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Family Receives New Habitat For Humanity House In Conway TownshipFamily Receives New Habitat For Humanity House In Conway Township

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A family of five will soon move into their brand-new home, thanks to the folks at Livingston County Habitat for Humanity. The new home of Roy and Robin Oakley, located on Hanna Court, north of Fowlerville, was dedicated Sunday. The Oakleys have three children: Donovan, 23; Courtney, 12; and Abigail, 11. Robin Oakley is originally from Texas, while her husband, Roy, is from Michigan. Roy Oakley had moved to Texas for employment reasons, but recently moved back to Michigan with his family. He says getting their dream home is, “a very good feeling, very heartwarming.” The Oakleys were given the keys to their new, two-story ranch house with attached garage in a ceremony Sunday afternoon, while Habitat for Humanity officials looked on. There were also some prayers offered at the dedication, since Habitat is actually is a faith-based organization. As such, the Livingston County chapter works with area churches, accepting donations, and church volunteers participate in the construction activity when a new house is built. However, the recipients are not required to belong to a religious organization, and Habitat helps people in need regardless of their race or religion. Executive Director Larry Pfeil tells WHMI that the Livingston County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity has built a total of 34 homes, including two homes in Bangladesh, which is a predominantly Muslim country. Pfeil says all of the money used to build new homes for those in need is raised locally, coming from individuals, corporations and foundations. Pfeil says the way Habitat for Humanity works is that families in need of good, affordable housing apply for home ownership with their local Habitat, and the selection committee chooses the family based on three criteria. They include the level of need, willingness to partner with Habitat, and their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan. The prospective homeowners are then required to put in 250 hours of their own work, known as “sweat equity”, alongside Habitat volunteers. Pfeil says the local Habitat is not slacking off, and plans to start construction on its 18th house in Livingston County next April. The younger Oakley children currently attend the Howell Public Schools, but will be transferring to the Fowlerville Community Schools in the near future. The Oakleys say they will be moving into their new home as soon as arrangements can be made. (TT)

Health Department: Catch Holiday Spirit, Not The FluHealth Department: Catch Holiday Spirit, Not The Flu

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The Livingston County Department of Public Health is encouraging residents to catch the holiday spirit, and not the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommending the flu shot for everyone aged 6 months or older. The Health Department reports that it takes about 2 weeks after the shot is administered to become fully protected from the most dangerous strains of the season. Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow said that the vaccine doesn’t just help yourself, but also others you may encounter who are more susceptible to catching sick like children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The Health Department offers the vaccine at their office at 2300 East Grand River in Howell every Wednesday. Cost of the quadrivalent flu shot is $40. A high dose vaccine that is recommended for individuals 65 and older is available for $60. Medicare Part B will cover the total cost, but the Health Department is unable to accept any managed Medicare plans. Flu shots can also often be administered by your doctor or at a local pharmacy. Anyone with questions on vaccine, who it is for, and how dangerous it might be is invited to call the Health Department at (517) 546- 9850. (MK)

One Of Two Accused Thieves Heads To Trail In Retailer Break-InsOne Of Two Accused Thieves Heads To Trail In Retailer Break-Ins

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An Oak Park man has been over to circuit court on charges related to break-ins at two Livingston County stores. 33-year-old Arthur Williams and 29-year-old Kyle Wimbush were both charged with one count each of breaking and entering and possession of burglary tools for the October 31st break-ins at the Sprint store in Brighton and Target store in Hartland Township. On Friday, Williams waived his preliminary exam, sending his case to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial. A probable cause conference for Wimbush was adjourned to a later date. Brighton Police responded to an alarm at the Sprint store on Movie Drive at about 3:30 that morning and found a large rock had been thrown through the window. Numerous cell phones were stolen. About a half hour later, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department responded to an alarm at the Target store on M-59 and also found a rock had been thrown through the door with several Xbox game consoles stolen. Suspect and vehicle descriptions were obtained by Target security and a be-on-the-lookout advisory was issued. A State Police unit spotted a vehicle matching the description and pulled it over on southbound US-23 near I-96, where a search turned up merchandise stolen in both break-ins. (JK)

