The Brighton Board of Education was informed at its meeting Monday night that two district schools â Brighton High and Hornung Elementary â have been named âReward Schools.â
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Laura Surrey told the board that for the 2015-16 year Brighton High School was ranked number six in its peer group, and Hornung was ranked first in its peer group. Both schools had been projected to score much lower than they did â based on a number of factors. The high school had been predicted to score 83% and scored 10% higher, which Surrey says is a significant accomplishment. The projections are based on demographic factors, class sizes, achievement level, and state per-pupil aid. Surrey tells WHMI that Brighton High was named a Reward School for recording the highest gain from the previous year. She says Hornung Elementary earned the number one position in its peer group by placing first in all categories. What is significant about Brighton schools achieving so well is that they receive about $500 per student less in state per-pupil aid than the other schools in their peer groups.
In a school district the size of Brighton, thatâs $3 million less in revenue, meaning that Brighton students, and taxpayers for that matter, get more bang for their buck. The Reward School initiative is a program developed and ranked by the Michigan Dept. of Education. (TT)
Brighton High, Hornung Elementary Named Reward Schools by MDEBrighton High, Hornung Elementary Named Reward Schools by MDE
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Brighton Township Committee Denies Appeals For Sewer ChargesBrighton Township Committee Denies Appeals For Sewer Charges
Two separate property owners appealed an administrative interpretation of a policy in Brighton Township that would have them paying extra for sewer service.
Monday night an ad hoc committee of the Brighton Township Board heard appeals to reconsider charges for grinder pump installation and sewer hookup fees. The two couples, Kimberlee and Stephen Rushak, and Kimberly and Scott Barabas are in the process of construction on their township properties and say they were informed after construction started that there were additional costs to tie into the townshipâs sewer system. Both couples argued that they paid the sewer assessment charge of $12,400 prior to starting construction and believe they donât owe more money. The Administrative Policies committee denied the appeals, saying their purpose was to determine whether Township Manager Brian Vick interpreted policy correctly and not to decide whether the policy is fair and equitable. Vick says the costs are justified.
Vick says that from the township's standpoint, since the policy was changed in 2004, they have consistently applied the policy. He says based on policy #807 there is a cost for an REU and additionally there is a cost to hook up to the system. Vick says the REU cost is for purchasing capacity in the system, and then there is the cost of construction, which is the grinder and the line to the main at the road. He says the question is whether the policy been applied and has Vick applied it any differently then it was written. The committee agreed that it was applied the way it was written. The property owner's next steps are to appeal to the township board if they so choose.
Vick says the Rushaks were billed $15,759 and the Barabas received a bill for $9,258 to construct the grinder and run a line to the sewer line at the road. He says the policy has been in place since 2004 and was amended in 2013. The Rushaks attorney, Matt Hagerty says the policy refers to the cost of installation and it should only be $2,000 to $3,000 for the installation of the grinder, and argued the cost was too high. He says the costs are not proportional to the actual costs and benefits to the property owners for what has already been paid for. Both couples plan to appeal to the full township board in the coming month. Stephen Rushak says he was surprised by the outcome and believes anyone purchasing property in the township should be made aware of those costs. (DS)
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New 911 Service To Provide More Effective Emergency ResponseNew 911 Service To Provide More Effective Emergency Response
In addition to the new Text-to-911 service, Central Dispatch has launched Smart911, a free service that allows individuals and families to sign up online and provide key information to 911 centers.
Itâs designed to enable more effective emergency response by law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services. Smart911 allows an individual to build a profile that is only available to the 911 Dispatch Centers, on a secure network that houses 911 information. Deputy 911 Director Chad Chewning says if someone dials 911 from the phone number the profile was created from, then it opens simultaneously in the Dispatch Center. Individuals can enter home and work addresses, pictures, where utility shutoffs are located for fire and EMS, emergency contacts, pets or if someone is elderly or has physical disabilities.
There are around 450 different data points people can fill in if they so choose but the purpose is to get the information to the right responders, to the right location.
Itâs an opt-in program and Chewning says individuals can input as much or as little information as they want 911 and responders to have. He stressed that it is a secure system and no information is broadcast.
In our third and final segment Wednesday, WHMI will recap the two new 911 features and offer a preview of whatâs to come. (JM)
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Annual Event To Serve As "One Stop Shop" For Needed ServicesAnnual Event To Serve As "One Stop Shop" For Needed Services
An event next month will give residents a chance to learn about and receive a wide array of the services available to them in the community.
