A local youth organization is imploring Energy Transfer Partners to put childrenâs safety first and move the Rover Pipeline.
The Ann Arbor YMCA owns and operates Camp Birkett, located at Silver Lake. Weekdays throughout the summer, 20 camp counselors care for over 100 children ages 5 through 12. The YMCAâs leadership only recently became aware of the ET Rover pipelineâs new route which cuts closer to the lake than originally proposed. The 42-inch, 1400psi high-pressure natural gas pipeline is currently on route to pass across all three access drives to the lake. In the case of a disaster, this could potentially cut off not only the Y, but 90 residences, the Pinckney Recreation Area, Crooked Lake Campground, and the Post 46 Hunting and Fishing Club.
Ann Arbor YMCA President and CEO Toni Kayumi said they were all very surprised to learn their evacuations routes could become inaccessible. She said they did not receive their fundamental notice as required by law from FERC or ET Partners letting them know the pipeline would be 300 feet from the northeast corner of their property. The pipeline would also be 400 feet from Dexter Town Hall Road. The Ann Arbor YMCA has filed a public comment on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissionâs website. Kayumi said that Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters have also contacted ET Partners and FERC on behalf of them to express their concern.
In FERCâs Final Environmental Impact Statement from July 2016, the Commission recommended the pipeline run along the ITC powerline corridor instead of where itâs currently being built. This would not entrap to camp or others affected. Kayumi stated that they hope FERC and ET take into consideration the safety of the children and move the pipeline back to where it is supposed to be.
A representative of ET Partners told WHMI by email that the pipeline route under construction was approved by FERC after it was surveyed and carefully vetted and planned for more than 2 years. (MK)
YMCA Urging ET Rover To Put Children's Safety FirstYMCA Urging ET Rover To Put Children's Safety First
↧
↧
Assault Suspect Named As Person Of Interest In Stislicki DisappearanceAssault Suspect Named As Person Of Interest In Stislicki Disappearance
A Livingston County mother and father whose daughter has been missing since December are among those waiting to hear details after police arrested a man possibly connected to her disappearance.
A man considered a person of interest in the disappearance of Danielle Stislicki, whose parents Richard and Ann Stislicki live in Fowlerville, was charged today in connection with the attempted sexual assault of a jogger in a Wayne County Park last year. 30-year-old Floyd Russell Galloway, Jr. is facing one count of kidnapping, one count of criminal sexual conduct and one count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder by strangulation for the September 4th assault in Hines Park of a 28-year-old female jogger.
Galloway is also believed to be involved in the disappearance of the 28-year-old Stislicki, who has been missing since December 2nd when she was last seen leaving her Southfield workplace. Stislickiâs 2015 Jeep Renegade was found parked outside her apartment in Farmington Hills the next morning. Her purse was found inside the vehicle, along with her credit cards, driver's license, and other personal items. However, her cell phone was missing and has not been found. Galloway is a former security guard at MetLife where Stislicki worked and the same person whose Berkley home was searched in late December by police investigating her disappearance.
Police have yet to detail what connection they suspect Galloway has to the Stislicki case, although his attorney says police have the wrong man in both incidents. (JK)
↧
Friday Is Deadline To Meet Peanut Row Crowdfunding GoalFriday Is Deadline To Meet Peanut Row Crowdfunding Goal
Tomorrow is the deadline for a crowdfunding campaign to help transform a downtown Howell alleyway.
Peanut Row Alley is located downtown behind the Dairy Queen and Uptown Coffeehouse. The Howell Downtown Development Authority, along with the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Howell, and other local leaders, are hoping to take advantage of a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to build Peanut Row into a destination location. DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly said theyâve received and taken into consideration a lot of what the public has told them they would like to see in the alley. Some of those elements they are hoping to install are funky seating, new plant life, and lots of art.
The Public Spaces Community Places program will match donated funds, provided the local entities meet their crowdfunding goal. With the deadline being 4pm on Friday, the DDA has currently raised around $9,100 of the $12,000 needed. Edgerly said they have some commitments they are hoping come through, but also that they would appreciate any individual or small group donations to help get them over the finish line. There are a variety of ways to donate. Contributions can be made at downtownhowell.org, on the crowdfunding site patronicity.com (link below), or by writing a check to the DDA that they can enter offline.
