The City of Howell and the Village of Pinckney have declared a snow emergency until Monday evening. The National Weather Service has declared a Winter Storm Watch that began this morning at 4am until Monday at 12pm. The National Weather Service is predicting snow accumulations in excess of 5 to 9 inches. Howell declaried a "Snow Emergency" starting at 9pm Saturday through 4pm. During the emergency all vehicles must be removed from the street to allow public works personnel to perform winter maintenance in a safe and efficient manner. Vehicles that are not removed will be towed at the owner's expense. Meanwhile, the Pinckney Police Department has declared a Snow Emergency for the Village of Pinckney that will be in effect until Monday at 6pm. All residents are required to remove their vehicles from the roadway, in order to allow DPW workers to safely plow snow and drop salt.
City of Howell & Village Of Pinckney Declare Snow EmergencyCity of Howell & Village Of Pinckney Declare Snow Emergency
↧
↧
Brighton's 150th Committee Holds First MeetingBrighton's 150th Committee Holds First Meeting
Brightonâs Principal Shopping District, formed to promote downtown Brighton as a destination for shoppers, diners and those looking for âfamily-friendlyâ entertainment, held its first meeting Thursday on the cityâs impending 150th Anniversary.
Brighton will be celebrating its 150th birthday next year, and the PSD was appointed by the City Council to spearhead the various events and activities that will be held. The committee held its first meeting on Thursday at city hall, with a large number of interested people in attendance.
City Council has named Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Pipoly to head the PSDâs 150th committee, and he tells WHMI the inaugural of what is sure to be many meetings in the future was very productive. Pipoly Tells WHMI that the committee will focus on specific events, such as a big parade, at the next meeting. Pipoly says instead of a long title, such as âBrighton 2017 Sesquicentennialâ, the committee decided to keep it simple and just call it the âBrighton 150â.
The 150th birthday of Brighton has already been given a logo, although itâs not yet official. The design depicts a Victorian street lamp extending upward from the âiâ in Brighton, and in the glass globe, the phrase â150 YEARSâ. Underneath the word âBrightonâ is the suggestion to âshop, dine, be scene.â The distinctive logo was created by Eight Ten Designs LLC, headed by Nick Palizzi. Any city board, commission or committee will be allowed to use the logo free of charge, according to PSD Chair Mark Binkley.
Pipoly says there is much to be done: Determining what types of events will be held, establishing a budget, choosing the dates for the celebration, and picking where the main celebration will take place. Pipoly says that they are getting some of their ideas from a booklet printed 50 years ago, when Brighton was celebrating its Centennial.(TT)
↧
Area Communities Declare Snow EmergenciesArea Communities Declare Snow Emergencies
Snow emergencies are now in effect in the Cities of Howell and Brighton,and the villages of Fowlerville and Pinckney. In addition, South Lyon is declaring a snow emergency beginning at 6 p.m. today. In Howell and Pinckney, the emergency is in effect until Monday at 4 p.m. In South Lyon the snow emergency is effective until noon on Monday, and in Brighton it is in effect until further notice. The National Weather Service has declared a Winter Storm Warning for this area that will remain in effect until Monday at 4 a.m. Total snow accumulations of 6-10 inches are forecast. During the emergency, on-street parking in Howell, Brighton, South Lyon, Fowlerville and Pinckney is prohibited, in order to allow public works personnel to plow the streets and apply road salt. If police attempts made to the owner to remove a vehicle still parked on the street are unsuccessful, it will be towed away at the owner's expense. (TT)
↧
Utility Offers Holiday Safety TipsUtility Offers Holiday Safety Tips
As holiday celebrations approach, Livingston County residents are reminded of how to avoid fire hazards during the season.
Consumers Energy Spokeswoman Debra Dodd says for starters, residents should have working smoke detectors on every level of their home. One of those smoke detectors should be located outside of the sleeping area. Dodd says residents can avoid holiday-related fires by checking their decorative lights. She says when putting up holiday lights, be sure to inspect for frayed wires and broken sockets. If they do, throw them out. Dodd also says to only use lights approved by a nationally recognized testing association, and donât use any more than three light sets on one extension cord to avoid over-heating. In addition, put extension cords against the wall, not underneath rugs, furniture or doorways.