The 10th annual Community Connect event will take place from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, February 4th at Parker Middle School in Marion Township. The event will bring together a number of nonprofit, for-profit, and government organizations that offer programs for income-limited residents. Last yearâs event brought more than 1,000 people and operated with the help of hundreds of volunteers.
This yearâs event will connect individuals and families to free information on employment and housing services, benefits information, health screenings, personal care items, clothing, haircuts and more. A free lunch will also be provided as well as fun activities for kids. For more information on the Community Connect event, visit the link below. (JK)
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Comedy Fundraiser Being Held To Benefit St. Patrick's Day ParadeComedy Fundraiser Being Held To Benefit St. Patrick's Day Parade
Save the date for a comedy fundraiser that will benefit an upcoming parade in Pinckney.
The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in Livingston County are presenting a comedy show event next month to support the St. Patrickâs Day Parade. The fundraiser is being held on Friday, February 24th at Captain Joeâs Restaurant in Whitmore Lake. $20 will get you in the door for a night full of Irish dancing, an introduction of the Grand Marshall, and performances by comedians Ron Sweet and Jason Douglas. A cash bar and the full menu will be available, along with a 50/50 raffle that will benefit the parade. This is also the first year fundraising sponsorships are being offered.
This yearâs parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 11th, beginning at noon, and starting at the Pinckney Cemetery. Prior to it beginning there will be Irish dancers on Main Street, a Paddy Wagon Bed Race from Marion Street to Mill Street, and a cutest leprechaun contest for children 5 and under. Information on becoming a sponsor can be made by contacting Order President Anne Lezotte at atlezotte@yahoo.com.
For more information on the parade, or to reserve tickets to the comedy show, contact Parade Chairperson Patsy Dible at (810) 599-5884, or by emailing patsydible@yahoo.com. (MK)
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Redevelopment Plan Proposed For Historic Union Block In LindenRedevelopment Plan Proposed For Historic Union Block In Linden
A vacant block in downtown Linden could soon be revitalized.
Lindenâs Union Block property has been essentially an empty lot after a May 2007 fire destroyed several historic buildings. Their remnants were removed several months later in anticipation of the site being redeveloped, but the recession hit and it has stayed empty. But that may soon change after Dr. Nicole Wax purchased the land last year in anticipation of expanding her practice.
According to the Tri-County Times she is now proposing a building on the corner of East Broad Street. Wax presented her preliminary plans last month to the Linden Planning Commission for a 7,000-square-foot, two-story mixed-use structure with businesses on the first floor, including her practice, and five condominiums on the second. Other proposed site improvements include a 26-space, off-street parking lot with access from North Bridge Street.
The preliminary site plan was tabled by the planning commission to allow for revisions and further review. (JK)
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County Seeking Increase In Fees To House And Transport Federal InmatesCounty Seeking Increase In Fees To House And Transport Federal Inmates
A resolution is moving forward that would increase the amount of money the county receives for transporting and housing federal inmates in the local jail.
In 2014, a two-year agreement was made with the U.S. Marshals Service and Livingston County to house federal inmates in the county jail for $81 per day. Additionally the county receives a guard rate of $27 per hour to transport inmates to the federal courts.
Sheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI the program has been beneficial to all. Last year, the Livingston County Jail received approximately $1.6 (M) million as part of the Intergovernmental Agreement with the U.S. Marshals Service. Murphy says that is a significant chunk of money that contributes to the jailâs annual $9.5 (M) million budget and expects the revenue will be similar for the 2017 fiscal year.
Murphy says there havenât been any major issues or surprises in the two years that the agreement has been in place. Murphy says in measuring per population breakout of the countyâs inmates versus federal ones, the number of incidents is not disproportionate.
The county recently negotiated the rates so that if a modification of the terms of the contract were approved, they would see a raise of $6 per day per inmate to house them and the guard rate would increase by $8 per hour. If passed, the new rates will remain in effect for the next three years before another rate adjustment can be negotiated.
The resolution was unanimously approved by the countyâs Public Safety and Infrastructure & Development Committee Monday night and will now move on to the Finance Committee. (DK)
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Pedestrian Struck And Killed By Amtrak Train Pedestrian Struck And Killed By Amtrak Train
Authorities say a man was struck by a train and killed yesterday afternoon in Washtenaw County.
At approximately 1pm, troopers from the Michigan State Police Brighton Post responded to an Amtrak train which reportedly struck and killed a pedestrian walking on the tracks near Dexter-Chelsea and Fletcher roads.
Authorities say Christopher Lawrence Duncan was walking eastbound on the tracks when an Amtrak train traveling at 76 mph approached from the west, also traveling eastbound. The engineer reportedly attempted to alert Duncan with his horn before ultimately engaging the emergency stop brakes.
