Police have identified the Fenton High School student who was struck and killed Monday afternoon by a train as it passed through the city. Fenton police say 15-year-old Victoria Lane was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident, which occurred just prior to 3pm Monday, according to Lt. Jason Slater. He says Lane was hit by a westbound CN train as she walked along the tracks between Lemen and Main streets. Lt. Slater says they have viewed video of the incident and it appears Lane made no attempt to get out of the way of the train, but they canât be sure she even knew it was coming. Earbuds were found at the scene and they believe she was listening to music at the time. However, they will await the results of an autopsy and also talk with friends and family about her state of mind leading up to her death. Meanwhile, Fenton Area Public Schools Superintendent Adam Hartley says they have implemented a crisis plan today at the high school, where Lane was a freshman. Counselors were made available both for students and staff to help deal with the tragedy. The train, which was more than 1,000 feet long, blocked the Lincoln Street crossing for more than two hours while emergency crews were at the scene. (JK)
Fenton Teen Killed After Being Struck By TrainFenton Teen Killed After Being Struck By Train
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Howell Parents Concerned About Plan To Close Southeast ElementaryHowell Parents Concerned About Plan To Close Southeast Elementary
Some parents in the Howell Public School district are concerned about a plan to consolidate two elementary schools.
A meeting was held at Parker Middle School Monday night, in which Superintendent Erin MacGregor revealed that the district was looking at closing Southeast Elementary School and consolidating those students into Three Fires Elementary School. District spokesman Tom Gould says that a facilities utilization committee reviewed and analyzed several options to help right-size the district while maintaining strong financial stewardship. "The options reviewed by the committee fell into three categories redistricting to grade reconfiguration and building consolidation. The committee reviewed each of the options and voted on them using several guiding principles which included long-term stability for the district, strong financial stewardship, optimal use of the districtâs facilities, disrupting the fewest number of students as possible and equity. This vote narrowed eight options down to two options. With the options narrowed, the district completed an analysis of both options, which included looking at the financials around both options and other factors such as transportation and school boundary changes. After hearing the analysis of both options, the committee voted on the two options to come to its final recommendation to consolidate Southeast Elementary with Three Fires Elementary." He says MacGregor will present the recommendation to the board at its next meeting on Nov. 28 and the recommendation is set to be an action item on the agenda of the Dec. 12 meeting.
MacGregor says Three Fires is being utilized at just 32%, and the consolidation would bring that number up to 61%. Additionally MacGregor says Three Fires is relatively new, provides a lot of opportunities for students and would save the district nearly $370,000 annually. The cost to transition the students is expected to be around $195,000. MacGregor admitted that all of the options for better facility utilization had negatives, but that this choice made the most sense.
But many parents at Mondayâs meeting expressed discontent with the plan and are worried there will be an increase in bullying in a larger school setting and a decrease in the quality of education. Others are concerned about the school being understaffed and the jobs that would be lost as a result of the consolidation. One parent says he moved to Howell largely because it had a stable school situation, but if this plan created turmoil, he would be quick to look elsewhere to send his kids. MacGregor says he plans to address any issues by creating a transition team.