Ceremony Will Finalize Adoptions & Celebrate New 'Forever Families'Ceremony Will Finalize Adoptions & Celebrate New 'Forever Families'

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Judges across the state, and here in Livingston County, will finalize adoptions for 100 children in courthouse ceremonies on Tuesday. With the theme of “Giving Thanks for Families,” courts statewide are marking Adoption Day 2016. Held on or near the Tuesday before Thanksgiving each year, Adoption Day has become holiday tradition, highlighting the importance of adoption and the needs of children in foster care. Locally, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahra will join with Livingston County Probate Judge Miriam Cavanaugh to finalize adoptions for four local families. Jeffrey Johnson is the Juvenile Probation Officer and Adoption caseworker for Livingston County Juvenile Court. He says the goal of Adoption Day is to highlight the need for adoptive parents, who usually come from the ranks of foster parents. He says that in Michigan there are several thousand children in foster care awaiting adoption. In Livingston County, they’ve finalized 88 adoptions so far this year, which he says is significantly up from years past. Tomorrow’s ceremony will take place at 9am in the Judicial Center in Howell. Johnson says anyone interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, should contact the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange for information and resources. You’ll find a link below. (JK)

Milford Police Identify Driver And Victim In Fatal Car CrashMilford Police Identify Driver And Victim In Fatal Car Crash

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Authorities have identified the driver that was killed in a car crash in Milford on Friday morning. The Milford Police Department reports that 23-year-old Devin Jennings Daugherty of Milford was identified through the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office and dental records. Police and fire personnel responded to the single car crash on South Hill Road in the area of Maple Road at about 4:40am. Milford Police Chief Tom Lindberg says that a 911 caller indicated that a late model pick-up had crashed into a tree and was fully engulfed in flames. The occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. Lindberg says that their preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling too fast for the road conditions when it left the roadway and struck a tree head-on. He says the body was burned beyond recognition. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor in the collision. South Hill Road was closed for several hours while police investigated. Daugherty is said to be a longtime resident of Milford. Services will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home in downtown Milford. (DK)

12 Days Of Gleaners Donations Doubled Today Only12 Days Of Gleaners Donations Doubled Today Only

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For today only, donations are being doubled to help get more meals out to families-in-need throughout Livingston County. WHMI and the Gleaners Community Food Bank have teamed up again for the annual 12 Days of Gleaners promotion. For every $20 collected the Shared Harvest Pantry can put a Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings on the table of a family that may need help. And for today only, The Celani Family Foundation is doubling what is brought in, meaning that every $20 donated will put two holiday meals on the table. Head of Livingston County Gleaners operations Bridget Brown said that their goal is not only to feed families, but also educate them. Brown said that they aim to not only help a family with a holiday meal, but also inform them about nutrition and how to make healthy food choices throughout the year. With the cost of basic living expenses for a family of four in Livingston County being $61,000, Gleaners estimates that 27% of households are struggling financially. WHMI and Gleaners aim to raise $20,000 to help 1,000 of these families. While the Celani family’s doubling of donations is for today only, the promotion runs through this Wednesday. More details and donation options can be found through a link below. (MK)

Car Accident Involving Utility Pole In Highland Township Closes EB M-59Car Accident Involving Utility Pole In Highland Township Closes EB M-59

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A car accident involving a utility pole in Highland Township closed down a portion of M-59 for most of the day. Emergency personnel responded to reports of a motor vehicle accident on M-59 at Harvey Lake Road just before 8am Monday morning. Upon arrival, emergency crews found a single vehicle had struck a utility pole on the south side of eastbound M-59. The utility pole was sheared from its base and was being supported by utility lines. The utility lines included high voltage transmission and electrical service lines. The vehicle had 2 occupants, both of whom appeared to be stable and were removed from the vehicle. The vehicle’s occupants were transported to a local trauma facility for further evaluation. Eastbound M-59 just east of Milford Road to Waterbury Road in Highland Township was shut down so utility companies could remove the hazard. Power was shut off so that a new pole could be installed. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Department and Highland Township Fire Department assisted at the scene. (DK)