Duncan, who is said to have been wearing headphones at the time, did not appear to hear the train or its warnings. Further information has not been released at this time. Troopers were assisted on scene by the Chelsea Fire Department, Huron Valley Ambulance and Amtrak Police Department.
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Registration For Dragon Run 5K Is OpenRegistration For Dragon Run 5K Is Open
Registration has opened for a competitive race taking place in Howell this Lunar New Year.
The Dragon Run 5K will take place as part of Howellâs 4th Annual Lunar New Year Festival on Saturday, February 4th. This Run/Walk event is held on Howell Public School grounds and begins at Challenger Elementary at 10am. Men, women, and youths will be able to compete in different age groups, with long sleeve tee shirts designed by Howell High Students available to the first 150 racers. The top 3 in each age category will receive medals, while the overall male, female, and youth racer will win a unique trophy created by the blacksmiths at Hell Creek Forge in Pinckney.
The cost for each participant is $25 during early registration which ends this Saturday, and goes up to $30 after that. Registration and packet pickup will also be available on race day at the school. More information and registration details can be found through the link below. (MK)
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New 911 Technologies Focused On Providing Assistance FasterNew 911 Technologies Focused On Providing Assistance Faster
Officials say that recent upgrades at Central Dispatch have been about helping 911 centers get help out to people having an emergency easier, faster and with more confidence than in the past.
911 Director Jeff Boyd says they want to educate the public about the new Text-to-911 service as well as signing up for www.smart911.com. Text-to-911 allows individuals to send a text message to 911 from their mobile devices if they are in Livingston County. Smart911 is a free service that allows individuals and families to sign up online and provide key information to 911 centers. This information enables more effective emergency response by law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services.
The Text-to-911 service is mandated by the Federal Communications Commission for 911 centers to get into compliance with the Next Generation 911 in the United States. One driving factor is that hearing impaired community has moved away from the old T-T-Y phone. Boyd says the new age of smartphones allows for better communication and getting emergency help faster to that community. From an EMS perspective, Boyd says the Smart911 program is a great opportunity to enter a profile that will give responders knowledge before they arrive to help them prepare.
Now that the new Text-to-911 and Smart 911 services are up and running, Boyd says there will be more to come for Livingston County. Additional technology with a public safety focus will be rolled out in March by 911 Central Dispatch.
Anyone with questions regarding the new 911 services or might need assistance can contact the administration line at 911 Dispatch Center at 517-546-9111. (JM)
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Brighton School Board Votes Against Cutting TreesBrighton School Board Votes Against Cutting Trees
The Brighton Area Schools Board of Education has voted to save three trees that a local tree-cutting service offered to cut down for their prized wood.
The black walnut trees are part of a stand of trees on Miller Intergenerational Center property on Spencer. The company owner, Mike McBride, had offered to pay the district $2,450 for the right to cut down the walnut trees. After considerable discussion, the board voted 3-3 on the proposed tree sale. Board President Andy Burchfield was absent from the meeting, which made the tie vote possible. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that a tie vote means a ânoâ vote. Board members Dave Chesney and Ken Stahl both said that since the trees in question are alive, there is no point in cutting them down. But McBride cautioned that walnut trees are being threatened in the Midwest by a disease, and it would be better to remove them while they are still relatively healthy.
McBride also addressed the board at the Jan. 9th meeting, when he said that the species of tree is susceptible to âthousand cankersâ disease. Thatâs a fungus spread by the tiny walnut twig beetle. The fungus kills walnut and butternut trees by causing small holes, or cankers, in the growing tissue of the trees between the bark and wood. It can take 10 years for the fungus to build up in a tree enough to damage and then kill the tree, so it's possible that it's in Michigan already, but has not been detected. Those on the board opposed to removing the trees noted that if they ultimately are infected and die, the wood can still be harvested. (TT)
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March Embezzlement Trial Set For Former County EmployeeMarch Embezzlement Trial Set For Former County Employee
A trial date has been set for a former employee of the Livingston County Clerkâs Office charged with embezzlement.
46-year-old Colleen Marie Fortier of Howell is facing one count of embezzlement by a public official. She appeared in 53rd District Court earlier this month and was bound over to Circuit Court for trial. Her arraignment was waived and she has since posted bond. The beginning of her trial is tentatively set to begin March 6th. In May, County Clerk Elizabeth Hundley discovered a financial irregularity involving the clerkâs office. An internal investigation was immediately initiated and Fortier was placed on unpaid administrative leave.
