Regulations for micro-alcohol production facilities in the City of Howell have been drafted. The Howell City Council met Monday night to introduce a new ordinance that addresses all types of micro-alcohol. Breweries, wineries and distilleries are included in the draft regulations. Microbrewing continues to increase in popularity but the uses can pose unique challenges due to the production nature associated with part of the business. Although viewed as ideal businesses in downtowns that generate foot traffic while utilizing local vendors and farmers, staff noted some concerns were raised that included odor and delivery traffic. Aberrant Ales approached the City in early 2016 about turning half of the Country Squire space into a restaurant and beer brewing facility. Since the use was not specifically identified in zoning ordinance, the planning commission proceeded with drafting the ordinance. The draft proposes making alcohol-related uses special land uses in commercial districts while large scale breweries would be special land uses in industrial districts. The ordinance will be back before the Howell City Council for discussion. (JM)
Micro-Alcohol Ordinance Before Howell City Council Micro-Alcohol Ordinance Before Howell City Council
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Local Dominos Targeted In Phishing Scam Local Dominos Targeted In Phishing Scam
A local pizza place was targeted in a recent phishing scam. Dominos locations throughout Michigan were targeted by a phishing scam on Thursday. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department says it included the Dominos in the development at the corner of Latson Road and M-59 in Oceola Township. The department says a male suspect would contact the Dominos store from a spoofed corporate Dominos number and request the name of the customer and telephone number because the credit/debit transaction did not go through. The employee, believing it was legitimate, would provide the name and phone number of the customer. The suspect would then call the victim and request their credit / debit card number. Police say the Livingston County cases appeared to be more harassing in nature and no fraud victims have been identified yet. The sheriffâs department is urging the public to check their financial information to see if anything was provided over the phone to Dominos. Dominos security is aware of the incidents and reported the happening throughout Michigan. Any victims of the scam are advised to contact the proper authorities. (JM)
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Student Prompts Lockdown At Pinckney High School Student Prompts Lockdown At Pinckney High School
A studentâs actions led to a lockdown at Pinckney High School on Friday morning. In a letter sent to parents, Principal April Woods said the incident that required putting the school on lockdown involved a student âwho made a poor choice of using his cell phone in a manner that resembled a weapon and while in the hallway, proceeded to display behavior that was observed from staff and students in two separate classrooms that caused concernâ. Although the individual involved thought they may have just been messing around, in today's age of school violence, Woods says they do not take any chances when it comes to the safety students and they called 911 immediately. The high school was placed on lockdown to secure the hallways, which required students to remain in their classrooms. Woods said the situation was quickly resolved and authorities will be addressing the situation. Woods stressed they are taking the situation very seriously and although there was no direct threat to students, they will not tolerate the disruption to the learning environment and the safety of students in this manner, regardless if the threat was perceived. The school is said to be taking administrative action. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department will be forwarding the report to the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office for review, which will determine if any criminal charges will be filed or not. (JM)
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Santa Paws Coming to Humane Society of Livingston CountySanta Paws Coming to Humane Society of Livingston County
Local pet owners can take advantage of a special holiday opportunity at the Livingston County Humane Society early next month. Santa Paws will visit the Humane Society to give pet owners the opportunity to have a holiday photo taken. Located at 2464 Dorr Road, the Humane Society will be open on Saturday, December 3rd from 11 to 3 pm and Sunday, December 4th from noon to 4 pm for the photo opportunity. Dogs must be on a non-retractable leash, and cats need to be in a carrier. A suggested donation of $10 will be collected to help with the needs of shelter animals. Low cost vaccinations and microchipping are also available on Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. No appointments are necessary. Click the link at WHMI.com or call the Humane Society at 517-552-8050 for more information. (DS)
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Salvation Army Again Offers Winter Outerwear Salvation Army Again Offers Winter Outerwear