Parents Upset About Departure Of Village Elementary PrincipalParents Upset About Departure Of Village Elementary Principal

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Parents in one local district aren’t happy that their school’s principal didn’t come back this fall. Last spring the principal of Village Elementary in Hartland left for the school year, and this fall did not return. A handful of parents stood up at last night’s meeting of the Board of Education to ask that he be reinstated there. Superintendent Janet Sifferman says Bill Cain (pictured) was moved out of the principal position at Village Elementary this year after the principal of Legacy left last spring. She says Cain was a good fit for the job because he was one of the original teachers at Legacy when the program was started over 30 years ago. She says Cain also has the secondary education experience as an athletic director and as a high school assistant principal. Sifferman says all of those credentials make him the best person as they looked at their staffing and their administrative staff. She says he was the logical person that the needed when the principal at Legacy left last year and they needed to replace him. Parents spoke up during public comment period siting the success of the school under Cain’s 15 years of direction. Mark Trammel, who has children attending the elementary, says they need a male role model in the school. He says Cain has a presence and the kids respect him. Sifferman says last spring Cain was pulled between two schools working part time at both Village and Legacy; then this fall he was placed full time at Hartland’s alternative high school. She says the district hires its staff to be versatile in case someone leaves or needs sick time off. She says they like to have administrative staff able to step in wherever they are needed. Sifferman, nor board president Thom Dumond could say whether Cain will return to Village next fall, but plans are to keep him where his is for the remainder of the school year. (DS)

Suspect In Samurai Sword Attack Again Rejects Plea, Heads To TrialSuspect In Samurai Sword Attack Again Rejects Plea, Heads To Trial

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A Howell man facing assault charges connected to an incident in which he reportedly attacked another man with a sword has rejected a plea offer once again. 56-year-old Michael Paul Sefton is charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and assault with a weapon. He is also charged as a fourth time habitual offender. The charges stem from the July 2015 incident in which authorities say he attacked another man with a samurai sword. On Monday, Sefton rejected a plea deal from prosecutors, allowing his case to proceed to trial on November 28th. Sefton also rejected a deal in September to plead guilty to a misdemeanor of assault and battery with no jail time or probation. The original charges, both of which are felonies, would have been dismissed. Sefton’s rejection is based on his claim that he is innocent. The complainant in the case told authorities he saw Sefton arguing with his girlfriend and calling her inappropriate names and he intervened. Sefton reportedly pushed the man into a pool and then came at him swinging a samurai sword once the man got out of the pool. The man who intervened suffered multiple injuries as a result of the attack, including lacerations to his nose, arms and neck. (DK)

Mike Murphy Sworn In As Livingston County SheriffMike Murphy Sworn In As Livingston County Sheriff

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The third floor courtroom at the Historic Howell Courthouse was the setting for the swearing in of a local law enforcement official. Mike Murphy was officially sworn in as the Livingston County Sheriff yesterday afternoon. Murphy was elected sheriff during the general election to a term beginning in January, but was also sworn in to fill the position vacated when Sheriff Bob Bezotte retired at the end of October. County Clerk Betsy Hundley administered the oath of office in front of a few dozen close friends and family. Murphy says he’s truly humbled, blessed and honored. He says he's humbled with the fact that the residents of Livingston County have the confidence in him to do the job of Sheriff. He says he is also blessed by his fortunes the last 26 years at the Sheriff's Department, his family and friends and he's just honored to be here. Murphy comments that those people that know him, know he is not normally speechless, but he says he's pretty well speechless. Murphy says he will keep things the way they are as far as road patrols and at the jail through 2017, but may make changes later. He says although the staff is all professional, he wants to see more professionalism going forward. Murphy says there are already a number of drug initiatives in the county, but he may look at putting liaison officers back into the schools to help combat the increasing problem with substance abuse. (DS)