The details surrounding the case have yet to be released, however Fortier reportedly resigned prior to the completion of the investigation. She worked for the county for approximately four years. Court records show the alleged embezzlement occurred between December of 2015 through May of 2016. Fortier is due back in court February 3rd for a pre-trial hearing. (JK)
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Putnam Twp. Declines Support For County Transportation AuthorityPutnam Twp. Declines Support For County Transportation Authority
Thereâs been a lot of buzz in Livingston County lately about creating a transportation authority to study mass transit options for the region, but Putnam Township officials say theyâre not on board with that idea.
Green Oak, Hamburg and Genoa Township, and the City of Howell and Brighton, have all passed resolutions showing support for the creation of the Livingston County Transportation Authority. The Putnam Township Board of Trustees discussed the idea at a recent meeting but came to the conclusion that they were not on the same page.
Supervisor Dennis Brennan says many want to keep the area rural and adding mass transit options to the region would go against that. Brennan also says thereâs not a lot of attractions in Putnam Township that people would utilize mass transportation to visit and therefore it wouldnât be very beneficial to the area.
Also in attendance at the meeting was Livingston Essential Transportation Service (LETS) Director Doug Britz, who is among the proponents for the creation of the authority and more transportation options in the county. Brennan tells WHMI while Putnam Township is not in support of that, there is a very good argument to expand LETS and its services because of how useful it is to the elderly and low-income residents.
Brennan says many agree LETS is a great program and should be expanded, but as for creating another level of bureaucracy in the form of a transportation authority, the board is ânot a fan of thatâ. Trustee Norm Klein says the goal should be to find money for what the county will âreally use and really benefit fromâ. Brennan says heâll keep an open mind, but didnât hear enough support from the board to pass a resolution. (DK)
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Hamburg Township Sets Annual Joint Meeting For Feb. 15thHamburg Township Sets Annual Joint Meeting For Feb. 15th
The Hamburg Township Board of Trustees will conduct its annual joint meeting with other boards in the township next month.
Township Supervisor Pat Hohl tells WHMI the meeting is an opportunity for the various boards and commissions in the township to communicate directly with each other regarding what theyâre doing, including projects, priorities and goals.
Hohl adds the meeting is also scheduled each year to get to know each other better on a face-to-face basis since the groups tend to operate in vacuums. The entities which will be present at the joint meeting are the Township Board of Trustees, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Parks and Recreation Board.
The meeting will be held on Feb. 15th at 7 p.m. in the board meeting room of the township offices on Merrill Road and will be open to the public. (TT)
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Public Hearing Set For Apartment Rezoning In Howell TownshipPublic Hearing Set For Apartment Rezoning In Howell Township
A developer is looking to add an apartment complex in Howell Township, and the Planning Commission wants to hear the opinions of residents who may be neighbors of it. A public hearing has been set around a request from the developers to change the zoning of approximately 17 acres of land with frontage on Burkhart Road and Mason Road. Currently the land is zoned as Neighborhood Service Commercial. Changing it to Multi-family Residential would more easily allow the construction of the proposed 84 ranch apartments the developers wish to build.
Even though a member of the engineering team for the developer had a concept drawing of the complex at Tuesdayâs meeting, Planning Commission Chairman Andrew Sloan said that no site plan has yet been submitted. The engineer commented about the neighboring areas, namely a similar Multi-family Residential zone to the west and a Single Family Residential zone to the north as indicators that the development would fit in. The public hearing and chance for residents to speak up with their opinions on the zoning change will take place at the Planning Commissionâs next meeting. That meeting is set for February 28th, at the Howell Township office building. (MK)
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Sentencing Delayed For Teen Charged In School Shooting PlotSentencing Delayed For Teen Charged In School Shooting Plot
Sentencing has been delayed for the last of three teens to enter a plea in a plot to shoot up a local school.
16-year-old Kody Brewer of Wolverine Lake had been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and false report or threat of terrorism. The charges followed the October 2015 incident in which authorities say he, along with 16-year-old Lamarr Dukes of West Bloomfield and 19-year-old Ryan Stevens of Linden, 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.
Stevens previously pleaded no contest to a reduced count of false report or threat of terrorism and was sentenced to five years of probation. Dukes was sentenced as a juvenile to a year in a residential rehabilitation program. Brewer, who also pleaded no contest to the reduced charge, was in court Tuesday and in an apparent bid to avoid juvenile rehabilitation, requested that he instead be sentenced as an adult. That was at odds with correction officials, who recommended he be sentenced as a juvenile.
