Over 1.2 million Michiganders will be venturing out of town this Memorial Day holiday weekend.
AAA Michigan Spokeswoman Susan Hiltz says this marks the highest travel volume for the holiday in over a decade and projections include those traveling 50 miles or more from home. She says recent gas price declines and an improving economy are contributing to the increase as consumer confidence is up, people want to travel and most will be hitting the road but primarily staying in the state.
2017 marks Michiganâs fifth consecutive year of growth when it comes to people traveling during the Memorial Day holiday. AAA Michigan says the expected spike in travel mirrors the positive growth throughout the travel industry this year.
Hiltz noted motorists have enjoyed an unusual downward trend in gas prices for this time of year. Projections indicate the majority of those traveling will be on the road, thus Hiltz says traffic safety is of the utmost importance this weekend. For those heading out of town, Hiltz reminds that vehicle emergencies are one of the fastest ways to put the brakes on a good vacation. She encourages motorists to get their vehicles road ready and minimize risk by planning ahead and preparing properly for safe summer travels, as nothing ruins a trip faster than a flat tire, overheated cooling system or battery that quits working on a hot day.
AAA Michigan expects to rescue more 170,000 motorists over the summer driving months this year. 2016 records revealed that more than 40% of calls from stranded motorists were due to dead batteries, flat tires, low fuel and lock-outs. (JM)
Record-Breaking Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period Record-Breaking Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period
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Man Who Robbed Local Hotel Clerk Found Guilty On All CountsMan Who Robbed Local Hotel Clerk Found Guilty On All Counts
A jury has convicted a Missouri man of eight felonies connected to the robbery of a clerk at a local hotel.
On the fourth day of 35-year-old Broderick David Seawrightâs trial, a jury found him guilty on all charges tied to the June 4th robbery of a clerk at the Best Western off M-59 in Hartland Township. Seawright had been using the alias Savage as his last name. He was convicted of armed robbery, unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle, assault with a dangerous weapon, carjacking and four felony firearms counts. He is set to be sentenced June 15th.
Seawright is said to have used a BB gun and pepper sprayed the hotel clerk, before stealing her keys, wallet, and Chevy Impala, then fleeing the scene. A police officer later spotted him sitting in the parking lot of a pharmacy on Telegraph Road wearing a mask, became suspicious, and ran the vehicleâs plates. The officer discovered the car had been stolen, and he and his partner tracked Seawright down at a nearby business. A gun, knife, pepper spray, and over $350 were all found in the vehicle and with Seawright. (DK/JM)
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Local Authorities Search For Missing TeenLocal Authorities Search For Missing Teen
An Endangered Missing Advisory has been issued for a local teen.
15-year-old Lacy Nicole Fowler has been missing since Monday and was last seen in the area of the McDonalds Restaurant on Owen Road in Fenton. Fowler is white female standing 5-foor-four, weighing 185 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. She has prescription glasses, multiple piercings in her ears and nose and was last seen wearing a black Nike hoodie and red and black athletic pants.
Anyone with information or knows of Fowlerâs whereabouts is asked to contact the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office 517-546-2440.
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Tips For Helping Teens Find Summer EmploymentTips For Helping Teens Find Summer Employment
With an estimated quarter-million teenagers to be looking for summer jobs in Michigan, a local employment official has some tips to help them get ahead.
Bill Sleight is the director for Michigan Works! Southeast which helps people in the area with resume development and job searches. Sleight said he recognizes the challenge that 16 to 19-year olds who are out of high school or college for the summer face while trying to find employment. He recommends starting the job hunt early, keeping with it, and using your own network of friends, parents, and teachers to your benefit. Sleight said the occupations that traditionally have the most opportunities are in retail, food service, and recreation. He acknowledged that while many teens wonât find entry level jobs desirable, what his organization has found is that the skills you learn from many of them are skills you will use through your lifeâs work history.
