The memory of Donald Burgett, a World War II combat veteran who passed away last month, was honored in Howell Wednesday night with a community gathering.
A Last Roll Call and 21-gun salute paid tribute to the man who friends and family say was âlarger than lifeâ. On what would have been his 92nd birthday, Burgettâs life was celebrated at the American Legion Devereaux Post #141 in a room packed with people whose lives he touched. Guests shared stories and spoke in awe of his numerous achievements. Burgettâs daughter Rene tells WHMI celebrating the entirety of her fatherâs life is a tall order.
Burgett was a member of A Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment,101st Airborne Division and fought in Normandy. He was wounded twice in battle and helped liberate four concentration camps. His memoir, âCurrahee; A Screaming Eagle at Normandyâ, is considered a classic which received the endorsement of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who led Allied forces in Europe during the war. Burgett was highly decorated, having received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the French Legion of Honour, which is the highest decoration in France. He educated the world about the war through his lectures and writing, some of which are kept in the Library of Congress.
From a daughterâs perspective, Rene described him as a loyal father, husband, provider and protector, who always did what was right. She says he meant everything to her and was one of a kind. Mark Kovach says Burgett was his fatherâs best friend and grew up with him. Kovach calls Burgett a ânational treasureâ and a hero. Bryan Bradford met Burgett through the Disabled American Veterans group and reiterated that Burgett was special. Bradford says when you met him, "you just knew there was something about him". He describes him as having a heart of gold.
Though tears were shed, all seemed to agree that Burgettâs life was so full and well lived. Burgett will be cremated and his remains will be placed with full military honors at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in June. He is survived by his wife Twyla, five children, 12 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. (DK)
Friends & Family Of Don Burgett Celebrate A Life Well LivedFriends & Family Of Don Burgett Celebrate A Life Well Lived
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Pinckney Schools Use STEM To Promote Creativity and InnovationPinckney Schools Use STEM To Promote Creativity and Innovation
STEM education is being integrated at a local school district to teach its students to think outside of the box.
John Sadowski teaches 7th and 8th grade at Pathfinder Middle School in Pinckney. The school currently offers wood design and design technology classes, but Sadowski felt there was a component missing when it came to electronics and robotics. Using bond money, the school purchased robotics kits and Sadowski is planning to implement them into one of the existing classes in hopes of creating a class dedicated solely to robotics in a year or two.
Sadowski and a couple of his students came before the districtâs Board of Education Thursday night to show off robots that have been created from the kits and to promote the program and its potential expansion. The program is STEM related, based on the skills that are acquired and used. The STEM curriculum educates students in four specific disciplines- Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics. Students are taught in an approach that integrates their learning based on real world applications.
Sadowski feels the skills learned in STEM based programs bridge the gap between what students learn in school and how they can be used outside of the classroom. By teaching these skills early, Sadowski says students will be more prepared to pursue the respective fields in higher education and in their careers.
In fact, the district values the STEM curriculum enough to start incorporating it even at the elementary level. Students from Country Elementary School attended the meeting Thursday as well, and shared projects they had created in STEM based hands-on activities. Teachers say the curriculum has provoked more thoughtful questions, ideas and responses, and taught the students about teamwork and problem solving. Superintendent Rick Todd says by integrating STEM, the district is making learning changes and âthinking 10 years ahead.â (DK)
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Man Charged in Crash That Amputated Good Samaritan's Legs PleadsMan Charged in Crash That Amputated Good Samaritan's Legs Pleads
A local man charged with crashing into a Howell man and severing his legs as he helped a stranded motorist has entered a plea.
78-year-old Malcolm Darryl Steider of Howell pleaded no contest Thursday to a moving violation causing serious impairment of body function in 53rd District Court. His plea indicates he does not accept or deny responsibility for the charge, but agrees to accept punishment. The plea differs from a guilty plea because it cannot be used against Steider in another cause of action. He will be sentenced May 15th.
The charge stems from Steiderâs involvement in the November 2016 crash that ultimately resulted in the loss of both legs for Chris Alvarado of Howell. On November 15th, Alvarado had stopped to help push a car that had run out of gas into a nearby parking lot on Grand River in Genoa Township. The car was driven by a Fowlerville woman, who was driving with her infant child. Alvarado was hit shortly after by Steider, who indicated that he âdidnât seeâ the stopped vehicle or Alvarado pushing the car.