Edgerly said they have to reach the full $12,000 or they wonât receive the matching funds they need to bring the program to life. She is optimistic that they will meet the goal and said that they hope to have some of the new elements installed in the alley within the next month so that people can enjoy them throughout the rest of the summer. (MK)
↧
Brighton Students Pitching In For 150th Anniversary CelebrationBrighton Students Pitching In For 150th Anniversary Celebration
A novel aspect of Brightonâs 150th Anniversary bash this summer is a floating birthday cake that will be in the Mill Pond on Aug. 13th, the day of the Block Party - the highlight of the anniversary celebration.
According to Mary Beane, a Brighton 3rd grade teacher who is on the 150th Anniversary Committee, the cake is being fashioned by the Constantine Construction Co. of Brighton. The size of the cake hasnât been determined yet, but it will definitely be a big one. Beane tells WHMI the cake will have solar lights which will be illuminated during the weekly Sunday evening Kiwanis gazebo concert, and will include depictions of Brightonâs 150 years as a community.
The commemorative floating cake isnât the only aspect of the 150th Anniversary in which Beane has been involved. This spring, Beane got the students in her classroom, and students in other 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms, involved in developing a 14-poster pictorial timeline of Brighton, up to the time it became a village in 1867. The timeline extends from when only Native Americans lived in the area to the settlement called Ore Creek, which later became Brighton. During that period, the creek was dammed to facilitate a grist mill for grinding the grain supplied by settlers into flour, and having a grist mill there caused the community to grow.
The other student project was making collages on 9-by-11 canvasses that give side-by-side, then-and-now, comparisons on historical parts of the city, such as the old âPink Hotelâ â now Brewery Becker - and the Mill Pond. The timeline was presented to the student body at an assembly in March at which Mayor Jim Muzzin was the guest speaker. The students reciprocated by giving a presentation on the timeline pictorial and collages at the June 1 City Council meeting. The completed student projects will be available for viewing by the public at the 150th Anniversary booth at the CoBACH Center and at some downtown businesses during the summer months. Photo courtesy of Renee Pettengill. (TT)
↧
Trial Set For Pinckney Woman Facing Embezzlement ChargesTrial Set For Pinckney Woman Facing Embezzlement Charges
A trial date has been set for a Livingston County woman charged with multiple embezzlement counts.
53-year-old Debbie Broich of Pinckney worked as a bookkeeper at Blue Chip Talent and its related company, Computer Consultants of America. According to Bloomfield Township police, she embezzled the money over a period of six years âfor personal living expenses,â including buying new vehicles and paying credit card bills. Broich, who is free after posting a $250,000 bond, will stand trial August 29th in Oakland County Circuit Court on five felony counts of embezzlement over $100,000 and one count of embezzlement between $50,000 and $100,000.
Police say the owner of the company became suspicious after reviewing the firmâs checking account and finding multiple checks issued to Broich. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison. (JK)
↧
↧
Senate Approves Vaupel's Bills To Remove Political Party Vignettes From BallotSenate Approves Vaupel's Bills To Remove Political Party Vignettes From Ballot
A local lawmakerâs bills ending a requirement that election ballots show small designs or portraits that represent the political party of each candidate have won final approval.
House Bill 4177, sponsored by Handy Township Republican Hank Vaupel, removes the requirement of political party vignettes being printed on election ballots. It is tie-barred with HB 4178, which removes the reference to party vignette in the Michigan campaign finance act. The Republican-led Senate approved the legislation 26-9 Wednesday and local clerks were said to be in favor of removing the vignettes from ballots, which have been mandated for about 125 years. Supporters say the symbols don't help voters and polling places now have headphones to help voters who can't read. Vaupel previously told WHMI the concern is that voters can become confused by the pictures, circle or mark one and think they voted â adding if theyâve marked anything else on the ballot, the machines will still accept it - leading to delays at the polls.
The bills are related to Michigan's 2015 ban against voters supporting an entire ticket of candidates from one party by marking a single box. A federal judge blocked the law. But the legal fight is ongoing and some have said eliminating straight-ticket voting without removing the vignettes would confuse voters. Democrats voted against legislation. (JM)
↧
Council Plans Worksessions Related To Headlee Override Request Council Plans Worksessions Related To Headlee Override Request
A Headlee Override request will be before voters in the City of Howell next year and Council is not taking the summer off when it comes to informational planning.