Plans For Improvements To Hartland Twp's Public Parks Move ForwardPlans For Improvements To Hartland Twp's Public Parks Move Forward

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Hartland Township is planning to add improvements to its two public parks within the next year. Though design work for the improvements to Heritage and Settler’s Park still need to be refined, there is a general idea of what the township hopes to do. Manager James Wickman says the main elements they plan to improve upon for both parks are adding restroom facilities, a sheltered picnic pavilion area, and a playground structure. Heritage Park is located on M-59 west of Pleasant Valley Road and Settler’s Park sits behind Township Hall. Wickman provided an update to the township’s Board of Trustees last week of where the projects are currently at. He shared some budget numbers which he says are subject to change because the projects are still in the planning stages. The estimated budget is just over $1 (m) million dollars. Wickman says there will be more information in the next stage, but that they are currently focusing on the utilities stage, like installing a well. Trustee Matt Germane says he wants more promotion of the township’s proposed plans because he feels involving the community could help reduce the projects’ cost. He asked if the board had looked into seeking in-kind services from area businesses or possibly accepting community donations. However Trustee Joe Petrucci says if someone was to donate their services, it would be on the donor’s time and decisions are already being made in regards to the project and its timeline. Supervisor Bill Fountain says the board could discuss Germane’s suggestion at a future meeting. The township is planning to break ground on both projects in the spring and expect they would be completed within next year’s construction season. (DK)

Annual Tyrone Township Event Set To Benefit People & PetsAnnual Tyrone Township Event Set To Benefit People & Pets

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People and their four-legged friends will both benefit from an annual event set for next month. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance on Saturday, December 3rd from 1-3pm at the Tyrone Township Hall to help out at the 6th annual Food and Pet Food Drive. The event collects donations of non-perishable food items and pet items that will be given to those in need during the holiday season. The items will benefit Gleaners Community Food Bank and the Livingston Area Pet Pantry. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for meet and greets and family photos. (JK)

Howell School Board Approves Plan To Hire Special Ed Teacher At HutchingsHowell School Board Approves Plan To Hire Special Ed Teacher At Hutchings

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Another full-time special education teacher will be hired at Hutchings Elementary School to help manage the students within the school’s special education program. Hutchings Principal Tim Moore gave a presentation to the Howell Board of Education at their last meeting about the direction he feels the school’s special education program needs to move in. Currently, students with emotional impairments in grades K-5 are all in the same class. Moore says this has led to some disruptions and there have even been reports of violence among the students. Moore’s new plan suggests splitting the group into two classes- kindergarten through 2nd grade in one, and 3rd through 5th grade in another. Board Trustee Gregg Gilligan voted against hiring another teacher because of the expense. But Trustee Deb McCormick says “you can’t put a price tag on these kids’ safety.” The board voted 6 to 1 to approve the decision to hire another teacher, with Gilligan as the lone oppositional vote. Superintendent Erin MacGregor says moving to this model will ensure that teachers can meet the students’ needs and put them into a position to have success. He tells WHMI the district is already looking into some candidates for the job. Superintendent Erin MacGregor says the district has a couple of “really qualified” candidates that have expressed interest in the position. He says the goal is to secure the position within the next couple of weeks. MacGregor says he appreciates Moore’s leadership and that he is sure the new model will fit into the district’s budget. It is expected that the district’s budget will be amended in December or January. The board plans to meet next Monday for their regular scheduled meeting. (DK)

Condition Improves For Howell 'Good Samaritan' Condition Improves For Howell 'Good Samaritan'