The days are getting shorter and the weather turning cold, and again this year the Salvation Army of Livingston County is distributing warm coats, winter apparel and other necessities to individuals and families in need. As part of a long-standing partnership with WHMI, the Salvation Army is again collecting coats and winter apparel for distribution throughout the winter months. Salvation Army is also collecting winter outer-wear, as well as handing it out in the annual Coats for Kids campaign. Major Prezza Morrison tells WHMI the organization is there to help ease the burden of holiday stress. She says they serve the people of the community especially during the holiday seasons because that is a time when people want to bring joy into their families, and when they don't feel like they have what they need, it's harder to bring that joy. She says the Salvation Army tries to help families by providing assistance for Christmas and Thanksgiving baskets, and toys. Morrison says sometimes people feel uncomfortable because there are others less fortunate, and while that might be true, the Salvation Army is there to provide a service for the community in any way they may be struggling. Morrison says the doors have been open since mid-October so individuals and families can shop for coats and winter outerwear. The Corps on Lake Street in Howell is open Monday through Friday, from 10am to noon and from 1:30 to 4pm. She says this year a local church donated a large selection of coats, along with the items donated by the community. Those in need of coats and winter items may receive one coat per family member. In order to provide winter items for everyone in need, the Salvation Army is seeking donations of coats for all ages, as well as gloves, hats, boots, snow pants and scarfs. Donations of new or clean, gently-used winter items will be accepted through Christmas Eve at the Corps or in any of the WHMI Coats for Kids boxes located throughout Livingston County. The holiday season is also a time when the Salvation Army asks for help from the community to ring bells for the Red Kettle collection. Anyone interested in bell ringing through the Christmas season can sign up online at www.RegistertoRing.com. (DS)
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Probation Sentence Handed Down To Two Men Charged In Alleged Marijuana OperationProbation Sentence Handed Down To Two Men Charged In Alleged Marijuana Operation
Sentencing has been handed down to two area men charged in an alleged marijuana growing and distributing operation. Jeffrey Allen Michael of Fowlerville, Johnny Glen Cooper of Fenton, Joseph Zubor of Gregory, and Dennis James and Darryl Scott Berry of Howell, were all charged last year following the investigation into an alleged marijuana growing and distributing operation. Authorities believe it was carried out under the pretense that it was for use as medical marijuana. 15 pounds of marijuana, almost $200,000 in cash and around 550 plants were seized from the menâs homes. Dennis James and Joseph Zubor had previously pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. On Thursday, they were each sentenced to 24 months of probation. The case against Johnny Glen Cooper was dismissed in July without prejudice, after a 67th District Court Judge granted a motion to suppress evidence due to spoilage. Several counts against Jeffrey Allen Michael and Darryl Scott Berry were recently dismissed, however a handful of charges including delivering or manufacturing marijuana and felony firearms are moving forward against the two. Berry and Michael are due back in court January 20th. (DK)
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Brighton Restaurants To Contribute To Shop With A Cop FundraiserBrighton Restaurants To Contribute To Shop With A Cop Fundraiser
A holiday program for local children in need will be the beneficiary of a fundraising event set for Tuesday. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department annual Shop with a Cop program is returning and fundraising efforts to support it are underway. Shop With a Cop is an annual event where police officers from across Livingston County are paired with a child to do $150 worth of holiday shopping. Sheriff-elect Mike Murphy says this year, around 100 kids will have the opportunity to participate. Murphy says the event is heartwarming because the cops get as much out of it as the kids do. Murphy says they enjoy the fun atmosphere and interacting with the kids in a positive scenario. Tuesdayâs fundraiser for the Shop with a Cop program starts at 6:30pm and will be held at The Main Crossing in downtown Brighton. Participating restaurants will be donating a percentage of the eveningâs proceeds from drinks and dinner to the fundraiser. The event will also include a silent auction. Murphy says last year, the event raised around $7,000. (DK)
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9th Annual Buck Pole At Marion Township Hall Tuesday 9th Annual Buck Pole At Marion Township Hall Tuesday
Deer hunters will be heading into the woods tomorrow for the opening day of firearms season, and Marion Township officials hope theyâll make a stop by the township hall and show it off. The 9th annual Buck Pole will be held at the Marion Township Hall on Coon Lake Road from 6 to 9pm Tuesday, which is the start of firearms deer season. The pole is hosted by the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority, Marion Township and the taxidermy company, Anything That Moves. Attendees can share hunting stories, eat hearty food and win prizes at the BUCKet raffle. Anyone who bags a buck on opening day is invited to display it at the buck pole for a $10 registration fee per deer and receive a commemorative 9th Annual Buck Pole hunting cap. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest buck, the heaviest buck, the most points, the first woman to submit a buck, the widest rack, the most unique rack, and the youngest hunter to bag a buck. Experts will be on hand to professionally score, size, and weigh each entry. Other prizes, a warming tent and concessions will also be available. More information can be found through the link. Photo: Howell Area Parks & Rec. (JM)
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Trash or Treasure? Blight Conversations Continue In City of Howell Trash or Treasure? Blight Conversations Continue In City of Howell