The City of Howell has a fairly stable budget for the coming year but the next foreseeable fiscal years will be very difficult. Therefore, Council decided the put the question to voters next year as the City is now at a point that decisions have to be made, meaning either significant service reductions or alternate revenue sources. Since the state has imposed the broken model on municipalities, staff and Council say theyâre left to look to the local level and present the choices but itâs very difficult and thereâs a lot of work to be done.
Council further discussed the matter during a June meeting. Staff met with a committee of Mayor Nick Proctor, Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor and Councilman Bob Ellis to discuss strategy and recommend two or three work sessions over the summer. The goal is to have a package of information ready in September or October and then finalize ballot language finalized.
City Manager Shea Charles says Council has targeted May for consideration of a Headlee Override election and talked about laying out what additional information members would need such as ballot language etc. He says theyâll work on that throughout the summer and into fall. Then in November or early December, Charles says Council would adopt final ballot language, which would determine the amount of the official ask and so on.
The ballot language is due to the Livingston County Clerk by February 6th, 2018 in order to get the proposal on the ballot for the May 8th, 2018 election. Meanwhile, staff is seeking a legal opinion on campaign finance regulations to ensure efforts to inform the public are within legal guidelines. (JM)
↧
Brighton Teen Among A Dozen Competing For College Scholarship CashBrighton Teen Among A Dozen Competing For College Scholarship Cash
A chance to win thousands of dollars in college scholarships and represent Michigan awaits a local teen, one of a dozen from across Michigan competing at an event next month.
Sarah-Grace Hampton of Brighton is taking part in the Distinguished Young Women of Michigan Scholarship Program, which will be holding their 60th Annual Scholarship Program on Saturday, July 15th at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor. Hampton, a senior at Pinckney Community High School, is one of twelve contestants from around the state competing for thousands of dollars in college scholarships and the chance to represent Michigan at local events throughout the state and at the national finals in Mobile Alabama.
At the state program on July 15th, contestants will perform an opening number and compete in a performing arts talent routine, a physical fitness routine and self-expression. Contestants are also evaluated based on academic scholastics and interview. The Distinguished Young Women of America is the largest and oldest scholarship program for high school seniors in the country.
Since it first began in 1958, over $106 million dollars in college scholarships have been awarded. Tickets to the event can be purchased through the link below for $19 and also at Skyline High School the day of the event for $22. Skyline High School is located at 2552 N. Maple Road in Ann Arbor. (JK)
↧
22 Cadets Graduate From Fowlerville Police Department's Youth Academy22 Cadets Graduate From Fowlerville Police Department's Youth Academy
The Fowlerville Police Departmentâs Youth Academy held a graduation ceremony Thursday.
The four day program started Monday. There were 22 cadets in the Academy, which ran from 9am to 2pm every day. The cadets were between the ages of 10 and 14 and learned a variety of things, starting out every morning with physical fitness training at Centennial Park before heading back to the police department for a power point presentation on the topic of the day. After lunch, the cadets were given demonstrations and participated in the topic of the day scenarios.
The first day involved an introduction to police work and a tour of the department. The second day involved patrol operations, with a patrol car tutorial and traffic stop scenarios. Day three dealt with building and vehicle searches both with and without a K9. The final day focused on gun safety and a range exercise with a BB gun, followed by the graduation and award presentation.
Fowlerville Police Chief John Tyler tells WHMI the academy has been a huge success and both the children and community have really enjoyed being a part of the youth building event. (JM)
↧
↧
Washtenaw Commissioners Vote To Oppose New Pipeline RouteWashtenaw Commissioners Vote To Oppose New Pipeline Route
The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has joined in the fight against a natural gas pipeline under construction that crosses into Livingston County.
By a 7-0 vote Wednesday night the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution reiterating opposition to construction of the ET Rover natural gas pipeline, in particular a newly revealed rerouting which would place the 42-inch high-pressure natural gas pipeline extremely close to Silver Lake in Dexter Township and underneath all three access drives to a YMCA camp that has officials worried they would be cut off in case of an emergency along with approximately 90 residences, the Pinckney Recreation Area, Crooked Lake Campground, and the Post 46 Hunting and Fishing Club.