If approved by the board, the plan would be put into effect at the start of the next school year. MacGregor says he has dealt with consolidation in districts that he has worked in before, and that the transition was âharder for the adults than it was for the kids.â (DK/JK)
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Good Samaritan Critical, Legs Amputated After Being Struck By VehicleGood Samaritan Critical, Legs Amputated After Being Struck By Vehicle
A Good Samaritan lost his legs and remains hospitalized after stopping to help a woman that ran out of gas. Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department responded to a crash on Grand River in Genoa Township at around 12:10pm, near 2/42 Church and Subway. Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI a 24-year-old Fowlerville woman accompanied by an infant in a 2006 Buick Lacrosse was traveling westbound in the right hand lane when she ran out of gas. He says a Good Samaritan, identified as a 36-year-old Howell man, decided to help her out and push her vehicle into the nearby sandwich shop but was struck by a 77-year-old Howell man driving a 2014 Honda CRV who did not see the vehicle or man. Only the Good Samaritan was injured and had both legs amputated as a result of the crash. He was last listed in critical condition at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. Murphy noted the driver of the Honda CRV was very cooperative and alcohol, drugs and speed do not appear to be factors. He says the investigation by the Traffic Safety Bureau is continuing but at this time, it appears to be a very unfortunate accident. (JM)
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Final Teen Pleads In School Shooting Plot Final Teen Pleads In School Shooting Plot
The last of three teens charged with plotting to shoot up a local school has entered a plea in the case. 16-year-old Cody Brewer of Wolverine Lake was charged along with 16-year-old Lamarr Dukes of West Bloomfield and 19-year-old Ryan Stevens of Linden in Genesee County Circuit Court with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and false report or threat of terrorism. Both Dukes and Stevens had previously entered pleas in the case. On Monday, Brewer did as well. In exchange for prosecutors agreeing to drop the count of conspiracy to murder, he agreed to plead no contest to a reduced count of attempted false report or threat of terrorism. All three were charged in October of 2015 after authorities say they conspired to bring guns to Linden High School, kill a student Stevens felt had disrespected him online and then shoot the school up. The threats came to light after the student being targeted by the three contacted authorities. Argentine Township Police then discovered social media postings about carrying out a potential school shooting. Stevens pleaded guilty in August as part of a plea deal that also dismissed the conspiracy charge. Heâll be sentenced December 13th. Dukes had his case transferred to juvenile court, where he also entered a plea. Brewer will be sentenced January 19th. (JK)
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Ninth Annual Buck Pole Held In Marion TownshipNinth Annual Buck Pole Held In Marion Township
Hunters from around Livingston County gathered in Marion Township to share stories of glory on the first day of open firearm deer season. The Township Hall was the scene for the 9th Annual Buck Pole gathering Tuesday night. The bucks were professionally scored before being hanged for display and pictures to be taken by the throngs of hunters attending. An award for the highest scoring buck went to Cauy (Coy) Hendee of Pinckney for his 12-point deer that scored a 149.8. Kim Howard was the highest scoring woman with a buck that came in at 121.6 points. Jake Haggerty won the prize for the heaviest buck with one that weighed in at 169 pounds. Pat OâBrien won the Most Unique and Mark Gardner had the Widest Rack. Perhaps the most interesting kill came from the youngest hunter, 11-year old Alex Balla who shot a 120 pound deer with a .44 Magnum. The buck pole was organized by the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority in response to a desire by Marion residents to have outdoor events that cater to the local hunting culture.(MK)
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Rogers Departs From Trump Transition Team Amid Reports Of InfightingRogers Departs From Trump Transition Team Amid Reports Of Infighting
Mike Rogers has abruptly left the transition team for President-elect Donald Trump. Rogers, who represented Livingston County in Congress for 14 years, told CNN Tuesday that he was no longer handling national security issues for the transition team. The one-time head of the House Intelligence Committee, who still maintains a residence in Howell, said that he and others who have been asked to leave the transition are those with connections to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. "Sometimes in politics ... there are people who are in and people who are out. And the people who have been asked to move on have some relationship with Chris Christie." There have been several reports that the banishment of Christieâs allies is being led by Trumpâs son-in-law Jared Kushner. As a federal prosecutor, Christie oversaw the prosecution of Kushnerâs father in 2004 for tax evasion, witness tampering and illegal campaign contributions. A member of the transition team who spoke with the New York Times said that another reason Rogers had fallen out of favor with Trumpâs team was that, as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, he had authored a report about the 2012 attacks on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. That attack killed four people including the U.S. ambassador. The report concluded that the Obama administration had not intentionally misled the public about what happened there. While the report echoed the findings of several other investigations, its conclusions directly contradicted Trumpâs campaign position that overtly blamed Hillary Clinton for the deaths. Rogers was also a strong critic of Russia's role in recent hacking episodes, including the Democratic National Committee, which Trump has refused to acknowledge, saying the evidence was inconclusive. Rogers downplayed his departure, calling the changes, "growing pains," adding that he thought the transition team would work through the issues. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is the leading contender to be Trumpâs secretary of state, downplayed the personnel changes, calling them âcompletely normal.â (JK)
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Milford Police Launch New Program To Slow Traffic In Neighborhoods Milford Police Launch New Program To Slow Traffic In Neighborhoods
Milford Police have launched a new neighborhood traffic safety program in hopes of slowing speeds in residential areas. Officers will be distributing ribbon shaped car magnets to residents that read âslow down in our neighborhoodsâ and show a 25mph speed limit sign. The most frequent issue brought up by residents is said to be the speed in which motorists travel through their neighborhood. Milford Police Chief Tom Lindberg says most people who are stopped by an officer for violations in a subdivision, either live in or around that same neighborhood. He says the hope is that the car magnets will serve as a reminder those traveling through residential areas to slow down. Lindberg says they also hope distributing the magnets while conducting traffic enforcement or visiting neighborhoods will help create conversations within areas where there is a perceived issue with speeders. He notes communication is key and asks that residents talk to neighbors, young drivers, frequent visitors and homeownerâs associations about slowing down in the neighborhoods. A limited number of magnets will be available at the Milford Police Department and others will be distributed, by officers, during traffic stops or while patrolling residential areas. (JM)
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Hartland Twp Looks To Stabilize Water System Rates With New StructureHartland Twp Looks To Stabilize Water System Rates With New Structure
Hartland Township officials say the townshipâs water system rates can be stabilized with a new structure. On Tuesday, the townshipâs Board of Trustees discussed a new water rate structure. The proposed structure would increase base charges, but the commodity rate per one thousand gallons would decrease over time. Township Manager James Wickman says their current rates are structured on water flow and a resident is billed in accordance with the amount of usage. But Wickman says the new structure would stabilize rates for most users and even decrease rates for some.