One personâs junk is another personâs treasure and therein lays the challenge. The Howell City Council is again looking at ways to address different forms of blight in the community. The issue has been an ongoing discussion for council over the past year or two. More recently, Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor and Councilman Bob Ellis expressed additional interest in the topic and met with City Manager Shea Charles and Community Development Director Schmitt to review current ordinances dealing with blight. Manor said they raised questions regarding what can be done in areas where the ordinances donât provide enough leverage to address issues. The group also examined what additional tools are needed to address some of the outstanding issues staff is encountering. A list was developed and brought forward to Council, which reached consensus to have staff begin formal work on some recommendations in various categories. Junk is the biggest complaint that staff receive. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI this is just the beginning of the process and work will continue over the next few months as there are a lot of nuances. Charles says staff will be getting into some of the more difficult issues such as junk in someoneâs yard and how to define it. He noted the city has several ordinances to address what people would consider blight such as tall weeds and dilapidated buildings but staff will be looking at some of the finer point issues in this next round. He noted that Schmitt has a good handle on outstanding issues and what tools are needed so itâs a good opportunity to leverage his talents and knowledge. Some of the preliminary recommendations presented dealt with unfinished building permits, parking on the grass, barriers for unpaved driveways, junk and debris on property and rental licensing. There was also talk of potential financial support to assist residents with improvements to their property. (JM)
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No Charges To Be Filed In Fenton Pedestrian Death No Charges To Be Filed In Fenton Pedestrian Death
The investigation into an incident in Tyrone Township that claimed the life of a Fenton man has wrapped up with no charges being filed. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI his office has reviewed the investigation conducted by the Michigan State Police Brighton Post and there is not a basis for any criminal charges. Troopers responded to the 7am crash on January 28th involving two vehicles and a pedestrian on White Lake Road near Hartland Road. The male pedestrian victim was 58-year-old Clair Hopkins, who was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck. The drivers of the two vehicles involved were not injured. They were identified as a 59-year-old and a 16-year-old, both from Holly. At that time, police said preliminary investigation indicated alcohol and drugs did not appear to have been factors with either of the vehicle operators but may have been a factor with the pedestrian walking in the roadway. Michigan State Police confirmed for WHMI that their investigation revealed alcohol and drugs were a factor with Hopkins. The case is now considered closed. (JM)
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Pinckney High School's Cyber Hub Honored At Annual MeetingPinckney High School's Cyber Hub Honored At Annual Meeting
A local school districtâs cyber initiative and several Livingston County companies were among those honored at an event last week. The Economic Development Council of Livingston Countyâs annual meeting, co-hosted by Ann Arbor SPARK, was held Friday and recognized organizations and businesses that demonstrated outstanding business leadership in the last year, and made significant investments in Livingston County. Pinckney Community Schools was honored as Talent Innovator of the Year for its Cyber Range Hub at Pinckney High School. The facility contains a computing and networking infrastructure to provide certification courses, cybersecurity training exercises, and product testing through a direct connection to the Michigan Cyber Range, which is hosted by Merit Network in partnership with the State of Michigan and with the sponsorship of DTE Energy. Also honored were Tribar Manufacturing of Howell Township and the Flint Mass Transportation Authority as Economic Development Partners of the Year for their partnership that transports workers from the Flint area to help fulfill a demand in the region. Other companies that were recognized include Armor Protective Packaging, which consolidated its out-of-state operations to its headquarters in Howell Township, C&B Machinery, which invested nearly $3 million in relocating to Green Oak Township, Chem-Trend, which is spending $7.7 million to expand its research and development facility in Howell, Grupo Antolin Interiors, for expanding its facility in Howell Township and Medical Comfort Specialists, for investing $3.25 million in expanding its Fowlerville facility. (JK)
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BAS Pink Week Nearly Doubles Last Year's Fundraising TotalBAS Pink Week Nearly Doubles Last Year's Fundraising Total
A fundraiser held in a local school district more than exceeded the expectations of organizers. The Brighton High School Leadership class sponsored Pink Week in the district October 17th through the 21st, with a series of activities held to raise money for cancer treatment and research. They included the sale of pink T-shirts, a Powderpuff football game and a Pink 5k run. All seven of the districtâs schools participated in the fundraising while also pinking out each of their buildings. Last year, the effort raised $15,000 to benefit breast cancer treatment efforts at the St. Joe Mercy Brighton Cancer Center. Organizers were hopeful they could top that this year, and they are pleased to announce they did so by a wide margin, raising just over $28,000. That money will again go to the Woodland Cancer Center in Brighton to support families that are dealing with the disease. (JK)
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Local Site Will Offer Support On International Survivors of Suicide Loss DayLocal Site Will Offer Support On International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