Once completed later this year, the 713-mile pipeline will be able to transport 3.25 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily from West Virginia and Pennsylvania through Ohio, then north into Michigan, where it will pass through Lenawee, Washtenaw and Livingston counties before connecting to the Vector pipeline south of Fowlerville. Energy Transfer Partners told WHMI that the pipeline route under construction was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission after it was surveyed and carefully vetted for more than 2 years. That hasnât stopped members of a group called Michigan Residents Against the ET Rover Pipeline from continuing their efforts to halt construction. They are asking people to learn more about their efforts at their website; OverWithRover.com.
Meanwhile, the resolution approved by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners specifically calls on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to revoke the permit for the project and instead require individual permits for each water body crossing for the length of the pipeline. (JK)
↧
AAA Michigan Projects Record 4th Of July Travel AAA Michigan Projects Record 4th Of July Travel
A busy holiday travel weekend is expected with many Livingston County residents hitting the road in search of fun and relaxation.
Since the 4th of July falls on Tuesday, many will likely be enjoying an extended holiday weekend. AAA Michigan Spokeswoman Susan Hiltz says July is a great month and the most traveled summer holiday out of what AAA refers to as âthe big threeâ â Memorial Day, Labor Day and the 4th of July. Hiltz says Michigan is great place for summer vacation being the Great Lakes state so many will travel to different areas such as Traverse City or the thumb area while others will visit Grand Rapids or Detroit for community activities and music. Others will venture to the Upper Peninsula for lakes and camping.
Hiltz tells WHMI this marks a 15-year high for travel with close to 1.5 million Michiganders going by air, automobile, boat or train according. She says the majority â 1.3 million â will be out on the roads.
Many construction zones will have suspended operations and lane restrictions removed to ease congestion and boost safety but drivers are still reminded to buckle up, drive safe and sober, stay alert and avoid distractions. As for pain at the pump, Hiltz says gas prices are on par with last year, hovering around $2.34 a gallon on average. (JM)
↧
Brighton Rec Area Among Those Going Fireworks Free Brighton Rec Area Among Those Going Fireworks Free
Quiet 4th of July alternatives are designed for local veterans and pet owners.
The DNR and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency have again collaborated to offer Fireworks-Free Fourth of July alternative camping options for veterans and other visitors, including pet owners, seeking a quieter holiday from July 1st through 4th.
Bishop Lake Campground in the Brighton Recreation Area is among eleven state parks and recreation areas participating. The selected campgrounds are located farther away from traditional community firework displays. The sound of fireworks can trigger discomfort for military personnel dealing with post-traumatic stress but also for animals scared by loud noises. (JM)
↧
Hamburg Man Wins Governor's Service AwardHamburg Man Wins Governor's Service Award
A local man has been recognized as one of 49 winners of the 2017 Governorâs Service Awards.
James Bennett of Hamburg has been recognized by Governor Rick Snyder as a Senior Volunteer of the Year. That distinction honors individuals 65 and older who make their community a better place to live in through service. Bennett, beginning 22 years ago, began making wooden toys for patients and C.S. Mott Childrenâs Hospital in Ann Arbor. His efforts have led him to found Bennettâs Beavers, who make over 50,000 of these toys every year and deliver them to kids in hospitals across the country. Bennett has donated more than 20,000 hours of time to this service and has driven over 30,000 miles to help make sure his toys are provided free of charge.
Bennett, and other winners of the Governorâs Service Award, will be honored during a special ceremony on Monday, August 21st, at the Detroit Opera House. (MK)
↧
↧
Longtime Linden Superintendent Steps DownLongtime Linden Superintendent Steps Down
A superintendentâs abrupt resignation has left a local school district on short notice to hire an interim replacement.
Ed Koledo had been at the helm of Linden Community Schools for 8 years. Last week, he notified the Board of Education of his intent to step down, effective today. Koledo cited wanting to spend more time with his family and pursuing other professional options as the main reasons why. Koledo also serves as a Brigade Commander and Lieutenant Colonel in the Michigan Army National Guard. Many on the Board sympathized with Koledo and commended the dedication to his family. Board President Scott Maker thanked him for his time, saying that he didnât think the community could fully appreciate all the contributions Koledo has made to the district and surrounding community at-large. He said that him leaving was going to leave a gap and that somebody is going to have big shoes to fill.