Alvarado had a lengthy hospital stay and was first listed in critical condition, but improved over time. Alvarado is a father of five and had another child on the way when the accident happened. Donations poured in from the community and a Go Fund Me account surpassed a $100,000 goal to cover his numerous medical expenses and surgical procedures. (DK)
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Plans For New Diamonds And Parking At Legacy Center PostponedPlans For New Diamonds And Parking At Legacy Center Postponed
Plans to add new fields and parking to the Legacy Center in Brighton have been postponed until a more complete final site plan is submitted and approved.
The Green Oak Township Planning Commission expressed concerns over what they felt was an incomplete site plan presented to them by the large sports complex located at Winans Lake and Rickett Road. Legacy Center representatives, who were looking to change plans for a soccer stadium into 2 new baseball diamonds and added parking told the commission that in focusing on the requested changes to the site plan, had not incorporated aspects they believed would remain unchanged from the original 2012 plan. The commission felt that so many changes had already been made to that plan, that they wanted to see a full and complete new site plan that contained everything.
Planning Commission vice chair Deborah Sellis told WHMI that there were even issues that came up that both sides needed to work on, like an ordinance-required pathway down Rickett Road. She said topography challenges and neighboring properties might make it cost-prohibitive to add the required pathway, and that was something all parties need to look further into. Residents spoke up with concerns about lighting and traffic that might come with more fields in play. Sellis said the commission was interested in seeing more information on the effect the lighting will have since it will change on the interior. She also added that the traffic is already being looked into, saying many discussions and traffic studies have already been conducted.
Ultimately the commission postponed passing the site plan until a more thorough and complete version was available for inspection by the, their planners, and engineers. (MK)
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Theis Seeking Michigan Senate Seat In 2018 Theis Seeking Michigan Senate Seat In 2018
A local lawmaker has filed a Michigan Senate campaign committee.
42nd District State Representative Lana Theis is currently serving her second term. In March, the Brighton Township Republican filed a campaign committee for the 22nd Senate District, which is currently represented by Senator Joe Hune of Fowlerville. Hune is term limited and therefore not eligible for re-election in 2018. The 22nd State Senate District includes all of Livingston County and western Washtenaw County, including part of Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Northfield and Dexter Townships. âThe Committee to Elect Lana Theisâ was formed on March 12th per state records and allows Theis to receive campaign contributions and solicit endorsements.
Theis has yet to make any formal announcement and did not respond to requests for comment on this story.
Before her state house bid, Theis served as the Brighton Township treasurer from 2008 to 2014. Local Democrats targeted Theis earlier this week after learning she was fined $2,000 for campaign finance violations and inaccurate accounting of campaign contributions. She says she had a new treasurer who was learning how to file Michigan Campaign Finance reports and inadvertently left out some important information from the initial reports filed. Theis said moving forward sheâll be using an experienced treasurer to ensure the mistakes would not happen again. Her husband, Sam Theis, is listed as the treasurer for her senate committee. (JM)
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St. Joseph Brighton Health Center Opens First Short Stay Center In MichiganSt. Joseph Brighton Health Center Opens First Short Stay Center In Michigan
An addition to a local hospital will allow a national health system to experiment with a new model of care.
St. Joseph Mercy Brighton is preparing to unveil its new Short Stay Center to the public on Saturday. The recent addition is a part of the $41 million transformation investment the St. Joseph Mercy Health System has made into Livingston County. Located on the second floor of the health center, the Short Stay wing includes 18 private rooms and six private bays. Its purpose is to serve patients who may require extended treatments or observations. Those entering through the Emergency Department, as well as outpatient post-surgical, procedural, medical and diagnostic recovery patients will be cared for there.
Rob Casalou, Regional President and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Health System, says the Center will provide faster, more comfortable, high quality care to the local community. Livingston County residents will no longer have to leave the area to receive this kind of medical treatment. Additionally, Casalou says the Center is recognized as a change in health care, by moving away from inpatient facilities and moving care into outpatient facilities.