Michigan Works! Southeast also suggests some key items for making a good first impression with an employer. They recommend dressing appropriately, being on time and well groomed, having all the information needed to complete an application, and maintaining a positive attitude. Any teen who wishes further help can contact them online through the link below. (MK)
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Appeal Denied To Exclude DNA Evidence From Rape Trial Of Oceola ManAppeal Denied To Exclude DNA Evidence From Rape Trial Of Oceola Man
An appeal to exclude DNA evidence in a local rape case has been denied.
In November of 2014, 23-year-old Justin Michael Bailey of Oceola Township is alleged to have raped a 17-year-old girl at a friendâs party after she became sick from drinking too much. Bailey was charged with two counts of third degree criminal sexual conduct- one of force or coercion and another of an incapacitated victim.
The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office requested that DNA evidence be excluded from the trial that indicated semen collected from the alleged victim was from two different males; Bailey, and an unidentified source. They maintained it violated the stateâs rape shield law, which protects victimâs sexual history being used against them. But when Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty ruled the evidence could be introduced by Baileyâs defense, prosecutors appealed.
In a ruling released last week, the Michigan Court of Appeals denied the motion to exclude the evidence, saying the reasons presented lacked sufficient merit. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI his office is considering its options, including furthering the appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court. (JK)
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Missing Teen Located In Flint & Returned To ParentsMissing Teen Located In Flint & Returned To Parents
An Endangered Missing Advisory has been canceled after police say they located a missing local teen.
15-year-old Lacy Nicole Fowler had been missing since Monday when she was last seen in the area of the McDonalds Restaurant on Owen Road in Fenton. But Michigan State Police say they were able to locate Fowler in Flint last night and return her to her parents.
No further details were provided. (JK)
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Brighton Family Embarks On Six-Week Bike Trip To Raise Funds For Cancer ResearchBrighton Family Embarks On Six-Week Bike Trip To Raise Funds For Cancer Research
One local family has begun their six-week trip across the state on a bicycle built for three to raise funds for childrenâs cancer research.
Members of the Helminen family of Brighton began their 1,200 plus mile-long bike ride Thursday afternoon. Eva, husband Karl, and their 10-year-old son Zack, hopped aboard a custom-made bicycle and set off for the route that will take them up the stateâs east coast, to the U.P., and back down the west coast. Their belongings were packed into a small trailer attached to the back of the bike, including the familyâs pet bulldog. With the trailer and belongings, they will be carrying an extra 150 lbs. with them.
The trio began cycling as a way to improve their health in January, and is now using the activity to benefit the Childrenâs Cancer Research Fund on behalf of the Great Cycle Challenge. There are teams taking part in the challenge all over the country, however the Helminen team is ranked number two in the nation for fundraising and number one in the state. They are two-thirds of the way to meeting their goal to raise $10,000. The family is prepared for all kinds of weather and will stay with friends, at hotels, and campgrounds along the way.
Eva says her family was inspired because her sister had cancer and her husband lost his father to cancer. Not only do they have eight children themselves, but they have six grandkids. The family hopes to raise awareness about childhood cancer and how it is on the rise, while raising funds for research. Eva says the family has been involved in fundraising for many cancer research organizations but that this one is near and dear to their hearts because, âItâs all about the kids. Theyâre our future.â
The family has no set schedule, only that they plan to end their trip in Ludington on July 4th. The community can keep up with the Helminenâs and make donations to their teamâs cause through the familyâs Instagram, kez_designsdesigns . (DK)
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Milford Man Found Incompetent To Stand TrialMilford Man Found Incompetent To Stand Trial
A Milford man has been ordered to undergo continued mental health treatment after his arrest on arson charges in March.
At a hearing Wednesday in 52nd District Court in Novi, 23-year-old Giovanni May was ordered to remain at the State Center for Forensic Psychiatry for at least 60 days after a review determined he was incompetent to stand trial. May, who is charged with a felony count of arson in or near a building, has been in custody since he walked into the Milford Police Department shortly after 3:30am March 8th and told officers he tried to set a postal truck on fire using a lighter fluid-soaked sock.