Dodd says those putting up artificial Christmas trees should make sure the tree is fire-resistant. The fire hazard of a real tree can be lessened by making sure the tree stays fresh. That can be done by cutting about two inches off of the trunk to expose fresh wood and to frequently water the tree. Dodd also reminds residents to keep trees away from furnaces, fire places and space heaters. (JM)
↧
Tyrone Township Officials Begin Budget Process For 2017-18Tyrone Township Officials Begin Budget Process For 2017-18
Tyrone Township officials have begun planning for the municipalityâs 2017-2018 budget and are expecting to see some cost increases.
The townshipâs Board of Trustees met Tuesday and began preliminary discussions about the next fiscal yearâs budget. Supervisor Mike Cunningham says the township sets their budget based on incoming revenue in order to establish a ârealistic transparencyâ of exactly what theyâre going to do. Though they expect to see some cost increases in the upcoming budget, they are not expecting a deficit based on projected revenues and their general fund balance. The township is expecting a 20 to 30% increase for employee health insurance coverage. Officials have also added money for engineering fees in the event the area sees development or future growth, though officials say nothing has been submitted at this point and any expansion is all speculation. Other costs could include new election voting equipment, as the townshipâs is outdated.
The budget generally allocates money for roads and chloride, and trustees will now have time to come up with anything they feel should be added and suggest it at the boardâs next meeting. Numbers will be finalized at the boardâs last meeting in February and the budget will be presented in March. (DK)
↧
↧
Local Foster Kids Receive Christmas Gifts From "Operation Good Cheer"Local Foster Kids Receive Christmas Gifts From "Operation Good Cheer"
With the help of a local service agency and airport, a statewide gift-giving program was once again able to deliver Christmas presents to Livingston County children in foster care.
It takes thousands of volunteers each year to successfully pull off âOperation Good Cheerâ. Created in 1971, the annual Christmas gift-giving program distributes presents to children in foster care across the state. The children that receive gifts from the program are victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment.
The Child and Family Services of Michigan Incorporated program uses the help of social service agencies and airports. Individuals and donor groups purchase and wrap the gifts from a childâs wish list. On a recent Saturday, the gifts were picked up at donor sites and transported by volunteer trucking companies and drivers to a centrally located airport. From there, volunteer pilots and drivers transported the gifts to airports across the state of Michigan. One of those airports serving as a receiving area was the Livingston County Spencer J. Hardy Airport. Agency volunteers gathered at each airport to receive the gifts and deliver them to the children.
For the second year in a row, youth from Livingston County Catholic Charitiesâ foster care, which currently has 25 children, received gifts from âOperation Good Cheerâ. Those behind The Child Welfare Program at Livingston County Catholic Charities say they are grateful to the generous donors and volunteers for helping share love and joy to local children and making the event a success. (DK)
↧
Howell City Council Looking At Adopting "Naming Policy"Howell City Council Looking At Adopting "Naming Policy"
A naming policy is again being explored in the City of Howell.
The Howell City Council met last Monday and members again discussed potentially adopting a naming policy. There is currently no formal policy in place for when someone is able to place a commemorative nameplate on a bench or how to name a new park. Staff occasionally receives various types of requests from time to time related to donating a bench for the downtown or a tree in memory of someone. The policy presented for council consideration last week was developed in 2014 and incorporates Council discussion at that time.
The naming policy is a familiar topic according to Howell City Manager Shea Charles. Charles tells WHMI the City Council had looked at the policy a couple years ago and staff received some feedback thus brought it back a couple times but couldnât quite get to consensus. More recently, he says staff ran into an issue again where someone was looking to name a bench in the community. Charles says the most recent policy was brought forward, just to provide guidance for staff on how to deal with these requests. Charles says it sets up administrative procedures and what issues can be handled at a staff level versus what issues should be going to a City Council decision.