Two candidates for the interim superintendent position were identified- Linden High School President Russ Ciesielski and Curriculum Director Julie Brown. The Board felt both were qualified but ultimately the recommendation went to Ciesielski. Maker said he has worked with him through challenging situations before and that Ciesielski allowed them to move quickly without having to shift gears or pump the brakes. The board approved Ciesielskiâs appointment by a 6-1 vote. Vice President Steve Murphy voted against, saying that he didnât believe Brown had been given a fair chance, and that this was âlame.â
The Board will now move forward with the search for a full time superintendent, of which Ciesielski and Brown, both, are expected to be candidates for. (MK)
↧
Renovations Happening To Brighton Veterans MemorialRenovations Happening To Brighton Veterans Memorial
A veteranâs memorial is expanding so that it may honor more servicemen and women.
A renovation project at the Brighton Veterans Memorial will allow for additional sidewalk pavers and flags. When the current memorial was built, it had room for 400 pavers on its walk of honor in front of the memorial and to the left of it. Due to overwhelming support, Brighton Veterans Memorial Committee is adding a sidewalk to the rear and additional flag poles. The new sidewalk will be able to accommodate nearly 500 more named pavers. Committee Chair Bill Rubin said itâs not a memorial where you have to have passed away, been in combat, or been deployed to be recognized. Any who have served in the active duty military, National Guard, Air Guard, or reserves is eligible.
The revamped memorial will also feature a new flag layout. Five flag poles will display the banners of the 5 services with a 6th behind it, flying the flag for Gold Star Families that lost loved ones in the line of duty. Rubin said that the original thought was to locate to POW/MIA flag with the service flags, but there was concern from the community that that might be disrespectful and seen as demoting the flag. After searching through flag code and other appropriate institutions, they have decided to the fly the POW/MIA flag underneath the U.S. flag, like in many other communities.
The project is expected to be completed within the next few weeks. Pavers are still available for dedication. $115 covers the cost and engraving. Applications are available online through the link below, or in person at City Hall or the Brighton Farmerâs Market. (MK)
↧
Electronic Waste Collection Event July 15thElectronic Waste Collection Event July 15th
Livingston County residents have an opportunity to unload old televisions and other electronics at an upcoming collection event.
The 2017 Electronic-Waste Collection Event is planned Saturday, July 15th from 9am to 2pm in the parking lot at the Livingston County East Complex at 2300 E. Grand River in Howell. Itâs hosted by the Livingston County Solid Waste Program. Officials say it provides a free and convenient opportunity for Livingston County residents and small businesses with fewer than ten employees to safely recycle a variety of electronic waste such as TVâs, computers, printers, monitors, laptops and other items.
Details are available in the attached flyer. (JM)
↧
Highland Man Can Avoid More Jail Time In Church Break-InHighland Man Can Avoid More Jail Time In Church Break-In
Sentencing has been handed down to a Highland Township man caught breaking into a local church.
22-year-old Calvin Vallette was arrested May 25th after the incident at the Highland Hills Baptist Church on Woodruff Lake Road near Milford Road. He pleaded guilty to breaking and entering a building with intent and was sentenced Thursday in Oakland County Circuit Court to 180 days in jail and 18 months of probation. However, the judge ordered that the balance of Valletteâs sentence would be suspended if he entered the community corrections program that will require a combination of community service and substance abuse counseling.
Vallette was caught by the churchâs pastor after he had arrived to find that the building had been broken into and that the party responsible was possibly inside the church. The pastor found Vallette and held him until deputies arrived. The pastor told authorities that cash was missing from his drawer and a large quantity of cash in small denominations was found in Valletteâs pocket. He eventually admitted to police that he had broken into the church on two prior occasions. (JK)
↧
↧
Fireworks Safety Promoted During 4th Of July Holiday Weekend Fireworks Safety Promoted During 4th Of July Holiday Weekend
A local fire department is urging safety this 4th of July holiday weekend.
Michigan previously made major changes to laws that allow consumer fireworks to be used the day before, the day of and the day after major holidays. Some communities including the City of Brighton enacted an ordinance limiting it to those days. However in communities that did not, people can shoot off fireworks any day of the year â which is the case in some local townships.
Brighton Fire Chief Mike OâBrian tells WHMI they get a lot of complaints, which started last week. Complaints range from dogs barking, people who canât sleep due to neighbors shooting fireworks and everything in between. He says people get frustrated by the careless use of fireworks and are looking for some help but unfortunately, their hands tied and there is not much they can do to help except educate the public on the proper use of fireworks.
