solid foundation to build from. Vaupel says his experience in owning a business, involvement in local government and work in the community has made him a worthy choice for re-election. Vaupel says Michiganâs economy and creating jobs is his main focus. Vanhouten says he is seeking office because he is âcompelled by the failureâ of elected officials to work together and get things done. (DK)
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Girl Scout Troop Lends A Helping Hand To CommunityGirl Scout Troop Lends A Helping Hand To Community
A year-long project by a local Girl Scout troop will come to fruition next week with a grand opening. Cadette Girl Scout Troop 41812 of Pinckney will host the grand opening of the Helping Hands Clothing Closet on Tuesday, November 1st at 3pm at Navigator Upper Elementary School on East M-36 in Pinckney. Helping Hands is the result of a year-long project taken on by the eight troop members as a way to earn the Silver Award, which requires at least 50 hours of service for each individual member. Troop leader Melissa Bolen says the idea for the closet was Navigator teacher Deb Loukotka's, who wanted to provide a place where students could get items they needed and then open that up to community families as well. The troop started the project by holding meetings with Navigator staff and then developed a plan of action to obtain necessary items. The first task, however, was transforming the unused classroom, which was full of desks, chairs, tables and bags of clothing stacked in the corners and filling the center of the room. The girls recruited friends and parent volunteers who, along with the troop members, put in countless hours getting it ready. Local businesses were recruited to donate paint, hangers, shelving and clothing racks. Two of the troop members even constructed hanging racks for the closet. The troop plans to host donation drives and fundraisers for hangers, storage bins and items like boots and warm clothing in the winter months. In addition to clothing, the closet will also offer laundry detergent, personal hygiene products, school supplies and other items needed by families in the community. Helping Handsâ hours will vary. For additional information, please contact Debbie Loukotka at (810) 225-5368 or Lisa Miles, Navigator student and family specialist, at (810) 225-5318. Pictured from left to right - Desiree Ditmore, Mariana Mitchell, Carli Mulvihill, Karra Peterson, Lydia Bolen, Hayley Hendricks and Katie Marhofer (not pictured is Jade Cipponeri) (JK)
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Holiday Glow Set To Officially Launch The Holidays In BrightonHoliday Glow Set To Officially Launch The Holidays In Brighton
The holiday season in Livingston County kicks off with family friendly event in downtown Brighton. On Saturday November 19th the annual Holiday Glow in downtown Brighton officially marks the start of the holiday season. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the event, which features among other activities, holiday music, horse drawn hay rides, a nativity petting farm and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. WHMIâs Mike Marino and Jon King will be live on stage with Brighton Mayor Jim Muzzin to help light up the Brighton Mill Pond. The event runs from 4-7 pm and will also feature a special performance by the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet. More information can be found through the link at WHMI.com. (DS)
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LACASA Brings International Gender Violence Expert To HowellLACASA Brings International Gender Violence Expert To Howell
A local organization will host an international speaker next week at the Historic Howell Theater talking about gender violence. LACASA will launch its new Mentors in Violence Prevention, or MVP, program on Tuesday, November 1st from 7 to 9:30 pm, with free event for the public. International speaker and gender violence activist Dr. Jackson Katz will present a lecture called âTaking it Personally: Why Gender Violence is an Issue for the Community,â which is part of a program that will eventually be introduced in local school districts. Community Education Director for LACASA, Nicole Matthews-Creech tells WHMI gender violence is all encompassing and covers covers domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and sexual harassment. She says it is typically the type of violence that is inflicted on partners; sometimes same sex partners, which is why there is confusion when people say gender violence. She says it is because often times people think "oh it's violence against women," and for a long time the movement has been the violence against women movement. She says now though that domestic violence crosses all lines and sometimes it's violence against men. Matthews-Creech says the program is just the first step in trying to educate the community about prevention of domestic violence. She calls MVP a trickle down type program that uses teachers and student mentors, with the goal of not only changing the school climate, but the communityâs perceptions as well. Matthews-Creech says LACASA is bringing Katz in to introduce the program and help clarify the issue of gender violence, and also help people realize the issue is greater than just the local community. Katz is an author, filmmaker and cultural theorist, and spent much of his career developing gender violence initiatives world-wide. Matthews-Creech says locally the MVP program will begin in Howell Public Schools in January with two day training for teachers and staff. Pre-registration is suggested through LACASAâs website or by clicking the link below. (DK)
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Audit: Journey From From Deficit To Surplus Earns BAS Top GradesAudit: Journey From From Deficit To Surplus Earns BAS Top Grades