The Short Stay Center is the first to open in Michigan and is serving as a pilot for the entire national St. Joseph Mercy Health System. Casalou believes the system is on track and as an industry, health care should try to move care away from the inpatient environment. John OâMalley, President of St. Joseph Mercy Livingston and Brighton, tells WHMI patients will be able to recover at the center in less than 23 hours with care that is "second to none".
The Center is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will begin accepting patients April 17th. (DK)
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Attorney For Accused Priest Asks Public To "Keep An Open Mind"Attorney For Accused Priest Asks Public To "Keep An Open Mind"
The attorney for a priest charged with embezzlement from a Shiawassee County church is cautioning against the public making a quick judgment in the case.
Cassandra Green says a lot of information compiled by state police needs to be reviewed. The Rev. David Fisher was pastor for 23 years at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owosso. After the 70-year-old Fisher retired in 2015 and moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota, a new pastor noticed inconsistencies in the parish's finances. The Catholic Diocese of Lansing then contacted the Michigan State Police, which recommended a forensic audit. The diocese says the result of the audit was the discovery that $450,000 was missing.
Fisher appeared in court Thursday in Shiawassee County to face seven counts of embezzlement. Not-guilty pleas were entered to many charges. A hearing to determine if thereâs enough evidence to send the case to Circuit Court is set for April 25. Church secretary Nancy DeFrenn also was arrested and charged with a single count of embezzlement from a charitable organization of more than $1,000 but less than $20,000. (JK)
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Brighton Attorney Announces Run Against Congressman Mike BishopBrighton Attorney Announces Run Against Congressman Mike Bishop
A town hall-style meeting next Tuesday in Genoa Township is aimed at letting critics of Republican Congressman Mike Bishop air their differences with him on a variety of issues, but one of those who will be speaking at the event wants to replace him in Congress.
Darlene Domanik of Brighton is an environmental attorney who has announced she intends to run as a Democrat in 2018 against Bishop. Domanik says she believes Bishop can be unseated in the normally conservative-voting 8th District because he has lost touch with average residents and is, in her opinion, aligned with corporate interests that donât represent the middle class. She tells WHMI that Bishopâs listening sessions, planned for Brighton on Monday and requiring pre-registration, is not how an elected official should seek to interact with their constituents. "People have to be vetted to get in and this is not at all what I intend to do. If I am in the 8th District (seat) I will represent both Republicans and Democrats. What I intend to do over the next period of time, and this part of the reason I'm getting started early, I intend to go out and meet with people and hear, not to talk, but to hear what their concerns are."
Tuesdayâs grassroots town hall will be held at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center from 6:30 -8 :30pm. Bishop previously said he declined an invitation to attend as it is more of a âpolitical stuntâ than anything designed to foster a positive dialogue. He announced a a set of three, one-hour, listening sessions at the American Spirit Center on Monday afternoon, but the available spots quickly filled up and only those who signed up online and received a confirmation email will be allowed to attend.
Domanik says her top issue will be the environment and chided Bishop and the GOP for their stated disbelief of global warming, which she says is settled fact with the vast majority of climate experts around the world. She also thinks Bishopâs âlock-stepâ support for President Trump will become more of a liability as times goes on. Domanik will be a guest Sunday morning at 8:30 on WHMIâs Viewpoint. (JK)
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Flood Warning Issued For Huron River In Hamburg Township Flood Warning Issued For Huron River In Hamburg Township
Minor weekend flooding can be expected along the Huron River in Hamburg Township.
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Huron River until further notice. It says rainfall over the past few days has produced enough runoff to cause the Huron River to continue rising for the next several days. No significant rain fall is expected over the weekend. The river stage was at 6.3 feet and rising today. Flood stage is 6.5 feet and minor flooding is forecast. The river is forecast to rise above flood stage by Saturday evening and crest around 6.9 feet Monday evening.
The Huron River is prone to spring flooding. As for flood history, the National weather Service says the projected crest compares to a previous crest of 6.8 feet on May 18th, 2014. (JM)
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DNR Stocks Trout In Huron River & Spring Mill Pond At Local Rec AreasDNR Stocks Trout In Huron River & Spring Mill Pond At Local Rec Areas
Two area bodies of water have been stocked with fish for local anglers.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently stocked more than 3,350 adult trout in Oakland and Livingston Counties. The Huron River at the Proud Lake Recreation Area in Milford was stocked with 900 brown trout and 1,650 rainbow trout between 15 and 21 inches. The Spring Mill Pond at Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton was stocked with 200 brown trout and 600 rainbow trout.