Community members who have lost a loved one to suicide can find comfort, understanding and support at an event in Howell this weekend. International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an annual event hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Stories of challenges, healing and hope are shared at sites across the country as part of the one-day event. Livingston County Community Mental Health will be hosting a program in cooperation with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Metro Detroit/Ann Arbor Chapter for the first time on Saturday, November 19th. The program will be held at the Mental Health Agency, located on East Grand River in Howell, from 9am to 12pm. A showing of the documentary âLife Journeys: Reclaiming Life After Lossâ, will be followed by guided group and panel discussions. Representatives from Community Mental Health Services and the AFSP will also talk about where resources connected to the issue can be found. Executive Director of Livingston County Community Mental Health, Connie Conklin says this gathering of the community is important because losing someone to suicide is difficult to talk about and therefore harder to find support. She hopes this event will help remove the stigma and provide hope. It is noted that the documentary and discussion guide is not appropriate for children under 12 and those currently experiencing suicidal thoughts. Registration for the event and more information can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Local Hunters Ready For Opening Day Of Firearm Deer SeasonLocal Hunters Ready For Opening Day Of Firearm Deer Season
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says tens of thousands of hunters will take to the fields and forests this month. Itâs estimated that hunting generates more than $2.3 (B) billion in Michigan annually and firearm deer season is deemed critical for the economy. MDNR Deer Management Specialist Chad Stewart tells WHMI they want hunters to be safe and avoid accidents when out in the woods or tree stands. He says hunters should make sure they know what theyâre shooting at but also whatâs behind the target. Regulations are said to be consistent with last year but hunters are reminded of âhunter orangeâ requirements. Stewart says there are some antler point restrictions depending on where a hunter is at or what license theyâre using. He reminds that hunters should make sure they have the appropriate license and be aware of what they can legally take with that license. There are also some baiting and feeding restrictions in the parts of the state. Stewart suggests hunters visit the DNRâs Hunting & Trapping Digest to stay current and up-to-date on regulations. In all, Stewart says hunters have a lot to be optimistic about with the deer herd, as well as accommodating weather. Meanwhile, some hunters say itâs possible the November "supermoon" could impact the first few days of the firearm deer season. Tonightâs will be the biggest full moon in almost 70 years and won't be this big again until November 2034. Hunting experts seemingly agree that deer habits are affected by a full moon, although there are actions hunters can take to use the larger and brighter than normal âsupermoonâ to their advantage. (JM)
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National Religious Freedom Organization Joins Lawsuit Against Genoa TownshipNational Religious Freedom Organization Joins Lawsuit Against Genoa Township
A religious schoolâs legal fight against Genoa Township has been joined by a national organization. Livingston Christian Schools filed suit last year against the township for its refusal to grant a special use permit that would have allowed the school to relocate to the Brighton Church of the Nazarene. The board cited traffic concerns, the schoolâs failure to follow the proper approval process and incompatibility with the township master plan. Despite claiming the denial violated their rights under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, LCS saw the case tossed out of court in June after a federal judge ruled the claims had no merit. The school has since appealed that to the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, and has now been joined by the First Liberty Institute. The Texas-based legal organization is focused on litigating religious freedom cases. In a filing November 4th (posted below), lawyers for the institute argued that the townshipâs denial of the permit placed a âsubstantial burdenâ on the schoolâs ability to operate in violation of the federal statute. They further argued that the district courtâs order dismissing the suit misapplied the appropriate standard and should be reconsidered. In dismissing the suit, U.S. District Court Judge George Caram Steeh noted that LCS could have remained in its former building in Pinckney, which had not yet been leased to a charter school, thus had not been unduly harmed. First Liberty Institute disputes that and says the Pinckney location was no longer tenable for a variety of reasons, including finances and enrollment. The township has called the schoolâs claims, âunreasonable and groundlessâ and alleges the school contradicted itself by originally claiming the move to Brighton was necessitated by growing enrollment that required a larger space, but then later said the move was necessitated by âfinancial challengesâ and the new location was needed to spur enrollment growth. The township called that, ââ¦a proverbial âHail Maryâ passâ to keep the schoolâs case alive in court. No new dates have been set in the federal appeal, which remains pending. (JK)
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Fowlerville High School Closed Tuesday Due To Mercury SpillFowlerville High School Closed Tuesday Due To Mercury Spill
Fowlerville High School will be closed Tuesday, November 15th, due to a mercury spill. Superintendent Wayne Roedel says anything happening at the high school will be cancelled as well and that the closure is strictly in regards to the high school. All other buildings will be open. Roedel says a projector bulb fell and broke, and allegedly contained a small amount of mercury. The mercury is considered to be hazardous waste and certain protocols must be followed for its cleanup. Roedel says an environmental group will be brought in to clean up the mercury and conduct testing on the building.