The Brighton Board of Education received its annual audit at the regular meeting Monday night, and the district has been given an âAâ on its report card by the auditors. The Brighton Area Schools received an unmodified, or unqualified, audit -- meaning there were no problem areas and the district correctly followed recognized accounting standards. Auditor Jeff Straus of the Lansing-based firm Maner-Costerisan said the district â which had the stigma of being a deficit district removed a year ago, increased its fund balance by $755,000 this past year and sported a fund equity of $2.3 million at the end of the fiscal year on June 30th. The Shared Services program has proven to be a boon for the district. Straus told the board that the net income to the district â at about $2.2 million for 2015-16 - was less than when the district started the program due to cost increases. But regardless, Straus said the program has, without question, helped the district get out of deficit. In Shared Services, Brighton provides certified instructors who teach classes at parochial and other private schools that donât have qualified teachers in specific disciplines. The Brighton Area Schoolsâ general fund budget for the current fiscal year shows estimated revenues of $65.1 million and expenditures of $63 million. If expenses hold true to projections, Straus said the district fund balance would increase to around $4 million by the end of the 2016-17 year. (TT)
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Howell Wins Outstanding Chamber Of Commerce AwardHowell Wins Outstanding Chamber Of Commerce Award
The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce has been recognized with a statewide award. The Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals presented the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce with the 2016 Outstanding Chamber of Commerce Award Thursday at their Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting in Ann Arbor. The groupâs director, Bob Thomas, said the Howell chamber received the award based on its accomplishments in leadership and governance, financial stewardship, business advocacy and member programming, adding that, âThe chamber and its leadership are extraordinary in their innovative solutions to address workforce and business challenges in the region, their ability to see big picture issues, and a commitment to excellence in industry practices.â Applications for the award are judged by chamber professionals from across the country and must demonstrate quality, innovation, and effectiveness of programming. The highest scoring applications receive the annual award. Howell won in the large chamber category, while the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce was recognized in the mid-size category and the Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce in the small chamber. Facebook video from Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. (JK)
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Howell Parking Lot Project On Schedule & Progressing Well Howell Parking Lot Project On Schedule & Progressing Well
A parking lot project in downtown Howell is moving along despite recent rainy weather. The Howell City Council met Monday night and received an update on the status of an ongoing parking lot project. Parking lot #2 is located behind Gusâs and Coney Island - bordered by Clinton, Walnut and Center Streets. Itâs referred to as âthe pitâ and is in the midst of reconstruction. The project was said to be going well and even with all of the rain, crews are still on track to be open for parking as scheduled. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI theyâre making good progress noting all storm lines were in Monday, and private utility conduits were scheduled to go in Tuesday or Wednesday. After that, crews will begin the enclosure and wall fittings for the building base. The project is about two-weeks out from paving, which is weather dependent, but Charles says they still anticipate being able to hit their target of mid-November to have the lot open for use. Charles commented during the meeting that some positive news related to the project is that the soils turned out to be better than anticipated. From the start, officials warned it would be a pretty complex project due to bad soils and burying overhead utilities. (JM)
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Deadline Approaches for Entry into Fantasy of Lights Deadline Approaches for Entry into Fantasy of Lights
Those wishing to enter a float in this yearâs Fantasy of Lights Parade in downtown Howell need to apply very soon. The parade may be nearly a month away, but applications to enter a float need to be submitted by this coming Monday, November 1st. All floats entered in the parade must be illuminated with at least 5,000 holiday lights. The annual event, which also includes the Fantasy 5K Run marks the start of the holiday shopping season and this yearâs theme is Jingle Around the Block. Parade director, Michelle Tokan says the November 25th event is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, and constructing a float can be a team-building experience for many organizations. Thousands of spectators are expected to line the Grand River Avenue parade route. This yearâs parade grand marshals are Joe and Becky Parker. For more information or to apply for entry, click the link on our website. (DS)
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Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte RetiresLivingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte Retires