The DNR stocks surplus trout from state hatcheries every year and local anglers are advised that there are certain fishing limitations in effect. (JM)
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Oak Park Man Charged In Local Store Break-Ins Receives JailOak Park Man Charged In Local Store Break-Ins Receives Jail
An Oak Park man has been sentenced on charges related to break-ins at two Livingston County stores.
33-year-old Arthur Williams and 30-year-old Kyle Wimbush were each charged with two counts of breaking and entering and one count of possession of burglary tools for two separate break-ins that occurred in October. Wimbush pleaded guilty as charged in February and was sentenced Thursday to 90 days in jail and five yearsâ probation. Williams was sentenced last month to 54 months to 25 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Authorities say the two men were responsible for the break-ins at the Sprint store in Brighton and the Target store in Hartland Township on October 31st. Brighton Police responded to an alarm at the Sprint store on Movie Drive around 3:30am and found a large rock had been thrown through the window. Numerous cell phones were stolen. About a half hour later, the Livingston County Sheriffâs 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. (DK)
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Motion To Dismiss Sewer Lawsuit Against Brighton Township DeniedMotion To Dismiss Sewer Lawsuit Against Brighton Township Denied
A class-action lawsuit against Brighton Township filed by a group of residents who believe they are paying exorbitant sewer rates will move forward.
A motion made by the township to dismiss the lawsuit was denied in Livingston County Circuit Court Thursday. Brighton Township residents Dennis Shoner and Barbara Potocki are representing âa class of similarly situated persons and entitiesâ, according to the lawsuit. Resident Bob Potocki is among those represented in the suit and says the motion hearing was âtense, but dignifiedâ. Potocki says the groupâs attorneys ââ¦made the plain and clear argument that this was the proper place, time, and judge.â
The lawsuit challenges charges currently assessed in relation to the construction, operation and maintenance of the townshipâs Sanitary Sewer System. It further states that the overcharges are âunlawfulâ and âare motivated by a revenue-raising and not a regulatory purposeâ.
The problem, as both the township and the affected residents see it, is that the sewer system was built in 2003 based on projections which showed a significant population increase, and therefore a major increase in the number of sewage treatment system users based on new homes coming in. However the recession hit a few years later, and the townshipâs population stagnated. Because there were few new hookups, the system has been running at about 40% capacity. The plaintiffs are seeking a refund of all overcharges collected and that the township pay into a common fund to benefit those represented in the lawsuit.
Potocki says, âThere is a long way between today and justiceâ¦but it is a much shorter road than we had yesterday.â The case will return to court April 20th for a class certification motion hearing on behalf of the plaintiffs. (DK)
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Brighton Unveils Proposed 2017-18 City Spending PlanBrighton Unveils Proposed 2017-18 City Spending Plan
The proposed general fund budget for the coming fiscal year in Brighton totals slightly more than the current fiscal year budget, at about $8.3 million.
An unusual aspect of City Manager Nate Geinzerâs budget plan is that expenditures total more than revenues. However, that doesnât translate into deficit spending because Geinzer says the city will be using some of the fund balance from this yearâs spending for next year. Despite dipping into the reserve fund, Geinzer says the city will still be able to maintain its policy of a minimum fund balance of 15% at the end of the current year on June 30.
Geinzer told the audience that, when one considers that the median property tax bill in the city of Brighton is $101 per month, city residents are getting a bargain. He also noted that out of every dollar spent by city residents on property taxes, the city only gets 40%, with the rest going to entities such as public schools, the county, the district library, the state and the Huron-Clinton metroparks system.
In the meantime council appointed three of its members â Mayor Jim Muzzin, Jim Bohn, and Susan Gardner - to an ad hoc budget committee. Council will conduct budget work sessions on April 11 and 12 and possibly on the 18th, at 6:30 p.m., in council chambers of city hall. A public hearing on the proposed 2017-18 budget will take place at the May 4 council meeting. (TT)
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Adults And Teens Hospitalized In Friday Crashes Adults And Teens Hospitalized In Friday Crashes
Two personal injury accidents within a short amount of time kept deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office busy Friday.