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Pinckney Village Clears Way for Small Subdivision Pinckney Village Clears Way for Small Subdivision
Village officials in one local community agreed to change the zoning on a small parcel of land to allow residential use. The land in the Village of Pinckney is bordered on three sides by Putnam Township and is currently zoned commercial. Village planners agreed recently to allow a zoning change to high density residential, and the Village Council agreed. Zoning Administrator Diane Kay-Hougaboom says during the recent planning commission meeting no one objected to the new home project. She says as it is the zoning restricts what can be built there. The property is bordered by Putnam Township on three sides, and the plan has not been submitted for site plan approval yet. Kay-Hougaboom says it's just a rough drawing at this point and the Village hasn't approved any number of homes either, but the current proposal is seven. She says that particular parcel is zoned as secondary business district, which means that it's only allowed to have a commercial use, like a restaurant, a store, an office or a business. Right now it's not zoned in a way that would allow any homes to be built, but the council's action will let plans move forward to build the subdivision. Council members said the small subdivision would be a good fit for the parcel, located across from Pinckney High School. She says no site plans have been presented yet, because until the council approved a change the zoning wouldnât allow residential use. (DS)
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Jail Inmate Who Attempted To Escape Near Brighton Mill Pond SentencedJail Inmate Who Attempted To Escape Near Brighton Mill Pond Sentenced
Sentencing has been handed down to a Livingston County Jail inmate who attempted to escape while awaiting trial on child abuse charges. 40-year-old Nicole Vermeylen of Flushing pleaded guilty last month to home invasion, stealing or retaining a financial transaction device without consent and escape while awaiting trial for a felony. The charges stem from the August 3rd incident, when Vermeylen and 32-year-old Lisa Finlayson of South Lyon attempted to escape after they were transported over to the 53rd District Court in Brighton for hearings. The two were being escorted from the court building and into a patrol car when they made a break for it. Finlayson jumped into the Mill Pond, but was pulled out shortly after with a dredger. Vermeylen broke into a house and helped herself to a change of clothes but was arrested as she was leaving the home just after noon. She has been sentenced to a minimum of 15 months to a maximum of four years in the Michigan Department of Corrections for her escape attempt. That sentence runs concurrent to a sentence of 18 months to five years in the MDOC for the charges of home invasion and stealing a financial transaction device. Vermeylen had been awaiting trial on charges of 2nd degree felony child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She has also received a consecutive sentence on those charges of 90 days in the Livingston County Jail. An evaluation has been ordered for Finlayson, who had been in custody for operating while intoxicated causing death. A status conference in her case has been tentatively scheduled for February. (DK)
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Sheriff's Deputies Again Accuse County Of Unfair Labor Practices Sheriff's Deputies Again Accuse County Of Unfair Labor Practices
Some Livingston County Sheriffâs deputies made their dissatisfaction with the Board of Commissioners known during Monday nightâs meeting and allege unfair bargaining practices are at play. The union that represents corrections officers has been in negotiations with the county and negotiations appear to have stalled for the time being. Deputies are seeking an increase of 2.5% retroactive for the 2016 contract year. The three-year contract is up December 31st and a fact finder was brought in, which recommended a 2.5% increase.