One item current members could discuss more in-depth relates to corporate naming rights. Additionally, a staff memo noted there could be larger naming opportunities in the future depending if substantial changes are made to the Barnard Center and when the City resolves the Lucy Road Park issue with the Department of Natural Resources. (JM)
↧
Donations Matched Today For Livingston United WayDonations Matched Today For Livingston United Way
Today is the day to greatly increase the impact of your holiday generosity.
The Livingston County United Wayâs Matching Money Monday is taking place today to help the organization that helps strengthen the community. Thanks to generous donors, every dollar donated until midnight will be matched up to $140,000 in giving. Officials say the money that is raised today will stay in Livingston County to help a variety of families in multiple ways including crucial programs like nutritious food in local pantries, utility and shelter assistance, an eviction diversion program and quality preschool for at-risk children.
The Livingston County United Way office on Dorr Road in Brighton will be open from 7am to 7pm and have homemade cookies and hot coffee. The Brighton, Howell, and Hartland Area Chambers of Commerce will also be open during business hours along with First Merit Banks and many other businesses across the county. More information and a complete list of locations can be found through the link below. (JK)
↧
Craft Show Will Display LESA Students' Skills And CreationsCraft Show Will Display LESA Students' Skills And Creations
A yearly craft show will help those shopping for Christmas gifts check items off their list, while also engaging local students.
The Pathway Craft Show will be held Thursday, December 15th at Pathway School on Grand River in Howell from 9am to 3pm. The craft show has been running annually for over 20 years and sells items that are handmade by students and staff from the Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA). LESA students will be at the craft show and will also be in charge of some of the tables. LESA Assistant Teacher, Jessica Bryngelson, says this gives the students a chance to practice money skills and social skills. She says the students feel accomplished creating the items and presenting their work to other people.
Additionally Bryngelson says the craft show introduces the public to the LESA building and allows them to see what the schoolâs students are capable of. (DK)
↧
↧
Oral Health Highlighted As County Dental Clinic Nears CompletionOral Health Highlighted As County Dental Clinic Nears Completion
Oral health is the next topic of community conversation in a continuing health series.
The Livingston County Health Department has released Volume 7 in âLivingston Countyâs Road to Community Healthâ series, highlighting the importance of oral health care for a personâs overall health. The Livingston County Health Department has partnered with the Southeastern Michigan health Association on the informational series, which breaks down the results of the 2014 Community Health Status Assessment into smaller portions so that the community can focus on the implications of one health issue or a group of related issues at a time. Volume 7 examines the oral health status of Livingston County residents, compared to state and national data.
Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow tells WHMI about 50% of Livingston County residents said in 2014 that they didnât have any dental insurance, which could be by choice or not. However, Moxlow says when you look at the data and the studies that show children are more likely to visit the dentist if their parents receive dental care regularly, they really want to make sure anybody regardless of health insurance status is able to receive dental care because it is so important to overall health. Moxlow commented when you consider a personâs health and they donât properly take care of their teeth and their gums; bacteria in the mouth can cause oral infections but also lead to tooth decay and gum disease and thereâs even some evidence that it leads to an increase in heart disease.
Past and current volumes in âLivingston Countyâs Road to Community Healthâ series can be accessed on the health departmentâs website, and a link is provided.
Meanwhile, the Livingston Dental Center will be opening this coming January. Combined with the efforts of the Vina Community Dental Clinic, which provides affordable dental care to Livingston County residents with limited finances and little to no access to dental care, Moxlow says the county really should be closing the gap in terms of dental care and insurances accepted. The Livingston Dental Center is owned by the Health Department but will be operated by My Community Dental Centers. It will focus specifically on patients who are underserved or without insurance and those who have difficulty accessing dental services. The center will accept Medicaid plans, MI Child, the Healthy Michigan Plan or Healthy Kids as well as private insurance.