Multiple accidents were reported across the county throughout the day and early evening. Sheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI deputies were dispatched to the first crash around 4pm at M-59 and Eager Road in Oceola Township. He says preliminary investigation shows that a Volvo Pepsi truck with a fully loaded trailer was heading eastbound on M-59. Murphy says a northbound vehicle on Eager Road was attempting to turn westbound onto M-59, pulled out in front of the Pepsi truck and was hit. He says a 16-year-old Brighton girl was the driver and had a 15-year-old Howell girl as a passenger. He says both occupants of the Mercury Mariner were taken to Motts Children Hospital to be checked out. Murphy says the two were hurt but the injuries are not believed to be life threatening. The driver of the Pepsi truck, a 59-year-old Hartland man, was not injured and was released at the scene.
Deputies responded to another crash around 5:30pm on D-19 at Keddle Road in Marion Township in which a Dodge Caravan driven by a 30-year-old Lansing man was traveling northbound and had a 52-year-old female passenger. Murphy says they were attempting to turn west onto Keddle Road when they were struck by a southbound Ford Explorer driven by a 54-year-old Pinckney man. The passenger in the Caravan had to be transported to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Murphy says she was conscious, alert and breathing but had to be extricated from the vehicle, which had significant damage. The driver of the Ford Explorer was transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. Both sustained injures that are not believed to life threatening.
Murphy says preliminary investigation shows a very similar set of circumstances in which a vehicle turned in front of a second vehicle. He says they donât believe alcohol or speed were factors in either crash and everyone was wearing seatbelts. By all accounts, Murphy says is seems like both drivers who made the turns didnât see the other vehicles. (JM)
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Pedestrian Killed After Being Struck By Car In Howell TownshipPedestrian Killed After Being Struck By Car In Howell Township
A Mt. Pleasant man was killed early Saturday after he was hit by a car in Howell Township.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office reports that deputies were dispatched at 4:23am Saturday to W. Highland Road near Tooley Road on the report of a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle. A preliminary investigation indicates that a 73-year-old Mt. Pleasant man was walking in the roadway along W. Highland Road when he was struck by a 2011 Chrysler 200 traveling eastbound. He was pronounced dead at the scene and the roadway was closed for four hours while police investigated. Alcohol appears to be a factor in regards to the pedestrian, but authorities say neither alcohol nor speed were factors involving the driver, identified as a 29-year-old Flint resident.
The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriffâs Office traffic Safety Bureau. Deputies were assisted at the scene by personnel from the Howell Area Fire Authority and Livingston County EMS. (JK)
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Local Lunch Series To Focus On Area's Economic Development Services Local Lunch Series To Focus On Area's Economic Development Services
Information about local development services will be the topic of discussion during an upcoming luncheon.
The Livingston County Planning Department will hold its quarterly Brown Bag Luncheon Series on Wednesday, April 12th, at Genoa Township Hall in Brighton. The event runs from 12 to 1pm and will feature guest speakers Julia Upfal and Anna Zinkel from SPARK, an organization dedicated to economic prosperity and development.
Upfal and Zinkel will provide an update on economic development services that are offered to communities in Livingston County, and present information about new state and federal resources that are available. The luncheon series is held every three months and brings together planning professionals, local governments, and interested community members to share and network with one another.
Guests are reminded to bring their own lunch and RSVP is appreciated. Youâll find those details at the link below. (DK)
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New Deputy Chief To Be Sworn In MondayNew Deputy Chief To Be Sworn In Monday
The Brighton Police force will soon have a new deputy chief. City Police Chief Rob Bradford says the new deputy chief will be Sgt, Craig Flood.
Bradford says the selection was made internally and based on interviews, and the relative experience of the officers who applied for the position. Bradford himself is a recent appointee. Last month the former deputy chief was named by City Manager Nate Geinzer, and confirmed by City Council, to succeed former police chief Tom Wightman, who has retired. Bradford says since a new deputy chief has been named from among the ranks of the command officers to replace him as second-in-command, he needs to fill a vacant sergeantâs position, which he says he will do in the near future.