Deputy Mike Berry heads up contract negotiations for the union representing corrections officers who work in the jail. He says year three was supposed to be a wage-reopener and negotiation process but the county hasnât budged on its offer of a 0% increase the entire time at the bargaining table. Berry told the board theyâve done their jobs professionally and have negotiated fairly. He called it disappointing because negotiations are supposed to be just that and fair, not a strong arm tactic until the contract expires.
Monday nightâs meeting marked Detective Matt Youngâs fifth time addressing the board. Young said he prefers a positive, productive relationship with the board but canât foresee that based on whatâs happened over the past few months, noting theyâve got nowhere since fact finding mediation. Young said certain elected board members âhave given them the rhetorical middle finger and just flat out donât careâ. He told the board they can plan on seeing employees in different capacities exercising their right to protest against the county administration, including them picketing at various locations around the cities of Howell and Brighton.
Commissioner Dave Domas attempted to put forth a resolution in agreement with the fact finderâs recommendation. A motion to put the item on the agenda failed to pass, with only Domas and Commissioner Gary Childs supporting it. Domas commented the board has been dealing with this for some time and understands the whole picture. He said they have two clear choices â either follow the fact finder recommendation as the board does with many others it seeks out for recommendations like salary changes or they can let it go back to staff and âI think we all know where thatâs going to goâ.
Commissioner Steve Williams has been on the board 12 years and told WHMI theyâve always tried to treat people fairly whether they are in a union or not. He noted that during the downsizing of the recession, the board tried to make it as painless as possible. Williams says the county is always looking out for the employees, residents and taxpayers but itâs a balancing act and they try to do the best they can. While there will be friction sometimes, Williams says they need to understand that whether they agree or disagree, everyone is working toward the same end to make the best choices possible.
County Administrator Ken Hinton noted the contract included a 3.1% salary increase the first year, a 3% increase the second, and a wage re-opener in the third â when the county implemented a salary freeze for all employees. He commented the fact finder determined corrections deputies were paid less on average but corrections sergeants were paid more to those in comparable counties. Hinton told WHMI they presented what the board authorized and put their best offer out there, which was not accepted by the union. He said it was different than the fact finder recommendation and included bringing lower paid corrections deputies up to that level as well as a cash bonus offer to upper-paid deputies. No bargaining sessions are currently scheduled but Hinton says the county is willing to meet again for further negotiations should the union request it. (JM)
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Fowlerville High School Closed Wednesday, Mercury Spill Clean Up ContinuesFowlerville High School Closed Wednesday, Mercury Spill Clean Up Continues
Fowlerville High School will be closed again tomorrow as clean-up efforts and testing continue to make sure the building is safe for all students and staff. Preliminary tests indicate the estimated one-teaspoon sized mercury spill was contained in the classroom and the room was cleaned effectively but Superintendent Wayne Roedel says it does not give the âall clearâ to enter the building. Roedel issued a letter stating no activities will take place at the high school for the remainder of today, tonight and all day Wednesday. Families should plan on a regular school day Thursday, unless they receive a call and email from Roedel stating otherwise. He plans to notify families on the status of school for Thursday by 6:00pm Wednesday.
An environmental clean-up company was called in to clean the space where the mercury was found. A third party mercury consultant has since verified that the mercury was cleaned up effectively and was not tracked into the hall or to other parts of the building. However, there is still required air quality testing, sampling and lab analysis. Roedel stressed that based on feedback from experts, there is no reason to believe any students or staff were in danger from mercury poisoning.
As for the spill and clean-up efforts, Roedel says at this time the district cannot identify the source of the liquid mercury that was found but they know that it did not originate from within the school. Roedel says they originally thought the source was a projector but that was inaccurate, referring to it as one of those details that comes out early on in an investigation. He thinks it was probably brought in by a student to show others as a novelty because when you look at it, mercury does have some peculiar and interesting properties he thinks kids find to be curious. Roedel tells WHMI laws changed back in 2004 for schools to come into compliance with becoming mercury-free. He says in the old days there were thermometers and barometers full of mercury but no one knew any better about what the nasty effects of exposure might be. The letter from Roedel is attached. (JM)
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