Police say May admitted stuffing the sock into the opening of the truck's gas tank and lighting it just minutes before he turned himself in. It failed to ignite when the sock broke into two and the burning portion fell to the ground. May talked to police about hearing voices in his head and that he wanted to go to jail, saying he had considered setting a police car on fire initially, but chose the postal truck because he hoped it would set off a chain reaction explosion of nearby vehicles. May also said he may have been pushed over the edge by the election of Donald Trump.
A follow-up hearing for May is set for July 27th. (JK)
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Torch 180 Students Earn Safety Certifications & Look Ahead To A Future In CulinaryTorch 180 Students Earn Safety Certifications & Look Ahead To A Future In Culinary
New talent will be entering the food industry, now that a local culinary training program for individuals with disabilities has graduated its next class.
Four students from the Livingston Educational Service Agencyâs Adult Transition program were recognized for receiving their ServSafe Food Handler certification through Torch 180. Founded by Rhonda Callanan and Sarah Ruddle, Torch 180 trains clients with disabilities to find jobs in the culinary industry. Samantha Tackett, Chris Dimitio, Austin Gaydosh, and Rachael Fielek all received their certificates at a ceremony held at Pathway School in Howell Thursday.
The class has been meeting twice a week since January to learn food safety, basic culinary techniques, and employability skills. Callanan says the ServSafe Food Certification is a bonus and quite applicable in the workforce as it is nationally recognized as a qualification in proper food handling and safety.
Ruddle says students also learned soft skills which include day-to-day interactions that may be second nature for some people, but sometimes must be learned for people with disabilities. Ruddle says she watched the class improve in those skills as they learned about maintaining eye contact, proper communication, and adaptability. The students were also taught about conflict resolution and how to handle constructive criticism; something that anyone, disabilities or not, can struggle with in any industry.
This is Torch 180âs fourth class to receive their certifications. Austin Gaydosh says he has enjoyed learning how to cook and how to do it safely. Gaydosh says heâs relieved to have received his certification and would like to work as a chef in a restaurant someday. Rachael Fielek says sheâs not sure what she wants to pursue in the culinary industry just yet, but that she âhas some interestsâ. Upon receiving her certificate, Fielek says it feels very good to be graduated.
Ruddle says Torch 180 is expanding next year with a hot lunch program that would give its students free reign to cook anything theyâd like for teachers and students at Pathway. Students in the hot lunch program would be mentored by Torch 180 students who have already become certified. (DK)
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Prosecutor: Officers Justified In Shooting Of Brighton Township ManProsecutor: Officers Justified In Shooting Of Brighton Township Man
The actions of two officers who used deadly force against a Brighton Township man were said to have been justified.
Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says he reviewed the circumstances of the shooting on May 9th and concluded that the use of deadly force was justified. He received the investigation conducted by the Michigan State police Second District Special Investigations Section into the use of deadly force against Ian Thomas Little by a MSP sergeant and a deputy from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office. They had responded to Littleâs residence for a welfare check after receiving a report that he might harm himself and commit suicide.
Police made initial contact and Little exited the residence with a black handgun. Little is said to have disobeyed commands and waved the gun at officers several times, and also pointed the gun at his head. Attempts to convince him to drop the weapon were unsuccessful and Little reportedly continued to advance toward officers before turning toward officers on the perimeter and pointing the gun at them, prompting officers to shoot Little. Despite being hit seven times, Little survived the incident. The weapon was recovered and it turned out to be black air pistol, which Vailliencourt says is indistinguishable from a firearm.
The use of deadly force is permitted under Michigan law in certain circumstances. Vailliencourt says in this case, the two officers were presented with an immediate threat to themselves and other officers by a person armed with what they honestly and reasonably believed to be a firearm. He says both acted lawfully and the shooting was âcompletely justifiedâ.
It was noted that Little previously attempted to commit suicide and tried to hang himself at his residence last September but was saved by members of the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office.