Friday marked Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotteâs final day with the department but heâs confident heâs leaving it in good hands. He says itâs been a great career but it goes by fast - noting his goal as a young deputy was to be a sergeant and he far exceeded those expectations, thanking everyone for all of their support over the years. His head was still spinning following a farewell luncheon Friday, saying he talked to a lot of people and well-wishers in the community. He says the deputies have been great and he sent out a final email to county employees thanking them. Bezotte says he lives in the community where his family and grandkids have grown up, noting itâs a great place to raise a family and work. He says behind every good man is also a good woman and credited his wife Sheila of 44 years. Bezotte said he wished he could say thank you to all citizens of the county individually and even those who pass through, saying heâs always felt truly honored to have been sheriff and working in law enforcement. Working as a detective, Bezotte said heâs seen the best and the worst in people but the department motto has always been to treat the public how they would want to be treated. Bezotte had the opportunity to see Livingston County grow over the years from back when he was a deputy on road patrol and it was mostly dirt roads, noting significant population growth and development since that time. One of the more recent incidents that stood out for Bezotte was the road rage shooting death at Grand River and Chilson Road and he says every year, they worry about young kids and traffic accidents involving alcohol. Bezotte feels heâs leaving on a positive note and told WHMI the sheriff department is in good hands. He says incoming Sheriff Mike Murphy is a great guy who will take the department to the next level, noting they share a lot of the same priorities. Although Bezotte is retiring from Livingston County law enforcement, heâll be moving into the government arena having won a seat on the Livingston County Board of Commissioners in the August Primary election. Bezotte says he hopes to make an impact moving forward but recognizes everything takes money and you have to prioritize, noting increasing drug issues and internet crimes are part of what motivated him to run for the seat. Bezotte was elected to three different terms as sheriff and says he intends to work just as hard as a county commissioner. Meanwhile, a retirement and celebration event is scheduled for Bezotte on Friday, November 4th at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township and attendees have been encouraged to come armed with stories. (JM)
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Capsized Boat Results In Two Fatalities In Green Oak TownshipCapsized Boat Results In Two Fatalities In Green Oak Township
Two Clarkston men who jumped into a lake in Green Oak Township last night to rescue their fellow crew members from their capsized boat have been pronounced deceased. Emergency responders were called to the Hidden Lake Subdivision around 7:22 pm for a report of a boat sinking with two individuals in the water. Two 20-year-old men, both from Clarkston, had been retrieving buoys for the end of the lake season when their boat began to take on water and sink. The men on the boat called three other men they were working with for help, but were in the water by the time their co-workers arrived. Police Chief Jason Pless says the men in the water were distressed because of the water temperature and two men from the shore entered the water in an attempt to rescue their co-workers. It is believed they were submerged below the surface before they reached the boat as a result of the water temperature and a rapid drop-off. Upon arrival, emergency responders worked to locate the men who had jumped in. One of the men from the capsized boat had managed to swim to shore, while the other had been rescued by a Hidden Lake resident who had driven another watercraft to the sinking boat. The two drowning victims were found in water that was approximately 10 feet deep by members of the Livingston County Dive Team. The victims, a 38 and 20-year-old male, were transported to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor by Livingston County Paramedics. They were pronounced deceased upon arrival. The victims are not being identified at this time. None of the men involved in the incident are reported to have had access to a personal floatation device. Those who provided assistance at the incident were Green Oak Township, Hartland and Howell Area Fire Department, Livingston County Dive Team, U of M Survival Flight, and Livingston County EMS. (DK)
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BHS Auto Shop Program to Get Gift of 2016 Mustang BHS Auto Shop Program to Get Gift of 2016 Mustang
The Brighton Area Schools is getting the gift of a 2016 Mustang GT, valued at $40,000-$42,000, from the Ford Motor Company. Superintendent Greg Gray says the school district is really excited to receive the Mustang â considered to be one of the most successful and iconic models in automotive history. Gray tells WHMI that itâs a testament to the success of the automotive program at the high school under the leadership of instructor Rocky Roberts. Gray adds that the school district is grateful to the Ford Motor Company for the generous gift. Roberts says that the new Mustang will be used for electrical diagnostics, brake system inspection and diagnosis, general vehicle inspection and other pertinent training tasks. Brighton High Schoolâs auto shop program is a nationally accredited program through NATEF â the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. The gift, about which the board of education was informed at a recent meeting, must be formally accepted on a voice vote before it is official, and thatâs expected to happen at the next board meeting, on Nov. 8. (TT)
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