If adopted by the board at their December 6th meeting, the new rate structure would take effect January 1st of 2017. Wickman tells WHMI fluctuation of water usage put the system in a difficult position financially. Wickman says 187 residents that use the system without irrigation meters would be those most impacted by the new structure.
In a study done by the United States Consumer Price Index, the national index shows water rate increases of approximately 6%. Hartland Township residents have experienced increases between 7 and 11% in the last five years. Wickman says this provides a frame of reference to show that Hartlandâs increases arenât necessarily off-kilter, compared to the national average. Wickman says there are âa lot of moving pieceâ in regards to this change but the main goal is rate stability. Based on a study that was conducted in the township five years ago, water flow increased until 2013, and then usage began to drop. Wickman says thatâs due to less irrigation usage and a result of the townshipâs surcharge program. Wickman says water flow is so fickle and shifting the rate structure could create some consistency. (DK)
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Brighton DDA Moves Proposed Parking Garage Along To Next StageBrighton DDA Moves Proposed Parking Garage Along To Next Stage
After mulling over the possibility for the last year or so, the Brighton Downtown Development Authority now appears poised to give a 3-or-4-story parking structure serious consideration. At Tuesdayâs monthly meeting, architect Piet Lindhout gave the DDA Board a presentation on the proposed structure, which would be located at the east end of downtown, at North and West streets. The parking structure would be of pre-cast concrete, with a partial brick façade. After about an hour of discussion, the DDA directed Lindhout to prepare a series of design options for the parking structure at a cost of not more than $10,000. The property is now utilized as a ground-level parking lot, which was placed there after a large commercial building at the site was demolished a couple of years ago. The proposed 3-level parking structure would provide an estimated 203 parking spaces, as well as stairways and elevators. Lindhout will prepare design plans for 3-and-4-story parking structures, as well as a design that would incorporate a stronger foundation for a 4-story parking structure, if such a need occurs in the future. The board experienced some sticker shock when told that the preliminary cost estimate for a 3-level parking structure is $6.9 million. Lindhout explained the high cost is based on a great demand for pre-cast concrete and the fact that the city would have to incur considerable expense in shoring up and stabilizing the wall behind it, which borders on the chamber of commerce property. Geinzer said the DDA would need to bond for the project over 20 or 25 years, with the annual payment on a 20-year bond pegged at about $550,000. The parking structure would also require that a fund be set up to pay for the annual maintenance costs. Ashley Israel of Detroit Development Co., the owner so the Brighton Mall, said the structure should have a canopy over the top level. He said a canopy would keep out the snow and, in the long run, cost the city less because it would preclude the need to do plowing and salting in the winter months. Lindhout will include cost figures for a canopy in his design options and report back to the DDA, likely in January. Rendering courtesy of Piet Lindhout. (TT)
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Authorities Identify "Good Samaritan" Who Lost His Legs In Crash Authorities Identify "Good Samaritan" Who Lost His Legs In Crash
Authorities have released the name of the individual who had his legs amputated while trying to do a good deed for a stranded motorist. 36-year-old Christopher Alvarado remains in critical condition at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor following Tuesdayâs tragic accident in Genoa Township. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department says they were called to a crash scene on Grand River in front of the 2/42 church. Their investigation indicated that Alvarado was struck from behind as he pushed a Buick that had run out of gas. The driver of the Buick, 24-year-old Kasey Smith of Fowlerville, told police Alvarado approached her car and offered to push it into a nearby parking lot. Almost immediately, he was hit by a Honda driven by 77-year-old Malcolm Steider of Howell. The collision amputated Alvaradoâs legs. No one else, including Kaseyâs 2-month-old child, was injured. Officials say drugs, alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors in the incident, which remains under investigation. Livingston County Sheriff-elect Mike Murphy says Steider was cooperative with deputies and was very distraught about the incident. (JK)
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Two Weeks Of Lane Closures Scheduled On US-23 Two Weeks Of Lane Closures Scheduled On US-23