Vailliencourt commended both departments, along with the quality of the investigation conducted. He thanked "the men and women of the Michigan State Police, Livingston County Sheriffâs Department, Brighton Police Department, and the Livingston County law enforcement community for their professionalism and cooperation." (JM)
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Art Fair Set This Weekend At Kensington MetroparkArt Fair Set This Weekend At Kensington Metropark
A boutique juried art fair along the lake at a local Metropark is taking place this holiday weekend.
The Kensington Art Fair will showcase dozens of selected artists from across the country. Artwork will span a variety of budgets and mediums from paintings, sculpture, prints and photography, with an emphasis on natural images. Non-traditional art will also be featured. The event will run through Monday at Kensington Metroparkâs Maple Beach.
An annual pass or daily pass is required for entry to the park but there is no charge to attend the art fair. Organizers say gourmet food trucks, live art demonstrations, and hands-on art activities will also be available. More information is available online through the link below. (JM)
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Notable Author Coming To Brighton To Discuss Invasive SpeciesNotable Author Coming To Brighton To Discuss Invasive Species
One of the stateâs top authors is coming to Brighton to discuss his latest book on preserving the Great Lakes.
Grosse Pointe native William Rapai has traveled around the globe viewing and researching wildlife. His latest book, Lake Invaders: Invasive Species and the Battle for the Future of the Great Lakes was recently named as one of Michiganâs 2017 Notable Books. Next Wednesday, May 31st, at 7pm, Rapai will be at the Brighton District Library to talk about it, the ecology of, and environmental policy making around the Great Lakes. There are more than 180 known invasive species in the lakes, and while some are harmless, others have caused biological and economic disruption. Some, like Eurasian Milfoil, have made their way inland and affect many bodies of water around Livingston County.
Rapai says that we all have a role to play in prevention. Hestressed the importance of cleaning, draining, and drying boats after removing them from water, stating that some seaweeds can survive for a week on the side of a boat. He also suggested that contacting state and national representatives to remind them how important the Great Lakes are. Rapai continued by saying that as people from Michigan, the Great Lakes are a part of our souls and that it would be a terrible shame to lose our ability to drink, fish, or use the lakes recreationally.
Registration for the event is currently underway, and can be made by calling the Brighton District Library at (810) 229-6571 ext 227. (MK)
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Boaters Reminded To Stay Safe On Local LakesBoaters Reminded To Stay Safe On Local Lakes
With abundant lakes throughout Livingston County, many boaters are likely getting ready for another season in the sun.
Local lakes can get crowded around the start of the season and summer holidays, thus boaters are reminded to use safety precautions and stay alert, but especially so in congested waterways.
Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy says the same as when in a vehicle, pay attention to the operation of your boat as opposed to people in the boat or other things going on. He reminds that there is a law in Michigan that mandates people travel counterclockwise on the lake. He says make sure boats are properly maintained so you donât end up waiting around for a tow off the lake and remember to have personal floatation devices available, at least one for every person. Murphy says it is the official kick-off to summer but some people tend to overdo it by consuming too much alcohol so they just ask that anyone operating a vessel avoid overdoing it.
National Safe Boating Week just wrapped up and authorities say itâs important to make sure boats are properly equipped but also that navigation lights work properly. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says roughly 85% of drownings are due to people not wearing life jackets. Officials say itâs equally important to inform family and friends about the details of your trip but also carry a marine radio or cell phone to call for help in case youâre involved in or witness an accident.
Officials further stress the importance of watersports safety whether tubing, diving or jet skiing or waterskiing. More safety information is available through the link. (JM)
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M-DOT Halts Most Construction For Holiday, Closures Coming On US-23 Next Week M-DOT Halts Most Construction For Holiday, Closures Coming On US-23 Next Week
The Michigan Department of Transportation is lifting traffic restrictions to ease Memorial Day travel but work will pick right back up next week on US-23.