The new deputy chief will be sworn in during a ceremony scheduled for Monday, April 10th at 8 a.m. at police headquarters on South Third St. (TT/JK)
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Brighton City Mgr. Comes Through Evaluation With Flying ColorsBrighton City Mgr. Comes Through Evaluation With Flying Colors
At a closed session in March, City Manager Nate Geinzer was evaluated in 10 areas, including individual characteristics, professional skills, relationship with members of the elected body, policy execution, reporting, citizen relations, staffing, supervision, fiscal management and community. Mayor Jim Muzzin says Geinzer scored high marks in virtually all areas.
Geinzer has been Brightonâs city manager for a little over a year. While still in college, he was an intern for the city. After his graduation, he went to work for the city of Farmington Hills and eventually became assistant to the city manager there. After former Brighton city manager Dana Foster resigned to accept a position in private industry, Geinzer was selected to replace him as the new city manager.
A committee was formed at Thursday nightâs meeting to discuss Geinzerâs current salary and make a recommendation regarding his compensation package, to be considered at a future session. Geinzer has a master's degree in public administration from Eastern Michigan University. (TT)
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Former Sheriff & Jail Administrator Dismissed From Jail LawsuitFormer Sheriff & Jail Administrator Dismissed From Jail Lawsuit
A federal judge has ruled on motions in a lawsuit over a policy regarding inmate mail at the Livingston County Jail.
U.S. District Court Judge Denis Hood issued a lengthy order regarding various motions in the 2011 lawsuit, which was filed over the Livingston County Jail's refusal to distribute a journal titled Prison Legal News. The publication claims the jailâs policy of limiting most incoming and outgoing mail to postcards is unconstitutional. Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy previously commented that the lawsuit is without merit and created additional costs.
In the latest order, the court dismissed separate First and Fifth Amendment claims against former Sheriff Bob Bezotte and Lieutenant Tom Cremonte in their individual capacities.
It says the plaintiff has not demonstrated, and the court finds, there is not any clearly established law regarding postcard policies but several courts have upheld policies after conducting analysis. The order states Prison Legal News did not establish personal involvement by Bezotte and he is entitled to qualified immunity. The order says Cremonte is also entitled to immunity because there appeared to be a genuine dispute of material fact whether the postcards delivered to the jail in September 2011 constituted a âmass mailingâ.
The court granted a motion for preliminary injunction from Prison Legal News, which requires the county to provide to the plaintiff and the designated inmate a notice of any rejection of mail and the right to appeal.
A motion by the county for summary judgment on a conversion claim was granted, which was related to magazines and books being placed in the jail library. The court said there was no evidence the jail or any of the defendants converted the property for their own use, but rather having publications in the library was âsolely for the benefit of the very inmates the plaintiff was trying to reach (and, arguably, for the benefit of the plaintiff)â.
Finally, the court denied a motion from Prison Legal News that sought to strike various exhibits and reports.
The full opinion is attached. (JM)
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Sinking Fund Proposal For Hartland Schools On May 2nd BallotSinking Fund Proposal For Hartland Schools On May 2nd Ballot
Voters within the Hartland Consolidated Schools district are being asked to approve a building and site sinking fund proposal to help fund repairs and improvements.
The proposal will appear on the May 2nd ballot. The districtâs debt fund levy is currently set at 8.55 mills. If the half-mill proposal passes, then the Board of Education in June will lower the current levy to 8.05 mills, thus creating a net change of zero mills. The ballot language is misleading though and includes the word âincreaseâ, which was the way it legally had to be written. Superintendent Chuck Hughes tells WHMI they could not legally include the piece related to board action but they want to reassure the public there is no tax rate increase. Since the money would be collected locally, the district would not incur debt or interest as does with bond issues. If passed, approximately $600,000 would be generated annually for a period of ten years.
Hughes says the sinking fund would provide an opportunity for long term planning, noting they didnât want to ask for too much from voters - just enough to take care of facilities, keep them in shape and upgrade where needed but also ensure technology remains stable for students.
A detailed explanation of the proposal and ballot language are available on the Hartland Consolidated Schools website. A link is posted. (JM)
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