Area motorists traveling on northbound and southbound US-23 could see nighttime delays over the next couple weeks. The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced upcoming lane closures that will take place along US-23 between M-14 and 8 Mile Road for shoulder repair. Nighttime single-lane closures on northbound US-23 are scheduled to begin this Thursday and will last through next Wednesday. Work will then switch over to southbound US-23, where nighttime single-lane closures will take place from Friday, November 25th through Thursday, December 2nd. For exact times of the closures each night, M-DOT encourages motorists to visit the link. (JM)
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Go Fund Me Account To Assist "Good Samaritan" Who Lost His Legs In CrashGo Fund Me Account To Assist "Good Samaritan" Who Lost His Legs In Crash
A fund to help with medical and family expenses has been set up for a man who had his legs amputated while trying to do a good deed for a stranded motorist. 36-year-old Christopher Alvarado remains in critical condition at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor following Tuesdayâs tragic accident in Genoa Township. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department was called to the crash scene on Grand River in front of the 2/42 church. Their investigation indicated that Alvarado was struck from behind as he pushed a Buick that had run out of gas. The driver of the Buick, 24-year-old Kasey Smith of Fowlerville, told police Alvarado approached her car and offered to push it into a nearby parking lot. Almost immediately, he was hit by a Honda driven by 77-year-old Malcolm Steider of Howell. The collision amputated Alvaradoâs legs. No one else, including Kaseyâs 2-month-old child, was injured. Officials say drugs, alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors in the incident, which remains under investigation. Livingston County Sheriff-elect Mike Murphy says Steider was cooperative with deputies and was very distraught about the incident. A Go Fund Me account has since been set up to assist with Alvaradoâs expenses and states that he has a "long road to recovery, with the full implications of the accident not yet known". Alvarado, a small business owner, is said to have five children and another on the way. The link is available below. (JM)
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Turkey Baskets Available To Livingston County Veterans Tuesday Turkey Baskets Available To Livingston County Veterans Tuesday
Thanksgiving baskets are being made available to local Veterans in need next week. Livingston County Veterans Services will host its 4th annual turkey basket giveaway on Tuesday, November 22nd. The baskets will include everything for a complete meal to feed a family of four. In addition to the baskets, the office will be passing out winter clothing for veterans, spouses and children. Turkey baskets can be picked up between 10am and 4pm at the Livingston County Veterans Services offices at 2300 East Grand River in Howell, Suite 109. Anyone wanting more information is asked to call 517-546-6338. (JM)
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Suspects In Ring Of Car Break-Ins Plead, Receive SentencingSuspects In Ring Of Car Break-Ins Plead, Receive Sentencing
One man has entered a plea and another has been sentenced on charges connected to a series of car break-ins. 24-year-old John Garcia-Stowe and 20-year-old Deionte Glass, both of New Hudson, were arrested in Brighton in August after police suspected the two were connected to a rash of car break-ins. On Tuesday, Garcia-Stowe was sentenced to 97 days in the Livingston County Jail which he has already served and one year of probation for breaking and entering a vehicle to steal property $200 or more. He will also be required to perform 10 days of community service and substance abuse counseling. Police became suspicious on the morning of August 10th when they noticed several vehicles with their dome lights on and personal items strewn throughout the cars in a Brighton neighborhood. Officers then came across a woman sleeping in the backseat of a car and asked her to call her friend. Several suspects were then apprehended for Larceny from Auto. Brighton police passed on a license plate number to Hamburg Township police, which turned out to be registered to a vehicle that police had been looking for in relation to car thefts in the Hamburg area. Hamburg Police reportedly searched the residence of one of the suspects, where they recovered hundreds of items believed to have been stolen by the suspects. Garcia-Stowe has pleaded guilty to larceny from a motor vehicle in a separate case and will be sentenced January 12th. He is also facing charges in a third case that court records indicate occurred the day before the other two incidents. In that case, Garcia-Stowe is facing two counts of second degree home invasion, larceny from a motor vehicle, a weapons larceny charge and receiving and concealing firearms. He is scheduled for a probable cause conference November 30th. Meanwhile, Deionte Glass pleaded guilty at a pre-trial hearing Monday to a reduced charge of breaking and entering a vehicle to steal property less than $200. He will be sentenced December 13th. (DK)
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Fowlerville Production To Benefit Organization That Helps Grieving KidsFowlerville Production To Benefit Organization That Helps Grieving Kids