Those interested can start registering as a patient for the Livingston Dental Center via the health departmentâs website and clicking on the Dental Center tab to schedule appointments. (JM)
↧
Authorities Identifiy Third Fatality From Massive PileupAuthorities Identifiy Third Fatality From Massive Pileup
The truck driver killed in last weekâs massive pileup on I-96 in Livingston County has been identified.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says 28-year-old Vitalii Stelmakh, a native of Ukraine who was living in Hollywood, Florida, was the third fatality from the 53-vehicle crash west of Fowlerville that forced the closure of I-96 in both directions for much of the day last Thursday. Officials previously identified the other two victims as 69-year-old Homer and 62-year-old Theresa Tew of Ann Arbor.
The crash, which happened at about 9:45 that morning, sent 11 other motorists to the hospital with minor injuries and stranded another 30 people in the pileup, who had to be rescued and then bused to the Fowlerville Police Department where they could be reunited with friends or loved ones. In addition, two Howell area firefighters also suffered injuries including a dislocated knee and a torn rotator cuff. Officials say the cause of the pileup remains under investigation.
Meanwhile, a YouCaring fundraising page has been set up for Stelmakh, whose friends and family are hoping to raise enough money to return his body to his mother in Ukraine for burial. Youâll find that link below (JK)
↧
School Board Approves Orchestra ProgramSchool Board Approves Orchestra Program
Meeting for the first and only time in December, the Brighton school board approved the orchestra program, along with an 18-credit program and an early college program for students at the Bridge Alternative High School.
Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that the orchestra curriculum will be phased in starting at the 5th grade level, saying that starting out next year with a full-blown high school orchestra program simply wouldnât work, because it wouldn't be sustainable. Such a program needs a "feeder" program at the lower grade levels.
Each year, a year will be added to the orchestra program until it is ultimately offered from grades 5-through-12. Gray says that by developing an orchestra program incrementally, it will be built up over several years, so there will be a large contingent of students who will remain with the program through their middle and high school years.
Gray says the district is looking at hiring a music teacher to teach the program beginning next year. He says the program will likely cost from $50-75,000 in its inaugural year, which would include a part-time teacher and the purchase of some of the larger instruments, such as cello and bass.
A survey of nearly 400 district parents in October showed that 62% are interested in the district having an orchestra program. Gray says that although there will be a falling off of students who are in band or choir when orchestra moves up to their grade level, it will be temporary and the student numbers in the three music offerings will stabilize in the long term. (TT)
↧
Community's Help Sought In Local Charity's Mission To Finance AdoptionsCommunity's Help Sought In Local Charity's Mission To Finance Adoptions
A local nonprofit organization is seeking the communityâs help in their mission to help families in the private adoption process.
Livingston County resident Jarett Reinmann and his wife Leah discovered that private adoptions are expensive when they began looking to expand their family through adoption themselves. Reinmann says while researching the private adoption process, he and his wife discovered the cost is often in excess of $40,000. That led Reinmann to create Adoption Charity, LLC, a nonprofit organization based in Brighton that helps offset the costs for adoptive families. Reinmann says his passion to help adoptive families stems from his belief that doing something so good should not be stopped by something as trivial as money.
The organization is spreading the message of their mission as the public considers where they will invest their year-end giving dollars. Reinmann says Adoption Charityâs goal is to help get as many children adopted as possible. Donations can be made online at the link below. Families interested in receiving financial assistance may also apply at the organizationâs website as well. (DK)
↧
↧
County Approves Agreement On 2016 Wages For Sheriff's DeputiesCounty Approves Agreement On 2016 Wages For Sheriff's Deputies
All Livingston County Sheriffâs Deputies within one bargaining unit will be paid on the same wage scale as the result of a newly approved agreement.
There are three law enforcement bargaining units â one for lieutenants, sergeants and deputies. Each has road patrol/law enforcement and corrections officers. The agreement ratified by the Livingston County Board of Commissioners during Monday nightâs meeting was related to the wage re-opener for 2016 and reached between the board, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office and the Livingston County Deputy Sheriffâs Association or LCDSA. Modifications to the agreement were said to be consistent with board policy concerning wages and benefits.