M-DOT says it will be suspending construction operations wherever possible to ease congestion and improve safety. However, some equipment and certain traffic configurations, such as temporary shifts or closures, may remain in place. Some work zones will remain active or have lane restrictions, including US-23.
M-DOT says US-23 will have traffic shifted between 8 Mile and Barker Road, with ramp closures. Then once the holiday is over, closures are planned next week on northbound US-23 for truss installation. There will be nighttime, intermittent full 15 minute freeway closures on northbound US-23, between M-14 and Barker Road. The closures are scheduled Tuesday through Friday between 1am and 4am each night. M-DOT further advises that overnight, single lane closures will continue next week in multiple locations along US-23.
Officials ask that area motorists drive with caution in the work zone and watch for traffic slowdowns. (JM)
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Brighton Twp. Man Dies From Injuries After Being Shot By Police Brighton Twp. Man Dies From Injuries After Being Shot By Police
A Brighton Township man has passed away from injuries after being shot by police officers earlier this month.
The incident happened May 9th when a Michigan State Police sergeant and a Livingston County Sheriffâs deputy went to conduct a welfare check at the residence of 37-year-old Ian Little. Police say he exited the home on south Old US-23 with a gun, disobeyed commands and waved the gun at officers several times, and also pointed the gun at his head. Attempts to convince him to drop the weapon were unsuccessful and Little eventually pointed the gun toward officers, who shot him.
Little was shot seven times in the right knee, right leg, left leg, left hand, left arm, side and buttocks. He has been hospitalized at the University of Michigan Medical Center since the incident and passed away on Thursday night due to injuries sustained.
Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt issued a letter Friday stating the use of force resulted in Littleâs death and he concluded the use of force was justified. He reviewed the investigation and determined the two officers were presented with an immediate threat to themselves and other officers by a person armed with what they honestly and reasonably believed to be a firearm. He says both acted lawfully and the shooting was âcompletely justifiedâ. Family members said Little had a history of mental illness and suicide attempts but had not been violent prior to the incident.
Vailliencourt noted Little attempted to commit suicide on September 7th, 2016 when he tried to hang himself at his home and was saved by members of the sheriffâs office.
Meanwhile, Michigan Department of Corrections records show that Little had numerous aliases and served prison time for charges including home invasion, unlawful driving away of a vehicle, breaking and entering a vehicle, and operating while intoxicated or impaired for a controlled substance. He was discharged in November 2016 after serving a sentence from a Wayne County case. (JM)
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Appeals Court Rules In Favor Of Local Lakefront OwnersAppeals Court Rules In Favor Of Local Lakefront Owners
Just in time for the holiday, the Michigan appeals court has ruled in favor of dozens of property owners in a dispute over a dock at a Livingston County lake.
James and Barbara McEwen own a lot at Patterson Lake. They sued backlot owners over a dock that has been assembled each season. Disputes over lake access are common in Michigan, especially when properties change hands or relationships turn sour.
The appeals court says nothing in legal records allowed the permanent mooring of boats by backlot owners at Patterson Lake. But the court notes there's a decades-long history of a seasonal dock at the end of Lakeview Drive. (AP)
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Bubba Chang's Owner Enters Plea In Baseball Bat AttackBubba Chang's Owner Enters Plea In Baseball Bat Attack
The owner of a now-closed restaurant in Genoa Township has entered a plea in connection to a baseball bat attack on a former employee that occurred in the parking lot of his restaurant.
47-year-old Jeremy Hamilton of Howell pleaded no contest to malicious destruction of property and assault with a dangerous weapon in Livingston County Circuit Court Friday. The charges stem from his involvement in the April 2016 assault of an ex-employee in the parking lot of the former Bubba Changâs restaurant. If Hamilton successfully completes three years of probation, both charges will be reduced to misdemeanors. A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt but will be treated as such at his sentencing June 22nd.