Local thespians are donating a portion of their proceeds this weekend to help children struggling with loss. In recent weeks, Fowlerville has been rocked by the loss of three kids involving a suicide, car crash, and cancer. This Friday through Sunday, the Fowlerville Community Theatre is performing their version of Willy Wonka and is donating the proceeds from their concessions to Eleâs Place to help with their assistance. Eleâs Place is an organization that helps grieving children and teenagers cope with the loss of loved ones. Community Theatre President Tim Tersigni said that when they heard about Eleâs Placeâs interest in helping, it was an easy decision as a community to come together and bring in as much help for the friends of the victims as they could. Performances of the play will be at 7pm on Friday, 2pm and 7pm Saturday, and again at 2pm on Sunday. Advance tickets are on sale costing $10 for students and seniors, $12 for adults. They can be purchased at Tersigniâs Chiropractic Office on Grand Avenue or at Druckers General Store on Grand River. Seniors and students can purchase tickets at the door for $12, with adult tickets being $15. (MK)
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Putnam Township Joins Chain Of Lakes Improvement ProjectPutnam Township Joins Chain Of Lakes Improvement Project
One local township took steps towards purifying the recreational bodies of water that many of their residents enjoy. The Putnam Township Board of Trustees passed a resolution to adopt and participate in an improvement project for the Chain of Lakes that borders them and several other nearby townships. The initiative of the Washtenaw County Board of Public Works has been in the process of getting approval from the affected townships so that they can begin the process of cleaning up of weeds and algae in several of the lakes next year. In his final meeting as supervisor, Ron Rau said it was important for all involved to come together and create one central focus for the clean-up. The lakes being targeted in the project are Portage, Whitewood, Base Line, Strawberry, and Zukey. Rau said that Portage Lake is the one that will most affect Putnam residents. The clean-up will cost each parcel that has interest in it an estimated $170 per year for each of the five years it will go on for. 500 of the 4,000 parcels affected are in Putnam Township. Hamburg, Dexter, and Webster Townships will also be affected at the same cost, with most of them already having passed similar resolutions. Hamburg Township did so on Tuesday. Once approved by all entities, it will go back to the Washtenaw Public Works Board and then onto the county commissioners before two mandatory public hearings will be set. (MK)
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Annual Hat And Scarf Auction Raises Funds For Local Women Veterans Group Annual Hat And Scarf Auction Raises Funds For Local Women Veterans Group
A yearly auction of warm winter apparel raised funds for a local veterans' support group in Livingston County Wednesday night. âChristmas in Novemberâ was the theme of the 5th annual event held at the Howell Elks Club, which benefits the Women Supporting Women Veterans group. The group aims to help serve returning female soldiers by connecting them to the benefits and services available to them, providing counseling, and introducing them to a network of other female veterans. Executive Director Arlene Callahan says the group offers a return to normalcy by addressing women veteransâ needs. Callahan says it is important to recognize that the needs of women veterans are different than a man's, and that difference needs to be understood and taken care of. The fundraiser began with a dinner cooked by âThe Great Foodiniâ, Renee Chodkowski. Community members donated handmade scarves, hats, shawls and blankets, which were auctioned off by Livingston County Sheriff-elect Mike Murphy. A local Girl Scout troop modeled the items, some of which sold for over $100. The evening also included a silent auction and door prizes. Callahan says the money raised from the event is still being tallied. The proceeds will be put into the organizationâs general fund and used to take the women on retreats, provide therapy, and as emergency financial assistance. (DK)
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Lansing Man Admits To Attempting To Break Into Car In Genoa TwpLansing Man Admits To Attempting To Break Into Car In Genoa Twp