County Administrator Ken Hinton told WHMI they appreciate the hard work that deputies do, saying they have a demanding job and are very happy to be able to reach an agreement. There was a wage reopener for 2016 that included deputies in the sheriffâs office and the agreement is effective July 1st of 2016. Hinton says road patrol officers had an award as a result of arbitration and there was a fact finding recommendation for the corrections officers but the board felt there was a better approach to the deputies. He says there was a two-tier pay scale for corrections officers as well as road patrol but it mostly affected the corrections officers. The new agreement moved those in the lower-paid scale to a higher scale effective July 1st. He says deputies who had been at the higher-paid scale received a bonus of $1,000. The bonus was a one-time lump sum cash payment so Hinton says it does not increase their base wages. Now as a result, he says all of the deputies in that bargaining unit are paid on the same wage scale.
LCDSA membership previously ratified the tentative agreement and board approval was the final action needed. Hinton noted the current collective bargaining agreement with the group ends December 31st and negotiations will be continuing for a successor agreement. Deputies have been very vocal and attending meetings during the negotiation process, which had seemingly stalled in November. (JM)
↧
Despite Parent Opposition, HPS Votes To Close Southeast ElementaryDespite Parent Opposition, HPS Votes To Close Southeast Elementary
Despite opposition from a number of concerned parents and staff, the Howell Public Schools Board of Education voted to close one of its elementary schools last night.
Over the last four months a committee of 23 people representing parents, staff and faculty, as well as board members looked at ways to best utilize the districtâs buildings. Three Fires Elementary is currently at 30% capacity. Last month Superintendent Erin MacGregor brought the committeeâs recommendation to the board to close Southeast Elementary and incorporate those students and staff into Three Fires. The move would put the usage of Three Fires at just over 60%.
During public comment prior to the vote, several parents spoke out against the closure. Carissa King told the board theyâre looking in the wrong direction. She says "We have board members that talk about bleeding money, when realistically we are bleeding students. While focus is put on saving $369,000 per year, we lost more students to schools of choice last year than all of our neighboring districts combined. This brought out total in the past year to 1,594 students or as some individuals may see it, $12 million dollars." King and others spoke out about the need to find out why families are leaving the district.
MacGregor tells WHMI plans will start immediately to put together a transition team to make sure those students are cared for. He says they've attained the information for families that have decided to choose an education elsewhere, whether that be charter, or that be another public, whether that be home schooling. He says they're going to reach out and ask those families why they made that decision. MacGregor says at the same time they will ask current families what they are happy about with the district and what some of the things are that the district needs to work on. He says when they have some of those answers they will begin some action steps to make sure that they're providing the best education possible for kids.
MacGregor says Howell is not the only district facing losses to schools of choice, but they will reach out to those who have left. He says although the decision was not easy, his priority is to make sure all students are assimilated into the new school. A transition team will be formed in the coming weeks to make sure the process goes smoothly. He says the district will start in the next semester to introduce the students to Three Fires with a variety of activities. He says he also hopes that through retirements and attrition, the entire staff of Southeast will move to Three Fires along with the students.
A handful of parents spoke following the decision, including some whose children are in the Cognitively Impaired program at Southeast. One of the biggest concerns is transitioning students in the CI program into the Three Fires community. MacGregor says parents of the CI students will be included in the transition team. He says at this point there are no plans for Southeast after it is closed, but is hopeful that it will be put to good use once it is vacated. (DS)
↧
Local Agencies Seek Community's Helping In Identifying Homeless VeteransLocal Agencies Seek Community's Helping In Identifying Homeless Veterans
The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, or OLHSA, is seeking the communityâs help in identifying any veterans and their families who may be homeless or are in danger of becoming so.
OLHSA and the Homeless Continuum of Care (COC) have partnered together to achieve three goals to help homeless veterans. The organizations want to provide immediate shelter to those who want it, move those in shelter to permanent housing and work with those veterans to create a stability plan and establish goals so they stay self-sufficient. Erica Karfonta, Director for Health, Housing and Nutrition Services, says the main goal right now is identify any homeless veterans in the area through community referrals.
Karfonta says there is a national movement of organizations trying to reach a âfunctional zeroâ status, which means having zero homeless veterans across the country. According to Karfonta, the movement is very close to reaching this status and is hoping to by the end of the year. She tells WHMI this means getting the word out, identifying homeless veterans and providing them with some type of shelter or resources.