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The Howell man hospitalized after his legs were amputated as he helped a stranded motorist is improving. 36-year-old Chris Alvarado remains hospitalized at the University of Michigan Medical Center following the November 15th incident on Grand River in Genoa Township. Police say Alvarado was hit shortly after he offered to push a car that had run out of gas into a nearby parking lot. The car was driven by a Fowlerville woman who was driving with her infant child. Originally, Alvarado was in critical condition, but hospital officials say he is in now in fair condition. An update on the Go Fund Me account that was set up to cover his medical expenses says that despite having another surgical procedure, Chris is now sitting up and watching football and is glad to be doing so. It also says that with Thanksgiving coming up, the Alvarado family is so thankful for all of the support from the community, “and to those who have reached out to try to make their holidays this year a happy experience.” They also thanked Simpled Eats LLC of Howell which has stepped up to deliver a Thanksgiving meal Thursday to Chris and about 30 of his family members right at the hospital. Meanwhile, the Go Fund Me account is just a few thousand dollars short of its $100,000 goal. (JK)

Frying That T-Day Turkey? Fire Officials Caution Awareness & Preparation Frying That T-Day Turkey? Fire Officials Caution Awareness & Preparation

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The Brighton Area Fire Authority is urging residents to be careful about cooking fires this holiday, especially with turkey fryers. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, with nearly two times as many falling on that day as all other days of the year, according to the Brighton Area Fire Authority. One-third of these fires are the result of turkey frying, which has become more popular in recent years. The National Fire Protection Association strongly recommends people wanting that deep-fried taste move away from the fryer in favor of new appliances that can give your turkey that flavor by way of infrared and propane heating. The Brighton Fire Department agrees with this but offering precautions for people who still insist on using them. Deputy Fire Chief Mike Evans says to make sure the turkey is 100% thawed before frying it, and dry it off before submerging it in the oil. Oil and water do not mix, and any ice crystals or condensation on the bird will cause a violent reaction that could cause the oil to spill. Also, measure the oil going in to the fryer so that when it is displaced by the turkey, it doesn’t overflow. Refrain from wearing baggy clothing that can hang over or snag the fryer. Keep the fryer outdoors at all times and at least 25 feet away the home or any wooden structure. Have someone attending the fryer at all times, but don’t use it as a gathering place and keep all children and pets away from it. Also, be careful of weather conditions as rain, wind or snow can affect the fryer, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby at all times. The Brighton Area Fire Authority is encouraging anyone with questions about turkey fryers or cooking safety in general to contact them and have a safe Thanksgiving. (MK)

Students To Support Gleaners With Fantasy Of Lights Canned Food Drive Students To Support Gleaners With Fantasy Of Lights Canned Food Drive

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Leadership classes from Howell High School are looking to support those in need with a new approach to a traditional food drive. The classes will be holding a “Stuff a Bus” canned food drive during downtown Howell’s Fantasy of Lights Parade on Friday. The students will set up shop on Christmas Alley, which is State Street near the historical courthouse, beginning at 4pm. Canned goods and cash donations will be accepted, all of which will be given to Gleaners Community Food Bank of Livingston County. Howell High School English teacher and advisor for the class of 2019 Gabrielle DiNatale, says the school is always looking for ways to give back and is hoping the community will help them in stuffing a bus for those in need. (DK)

Cyber Training Institute To Have Grand Opening December 7thCyber Training Institute To Have Grand Opening December 7th

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An elite training center for keeping online identities and ideas safe is having its grand opening at a local high school next month. The Pinckney Cyber Training Institute is set to open its doors with an event on Wednesday, December 7th at Pinckney Community High School. High school students, college students, and IT professionals will be able to take cyber security courses, participate in training exercises, and earn government recognized certifications in an effort to accelerate the supply of online security talent across the state. Business owners will also have an opportunity to do product development within a private internet without risk of vulnerability or loss of intellectual property. The event begins with a VIP reception at 4pm, followed by a presentation at 4:30. They’ll officially cut the ribbon at 5:30 and then proceed with demonstrations of many of their services. From 6:30 to 8pm, the Institute will be open to the public. (MK)

MSP Brighton Post Among Those Helping Provide Needed Holiday MealsMSP Brighton Post Among Those Helping Provide Needed Holiday Meals