A Lansing man has admitted to attempting to break into a car in Genoa Township. 19-year-old Malachi Irving pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of breaking and entering a vehicle to steal property less than $200. 18-year-old Laron Wilcox and 20-year-old Moses Lingua, both of whom are also from Lansing, are facing charges in the August 3rd incident as well. Authorities say the three suspects attempted to break into a car near the 2800 block of Ontario Court in Genoa Township. A trooper with the Michigan State Police Brighton Post who was dispatched to the call observed a white vehicle leaving the area and attempted to make a traffic stop. The suspects refused to pull over and fled, and a chase ensued down D-19 for approximately two miles. When the vehicle attempted to enter westbound I-96, the trooper used a maneuver that caused the suspect vehicle to spin out of control into a ditch and rollover. The vehicle, which was reported stolen by the Lansing Police Department, was driven by Lingua with Irving and Wilcox as passengers. Irving has petitioned to be sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which would expunge his record if he successfully completes probation. He faces sentencing December 13th. Meanwhile, Wilcox, who is facing the same charge as Irving, is due back in court that same day for a pre-trial hearing. Lingua was bound over for trial and is due back in court December 16th for a final settlement conference. He is charged with receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle, third degree fleeing a police officer, breaking and entering a vehicle to steal property less than $200, no license and possession of marijuana. (DK)
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Commissioners Adopt "Status Quo" 2017 Budget For Livingston County Commissioners Adopt "Status Quo" 2017 Budget For Livingston County
The Livingston County Board of Commissioners met recently to adopt the budget for the coming year, including an increase in jail operations.
The 2017 general fund budget totals approximately $44.8 (m) million, which County Administrator Ken Hinton describes as essentially a âstatus quoâ budget. He says requests for additions from departments were minimal and the countyâs projected property tax growth is limited, likely under 1% once the Headlee Amendment and others factors are taken into account. Hinton notes the county will need to address increases in pension expenses this year and a reduced time period to pay off unfunded pension liability.
The costs to run the jail increased, going from $9.1 million in 2016 to $9.5 million next year, the first full year the expanded facility will be in operation. Hinton says a 1% raise was included in the 2017 budget for all county employees across the board. He says itâs a very modest wage increase but translates to about $460,000 when associated benefit adjustments are added in. Hinton says the county is dealing with continuing increases in pension expenses and the period to pay down a $41 (m) million unfunded pension liability has been reduced. That means the county will have to pay that sooner so payments go up and Hinton compared it to taking a 30-year mortgage down to a 15-year mortgage. Health care costs are expected to go up between 7.2% to 7.5% for the next year, which he noted is good compared to other localities and the county manages to have a good rate because itâs mostly self-insured. Regardless, Hinton says itâs an additional pressure and the county doesnât have tax revenues increasing at those kinds of rates.
Despite the challenges, Hinton says there are continuing positive signs with taxable values and the building industry and feels the county will continue to be recognized with a Triple-A bond rating, âwhich benefits all county residents and demonstrates the good financial stewardship of the board.â
The new positions authorized within the 2017 budget were previously vetted during the department presentation process. Two new positions are being added within the Sheriffâs Department - one part-time data analyst and one part-time crime analyst. Veterans Services will be adding one part-time driver and creating one full-time Veterans Court coordinator position, to be funded by the voter approved millage in August. Three part-time community health workers will be added in the Health Department and one full-time quality improvement specialist within 911/Central Dispatch. In Facility Services, one full-time maintenance assistant position is being created and four part-time custodians will be eliminated. There were also some small changes at LETS, which Hinton says were grant funded positions. (JM/JK)
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Pinckney Expands Wreaths Across America CelebrationPinckney Expands Wreaths Across America Celebration
The Village of Pinckney is continuing its quest to make sure that no veteran from the area is forgotten this holiday season. December 17th is National Wreaths Across America Day when communities make sure that local veterans are remembered with a wreath placed on their headstones. Now in its third year in Pinckney, officials are expanding the program to include both the Pinckney Historical Cemetery and St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit, national organization that places live balsam remembrance wreaths on the headstones of veterans. In 2015, 75 wreaths were placed on local gravestones, while last year they were able to cover more than 250 of the sites. To raise money for the event, groups or individuals can purchase wreaths or make donations by visiting the WAAâs website and marking the Pinckney Historical Cemetery as the recipient. A ceremony will be held at noon on the 17th in the Pinckney Historical Cemetery. Volunteers will then travel to St. Mary Catholic Cemetery on Mower Road, where wreaths will be placed to honor local veterans interned at that location. Youâll find more information through the link below. (JK)
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