OâBrian says the last thing the fire department wants to do is respond to a home fire or injury because of carelessness with fireworks. He maintains fireworks are best left to the professionals and there are plenty of public shows to enjoy. For those that do decide to use them, he stresses the importance of avoiding alcohol and understanding what youâre going to shoot, what it can do and where it will go. He says itâs important to talk to people about the proper use of fireworks, be courteous to neighbors, keep the safety of people watching a priority and be mindful of surroundings.
Fireworks should leave and return on someoneâs same property â not land on a neighborâs roof, property or other structures. Sparklers are said to be especially dangerous and result in numerous reports of injuries every year. OâBrian noted that most local retailers and others in the region are pretty are reputable but there are still illegal fireworks. Anything consumer grade would be labeled 1.4G. (JM)
↧
Local Tattoo Shop Offers "Restoration Ink" For Breast Cancer SurvivorsLocal Tattoo Shop Offers "Restoration Ink" For Breast Cancer Survivors
A Livingston County tattoo shop is looking to permanently restore what many women have lost.
Custom tattoo designs in a relaxed and welcoming environment are the center point of the Lovely Monkey Tattoo salon in Whitmore Lake. The shop, owned and operated by Dana Forrester and James Trunko, opened in September in honor of a family member who lost their fight against breast cancer. Forrester and Trunko also own the Lucky Monkey Tattoo in Ann Arbor.
Forrester was encouraged to open the Lovely Monkey after she began to receive tattoo requests from breast cancer survivors. The women were looking to cover scarring that resulted from their treatments, as well as feel somewhat ânormalâ again. Lovely Monkey Tattoo Artist Jamie Epsy Bollerud wanted to help those women feel that too. Bollerud specializes in areola and nipple restoration ink. Her undeniably realistic tattoos bring back a part of the breast that some women lose while battling breast cancer.
Bollerud refined her artistry through volunteers who âdonated their skinâ by practicing the art of areola re-pigmentation and reconstruction on said volunteers. While some of them had her cover the tattoo with other imagery afterwards, Bollerud says many of them, specifically men, left the areola and nipple tattoo as it was to display their commitment in the fight against breast cancer.
Bollerud and Lovely Monkey Tattoo Artist Bri Howard agree the community has welcomed the shop with open arms. Howard says the Lovely Monkey has less of a âtough-guy bikerâ intimidating atmosphere, and more of a calming, intimate setting. Noting that many of the women who come in for areola and nipple restoration ink usually donât have many other tattoos, Howard says the friendly vibe the shop gives off makes the experience even more peaceful for them.
That peace is what the artists at the Lovely Monkey are hoping to bring in the form of their custom designs. Bollerud says before, some of her customers couldnât even look at themselves in the mirror because of their scarred breasts. She looks forward to inking them and what comes afterward- when âtheyâre just happy to feel normal again.â (DK)
↧
Lake Orion Girl Wins 8th District Art CompetitionLake Orion Girl Wins 8th District Art Competition
Congressman Mike Bishop recently welcomed the winner of the 8th Districtâs 2017 Congressional Art Competition to Washington D.C.
Lake Orion High School graduate Mari Finstrom was named the winner with her photo titled âFreckles.â The winning piece and five honorable mentions were selected by Brighton artist John Suave and Congressman Bishop in early May. Finstrom and her father were flown out to Washington, D.C. by Southwest Airlines to attend a national ceremony recognizing all the winners on Thursday, followed by a tour of the winning pieces presented in the U.S. Capitol Building. After the event, Mari and her father met with Congressman Bishop to talk about her work. Bishop called the piece she submitted âdetailedâ and âamazingâ and that he was proud to have her representing the district on the wall of artwork from across the country.
A total of 34 pieces were entered in the competition â more than double the number of 2016 entries. The competition is open to all high school students, grades nine to 12, who reside in the district. Entries for the 2018 competition will be accepted next spring.
Mari Finstrom (center) poses with her dad, Brian (right), and Rep. Bishop (left) following the National Congressional Art Competition Reception for winners in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, June 29, 2017. Mariâs winning piece, titled âFrecklesâ is below. It will be hung in the U.S. Capitol with all the winning pieces for one year. (JK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