Judge Joseph Farah agreed to delay sentencing until June when Brewer will be 17. He also ordered that the teen wear an electronic monitor and live in the custody of his parents until then, indicating that if there were any problems between now and his sentencing date, Brewer would likely be facing jail time. (JK)
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Local Foster Children And Families Beneficiaries Of Upcoming Fundraiser Local Foster Children And Families Beneficiaries Of Upcoming Fundraiser
A fundraising event next week in Fenton will benefit local families involved in the foster care system.
Tickets are still available for the 2nd annual Silent Auction for Claraâs Hope Orphan Care Ministry. Claraâs Hope was started by Dave and Tami Kromer of Fenton, who adopted Clara and took her under their care. Clara was born without a brain and while she lived just 8 months, she managed to touch and inspire many hearts.
Claraâs Hope offers monthly family gatherings for foster and adoptive families, and has begun to flesh out an expanding support network. Proceeds from last yearâs fundraiser allowed the organization to hire their own social worker, provide additional training, and supply 400 first-night backpacks to local foster care agencies.
This yearâs event will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 pm next Friday, February 3rd, at the Freedom Center in Fenton. Items will be up for bid throughout the night including a day at the M-1 Concourse Race Track, a week at a Wyndham resort, local business gift certificates and everything in between.
All proceeds fund support services for foster and adoptive families within Livingston and Genesee Counties. You can find tickets and more information at the link below. (DK)
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MDOT Announces US-23 ClosuresMDOT Announces US-23 Closures
Lane closures are planned for the remainder of the week on US-23 in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties.
On Thursday, there will be a single lane closure on southbound US-23 from North Territorial Road to Joy Road between 7 pm and 5 am. If the work is not completed Thursday, crews will work Friday night, with a lane closure between 8 pm and 8 am.
Then on Friday, there will be a single lane closure on northbound US-23 from 6 Mile Road to 8 Mile Road between 9 pm and 9 am. If that work is not complete by Friday night, crews will work Saturday, with a lane closure between 8 pm and 10 am.
The closures are needed so crews can shift traffic to the outside lanes. (DK)
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New Voting Equipment Coming To Livinsgton CountyNew Voting Equipment Coming To Livinsgton County
Clerks across Livingston County are in the process of choosing new, next generation voting equipment.
The State Administrative Board earlier this week approved 10-year contracts with 3 different vendors for new digital optical scan voting systems that read and tabulate paper ballots marked by voters. The new systems, all being used in other states with success, are known for having notable improvements and increased ease of use for both voters and election administrators. They allow for the electronic storage of ballot images, have greater options for voters with disabilities, and have contracts that cover service and maintenance.
The task of choosing which of the three vendors each of Michiganâs 83 counties goes with falls on the County Clerk. Livingston County Clerk Elizabeth Hundley said she has been working closely with all of the local clerks to come to the best decision for all. She said it has been a joint effort between her and the city, township, and village clerks across Livingston County. Hundley told WHMI that they have also consulted with their IT departments in an effort to make the best decision for Livingston County and be a good steward of taxpayer dollars.
The new equipment will be paid for with more than $30-million from the federal Help America Vote Act that the Secretary of Stateâs Office has saved for more than a decade. Additional funding of $10-million has been approved by Legislature with the support of Governor Rick Snyder. Cities and townships will pay for the remaining cost which will vary based on which vendor is selected. Hundley said she is expecting official vendor costs to come in any day, and while she doesnât know for sure what they are, there is a definite least expensive, mid-range, and most expensive option. (MK)
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Howell DDA Pursuing Grant That Would Transform State StreetHowell DDA Pursuing Grant That Would Transform State Street
A grant opportunity could help the City of Howell make some needed repairs to water and sewer mains on a much-used downtown street.
The Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority is actively pursuing an Infrastructure Capacity Enhancement, or ICE, grant to help with issues on State Street and potentially the attached public alleyway. Among the possible changes are converting Street Street into a two-way street from its current one-way configuration. DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly said that these improvements have been on the cityâs Capital Improvement Plan radar for years, and the grant may help it become a reality sooner rather than later. Edgerly told WHMI that infrastructure improvements are always expensive, so any time there is funding available on the table they think it behooves them to look into it.
The State Street Utility Improvement Project is part of Howellâs 2013 Water Master Plan and calls for replacing the 4-inch water main from Clinton Street to Grand River with a new 8-inch main. They would also potentially be able to replace storm and sanitary systems are in poor condition down Peanut Row. The application for the ICE grant is due next month with the grant money, if awarded, being available to help with construction in spring of 2018. (MK)
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