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The Michigan State Police Brighton Post is taking part in a partnership that will feed 100 families on Thanksgiving. Food donated from ten Kroger stores in central and southeast Michigan will feed local families identified by Michigan State Police Community Service Troopers. The Thanksgiving meal donation program is a partnership between MSP and Kroger and will feed 100 families in the state this year. In addition to Brighton, other participating posts include Lansing, Jackson, Monroe, Metro North, Metro South, Flint, Lapeer, Tri-City and Mount Pleasant. The meals, which are being delivered this week, include a turkey and traditional sides that will feed a family of six to eight people. (DK)

Livingston County Families Celebrate Additions On Annual Adoption DayLivingston County Families Celebrate Additions On Annual Adoption Day

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Four local families grew yesterday thanks to an annual event designed to raise awareness of the need for adoption. New parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles celebrated in Judge Miriam Cavanaugh’s courtroom as she finalized adoptions alongside Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahra and Livingston County Chief Judge David Reader. Kristie McClellan was there to adopt a second child after fostering him for nearly two years. She says the rewards outweigh the hardships of adoption. She says there are rewards, ups and downs and heartbreak, but it is more rewarding than anything, because you get to be part of a little person's life. She says foster parents make a window for the kids, whether it is a short term situation or long term, it is just important to be there for them. McClellan says just being open for them because each child needs something different. McClellan says keeping an open mind about foster parenting is important because some placements are only temporary, but as was their case, they can become permanent. The McClellans were one of two families adopting children they fostered first. Two other families were made complete when the children’s step-fathers adopted them. Zahra tells WHMI the adoption event has drawn attention to the need for foster families. He says although there have been many adoptions in Michigan this year; there are still children in need of permanent homes. He says over the course of 14 years the gap between those children in need of families and families looking to adopt has been narrowed. He says this year there have been over 2000 adoptions in Michigan, but there are still about 300 children in foster care who could use a permanent home. He says the Adoption Day event is to celebrate adoption and bring attention to those out there; any families who are thinking about adoption. In Livingston County there have been 88 adoptions this year and Zahra says all it takes to foster is love and a desire to share it. He says the road for some of the families has been long and arduous, but suggests anyone with an inclination to get involved should do so. McClellan says despite the challenges they faced, adding another child to their family was worth it in the end. In court, she was flanked by her parents and grandparents who also said whether the children were adopted, fostered or theirs by birth, they are all loved the same. (DS)

Hartland Consolidated Schools to Ask for Sinking Fund MillageHartland Consolidated Schools to Ask for Sinking Fund Millage

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The administration of one local school district agreed to put a proposal on the May 2017 ballot to maintain its facilities. The Hartland Consolidated Schools Board of Education passed a motion to ask voters to pass a sinking fund. Superintendent Janet Sifferman says the way the initiative is written the taxpayers won’t be paying anything more for a millage. She says the ½ mill request will come from the district’s debt levy, and starting in January, the our new superintendent and administrative team will be going around to all of the buildings and to the various parent groups, explaining what a sinking fund is. She says a sinking fund is the state of Michigan's way to give funds to make repairs and to build up existing facilities and sites. Sifferman says this is the first time the district has asked for a sinking fund, and is asking for a 10 years for this one. She says it will be at no additional cost to the taxpayers. Sifferman says the district will essentially lower the debt levy the district has had for its bond issues in the past by that ½ mill and create a separate fund for maintenance and repairs to the district’s buildings. She says currently the district doesn’t have a means to maintain the buildings without taking money out of the general fund. Sifferman says over the last few years there has been a lot of stress on the general fund because of cuts to the annual school aid allowance, so in order to maintain the assets the district has, it needs the revenue stream from a sinking fund. She says the average $600,000 collected each year for the life of the fund will help keep the parking lot lights on and the roof from leaking. She says beginning in January, incoming superintendent Chuck Hughes and the board of education will present information to the public to help explain the need for the millage, but says there won’t be any increase in taxes as a result. (DS)
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