Karfonta says the program has seen great success. In the last year in Livingston County, OLHSA and the COC assisted 44 veterans. 22 who were homeless were provided with shelter and 22 received preventative services. Karfonta says the movement is based on the belief that housing is a human right and every veteran deserves a place to call home. Anyone who may know a homeless veteran or one who is close to becoming homeless, can contact OLHSA for information about the programs available to help them. That can be done by calling 517-546-8500 or visiting their website through the link below. (DK)
↧
County Approves Memo Of Understanding For Special Pathogen ResponseCounty Approves Memo Of Understanding For Special Pathogen Response
The Livingston County Board of Commissioners has approved a resolution related to special pathogen response that will insure the county is well prepared to keep residents safe.
A resolution authorizing Livingston County to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding was approved during Monday nightâs meeting and allows continued participation with the state in special pathogen response. The agreement partners Livingston County EMS with state agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Bureau of Trauma and Preparedness Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response. Itâs said to give Livingston County a higher level of preparedness in case of a special pathogens transport.
An example of a special pathogen is Ebola, or a similar virus. The agreement gives EMS access to more resources, since transporting a patient with a highly contagious illness requires special preparation not only of employees, but the ambulance itself. (JM)
↧
↧
Pinckney Working Towards State Certification As "Redevelopment Ready"Pinckney Working Towards State Certification As "Redevelopment Ready"
A recent analysis of the Village of Pinckney found that the municipality is well on its way to becoming certified as a âRedevelopment Ready Communityâ.
Redevelopment Ready Communities is a program of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The program aims to revitalize communities by attracting and retaining businesses, entrepreneurs and talent. The Village of Pinckney is working towards becoming RRC certified and Clerk Amy Salowitz tells WHMI this effort has been in the works for several years now. Pinckney first became interested in becoming RRC certified a few years ago, but wasnât initially accepted into the program. Salowitz says the municipality started working on improvement through RRC classes and was accepted when the program opened up the next time.
On Monday, Village Council received a report from RRC Planner Debbie Neumann. RRC ranks different departments of the community as red, yellow or green. The colors indicate whether the municipality is using the best practice components, with red meaning they are not, yellow meaning they are somewhat and green meaning the best practice is in place. Neumann described the Village of Pinckney as a âsea of greenâ, with only a few areas needing improvement. Salowitz says once the municipality improves the streamlining of their site plan review process and finalizing their economic development strategy, they can expect to achieve certification.
Certification opens Pinckney up to funding and advertising opportunities that will promote development. There are only nine communities in Michigan that are RRC certified and Pinckney would become the first in Livingston County. (DK)
↧
Snow Hauling From Midnight To 6am In Downtown Brighton Snow Hauling From Midnight To 6am In Downtown Brighton
Snow hauling efforts will get underway late tonight in downtown Brighton. City of Brighton employees and a contractor will be removing and hauling all snow from between the street and sidewalks on Main Street, as well as portions of Grand River in the downtown business district. The work will be starting around midnight tonight and continue through 6am. If additional clearing is needed, crews will be back out during the same time frame Thursday. No road closures will be in effect as a result of the snow hauling but the City says drivers could experience some minor traffic delays due to heavy equipment working in the roadway. (JM)
↧
In Spite Of Weather, Fundraising Drive Exceeds Goal In Spite Of Weather, Fundraising Drive Exceeds Goal
Preliminary totals indicate Matching Money Monday exceeded the goals set out by the Livingston County United Way.
Executive Director Nancy Rosso tells WHMI that gifts from collection sites and those made online totaled approximately $146,000. She says that with a few outstanding sponsors still coming in, they should be able to match those gifts for a total of at least $292,000 raised for local families in need of food, shelter and utility assistance.
Rosso says despite the wintry weather, kids came in to their offices and donated their allowances, teachers giving over $400 in a penny drive, funds raised at holiday parties and lots of residents just braving the snow day to give what they could. Rosso said that the outpouring of support made her feel fortunate to live in such a generous community. (JK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