The Chinese-American buffet was owned by Jeremy and his brother Johnnie Hamilton. Guan Han Chen (aka Andy Chen) was a cook that had recently been fired from the restaurant, but returned to the business in an attempt to collect back wages and personal belongings. Chenâs son-in-law, Changqian Zou, had come with Chen, and an argument with the Hamiltonâs and restaurant dishwasher Timothy Borg escalated in the parking lot. Zou was reportedly attacked with a baseball bat by Johnnie Hamilton, and then by Borg after falling to the ground. He suffered a skull fracture and injuries on his back. Jeremy Hamilton allegedly used the bat to smash up Chenâs 2008 Honda Odyssey.
Borg, who was originally charged with assault with intent to murder, was sentenced in February to three to 10 years in prison after pleading to the reduced charge of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder.
Johnnie Hamilton is facing charges of assault with intent to murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. His wife Angela Hamilton was also charged in connection to the incident, and faces one count of tampering with evidence for allegedly hiding the bat used in the attack afterward. Johnnieâs trial is tentatively set for September 11th, while Angelaâs is scheduled for August 28th. (DK)
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Brighton Area Schools Buys New Computers for TeachersBrighton Area Schools Buys New Computers for Teachers
The Brighton Board of Education has approved the purchase of 110 laptop computers for Maltby Intermediate and Scranton Middle School teachers at a cost of $151,000, using bond issue funds.
The laptops are replacements for computers that are five years old, considered outmoded in todayâs fast-changing tech world. The previous laptops were purchased as part of the $89 million bond issue passed by voters in 2012. The Brighton Area School District was running behind in technology back then, and the intent was not only to bring the technology up-to-date, but to do it in phases. 70% of the laptops to be purchased will be Apple Macs, based on teacher preference, and the remaining 30% will be Windows PCs. The new computers are for instructional coaches as well as classroom teachers.
The district is making the laptops that are to be replaced available for purchase by teachers at fair market value. Last year, as part of the computer replacement program, the Brighton Area Schools sold over 90% of the old MacBook laptops back to teachers, resulting in $28,450 in revenue for the district. Those laptops not purchased by teachers will go back into the districtâs inventory to be used when needed. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that replacement of staff computers is taking place incrementally: In 2016, laptop computers were purchased for elementary teachers, and next year high school teachers' laptops will be replaced.
Gray says the district is phasing in the replacement of computers so they donât become quickly outmoded. Replacement of the high school laptops next year will mark the last phase of the technology replacement program, as the 2012 bond issue money will be exhausted by that time. (TT)
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Local Jobless Rate Drops In April Local Jobless Rate Drops In April
April unemployment rates fell in all of Michiganâs regional labor markets.
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget says with the coming of spring, highly seasonal industries recorded robust hiring. Between March and April, unemployment rates dropped seasonally in all 17 major regions.
Livingston Countyâs unemployment rate stood at 2.9% in April, ranking 11th among Michiganâs 83 counties. The local jobless rate dropped one full percentage point March. Since April of 2016, total employment advanced in 14 regional areas with a median gain of 1.1%. The largest over the year increase was recorded in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn statistical area, which includes Livingston County. (JM)
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Memorial Day Tribute In Brighton For Late Bernie Corrigan Memorial Day Tribute In Brighton For Late Bernie Corrigan
A Memorial Day tribute is planned for the late Bernie Corrigan - a well-known Brighton businessman and veteran with a lengthy family history.
Corrigan, the founder of Corrigan Oil Company and a Korean Veteran, was very active in his support of the American Spirit Centre and put veterans above all else. The one-time Brighton Township supervisor was a long-time member of the Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and Brighton VFW. The Brighton Township board recently adopted a proclamation in honor of Corrigan and his many contributions to the community.
The tribute and renaming of the American Spirit Centre building is taking place on Memorial Day, May 29th at 2pm and the public is invited to attend. Guests are asked to be at the American Spirit Centre at 1:30pm to be well in place at the start of the ceremony. Various speakers and dignitaries are planned, including Tim and Mike Corrigan. The event will be followed with appetizers and a cash bar.
The American Spirit Centre is located at 10590 East Grand River in Brighton. (JM)
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